thought for the week:thought for the week: Blessed Are the PeAcemAkersBlessed Are the PeAcemAkers

A Publication of First Christian Church of North HollywoodA Congregation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Robert M. Bock, Senior PastorLouise Sloan Goben, Associate PastorChristi Anderson, Director of Children’s MinistriesJeremy Gillett, Director of Youth MinistriesAlfredo Gomez & Loydi Rivas Gomez, Pastor, Spanish Speaking CongregationYoung Lan Kim & Young Jun Yang, Korean Pastors

Volume LXI No. 50 July 6, 2016

Page � July 6, �016 First Christian news

My Dad often quoted something said by Ben Franklin after the U. S. Constitution was signed: “… in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Today I think Mr. Franklin might add: “… except death, taxes and change.”

Our world is constantly changing and the change is often so rapid we feel at a loss to understand. Self-driving cars are a typical example. Even ten years ago it was a concept in a designer’s brain. Today it is reality. I recently read that long range planning used to be considered ten to fifteen years out. Today long range planning, because of the rapid change in soci-ety, is thought to be three years out.

As always our children often seem the least af-fected with change. For over a decade “Drama Boot Camp” has been a summer camp run by Arden Mount and last year by Skye Noel. It was a masterful program, originated and directed by Arden and in-volved building sets, costumes, acting and stage work for children and youth. Arden and Skye were not able to continue the program this year so we changed directions. It was not without a bit of anxiety over the change that we went from a “play” to a “musical show”, the first within our summer camp program.

When we first talked to Jennifer Le’au about assuming the reins of our “drama camp” this year her first question was, “What would you think about a musical?” I think if it had been anyone but Jennifer

I would have said, “It won’t work in a one week summer camp.” However, I had seen what Jennifer did with over 150 children and youth last summer in Burbank. Her background and college degree are in musical theater. I knew if anyone could do it she could. But it was a change. We didn’t know how the campers would react, how a “show” could be pre-pared and performed in one week and if we would get the support from parents to help with memoriz-ing songs, dances and lines.

The bottom line is we took a leap of faith and went with the change. Jennifer wrote an original show, entitled “Summer Vacation”, including eight songs and dance routines involving all 32 campers. The “performers” had a marvelous time with a to-tally new experience and the parents were extremely supportive. The amazing thing, to me, was that they memorized every line, song and dance step and performed them flawlessly.

The children and youth performed the show last Friday evening in the Social Hall. It was almost an hour long with continual outbursts of applause from the audience. As with all camps, and regrettably so, it was a one-time only performance.

“Showcamp” will continue next year as part of our summer camp program. We hope to change-up the camp format by offering even more camps next summer and hopefully adding camps for our older youth who have grown from small children to bright and talented teenagers.

Change is a continual part of life. We’re always a bit cautious and a bit anxious. But we should never be fearful, especially when we’re working with bright, talented and fearless children.

Have a wonderful week. I look forward to seeing you in church on Sunday.

Pergé! Pastor Bob

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I read the book “Night,” by Elie Wiesel as a fresh-man in college. It has been among the most powerful books I have ever read. Last week Wiesel died at the age of 87. If you have not read this book, please take the time to do it. It is not a very long book - less than 150 pages. It recounts Wiesel’s experience as a teenager in both the Auschwitz and Buchenwald concentration camps. In addition to being a memoir, Night is a deeply spiritual book, asking the questions like; Where is God in the midst of this? Why was the world silent? In an age “when violence, repression and racism continue to characterize the world”* how do we remain passive, si-lent and complicit?

The same day that I read of Wiesel’s passing, I also read a meditation by Richard Rohr that began, “Spirituality is always eventually about what you do with your pain. It seems our culture has lost its own spiritual foundation and center, and as a result we no longer know what to do with universal pain. If we do not transform our pain, we will always transmit it--to our partner, our spouse, our children, our friends, our coworkers, our “enemies.”

Few of us will ever experience the trauma and pain that Wiesel describes in his books (thank God!) Yet, none of us are exempt from pain either, especially if we love. Jesus asks us to love – it is big risk! Love asks us to step outside ourselves and give wholly to another. Sometimes our hearts are broken when we do this when our love is not shared, or when the loved one dies, for example. We risk being swallowed by the pain, or we can allow ourselves to be transformed by the pain.

I think this is central to our understanding of Jesus and the cross. There are many who think that Jesus will protect us from pain or heartache or trials. I think that is a very naïve and even self-centered framework from which to live the Gospel story. The greater story inherent in the Gospel is about transformation/resurrection – be-ing somehow changed by love – God’s love in Christ. The paradox of Jesus’ passion and his resurrection is that even through the greatest of trials, even death God can

Healing Like Jesus

Keep Movin Keep MovinKeep Movin’

An exercise and fitness class for everyone. Led by Richard Roberts, member of FCC and a fitness instructor & personal trainer, these classes will include movement to strengthen balance and coordination, body alignment, flexibility, aerobic and anaerobic exercise, relaxation and muscle strengthening. We are asking for a donation of $10 per class, though no one will be turned away if the cost is an issue. Tuesdays at 3:00 & Thursdays at 11:00 in the Youth Hut. As Richard always says,

“make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) But we will be forever changed. We cannot, should not ever think that life will always be rosy once we get past the hurt. If love is real, our hurts may always bring us a sense of melancholy be-cause the love is still so very real to us. Rather, our pain can enlarge our hearts as we are able to enter into the pain of others. We become compassionate and respon-sive and present to the pain of the world.

All too often, the Christian message is not about this world and this life. We are focused on the here-after – personal salvation. When we live transformed lives in the present, “an utterly new attitude (Spirit) has been released in history; it’s a spirit of love, com-passion, and forgiveness. As Jesus prayed on the cross, “Father, forgive them, they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). (Rohr)

I pray that Wiesel’s modern witness to pain will continue teach us what to do with that pain, just as Jesus’ witness has done through the centuries.

Pastor Louise*“Holocaust Memory Keeper” Los Angeles Times, July 3, 2016

“Just keep movin’.”

Page � July 6, �016 First Christian news

I greet you in the Wonderful Magnificent name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I want share a few observations. First I am deeply grateful for the role FCCNH has in the lives of our youth. While during the school year we might have an expectation that our young people are in church on a regular basis, in the summer many go on ex-tended vacations, visit college campuses and partici-pate in other meaningful activities. Because I believe summer is a special time for youth to deepen their relationship with Christ, I celebrate that many of our young people remain active in the church during the summer months. I think this is a direct result of the many camping programs and engaging opportunities available to our young people through the church. Summer youth participation in Loch Leven camps, lo-cal mission trips, and regular Sunday worship services have been a blessing. As the new kid on the block, I marvel at what the church has done to reach out to our young people during the summer months. Although, it is hard to gage the interest of young people, I have observed our middle school and high school youth en-gaging the ministry and one another in important and impactful ways.

Second, while attending the performance for Showcamp last Friday evening, I observed a large in-flux of youth and parents that I hadn’t seen through-out the year. During conversations with the parents and youth, I heard, “ We love coming to this church for drama camp.” “ My kids only come to this church once a year and it’s for camps.” “My kids and I love your camps.” The underlining through line for most conversations was attendance at this church happens one week perhaps two weeks out of the year. I found this to be very interesting that over 50 new faces enter our campus every year for at least a week but they nev-er come back until camp season the following year.

From my conversations with many of you, I know

this observation is not breaking news.I believe FCCNH has something to offer these

seasonal family members and ask you to help me think about how best to engage them more often in the youth program. We know faith matters to young peo-ple and I am certain that during these summer months through the camping programs, worship and missions trips that the Lord is working in and around this place for those known and unknown to us. How FCCNH do we invite them all to join us on the journey?

~ Blessings,Jeremy Gillett

You don’t have to be a musician to be a part of Music Camp! Music Camp is July 25 - 29, 2016, and we’re looking for some awesome helpers to assist us in the following areas: Snack Time/Recess, Sign in/Sign Out, Classroom Assistant, Foodie Person, Camper Leader, Gig Hand.

Camp hours are 9am to 12:30pm, Mon.-Fri. For more info email: marygbarton@gmail. com or 818.679.8598.

Music Camp is happening July 25-29, 2016, and we’re always looking for instruments that anyone will loan us for the duration of that week. We need: small violins and cellos (1/4, 1/2 sizes), electric keyboards, acoustic guitars, flutes, clari- nets, and harps. All instruments need to be ready to play and labeled with the name/phone of the owner. If you have an instrument to loan, please email:marygbarton@gmail.com or 818.679.8598.

LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD INSTRUMENTS!

First Christian news July 6, �016 Page �

Upcoming fieldtrip to the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley,

on Tuesday, July 26 11am - First Christian Church Group Tour

“ Vatican Splendors:

A Journey Through Faith and Art ”

Check the website and newsletter for even more details.

To reserve your spot contact Rev. Louise in the Church Office

at 818-763-8218.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is the exclusive West Coast destination for Vatican Splendors: A Journey Through Faith and Art. This 10,000 square foot exhibition, comprising one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour the United States, includes historical and religious objects, some of which date to the first century, as well as works of art by Michelangelo, Bernini, Guercino and others.

We have arranged a group tour to travel to the Library to view this exhibit. The cost includes access to the entire Ronald Reagan Library with all its exhibits, including Air Force One.

Ticket costs are: $21.00 for seniors & $24.00 for adults. This is a discount of $5 per person off the regular admission cost to visit the Library. 25 tickets have been reserved.

For more information or to reserve your tour spot, please contact Pastor Louise at the church office, 818-763-8218.

FCCNH 2016 SUMMER CAMPS

HAVE BEGUN!• Taking place this week: Dance-Fit Camp II

• July 11-July 15: Vacation Bible School

• July 18-July 22: Art Camp

• July 25-July 29: Music Camp

• Aug.1-Aug. 5: Photography Camp

Please check our website (www.fccnh.org) or contact the church office at

818.763.8218 for registration information oo volunteer to help with any camp.

All Welcome...the Peace Pole is to symbolize the Oneness of Humanity and our common wish for World Peace. It is to remind us to think, speak, and act in the spirit of peace. At the base of the pole leave your silent or verbal prayers, your notes, your flowers, an offering of love. Let all of us in the community celebrate together in peace. May peace prevail on earth. –Byron ArmantroutThe Peace Pole located in the courtyard by the Lobby Entrance.

Break out the scarves and mittens on

Sunday,July 24th as we celebrate

“Christmas in July” at the 10am service.

This kicks off the T4K Tree Lot Operation Santa Claus and all Christmas activities!

Wednesday Meditation7:00 pm in the Chapel

July 6 - led by Pastor Louise (Centering Prayer) July 1 - led by Pastor Louise (Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry) July 20 - Meditation led by Alison Hawkins-Keogh & Byron Armantrout

Page 6 July 6, �016 First Christian news

Food Pantry VoLUntEEr ContaCtTransportation Teams:

Chris Wilkinson at 818.515.5753

ANOTHER WAy TO DONATEYou can now make recurring donations to the

Interfaith Food Pantry through the FCCNH web page (www.fccnh.org/Donate%20Cash).

THE FOOD PANTRY IS IN NEED OF:Canned tuna, canned chicken, rice, canned beans (pinto,

navy etc.), boxed cereal, diapers, powderd milk, baby food, peanut butter and tomato products!

Thursday 7/7#3 Rae Eiklor Mike Eiklor Ryan Eiklor Neil Eiklor Heather Hatch

Sunday 7/10Temple Closed -no pick up(Team 4)

Wednesday 7/13Volunteer Team

Thursday 7/14#5 Rosey Tamkin Shayne Tamkin Heather Hatch Barbara Erdahl Danny & Lilly Pino Derek Reisinger

Sunday 7/17#6 Kevin Kenney Heather Hatch Barbara Erdahl

JULY 11The Horn Blows at Midnight(1945) NRA

AUGUST 8Me, Earl and the Dying Girl(2015) PG-13

JULY 18Inside Out (2015) PG

AUGUST 15Les Miserables (1952) NR

JULY 25Of Gods and Men(2010) French, PG-13

AUGUST 22Jiro Dreams of Sushi(Documentary 2011) PG

AUGUST 1Big Miracle(2012) PG

AUGUST 29The Miracle Worker (1962) NR

Exciting News from Jefferson Beeker:

“I am excited to announce that it is now official. I am the new minister of Church In Bethesda, Bethesda, Maryland. My first day in the pulpit will be July 10. This wonderful and dynamic con-gregation is a powerful witness in the Washington, D.C. area. It is with humility and reverence that I join their ministry as together we proclaim the exciting news of Christ.”

First Christian news July 6, �016 Page �

We also want to continue to pray for peace, for wisdom for the world’s leaders, and for the people of all war-torn areas of our world.

Brian JohnsonJoshua BigbeePeter Morawek

Christopher A. Bernstein1st Battalion at PendletonChris Diaz

For those of you who know someone serving in the armed forc-es, as well as people serving in other capacities, we want to lift them up in prayer... please let us know when they come home!

ChUrCh StaFF

Robert M. Bock Senior Pastor

Louise Sloan Goben Associate Pastor

Alfredo Gomez Pastor, Spanish Speaking Congregation

Christi Anderson Director of Children’s Ministries

Jeremy Gillett Director of Youth Ministries

Tyana Parr Director of Children’s Choir

Joshua Elson Music Director

David Rigsby Organist

Christine Karasseferian Director of Finance and Human Resources

Sara Rushing Administrative Specialist

Diane Hirsch Administrative Assistant/Web Master/Publicity Coordinator

Terri Burton Church Publications

Michele Amundsen Wedding Director

Elmer Maldonado Building & Grounds Superintendent

Lauren Muscarella-Huizar Christian Nursery School Director

Miriam MancillaChristian Nursery School Assistant Director

Greg Kirkland Media Director

VoLUntEEr StaFFJosé Pretlow, Susan Marble, John Henry Kreitler, Jeff McFadden, Denise Ovaldson, Tom Louie, Richard Johnson, Martin Smith, Sound TechniciansLuis Oliart Security

In MEMorIaMEarle Immel Minister of Music EmeritusMerle E. Fish, Jr. Minister Emeritus

By Way oF rEPort

July 3, 2016____________________________

10:00 AM Worship 172 5:30 SpiritSong Worship 30 7:00 PM Evenlight Worship 8 7:00 PM Wednesday Worship 10 Sunday School Children 40 Sunday School Youth 18

10:00 AM Worship $5,933.00 4:00 PM Service En Espanol $139.00 5:30 PM SpiritSong Worship $824.00 7:00 PM Evenlight Worship $407.00 7:00 PM Wednesday Worship $28.00

Sunday School Children $7.00 Music Camp Donation $20.00

ToTal General offerinG $7,358.00

PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES VIA EMAIL TOterrib@fccnh.com

or in the office M-F from 9am to 5 pm.

is midnight sunday!

n e w s l e t t e r

First Christian News First Christian ChurCh oF north hollywood

a Congregation oF the Christian ChurCh

(disCiples oF Christ) 4390 ColFax avenue

north hollywood, CA 91604 - 2898

First Christian Church of North Hollywood818/763-8218 • FAX 818/763-8457Web Site: www.fccnh.orgemail: fccnh@earthlink.net

Pastor & senior editor Robert M. Bockart direction Terri BurtonWeb Master Diane Hirsch

Production services

Billie Kline Mary Ann SteutermanByron Armantrout

eMeritus

Lillian Carlson Heather KenneyMargaret Defibaugh Cathy MelendezFern Donald Chuck MontJean Johnson Wanda Kanoy Helen Scarna Kay SmithBetty Van Zanten Shirley McClure Deborah Wheeler Virginia StebbinsCindy Kaller

July 10, 201610:00 am Aliza Ramos (O) Young Jun Yang (C)5:30 pm Young Lan Kim7:00 pm Randy Carver

Diaconate: Cindy Caryl Angel Burgess Ann Jones Deborah Currin Ken Campbell Maura Ross Loretta Rodriguez Joey Vallero Sophia McIntosh Debbie Geraci

Upcoming Diaconate: July 17 Joan Norland & Toni Rossi July 24 Bill & Karen Drastal

THINK GREEN! PLEASE RECYCLE!NOTE: If you would like to receive this newsletter via Email, which saves

on printing/mailing costs and is better for the environment, please contact us. Annual subscription cost for first class mail version is $24.