First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood

GOOD NEWSe-mail nohofumcpacbellnet

SEPTEMBER 2014facebookcomnohofumc1 wwwnohofumccom

IN THIS ISSUE

bull Join The Choir

bull Welcome BBQ

bull We Make A Difference

bull NHIFP

GOOD NEWS is published monthly by First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood California 91601Phone (818) 763-8231

Minerva CarcantildeoBishop

Rev Dr Cedrick Bridgeforth District Superintendent

Dr Joey K McDonaldPastor

CongregationMinisters

Jeff ThomasDirector of Music

Roger EshlemanOrganist

Nylean RapinacAdministrator

Patty KelseyDirector Program Ministries

Jessica RenslowDirector Outreach Ministries

Your Friend and PastorJoey

A NOTE FROM PASTOR JOEY

School is back in session Whether we are in school teach or have children in classes thoughts turn to teachers Nearly every year at this time I reflect upon the educators who have touched my life

My third grade teacher Mrs Wright was tough when we were disruptive yet kind when delivering lessons so important to young students Mr James my fourth grade teacher made math and science fun for the first time In the eighth grade Mrs Purcell taught English as if your life depended on it I hope she doesnrsquot see this Mr Vineyard taught twelfth graders Government He took interest in the opinions of students and helped us to speak our thoughts through discussion and debate Royal Marten taught Sociology and Anthropology at Santa Ana College He had a wonderful vocabulary and an agile mind For thirty years he used them both to build and encourage students Rabbi Morton Fierman taught Religious Studies at California State University at Fullerton He along with his colleague Rabbi Kalir taught from their Jewish tradition and helped broaden and deepen my faith as a Christian Rev Cornish Rogers taught Arts of Ministry at The School of Theology at Claremont He imparted practical skills for parish ministry based on his own experience as an effective pastor

These are but a few who have guided me along the academic highway Parents who cared about learning and a loving spouse with a sense of encouragement gave me enough to fill ten textbooks

School is in session for the students life is in session for the rest of us Each of us are students and teachers to some degree For teaching is a matter of the heart and learning is a matter of the will and an open mind unites them

COME AND WORSHIPThe following Bible passages will be the basis for the 1030 messages in September

Please take time each week to read the selected passages

September 7 What We Owe Romans 138-14

September 14 Table Manners Romans 141-12

September13 2113 13 13 With Hope Itrsquos Possible13 13 13 Philippians 121-30

September13 28 13 13 13 Words We Donrsquot Want To Hear 13 13 Matthew 2123-32

HIGHLIGHTS OF WORSHIP

August 3 - This morning we had a few special presentations including an Esther Day moment with Charles Minetree The Missions Team shared Discovery Arts Bedside Adventure Kits collection The monthly announcements were shared by Phillip Mottaz and Norman Kelsey Communion was also served Pastor Joey shared a sermon titled ldquoOn A Limp And A Blessingrdquo was based on Genesis 3222-31

August 10 - Pastor Joey recognized our church office administrator Nylean Rapinac for 23 years of faithful service with a bouquet of flowers and a gift Patty Kelsey shared a lesson with the children about jealousy using the story of Joseph and his coat Pastor Joeyrsquos sermon ldquoOn Being A Spoiled Bratrdquo was based on Genesis 371-4 12-28

August 17 - Norman Kelsey sat in the Lectern during 1030 worship We said farewell to Jaime Vickie amp Isabella Day who are moving to North Carolina The Peat family also requested a special prayer for the third daughter that they are expecting in the Spring of 2015 Francis Nyaforh shared a Mission Moment about the Entertainers for Education Fundraiser Pastor Joeyrsquos sermon ldquoA Holy Humble Bragrdquo was based on Genesis 451-15

August 24 - This morning Pastor Joeyrsquos selected text was Romans 121-8 and his sermon was called ldquoSpiritual Sci-Firdquo

HIGHLIGHTS OF FELLOWSHIP IN AUGUST

The third installment of Outdoor Movie Night on Friday August 8th was a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of ldquoA Hard Dayrsquos Nightrdquo starring The Beatles On Tuesday August 12th David Eshlemanrsquos All Church Movie Night was well attended for dinner and a screening of ldquoWinterrsquos Talerdquo The United Methodist Women took a field trip to Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro on Wednesday August 13th A large group came together for the PBampJ Project and made 150 sandwiches for the homeless on Thursday August 21st in the Lounge On Friday August 22nd the Hawaiian Night Sunset Social was well attended The weather was beautiful and everyone had a lovely evening enjoying Hawaiian themed food and music under the beautiful crepe myrtle trees on the patio The Missionrsquos Team had a lot to smile about when they reported collecting all of the art supplies needed to fill the Discovery Arts Bedside Adventure Kits and The Entertainers For Education Fundraiser met the $200000 goal on Saturday August 23rd Gary Solt Francis Nyaforh amp Shaun Vieten shared their musical talents and lunch was provided by M Cafe de Chaya amp The Missions Team The Methodist Men had a well attended meeting on Tuesday August 26th with a number of people who came to watch ldquoSon Of Godrdquo The last event of the summer was the Outdoor Movie Night where everyone enjoyed dinner and ldquoThe Princess Briderdquo outdoors on the big screen

Thank you for participating in our August events

WELCOME TO CHURCH BARBECUEArranged by The Methodist Men

Sunday September 14th1130 AM

(following worship)Sports Field Picnic Tables

MENU Hamburgers amp Hot Dogs Potato Salad Cole Slaw Watermelon amp Lemonade

CHOIR WORKSHOP

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH100 PM - 400 PM

MEET IN THE SANCTUARY

Calling all singersthe choir wants youPlease come to the choir workshop and join our

wonderful choir The choirʼs first day back in the chancel is Sunday September 14th

Kid Citys next volunteer orientations will be September 6 from1030 AM to 1230 PM followed by a light lunch We would love to welcome you as our partners in ministry

Please email Anne Hawthorne Urban Foundation director at annehawthornegmailcom (or call 213-749-0212 ext 2) for more information about volunteering

We have something for everyone

Read more at httpwwwurbanfoundationorgkid_city

Western Theme - Dress Up$3 suggested donation

WELCOME TO CHURCH BARBECUEArranged by The Methodist Men

Sunday September 14th1130 AM

(following worship)Sports Field Picnic Tables

MENU Hamburgers amp Hot Dogs Potato Salad Cole Slaw Watermelon amp Lemonade

CHOIR WORKSHOP

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13TH100 PM - 400 PM

MEET IN THE SANCTUARY

Calling all singersthe choir wants youPlease come to the choir workshop and join our

wonderful choir The choirʼs first day back in the chancel is Sunday September 14th

Kid Citys next volunteer orientations will be September 6 from1030 AM to 1230 PM followed by a light lunch We would love to welcome you as our partners in ministry

Please email Anne Hawthorne Urban Foundation director at annehawthornegmailcom (or call 213-749-0212 ext 2) for more information about volunteering

We have something for everyone

Read more at httpwwwurbanfoundationorgkid_city

Western Theme - Dress Up$3 suggested donation

With your generosity we not only reached our $2000 goal for

Carolyn A Miller School in Liberia

You also provided all the art supplies for Discovery Arts

Bedside Adventure Kits

Whatrsquos Happening in September Sunday September 14th

Welcome To Church Barbecue Meet at the Sports Field Picnic Tables for lunch following worship

Arranged by the Methodist Men $3 Suggested Donation

Monday September 8th - Martha Circle meets in Hand in Hand at 1100 AM

Monday September 1st - Labor Day - Church Office will be closed

Wednesday September 24th - UMW Boutique Workshop 930 AM in the Community Room

Wednesday September 10th - UMW General Luncheon 1200 PM $3 donation Lunch and Program In the Lo-Fe-Lo Room

Sunday September 14th- Mission Sunday Bring nonperishable foods for the Food Pantry Peanut Butter and Tuna requested Please bring a few extra dollars for your offering

Tuesday September 9th - All-Church Movie Night Hosted by David Eshleman 645 PM Dinner and 715 Movie in the Lounge (See details below)

Saturday September 13th - Choir Workshop in the Main Sanctuary Begins at 100 PM Come one come all and join our wonderful choir

Wednesday September 17th - Ruth Circle meet in the Community Room at 730 PM

PBampJ PROJECT

Thursday September 18th

700 PM

Help your Missions Team make 150 pbampj sandwiches for the

homeless that visit the North Hollywood Interfaith

Food Pantry

Many hands make light work

Wednesday September 10th

NoonLo-Fe-Lo

Program Human Trafficking

Leah Switzer Chairperson of the Conference on Human Trafficking

Task Force will speak

All are invited to join and hear this timely program

$3 Donation includes lunch

Tuesday September 23rd -Methodist Men Meet at 730 PM in the Lounge

Monday September 15th - Tabitha Circle meets in Hand in Hand at 1030 AM

TuesdaySeptember 9th

645 PM - Dinner715 PM - Movie

Hosted by David Eshleman

FOUND JACKETAre you missing a charcoal gray Alpaca Superfine womans jacket size M It has been in the Lounge ever since the Tree Lot waiting to be retrieved

Please pick it up before the end of September

Thursday September 18th - PBampJ Project meets in the Lounge at 700 PM

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWSBy Lynn Yoshizumi

The book This Child Will Be Great by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is her memoir of her remarkable life In January 2006 after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by 14 years of brutal civil conflict Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Africas Iron Lady - was sworn in as president She describes Liberias founding in 1822 by freed American slaves gives a brief history of the country and takes us through her countrys difficulties with corrupt leaders She shares the inside story of her rise to power her early childhood imprisonment and exile and her fight for democracy and social justice By sharing her story Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power and gives us all hope that with perseverance we can change the world

In view of Francis background and our fund-raising effort for the school in Liberia this is a book that members of our congregation should read It was bought in 2011 for the UMW Reading Program Unfortunately the last person to check it out asked someone else to return the book to the library I dont know what happened but the book has been missing for several months Perhaps someone checked it out of the library but didnt sign the book card because the card wasnt in the book at the time If you have this book or know who does please see that the book is returned to the library as soon as possible It can be given to me or placed in the Return Library Books Here box by the computer I will put the book card in the book so that it can be checked out properly in the future Check it out

NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY

In order for a charity like the Pantry to be eligible to receive money from the Ralphs Rewards program it must have a 501(c)(3) number The Pantry is under the umbrella of Valley Interfaith Council and uses the VIC number but if the Pantry used that number for the Ralphs Reward the money would go to VIC not the Pantry For many years Metropolitan Community Church of the Valley a member of the Pantry coalition provided their number and gave the Pantry the money earned from Ralphs A change has been made this year from now on Faith Presbyterian Church will provide this service That means there is a new bar code to scan when you register your Ralphs card to benefit the Pantry All previous bar codes that were distributed for the Ralphs Rewards program should be destroyed and only the new one should be used

Ralphs requires re-registration of your Rewards card every September A letter with the new bar code and explaining the necessary steps for registering your Rewards card with the cashier when you shop at Ralphs is available from Lynn Yoshizumi or at the Welcome Table You can also register on the Internet at httpwwwralphscom The organizations name is Faith Presbyterian Church and the number is 94711

The amount the Pantry can earn is based on a sliding scale of household monthly purchases as follows Up to $200 per month of eligible purchases 1 Between $20001 and $350 per month of eligible purchases 2 of amount over $200 Between $35001 and $500 per month of eligible purchases 3 of amount over $350 Over $500 per month of eligible purchases 4 of amount over $500

If we all participate the money will add up in a hurry Every little bit helps

Whatrsquos Happening in September Sunday September 14th

Welcome To Church Barbecue Meet at the Sports Field Picnic Tables for lunch following worship

Arranged by the Methodist Men $3 Suggested Donation

Monday September 8th - Martha Circle meets in Hand in Hand at 1100 AM

Monday September 1st - Labor Day - Church Office will be closed

Wednesday September 24th - UMW Boutique Workshop 930 AM in the Community Room

Wednesday September 10th - UMW General Luncheon 1200 PM $3 donation Lunch and Program In the Lo-Fe-Lo Room

Sunday September 14th- Mission Sunday Bring nonperishable foods for the Food Pantry Peanut Butter and Tuna requested Please bring a few extra dollars for your offering

Tuesday September 9th - All-Church Movie Night Hosted by David Eshleman 645 PM Dinner and 715 Movie in the Lounge (See details below)

Saturday September 13th - Choir Workshop in the Main Sanctuary Begins at 100 PM Come one come all and join our wonderful choir

Wednesday September 17th - Ruth Circle meet in the Community Room at 730 PM

PBampJ PROJECT

Thursday September 18th

700 PM

Help your Missions Team make 150 pbampj sandwiches for the

homeless that visit the North Hollywood Interfaith

Food Pantry

Many hands make light work

Wednesday September 10th

NoonLo-Fe-Lo

Program Human Trafficking

Leah Switzer Chairperson of the Conference on Human Trafficking

Task Force will speak

All are invited to join and hear this timely program

$3 Donation includes lunch

Tuesday September 23rd -Methodist Men Meet at 730 PM in the Lounge

Monday September 15th - Tabitha Circle meets in Hand in Hand at 1030 AM

TuesdaySeptember 9th

645 PM - Dinner715 PM - Movie

Hosted by David Eshleman

FOUND JACKETAre you missing a charcoal gray Alpaca Superfine womans jacket size M It has been in the Lounge ever since the Tree Lot waiting to be retrieved

Please pick it up before the end of September

Thursday September 18th - PBampJ Project meets in the Lounge at 700 PM

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWSBy Lynn Yoshizumi

The book This Child Will Be Great by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is her memoir of her remarkable life In January 2006 after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by 14 years of brutal civil conflict Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Africas Iron Lady - was sworn in as president She describes Liberias founding in 1822 by freed American slaves gives a brief history of the country and takes us through her countrys difficulties with corrupt leaders She shares the inside story of her rise to power her early childhood imprisonment and exile and her fight for democracy and social justice By sharing her story Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power and gives us all hope that with perseverance we can change the world

In view of Francis background and our fund-raising effort for the school in Liberia this is a book that members of our congregation should read It was bought in 2011 for the UMW Reading Program Unfortunately the last person to check it out asked someone else to return the book to the library I dont know what happened but the book has been missing for several months Perhaps someone checked it out of the library but didnt sign the book card because the card wasnt in the book at the time If you have this book or know who does please see that the book is returned to the library as soon as possible It can be given to me or placed in the Return Library Books Here box by the computer I will put the book card in the book so that it can be checked out properly in the future Check it out

NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY

In order for a charity like the Pantry to be eligible to receive money from the Ralphs Rewards program it must have a 501(c)(3) number The Pantry is under the umbrella of Valley Interfaith Council and uses the VIC number but if the Pantry used that number for the Ralphs Reward the money would go to VIC not the Pantry For many years Metropolitan Community Church of the Valley a member of the Pantry coalition provided their number and gave the Pantry the money earned from Ralphs A change has been made this year from now on Faith Presbyterian Church will provide this service That means there is a new bar code to scan when you register your Ralphs card to benefit the Pantry All previous bar codes that were distributed for the Ralphs Rewards program should be destroyed and only the new one should be used

Ralphs requires re-registration of your Rewards card every September A letter with the new bar code and explaining the necessary steps for registering your Rewards card with the cashier when you shop at Ralphs is available from Lynn Yoshizumi or at the Welcome Table You can also register on the Internet at httpwwwralphscom The organizations name is Faith Presbyterian Church and the number is 94711

The amount the Pantry can earn is based on a sliding scale of household monthly purchases as follows Up to $200 per month of eligible purchases 1 Between $20001 and $350 per month of eligible purchases 2 of amount over $200 Between $35001 and $500 per month of eligible purchases 3 of amount over $350 Over $500 per month of eligible purchases 4 of amount over $500

If we all participate the money will add up in a hurry Every little bit helps

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWSBy Lynn Yoshizumi

The book This Child Will Be Great by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is her memoir of her remarkable life In January 2006 after the Republic of Liberia had been racked by 14 years of brutal civil conflict Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Africas Iron Lady - was sworn in as president She describes Liberias founding in 1822 by freed American slaves gives a brief history of the country and takes us through her countrys difficulties with corrupt leaders She shares the inside story of her rise to power her early childhood imprisonment and exile and her fight for democracy and social justice By sharing her story Sirleaf encourages women everywhere to pursue leadership roles at the highest levels of power and gives us all hope that with perseverance we can change the world

In view of Francis background and our fund-raising effort for the school in Liberia this is a book that members of our congregation should read It was bought in 2011 for the UMW Reading Program Unfortunately the last person to check it out asked someone else to return the book to the library I dont know what happened but the book has been missing for several months Perhaps someone checked it out of the library but didnt sign the book card because the card wasnt in the book at the time If you have this book or know who does please see that the book is returned to the library as soon as possible It can be given to me or placed in the Return Library Books Here box by the computer I will put the book card in the book so that it can be checked out properly in the future Check it out

NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY

In order for a charity like the Pantry to be eligible to receive money from the Ralphs Rewards program it must have a 501(c)(3) number The Pantry is under the umbrella of Valley Interfaith Council and uses the VIC number but if the Pantry used that number for the Ralphs Reward the money would go to VIC not the Pantry For many years Metropolitan Community Church of the Valley a member of the Pantry coalition provided their number and gave the Pantry the money earned from Ralphs A change has been made this year from now on Faith Presbyterian Church will provide this service That means there is a new bar code to scan when you register your Ralphs card to benefit the Pantry All previous bar codes that were distributed for the Ralphs Rewards program should be destroyed and only the new one should be used

Ralphs requires re-registration of your Rewards card every September A letter with the new bar code and explaining the necessary steps for registering your Rewards card with the cashier when you shop at Ralphs is available from Lynn Yoshizumi or at the Welcome Table You can also register on the Internet at httpwwwralphscom The organizations name is Faith Presbyterian Church and the number is 94711

The amount the Pantry can earn is based on a sliding scale of household monthly purchases as follows Up to $200 per month of eligible purchases 1 Between $20001 and $350 per month of eligible purchases 2 of amount over $200 Between $35001 and $500 per month of eligible purchases 3 of amount over $350 Over $500 per month of eligible purchases 4 of amount over $500

If we all participate the money will add up in a hurry Every little bit helps

Wishing you many blessings on your birthdayLove Your Church Family

September 2 Gail CoyleSeptember 5 Dianne LakeSeptember 5 Aaron McDonald September 5 Ian McDonald September 11 Daniella LakeSeptember 12 Mary Jane Radillo September 13 Margaret Allen September 14 Rachel Mottaz

September 14 Beth RocheSeptember 15 Heather Barnett September 15 Carol VanMeter September 23 Jackson Books September 23 Konnie Griggs September 23 Robyn Paull September 25 Christopher Albright September 26 Patty Kelsey

Minette Harris took a serious fall in her home on Saturday August 23rd She was

hospitalized and discharged to Providence St Elizabeth Care Center 10425 Magnolia Ave in NoHo Please send cards notes or plan a visit

Edward Zung had major surgery in July on his stomach to remove cancer and began

chemotherapy on August 13th

Deanne Cox is on dialysis three times a week and taking time to heal Please pray for her

kidneys to perk up and fully function and her immune system to strengthen

Nancy Gatchell has shown improvement while in hospice She is at The Lighthouse

10406 Magnolia Blvd NoHo

Chuck Fontana is in the final stages of pancreatic cancer His wife RoseMarie is a

dear friend of Rhonda Scott

The Quintana Family mourn the loss of their 3-year-old son Vincent

Elena A is still waiting for her appointment with immigration to apply for religious asylum

It is causing her stress and much worry

Fay KapinPassed away on Monday August 11 2014

Thank you for your faithful service

Reflections Joey K Donald

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship This writing is originally from August 14 2011 and Dr McDonaldrsquos sermon was titled ldquoBetween Gatekeepers And Relativesrdquo based on Romans 111-2a 29-32

Do you read advice columns They illustrate perfectly how relatives and religious people say some wonderful and awful things In one column a while back a person wrote to say that his understanding of faith called for him to lsquospiritually divorcersquo himself from anyone whose views were not in tune with his The advice columnist response was this thinking did not fit with the general understanding that theology is about love rather than hate So the concept of staying apart from those who disagree with you would not be wise In a recent column ldquoAsk Annierdquo was queried on how to stop a relative from being a bully Citing an earlier bit of advice where Annie had said simply leave when relatives become insulting and overbearing (the advice seeker) said this did not seem fair and wanted to know how to change the behavior of said relative Annie responded by saying leaving is always the first best option because while we cannot change the way others treat us we can remove ourselves from toxic circumstances

I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago The title was ldquoYou Canrsquot Box God Your Arms Are Too Shortrdquo The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different It happens yet today In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God The second is if this is so what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect or chosen of God

In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions Did God reject Israel Of course not and then to underscore this point ldquoI myself am an Israelite a descendant of Abraham a member of the tribe of Benjaminrdquo As to how gentiles are part of the lsquoPartyrsquo Paul writes in verse thirty-two ldquoGod has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to allrdquo This of course ended all dissent debate and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West denominations the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century His point then and now still holds It is God who invites and invests in humanity In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss Godrsquos graciousness

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

September 7 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 121-14 Ps 148 or (UMH 861) Rom 138-14 Matt 1815-20 September13 1413 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Grandparentrsquos Day Green Ex 1419-31 Ex 151b-11 20-21 or (UMH 135) Rom 141-12 Matt 1821-35

September 21 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 162-15 Ps 1051-6 37-45 or Ps 78 or (UMH 799) Phil 121-30 Matt 201-16

September 28 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 171-7 Ps 781-4 12-16 or (UMH 799) Phil 21-13 Matt 2123-32

Sunday Worship Services at 1030 AM in the Main SanctuaryAdult Sunday School meets at 915 AM in the Hand in Hand Room

Childrenrsquos Sunday School meets at 1030 AM in the Community RoomNurseryNo Childrenrsquos Moments This Month

Communion will be served on Sunday September 7th

815 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel September 7 - Pastor Joey September 14 - Pastor Joey

September 21 - Sandra Smith September 28 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by September 17th for the October 2014 publication or email them to pattyfumcgmailcom

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 toFirst United Methodist Church of North Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue North Hollywood CA 91601

Reflections Joey K Donald

Reflections are part of the weekly bulletin inserts for worship This writing is originally from August 14 2011 and Dr McDonaldrsquos sermon was titled ldquoBetween Gatekeepers And Relativesrdquo based on Romans 111-2a 29-32

Do you read advice columns They illustrate perfectly how relatives and religious people say some wonderful and awful things In one column a while back a person wrote to say that his understanding of faith called for him to lsquospiritually divorcersquo himself from anyone whose views were not in tune with his The advice columnist response was this thinking did not fit with the general understanding that theology is about love rather than hate So the concept of staying apart from those who disagree with you would not be wise In a recent column ldquoAsk Annierdquo was queried on how to stop a relative from being a bully Citing an earlier bit of advice where Annie had said simply leave when relatives become insulting and overbearing (the advice seeker) said this did not seem fair and wanted to know how to change the behavior of said relative Annie responded by saying leaving is always the first best option because while we cannot change the way others treat us we can remove ourselves from toxic circumstances

I remember hearing a lively and engaging sermon some years ago The title was ldquoYou Canrsquot Box God Your Arms Are Too Shortrdquo The premise was similar to most of the writings of Paul Who are we to argue with the workings and wonder of God Yet we humans have been doing just that for millennia Fighting with God over who is elect and who is damned Creating our own rules with regard to who is accepted and who must be shunned in the name of faith Even to the point of killing people simply because their views are different It happens yet today In Romans 11 Paul is responding to serious questions The first is why and how Gentiles can be part of the realm of God The second is if this is so what becomes of Israel with regard to being the elect or chosen of God

In his wonderful rhetorical idiom the Apostle asks and answers the questions Did God reject Israel Of course not and then to underscore this point ldquoI myself am an Israelite a descendant of Abraham a member of the tribe of Benjaminrdquo As to how gentiles are part of the lsquoPartyrsquo Paul writes in verse thirty-two ldquoGod has imprisoned all in disobedience in order to show mercy to allrdquo This of course ended all dissent debate and demeaning treatment in all religious arenas Remember our brother writes before the Church split East and West denominations the crusades and all the fun religious bigotry of the twentieth century His point then and now still holds It is God who invites and invests in humanity In our dissent and undignified beliefs and behavior we often miss Godrsquos graciousness

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

September 7 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 121-14 Ps 148 or (UMH 861) Rom 138-14 Matt 1815-20 September13 1413 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Grandparentrsquos Day Green Ex 1419-31 Ex 151b-11 20-21 or (UMH 135) Rom 141-12 Matt 1821-35

September 21 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 162-15 Ps 1051-6 37-45 or Ps 78 or (UMH 799) Phil 121-30 Matt 201-16

September 28 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 171-7 Ps 781-4 12-16 or (UMH 799) Phil 21-13 Matt 2123-32

Sunday Worship Services at 1030 AM in the Main SanctuaryAdult Sunday School meets at 915 AM in the Hand in Hand Room

Childrenrsquos Sunday School meets at 1030 AM in the Community RoomNurseryNo Childrenrsquos Moments This Month

Communion will be served on Sunday September 7th

815 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel September 7 - Pastor Joey September 14 - Pastor Joey

September 21 - Sandra Smith September 28 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by September 17th for the October 2014 publication or email them to pattyfumcgmailcom

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 toFirst United Methodist Church of North Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue North Hollywood CA 91601

OPPORTUNITIES FOR WORSHIP

September 7 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 121-14 Ps 148 or (UMH 861) Rom 138-14 Matt 1815-20 September13 1413 Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost Grandparentrsquos Day Green Ex 1419-31 Ex 151b-11 20-21 or (UMH 135) Rom 141-12 Matt 1821-35

September 21 Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 162-15 Ps 1051-6 37-45 or Ps 78 or (UMH 799) Phil 121-30 Matt 201-16

September 28 Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost Green Ex 171-7 Ps 781-4 12-16 or (UMH 799) Phil 21-13 Matt 2123-32

Sunday Worship Services at 1030 AM in the Main SanctuaryAdult Sunday School meets at 915 AM in the Hand in Hand Room

Childrenrsquos Sunday School meets at 1030 AM in the Community RoomNurseryNo Childrenrsquos Moments This Month

Communion will be served on Sunday September 7th

815 AM Worship Services in Boyer Chapel September 7 - Pastor Joey September 14 - Pastor Joey

September 21 - Sandra Smith September 28 - Sandra Smith

Please have your articles for the Good News to the church office by September 17th for the October 2014 publication or email them to pattyfumcgmailcom

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 toFirst United Methodist Church of North Hollywood4832 Tujunga Avenue North Hollywood CA 91601