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1. First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood
GOOD NEWS
e-mail: nohofumc@gmail.com
FEBRUARY 2023
facebook.com/nohofumc1 www.nohofumc.org
IN THIS ISSUE:
• Black History Month
• Souper Bowl Sunday
• Ash Wednesday
• Tiny Homes NOHO
• Lenten Study & Soup
Supper
It’s already February...and personally, I feel like I have done more work in the
last four weeks than I did in the first quarter of 2022. Life has returned to full
speed, full access again as we move into an endemic relationship with
COVID. I could complain about the increased pace, but right now, I am
finding it comforting to move forward without restraint. Here’s why: we have
work to do.
Last month brought us incredibly disturbing news of multiple mass-shooting.
We were shown video of excessive Police brutality that killed an innocent
man. Honestly, the last half of January was one of the hardest news cycles
that we’ve had...which is saying something!
We face the temptation to feel like there is nothing we can do to make a
difference. We will be tempted to think that the only thing we can offer is our
“thoughts and prayers.” But I believe that God is calling us to more. God is
calling for us to do something. It may not be big, it may not be grandiose, but
we are called to something in our spheres of influence. Small acts of
kindness. Small acts of mercy. Small acts of breaking down walls that cause
division.
This month, we will observe Black History Month. We observe this month
with special presentations which celebrate Black History and stories of
success and perseverance; but there is a deeper reason for our observance.
We know that scriptures call for God’s people to break chains of oppression
and to break the yokes of slavery...and by remembering the history of a
people who were once seen as less-than-human and pieces of property and
their fight for justice, freedom, and equality. We are reminded that people
were called to do something to make freedom possible. Prayer is most
powerful when it moves us to action.
At the end of the month, we begin the season of Lent on Ash Wednesday,
February 22. We will offer a small group process entitled “The Way of Love”
which is an eight-week curriculum which will lead us through the major
practices that mark the Christian life. It will follow the rhythm of Lent, taking
us from repentance to the place of ministry and calling. This is an
opportunity to grow your faith and truly begin to shape your life as a follower
of Christ. If you have been a follower for a long time, it is a good refresher. If
you are new to the faith, it is a good beginning.
We have much to do. But I am excited that God is calling us forward and that
together, we will not only do something, we will bring the light of God into
North Hollywood.
In Christ,
Pastor Steve
GOOD NEWS is published monthly by
First United Methodist Church of North
Hollywood, California 91601
Phone (818) 763-8231
The Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank
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, Outreach Ministries

2. February 12 Choosing Life Over Death
Everyone has a choice in life: follow God’s way or forge our own way. One way leads to life; the other
leads to hardship. Which one will you choose?
February 19 When God Speaks Matthew 17:1-9
Jesus doesn’t happen in isolation: it happens in community. Disciples are called to live the life of faith together,
rather than on our own.
February 26 It Gets Easier Matthew 4:1-11
Nobody likes to face temptation, because it seems like the longer we resist, the stronger it becomes. However, relief
eventually arrives when we resist temptation long enough. It does get easier.
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
Moment with Children - Patty Kelsey
January 1- Encore Service
January 8 - Remember Your Baptism
January 15 - Eye Witness for Jesus
January 22 - Fishers of Friends
January 29 - What God Wants
Scripture Readers
January 1 - Encore Service
January 8 - Daniella Lake
January 15 - Sherri Perry
January 22 - Jesse Boone
January 29 - Doug Eboch
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
Pastor Steve’s Sermon Series: A Disciples Path
Sermon Titles and Scripture
January 1 - Re-Locating Jesus | Matthew 2:13-17
January 8 - The Water of Preparation | Matthew 3:13-17
January 15 - Come and See | John 1:29-42
January 22 - Casting Nets| Matthew 4:12-23
January 29 - You Know What is Right | Micah 6:1-8
February Sermon Series
We have four Sundays to praise the Lord in February of 2023.
The first three Sundays continue our current sermon series, “A
Disciple’s Path.” The fourth Sunday is the first Sunday of Lent
and begins our Lenten Series, “GPS to Christ”
February 5 What God Desires Isaiah 58:1-12
People often wonder why God doesn’t pay attention to their
prayers. According to the prophet Isaiah, it might be that we
focus on ourselves and what we want God to do for us. God
desires prayers that lead us into action, to serve others in our
world.
Organist/Pianist - Roger Eshleman

3. Why We Celebrate
Every February, the U.S. honors
the contributions and sacrifices of
African Americans who have
helped shape the nation. Black
History Month celebrates the rich
cultural heritage, triumphs and
adversities that are an indelible part
of our country's history.
February was chosen primarily
because the second week of the
month coincides with the birthdays
of both Abraham Lincoln and
Frederick Douglass. Lincoln was
influential in the emancipation of
slaves, and Douglass, a former
slave, was a prominent leader in the
abolitionist movement, which
fought to end slavery.
NOHO FUMC has been sharing
moments in Black History, during
worship, for the last decade and
we will continue to do so this year.
We will also celebrate Black
History through food on the 3rd
Sunday of February (2/19), with
a Pop Up of Soul Filling Foods!
Be sure to stop by and taste foods
from the African Continent and
African American favorites!
We will also celebrate Mardi Gras
and enjoy some yummy and
fattening foods before we begin
the Lenten Season on Ash
Wednesday, February 22nd!
We are looking forward to
celebrating this important
occasion with our church family
in February!

5. FEBRUARY 12 45!vs.!60
Please bring hearty soups, high in protein, to
church the next 2 Sundays and place them in the
BIN you think will WIN!
Goal: 250 Cans of Soup
Bins will be in the sanctuary until February 13th!
Soup will be donated to the
North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry
LET’S TACKLE HUNGER!
Tiny Home North Hollywood Village - Easter Care Baskets
On Palm Sunday, April 2nd, we will
be assembling 72 Easter Care Baskets
for Hope the Mission’s Tiny Home
Village in North Hollywood on
Chandler Ave.
Easter Care Baskets will have a
combination of Easter Treats and
hygiene items for each guest that stay
in a Tiny Home.
Here is our wish list and we would
love to receive monetary donations to
purchase items in bulk, so that every
basket has the same items. The price
listed is what we need to cover 72
items.
Baskets, Grass & Cellophane $ 130 Tissue $90
Shower Gel $90 Notepad & Pen $125
Body Lotion $ 90 Socks $ 90
Wash Cloths $ 90 Bandaids $ 73
Comb & Brush Set $ 90 Chapstick $ 70
Nail Clippers & File Set $ 90 Easter Candy & Goodie Bags $100
2 in 1 Shampoo $ 90
If you would like to donate a share or donate for the entire item order of 72, please specify on your
offering/giving envelope. Thank you in advance for your support.

7. A Unique Way to Celebrate Black History by Daniella Lake
At UC Berkeley, I’m a research apprentice for a public history initiative called Black Lives at Cal that is
researching and publicizing the Black history of our campus. I’ve been working with BLAC since its inception
in 2021 and I’ve loved every moment of it.
To capture the Black history of UC Berkeley, steering committee member, Gia White, and I have co-developed
a Black history audio tour of campus. Through our tour, listeners can hear the inspiring stories of Black
trailblazers like Annie Coker, the first Black woman to graduate from UC Berkeley's Law school and went on
to become the first Black female lawyer in California, or hear about prominent Black people who visited
campus and gave speeches, such as Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, and W.E.B. Du Bois.
With this tour, new and prospective Black students can look around campus and see themselves in every
corner. It will be known that for over a hundred years, Black people on our campus have found ways, even
when there were only a handful of them, to thrive, kickstart their careers, and make the change they wanted to
see in the world. The tour will be available on Youtube and Spotify @BlackLivesatCal in late April. We hope
that our work helps combat anti-Blackness on campus, the imposter syndrome felt by students of color, and
overall, inspires everyone who listens to it.
Daniella arrived safely in Italy!
Daniella has settled into her apartment in Rome with new
roommates. She has her own room and hit the ground running.
Classes began on Monday, 1/16/23. She has tried so many
delicious foods but really loves Tiramisu and can't get enough!
You can follow Daniella's food adventures on Instagram
@daniellabitesoflife

8. North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry Has A New Home
After nearly 40 years distributing food from a small building behind First Christian Church on Troost
Avenue, the NHIFP has moved into the building previously used by Dee's Florist at 11634 Moorpark Street.
The drive-through food line no longer goes through the parking lot of FCC; instead it is on the south side of
Moorpark heading east, 1/2 block east of the corner of Colfax and Moorpark.
The distribution time is 7:30 am - 11 am Monday and Friday. About 65 regular food bags are given out and
another 35 non-cooking bags are given for people who do not have facilities for cooking. In this larger
building there is much more space for volunteers to work and to maintain food and client requested items.
You can order food from the Pantry's Amazon Wish List and they will be shipped to Temple Beth Hillel or
you can drop off food donations at the NEW distribution Site, 11634 Moorpark Street, during distribution
hours, Monday and Friday 7:30 am - 11 am, or deliver food donations to Temple Beth Hillel, (enter off
Laurelgrove) Mondays through Fridays, 4 - 5 pm. Or, if you prefer, bring your food donations to NoHo
FUMC and leave them in the plastic bin outside of Boyer Chapel.
The Pantry always needs diapers, all sizes for both small children and adults, as well as both cat and dog
food and of course large paper bags.
FUELED BY FOOD, FED BY COMPASSION
FOOD NEEDS
OF THE MONTH
Any brand of boxed cold cereal, not family size.
Any type of canned fruit.

9. When we heard about the devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky last July, we were happy to learn that
Red Bird Mission was spared. But we were amazed and touched to learn that Red Bird resources on hand
went out immediately to shelters and distribution points before the flood waters receded.
Friday, 2 women on the Red Bird Dental Clinic staff loaded up a minivan containing food, clothing and
personal hygiene supplies, to help victims arriving at the designated shelter in nearby Perry County.
A 2nd grade teacher was in the devastation in her family's home area in Letcher County. She joined her
family distributing hundreds of meals daily to victims. On Saturday, teacher colleagues joined her bringing
needed supplies.
Staff administrators for Red Bird's social media pages began reposting info regarding available shelters,
resources and needs. Red Bird's online donation form added a special fund for monetary donations to be
used exclusively for flood relief.
On Monday, Community Outreach staff loaded up a large van with more food, clothing, blankets,
household cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items for distribution at the Hazard Appalachian Regional
Health Care distribution location.
Although their resources are limited, the people at Red Bird Mission didn't hesitate to help even needier
people in eastern Kentucky.
RED BIRD MISSION ASSISTING FOOD VICTIMS
Red Bird Mission, Inc. and Red Bird Clinic, Inc. have been providing ministries
in the eastern Kentucky region of the Appalachian Mountains since 1921. Over
the years the mission has enjoyed wide support in The United Methodist
Church. NoHo FUMC has contributed $500 most years recently.
The Christmas Tree Lot
Our partnership with the Wesley School are in and
together we raised about $9,000 to donate to our
five charity recipients: The North Hollywood
Interfaith Food Pantry, Hope of the Valley, Paws for
Life, LA Family Housing, and UMCOR. Each
organization will receive approximately $1,800 to
continue their good work!
As we look to 2023, we will be looking for ways to
tighten up the connection between the Wesley
School and FUMC, as well as finding new
leadership to strengthen our efforts to do good in the
world together.

10. February 4 Morenike Lake
February 4 Sandra Smith
February 5 Dr. Lancelot Lake
February 5 Justin Parnell
February 6 Norman Kelsey
February 6 Amara Schweibert
February 9 Keven McConnell
February 10 Daisy Galvis
February 12 Michael Cox
February 14 Wendy Ince
February 20 Ava Peat
February 20 Beyla Nyaforh
February 21 Dr. Phil Griggs
February 25 Scott Shepard
February 28 David Eshleman
February 28 Uma Tokahuta
• Julie Shuford’s little brother, Tommy Sullivan, died tragically on January
26th. Please lift up Julie, her mom, Patty, and the entire family during this
time.
• Letha and Alycia Watts are in need of prayers and support.
• Jaz Pinero requests prayers for her friend, Fred Delgado, who is
undergoing cancer treatment.
• Kim Deason requests prayers for her friend’s fiance, Burt. He has been diagnosed with bladder cancer
and is having surgery on February 10th. Burt is 73 years old and lives in New York. He survived prostate
cancer.
• Roger Eshelman requests prayers for his sister, Joan Velde, who underwent radiation. Her recent
treatments have not proven to be successful. Joan is hopeful that the radiation will slow the growth of
many tumors from her lymphoma.
• Wendy Welch is concerned for her brother in-law who had shoulder replacement surgery and has been
dealing with a pinched nerve that causes his hands to shake.
• Kathi Ellis has been improving and she is hoping to be released to go home.
• Carrie Minetree is recuperating from her mastectomy.
• Mychal Guyton is doing well after multiple procedures.
• Rhonda Scott is still recovering after a severe stroke several years ago.
• Sandra Bendton is recovering from radioactive iodine treatment for her thyroid cancer.
• Amy Pimental and her son have been doing better but prayers are welcome as they manage life.
• DeAnne Hayes is in a special Alzheimer facility and Byron has been at home without her. He is lonely
and misses DeAnne terribly.

11. Sunday Worship Services are Posted Online Saturday Eve| Worship In-Person at 10:30 AM
Join us online via Facebook @nohofumc1 or YouTube @nohofumc
Communion will be served, in-person, on February 5th, during worship.
Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by February 17th for the March 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.”
LECTIONARY READINGS FOR FEBRUARY 2023 - Year A
February 5 Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany. Green.
Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20
February 12 Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany. Green
Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37
February 19 Transfiguration Sunday White.
Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9
February 26 First Sunday in Lent. Purple.
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11