This document provides information about upcoming events at the First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood including a Fall Kick-Off Luncheon, Hispanic Heritage celebration, Trunk or Treat event, and encouragement to join the church choir. It outlines the church's leadership and provides the schedule of worship services and sermon topics for upcoming Sundays in September.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
2022
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Fall Kick Off Luncheon
• Hispanic Heritage
• Single Board Update
• Trunk or Treat
• Join the Choir
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. Melissa MacKinnon
District Superintendent
Rev. Steven F. Peralta
Senior Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Michael McKenzie
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Nylean Rapinac
Administrator
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Digital & Social Media
The book of Nehemiah chronicles the return of a group of Hebrews from exile in
Babylon and their efforts to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. As they do their work,
they discover in the ruin, scrolls containing the books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy). So, the people gather at the water gate
and ask Ezra, the teacher of the law, to bring out the book of Moses and read it to
them.
The people wept as they heard the law read from the pages of the scrolls, so much
that Nehemiah, the governor, had to tell them, “Go and enjoy choice food and
sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy
to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah
8:10)
I share this biblical snippet because there is a nationwide church campaign called
“Welcome Back to Church” Sunday. For a fee, a church can put its information in
an online directory of churches who are welcoming people back after summer
break. The church can also get access to promotional materials and a sermon
outline you can use!
We are not a part of that campaign for a variety of reasons...but primarily because
we don’t believe that summer is a vacation from church or your faith. Now, I do
understand that our schedules tend to revolve around the annual rhythms and
patterns of the academic year. We accept the fact that summer vacation means that
people travel and that people are away and that church attendance tends to trail off
as families enjoy the opportunity to spend time together. So yes, the programmatic
calendar at the church becomes lighter during the summer.
But that doesn’t mean that you have left your faith behind. It doesn’t mean that you
have left your church behind. It does mean that our programming is once again
resuming its usual pace and fullness as we return from our various journeys and
trips. As we return to our regular school-year schedules, things like Bible Study,
Holiday events, Seasonal Markets, and Family Ministries resume to serve you and
to facilitate our collective spiritual growth.
This “resumption” begins with our annual “Fall Kick-Off ” on Sunday, September
11th. We will mark the date with a tailgate-themed fellowship after worship, so
wear your favorite sports-themed regalia as we “kick-off ” our Fall Programming.
This is a day of joy and celebration. This is a day of gathering together to hear the
word of God. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Please take careful note of all that we have scheduled for the upcoming months.
Let us come together and be God’s people and do the work God has called us to
do.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve

2. September 4 A Goodwill Faith Luke 14:25-33
On this communion Sunday, we will explore a passage where Jesus insists that the crowds will have to
sell everything they own in order to follow him. We will ask ourselves, “What holds us back from truly
following the way of Jesus?”
September 11 The God Who Dances
Today is our Fall Kick-Off! Our sermon focuses on Jesus, who teaches two parables, which represent a God who
rejoices over restoration and reconciliation. How is this different from the usual ways we represent God?
September 18 Playing with the House’s Money Luke 16:1-13
Today is Hispanic Heritage Sunday! What matters most to God? In an unusual parable, Jesus teaches us how
grace and forgiveness transcend and overcome mistakes and moral failures.
September 25 Valuing Labor and Labels
Luke 16:19-31
We welcome our former District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Cedrick Bridgeforth, into our church and into
our pulpit. Rev. Dr. Bridgeforth is currently serving as the Director of Communications for the Cal-Pac
Annual Conference and is a candidate for Bishop in the Western-Jurisdiction.
HIGHLIGHTS OF VIRTUAL WORSHIP
Tune in every Sunday for a brand new worship service!
We share on YouTube @nohofumc and on Facebook @nohofumc1.
Vocals - Michael McKenzie
Organ - Roger Eshleman
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
August 7 - Sharing Treasure
August 14 - Don’t Argue
August 21 - Bending the Rules
August 28 - Be Humble
Scripture Reader
August 7 - Morenike Lake
August 14 - Daniella Lake
August 21 - Tara Varilek
August 28 - Kyle Williams
Luke 15:1-10
Pastor Steve’s Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
Sermon Titles and Scripture
August 7 - Unexpected Guests | Luke 12:32-40
August 14 - Dif
fi
cult Choices | Luke 12:49-56
August 21 - Grace Breaks Out| Luke 13:10-17
August 28 - The Way of Humility| Luke 14:1, 7-14
Sermon Series - A Misunderstood God
Each of us has an image of God which was taught to us that has made its way into
our hearts and in our consciousness. Many of these images don’t hold up to the
images of God Jesus presents or to the witness of scripture. Are we willing to let go
of those images in order to grow in our faithfulness? Can we do this for the sake of
the world and for the sake of the church?

3. Join Us for Fall Kick-Off!
Sunday, September 11th!
Let’s get back to church and our community
at NOHO FUMC!
Join us for worship at 10:30, followed by
a ‘tailgate’ party in the courtyard!
Wear a team jersey, hat or scarf!

4. To celebrate, World Communion,
we will have an ON LOCATION,
GOURMET, Coffee & Tea Bar!
Be sure to stop by fellowship!
On Sunday, October 16th, our worship
service will be led by the laity.
Followed by a luncheon in the courtyard!
Tacos el Pau will be onsite!
We continue to celebrate everyone with a
Taste of Hungary Pop-Up!
Lisa Cheby will share some of her favorite
family recipes with us, this Sunday.
Please plan to stay after church and enjoy some
Hungarian cuisine.

5. Saturday, October 29th
3:00 PM - 5:00 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, outdoor,
safe alternative to Trick or Treating!
Our 5th annual event is happening -
FESTIVAL STYLE!
Cars will be spaced out in our big
parking lot. Set up begins at 2pm!
Guests will walk up to your trunk to
interact and get candy.
Participants will come up with a theme,
costume, and provide individually
wrapped candies.
The church also has some theme
decorations available for you to use.
Please be sure to take part in our event!
Let’s uplift our neighborhood!
Sign up now!
Mwah Ha Ha!!!
DRIVE - THRU

6. If you are looking for ways to volunteer at our church, we
are in need of Greeters.
Greeting Duties: Arrive to church by 10:15 AM | Open
sanctuary doors | Hand out bulletins | Be available to
assist guests with questions | Close doors when church
begins.
If this sounds like an area that you would like to donate
your time, please email Patty at pattyfumc@gmail.com

7. From the United Methodist News
At Ask The UMC, we have been answering an
increasing number of questions from
congregations wondering about the future of
The United Methodist Church and whether
they should consider disaf
fi
liating from it.
Among these have been some recurrent
questions that re
fl
ect misperceptions or
misinformation that some congregations are
receiving as they are discerning their next
steps.
Is The UMC really...
1. Splitting at this time?
No. The term “split” applies when there is a negotiated agreement within the denomination to divide
assets and resources. No such agreement has been made in The United Methodist Church. The e a r l i e s t
point at which such an agreement could be made would be at the next General Conference to be held in
2024. A more accurate term, as suggested by the Rev. William Lawrence, retired dean of Perkins School of
Theology and former member of the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church, is “splintering.”
What is happening is that some traditionalist leaders have decided to create their own denomination (the
Global Methodist Church). Leaders of that denomination and other unof
fi
cial advocacy groups, such as the
Wesleyan Covenant Association, which created it, are encouraging like-minded United Methodist
congregations and clergy to disaf
fi
liate from The United M e t h o d i s t C h u rch a n d j o i n t h e i r
denomination instead.
1. Asking traditionalists to leave the denomination?
No.
2. About to alter its doctrine to deny the virgin birth, the divinity of Jesus Christ, the resurrection of Jesus
Christ, or salvation through Christ alone?
No. All of these positions are bedrock in the doctrinal standards of The United Methodist Church,
more speci
fi
cally in the Articles of Religion and the Confession of Faith. These cannot be altered
without a two-thirds vote of the General Conference followed by a three-fourths aggregate approval of a l l
annual conferences of The United Methodist Church worldwide. There is no basis to conclude s u c h
majorities can be achieved to alter the Articles and Confession for any reason.
4. Intending to change the Bible?
No. The United Methodist Church has no of
fi
cial translation of the Bible and has never sought to
alter the Bible at all. United Methodists have always had a variety of views about how to interpret
speci
fi
c passages of Scripture and likely always will.
5. Allowing congregations that exit the denomination to continue to offer the same pension and health
bene
fi
ts programs to their clergy and staff?
No. The Book of Discipline does not permit non-UMC entities to be plan sponsors of the Clergy
Retirement Security Program. Only a General Conference can change this. Churches that disaf
fi
liate w i l l
face changes to the bene
fi
ts they can offer their clergy. Individual congregations and clergy that j o i n t h e
Global Methodist Church (GMC) will be eligible to participate in a retirement plan offered by the GMC,
which will be a Wespath de
fi
ned-contribution retirement plan similar to a United M e t h o d i s t Pe r s o n a l
Investment Plan (UMPIP).
Read more of the details at UMC.org

8. The programming schedule may have been
light, but the work schedule around the church
has not. The Governing Board has continued
its work repairing and refurbishing the roofs of
the campus, speci
fi
cally the south-wing roof
(over the community room and school
classrooms). The North Parking lot has been
resurfaced and the school sport court has been
re-done. These projects have been done in
partnership with the Wesley School.
Looking forward, we will also keep you posted
on how the plans for the South Lot entrance
progress after our August 7th All-Church
meeting voted 27-2 to move forward with the
project, so long as we have input on the
fi
nal
plans. Keep your eyes open for new projects
and a campaign to raise funds for the
Sanctuary roof.
SINGLE BOARD GOVERNANCE
Update From Pastor Steve
Fall Kick-Off Study – “5 Marks of a Methodist”
Thursday Nights beginning September 15th @ 7:00 PM,
ZOOM #863 2929 3907 | Password 971132
We live in a world
fi
lled with various Christian traditions and
different expressions of Christian Faith. Our church is a part of the
Methodist tradition...have you ever wondered what that means? We
are going to spend
fi
ve weeks exploring
fi
ve ways a Methodist
Christian shapes their life of following Christ. This class will be a
good preparation for of
fi
cial church membership and a good
reminder of what it means to live the life of Christian faith.
September 15 – A Methodist Loves God
September 22 – A Methodist Rejoices in God
September 29 – A Methodist Gives Thanks
October 6 – A Methodist Prays Constantly
October 20 – A Methodist Loves Others
Wanna Become a Member?
Have you taken the of
fi
cial membership vows? It’s a
funny question, because our community believes
that we belong before we join. So you may have
been coming to our church for a long time and
understand that this is your church home, but never
made the of
fi
cial membership vows; or you may be
new and feel a longing to make your commitment
to our community of
fi
cial. If either of these
describes you, listen closely: we will be receiving
new members on October 9th in the Sunday
morning worship service. We will have a short
introduction to membership Sunday, September
18th at 12 noon for all interested. If you can’t be at
that meeting, Pastor Steve will arrange to meet with
you before October 9th. We look forward to you
becoming an “of
fi
cial” part of our church family.

9. Dear Friend of the Mission,
I have done my level best to not talk about the
challenges we face at the Mission. But, truth be told,
it has been a very dif
fi
cult summer.
Programmatically, things have never been better,
but
fi
nancially we have taken a hit over the summer
months. Like many of you, in
fl
ation is taking a toll
on our budgeted expenses. Food and fuel costs alone
have severely impacted our
fi
nancial resources.
Think about it, we have 15 homeless shelters with
over 1,400 beds and each person gets three meals
per day.
Not only do we have to procure and prepare the
food and meals, we have to deliver it to all sites!
That is a lot of food and fuel and it all costs money!
There is a wonderful passage in the scriptures that
says, "You have not because you ask not." So, I am
humbly reaching out, asking you to please make a
generous end of summer gift to ensure there is
never a curtailing of the life giving services we
provide each day.
No gift is too large or too small, regardless of the
amount, please give something today!
Donate @ www.hopeofthevalley.org
With eternal gratitude...thank you!
Ken Craft
Founder and CEO
COVID-19 UPDATE
The CDC recently proclaimed that between people
having natural immunity from acquiring the
COVID- 19 virus and those who have been
immunized, the United States has reached a point
where it is no longer considered a novel virus. As a
result, until further directed by the CDC and the
Los Angeles County Department of Health, we will
no longer have any mask requirements at our
church or events. However, we have learned many
lessons during the pandemic and will continue to
encourage that we take care of one another as we
move past the pandemic:
Masks protect individuals from COVID and from
other airborne viruses and bacteria: wear a mask
whenever you feel it is in your best interest.
If you are not feeling well or showing symptoms of
illness, please stay home. Let’s outdo one another in
honor and keep one another safe!

10. Wishing you many blessings on your birthday!
Love, Your Church Family
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
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 of
fi
ce for Rhonda's address.
Sandra Benton has been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Patty Kelsey is requesting prayers for her mom, Uma, and her mom's support animal, Biscuit. Biscuit
suffered a heat stroke while out on errands with Uma in Bangkok. He passed away from the stroke.
Jeff Thomas requests prayers for his father, Rev. Lloyd Thomas as he sells his late wife's special house in
Northwest Arkansas.
Amy Pimentel has a tumor on her humerus bone and needs physical and mental healing for her and her
son. The pandemic and isolation have caused trauma for both of them.
Tonya's nephew, Teddy, 7 1/2 months old, is still having some problems after his initial heart surgery.
Please lift up Byron and DeAnne Hayes. DeAnne was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Roger Eshleman's sister, Joan Velde, is looking into alternative treatments for her cancer..
Jeff Thomas and family are very worried about his brother Isaac and Jeff's niece, Nichole. Isaac's health
is not good and his kidney problems continue, as well as, extremely high blood pressure.
Our Homebound: Joyce Cunningham, Bill Varney, Margaret Allen, Dottie Vick,

11. LECTIONARY CALENDAR YEAR C
September 4 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green.
Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 (UMH 854); Philemon 11:21; Luke 14:25-33
September 11 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green. FALL KICKOFF!
Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28; Psalm 14 (UMH 746); 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10
September 18 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Hispanic Heritage Sunday. Green.
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Psalm 79:1-9 or Ps. 4 (UMH 741); 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
September 25 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Green.
Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15; Ps. 91:1-6, 14-16 (UM 810); 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31
Sunday Worship Services are Posted Online by 8:00 AM | Worship In-Person at 10:30 AM
Join us online via Facebook @nohofumc1 or YouTube @nohofumc
Communion will be served on September 4th at in-person worship service.
Bible Study with Pastor Steve returns on Thursday, beginning, September 15th at 7pm in Hand in Hand.
Membership Class takes place on Sunday, September 18th at 12:30pm in Boyer Chapel.
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church of
fi
ce by September 17th for the October 2022 publication
or email them to pattyfumc@gmail.com
If you no longer wish to receive this publication, please contact the church of
fi
ce
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
“NoHoFUMC 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.”