275 North Halcyon Road * Arroyo Grande * CA 93420 * (805) 481-2692
WE ARE UNITED THROUGH OUR DIFFRENCES
A couple of years ago, I read the
book “Eat A Peach” by David
Chang. David is a chef and
restaurateur who has played a
significant role in popularizing
gourmet-style ramen. The process
of making broth takes days, and
with specially made noodles and
carefully selected ingredients,
ramen is not just a bowl of noodles and broth. A major
reason for this change is David Chang’s desire to bring
authentic ramen from Japan to the United States. He
recalls the moment he saw sushi in a bodega in New
York and knew it was time to start Noodle Bar, the first
restaurant resulting in the company Momofuku, which
means "lucky peach" in Japanese. David wanted others
to experience the amazing ramen he enjoyed while
living in Japan, where he learned how to make it.
The book traces the ups and downs of his life,
discussing the challenges he faced along the way
including his need for therapy and personal growth.
David states, “We humans are more alike in our tastes
than we think. Even with completely different tools and
ingredients, we’re bound to
arrive at the same
conclusions.” He notes that
nearly every culture has
some form of noodle dish or
taco-like meal, highlighting
our shared enjoyment of wrapping food in other foods.
This observation about reaching similar conclusions
with different ingredients is fascinating. I remember a
professor in college who said, “People don’t eat things
that don’t taste good, so try things from other cultures.”
However, trying new things can be difficult. When I was
in Peru, I was offered grubs. At that moment, I wasn’t
thinking about what my professor had said when
offered the grub. Yes I did try it.
It was okay!
The main point I want to convey
is that together, we are greater.
Our differences can make us
stronger and help bring us together. I hope you see
others as more like yourself, despite differences, and
work together to improve the world. It doesn’t have to
be a grand gesture; even one small act can make a
significant difference in the lives of those around you.
Remember, you are an amazing person and you make a
difference!
-Rev. Wesley Thompson
"The kingdom of God is like a net that was cast into the sea" ---Matthew 13:47
First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
August 2025
20252025
TREASURER'S REPORT
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Thanks to your generous giving we finished our Fiscal
Year ending June 30 with a $5,471 surplus!
Overall, Stewardship came in at 98.2% of plan.
However, expenses were only 96.6% of plan leaving
us with a small surplus at a time when many churches
are facing major deficits.
This next year looks to be challenging. We need
additional funds in order to restart our youth program
and to cover the many expenses that increased over
the past year.
It is only because of your continued support that our
church can carry out our many activities and missions.
• Thanks to your support, our church celebrated its
140th Anniversary this past year.
• Thanks to your support, we worship God together
every Sunday morning with thoughtful and
inspiring messages.
• Thanks to your support, we have superb worship
music, including our Chancel Choir, Handbell
Choir, Praise Band, a talented pianist and organist.
• Thanks to your support we have a video ministry
that not only reaches our homebound members
but reaches viewers across the nation.
• Thanks to your support, we brought in 11 new
members this past year.
• Thanks to your support, we have our Children's
Center that provides much needed high quality
child care to our community.
• Thanks to your support, our Membership Care
Team is able to visit our shut ins, brings them
holiday flowers and help provide rides and meals
as needed.
• Thanks to your support our church helps serve
meals for People's Kitchen.
• Thanks to you, our church supports the 5 Cities
Women's Food Pantry, the 5Cities Homeless
Coalition, the Children's Resource Network and
Heifer International.
• Thanks to your support our church helps fund
missionaries in other nations.
• Thanks to your support, our church raised over
$9000 to help those who suffered losses in the Los
Angeles Fires.
• Thanks to your support our church helps fund the
United Methodist Committee on Relief and other
United Methodist causes.
• Thanks to your support our church had successful
multiple mission fundraising activities including:
Alternative Christmas, the Christmas Boutique,
The Angel Tree, Pennies for Turkeys, and the Noisy
Offerings.
• Thanks to your support, our church provides
numerous opportunities for Christian growth,
fellowship, health and increased well-being
throughout the week including Bible Study, Book
Club, Advent studies, Chair Yoga, Senior Exercise,
Sew and Sews, Quilt Class and Women's Circles.
• Thanks to your support we are starting a new
Wednesday evening Women's Circle, at a time
when many other churches are folding their
women's circles.
• Thanks to your support, we have many
opportunities for Christian fellowship and fun
including Bingo and Pizza night, Chili Bowl,
Women's Tea & Fashion Show, The Extravaganza
Varity show, the Holiday Boutique, Craft
Workshop, St. Patrick's Day, Movie nights. And
don't forget the Easter celebration with our own
Easter Bernie and Easter Chicken. This past year
we have had frequent fun and educational field
trips including: Nature Hikes, Piedras Blancas
Elephant Seal Viewing, Morro Bay Natural History
Museum, Mighty Cap Mushroom Farm, Cabrillo
High School Aquarium, Scott Trees Garden Tour
and Something Rotten (I am referring to the PCPA
play of course, not the wonderful Hospitality food
every Sunday).
• Invite your family and friends to our many
activities. It is an easy way to introduce them to
our church and our wonderful members.
Please consider stepping up your already generous
support in order that we may continue to grow our
church and its many missions and activities.
-- Joel Anderson
-- Acting Treasurer
PEOPLE'S KITCHEN
Food Prep July 28 - Food Delivery July 29
About 15 volunteers from our church served about 80 meals to an appreciative crowd.
Next People's Kitchen
Food Prep Mon. Sept. 29 1:30
Food Delivery Tues. Sept. 30.
Leave church 11:00
Please plan to join us.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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
1
2
3
8:30AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Worship
Service
4
6 PM
Gerry's
Quilt Class-
5
9AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
7 PM Trustees, MMR
7
9 AM Senior
Exercise
-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
8
9
9:30 to 3:00PM New
Minister On-Boarding
10
8:30 AM Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
11
6 PM Gerry's Quilt Class-
CH
12
9AM Senior Exercise _ CH
10AM Sew & Sews, MMr
14
Senior Exercise
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1:30PM Finance
Committee Library
15
10:30AM UFW Book
Club Library
16
5PM UWF Bingo &
Pizza
17
18
19
21
22
23
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
6 PM Gerry’s
Quilt Class CH
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study - CH
1:30 Finance - L
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
10:30 AM Staff Parish
Pastor’s Office
3:30PM Children’s
Center Board MMR
11AM Nominations
Committee
Pastor’s Office
24 AND 31
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Movie (31st)
Penguin Lessons
25
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
4:30Pm
Communications
26
9AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5PM Bell Choir
28
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
6:30 to 8:30PM Choir
Practice
29
30
A NOTE FROM MEMBERSHIP
CARE
SHAWL MINISTRY
Several years ago, we had a special ministry in
our church making shawls and lap
blankets for
those members who were sick or recovering
from a serious illness. The intent is to bring
blessings to those in need when the desire for
warmth and soft cuddling brings comfort.
S
everal weeks ago, I went to our church closet
to pick up a shawl for one of our members
who was having a hard time recovering from
medical treatment. I found only one shawl. I
took it to the church member and found that
the thoughtful gift fulfilled this need in a
meaningful and special way.
We need to resume our shawl ministry again
so this gracious blessing can be
continued when others are in need. As these
shawls and blankets are made, they are
blessed by those sharing in the ministry. You
are invited to participate whether sitting in
your chair at home watching TV, traveling or
coming to Sew and Sews on Tuesday
mornings from 10-noon. I encourage you who
are interested in learning or brushing up on
your skills in knitting, crocheting, tying or
sewing to come to this group. There are
experts with great experience to help with
patterns and techniques. Janice Moore will
resume her roll of keeping track of the shawls
and blankets.
Kerren Brown, Membership Care, Chair
Please save your spare change for the “Back-to-
School Noisy Offering”.
The Missions Team is gracious to help our Arroyo
Grande United Methodist Children's Center
(AGUMCC) raise funds for school supplies. At this
time of year, many school supplies go on sale,
making it an excellent opportunity to stock up.
Please support this effort by placing your spare
change in the Noisy Offering Collection after each
service on Sunday, August 10, and Sunday,
August 17. If you need a container to collect your
spare change, feel free to take a piggy bank from
the narthex and bring it back anytime.
A separate section for recent arrivals is coming
soon. These donated books include nonfiction,
biographies, fiction, inspirational and devotional
books. Come in and browse. You might like to
read Grace, an autobiography by our own Bud
Johnson’s granddaughter. By the way, the library
is missing its second copy of Grace. If you have
it at home, please return it when you are finished
with it. I would like to increase library usage.
Come visit after services.
Librarian Joyce Singelman
What is the Nominating Committee?
In The United Methodist Church, the Lay Leadership Committee, called the Committee on Nominations and
Leadership Development, is responsible for identifying, developing, and supporting Christian leaders within
the local church. This committee plays a vital role in ensuring the church has effective lay leadership to fulfill
its mission and ministry.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Identifying and Nominating Leaders
The committee identifies individuals with the gifts
and graces for leadership within the church and
nominates them for various positions, such as
committee members, officers, and lay members of
annual conference.
Developing and Supporting Leaders
The committee works to develop the leadership
skills and spiritual growth of individuals, providing
training and resources to help them effectively
serve in their roles.
Monitoring and Evaluating Leadership
The committee monitors effectiveness of lay
leaders and provides ongoing support and
evaluation to ensure they are fulfilling their
responsibilities.
Guiding the Church Council
The committee provides guidance to the Church
Council on matters related to leadership structure
of the church.
Recommending Leadership for Various
Ministries
The committee recommends individuals to serve
in various ministry areas, ensuring that the church
has qualified and dedicated leaders for all aspects
of its work.
Composition and Structure
• The committee is typically composed of
professing members of the local church,
often elected by the charge conference.
• The number of members can vary, but the
Book of Discipline suggests a maximum of
nine members, excluding the pastor and
lay leader. The pastor often serves as chair,
and a layperson may serve as vice-chair.
• The committee may include a youth
representative and should strive to be
diverse in terms of age, gender, and race.
Relationship to Church Structures:
• The Lay Leadership Committee works
closely with Church Council (also known as
the administrative council or church
leadership team) to ensure effective
leadership and administration of the
church.
• It also collaborates with the committee on
pastor-parish relations (or staff-parish
relations) to foster healthy relationships
between the pastor, staff, and laity
• Committee recommendations for
leadership positions are often presented
to the Charge Conference for approval.
In essence, the Lay Leadership Committee is a
crucial component of the UMC's governance and
leadership structure, working to ensure that the
church is equipped with the lay leaders needed to
fulfill its mission and ministry effectively.
The Welcoming Party for Pastor Wes and his family
was well attended, with approximately 140 people in
attendance. Everyone had a great time with lots of
food and fun. We love the Thompsons and hope for
many
wonderful years ahead with them.
Our next Bingo and Pizza has been changed to August
16, 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 or Rich Neufeld. Sign up at the
connections counter.
Our annual Tea has been rescheduled to Saturday,
September 13, 11:30 to 1:30. We are putting together
a funny and memorable Fashion Show. With our own
Rose Ann Steiner as Master of Ceremonies and some
famous models of distinction. This year we are inviting
members to sponsor a table by doing the centerpiece,
tablecloth (you can use ours) and favors. Teacups and
teapots are provided. Tickets go on sale, August 17th
for $15 per person. Sign up at the connections counter
to let us know you’re coming or to sponsor a table.
Circles and groups: All women are invited to attend.
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last
Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the McMillen
Room. They are studying a book on Moses.
Joy Circle meets the third Tuesday of the month, 3-5
pm in members’ homes. Check with Kerren Brown for
more information. Meeting will resume in September.
Our New Circle Daughter’s of Grace meets in the
McMillen Room at 6:30 the 3nd Wednesday of August.
They are reading a book on the women of the Bible.
Contact Susan Throndson.
Sew And Sews meet every Tuesday in the McMillen
Room from 10 to12. We encourage those interested in
quilting, crocheting, knitting or just plain visiting and
sharing. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is resuming, but we
need knitters and crocheters. So we’re calling for help!
Book Club meets the 3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.
They are reading the book “Frozen River”. Contact Judy
Leonard for a book if interested.
We’re getting ready for the Holiday Boutique,
November 7,8, & 9. We’re looking for new ideas and
helpers. Let us know if you’d like to help out either by
crafting or working the time of the boutique.
Respectfully submitted, Gerry McGuire
Prayer & Praise List
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You seeking
Your divine intervention against sickness. Lord, I
ask that You pour out Your healing power upon me
and restore me to full health, in Jesus Name
Please pray for:
Ann, Dale, Cristy, Doris, Ron, Clarence, Shelly,
Leland, Teal, Jack, Sally, Gary, Tiffany, Kaity, Jason,
Harper, Bodie, Colton, Joe, Susan, Marjorie, and
Kerri.
● Peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Somalia
● Families and victims of recent shootings
● Those in Texas and across the nation
affected by storms.
August UWF Book Selection:
The Frozen River
Due to conflicts in book club
members’ lives, we had to cancel
the meeting. We will discuss The
Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon at
our next meeting on Friday,
August 15th at 10:30 A.M. in the
church library.
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 August 15th 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 August 15th
Contact Judy Leonard if you 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 requests offerings for the
Guadalupe River Flood victims.
July was the month the team prepared and served
a hot lunch to the Peoples Kitchen. We planned for
80 meals, including a beef casserole, salad, bread
and a dessert. We had help from many church
members children, as they were on school break.
We welcomed a visit from our new Pastor Wesley
at the July meeting.
The next service the Peoples Kitchen will be
September 29th and 30th.
The Mission Team plans to have an Alternative
Christmas in October, please prepare your
shopping list for this event.
Fellowship Ministry
The Welcoming Party for Pastor Wes and his
family was well attended and enjoyed by all.
This is the beginning of a great relationship
with our congregation.
The PCPA, play at the Marian Theatre,
“Something Rotten” proved to be a very
energetic and fun loving musical production
enjoyed by the twelve attending.
The movie for the end of the month, is
“Penguin Lessons” on August 31, at 4pm. The
movie takes place amid the politics of 1970’s
Argentina. An English teacher finds a new
lease on life after he rescues a stranded
penguin. Free movie, popcorn, candy and
soft drinks. Sign up at the connections
counter.
We look forward to a visit to the Luffa Farm
Friday September 12 and a tour of the Price
House in Pismo Beach. On Saturday, October
18th. With the Holidays coming before you
know it, set aside November 30th for the
Advent workshop.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
Date 8:30 10:30
August 03 Joe Brown Rose Ann Steiner
August 10 Mary Throndson Nancy St. Laurent
August 17 Susan Throndson Michelle Richardson
August 24 David Beard Joyce Singleman
August 31 Sharon Roemer Patti Melsheimer
HELP NEEDED
Do you have a computer with a CD drive?
When cleaning out the Church office we
discovered a box of Compact Disks (CD)
containing photos of church activities and Cast-
A-Nets from about 2005 to 2012.
We need someone to copy the files to a thumb
drive and or upload them to our on-line Google
photo dump for our archives. If you have the
time but not a computer with a CD Drive the
church has an old desktop computer with a CD
Drive you may use either at home or at church.
It is fun seeing church friends from many years
ago!
Contact Joel Anderson for further information.
---Communications Committee--
.
2
CHOIR STARTUP
Thursday August 28, 6:30 to 8:30PM
Attention all singers!
All those who can carry a tune are invited to join
the choir. We start rehearsals on Thursday, August
28th in the sanctuary. Rehearsals are 6:30PM to
8:30PM. We’d love to have you! If you don’t know
if you’re “choir material” or not, I’d be glad to give
a listen. Just contact me by e-mail at
tstew4@aol.com. Or, just show up! See you then!
-- Choir Director Tricia Stewart
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
8/01 Tina Moore
8/02 Priscilla Alquist
8/02 Jacqueline Ridge
8/04 Rosslyn Clauson
8/07 Patty Williams
8/08 Nancy St. Laurent
8/10 Gerry McGuire
8/10 Joshua Thompson
8/10 Frank Ridge
8/11 David Avila
8/12 John Mackeen
8/13 Bill Gerrish
8/15 Robert Underwood
8/17 Nancy Gerrish
8/19 Carol Gary
8/20 Nancy Burns
8/22 Dorine Bolterman
8/23 Joe Brown
8/23 Frank Williams
8/24 Peter Paredes
8/24 Cristy Van Hook
8/26 Niki Raetz
8/27 Jacqui Burns
8/27 Sharon Roemer
8/30 Cecile Huggins
8/30 Wyatt Russell
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
Aug 03 Trustees
Aug 10 Staff Parish
Aug 17 Finance
Aug 24 Nominating Committee
Aug 31 Worship Team
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
August 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
Sat. Aug 9 New Minister On-Boarding 9:30-3:00
Sat. Aug. 16 UWF Bingo & Pizza Night 5PM
Sun. Aug. 31 Free Movie "Penguin Lessons" 4PM
Fri. Sept. 12 Loofa Farm Tour, Carpool from
church at 10:10
Sat. Sept. 13 Women's Tea and Fashion show
11:30-1:30
Sat. Sept. 20 Young People's Academy 9:00 to 3:00
Sat. Sept. 27 Harvest Festival Parade
Sun. Sept 28 Free Movie Night 4PM
Mon. Sept. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep, 1:30,
Tues. Sept. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribution
11AM
Sat. Oct. 4 St. Francis Day - Blessing of the
Animals
Sat. Oct. 18 Tour of the Price House, 10:30
Sun. Oct. 26 Alternative Christmas
Fri-Sun. Nov.7-9 Christmas Boutique