Not What We Give But How We Live

REFLECTIONS
December 13, 2009

In his book, WISHFUL THINKING, A Seeker’s ABC, Fred Buechner shares the following about joy: “In the Gospel of John, Jesus sums up pretty much everything by saying. ‘These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.’ (John 15:11) He said it at the supper that he knew was the last one he’d have a mouth to eat. Happiness turns up more or less where you’d expect it to–a good marriage, a rewarding job, a pleasant vacation. Joy, on the other hand, is as notoriously unpredictable as the one who bequeaths it.”

In Philippians 4:4-6, Paul writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near, do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

Philippi was a city in Macedonia. A stop along a main trade route in an east to west direction in the Roman Empire. Thessalonians and Acts record that from the beginning some had opposed the Church at Philippi. This was the first Church established by Paul on European soil.

What is unique in this text is that Paul is emphatic in his instruction to live joyfully. So deliberate is his message, that he repeats himself. He encourages believers to a joyful, gentle, confident, response to whatever life brings. These words of encouragement are written while Paul himself is under house arrest. Which is a polite way of saying he is in prison.

Paul knew something the early believers didn’t, and we latter day followers too often forget. A life of faith is joy-filled. Though never devoid of detractors, opposition, pain, suffering, even death; a life in Christ is unique and unlike any we have known before. For Paul, a life of faith is a hope-filled, heaven-bound, joyous journey. In other words, anything put predictable. Perhaps he repeated his words not for emphasis, but because he sensed how quickly we forget!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Finding Our Way to Christmas

REFLECTIONS
December 6, 2009

Have you ever seen something that was there all along, but in some way you’ve just witnessed it for the first time. This is a bit like what happened to the religious leaders in Jerusalem when they went to see John the Baptist, as recorded in John. Though they were well aware of the prophetic stories in Isaiah foretelling of a messenger to come before the Messiah, either John or his message was not what they had in mind. When they came upon him they asked who he was and he told them he was not the Messiah. In Eugene Peterson’s translation of the Bible the story continues, they pressed him, “Who, then? Elijah?” “I am not”. “The prophet?” “No.” Exasperated they said, “Who then? We need an answer for those who sent us. Tell us something, anything about yourself.” “I’m thunder in the desert. ‘Make the road straight for God!’ I’m doing what the prophet Isaiah preached.”

Have you ever been in the desert during a thunder storm? Before the thunder comes a great light. This shines nearly bright as day. It is both awesome and revealing. Here John says that after the thunder he preaches, an even greater light will be revealed, but implicit in the narrative is that the people need a certain level of patience. The Bible story indicates this was not the case. To see something in a new light is the work of a patient soul, this in large measure is what Advent is all about. Think of Advent as a time of anticipation to be in deep thought considering all the facets of the powerful gift we are given at Christmas. However, somewhere along the way the prelude to the party which Advent was intended to be has become an extension of Christmas. It seems we throw out the Halloween pumpkins and immediately put up the Christmas lights. The malls and radio stations seem to play nothing but Christmas music from Thanksgiving on.

Early in my professional ministry (as opposed to the ministry we each are called as believers) armed with the high powered theological education I had acquired, I worked diligently to keep the seasons of Advent and Christmas clear and distinct within the context of worship. Then I began to note what the Bible records as murmuring. That bit of recreational griping which occurs when people are unhappy. On the second or third Sunday when we had not yet sung a Christmas carol, a parishioner or two would ask when this might happen. I would explain this was a separate season, sometimes even write an article on the theology and rationale. Yet every year this same pattern occurred. A beloved member faxed a list of favorite Christmas carols. This included Away in a Manger to Jingle Bell Rock. It was at this point I consulted a higher power. This is to say a more seasoned pastor. After listening to my story, my friend said the following, “Joey we both went to the same graduate school and received the same theological and liturgical training. What I have learned is that people want to sing Christmas carols. So we sing them early and we sing them all. Remember there is ample evidence Jesus was a Leo rather than a Sagittarian. Besides, the Advent and Christmas seasons are the greatest in terms of giving, so why not sing every one and be blest.” Who needs lightning or thunder when you have an old sage with a pen light pointing the way from rigid interpretation to a loving understanding of what Advent might actually be about?

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Online Spiritual Orders Cost Less

Reflections

Advent is an “in the meantime” event in the life of the Church. It is a time of waiting, a time of anticipation. On the calendar, it occupies the four Sundays between the last Sunday of Pentecost and the first Sunday of Christmastide. During this time we are invited to consider the coming of Christ into the world in the telling and remembering of the birth narrative of Jesus; through recalling the lives of Joseph and Mary. In the comparison and contrast of John the Baptist’s story we are given enough information to formulate an opinion. Ultimately, that opinion becomes a question.

What impact did the coming of Jesus have? The quick answer is we haven’t enough time or space to cover the impact of Jesus. The teachings, healings, miracles, and love of Jesus have lasted two thousand years and touched countless lives. The greater questions yet remain... What does his coming mean to you and me, here and now? What difference has this Babe in the manger made? What difference does the Carpenter from Nazareth make; even here, even now?

Perhaps the greatest question is what difference are we willing to allow Jesus to make in our lives? What burdens are we willing to let loose of? What healing are we willing to accept? What miracles are we willing to believe in? How much of his love are we willing to claim for ourselves? Our expectations can be as high as we choose.

In the season of anticipation, consider the gifts given in love, forgiveness, acceptance by the One known as Immanuel. There is no question that the gifts are given freely. Acceptance of God’s graciousness is a question we each must answer with our hearts.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Gospel According to Leonard Cohen

REFLECTIONS
November 22, 2009

Do you ever have the experience of reading something and hearing it as song? Better still have you looked at something and then realize in the visual, something which made the experience more rich? Several months ago while choosing scripture for worship, I read I Samuel 1:4-20. It is the story of Hannah going to the Temple at Shiloh to pray that God might give her relief from her barrenness. The priest of the temple, Eli, who upon witnessing her immersed in prayer assumes she is a drunken prostitute, and confronts her. Hannah protests and begins to explain her petition, however, the Priest either in mercy or perhaps it was embarrassment tells her that the prayer is answered. She leaves the burden lifted, the double blessing is in the next chapter, her pregnancy and birth of her son, Samuel, is told through a song she sings in chapter 2:1-10. This song of Hannah is one which Mary, the mother of Jesus, knew by heart and she would use this as the pattern for her own song about the birth of her Son, recorded in the first chapter of Luke’s gospel.

When I read the exchange between Hannah and the Priest Eli, the words became as music. Not a traditional hymn or lite lyrical piece, rather I heard the words as a Leonard Cohen song. If you think you don’t know his work, you are probably wrong. He is a prolific songwriter and many artists have recorded his music. His voice for some may be an acquired taste, however, I find his style moving and deeply spiritual. He writes and sings with a precision and edge which explores life fully, and freely exposes its flaws and quirks.

Hannah is the barren yet favored wife of Elkanah. His other wife Peninnah belittles and badgers Hannah making her life miserable. Hannah has come to the temple seeking relief from the torment and if a miracle is possible, a son to call her own. The priest is a doofus (a technical theological term) but not without power as God’s agent in Shiloh. When Hannah leaves that temple, she knows something is different but is not aware of exactly what transpired. Which brings me that question of seeing and not fully experiencing.

A while back Sue and I were having coffee at an outdoor mall. While talking, we took notice as a young family came out onto the patio. A mom, dad, perhaps an uncle and two little girls perhaps three and five years old. The girls began dancing immediately. They heard the music I had been deaf to or at least ignoring. Sue and I looked at each other and laughed as they danced with wild abandon, emitting a freedom I simply don’t recall.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Salvation Is Not An Equation, But A Process

REFLECTIONS
November 8, 2009

A past L. A. Times article told of a football player’s struggles to balance a new marriage, along with school work and sports. The part of this story that is unique was how he came to play football. Having grown to early adolescence in a country where football was not played, he tried out for a soccer team and knew something was different when he was given a helmet. How he came to the United States in the first place was quite unusual, along with what his family left behind.

His father was a successful businessman in Egypt, but fearing his children would be at a disadvantage in choices for schools and jobs, he brought his family to America. Christianity is a minority religion in Egypt and its adherents are at a marked disadvantage when applying to colleges and seeking employment.

The father had money and position, but he knew his children would not have an equal opportunity, so he left his homeland bringing only what little they could carry and very little money. Since coming to the U. S., he has supported his family by working fifty hours a week in a gas station for minimum wage. Instead of enjoying the fruits of his labor, he sacrificed his wealth and in some measure his health for his children.

In terms of fiscal management this story is a disaster. For a middle-aged man to leave a successful business and money in the bank for an uncertain future seems silly at best. On the other hand, from a standpoint of spiritual management, this story is awesome. In the story, the son spoke of how overwhelmed he is by the generosity of his dad. He is committed to doing his best in school and in sports not because he hopes to become a professional football player, but because he desires to live toward the gift he has been given.

We come now to the end of another financial campaign. Letters have been written, words of encouragement given, each intended to inspire and enliven our sense of stewardship. The questions ever before us, in terms of stewardship, is what does generous giving look like? For some it is easy, generosity has to do with decimal points and the number of zeros following. For others, it has to do with human care and commitment, the kind having been paid by the saints of history. In this body of believers many, and many more unknown, have risked greatly in terms of dollars and faith for us to be where we are now.

In the story just shared about the football playing Egyptian, one thing is fair to assume. If asked what generosity looked like, the son would say, “just like my dad.” Long ago a pledge was written in a language we don’t understand by Someone whose motives confused the world and overwhelm us still. How silly are we to think we can cover that generosity with what we have in the bank.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Rest When You're Dead, Do Something Now

Reflections
November 1, 2009

Under the guise of scholarship, thoughtful individuals seek to know and explain the mysteries of life. Therefore, we know the why of rainbows involve ambient moisture and refracted light. Moreover, the Biblical concept becomes interesting upon finding the creation story is tied to a tradition five thousand years old and the earth is several billion years old. How then do we reconcile a six day creation?

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because in tone, text, and tenor they have much in common. The Gospel of John however stands apart. John offers no birth narrative or manger scene. The Jesus in this Gospel is said to have been with God at creation. John uses imagery to describe Jesus. We are told Jesus is Word, Flesh, and Light. John shares the power of Jesus' ministry in teaching and through miracles, but especially in the stories of healing. Without equivocation or regard to status Jesus heals. Insider or outcast it makes no difference. The Sabbath or not, John tells us Jesus has no concern about convention, his care is for the hearts and souls of the people.

In Chapter 11:1-45 Jesus is called to heal his friend Lazarus of Bethany. He is the brother of Mary and Martha and they have sent word of need. Yet before Jesus arrives Lazarus dies. Mary and Martha alternate between chastising Jesus for coming too late to heal their brother, and celebrating what they assume is the final resurrection when Jesus tells them Lazarus will be raised.

The power of the story is found first in the depth of emotion Jesus shows when told of the death of his friend. Scholars can discern this because the word used for those who week with Mary in verse 32, and the words used for Jesus weeping in verse 35 are different. The first having to do with a public kind of expression the second having to do with personal sorrow. Secondly, the true power of this passing is seen not in the raising of Lazarus, but in the expectation Jesus shares and John records. Jesus expects believers to find life in him, and to share that life with others. The love of God intends for us to be engaged in a life that begets a loving creation.

So do things need to be explained? As a young man an incident happened that caused me to think I needed to explain it in detail to some people close to me. I sought the advice of my dad and he said never explain yourself to those who care about you because they don't need it, and those who don't care about you have already made up their mind. Speaking of my dad, he loved rainbows; as a child when I asked him where they came from, he said the Bible. They are a visual promise of God's presence with us. It should come as no mystery that each and every time I see a rainbow, my father, thought dead since 1985, is very much alive in my heart.

Where we get stuck as modern people is with the notion of resurrection. We want empirical evidence, and seek to unravel the mystery of how and why? John's Gospel does not explain; it simply tells the story. Lazarus slept. Jesus wept. The crowd unbound and wondered.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church, 4832 Tujunga Ave.,
No.Ho., CA 91601

Of Braying Mules and Blessed Bluebirds

REFLECTIONS
October 25, 2009

Scholars believe that Psalm 34 and Job 42 are related in some manner. The words from Job follow a pattern of his consultants and family, harping after him like a herd or braying jackasses, that the evil which has befallen him has to be of his own doing, while Job insists his heart is pure, and a fair hearing by God will resolve the situation. Conversely, the Psalmist writes openly of God’s protective ways. In verse eight the Psalmist states, “O taste and see the Lord is good, happy are those who take refuge in him.” Then to underscore this gift in verse nineteen, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all. He keeps all their bones; not one of them will be broken.” The author takes a spiritual dilemma, and evokes an incantation of birdsong.

Have you ever been in a tight spot, feeling the pounding of your blood in your temples, the tightness in your throat at the thought of speech, the emergence of pain at the thought of movement? Then stepping outside because the air inside would not move through your lungs, you hear it. A chirp, two tweets, a trill, and then a full blown symphony coming directly to you from the sidewalk, between the stale cigarette butts and the old residue of squashed gum. The source is a little bird with a lung capacity smaller than a dime, and a beak so tiny a cracker crumb would fill it. Yet her voice is so powerful and pure that it drowns out traffic on one of the busiest streets in the city. All you had been burdened by a few moments ago has evaporated, the only interest now is to sit and absorb the musical gift at hand.

So it is each day in life. Do we succumb to the nagging negativity? To those who drone on about what is wrong with the world? Might we instead tilt our heads and tune our ears to the dissonant voice of hope in the midst of our fears, calling us to leave our seats and join in the dance of grace in the name of the One we know as love. When given the choice each day of being either a jackass or a bluebird, the choice seems most obvious. Yet for some of us the distance between Eeyore and middle E is a bit too close for comfort.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Know Weaknesses But Live Strenghts

REFLECTIONS

October 18, 2009

Years ago in a psychology class, as an assignment, each student had to take a personal inventory exam. There was a variety of such exams by various authors, but the general purpose was to sort out personality tendencies and learning styles, and then seek for ways to improve one’s effectiveness professionally. The pattern to the exam was to ask questions about perceived strengths, then weaknesses, finally moving to hopes, dreams, or aspirations. Most people struggle with the notion of exploring weakness. After all, who among us is unaware of our most minuscule personal weakness?

Everyone has some strengths to draw from. The difficulty is how to keep latent fears from surfacing thereby causing strengths to be undermined by perceived weakness. Too great a focus on weakness would seem to perpetuate weakness rather than nurture strength. At worst it can undermine the fibre of who and what we are about. It is essential to keep perspective in life especially with regard to self and abilities. A few months ago I read a story about personal success in which the game of Baseball was used as an illustration. The phrase as I recall it was, “What do you call a hitter who gets a hit in one of three attempts? A multimillionaire.” This is true because a ballplayer who gets a hit just one third of the time is batting over three-hundred which translates into a very lucrative contract.

What might this have to do with you and me and the price of peanuts? Just about everything. More recently I was watching a baseball game and the commentators mentioned the player next to bat had no success against the pitcher. They spoke a great deal about the fact that he had not gotten a hit in fifteen previous at bats. They continued this when he entered the batter’s box, but before they could go on he hit the second pitch for a single allowing the winning run to score. When asked after the game if he was aware of this statistic, he answered, “Of course, but I am paid to hit the ball not lament my previous efforts, so that is what I did.” While we are not paid to believe, part of our strength is the wealth we find in a spiritual existence and the knowledge that if we allow, God brings out the best in us. Life is not about winning in the sporting sense, and we may never be able to hit a curve ball. However, a desire to strive to be engaged in life in the name of love each day does sound like a winning proposition.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Laity Sunday

REFLECTIONS
October 11, 2009

Most lay persons do not spend a great deal of time thinking about their ministry. They leave what they consider ministry to clergy. After all clergy are set aside for Ordination by local congregations. Clergy are educated at fine graduate theological schools, examined and credentialed by Boards of Ordained Ministry and ordained by Bishops at Annual Conferences. However, it would be a huge mistake to underestimate the Ministry of the Laity. In the sixteenth century Martin Luther turned the religious world on its ear when, while leading the Protestant Reformation, he announced the order of “The Priesthood of All Believers.” By this he meant that all who believed by virtue of their faith had a holy obligation to act in ministry. What he declared in fairly clear terms was the future of the Church, in terms of community and institution, belonged not to the sanctified in the pulpits, but to the saints in the pews.

In the past twenty years or so, experts in congregational development looking over statistical data regarding church growth have begun to notice Pastors do not necessarily make churches grow. While it would be too simple to say pastoral leadership has nothing to do with church growth, there is a more powerful singular element. This would be the congregation. The numbers show that more than eighty percent of the time people come to a house of worship because they have been invited. Of course, some come because they see something in terms of advertisement or outreach in the newspaper or on television. More importantly, people stay with a congregation and get involved because they feel a sense of invitation, to be involved and find a way to express their gifts in ministry.

You will notice that brilliant preaching, programs, or outstanding music were not the primary draws. A theology of hospitality, along with a caring and nurturing atmosphere are the most powerful elements necessary for a dynamic congregation. My mentor in early ministry had a favorite saying regarding the primary relationship between lay persons and clergy. “The primary task between a pastor and a congregation is to be partners in the gospel.” This simple phrase has served me well and blessed me enormously.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Do You Have A God Tattoo?

REFLECTIONS
October 4, 2009

Some behavior theorists believe we are the sum total of our life experiences. For example, I am a child of the sixties. This is the decade where I came to full maturity. This was a time of rebellion against authority and cultural norms. Rebellion against my parents seemed silly to me because I liked them. The long hair and different clothes, I rather liked. I still do. However, I admit a certain gratitude that no pictures of me in a silk paisley shirt, or cranberry cords with pink patch pockets has survived.

We have a myriad of ways to mark events in our lives. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, all are tied to dates on a calendar. We make note of these events year after year. Of course, the dates are not always positive. Yet they leave their mark on our hearts just the same. Those of us who have been around long enough can name dates such as November 22, 1963, April 4, 1968, June 4, 1968, September 11, 2001. These months and years book mark sad times in the collective heart and mind of this country. If you were around for any of the dates, you remember exactly where you were.

Events whether personal or global mark us. They leave something of the time and we carry it forward with us as we journey. The author of Hebrews writing to new converts to Christianity speaks mostly about the superiority of the Christian to other religious traditions. The writer shares the concept of a “spiritual imprint,” opening the letter with these words: “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days God has spoken to us by a Son, whom God appointed heir of all things, through who God also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being and he sustains all things by his powerful word.” The words were meant as formative training for the emerging first century churches. They were to pattern themselves after the life of Jesus, and in so doing their lives would be imprinted.

This pattern exists yet today. For when we gather to worship both individually and corporately, our hope is to experience holiness. We seek the touch of God in the hymns and prayers. This is especially true in the sacrament of Communion. In the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup, we claim the real presence of Christ with us at table. If we take this seriously, how can we not be imprinted by love, marked by grace, or touched by a holy hope?

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Prayer Is An Answer Not A Question

REFLECTIONS
September 27, 2009

I was taught a very common children’s prayer as a child, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake. I pray the Lord my soul to take.” The prayer would continue with a series of God bless mom, dad, brother, sister, dog, cat and any other elements a young mind could think of to add. While modern spiritual formation tells us this probably is not the best prayer to teach a youngster it was easily memorized and frequently taught. My favorite prayer was the grace before meals. “God is good, God is great, we thank thee for this daily food by your hands we all are fed, we thank you for this daily bread, Amen.” The point for me was to say the prayer in one sentence with one breath in less than ten seconds if possible. At first these prayers seem formulaic, pedantic, over simplistic, or any number of critical thoughts which one may care to lift. However, at least someone took the time to teach them.

In my late teens as I was struggling with a call to ministry, (which I eventually answered in my mid-twenties) my mother asked me about my prayer life. I shared that it was much the same as she had taught me as a child. She shared that there was much more to prayer as an adult. More important still, she talked to me about her own prayer life and then helped me begin to form a more mature approach to prayer. When my mother prayed, she spoke directly to God as if she had immediate access. She prayed as one seeking advise and council. She was confident and trusting as if speaking to a friend. These were concepts I had not considered before. She made clear what she was asking for in prayer. Guidance from God for her and her family, and for a sense of protection, calm and council not things or possessions, but divine care for family, community and country. She later told me of a time when we were moving from Dearborn, Michigan to Connecticut about praying for the sale of the family home and promising more than a tithe to the Church. I asked if it worked. She said before I prayed we had no offers, and afterward we had two. I asked if she gave the money to the Church and she said you know I did, I gave my word to God. When I suggested that this was a bit like asking for money, she was quick to say to the contrary. I wasn’t seeking material gain except for the purpose of caring for my family. When I asked about the donation she smiled and said “I gave the money to the pastor, in cash.” I said how do you know the money went to the Church? My mom laughed out loud and said, “Silly, my prayer was to give the money to God not a minister. In my heart that is what was done.”

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Is A Cauliflower A Cabbage With A PHD?

Reflections

September 20, 2009

What does it mean to be wise? Is it like art or pornography, individual in that we know it when we see it? Perhaps it is like good food, we know it when we experience it. According to the dictionary, wisdom (that is to be wise) is "characterized by marked deep understanding, keen discernment, and a capacity for sound judgment." At some level though experiencing wisdom involves perspective.

The author, Mark Twain, allegedly said of his father, "At seventeen I couldn't believe how stupid he was; then at twenty one I was amazed at how much the old man had learned." Whether true or not, Twain had different experiences of his father over time. One might say he experienced wisdom. At the very least, he wised up.

The Book of Proverbs is from the part of the Bible known as Wisdom Literature. This part of the Scripture contains poetry, aphorisms, and religious sayings. All intended to enlighten and inform people of faith. The sayings on love and service which Jesus used, along with his teachings in parables, reflect his understanding of wisdom literature.

It is true one can grow through wise sayings and learning, Biblical and otherwise. In Pudd'nhead Wilson's Calendar Mr. Twain writes, "Training is everything. The peach was once a bitter almond; cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education." Later in the text he writes, "Put all your eggs in the one basket and - WATCH THAT BASKET." Wise and thought provoking sayings.

Modern Biblical scholars have taken time to explain that throughout Proverbs wisdom is referred to in the feminine gender. Specifically, wisdom is a woman. Once author has taken the time to explain the sense of this thinking, by extolling the virtues of women's intuition and nurturing qualities. Another simply suggests that God was merely using a first person pronoun in the Proverbs reference. In a moment of enlightenment, I believe it sound judgment to end this reflection now. This wisdom stuff is grand!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Banner Over Us Is Love

REFLECTIONS
September 13, 2009

Psalm 19 is a hymn to God as creator of the universe and the origin of the Law. Much powerful music has been penned to illustrate this concept. Three which illustrate these ideas are found in our United Methodist Hymnal. The first stanza of How Great Thou Art, (written by Stuart Kine in 1953) reads “O Lord my God: when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made, I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed.” There needs to be in the heart of every believer a sense of wonder, a willingness to appreciate the power of creation.

Another popular hymn which illustrates this understanding of the creative spirit is the hymn, Morning Has Broken, (written by Eleanor Farjeon and arranged by Carlton Young). The middle verse finds the words: “Sweet the rain’s new fall sunlit from heaven, like the first dew fall on the first grass. Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden, sprung in completeness where his feet pass.” Here the import of the message seems to be that in God, creation is whole, full and right. The law of life is found not in judgment, but in the creative and enduring movement of God.

The words to Be Thou My Vision, (translated from ancient Irish by Mary E. Byrne in 1905 and arranged by Carlton Young in 1963) have in them the implicit sense of law found in Psalm 19. The opening verse is so powerful and forthright: “Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, naught be all else to me, save that Thou art. Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

We so often see the work of law as a literal event as in the black and white of the printed page. However, Biblically law is bound in relationship. This is the nature of Covenant; at base, a simple form of contract. God says, “I will be your God, if you agree to be my people.” While there are commandments set forth in writing, even in stone, the bonding agent, the signature and seal in the hymns we sing cannot be legalistic tones set in concrete. Rather they must be rooted in love and bound for heaven, for the glory of God must be told indeed.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

It's Not Just The Way It Is

REFLECTIONS
September 6, 2009

Mark 7:24-37 contains two stories of healing. Jesus is in the region of Tyre. He enters a home seeking some quiet and rest, having just argued with the Pharisees over tradition and cultural practice. He tells them plainly in verse eight “You leave plainly the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.” The text records that immediately (a word Mark used more than any other Gospel writer) a woman appears at the door begging that Jesus heal her young daughter who is demon possessed. The story tells us she is a Syrophoenician and a woman. For these reasons alone Jesus would normally have nothing to do with her. In fact he refers to the possibility of attending to her needs as an act of throwing the food for the children of Israel to the dogs. The woman persists arguing that even dogs deserve crumbs which have fallen from the table. In verse twenty-nine Jesus says, “For saying that, you may go- the demon has left your daughter.” When the woman went home she found her daughter healed. Vs30

The other story in this passage finds Jesus in the region of the Decapolis. (a federation of ten cities in eastern Palestine) Here people bring to Jesus a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment. They beg him to heal the man. Jesus takes the man aside and heals him in private. Jesus then commands those witnessing the healing to remain quiet about it. They of course do not.

These healing stories appear in a slightly different form in Matthew 14:21-28. In Mark they appear between very public feeding miracles found in chapter six and eight. The significance seems to be that in the face of cultural norms and practices, the love of God pushes us to move in mercy. In both the healing stories in Mark it appears at first glance that Jesus is reluctant to heal. However, when pressed his emphasis in always loving kindness. In a liturgy from the 1964 Methodist Hymnal there is a Communion prayer which parallels the woman’s response in Mark. “We do not presume to come to this thy table, O merciful Lord, trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather up the crumbs under thy table. But thou art the same Lord, whose property is always to have mercy. Grant us therefore, gracious Lord, so to partake of this Sacrament of thy Son, Jesus Christ, that we may walk in newness of life, may grow into his likeness, and may evermore dwell in him, and he in us. Amen” (p832)

What is so powerful in the words from Mark is the simple fact they show Jesus changing his mind. When given the option of judging the woman as unclean and unworthy because she is female and a foreigner, Jesus will not do so. When given the opportunity to make a spectacle of healing Jesus chooses to keep it quiet. Each of us with more than ten minutes service in the Church have some very concrete ideas as to the what and how of church organization in general and spiritual practice in specifics. What we see in the model of Jesus is a fluidity of faith and practice which confuses and frightens us if we are honest.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Art Of Seeing And Saying Goodness

Reflections
August 30, 2009

When growing up I remember my parents saying often, "If you don't have anything good to say about someone, remain silent." Though they didn't always practice this to perfection, neither did they go out of their way to disparage others with mean spirited evaluations.

We live in a time and space where everyone is a critic. All that is needed is a computer and an opinion. Instead of the old forum of writing letters to persons who have offended or to the editor of a local paper, people can now post their comments in an ongoing online format. This means of communication is powerful, and at times effective in terms of negative impact. This is true in part because people are in general more inclined to share negative thoughts and attitudes, especially if they can remain anonymous which is possible from a computer. This literary action is known as blogging, and while possible in the affirmative, for the most part seems to be action reserved for those who live by the power of negative thinking.

While the author of Psalm 45 writes in an open and unrestrained manner, the method and means of the writing is to lift high the positive aspects of human existence. The verses are filled with superlatives extolling God's blessings upon the subject of this Psalm.

What we say and sometimes what we may fail to say, speaks volumes about what we believe. Though we carry with us every wound and slight which has come our way, we need not be bound to, or burdened by such baggage. The love of God calls us to look beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary promise carried in God's love for us. We have a choice each day our feet hit the floor. Will we choose to be harbingers of superficial criticism, or ambassadors of superlative care and love?

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Webers, Oroweat, Or Jesus?

Reflections
August 23, 2009

One of my favorite hymns for Communion is One Bread, One Body. An original composition by John B. Foley written in 1978. It appears on page 620 of The United Methodist Hymnal. Using 1 Corinthians 10:16-17; Galatians 3:28 and 1 Corinthians 12, Mr. Foley provides a beautiful musical setting for understanding the meaning of a gathered community.

The refrain of the hymn both invites into and offers us a way to live. One bread, one body, one Lord of all, one cup of blessing which we bless. And we, though many throughout the earth, we are one body in this one Lord."

When we gather in worship, we each bring (as the tortoise) our very lives on our backs. We come from different places with different frames of reference, and different understandings and perhaps expectations of life. Yet, we come with a common hunger. A similar hope. A like desire. We seek to nourish a spiritual need. We want to know the will of God for ourselves. We yearn to be more complete as people of faith. In worship, (especially when we celebrate Communion), we can accomplish all of those things and more.

We come knowing all have been invited. The Open Table we celebrate as United Methodists is based in the belief that the invitation comes not from the household of faith but from The Lord of Life. We come knowing we are not alone. Others, like ourselves, frail, and fractured people, come seeking grace and assurance. We, are believers within the Body, stand with and for one another; thus strengthening the fabric of faith, individually and corporately. We come knowing our differences make no difference to God. Our ancestry, income, real estate holdings, schooling, or station in life is not the question God asks of us. Whether we seek justice and act in loving kindness is more likely.

When we gather in One Spirit, one in God, we can become one in deed, indeed. Then we, as many, can go throughout the earth proclaiming the hope of a God who gathers us at table, then sends us forth to share the love and hope we have known in the breaking of the bread and sharing of the cup.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Your Heart's a Jukebox, God Has The Quarters

Reflections
August 16, 2009

In the play, Twelfth Night, by Shakespeare, the line is uttered "If music be the food of love play on." Indeed music would seem to be that which nourishes humanity. Old songs can bring back memories. Love songs can bring a tear to an eye. Music has a way of getting inside of us and sometimes comes out whether we want it to or not. Sociologists tell us that all societies and cultures have a central place for music especially in the gathered community. For those within the faith tradition this meant gathering and singing the Psalms. As modern worshipers this might seem a bit arcane, yet this was the common style of liturgical worship until the sixteenth century. At this time in the throws of the Protestant Reformation new styles of music began to be written and performed for Church settings.

As you might imagine not everyone was delighted with the "New Music." This is no less true today. Every once in a while a person will ask why we sing modern music in Church. The answer is twofold. First, if all the music we sing is from a long past century, we are liable to forget the era in which we reside, and more importantly, if we are to witness to the current generation we must do so in a manner relevant to modern ears. "Be though my Vision" is a moving hymn to me. It was part of the liturgy used when I was ordained so it touches me deeply every time I sing it. "Star Child," from The Faith We Sing hymnal is a Christmas hymn which I cannot sing without tearing up. Another from The Faith We Sing hymnal which touches me is "Cry of My Heart." Composer Terry Butler writes: "Teach me your holy ways, O Lord, so I can walk in your truth. Teach me your holy ways, O Lord, and make me wholly devoted to you. (The refrain) It is the cry of my heart to follow you. It is the cry of my heart to be close to you. It is the cry of my heart to follow all of the days of my life."

There exists within notes and lyrics a transformative and mysterious element. How else can I explain that at certain times, in certain seasons, when I sing certain songs I hear my parents' voices and sense their very presence. The why of music having such power is not very complicated for me. It seems to me that the gift of song is one bestowed on creatures by our creator. An internal blessing which when fed by grace comes out naturally.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Of Dust Bunnies And Designer Faith

Reflections
August 9, 2009

In Ephesians 4:25-5:2 we see how to, what for and why of Paul's understanding with regard to faith and practice. He is writing to a community struggling with pagan practices and other believers who believe their teaching is greater than his.

Paul begins by telling the readers what to do in faithfulness. Don't lie, steal or use anger inappropriately. For by behaving differently, believers distinguish themselves from those living falsely. In addition, he urges believers to not grieve the Spirit. His understanding being that the Spirit protects and nurtures believers, thus inappropriate behavior would interfere with the work of the Spirit. He includes, in the instruction, the suggestion that people of faith are to imitate God in the way they respond to life.

Charles Caleb Colton, the nineteenth century English minister, authored the phrase, "Imitation is the sincerest of flattery." Since flattery can be defined as insincere, of excessive praise stemming from self-interest, why would the Holy need our imitation of flattery? Of course God needs neither from us. However, when we repeat in our daily existence, the love, grace, and forgiveness we have known from God; the blessings of faith become real. When we act as forgiven people and in turn forgive others, healing happens and hope abounds. When we act as if we are loved and treat those around us with love; the atmosphere in which we live becomes more rich and full.

We are called, according to Paul, to imitate God, not to become godlike but to become more human, effective and able as children of God. In the retail world, copies of expensive items are called "knock offs," a polite word for a good fake. The love of God made real in Jesus is meant to inspire real change in us and from us. Anything less is a poor imitation.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Between A Baker and The Bread of Life

Reflections
August 2, 2009

What is the most nourishing thing we can do each day? Health and nutrition experts tell us we need to start each day with a good breakfast. In the movie Forrest Gump the main character runs across the United States and back. A news reporter asks about his routine and Forrest responds in a simple thoughtful manner that he sleeps when tired, eats when hungry and breaks for the rest room when needed. Without elaboration or profundity we are told how the journey is possible.

The life and ministry of Jesus works just so. In the sixth chapter of John's Gospel, Jesus, after feeding the five thousand in Galilee, is followed to Capernaum by a large crowd. When they ask him how long he has been there his response is unusual. "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life..." vv. 26-27

So begins the saying, "there is no free lunch." Jesus reminded the listeners that the signs and wonders they witnessed did not impress them as much as the dividing of the loaves and fishes. He goes on to say that "the bread of life," he offers endures long past the need for physical sustenance.

We've all seen the bumper sticker or kitchen magnet that says, "Life is a journey not a destination." This scripture passage reminds us that this is especially true for a life of faith. Too often we become stuck by what we believe we can or cannot do, or locked into an understanding chiseled in stone leaving no room for revealed truth, forgiveness or hope.

We all need bread for the journey of life. I personally need ice cream and peanut butter cookies as well. For nourishment in our daily walk of faith, all that is required is the Bread of Heaven and our open hearts willing to partake. Now let's eat!

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Love Makes a Difference, Imagine That

Reflections
July 26, 2009

In defining love as a noun, Webster's Dictionary writes, "1. strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties (maternal for a child) 2. attraction based on sexual desire, affection, and tenderness felt by lovers 3. affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interest..." When defining love as a verb Webster's writes, "1. to hold dear; cherish 2. to feel a lover's passion, devotion, or tenderness for 3. to like or desire actively..."

The Gospels record that when pressed on the greatest commandment of God, Jesus responded with two above all others. "And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, to test him. Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets." Mt. 22:35-40

For Jesus, the law of love is clear. People of faith are people of active devotion. We are to love God in a demonstrative manner. Our inner most selves are to be set toward the One who created us. The thoughts, hopes, and dreams we have are to actively reflect the love we have for God. Likewise, we are to love those in our midst as we love ourselves. This is a little more difficult. First, because self love and self indulgence share a continent with common borders. Self nurture and narcissism can be cruel partners. Furthermore, we live in a time of comparisons which can lead to self loathing more readily than self liking. Advertisements drown us with stark reminders of our imperfections. We see perfect models in perfect clothes in perfect surroundings enticing us to be uncomfortable with who we are, and perhaps loathe those who seem so perfect, or ourselves because we are not.

The Law of Love to which Jesus pointed is perfect because it is rooted in the Holy. God did not create us to be perfect. We are who we are, cellulite, spare tires, warts, and all; God's creatures. The object of God's desire created in love to be creatively loving. The difficulty, of course, is getting it through our delicate psyches that if God loves us that we might consider loving God back, and perhaps love ourselves and those around us. However, defining love or contemplating it is much easier than acting on it.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Does Jesus Twitter?

Reflections
July 19, 2009

There is a saying that when we talk to God it is considered prayer, however, when we find God talking to us we are considered addled. I can say with some confidence that most mature people of faith have a few stories to tell around these issues. In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is dealing with new believers who are receiving a great deal of spiritual information all at once, and not all of it from reliable sources.

Paul set out first to remind the community at Ephesus that they started out not knowing God, and it is only through the way of Jesus that their minds and hearts have been opened to another possible way to live. The phrasing he uses is almost poetic, “Remember that you were at that time without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise... but now you who were once far off have been brought near by his love. So then you are no longer strangers or aliens, but citizens along with the saints and also members of the household of God..” vv 11-12, 118-19

There was a great deal of consideration and argument over who belonged in the Christian community; on who was in and more importantly who was out. Determination of those belonging was at that time left to those who worshiped legalism wherein the many laws of Judaism were used as a matrix for the early followers of Jesus as the Christian tradition was emerging. Another common pattern in the early Church was for believers to attempt to carry their Native religious practices into the early Christian Church. Their validation was often said to come from the leading of the spirit. In Ephesus Paul is dealing with such an issue. The people believed they understood the word of God and the way of Jesus better than Paul and the early Church leaders, and Paul seeks to set them straight. Because Paul has first hand experience with answered prayer along with an active understanding of what Holy dialogue sounds and feels like his hope is to get the good people to listen a bit more before they speak. To we who live in a time of instant text messaging, and know first hand the power of the blog, this can seem a bit humorous.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Currency of Grace

Reflections
July 12, 2009

What are we willing to spend to have some sense of holiness in our lives? The question, of course, deals not with monetary values, but with theologic investment. Frederick Buechner, author and theologian, puts this in his writing about the concepts we find in faith. For the act of believing he writes, “Eternal life is not the result of believing in. It is the experience of believing.” He says of the term grace. “A good laugh is grace, so is a good cry. To witness a sunrise or a sunset is to experience grace. However, in the end what is remarkable with regard to grace is, there is nothing we can do to earn it. There is, nothing, we can do to earn it. There is nothing, we can do to earn it.”

Grace is the unmerited gift of God’s love we experience in relationship with Jesus. We cannot earn it. We cannot buy it. We cannot claim it. It comes because God’s love for us is greater than our ability to comprehend. It is a dividend we receive with our own investment. Something we earn without working for. At some basic level the best way we can hope for, in terms of understanding, is to seek to know the natural relationship God has with creation, especially human creation. God creates in the name of love. God loves in spite of disobedience, not because of obedience. Finally, God loves us because it is God’s nature, rather than our ability to will God’s love.

Throughout the letter to the Ephesians the Apostle Paul writes about the claim and cost of discipleship. In chapter three, he offers a prayer that the people will be blessed by grace to receive the wisdom of Christ which will lead them into an effective life of faith.

Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer knew something of this experience. He escaped Germany as Adolph Hitler came into power in the late 1930's. He came to the United States with the offer of a teaching post. However, in the safety of academia he felt God leading him home to confront the threat of hatred and totalitarianism. He returned to Germany and was among the last executed by the Third Reich before their defeat. His actions illustrate one of his most famous statements about faith. “Grace is free, but it is never cheap”. What makes it valuable is the courage to act in the name of love.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood , CA 91601

Self Centered Faith Won't Work

Reflections
July 5, 2009

Here we are with a year half gone. For some this is a time to pause and reflect on the long lists made in January. For others a time to access the work done thus far, and for others still there remains a need to rethink, even perhaps regroup in light of the time.

In spiritual matters this process is no less complicated. People who strive to improve in the ways and means of faith move on a path fraught with the frailty of human existence. Paul in his letter to the Romans then expresses his own struggle in the midst of theirs. I know that all of God’s commands are spiritual, but I am not always. Is this not your experience as well? I decide to act one way then, I act another doing things I absolutely despise...this is why the love and command of God is necessary.” vv12-13 The Message

Like so many of us Paul struggled with personal limitations. Most of the chapter deals with his deep sharing of regret over, in his words, doing those things he did not want to do, and doing the very things he wanted not to do. There is an old Communion liturgy based in part on the Anglican Book of Common Prayer which uses similar language, “We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things which we ought not to have done.” At the end of the chapter the Apostle, nearly beside himself with frustration over his limitations, says, “I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I am at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions...” The Message

Any of us who move thorough life with a plan deliberate or otherwise stop from time to time to get our bearings and evaluate. The danger in this behavior rests between the areas of profound critical thinking and deep self criticism. While there is great value in critical thinking, for it can correct flawed thought and action, self criticism taken too far can paralyze the heart, mind, and soul. A couple of years ago, I was relating a frustration to one of my adult sons about a personal failure of some import at the time. After listening for a bit my son looked at me and said pop it’s time to turn the page. I said, “What? I don’t understand.” To which my progeny licked his index finger and turned an imaginary page. After a fashion this is what Paul is saying. In Christ we are given a fresh start from whatever blocks our path spiritually or impedes our progress as we endeavor to be and do good. In the days, weeks and months ahead of what is left of this year may we keep our wetted index fingers poised and ready.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Don't Give God A Dime

Reflections
June 28, 2009

Talking about money is dicey at best, though it may be easier during the summer, because part of the congregation is away on vacation and the rest are distracted by the heat. The difference between money and stewardship of course is great. Money is the currency of daily existence; the printed-paper and minted coins sustaining each household with the necessities of food and shelter.

Stewardship is the currency of faith. Through prayer for each other and our shared ministry, by worship attendance, in the giving of money, gift in kind donations, and in service to God through mission and ministry, one's spirit is sustained, nurtured and grows.

In 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 the Apostle Paul invites the people of Corinth to grow spiritually by an act of stewardship. The Church at Jerusalem, headed by James and consisting mostly of Jewish Christians, has fallen on hard times financially because of its boundless generosity. So Paul sends Titus (one of his spiritual offspring) to Corinth for an offering to help the Jerusalem folk. The Church at Corinth consists mostly of Gentiles and by comparison is quite well off. Earlier in the letter, by way of illustrating his expectations, he reminds them how the Macedonian Church, though poor, had been extremely generous in their giving.

In this passage he tells them the reference was not a command but an illustration of what is possible. In verse 12, Paul gets to the heart of any offering, "For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has--not according to what one does not have." It is not the size of the gift, but the eagerness of the giver to respond gratefully to God with the gift..

All too often we become lost in the dollars and cents of stewardship. Any time an offering is taken there is an implicit invitation to faithfulness. The truth is that for some of us, it is easier to commit our wallets than it is to give our lives to God. The fact remains, there will always be a natural tension between financial security and spiritual poverty. Perhaps we're afraid the offering plates are too small or the ushers are too weak to carry the weight of our hearts and souls.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Vintage Christian Whine

Reflections
June 21, 2009

There is a wonderful old joke where some friends are sharing dinner and the host says, “Would you care for some Southern California Wine?” and the guests say, “Why yes, thank you.” The host then says, “Oh Daddy, I need a new BMW and a 52 inch flat screen television, and I will simply die if I don’t get this new phone. Please, please, I must have them.” It really is not much of a stretch to say in some manner this is what the Apostle Paul is dealing with in his letter to the people of Corinth.

He is writing to a group of effete elitists operating under the mistaken notion that they could follow Jesus and still practice their particular pagan, hedonistic ways. Paul, however, knew that encountering Christ was a “game changer.” After half a life of following the narrow way of judgment as the highest calling in life, Paul met Jesus on that dusty Damascus road and experienced what navigators call a course correction. He knew he could not continue on the same path in the same manner because he was no longer the same person. Before knowing Jesus and choosing to follow him, Paul had been the prince of judgment, afterward he became the emperor of grace. Little wonder he would try to explain to the Corinthians who’s who and what’s what with regard to their understanding of what constitutes high and holy behavior. Their usual response to Paul was complaining, questioning why they could not simply incorporate their old practices in their new life of faith, and failing all else they would challenge his spiritual authority.

We know this is not a new story. The account in Exodus with Moses leading the chosen out of bondage in Egypt relates. Remember God called Moses to lead, the people did not hire, or elect him. As they journeyed, the people began to question Moses ability to lead, and even his relationship with God. So they ‘murmured’ against him the text records. In modern parlance, we would say they were recreational gripers, perhaps even professional whiners. We know people like this. Heck, if we are not careful, we become such people. How much better then would it be to focus on the love and grace we know in faith? The choice we have each day is to drink from the bitter cup of whine, or partake of the grape of grace given by our model and mentor, Jesus. I’ll raise my glass in a toast to the latter.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Where Pride Resides

Reflections
June 14, 2009

According to scholars Psalm 20 is attributed to David. It was most probably a sacrifice liturgy offered in hope for strength and vitality in battle. The opening is a clear indication of prayer. “May the Lord answer you in your day of trouble. May God grant your hearts desire and fulfill all your plans.” Rather than enter into a misguided argument over who God favors in war, I would prefer to consider the spiritual grounding of one who prepares for conflict with a song and prayer. There is an adage which says, “If you don’t have a plan for success, then plan on failure.” Of course there is an equally powerful statement about the futility of over planning attributed to the late singer John Lennon which reads, “We make plans and God laughs.” Whether we fall on one side or the other in this equation or somewhere in between this much is clear. The reality of life is effective human existence requiring a certain amount of discipline order and preparation to accomplish most any task great or small.

What we seek to accomplish is, more often than not tied in some manner or measure, to what some call core values. Elements of life we hold in high regard and value as extraordinary. When we talk about family, education, faith, sustainable living, financial security or meaningful work, we are naming our core values. Thoughts and elements to live toward, because they stir in us something high and hopeful.

My favorite line of Psalm 20 is verse seven.”Some take pride in chariots, and some in their horses; but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.” While we may not be entering battle in the same way David was, still each day we must go forth into life knowing that there are those who will oppose us simply because it is the desire of their heart. How much more essential it is to seek the High and Holy presence which guides and girds us.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Is Faith A Tool Or A Weapon?

Reflections
June 7, 2009

John 3:1-17 deals with the topic of spiritual birth or rather rebirth. Nicodemus comes to Jesus seeking the true way of faith and is told one "must be born from above." The conversation becomes more of a debate than dialogue when Nicodemus begins to question what this might mean in literal terms.

In his book Whistling In The Dark An ABC Theologized, the Reverend Frederick Buechner makes some interesting observations on this passage and the meaning of the term born again. "Somewhat testily prodded by Nicodemus to make himself clearer, Jesus says 'that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.' In other words, spiritual rebirth by the power of the Holy Spirit is what Jesus is talking about. The implication seems to be that the kind of rebirth Jesus has in mind is (a) elusive and mysterious and (b) entirely God's doing. There's no telling when it will happen or to whom."

Buechner goes on to write how difficult the term has become for modern witnesses to the word. "Some of those who refer to themselves as 'Born Again Christians,' however seem to use the term in a different sense. You get the feeling that to them it means Super Christians. They are apt to have the relentless cheerfulness of car salesmen. They tend to be a little too friendly a little too soon and the women to wear more make-up than they need. They speak about 'the Lord' as if they have him in their hip pocket and seem to feel that it's no harder to figure out what he wants them to do in any given situation than to look up in Fanny Farmer how to make brownies. The whole shadow side of human existence appears as absent from their view as litter from the streets of Disneyland."

The point that Reverend Buechner makes is quite straight forward. The truth of the Spirit of God is that it moves into lives and in love and forgiveness and in ways untold changes lives, creating new poeple of faith. The difficult part is that it can't be bought at a store, learned like a poem or made like a cake. The problem is who do we think we are when we begin to act as if we can create or command it when the absolute truth is we don't.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Ave., No. Hollywood, CA 91601

Waiting For The Wonder

REFLECTIONS
May 31, 2009

Jesus was frequently placed in the position of doing what was accepted and legal, or doing what He was called to do. He lived within a religious culture which had laws and rules. Mosaic Law forbade work of any kind on the Sabbath, yet Mark 1:23-28 and 3:1-6 record Jesus breaking the law. When questioned about His behavior, He answers with the question of whether the law was made for people or people for the law? What may seem a capricious reply was a valid retort then and still merits consideration today.

His point was simple, people are more important than rules. The law of love takes precedent over Mosaic Law. There is no place for legalism among a body of believers. Jesus modeled as much in His ministry to those outcast and marginalized by His religious community. Mark and the other Gospels record religious leaders questioning Him as to why He would break the rules and at some level we identify with Jesus and see His need expand the measure and meaning of law within His tradition. In truth more often than we care to admit, we more closely resemble His detractors.

How often do we in the faith community say to someone with a new or different idea, we’ve never done it that way before. Worse yet, if something new is implemented, we are quick to ask the question; who gave approval? Worse still, we take our most sacred document, the Bible, and make it a legal document. Those who accused Jesus of violating the Sabbath cited the Levitical codes. For them, the Word of God was law.

Life is not a game and the Bible is not a rule book which determines who is in or out of the game. Jesus lived in real time and showed that ultimately all time belongs to God. Jesus was certainly aware of rules, law and judgments both secular and holy. However, the reign of Jesus was and remains a state of grace.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

In Faith There Are No Losers

REFLECTIONS
May 24, 2009

Chapter seventeen of John’s gospel contains the high priestly prayer of Jesus. It is an important chapter because it precedes the two chapters dealing with his arrest, trial, crucifixion, and burial. In verses 1-5, Jesus prays for God’s guidance. In verses 6-19 the prayer shifts to the disciples and the work of Christ carried on by them. In verses 20-26, the focus is on the Church universal, the world at large and the need for God’s saving love to be present in word and truth.

Some of us have been raised committing prayers to memory. It might be a table grace, a bedtime prayer or the Lord’s Prayer, but there it is, and by rote we say the words often without a real sense of what is happening when we pray. The Lord’s Prayer, also recorded in the gospels, is considered by many to be the most perfect prayer recorded in scripture. In the awkward twenty six verses recorded by John, we see the passion, power, and purposefulness which Christ modeled throughout his ministry.

The passion of Jesus was doing the will of God, even at the cost of his own life. In personal and intimate phrasing he addresses God, counting on the care and comfort from a loving parent. Jesus knew the only real power we have comes from God, so he prayed for the strength and nurture of his disciples. He closes the prayer with purpose namely that the Church might come to know fully the love of God and live to that end.

In this prayer we are shown not how we hurt, but how we hope. That remaining as we are is not our task, but rather being lead to where God would have us. That we exist not for our needs as much as for each other, that God’s way and work and wonder might be known.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Not a Burden, But a Blessing

REFLECTIONS
May 17, 2009

Psalm 98 is an invitation for believers to respond in faith through music. Though less demonstrative than Psalm 150, the instructions are clear. Persons of faith are to use music as an integral part of worship.

Of course, we as modern people have the full benefit of musical developments over the centuries. The Church has a rich history of great music composed for worship settings. Inspired composers have written great pieces for the seasons of Advent, Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Others have written for the settings of worship, be it Morning, Evening, Communion, Baptism, Wedding or Funeral services. These great pieces of music were given to the church not merely to admire, but to inspire others to compose new music which in turn would be passed on.

We know throughout history, in sacred and secular settings, music has been a powerful influence. William Congreve, the 18th century playwright wrote, “Music has charms to soothe a savage beast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Another William (Shakespeare) frequently used music references or terms to make a point in his plays. In TWELFTH NIGHT he penned, “If music be the food of love, play on; give me excess of it...” In THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, he writes, “...here we sit, and let the sounds of music creep in our ears: soft stillness and the night becomes the touches of sweet harmony.” Then, later in the play he writes, “The man that hath no music in himself, nor is not moved with concord of sweet sounds, is fit for treasons, stratagems and spoils; the motions of his spirit are dull as night, and his affections as Erebus; let no such man be trusted.”

The Psalmist implores us to sing a new song, or shout for joy because of what God has done. The playwright encourages us to use music as a tool of measure for those things we value in life.

Music is used to sell us everything from produce to politicians. It floods our senses in markets, waiting rooms and elevators. How easy it is to forget that it is a gift from God. The music we make has holy implications. As Saint Francis wrote, “Lord make me an instrument of your peace...” As the music plays, may we be open to the Creator, composing new music within us.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

When Love Is Lord of Heaven and Earth

Reflections
May 10, 2009

Some years ago Tina Turner had a hit song with the words, "What's love got to do with it? What's love but a second hand emotion." We know from her biography and interviews that this song was for entertainment purposes, and that in fact Ms. Turner has serious thoughts about how important love is as a source of hope and healing. If we look at the writing of Paul, we could easily say love has everything to do with it. For the apostle, even through bold and sometimes harsh exhortations to those his letters are addressed, opens and closes his epistles with words of loving care and encouragement. He dedicates the entire 13th chapter of his first leter to the people of Corinth to the concept of what it means to live a love-centered life, closing with the phrase, "So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

The late theologian, C.S. Lewis, spent thousands of words on hundreds of pages describing the concept in a book titled the Four Loves. He suggested the first love is Eros the love of attraction. This is the science of hormones where through biology and circumstance we become drawn to to one another. He says the second love is Philial, a Greek term for love of another, as if they were brother or sister. Many of us in childhood experience a bond with a friend which becomes lifelong, and though no relation, these folks become family. The third word he uses is Storge, usually pronounced store jay, a Greek word for familial love. The family of origin, nuclear family, dysfunctional or otherwise they are our own. The character Sir Toby in Shakespeare's Twelfth Night expresses this when in frustration he fumes, "Am I not consanguineous? Am I not of her blood?" Illustrating the adage that while we may not choose them as friends; we are related by blood, they are family. Dr Lewis spends a great deal of time with the fourth love which he calls Agape, the Greek word of Holy love, that transcendent gift we experience in the person and presence of Jesus. According to Lewis, it can never fully be ours because the power of God's love is meant to be shared.

Still, talk of love is difficult for the simple notion that we are people who say we believe the Bible is the truth and the love of God, yet we feel free to use it as a tool to judge and often hate people who are different than ourselves. The Gospels record that a scribe, in an attempt to trick Jesus, asked what the greatest commandment was. Jesus in response issued two new commandments as the summation of all Mosaic law. "To love the Lord your God with all your heart and mind and strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself." The word on love, be it from Matthew, or Paul to the Corinthians, or in the voice of C.S. Lewis remains the same. It is all encompassing and its etymology can be traced to the heart of God.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald

First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Familiar and Strange Sound of Love

Reflections
May 3, 2009

John 10:1-42 is part of what some scholars call "the sayings tradition" related to the teachings of Jesus. From the prophets, Isaiah and Jeremiah, to the Psalms and on into the Gospels of the Christian Testament, the "Good Shepherd" has been a symbol of Holy leading. While most of us have little, if any, experience with sheep or shepherding, we probably have some knowledge of the love and care which can occur between humans and animals. When we lived in Riverside, Sue drove a diesel powered automobile, when I was outside I could hear her coming. More interesting was the scene of watching our cat, Tigger, come racing down the street to meet her as she pulled in the driveway. Not the sound of her voice, but the sound of her car let him know she was home and life was good. In other circumstances, I have watched with a certain amount of wonder as people talked with their dogs, cats, birds and even horses. While I have been told that animals cannot understand human speech, I seemed to experience otherwise.

John, in this chapter, is making a point of sharing the difference between Jesus and the "hireling." For the hireling is simply watching and has no depth of care for the flock as witnessed by the quick exit when trouble comes in the form of a wolf.

If you would talk to a rancher, he or she would tell you that sheep are difficult animals to watch. They are easily distracted, vulnerable to prey and liable to wander off at a moment's notice. Which is why shepherds use staffs to catch the sheep, pulling them back into the fold, or throw rocks to keep the sheep headed in the right direction. Shepherds call to their flocks and if necessary go out and carry them back. Sheep don't mean to get lost, move in harm's way, or be out of range of the shepherd's voice, yet after all they're just sheep. Sheep will always need a Good Shepherd. Even in the twenty-first century, it is a metaphor that holds.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

It Wasn't A Ghost Story

Reflections
April 26, 2009

Luke 24:36b-48 is a post resurrection passage where Jesus comes to his followers and they struggle with believing who he is. This is not the only challenge in belief for the early Church. In John 20:19-31 the story of the disciples gathered when Jesus appears to them. Thomas is not present and will not believe until he can touch Jesus’ wounds. So Jesus appears later that Thomas may believe. The Bible is replete with such stories. An angel of God tells Abraham and Sarah that in old age they will become parents, and they laugh in the face of Holiness itself. Noah doubts that God really wants him to build an Ark. King David doubts the real power of God and experiences a fall from grace. Peter swears loyalty to Jesus only to deny him. Paul insists on his righteous condemnation of those who follow Jesus only to find his surety could not have been more false. Doubt comes because it can and because sometimes it must.

In a Homiletics Magazine article from March of this year in which the agnosticism of the late astronomer Carl Sagan is written. Jerry Adler of Newsweek in March of 1997, Sagan was fascinated by the phenomenon that educated adults, with the wonders of science manifest all around them, could cling to beliefs based on the unverifiable testimony of observers dead for 2,000 years. He once said to cleric Joan Brown, “You are so smart; why do you believe in God?’ “ Of course, Dr. Sagan meant why would you or how could you? Rev. Brown replied “she found this a surprising question from someone who had no trouble accepting the existence of black holes, which no one has ever observed. You’re so smart why don’t you believe in God” Adler goes on to say that Sagan never had doubts about his agnosticism. His wife Ann Druyan, told him that “There was no deathbed conversion...no appeals to God, no hope for an afterlife, no pretending that he and I, who had been inseparable for twenty years, were not saying goodbye forever.” Didn’t he want to believe? She was asked. “Carl never wanted to believe,” she replied fiercely. “He wanted to know.”

Therein lies the difficulty. Far too often we need to know rather than simply believe. Be it Dr. Sagan, or the bank manager, you, me or the postal worker, we forget that God’s existence does not require our approval. The world we live in, with its flora and fauna, even the bubble gum we can experience, and the ‘Black Holes’ we cannot are proof that God believes in us. Our need to know is not a validation of faith, our willingness to believe is.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

On Getting The Story Straight

Reflections
April 19, 2009

The season of Easter comes to us in springtime, a season of growing and birth. Author, Hugh Kerr, reflects upon this in his book, THE SIMPLE GOSPEL, in an essay titled Starting Over Again. Dr. Kerr reminds us that the faith tradition is full of examples of God’s generative power. Word with the prefix re, (such as repentance, redemption, reconciliation, renewal, regeneration, and resurrection) are used regularly in the Bible. These words along with words suggestive of transformation like the term New, (as in New Testament and in the book of Revelation, a New Heaven and a New Earth) evoke the promise of change found in relationship with God.

Each season of the Church year, be it Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter or Pentecost call upon us to contemplate the work of God in our lives. However, none is more demanding than Easter. For in Easter, we remember the work of God in the life of Jesus. We recall the gift of ministry He gave in life and death and life anew. We reflect on His gracious acts, and we reconcile our hearts to the work of grace in each of us. In this season, we can claim fully and without reservation a love that can make all things new.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Name Recognition

Reflections
April 12, 2009

God is at work in our world. In ways and at times we are yet unaware. G.K. Chesterton wrote of this in a personal way. "There was a man who dwelt in the East centuries ago. And now I cannot look at a sheep or sparrow, a lily or a cornfield, a raven or a sunset, a vineyard or a mountain, without thinking of Him." The Him, of course, is Jesus.

Chesterton's intent wasn't geographic or biological, but rather to illustrate how Jesus took the common and placed it in the uncommon. Jesus used everyday elements, and common occurrences, to demonstrate God's love and our response. When Jesus said as God knows the grains of sand and each hair on our head, the focus was on relatiopnship, not hair or sand. When He suggested one consider the mustard seed as a model of faith, the oint wasn't to diagram the spiritual life of a plant, but to show great things have small beginnings. Jesus' use of everyday elements affirms a belief that God is a creative and renewing source.

The redemptive and renewing power of God can be heard in the song, Hymn of Promise written by Natalie Sleeth. "In the bulb there is a flower, in the seed, an apple tree; in cocoons, a hidden promise, butterflies will soon be free! In the cold and snow of winter there's a spring that waits to be, unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see."

For the Christian tradition the most significant symbol of renewal is found at Easter. The Cross, a tool of death, becomes a signature of hope. The Tomb, a point of closure, becomes an opening to new life. The Disciples, scattered by denial, fear, and their own sense of loss, are given over to the power of grace transforming and strengthening them.

At Easter, if we dare take notice, the unrevealed is made known in the person of Jesus. In life, in death, in life beyond death, Christ tells us that the final word belongs to God. It is a word of renewal over destruction, love over hate, hope over fear, and grace over judgment.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Reflections
April 5, 2009

This is Palm Sunday! We all know the story. The Gospels record that Jesus gave instructions to his disciple to go into the city and prepare for their celebration of the Passover. As part of that preparation, they were to bring a colt (some record donkey), on which He was to ride. He then rode into Jerusalem with the children waving palm branches to shouts of hosanna.

Palm Sunday is, of course, known as Passion Sunday as well and that interpretation is found in one of today’s lectionary readings from Philippians. In the second chapter, beginning with verse five, Paul records the purpose of Jesus’ visit. He came to celebrate the Passover, but He came as well, knowing He faced betrayal and mortal danger. His humility and inner peace in the face of death confound and confuse. His self-giving love and obedience nearly beyond comprehension.

The words of Paul were so important to the early Church they were sung often in worship in the form of a hymn. They used them to remember the Passion experience. Paul recognized and celebrated His triumphant journey into the city. However, he knew the road to Easter traveled through Good Friday.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Between Mercy and Grace

Reflections
March 29, 2009

Theological volumes have been written about the concept of grace. From Martin Luther to Karl Barth, great Biblical minds have dissected the term and constructed detailed explanations of its importance to thinking persons of faith. Whether seen as an unmerited gift from God or a saving act of love through Christ, the personal experience of grace is difficult for most of us to get our minds around. Some of our best clues come to us from scripture. I remember the late Dr. Dominic Tamietti, a beloved pastor of this annual conference, offering his definition of grace. Explaining he had been a successful salesman earlier in life he said, “Grace is the best deal you are ever going to get.”

The Psalms are filled with a God of grace who preserves, protects and sustains. Even the prophets while calling for accountable faith remain rooted in the understanding that God's loving-kindness is the source of life. The gospels tell and retell the grace-filled story of the life and ministry of Jesus. In his writings the apostle Paul is strong in emphasizing grace over judgment.

In his letter to the Romans Paul writes, “For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by God’s grace as a gift.” 3:24. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminds the people of God’s work in their lives. “But God, who is rich in mercy; out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ...by grace you have been saved...” 2: 4-5

The pretext promise and print of our faith is that of grace. For God creates in loving-kindness, the promise of Jesus is forgiveness not fear, and our Holy Book speaks more of love than legalism. So why are we in the faith community so quick to judge, so rude and rule bound in matters of belief? In large measure we judge simply because judgment is much easier than grace. To be a person of judgment all we need are the facts and our own formed opinions. To be a person of grace would require putting on the mind of Christ and changing our hearts from earth bound things to heavenly things.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, developed the concept of prevenient grace, which simply stated says the love of God through Christ is at work in us even when we are not aware of it. Which means even when we are at our very worst, God’s love is aiming for the best in us. That is what I call a deal.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

God's Love is Active, Not Passive

Reflections
March 22, 2009

John 3:14-21 is part of a larger passage which begins with verse one. It is the narrative of the encounter Jesus had with Nicodemus. Though not mentioned by name, Nicodemus is the intended audience of verses 14-21.

You will recall Nicodemus questioned Jesus about the concept of new birth, and Jesus responded by telling the new birth in faith. When pressed by Nicodemus, Jesus amplified the answer. Verses 14-21 continues this expanded answer to include the understanding of just how great the love of God is, and that new life in faith leads to transformed living. It appears in the text Nicodemus believed Jesus' thinking absurd.

In Nicodemus, we find the armchair quarter-back in all of us. We detach ourselves from the game; analyze the action, and pronounce judgment upon those participating. This comes from the narrowness of our single minded thinking. Jesus and Nicodemus were both Jews, each devout by any standard or measure of faith. Jesus in his openness affirmed Nicodemus where he was, and invited him to look at questions outside of his present experience. Nicodemus, either through fear of something new, or pride, would not open his heart or mind to a new understanding and experience of God.

We are not unlike Nicodemus. We find it easier to find fault than find common ground between differences. It is easier to raise questions and cast doubt than to seek that we may know or adjust our frame of reference and broaden our perspective.

The gospel writer tells us in Jesus, God sent the very best. Not to judge or condemn, but out of love, that our lives might be blessed. No pie in the sky theology, but abundant life, full members of the Kingdom here and now. The only catch is we have to claim our tickets. At times though it's more fun to evaluate than be part of the action.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

Accept and Live It, Don't Analyze It

Reflections
March 15, 2009

In 1 Corinthians 1:22-23 Paul writes, "For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles." The tension is between wisdom and power. Some want religion and the experience of faith to be wise beyond measure, irrefutable, authoritative. Others want a life of faith filled with power and experience of the Holy. Paul in fact infers that both are elements of the experience he knows in Christ, but to the groups in question, Paul's witness presents roadblocks to the faith experience.

Paul is not picking on the Jewish community, remember he is a Jew as is Jesus. He is not making fun of the Greeks or Gentiles either, for they both were of prime interest to him in terms of mission and conversion. Paul's interest was expressing the Good News of Christ, and here he pointedly states the risks found in sharing the Good News.

Those same risks exist today. We live in a highly technological age. Information comes to us quickly and powerfully from our computers, radios, and televisions. While these may be used as tools for ministry, the most effective expressions of faith are still the written and spoken word. To those who live with absolutes, no expression is effective, and we (or rather our faith) remains foolish or a stumbling block.

Do we then stop sharing the Good News of Jesus? Of course not! We are called by the love of Christ to witness. To share what we have experienced. To tell what we know to be true of God's love. To do so in worship, with song, and prayer, and in the very way we live. To do so, not because all will believe, but that all may believe.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Aveue, North Hollywood, CA 91601

The Warranty of Faith is Legacy and Love

REFLECTIONS
March 8, 2009

The essence of the Hebrew Bible is covenant. Which is to say contract law. In Genesis seventeen, God comes to Abram and proposes a working arrangement. I will be your God and you will be my ambassador. Leading my people through trial and tribulation until they reach the land I have promised them. For this Abram would receive a legacy or inheritance of a nation of people related to him according to God, “numbering as great as the stars.” What a promise! Were any of us to receive such a promise could we refuse? It is interesting for two basic reasons. First Abram is older than dirt itself (as is his lovely bride Sari). Second, Abram knew plenty of gods, but this One claimed to be The One who could deliver.

It is important for us as modern believers to remember that people in this time of history followed a divergent mind set where household gods and regional gods held great sway over individuals and society as well. Yet Abram aged and worn is told he and his very mature wife will , if they follow the lead, be parents of virtually all of humanity. Scripture, of course, records that Abram and Sari accept the offer of God along with the warranty, yet they do so after first laughing at it. However do we really understand the terms of the agreement?

While it looks straightforward, “I will be your God and you will be my people... and your numbers will number greater than the stars.” The truth of the matter is that both Abram and Sari doubt the possibility of God to uphold the contract. It is only after Abram and Sari see that the fine print requires serious change, as in their names from Abram to Abraham, and Sari to Sarah, that they understand God is serious.

Far too often we misinterpret the experience of faith as saying a few words or participating in a particular ritual. However, the rubric of faith at its essence involves change. A change of identity, if you will, from one person before we knew God, to a complete different person afterward. Part of the question we must ask ourselves even here, even now is what is the legacy we wish to leave? Does it belong to us or in the end does it belong only to God?

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601