275 North Halcyon Road * Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 * 805-481-2692 * www.WorshipWeekly.com
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!
What a wonderful retirement party and farewell! Thank
you, thank you, thank you for a great time, a perfect
send off and a lot of fun. This congregation never ceases
to amaze me. I was bowled over by the preparation,
your creativity, the decorations, the food, and your
generosity. Imagine my joy!
I am grateful that my last appointment as a United
Methodist pastor itinerating was to Arroyo Grande First.
Some people go out tired, discouraged, and
disappointed after a difficult “last stint” in ministry, but
I have had the pleasure of ending my 42 years in MY
HAPPY PLACE, near the beach, with all of you. Thank you
for all you have done and for the blessing you have
been.
The celebration was perfect. I appreciate the many
notes, cards, gifts, and greetings that have come my
way. You are generous in every way. The greeting cards
were filled with cash and lovely gift cards that will
inspire me to take a long overdue trip, pursue a hobby
or spend a little on something special as I enter into a
more relaxed way of life. My laptop gave up right after
I finished that last sermon, so your gifts have helped me
buy a new laptop to take into retirement.
The party was a BLESSING filled with “blessings” ---
a beautiful mum plant, a lovely Cala Lily, some great
windchimes complete with a retirement blessing, gift
cards and cash galore! I received a lovely pencil drawing
created by Carolyn Russell and so many other delightful
surprises like a gold-tipped long-stemmed rose from the
Table of Ten. I LOVE the photo book, and the QUILT is
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. One card was separated
from its gift, so if you are a generous soul who does not
receive an individual “thank you”, I hope that you are
reading this and will receive my gratitude as I thank the
congregation altogether.
I am not leaving the area, at least for now. I want to stay
put, catch up with myself, unwind, make sure my
pension arrives in my bank account and my insurance is
hunky dory before I go running off somewhere, but
eventually I’ll get back to Hawaii after a twenty-four-
year hiatus from the annual trips I used to take. I will be
visiting friends in Michigan, out-of-state relatives and
hosting long-time friends at home on the Central Coast.
Maybe I will run into YOU at Avila Beach, grocery
shopping, at one of Dennis Eiler’s gigs or Leonard Lutz’s
concerts. Meanwhile, best wishes to you. Keep the
aloha spirit going and trust the Holy Spirit to lead First
United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande into the
future with hope.
Sincerely,
Rev. Mary Birgelaitis.
"The kingdom of God is like a net that was cast into the sea" ---Matthew 13:47
First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
JULY 2025
Dear Church Family,
My family and I are excited! We look forward to
getting to know you, as we become part of the
congregation, working together as one. We are
honored to be your pastoral family. We are going to
have a great time and fun in ministry. We will see
lives changed and transformed. Because of you and
your faithfulness, lives will be impacted. We will
continue to make a difference in the Five Cities area.
I can't wait to get started. I am so impressed with
you and the creative ways you reach out and engage
the community.
It is true, I was a Nazarene. Bishop Dottie Escobedo-
Frank recommended me for transfer into the United
Methodist Church (UMC) and the Board of Ordained
Ministry endorsed my transfer. After months of
interviews and meeting other requirements, on June
11, 2025 the Cal-Pac UMC Conference voted to
transfer my credentials. I am now a Provisional Full
Elder in the United Methodist Church.
What does provisional mean? This affords me the
time and an opportunity to learn and understand the
methods and ways of the UMC. I ask for your grace
as I learn. I have three classes to take for college
credit. I already have a Masters of Divinity degree.
The classes that I will take are classes specific to
being a UMC pastor. I will be taking UM History, UM
Polity, and UM Doctrine. In case you are wondering,
Nazarenes and Methodists are from the same
theological vein of Wesleyan Arminianism, also
known as Wesleyan Theology or Methodist
Theology. The two are very close theologically.
However, I feel that I am a better fit in the UMC.
While I am “provisional”, I am part of a program
called Residence in Ministry (RIM). I will be part of
this for three years. This is an opportunity to
continue to learn, alongside peers. It is a wonderful
program that Cal-Pac requires. It might even help me
learn all the acronyms!
The first week of August I start one of the classes,
and the first RIM session. The second week of August
I have the next RIM session. The third RIM session is
in October, and the fourth is in April. As for the other
two college level classes the next session starts in
January.
Now let us put all of that aside and let me tell you
some of my connection to the UMC. My father was
a Nazarene pastor. When he retired, they moved to
Tennessee. He made friends with a UMC District
Superintendent (DS.). The DS asked if he would do
pulpit supply. My father has done pulpit supply for
different UMC churches since then and this year
retired completely at nearly 76 years of age. My
stepmom (my mother died about 20 years ago from
cancer) also was doing pulpit supply for UMC
churches. Additionally, my brother who is an
ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene, has
for the last 10 years or so served as a pastor of
several UMC churches in Tennessee. He has not
transferred like I have, but he is not going back to
the Church of the Nazarene and is solidly a UMC
pastor. My transfer has actually encouraged him to
start the process too. I have multiple friends who are
now part of the UMC. I have several other friends
who, by my transfer, are encouraged to do the
same. We didn't fit in the Nazarene Church for
various reasons. We can discuss that another time.
I love the UMC and feel this is my theological, and
pastoral home. I fit here and can breathe. When I
graduated from seminary I had thought about
joining the UMC and being a pastor in the UMC.
While I attended and served at Kansas City First
Church of the Nazarene, we also attended United
Methodist Church of the Resurrection where the
author Rev. Adam Hamilton is the pastor-in-charge.
I hope this gives you a little insight and also helps you
give me grace as I learn the structure and systems of
the UMC. At the Annual Conference when they
announced my transfer, the Bishop said “Welcome
home. We are glad to have you join us” and gave me
a hug. Indeed, we have come home to the UMC.
It was very nice getting to worship with you on June
8. My family and I are looking forward to our first
Sunday in worship with you on July 6, 2025.
Rev. Wesley Thompson
Aloha Rev. Mary
SCOTT TREES’ GARDEN TOUR
PENTECOST 2025
The Spirit was moving
on Pentecost
Sunday! District
Superintendent
Garth Gilliam gave a
rousing sermon and
introduced our new
pastor, Rev. Wesley
Thompson and his
family. Three
members joined:
Leona Beerup, Susan
Exon and Dale
Inman. Acolytes
were honored for
their service and
the puppets
performed.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10AM Sew &
Sews MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
7 PM Trustees, MMR
3
9 AM Senior Exercise
-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
4
5
6
8:30AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Worship
Service
7
8
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10AM Sew &
Sews MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
10
9 AM Senior
Exercise
-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
11
12
13
14
15
11:00AM Nancy Baughman
Memorial
17
9 AM
Senior
Exercise-
CH
10:30 Staff-Paish, PS
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
4:30PM Children's
Center Board-MMR
18
10:30 AM UWF
Book Club-L
19
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
1:30 Finance. L
20
21
22
24
25
26
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study - CH
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
27
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4:30PM Free Movie
Fundamentals of Caring
28
4:30 Communications
Library
29
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
Abbreviation Legend
CH-Criswell Hall
HR-Handbell Room #115 K-Kitchen
L-Library Room #123
MMR-McMillen Room #113
PL-Parking Lot PS-Pastor’s Study S-Sanctuary
Hope you are planning to join us as we welcome our
new Pastor Wesley Thompson and his family July 6th.
Following the second service we will have a Santa Maria
style Bar B Q, with tri -tip and chicken, along with
coleslaw, Potato salad, watermelon and strawberry
shortcake. Please sign up at the connections counter so
we can make sure we have enough food.
Bingo and Pizza! Saturday, August 9th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
As this is a fundraiser, tickets will be $20, $10 for
children under 12. Our caller will be Bernie Hawkins.
Our annual Tea will be Saturday, September 13, 11:30
to 1:30. We are putting together a Fashion Show. Rose
Ann Steiner will be the M C. Tickets go on sale August
17th for $10 per person.
Circles and groups:
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets the last Wednesday
of the month at 10 am in the McMillen Room.
Joy Circle meets the third Tuesday of the month, 3-5 pm
in in member’s homes. Check with Kerren Brown for
information. They will not be meeting for the summer
see you in September.
Wednesday evening Bible Study meets 2nd Wednesday
at 6:30 PM. Contact Susan Throndson.
Sew And Sews meet every Tuesday in the McMillen
Room from 10 until 1. Bring a sandwich if you want to
stay for lunch. We encourage those interested in
quilting, crocheting, knitting, visiting and sharing. The
Prayer Shawl Ministry will resume but we need knitters
and crocheters. We’re calling for help!
2025-2026 ELT SCHOLARSHIP
AWARDED TO IAN BEARD
On May 25th Ian Beard was the recipient of the 2025-
2026 ELT Scholarship. This scholarship was set up as
a memorial to a former pastor of our church, Everett
Lee Taylor. Ian is one of the more than 50 students
who have received it. This will be the third year he has
been selected.
Last year as a sophomore at San Diego State
University Ian continued to excel in his studies as an
astronomy major. He also got more involved in the
astronomy club, the Schwartz Astronomical Society
(SAS) as the Events Coordinator. He organized
outreach activities for SAS, including an overnight
camping trip at Palomar Observatory. He loved the
opportunity to share explore their passion for
astronomy. Next year he will share be the co-
president position in SAS.
His proudest achievement has been becoming the
only undergraduate planetarium show presenter at
SDSU. After reaching out to a presenter and much
practice, Ian received his presenter certificate in
December and has given shows every week the past
semester.
This summer Ian will be enjoying the chance to work
with a professor at the University of New Mexico.
While there he will be doing original research with a
professor on the topic of radioastronomy. The final
project will be a paper published with his name. This
unique experience will support his goal of ultimately
earning his Ph.D. in astronomy and becoming a
professor conducting research and teaching
astronomy courses.
Ian has received his $2,000 ELT Scholarship which he
can use to help pay for his college expenses. We are
excited about his activities, accomplishments, and
passion for astronomy.
If you would like to contribute to the ELT Scholarship
Fund, you can donate at any time. Checks can be
made to FUMCAG denoting ELT Scholarship on the
memo line.
July UWF Book Selection:
The Frozen River
The UWF Book Club will meet on Friday,
July 18th at 10:30 A.M. to discuss a
historical mystery based on the life and
diary of a renowned 18th century
midwife and healer, Martha Ballard.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon is a
captivating story about Martha
Ballard’s attempts to tell the truth
about what happened in the winter of
1789 in a small Maine community near the frozen
Kennebec River. She has recorded every birth and death in
her diary as well as scandals and lies. Ultimately, she gets
involved in trials and false accusations as she pursues
justice for the innocent victims. In a time when women
were not supposed to speak up, she defies expectations.
Join us on July 18th at 10:30 A.M. in the church library to
discuss The Frozen River. This month readers will need to
purchase their own copy of the book or share a book with
another person. See Judy Leonard or Mary Whitson for
ideas about where to get a book. We hope to see you on
July 18th!
Contact Judy Lenard if need a book.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Facilitated by Nancy St. Laurent
Meets on
Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in Criswell Hall
The Group is currently studying
“The Final Days”
by Matt Rawle
Books are available from Nancy.
All are welcome to join us!
We Need YOUR Help!
A church thrives through volunteers. We
need your help. These positions take a few
hours a month and can fit around your
schedule.
• Ushers are needed for both services.
Please contact Kerren Brown
• Video Camera operator for both
services.
Please contact Mike Coho.
• Sound Board operator, especially 2nd
Service.
Please contact Mike Coho
• Photographer needed for 2nd service.
Please contact Joel Anderson
The Mission Team reports that there are students
interested in helping with our People’s Kitchen
food preparation and serving. There have also been
requests from our church members wanting to
provide meals to local homeless. The mission team
hosted Janna Nichols from 5 Cities Homeless
Coalition, who explained how volunteers can
prepare meals for community cabin complexes.
The Mission Team decided to take a break for the
month of August but will be back in full force in
September,
Thank You Mission Team for your wonderful work
throughout the year.
CHILDREN’S CENTER
PROMOTION
Fellowship Ministry
July 6, Fellowship Ministry will put on a Santa
Maria style Bar B Q. Tri tip and chicken will be
served, with Coleslaw, potato salad, watermelon
and strawberry shortcake. This is our opportunity
to welcome our new Pastor Wesley Thompson
and his family. Sign up and be sure to come and
meet them.
Fifteen of us will be attending The PCPA, Marian
Theatre, Santa Maria to see the Play, “Something
Rotten” July 20th, at 1:30. Plans are to leave and
possibly carpool after church at 12:30. It is
labeled as the funniest musical comedy in 400
years, by Time Out, New York. Combining
sixteenth century with twenty-first century
Broadway flair.
The movie for the end of the month, is “The
Fundamentals of Caring” on July 27, at 4pm. It is
about a writer turned caregiver and an ornery
teen with Muscular Dystrophy bonding after they
set off on a road trip in search of offbeat
landmarks and adventure, with Paul Rudd, Craig
Roberts, and Selena Gomez. Free.
There will be a tour of Arroyo Grande Village in
August.
Date 8:30 10:30
June 06 Joe Brown Kent Unsworth
June 13 Sharon Roemer Rosslyn Clauson
June 20 Lucy Jacobs Tim Stewart
June 27 Elwood Hyde Judy Leonard
Church Office: 805-481-2692
E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com
Website:
www.WorshipWeekly.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/fumcag
Pastor: Rev. Wesley Thompson
E-mail: wes.thompson@gmail.com
Office Administrator:
Blanca Placencia
Webmaster: Jamie Foster
Children’s Education Director:
Carolyn Russell
Interim Choir Director:
Tricia Stewart
Praise Team Director:
Mike Clark
Choral Pianist: Dennis Eiler
Handbell Choir Director:
Leonard Lutz
Worship Video Editor:
Susan Throndson
Bishop:
Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank
District Superintendent:
Rev. Garth Gilliam
Children’s Center (Preschool):
Director: Madrigale Quaglino
E-mail: agumcc@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 805-381-2223
7/02 Colin Odom
7/03 Lee Fonseca
7/03 Mary Whitson
7/06 Bud Johnson
7/08 Peggy Bridges
7/08 Michael Rohla
7/11 Larry Baughman
7/11 Bernie Hawkins
7/14 Dick Melsheimer
7/15 Valerie Beard
7/15 Faye Cuddy
7/19 Joel Anderson
7/20 Christine Ridley
7/23 David Bolterman
7/31 Julia Weitkamp
Did we miss your birthday?
If so, please contact the
church office and we will be
glad to add your birthday to
our monthly birthday list.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HONOR A
LOVED ONE WITH FLOWERS?
Do you enjoy the beautiful flower
arrangements placed on the altar on
Sunday? Dates are available for
flower dedications in upcoming
months. Your floral tributes will be
placed on the altar for both Sunday
morning services and can be picked up
after the second service or on Monday
during office hours.
The cost for altar flowers is $30.
Contact Blanca in the Church Office
HOSPITALITY
HOSTS
July 06 Fellowship Ministry
July 13 Endowment/ELT
July 20 Communications
July 27 Mission Team
Aug 03 Trustees
Aug 10 Staff Parish
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
July 2025
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Mission Statement
of the First United Methodist
Church of Arroyo Grande
The First United Methodist Church of Arroyo
Grande is a joyful, active and fun-loving faith
community. We worship on Sunday
mornings and offer opportunities for
Christian growth, fellowship, health and
increased well-being all week long. Members
represent a wide range of theological and
political views and commit to treating each
other with love and respect in the midst of
differences. We nurture spiritual growth and
a deeper understanding of God’s love in
Christ as we work together to spread the love
of God in our community and in the world.
Upcoming
Events
Sun. Jul 06 Pastor Wesley Thompson
Preaches, BBQ Luncheon
Sun. Jul 20 "Something Rotten” by PCPA at
Marion Theater, Santa Maria
Sun. Jul 27 Free Movie Night
Mon. Jul 28 Peoples Kitchen Food Prep
Tue. Jul 29 Peoples Kitchen Food
Distribution
Sat. Aug 09 Bingo & Pizza Night, 5PM
Sat. Sept 13 Woman's Tea & Fashion Show
Sat. Sept 07 Harvest Fesval Parade
Sat. Sep 13 Women's Tea and Fashion show
Sat. Oct 04 St. Francis Day - Blessing of the
animals
Sun. Oct 26 Alternave Christmas
Fri. Nov. 07 Christmas Bouque
Sat. Nov. 08 Christmas Bouque
Sun. Nov. 09 Christmas Bouque
Thu. Dec. 18 Children's Center Christmas
Program