THE 15TH ANNUAL NOHO FUMC TREE LOT

website: nohofumc.com

email: nohofumc@gmail.com

December 1, 2013-

The 15th Annual NoHo FUMC Tree Lot opened with record-breaking

participation. While it may appear to be just another Christmas tree lot with

wreaths, mistletoe, Noble and Douglas Firs, some very important characteristics

differentiate the North Hollywood First United Methodist Church Tree Lot from

many others.

As an oasis from the daily, urban

rat race, the tree lot helps transport visitors into a relaxing and festive

space where good tidings and Christmas trees abound. People on both sides of

the hill, folks from the local neighborhood, patrons from the drive-thru

Starbucks down the street come as individuals, friends, and families, each

looking for something uniquely their own. Whether it’s a couple looking for

their first Christmas tree, a family in search of the best branches for hanging

their ornaments, or someone longing for the perfectly imperfect Charlie Brown

tree, it’s a special gift to partake in their joy and enthusiasm. (The lot runs

from 12/1/13-12/22/13.)

Tree lot volunteers enjoy welcoming

and communing with the wide range of visitors. It brings them a profound sense

of fulfillment. They have the privilege of sharing in many special Christmas

moments with Christians and non-Christians, the young and the elderly, the rich

and the poor, first-timers and return shoppers. They enjoy hearing fondly told

stories of previous experiences from visitors and volunteers alike, and

especially like knowing all the goodwill this project spreads across the

community.

This will be the fifteenth year that

the tree lot has opened its gates to the public, and they enthusiastically look

forward to another season serving whoever walks in. Originally

founded in 1892, First United Methodist Church of North Hollywood is dedicated

to serving the needs of its congregation and community by teaching, exploring

and enjoying life as people of faith. They are Biblical without being boring or

bullies. Methodists are the "four-part" warm-heart people, using

scripture, tradition, reason and experience to learn and grow. The UMC motto is

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.”

This year will also mark the second

round of the NoHo FUMC Christmas Tree Contest. It runs from 12/1/13-12/25/13.

Patrons who choose to participate, should decorate the Christmas trees they

purchase from NoHo FUMC and then snap a good photo of their pine/fir. They

should have a Facebook account, then like https://www.facebook.com/nohofumc1 and upload the image of their tree to that page. The

picture with the most likes (by 12/26/13 at 12:00am) will win a gift receipt to

a local merchant.

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If you

would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with

a NoHo FUMC representative, please email nohofumc@gmail.com. Remember all proceeds go to local/national/international programs and

agencies helping those in need! The

lot runs from 12/1/13-12/22/13. Check

out http://www.nohofumc.com for more info.