Words from the Pastor
Friends, I love our church! We
have such a great group of
people and leaders. We offer
hospitality and invite others in
so well. We do such an amazing
job! I'd like to touch on a
couple of exciting things we
have coming up. The first one is
All Saints' Sunday, November 2.
We will be remembering those
in our congregation who have
passed over the last year. This
will be my first All Saints'
service at First United
Methodist Church (UMC) of Arroyo Grande, and I will be
learning the ways we celebrate here. In that regard, I would
like to mention the Tree of Life in the Narthex. Perhaps there
is someone in the congregation you would like to honor and
remember, or perhaps a group would like to remember a
person. Your remembrance and gifts are ways to honor and
cherish the memory of our friends and loved ones in First
UMC Arroyo Grande. Our Tree of Life is designed and
dedicated to give special recognition to members who have
enriched our lives together. For more information, please
pick up one of the brochures in the Narthex about the Tree
of Life.
On November 16, we are having a luncheon for those
interested in becoming a member or learning more about
our church. I will briefly talk about the United Methodist
Church and this local congregation. We may include a facility
tour. Please see Dorine Bolterman at the 8:30 service, Kerren
Brown at the 10:30 service, or contact the church office if you
would like join us for this event. Come and explore what this
church is about.
On November 9, we are starting Advent. Yes, this is a little
different than the typical 4-week Advent. The 7-week Advent
is rooted in ancient Christian tradition and is still observed by
many Orthodox churches. Expanding Advent gives us more
time during this busy season for reflection, anticipation, and
spiritual preparation for Christ's birth. Theologically it is
about the celebration of the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany
season.
Advent is a season of waiting. What are we waiting for?
Summed up in one response, we are waiting for the full
manifestation of the Reign of God that is the Kingdom of
Christ! We wait by celebrating the Birth of Christ, and look
forward to the day the Kingdom of God will break through
completely. We wait to celebrate the Birth of Jesus. We wait
for Christmas. Waiting isn't easy, but it is worth it. It's like
waiting for the birth of a child. The song "Closing Time" by
Semisonic is not about the nightly last call at a bar. It is not
an Advent or Christmas song. It was written by Dan Wilson
about anticipation. His wife was pregnant and it was time for
her to have the baby. And now you will probably have that
songs catchy lyrics stuck in your head for the rest of the day!
We will start this Advent season, wrap up this year, and start
a new year. We turn our focus and attention to preparation
for the celebration of Christmas. Science tells us we as
humans are wired for anticipation, more than getting the
thing we are waiting for. Advent is our time of anticipation
for the celebration to come. This season is the launch pad
for a great celebration of Jesus's coming.
Starting Advent now will help us be more prepared and ready
to celebrate Christmas. We need to stop and think, to pause
and remember. As time in the world is speeding up, we are
slowing down to reflect on the gift of Christ. There are many
holidays celebrated during this time of year. In the coming
weeks, we have Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and
others. We also have things like Black Friday and Cyber
Monday. We are not taking away from any of them. During
this time of frantic activity, Advent helps by taking us to the
place our souls need to rest.
NOVEMBER 2025
RRRRRRB2025
HARVEST FESTIVAL PARADE
CARINA MENDEZ BABY SHOWER
`
The Baby Shower for Carina Mendez (church secretary,
Blanca’s granddaughter) was very successful. Everyone had
fun. There were lots of presents including many from those
that couldn’t attend. Games were played, including “How
Many Jelly Beans in a Baby Bottle” won by Makiyah
Thompson. Another game, “Shopping for Baby”, was won
by Faye Cuddy, one of our younger members. The older
members apparently were not up on the current cost of baby
supplies. Sandwiches, salads, cake and a 60’s style punch
were served.
NEW MEMBER
CLASS FORMING
Our first New Membership Class is forming with Pastor
Wesley Thompson leading the class. We are asking all
those interested in becoming a new member of First
United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande (FUMCAG) to
join our informational class on November 16th, 2025 at
12: 00 after of second service. We will meet in the
McMillen Room for a luncheon and round table to
become acquainted with our church. Pastor Welsey
Thompson will share with us what is means to be a
Methodist, followed by an introduction of our Church
Council and a brief talk about their role in guiding our
church. A folder will available to take home, containing
an organizational chart, Administrative and Program
Chairs narrative reviewing the work of the individual
committees, meetings, and contact information. A
campus tour will be available for those interested in
staying after the meeting.
For those prospective members wishing to become a
member of First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
by Confession of Faith, Reaffirmation of Faith or Transfer,
please contact Dorine Bolterman from 1st service or Kerren
Brown from 2nd service or call the church office. New
members will be brought into full Membership at FUMCAG
on November 23, 2025 at both services to be confirmed by
the congregation. There will be a reception during our
Hospitality time for all New Members following 2nd Service
in Criswell Hall. This will give you the opportunity to meet
your new church family personally and celebrate this special
occasion. You can contact our Membership Chair, Kerren
Brown, if you have questions. Leave a message at the church
office and I will get in touch with you promptly.
--Kerren Brown
United Women in Faith seeks to connect and nurture
women through Christian spiritual formation, leadership
development, creative fellowship, and education so that
they can inspire, influence and impact local and global
communities.
The Holiday Boutique is almost here, November 7, 8, & 9. We
will be open for business Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am to
2pm and after services on Sunday. I can’t believe how busy
we are with, last minute ideas and favorite projects to finish.
We can still use your help. You can help us with pricing,
setting up or working the days of the boutique. Sign up at the
UWF table in Crisswell Hall. Everyone is welcome to come
help. We have kits to pick up and take home and of course
you can donate items; like quilts, table runners, placemats,
potholders, baked goods and plants. We traditionally have
also accepted vintage items to sell in our vintage corner. We
would love to have more. We appreciate your help.
The United Women of Faith will be serving a light lunch
before the Advent Workshop on Sunday November 30. We
will have fun making Christmas items and decorations. Sign
up to join us at the connections counter next Sunday.
Circles and groups: All women are invited to attend the
circles and groups of your choice. Just come!
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last Wednesday of
the month at 10 am in the McMillen Room. They will resume
meeting in January. Joy Circle, meets on the third Tuesday of
the month, 3-5 pm in members’ homes. Check with Kerren
Brown for more information.
Our new circle, Daughters of Grace, meets in McMillen Room
at 6:30 on 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 at
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; we need more knitters and crocheters.
Book Club, meets the 3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.
Contact Judy Leonard for a book if interested.
Respectfully submitted,
--Gerry McGuire
MISSION TEAM REPORT
The Mission Team prepared and served about 60 hot meals
for the People’s Kitchen on September 30th. Extra casseroles
were taken to 5 Cities Coalition cabins. We were blessed by
the number of volunteers who helped with this project.
We took an offering for World Communion Sunday in
October, providing scholarships and leadership
development opportunities for international and U.S. racial-
ethnic students pursuing advanced degrees.
The fifth Tuesday in December we are responsible for
another People’s Kitchen luncheon. We are grateful for the
volunteers who support us with this project.
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:
Colton, Ann, Tifffany Tracy, Carmen, Rosario,
Ernest, Willy, Jason, John, Mark, Harper,
Nathan, Jack, Joe, Bodie, Lee, and Elaine.
Working with the Chancel Choir has turned out to be
absolute pleasure! Most of you are already aware of
this ministry but there has been a slight change that
we are all excited about.
On the third Sunday of the month, the choir loft will
be open to all who would like to assist in leading
worship. We will not be singing an anthem on those
particular Sundays, so I wanted to invite all who have
a heart for worship to join us. No rehearsal needed!
Just be in the loft around 10:20AM.
We would love to see you!
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday 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
2
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
3
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
4
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
1PM trustees 7PM
MMR
1PM Adult Bible
Study CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
5
9AM Church Work
Morning
Fellowship Ministry
10AM L
Worship Team
5:30PM Pastors
Office
6
10AM Holiday Boutique
setup MMR
5PM Bell Choir HR
6:30PM Chancel Choir
Rehearsal S
7
Holiday Boutique
9AM-7PM
8
Holiday
Boutique 9AM-
2PM
9
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
Holiday Boutique
After Services
10
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
11
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
12
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Steering
Committee
Mission Team 1:30PM
Daughter’s of Grace
6:30PM MMR
13
9AM Senior Exercise CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
6:30PM Chancel Choir S
14
15
10:45AM Turtle
& Tortoise
Rescue
16
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
New Member Class 12PM
Noisy Offering
From November
16th thru 23rd
17
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
18
9AM Senior Exercise
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
1PM Adult Bible
Study CH
1:30PM Finance, Lib
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
19
9AM Church Work
Morning
Church Council 2PM
MMR
20
9AM Senior Exercise CH
10:30AM Staff Parish PS
11AM Chair Yoga CH
Children’s Center Board
3:30PM MMR
5PM Bell Choir HR
6:30PM Chancel Choir S
21
UWF Book Club
10:30AM L
22
23/30
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
__________________
30
Advent Crafts
Workshop after 2nd
service
24
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
Communications
4:30PM L
25
9AM Senior Exe CH
10AM Sew’ N Sew
11AM Chair Yoga CH
1PM Adult Bible CH
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
Charge Con 6:30-
8:30PM
26
9AM Church Work
Morning
27
28
29
Hanging Of the
Greens 10AM
November UWF Book Club Selection:
The Education of a WASP
The UWF Book Club readers will
discuss a memoir, The Education of a
WASP, by Lois Stalvey at the Friday,
November 21st meeting at 10:30 A.M.
in the church library. This timely
account of a white woman’s
experience with racism in America in
the 1960s reminds us of how much
and how little things have changed. Her reactions to
racial incidents in neighborhoods, college campuses, and
the workplace cause us to consider the effects of racism
today.
We invite you to join us in the book discussion on
November 21st. If you need a copy of The Education of a
WASP, see Mary Whitson or Judy Leonard.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Facilitated by Nancy St. Laurent
Meets on
Tuesdays at 1:00 pm 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!
Help AGUMCC Turn
Candy into Cash
Orders Begin: November 1, 2025
Deadline: November 30, 2025
Order See's Candies over $75 and receive FREE Delivery
anywhere in the United States. Questions Call: Maddy at
805-481-2223
Date 8:30 10:30
Nov. 02 Joe Brown Rosslyn Clauson
Nov. 09 Sharon Roemer Joyce Singleman
Nov. 16 Susan Throndson Rose Ann Steiner
Nov. 23 Mary Throndson Judy Leonard
Nov. 30 Debora Bradley Michelle Richardson
In Loving Memory Of
Eva McClure
September 25, 2025
Loving Father, we ask for Your blessing upon Eva
McClure’s soul, so that she may find eternal rest in
Your Heavenly Kingdom.
Surround her with Your light and love, and grant her
peace and joy in Your presence. May she be reunited
with those who have gone before and experience the
fullness of Your glory
AMEN
The Youth Christmas Party/Progressive Dinner will be on
Saturday, December 6th. The fun starts at the church at
4:00pm in Crisswell Hall and ends about 8:30 with dessert and
a White Elephant Gift (funny gift that costs no more than $10)
exchange at the last location. All students currently attending
6th-12th grade and adult volunteers who have been attending
the youth volunteer training times with Pastor Tim are
invited. A completed Medical Release Form is required from
each student planning to attend. For more information,
please contact Pastor Wes or Pastor Tim. Come and have fun
and dinner.
CAROLYN RUSSELL
RETIREMENT PARTY
Thank you, Carolyn Russell, for your many years of hard
work and dedication to our Children’s Moment and
Sunday School.
Fellowship Ministry
We will not have movie nights during the
months of November and December due to
the holidays
A visit to the Tortoise Reserve is arranged
for November 15 at 11 am. Meet at the
church at or 10:30 to carpool. It is free but
a donation is well appreciated.
November 30th is the Advent Workshop.
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. We have at least 10
different crafts. Sign up this Sunday at the
connection counter. $10 per person or
$15 per family.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
Alternative Christmas
Alternative Christmas was a success! Funds were raised to
support the 5Cities Homeless Coalition, Heifer International
and our overseas Covenant Missionaries.
Thank you all!
Poinsettia Order Form
This is your opportunity to help provide poinsettias
to brighten our church and the lives of
our shut-in members.
Please print your dedication clearly.
Thank you for your generosity.
IN HONOR or IN MEMORY OF
(please circle one)
Each poinsettia plant is $15.
Payments should be made to FUMCAG
Memo line on check or envelope: Poinsettias
Please put payment and this completed form in
an offering envelope and place the offering plate
or drop your envelope with form at the church
office by Monday morning, December 12.
NAME: ______________________________________
PHONE: ____________________________________ _
Office use only:
___ Cash ______ Check # ______ Amount ______
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:
Position open
Interim Choir Director:
Tricia Stewart
Praise Team Director:
Mike Clark
Choral Pianist: Dennis Eiler
Handbell Choir Director:
Leonard Lutz
Worship Video Editor:
Susan Throndson
Covenant Missionaries:
Katherine Parker, Nepal
Florence Ogugua Mefor, Nigeria
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
11/02 Alexander Thompson
11/07 Wes Thompson
11/07 Patrick Harvey
11/15 Jim Harvey
11/16 Rosemary MacKeen
11/21 Helen Gugeler
11/23 Christina Cuddy
11/23 Adrian Paredes
11/29 Del Hollinger
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
Nov 02 Finance
Nov 09 Nominating Committee
Nov 16 Worship Team
Nov 23 Children’s Center
Nov 30 United Women of Faith
NEW CAMPUS WI-FI NETWORK
FUMC GUEST
Password: united methodist church
(all lower case with spaces)
LEGACY GIVING
Personal Philanthropy
brochures from the
California-Pacific United
Methodist Foundation are
available at the Connections
Table in the Narthex. They
discuss ways to create your
own personal or family
legacy. You may contact
them directly at 626-568-
7347 or on the web at
www.cpumf.org.
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
November 2025
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Upcoming Events
Sat. Nov. 1 Youth Program 3PM Adults, 4PM Youth,
5PM Fried Chicken
Fri. Nov. 7 Holiday Boutique, 9AM-7PM
Sat. Nov. 8 Holiday Boutique, 9AM-2PM
Sun. Nov. 9 Holiday Boutique, After services
Sat. Nov. 15 Angel Tree, 10:00AM
Sat. Nov. 15 Turtle & Tortoise Rescue, Carpool from
church at 10:30
Sun. Nov. 16 & 23 Noisy Oering (spare change for
Turkeys)
Sat. Nov. 1-30 See’s Candy Fundraiser
Sat. Nov. 29 Hanging of the Greens 10:00am
Sun. Nov. 30 Advent Crafts Workshop after 2nd
service
Sat. Dec. 6 Youth Program, Progressive Dinner
Sun. Dec 7 Friendly Big Band Concert 3:00PM
Thu. Dec. 11 Children's Center Christmas Program
Sat. Dec. 13 Christmas Extravaganza 3-5PM
Mon. Dec. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30,
Tues. Dec. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribution 11AM
carpool from church
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.