Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. This is a special Holiday double edition.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
HOLIDAY EDITION 2023
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Official Butterfly Sanctuary
• NHIFP Thanksgiving
• Come to the Waters Retreat
• Volunteer at the Tree Lot
• Christmas Weekend
Worship Schedule
• Enchanted Descanso
• Poinsettia Orders
• Sweater Weather Get-
Together
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Dottie Escobedo Frank
Bishop
Rev. Melissa MacKinnon
District Superintendent
Rev. Chamie Delkeskamp
Lead Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Kelsey Packman
Choir Director/Worship Leader
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Membership & Financial Secretary
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Digital & Social Media
Casey Ellings-Boone
Interim Administrator
Dear NoHo First UMC Family,
What a blessed time to be church together in this season of giving thanks and
journeying to Christmas. If you are eagerly anticipating the holidays, what a
great time to be at church giving thanks to God who is the source of all good
things. If you are anxious or dreading the holidays, what a great time to be at
church to find a comfort and a connection that is deep and true.
In November, I invite you to consider how “thanks” equals “giving.” As we give
thanks each day for the blessings in our lives, how might we give back? How
might we share of our time and/or talents and/or treasures with the church?
How might we serve the needs in our community? If you are blessed with the
ability to buy groceries, can you remember to buy some extra and donate them
to our North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry?
In Advent, the roughly four weeks leading up to Christmas, I invite you to not
lose focus on the true meaning of the season. In the midst of shopping and
holiday ads and all sorts of holiday events, may you make room for Jesus. The
weekly rhythm of worship and fellowship on Sunday helps to anchor us. And
during Advent, I will be sending out a brief daily way to keep your eyes open to
God.
We will celebrate Christmas Eve together at NoHo First UMC on Sunday
evening, December 24, at 7:00 PM. I look forward to being together in our
beautiful sanctuary, singing well-loved carols, sharing communion, and giving
thanks for God who came in Jesus to dwell amongst us. In lieu of worship that
morning, anyone interested is invited to come to church at 10:30 AM to do a
service project for those who are struggling this season. You are also invited to
join my family and me for Christmas morning worship at Ascension Lutheran
Church in Thousand Oaks at 9:30 AM on December 25. When Tim was first
called to a church in Orange County, he was given the Christmas morning
worship service because he was the “low man” on the totem pole. The senior
pastor preached on Christmas Eve. The associate pastor preached on
Christmas morning. Tim and I fell in love with that worship service, however. It
did not change when we moved to Thousand Oaks and had children. For 25
years now we have worshiped together on Christmas morning. When our
children were little, they each got to bring one new “Santa toy” with them to
the service. Now that they are adults, they each play a leadership role in the
service.
I pray for us as a church community to have a beautiful and blessed season. I
pray for each of you as individuals and families. If you are struggling this
season and would like to talk and pray, I am here to listen. Just drop me an
email at pastorchamie@nohofumc.org or call the church office to set up a time
to meet.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Chamie

2. November 5 (note daylight savings) God Shows Up in the Silence 1 Kings 19:9-15
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Elijah, exhausted from his work, goes to the mountain to wait for a word from God. God doesn’t show up in the
loudness. God shows up in the silence. How do we hear and understand such a God?
November 12 This is Where You Belong
Ruth is a foreigner who found belonging among the people of Israel. In a world full of loneliness, how can the
church truly be a place of belonging?
November 19 Put a Little Love in Your Heart Hosea 11:1-9
Hosea is a love story, an odd love story that probably wouldn’t get good ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. Yet it peels off
the mask to help us better understand the audacious love of God.
Ruth 1:1-17
Autumn Sermon Series: Stories Told in Ancient of Days
In her book Family: The Forming Center, Marjorie Thompson talked about the “domestic church” and the
“gathered church.” The domestic church is where you live your Christian faith in your homes, in your day to day
life. The gathered church is the community of believers you gather with each week for worship and fellowship.
We need each other. Sunday worship reminds us that we are not alone. We remember who we are. We remember
Whose we are. The gathered church on Sundays is supposed to be a replenishing space and a relaunching space. It is
about spending time in thanksgiving to the One from where all blessings come. Make worship your default this
November and December. Every Sunday morning we gather in person at 10:30 AM (expect for Christmas Eve when
our worship service will be at 7:00 PM). If you are unable to make it in person, look for Sunday morning highlights.
In November, we will continue and conclude our autumn theme. In autumn, we think of homecomings, sitting by a
fire with a mug of warm apple cider, gathering around the table for a feast. Those are places where we tell stories.
We say, “Remember when...” This autumn as we gather together as a Christian community, we are going to retell
stories from ancient of days. These are stories about characters found in the Old Testament, people like Moses and
Ruth and David and Hosea. You may or may not know anything about them. Yet they are in the family tree of
those who are striving to walk in the way of Jesus. And here’s the thing about these old, old stories: they still have
truths to speak to us today in our own time and place.
During the winter before seminary, I spent the bitter cold inside reading Taylor Caldwell’s Dear & Glorious
Physician. I was enraptured by this piece of historical fiction; it is still in my top ten favorite novels of all time.
Caldwell told the story of Luke who all of his life was desperately longing for something more, something he
couldn’t name, but somehow knew existed. Luke had heard rumors about an “unknown God.” After years of
searching, he found that the unknown God had finally become known in Jesus. Not only did Luke come to know
and fall in love with this Jesus, he also came to know himself in new and deep ways. During the Advent and
Christmas seasons, you are invited to get to know the depth of the stories behind this season, to know the stories
behind the music, to know more deeply the God who came down at Christmas, to know more deeply your own
heart and who God has made you to be.

3. Isaiah 9:1-7
Advent | Christmas Series: “From Known to Unknown”
November 26 Waiting in the Dark
Advent 1
There is a bad dark and a good dark. Think of a good dark... we don’t drive around in the day to look at Christmas
lights; we go in the night. We are called to be seekers in the beautiful darkness of this season.
December 3 What’s it All About Acts 17:16-28
Advent 2: Communion
Paul, right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Athens, notes a statue with an inscription to “the unknown
God.” Paul then tells the people about the God made known in Jesus. In the hustle and bustle of this season, how is
Jesus being made known?
December 10 Singing Loud for All to Hear Luke 1:26-55
Advent 3
No other season of the year has such an extensive song playlist as the Christmas season. Where did all this singing
begin? You could argue it all began with Mary’s song on hearing that she would be the mother of the Savior.
December 17 Prepare the Way Luke 1:57-58; 67; 76-79
Advent 4
John the Baptist, from the time of his birth, has this calling on his life to help “prepare the way of the Lord.” How
are you preparing your heart for this season?
December 24 Come & See Luke 2:1-20
(No morning worship; Christmas Eve Candlelight service at 7:00 PM)
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Jesus tonight. Come and see as we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
December 31 Promises Fulfilled Luke 2:22-40
New Year’s Eve
Simeon and Anna had waited and waited and waited... for years... and finally they got to see the promised Messiah.
What things in your own life find fulfillment in Jesus?

4. Shop a variety of items perfect for gift giving!
Mary Sue Jams & Jellies | Potted Plant Stand
Norman’s Sound Gazebo | Art by Mistake Pottery
United Women of Faith Crafts & Bakes Goods
Kids Stand for a Cause Lemonade & Josie’s Desserts
Live Music at Noon with Bobby Bognar

6. Tuesday, November 16, 2023
6:00 PM
Zoom Meeting ID - TBA
Make sure that you join us online for our annual
check-in with the District Superintendent! This
meeting includes an overview of our year-in-
ministry and important votes regarding
leadership, budget, and pastoral compensation.
Hope to see you there!.
Besides the Nursery, there's a level Nature Walk with shrubs & plants labeled for an interesting & easy walk
and places to stop and rest. The trail on Wildflower Hill is 3/4 mile total (up and down) and has a
panoramic view from the top. From the website, " It is an excellent place for hiking, birdwatching and
picnicking."
We will start the easy nature walk by 2:30 pm. (If you want just the hike on the hill, you can meet us by 3
pm, gift shop.) As Pastor Chamie has told us, being in Nature is a good way to become close to God. We'll
have some meditations along the way.
At 3:00 pm, the trail on Wildflower Hill is an easy climb, ¾ mile total up and down, with flowers and
shrubs along the way and a nice view from the top. Visitors can also browse in the Nursery (the largest
collection of native plants in Southern California) or the Gift Shop, which close at 4:30 pm.
Please let me know if you're going, interested, or have questions. Roger Eshleman, 818-988-9313.
North District - Mission Area 3
You’re Invited to Walk with God
Saturday, November 18th
3:00 PM
Level Nature Walk plus Trail on Wildflower Hill
For Adults and Children
Theodore Payne Foundation
Nature Conservancy & Nursery
10459 Tuxford St. in Sun Valley
Hosted by the Methodist Men.
To carpool or caravan: Meet at 2:00 pm in the North
Parking Lot of the Church (the lot near the Lounge).
Or, meet at 2:20 at the Conservancy Gift Shop.
Bring a snack or sack lunch (optional).

7. When Pastor Chamie served at Ascension Lutheran, she worked with the church and school to get both
certified as a butterfly sanctuary. The hope is that the NoHo campus will get this certification as well. If
you would like to work with Pastor Chamie and the school students on this project, contact her at
pastorchamie@nohofumc.org.
During November, you will see the
transformation of one of our
courtyard garden boxes closest to
the school science rooms.
Pastor Chamie is teaming up with
The Wesley School science
instructor, Mrs. Hampton-Walker,
as they work with students to dig
out the current plants in that one
box, amend the soil, and then plant
new native plants as well as plants
that attract butterflies.
Thursday, December 21st
ENCHANTED: FOREST OF LIGHT
Who would like to go see the magical lights at
Descanso Gardens?
Go to their website (descansogardens.org) soon
and purchase a ticket for
Thursday, December 21, and join Pastors Tim &
Chamie as we enjoy the evening together as
church family.
Tickets are $35/adult | $25/child
and offered as timed entry
from 5:30 pm and every half an hour
until 8:30 pm
We hope to see you there!
Advent Mini Retreat with Pastor Chamie
Saturday, December 2, 8:30 to 11:30 AM
Cost for the NoHo First UMC family is $20
(outside NoHo UMC is $40);
scholarships available
How might you be sure to “make room” for
Jesus this Advent and Christmas season?
Come spend a quiet morning as Pastor Chamie
leads us in ways to simplify the season and not
lose its true meaning.
More information and sign up link here:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/
10C0C4DA8AD2-45365994-come.

8. THE CHRISTMAS TREE WITH A HEART IS BACK!!!!!
It’s that time of year again. It is Tree Lot time.
Did you know our Tree Lot has very special trees that no other
lot in the area has?
Our Trees will help provide food for the hungry, shelter for the
homeless, relief for those during natural disasters, and a
second chance for often forgotten four legged friends.
See our Trees are the Christmas Tree with the Heart which supports great organizations like North Hollywood Interfaith Food
Pantry, Hope Rescue Mission, UMCOR, and other great organizations. Unfortunately, the trees can’t sale and load
themselves onto cars. That is where we desperately need you. We have positions for all skill levels from just being a friendly
face that says Welcome to the opportunity to build some real muscles moving trees while fellowshipping with fellow church
and school members. Teaming up with the Wesley School for the 2022 Christmas Tree Lot was so successful they are
excited to join us again.
To sign-up, please scan the QR Code or use the below link to visit our SignUpGenius Page. We encourage the church
membership to please try to sign up for the later shifts on Saturday and Sunday. The 4pm – 6pm and 6pm – 8pm shifts on
Saturday and Sunday are often under staffed but of course we are appreciative of whatever time you can give us.
https://tinyurl.com/FUMC-WesleySignUp
Don’t forget to tell your friends about our great trees and to come brighten
their and others’ holidays by taking home The Christmas Tree with a Heart!

9. We are always looking to add to our choir!
Choir singers attend rehearsal on Wednesdays
at 7:00 PM in the Sanctuary.
Choir members have an important role of
helping the congregation worship and praise
Jesus on Sunday mornings.
If you have a passion for singing, join us!
Give a poinsettia plant in honor or memory of a loved one.
These plants are fashioned into a Christmas tree which adorns the
chancel of our church. The flowers may be taken home following the
7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service.
Thank you for your $10.00 donation. Please complete the section
below and return the form to the office with cash or check.
Please indicate “for poinsettia” on the offering envelope. Thank you.
Your Name________________________________ Phone ______________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________________
Circle one: (IN MEMORY OF) or (IN HONOR OF) Number of plants ordered _______
Name _________________________________________ Amount Enclosed $ ____________
Name _________________________________________ Please place orders by December 15th
Thursdays
November 9th
December 14th
Noon
Lounge
All women are invited, whether you have
attended before or not.
Please bring a sack lunch.
Beverages and dessert will be provided.

10. Saturday,
December 18th

11. Sunday, December 24th
10:30 AM - Service Project
This morning, we will gather at the church,
to do a service project together to help
brighten Christmas for those in need
Sunday, December 24th
7:00 PM - Worship Service
Featuring Children’s Message,
Chancel Choir & Special Music,
Lessons, & Candlelight Service.
Morning
Monday, December 25th
9:30 AM - Christmas Worship
All are invited to Ascension Lutheran
Church. Since they were first married,
Pastors Tim & Chamie have loved leading
Christmas morning worship together
- and their children help lead, too.
Anyone from NoHo is welcome!

12. You can be a big help by making a recurring $40 monthly donation in honor of our 40 years of service to
our community. Fifty such pledges would pay for rent and utilities for the first year. One hundred of those
pledges would enable the Pantry to be secure in that space for the next few years.
The goal is to honor the 40th Anniversary by asking donors for $40 per month.
1. GO TO THE PANTRY WEBSITE, nhifp.org
2. CLICK ON THE “GIVE NOW” BUTTON ON THE UPPER RIGHT HAND CORNER OF
THE HOME PAGE
3. SELECT AN AMOUNT TO DONATE OR THE “OTHER" BUTTON ON THE AMOUNT
SUGGESTION LIST
4. ENTER $40.00 (or your preferred donation amount) AND SELECT THE “RECURRING
DONATION BUTTON" or "ONE-TIME DONATION" for the "REFRIGERATOR
MATCH CHALLENGE”.
5. ENTER YOUR NAME, ADDRESS, EMAIL AND CREDIT CARD INFORMATION AND
SUBMIT PAYMENT
6. YOU CAN PRINT THE CONFIRMATION PAGE FOR YOUR RECEIPT
Your credit card will be automatically charged for the amount you choose each month, and you may cancel
at any time. But it is hoped you'll continue to support the cause for as long as you can, as the demand for
the Pantry services is increasing every month and no change is seen in the future. Thank you for your
generous support of the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry: they couldn't do what they do without
you!
40 for 40! Refrigerator Match Challenge!
In 2023 the North Hollywood Interfaith Pantry
celebrated its 40th year in existence and moved into
a new distribution site, where Dee’s Flowers once
operated, on Moorpark Street. This space has 3
times the square footage of the old distribution
space, and has enable the Pantry to expand its
services!
The expansion included the need for refrigeration
so the Pantry installed commercial grade
refrigerators, making it possible to offer a large
variety of fresh foods to their clientele.
Setting a budget to cover operating and food costs is
one of the most challenging things we do because
we never know what financial help we will be
receiving in any given month.

13. Wishing you a birthday that is merry and bright!
Love, Your Church Family
December 5 Anita McChesney
December 10 Doug Eboch
December 11 Myriel Tyree
December 17 Cary Noren
December 18 Jeff Thomas
December 20 Genelita Ancheta
December 20 Clive Melville
December 21 James St. John
December 24 Tracey Radillo
December 25 Jesus
• Doug Eboch underwent a heart procedure on Monday, 10/30, and the surgeon was able to fix his heart
valve. However, Doug had a stroke, which lead to seizures. They sedated him and intubated him on
11/1. His fiancee, Lynette, has been staying at the hospital with him at Cedar Sinai, and he is in very
good hands.
• Lynn Yoshizumi’s husband, Rich, was admitted into ICU at Kaiser Panorama City due to fluid in his
lungs, which weakened his heart, and made breathing difficult. Rich is on a ventilator with no
improvement currently.
• Mychal Guyton had a successful endoscopic obliteration of esophageal varices.
• Rhonda Scott is still recovering from a severe stroke several years ago. She lives in Tampa, Florida and
would love some cards or notes. Please contact the church office for Rhonda's address.
• Please lift up Byron and DeAnne Hayes. DeAnne was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and is staying in a care
facility. She is losing cognition and Byron is lonely without his best friend.
• George Peters was hospitalized with COVID and also has difficulties because of his dementia.
• Retired Wesley School teacher, Tom Vance, recently moved to Columbia just 5 weeks ago. He had
dreamed to make this move happen and was overjoyed to be there. Tom had a horrible fall that resulted
in a necrotic infection in his foot. After two surgeries to remove his foot, then leg, his kidneys failed and
he was put on life support, which his family have now made the difficult choice to remove him from it.
• Norman Kelsey's cousin, Penny Vail, was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. Prayers for her and
her husband, Peter, and their two small children.
You can send your joys and concerns in a variety of ways:
1. Contact the church office at (818) 763-8231 or nohofumc@pacbell.net
2. Drop a note in the offering plate on Sunday
3. Let us know if this is a private prayer, for the prayer chain only,
or if it can be shared with the congregation.
November 16 Raylean Fetterman
November 25 Hannah Ye-Books
November 27 Bryan Ancheta
November 27 Jessica Renslow
November 28 McKenna Sucher
November 28 Libeck Kadu-Vieten
November 4 Maggie Christian
November 5 Frank Rapinac
November 7 Deanne Cox
November 9 Shirley Pratt
November 10 Patricia Doelitzsch
November 10 Linda Eshleman

14. LECTIONARY SCRIPTURE (YEAR A | B)
November 5 All Saints Sunday. White. Year A.
Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10,22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12; 1 Kings 19:9-15
November 12 Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Year A.
Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25; Psalm 78:1-7; 1 Thessa. 4:13-18; Matt. 25:1-13; Ruth 1:1-17
November 19 Twenty-Fifth Sunday After Pentecost. Green. Year A.
Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123; 1 Thessa. 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30; Hosea 11:1-9
November 26 Christ the King | Reign of Christ Sunday. White. Year A.
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-34; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46; Isaiah 9:1-7
December 3 First Sunday of Advent. Purple and Blue. Year B.
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37; Acts 17:16-28
December 10 Second Sunday of Advent. Purple and Blue. Year B.
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 1:26-55
December 17 Third Sunday of Advent. Purple and Blue. Year B
Isa. 61:1-4, 8-11; Ps. 126; 1 Thessa. 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28; Luke 1:57-58, 67, 76-79
December 24 Christmas Eve. Purple, Blue, White or Gold. Year B.
Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20
December 31 First Sunday After Christmas Day. New Year’s Eve. Watch Night. White. Year B.
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
(Sermon each week is based on scriptures that are underlined.)
Sunday Sermons are posted on Mondays | Worship In-Person at 10:30 AM
Check out our YouTube page and subscribe to @nohofumc
Communion will be served, in-person, on November 5th, December 3rd & 24th during worship.
POSTMASTER - Please send changes of address to:
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA. 91601
“NoHo First UMC is a community that practices the all-inclusive and transforming love of God as modeled by the life
and ministry of Jesus Christ. We celebrate our diversity in race, ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, gender
identity, age, gender, ability, citizenship, and socioeconomic status. Moved by the Holy Spirit, we welcome all people
into the full participation of the life of the church.”