Our monthly newsletter is available to watch online. You are invited to join use each week for our in person church service or our online service. We have a number of free community events and hope you will join us.

1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@pacbell.net
May 2023
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• AAPI Heritage Month
• Mother’s Day Celebration
• Justice Sings in June
• Easter Weekend Success
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
Pastor Christian Washington
Interim Pastor
Congregation
Ministers
Michael McKenzie
Director of Music
Roger Eshleman
Organist
Jesse Boone
Administrator
Nylean Rapinac
Secretary of Membership & Finance
Patty Kelsey
Director, Program Ministries
Tonya Peat
Director, Digital & Social Media
A Message from Pastor Christian Washington
WE ARE SIGNIFICANT: This vision of Christian “Significance” is
what I believe life is all about.
We live in a world and a city filled with people who have found the
pursuit of happiness, success and independence is an empty one. Our
thesis is “Happiness, success, and independence are idols that will never
truly satisfy the human need for eternal meaning.
As Gospel-Centered Christians, we believe that all people are born
“Significant,” and fashioned for a journey where their “Best Life” is
revealed in the loving pursuit of interdependence, joy, and fulfillment.
Living this life of Significance, is the Christian life. Therefore, our
purpose as a church is to “awaken” everyone in our sphere of influence
to their eternal birthright, as ministers of reconciliation, and challenge
them to live their best life! A life of Significance, in service to God and
their neighbor.
My prayer is that the message of Significance will take hold at NOHO
First and becomes the catalyst for a bright and impactful future.
Remember, WE are significant because God says so and WE were
created to do significant things.
Pastor Christian

2. May 7 We Activate Our Significance Luke 7:18-23
“I was created to do significant things.” Jesus exemplifies the necessity of putting faith and purpose into action.
He does this through serving the needs of humanity and being a true "philanthropist". This message challenges
us to dedicate our lives to being DOERS of significant things.
May 14 WE were Create to do Significant Things
Happiness is based on a life event. Freedom is a lifestyle. Independence is based on a life event,
interdependence is a lifestyle, success is based on a life event. Significance is a lifestyle. Significance IS
the Christian LIFESTYLE!
May 21 Boaz is Our Significance Coach Ruth 2:2-9
Jewish law required philanthropy! Boaz cared for the vulnerable, he was a philanthropist. Philanthropy is not
something you do, it is the REASON WHY you do something! Caring for the vulnerable is always a significant
thing. We are each other’s keepers.
May 28 Jesus is Our Significance Coach Hebrews 11:1-12:3
We have weights. Things that weight us down...pursuits of success, independence, happiness and all the baggage
that comes with those pursuits. Strip down, start running, and never quit! Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both
HIGHLIGHTS OF ONLINE WORSHIP
Piano & Organ - Roger Eshleman Scripture Reader - Jesse Boone
Hymns - Michael McKenzie
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
April 2 - Palm Sunday
April 9 - Butterflies & Caterpillars
April 23 - Special Announcement!
Psalm 8:1-9
Pastor Christian’s Sermon Titles and Scripture
April 2 - “It’s Time for Some Good Trouble” | Matthew 21:1-3
April 9 - “The Significance of Jesus” | John 2:18-22
April 23 - “We Announce Our Significance” | Matthew 3:13-17

4. AAPI Heritage Month
We are about to hit our year anniversary of
our very first Heritage POP UP that began
May 1, 2022, with our focus on the
Philippines! Our Filipino congregants really
stepped up and made our initial event a
huge success! Since that moment, our
Heritage POP UPS have grown into events
that bring our community together and
highlight the significance of every individual
at our church. We celebrate our differences and more importantly, how were are similar. Through sharing
about our personal experiences to our food, Heritage POP UPS at NOHO FIRST have made our
community stronger, compassionate and more loving.
This month only hold 4 Sundays and our Asian community members have planned a number of “DO
NOT MISS” moments and menus to share with you. Please plan on attending worship and arrive early, as
there may be some surprises at the beginning of worship! And of course, plan to stay after worship, for a
TASTE OF ASIA with delicious POP UP events each Sunday! It’s a perfect time to invite someone.
Our AAPI Calendar for May:
7th - Korea (Hanna Ye-Books, Josie & Jackson Books)
7th - Japan (Todd Murata)
14th - Thailand (Patty & Norman Kelsey, Uma Tokahuta)
14th - Cambodia & Vietnam (Dan Akira)
21st - Philippines (Ate Patsy Sapinoso; Pressi & Warlito Laciste; Lynne, Mauro, & Jonash Poyaoan)
28th - Taiwan (Libeck, Shaun & Avery Kadu-Vieten)

5. Many thanks to
Genelita & Ceasar
Ancheta
for preparing the
most delicious &
elegant afternoon
tea service!
NoHo First Family,
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tell us there's a season for
everything. With a change in seasons, it is good to
refresh and prepare for all the opportunities that
lie ahead. As we prepare, we would like your
input. Do you attend our services and have ideas?
Are there things you'd like to see the
church consider or revisit? Wonderful!
For the first half of May, we are taking a church
survey among our congregation. This is a chance
for attendees to provide opinions on worship
services, events, groups, music, and overall church
direction. Hardcopies of the survey will be
available at April 30th, May 7th, and May
14th services. Feel free to take one after worship
service, fill it out, and leave it with a staff member.
An email version will also be sent if you wish to
do the survey online. Please make sure the office
has your email if you'd like the online
option. Anyone can take our survey; you do not
need to be a member. If you wish to submit a
survey anonymously, fill out a paper copy and
leave your name blank.
I know previous surveys didn't get many
responses, but believe me when I say this is a
chance to make your home more reflective of
what you want it to be. A few moments with the
survey could go a long way. You are (dare I say)
SIGNIFICANT. You see things and perceive
them in your own unique way. We love your
insight. We love you. We'd love to hear what you
think.
Yours in victory,
Jesse Boone, Church Administrator

6. engage in discourse about the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and reflect on the
significance of Pride. The evening will include group singing of songs for peace and
justice, conversation led by a panel, and the opportunity to join in discussion with one
another. Beforehand, all are welcome to join us for a meal at 6:00 PM
On Sunday, June 11th Voices for Social Justice will be hosting a Pride Pop-Up in the
courtyard at 11:30 AM, after the service. They will be providing free make your own
pride flag kits complete with a variety of craft supplies. Come do crafts to show your
Pride and allyship, or take some premade kits to share with family and friends!
All events are free and open to the public! Come join us as we celebrate Pride month
through art, singing, sharing a meal, and growing as a community in our efforts to
honor LGBTQIA+ experiences. We hope to see you there!
Mark your calendars to join Voice for
Social Justice for two Pride Month events
at NoHo First UMC. Voices for Social
Justice is a nonprofit organization that
works to combine social activism with
artistic expression.
To kick off Pride Month, we will be
hosting a Justice Sing on Saturday, June
10th at 7 pm. Join us for an evening of
song, dialogue, and community as we

7. Holy Week
2023

8. Children’s
Easter
Festival
2023

9. Easter Sunday
2023

10. May your birthday be filled with blessings!
Love, Your Church Family
May 1 Ken Ellis
May 4 Kim Miller
May 6 Noah Fetterman
May 10 Shirley Kurushima
May 11 Dottie Vick
May 12 Joel Hernandez
May 14 Shaun Vieten
May 16 Jodi Smith
May 18 Phil Roche
May 18 Steven Vick
May 22 Karin Ellis
May 24 Sinjin Doelitzsch
May 24 Melissa Noren
May 25 Ashley Peat
• Grateful to see Alfredo Garcia at our Afternoon Tea, along with his daughter Genelita and son in
law, Ceasar. Alfredo has been doing well since his colectomy and will undergo more treatment soon.
• Charles & Carrie Minetree are going through some valleys in life and stress.
• Mr. Jimmie Swain entered the church triumphant on Wednesday, April 19th. Please lift up Mrs. Faye
Swain, Johanne Swain-Washington, & Pastor Chrisitian.
• Dani St. Clair’s Uncle, Bill Steinmeyer, is being treated for cancer.
• Joan Velde passed away peacefully and entered the church triumphant.
• Jaz Pinero’s friend, Fred Delgado, is undergoing cancer treatment.
• Patty’s Aunt, Supranee Varachun, had a stroke and was hospitalized for a week. She has been
released and is recuperating at home.
• Kimberley Matsubayashi’s friend, Burt, has a metastasized cancer to the bone.
• Pastor Christian asks for us to keep his Mother in law, Faye Swain, in our prayers. Since Mr. Jimmie
passed away, things have been difficult. Also, Johanne Swain Washington.
• Jessica Odom is a friend who had an operation at the end of last year to remove a cancerous eye.
Things looked okay until recently, her entire left side of her face is cancer and it has spread to her
brain. They are doing palliative care and said it is terminal. She is a very young woman and her
parents are praying for a miracle for her.
• Lisa Cheby’s friend, Hylah,. is battling cancer, caring for her mother who also has cancer, and
grieving her father who died a few months ago. Lisa’s sister will have a cancerous mole removed on
May 10th.
Lifting up worries & praise to
the Lord, our God!
Prayer
Requests

11. LECTIONARY READINGS AND LITURGICAL INFORMATION - YEAR A
May 7 Fifth Sunday of Easter. White or Gold.
Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16 (UMH 764); 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14
May 14 Sixth Sunday of Easter. Mother’s Day. White or Gold.
Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20 (UMH 790); 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21
May 21 Seventh Sunday of Easter. White or Gold.
Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35 (UMH 792); 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
May 28 Pentecost Sunday.. Red.
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Acts 2:1-21; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23; John 7:37-39
Two ways to worship with us: In-person or Online
We post our worship service on YouTube @nohofumc every Saturday
The link for worship can also be found, online, via Facebook @nohofumc1
Communion will be served, in-person, on May 7th
Every Sunday in May, we will celebrate Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month!
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by May 17th for the June 2023 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
“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.”