275 North Halcyon Road * Arroyo Grande * CA 93420 * (805) 481-2692
Words from the Pastor
September is here! Growing up,
September meant pencil shavings,
cooler nights, and American football. It
was an exciting time of year. We have
exciting things happening here at First
United Methodist Church of Arroyo
Grande. There are plenty of
opportunities to connect with people
and bring people with you. The first
introduction can be one of our many
events we have happening. I love all the
different ways we build relationships
here at our church. There is something
for everyone! Many thanks to everyone
who makes everything happen. We have
an awesome church because of you.
We even have a couple of new
things happening! With the start of the
youth program, we need people to join in
and make this successful for our Jr. and
Senior High Students. On September 6,
we will have a leaders meeting with Rev.
Tim Olson. After the leaders' meeting,
the youth will have their first meeting.
We would love to have you help!
New things in the air, and the North
District of the California Pacific
Conference has new things happening,
too! And they are happening in our area!
On September 28th, they have a Friends
and Family Fall Fellowship. It will take
place at the San Luis Obispo United
Methodist Church on Sunday afternoon,
from 1 pm to 4 pm. That same day, we
have our movie night. A fun-packed day
you won't want to miss!
I love our church! I hope to see you soon!
Pastor Wes 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
SEPTEMBER 2025
ATTENTION ALL 4th - 12th GRADERS
DON'T MISS THIS BIG EVENT AT OUR CHURCH! (and on the Beach)
Saturday, September 20, 1 - 8PM
Opportunities for self-discovery and fun. Bishop Dottie will be there. You should be there too!
Please register in advance using the QR Code, through link from our website: WorshipWeekly.com
or at https://www.jotform.com/form/252013880565153
THANK YOU, LUCY AND ADRIAN!
A big THANK YOU to our two newest volunteers at the back of the church. Lucy Jorstadt operates the soundboard and slide
projector twice a month at first service. Adrian Paredes operates the soundboard most Sundays at second service. Stop by
at the soundboard on your way in or out of the sanctuary and thank them for their help. We still need volunteers to operate
the video camera at both services and need substitutes for the sound board.
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY JOHN MACKEEN
WE ARE RESTARTING OUR YOUTH GROUP
WE NEED YOUTH AND YOUR HELP!
We are restarting our youth program with a
kickoff meeting on Saturday September 6. We
have invited Pastor. Wes's friend, Rev. Tim Olson
to help get things going. Adult volunteers and
other interested adults will meet from 3 to 4PM.
Junior and Senior High age youth will then meet
from 4 to 5PM. Pizza for all to follow! All events
are in Criswell Hall.
Tim Olson is an experienced organizer of church
youth and young adult programs. Tim is coming all
the way from Antelope Valley to help us get
started, so BE THERE!
Please invite your Junior and Senior High age
family and friends. We want our youth group
operating for the Young People's Academy on
September 20.
Tim Olson has been serving students (Junior High,
High School, College) and families since 1999. In
addition to his role as a Pastor, Tim has been a
speaker and director for camps and retreats and
has served on multiple councils regarding the
future of youth ministry. He is currently in the
process of becoming an Associate Certified Coach
through the International Coaching Federation.
Tim and his wife, Wendy, live in the Antelope
Valley north of Los Angeles. In addition to
theological conversations, Tim enjoys a round (or
two) of disc golf, visiting theme parks, hiking, and
taking their dogs for walks in the desert. He was
ordained in June, 2011. As a conversation starter,
ask about when Katy Perry referred to him as her
youth pastor.
Report about Onboarding Meeting
with Staff and Leadership
District Superintendent Garth:
I want to report on the onboarding at Arroyo
Grande yesterday (August 13). It seemed to
have gone very well. Wes Thompson did a great
job in interacting and the leaders/staff present
were engaged and enthusiastic.
My special thanks to Mary Hawkins, the SPRC
chair, and Blanca Placencia, the Administrative
Assistant, who did a wonderful job in preparing
for the event and taking care of details on the
day of the onboarding.
To me, the most important thing that emerged
is that the group thought that communication in
the church can be better and that this has been
systemic for a long time. That's a good thing to
acknowledge and work on.
They also posed some excellent and thoughtful
questions, and Pastor Wes responded well.
A few people mentioned - and I agree - that
while this onboarding experience was definitely
a good one, they thought that it would have
been better earlier. I have shared this with our
onboarding facilitators. Something to think
about as you consider future onboarding
experiences.
I have offered a post-onboarding meeting to
Mary if a follow-up to the onboarding is desired.
DS Garth: the next step in the onboarding
process is a meeting with you, Pastor Wes, and
me. This is led by Pastor Wes to give his
perspectives on the onboarding and how things
are going since then.
I suggest that we have this meeting in October
before charge conference season ramps up.
Thanks so much. Grace and aloha,
Hawaii District Superintendent
Tom Choi
Sunday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2
9AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew &
Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5pm Bell Choir HR
7 PM Trustees, MMR
3
AM Church Work
Morning – CH
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
6:30 Worship Team
Pastor’s Office
4
9 AM Senior Exercise
-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5:00PM Bell Choir HR
6:30PM Choir
Rehearsal
7:30PM Band
Rehearsal CH
5
6
3 to 4PM Youth
Leaders
4 to 5PM Youth Group
7
8:30AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Worship
Service
9
9AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew &
Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5pm Bell Choir HR
7 PM Trustees, MMR
10
9 AM Church Work
Morning – CH
10 AM UWF Steering
Committee Library
1:30 PM Mission Team
6:30 PM Daughter’s Of
Grace MMR
11
9AM Senior
Exercise
-
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5:00PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal HR
6:30PM Choir
Rehearsal
7:30PM Band
Rehearsal CH
12
10:10 AM Luffa Farm
Tour
13
9 to 12PM Church
Work Day
11:30 to 1PM Tea and
Fashion Show
14
8:30 AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
16
9AM Senior Exercise _ CH
10AM Sew & Sews, MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
1:30PM Finance Library
3:00PM Joy Circle
5pm Bell Choir HR
17
9 AM Church Work
Morning-CH
2:00PM Church Council
6:30PM Daughters of
Grace Circle MMR
18
9 AM Senior Exercise
-
10:30 AM Staff Parish
10:30 Book Club - Lib
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
3:30 PM Children’s
Center Board MMR
5:00PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal HR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
7:30PM Band
Rehearsal CH
19
20
1 to 8 PM Youth
Academy
28
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
23
9AM Senior Exercise CH
10AM Sew & Sews MMR
11Am Chair Yoga CH
1PM Bible Study CH
5:00Pm Bell Choir HR
24
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
10 AM Mary Martha
MMR
25
9 AM Senior Exercise
-
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
3:30 PM Children’s
Center Board MMR
5:00PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal HR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
7:30PM Band
Rehearsal CH
26
11AM Nominations
Committee
Pastor’s Office
27
Harvest Festival Parade
28
8:30 AM
Informal
Worship Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
5PM Movie Superman
30
9AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew &
Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5PM Bell Choir
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
Pig Butchering and Other Scams
It starts with an innocuous text such as "Hi" or "How
are you feeling?", or perhaps a text that appears to
be have been sent the wrong number such as s "Can
we meet for lunch today" or "Did you get the
package I sent?". The message may come from
what appears to be a local number. The idea is that
the scammers want you to respond. Once you
respond they start what seems like a harmless
conversation, but it is really designed to build
ongoing communication and develop trust.
Scammers may spend weeks, or even months, in
casual conversation before introducing the scam.
They may show off a lavish lifestyle to appear
successful, which often leads to conversations
about investing. Once the scammer has the victim’s
trust, they will propose an investment opportunity,
often in crypto assets. After an initial modest
investment, they may ask for more and more funds.
Once they have taken as much of your money as
they can get, they and your money disappear. The
term Pig Butchering refers to the practice of
fattening pigs before slaughter, symbolizing how
scammers "fatten" their victims with false attention
before exploiting them financially. Don't be a pig
that gets slaughtered. Be aware. Don't answer odd
texts from unfamiliar numbers. Delete them.
An e-mail scam that has been especially prevalent
in recent weeks is "New Sign-in Detected" or
"Confirm your e-mail". It often continues with a
warning "Your account will be deleted". The
scammer wants you to click on the link in the e-mail,
which brings you to a fake website where you enter
your e-mail address and password. And guess what,
they can now access your e-mail account! With that
they may be able to gain access your bank, credit
card and investment accounts and attempt to take
out loans in your name. If you get such a warning,
you can probably ignore it. If you are unsure, sign
into your e-mail account as you usually do and
check your account. DO NOT USE THE LINK
PROVIDED. Amazon will often send similar
messages when you log into your Amazon account,
so you can ignore that message if you recently
accessed your Amazon account.
Another scam going around is "DO YOU
RECOGNIZE THIS PURCHASE". You don't because
you did not make it. The scammer wants you to
click on the link or call the phone number to
"cancel" the purchase. In reality they want to get
your credit card or bank information. DON'T
RESPOND. If you are unsure, log into your bank
credit card or PayPal account to check.
Bingo and Pizza was lots of fun, with pretty much
everyone wining multiple prizes. We are look forward to
the next one.
Our annual Tea is scheduled for 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 M C 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. Tickets are $15- per person. Sign up at the UMW
card table in Crisswell Hall to let us know you’re coming,
to sponsor a table and get your tickets.
We are getting ready for the Holiday Boutique,
November 7,8 & 9. We are 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. We will
start our weekly Thursday craft workshops, from 10 to
12 in the McMillan Room, September 4. Everyone is
welcome to come help out. If you are good at crafting
come and bring your ideas. Even if you are a novice,
we’ll teach you.
Circles and groups: All women are invited to attend the
circles and groups of your choice.
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last
Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the McMillen
Room. Joy Circle is resuming their meetings this month
after a summer off. Meetings are on the third Tuesday
of the month, 3-5pm in members’ homes. Check with
Kerren Brown for more information.
Our new circle Daughters of Grace meets in the
McMillen Room at 6:30 the 2nd Wednesday of the
month. 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 until 12, bring a sandwich if you want to
stay for lunch. We encourage those interested in
quilting, crocheting, knitting and just plain visiting and
sharing. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is resuming, but we
need knitters and crocheters.
Book Club will meet 3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.
They are reading the book. Contact Judy Leonard for a
book if interested.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
ADULT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR
YOUTH ACADEMY, SEPT. 20
The North District needs help putting on the Youth
Academy on September 20. Use the QR code below to
register or go to: https://gqr.sh/yEDa
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, Stacy, Nan, Cristy,
Micaela and Beverly,
● Peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Somalia
● Families and victims of recent shootings
● Those in Texas and across the nation
affected by storms.
September UWF Book Selection:
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The UWF Book Club will meet on
Friday, September 19th, at 10:30
A.M. in the church library for a
discussion of Remarkably Bright
Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. Who
would believe that a relationship
between an aging octopus and a
lonesome old woman could develop
into a loving friendship? Tova works as the evening
cleaning lady who relishes all the sea creatures in the
Sowell Bay Aquarium; she especially loves Marcellus,
the intelligent Pacific octopus, who keeps escaping from
his tank. The story is much more than just a charming
tale. Other humans in Tova’s life become entwined in
solving mysteries and finding resolutions to their
personal issues. You will also learn interesting facts
about octopuses!
You are invited to join the discussion of this endearing
story on September 19th. Copies of Remarkably Bright
Creatures can be purchased locally at the Monarch Book
Store in Arroyo Grande or on-line. You can also check
with Mary Whitson who ordered multiple used copies
of it.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Facilitated by Nancy St. Laurent
Meets on
Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in Criswell Hall
The Group is currently studying
“Breaking The Code”
by Bruce Metzger
Books are available from Nancy.
All are welcome to join us!
Future Studies are:
Revelations
Heaven and Earth by Will Willimon
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
• Youth Volunteers
Please contact Pastor Wes
• Video Camera operator for both services.
Please contact Mike Coho.
• Sound Board operators
Please contact Mike Coho
• Photographer needed for 2nd service.
Please contact Joel Anderson
Fellowship Ministry
The Movie for the end of the month, September
28, will be Superman at 5pm. Free movie,
popcorn, candy and soft drinks. Sign up on the
list on the Connections Counter.
We look forward to a visit to the Luffa Farm
September 12, at 10:30. There is a $5 charge per
person. It is located near Willow Road in Nipomo.
Sign up at the Connections Counter in the
Narthex.
The Price House of Pismo Beach is scheduled
for Saturday, October 18 at 10:30.
The 1893 Price Anniversary House is the home of
the founder of Pismo Beach, John Michael Price.
It is the oldest building in Pismo Beach.
A return visit to the Tortoise Reserve is
November 15 at 11 am. It is free but a donation is
well appreciated.
Put November 30th on your calendar for the
Advent Workshop. Those who participated last
year really had a good and meaningful time. A
light lunch will be served after second service,
followed by Christmas crafts. This event gets us
off to a great start to the Christmas season.
Submitted by Gerry McGuire
Date 8:30 10:30
Sept. 07 Joe Brown Dave Anderson
Sept. 14 Lucy Jacob Rosslyn Clauson
Sept. 21 Sharon Roemer Carolyn Anderson
Sept. 28 Susan Throndson Judy Leonard
ATTENTION ALL SINGERS
WE WOULD LOVE YOU JOIN OUR CHOIR
Thursdays 6:30 to 8:30PM
All those who can carry a tune are invited to join
the choir. We start rehearsals on Thursday’s in
the sanctuary. Rehearsals run 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
ARROYO GRANDE HARVEST
FESTIVAL PARADE
It’s time once again for the Harvest Festival Parade
in Arroyo Grande. It was so much fun we want to
be in the parade again this year. It is scheduled for
Saturday, September 27, 2025, 10:00. We’ll be
carrying signs and the large Methodist Church
banner. The parade route is just one mile through
Arroyo Grande Village. The Children’s Center will
be in the parade also. There are plans for the
Praise Team to provide music. Everyone is
welcome to participate. Sign up in the Narthex.
Any kind of costume is fine. We’re looking for a
“John Wesley” to be in the parade again this year!
Please join us as we celebrate and advertise our
church.
Contact Rose Ann Steiner
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
9/06 Mike Coho
9/08 Generoso Mandac
9/10 Jinna Gillean
9/12 Jonathan Thompson
9/13 Sally Weitkamp
9/14 Alice Addison
9/16 Bob Throndson
9/18 Jan Treat
9/22 John Emery
9/23 Macie Mendez
9/29 Clair Jacob
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
Sep 07 United Women of Faith
Sep 14 Membership Care
Sep 21 Fellowship Ministry
Sep 28 Worship Team
NEW CAMPUS WIDE WI-FI NETWORK
Network: FUMC GUEST
Password: united methodist church
(all lower case with spaces)
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
September 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. Sep 06 Youth Program Kicko 1-8pm
Fri. Sept. 12 Loofa Farm Tour, Carpool Church at 10:10
Sat. Sept. 13 Women's Tea and Fashion show 11:30-1:30
Sat. Sept. 20 North District Young People's Academy 1:00-
8:00pm details
Sat. Sept. 27 Harvest Festival Parade
Sun. Sept. 28 Friends & Family Fellowship 1-4pm San Luis
Obispo United Methodist Church
Sun. Sept. 28 Free Movie Night 5PM Superman
Mon. Sept. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30, Kitchen
Tues. Sept. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribution 11AM
carpool from church
Sat. Oct. 18 Tour of the Price House, 10:30
Sun. Oct. 26 Alternative Christmas
Fri-Sun. Nov.7-9 Christmas Boutique
Sat. Nov. 15 Turtle & Tortoise Rescue, Carpool from
church at 10:45
Thu. Dec. 11 Children's Center Christmas Program
Mon. Dec. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30, Kitchen
Tues. Dec. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribution 11AM
carpool from church