Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. Catch up with current events and hear from Pastor Steve.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
2020
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Food Pantry Needs
• Interim Head of School
• Single Board Update
• Sign Up for Drive-Thru
Trunk or Treat
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
Rev. Dr. Grant Hagiya
Bishop
Rev. James Powell
District Superintendent
Rev. Steven F. Peralta
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Jeff Thomas
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Digital & Social Media
My Siblings in Christ,
The other day, I went for a bike ride with my friend and colleague, Rev. Dr.
Cedrick Bridgeforth. You may remember him as he served as the North District
Superintendent for several years. We met at my house and planned to ride over the
hills and down into Beverly Hills and come back. As we climbed aboard our bikes,
Rev. Dr. Bridgeforth said, I hope we don’t get pulled over by the police. He was
joking, but only kind of joking. He was also making comment about the
happenings in Kenosha, Wisconsin and the police shooting Jacob Blake in the back
seven times as he tried to get into his SUV where his three children were buckled
in. He was referring to a scene which continues to get played out over and over,
where unarmed people of color are shot by law enforcement officers. Make no
mistake: the issues of systemic racism and poor policing impact Rev. Dr.
Bridgeforth’s reality in a very different way than they impact mine.
But change is in the air. In a historic moment, the NBA players went on strike,
refusing to play their playoff games as demonstration that more needs to be done
towards racial equality and justice in our systems of law enforcement. Their stance
cascaded into Major League Baseball and into Major League Soccer. For at least a
night, we could not escape into sports and were forced to listen to the concerns of
athletes and activists.
In Exodus 3:9-10, when God calls out to Moses, he says, I’ve seen my people
oppressed in Egypt; I’ve heard their cries and know their pain. I’ve come to rescue
them, so get going. I’m sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt
(CEB). I hope you hear that in the middle of the Exodus story, God self-identifies
as one who hears the cries of the oppressed and responds to free them and bring
them into a better life and a better place. This God then tells Moses to get a move
on it and to go to Pharaoh.
We are left with the question: what is God calling me to do? In this time and space
where so much is being lifted up and the possibility for change is in front of us,
what are you doing to dismantle oppression, injustice, racism, and hate in whatever
forms they present themselves? More often than not, God expects God’s people to
do the work of social justice.
On August 28, 1963, hundreds of thousands of people marched into Washington
D.C., hoping to secure legislation which prohibited employment discrimination.
The demonstration began in an atmosphere of threatened violence and chaos;
until the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King stepped to the microphone and delivered his
famous “I Have a Dream: speech. The demonstration, which did not turn violent,
resulted in the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Fifty-seven years later, I
pray and hope that we are on the cusp of another step forward in the history of
our country and I pray that we, the people of NoHo First United Methodist
Church, play a role in taking that step.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve

2. September 6 Remember God Exodus 12:1-14
God acts and brings the Hebrews out of captivity. At the center of God’s movement is a strange supper, a supper
which is still celebrated by our Jewish siblings to remind them of how God has moved through the ages and in
their individual lives to break their captivity and their bondages. How do we remember and commemorate the
ways God has moved to make us free?
September 13 The Way to Freedom
Caught between a dead end and inescapable defeat, the Hebrews escape to freedom on a path God clears for
them. When we are at our wits end and when it seems all is lost, are we willing to follow God even when it doesn’t
make sense? Or do we allow ourselves to fall back into bondage?
September 20 Daily Bread Exodus 16:2-15
When we face new hardships, are we overtaken by fear and feelings of abandonment? Or do we turn to God and
remember how God has provided? The Hebrew story of Manna from heaven serves as a reminder that just as
God has brought you through difficulty and hardship in the past, God will bring you through the crisis you are
currently facing.
September 27 Water in the Desert Exodus 17:1-7
Where do you turn when your soul is really thirsty? God provides water from a rock when the Hebrews fear they
will perish from thirst. Where is our faith when we find our souls dry and wasting away?
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIRTUAL WORSHIP
Tune in every Sunday for a brand new worship service!
We share on YouTube @nohofumc and on Facebook @nohofumc1.
Piano & Vocals - Jeff Thomas Keyboard & Vocals - Holly Gibson (August 16)
Organ - Roger Eshleman Pastoral Prayer - Rev. Mary Dennis
Call to Worship Response - Norman Kelsey Response by Muffett Brinkman
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
August 2 - Surrender
August 9 - Who Do You Trust?
August 16 - Forgiveness
August 23 - God Will Take Care of You
August 30 - Holy Ground
Scripture Reader
August 2 - Daniella Lake
August 9 - Lydia Folckomer
August 16 - Norman Kelsey
August 23 - Dianne Lake
August 30 - Tara Varilek
Exodus 14:19-31
Pastor Steve’s Sermon Series: Breaking Free
Sermon Titles and Scripture
August 2 - Wrestling with God | Genesis 32:22-31
August 9 - When it All Goes Wrong | Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
August 16 - What We See When We Look Back | Genesis 45:1-15
August 23 - When Things Change| Exodus 1:8-2:10
August 30 - Who Sends You? | Exodus 5:1-15
Special Music
August 2 - Eddy Faulkner on guitar | Better Together (original song)
August 9 - Scott Peat on guitar | Some How, Some Way
August 16 - Holly Gibson (accapella) | Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty
August 23 - Norman Kelsey on guitar | Amazing Grace
August 30 - Jeff Thomas | Follow Me
Sermon Series - Breaking Free: A Journey from Captivity to Freedom
We continue our exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures and a series of stories
which present God as a deliverer. These stories remind us that whenever God’s
people find themselves oppressed and in captivity, even when it looks like
everything is hopeless, God acts and leads them to freedom. Today, we experience
captivity in different ways, but God still works for our freedom. Whatever chains
bind you, whatever system oppresses you, God desires your freedom.
BREAKING FREE

3. Friday, October 30th
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
South Lot
We need participants to decorate
their trunks, dress up, and safely
hand out candy.
Sign up at nohofumc@gmail.com
A spooktacular, socially-distant,
safe alternative to Trick or Treating!
Our 3rd annual event is still happening
- Pandemic STYLE!
Cars will be spaced out in our big
parking lot. Set up begins at 4pm!
Guests will stay in their cars and enter
from Tujunga and drive-thru our lot,
collecting candy!
Participants will provide individually
wrapped candies and will need some
type of extension grabber/reacher to
distribute candy to guests from a
safe distance.
Please be sure to take part in our event!
Lets uplift our neighborhood!
Sign up now!
Mwah Ha Ha!!!
DRIVE - THRU

4. The NoHo FUMC Single board continues to hold down the proverbial fort while we are not doing
ministry on campus. By the time you read this, the repair work we needed to do on the Flat Roof over the
Community Room wing will have been completed, (as well as some minor work over the office). Soon,
installation of metal doors on entryways outside the gates will commence, along with a re-keying project
which will simplify how we issue and keep track of keys. These projects will make our campus safer, more
secure, and help it remain beautiful for years to come.
SINGLE BOARD GOVERNANCE
Facility Update From Pastor Steve
Meet the New Wesley Head of School
The Wesley School has hired Julie Galles as the Interim
Head of School following Mr. Ernie’s untimely death. Julie
comes with over 25 years of educational experience. A two-
time graduate of Stanford, she earned a B.S. in Biology and
an M.A. in Education.
She started her teaching career at nearby Harvard-Westlake
School, and has worked her way up from teacher to Assistant
Head of School to Head of School at St. Matthew’s
Episcopal Day School in San Mateo, California.
Julie was drawn to the job by the strength and warmth of the
community. She hopes to help the school heal, and continue
a culture where teachers feel valued, parents feel connected,
and children are known.

5. Hunger doesn’t stop and neither do we!
We need help packing and sorting on
9/2 and 9/4 from 10am-12pm and on
9/7 from 7am-11am.
Please consider donating some time this
upcoming week and Labor Day.
Contact barbara@nhifp.org for more info
When you donate, kindly check the expiration
dates, it would be greatly appreciated!
Studio City Hero: Meet the
NoHo Interfaith Food Pantry Leader
STUDIO CITY, CA — When times are tough,
heroes emerge. We all know someone who's
making a difference right now as we live through
unprecedented and changing times.
Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help
recognize these heroes making a difference in their
communities. Together with Ring, we're working
to let all your neighbors know about these
outstanding people and their stories.
This submission comes from Susan Berin who
nominated Barbara Javitz of Studio City. Barbara
runs the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry,
and always goes the extra mile to ensure the
community is fed.
The Pantry supplier neglected to add tomato
sauce or diced tomatoes when loading the order
of over 7000 lbs. of food.
If you are shopping and see this item, please think
of donating to the pantry!

6. • Steve Pitchford has been undergoing palliative care. Please also lift up prayers of gratitude for the team
of church friends, who have taken on duties as Steve’s care team, driving him to appointments and to
the grocery store.
• Shaun Vieten’s dad, Brian, may have cancer in his leg. Doctor’s are doing tests to confirm.
• Judy Andrus had a colostomy surgery due to her ovarian cancer returning. Catie says that her mom is in
pain 24-7. Please send prayers of healing and care.
• Dorothy Tyler is still residing at the same board and care but is now blind and deaf. She turned 99 years
old her last birthday.
• Shaun Vieten's Uncle, Dennis, suffered a stroke.
• Patty Kelsey's Uncle, Sunai, 67, and her Aunt Goy, 60, in Thailand, have had their health improve
greatly and the entire family are grateful for your powerful prayers.
• Muffett Brinkman's Dad, Michael, was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer.
Prayers also for those struggling financially, emotionally, and mentally. For those who are lonely. For our
medical professionals and essential service workers. Prayers for our leaders as we continue to struggle
during this time of pandemic and social injustices.
Our Homebound: Joyce Cunningham, Dorothy Tyler,
Gladys Woodard, Margaret Allen, Dottie Vick,
Margaret Dixon
April 12, 1927 - August 1, 2020
Memorial Service
Tuesday, September 8th
11:30 AM
Pierce Brothers Valhalla Mortuary
3883 Valhalla Dr.
Burbank, CA. 91505

7. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
September 2 Gail Coyle
September 5 Dianne Lake
September 5 Aaron McDonald
September 5 Ian McDonald
September 10 Holly Gibson
September 11 Daniella Lake
September 12 Mary Jane Radillo
September 13 Margaret Allen
September 14 Rachel Mottaz
September 14 Beth Roche
September 15 Carol VanMeter
September 23 Jackson Books
September 25 Laurel Weber
September 26 Patty Kelsey
Welcome to the World...
Sierra Ann Shuford
Born on Saturday, August 15, 2020
5:27 am | 8lbs 8oz
New parents, Julie & Andy, are elated to finally
meet their beautiful daughter.
Fun fact: Sierra came into the world, on the
anniversary of her parents first date,
17 years ago!
Rhonda Scott is home from a long recuperation in rehab,
following her stroke. She is able to speak and is doing
well, all things considered.
Jessie Resnlow is expecting a baby boy on September 5th.
Are you in need of prayer:
Please send your prayer requests to
nohofumc@gmail.com
Let us know if this is private or something that we may
share with the NOHO FUMC community.

8. LECTIONARY CALENDAR
September 6 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Patriot Day. Green.
Exo. 12:1-14; Ps. 149 or Ps. 148 (UMH 861); Rom. 13:8-14; Matt. 18:15-20
September 13 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green.
Exo. 14:19-31; Exo. 15:1b-11, 20-21 (UMH 135); Rom. 14:1-12; Matt. 18:21-35
September 20 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green.
Exo. 16:2-15; Ps. 105:1-6, 37-45 or Ps. 78 (UMH 799) Phil. 1:21-30; Matt. 20:1-16
September 27 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green.
Exo. 17:1-7; Ps. 78:1-4, 12-16 (UMH 799); Phil. 2:1-13; Matt. 21:23-32
Sunday Worship Services are Posted Online by 8:00 AM | Worship at Your Leisure
Join us online via Facebook @nohofumc1 or YouTube @nohofumc
Virtual Coffee Fellowship at 11:30 AM on Zoom every Sunday | Meeting ID 285 041 605
Virtual Communion will be served on September 6th via our online worship service.
(Please have your communion elements ready).
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by September 17th for the October 2020 publication
or email them to pattyfumc@gmail.com
If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please contact the church office
or return this address label noting that we are to discontinue sending it. Thank you.
POSTMASTER - Please send changes of address to:
First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601