Words from the Pastor
What kind
of traditions
does your
family have
this time of
year? I think
traditions
during the
holidays are
part of what
makes it special. They provide that connection to the
past that we all want. Traditions give us nostalgia, but
sometimes they limit us. Traditions sometimes keep us
from growing or trying new things. One year we visited
some family and instead of a traditional Christmas
dinner, they had enchiladas and seafood soup. It was
fantastic!
Another thing about this time of year is that it isn't all
cheer for everyone. It is a difficult time even with all the
festivities. Let us be aware and remember this might be
someone's first season without a loved one. It might be
many years without a loved one. May we extend grace
to people and show the love of Christ. May we share the
peace Christ has given us with everyone. May we pay
special attention and remember them as well. Many
churches have a Blue Christmas or a "Longest Night"
service. This service is a time to reflect and remember
those who have passed away and those who are
struggling during this time of year. Keep them all in your
prayers.
When someone comes to your mind pray for them, and
if you can, stop and let them know. Send them a text
saying "hi" or give them a call. Especially this time of
year, it is easier to make those calls you might have been
neglecting.
I hope that during this holiday season you can slow down
and reflect on the great things God has done and the
ways God has been faithful. I hope you have a season of
excitement and wonder. I hope you connect with others.
May your holiday season be filled with the Love of Christ,
and may that give you the Joy and Peace to reflect and
share Christ with those around you.
I hope this is the best holiday season for you!
December 2025
RRRRRRB2025
Christmas Eve Candlelight
Communion Service
Wednesday, December 24 4PM
Bring your family and friends!
We are trying an earlier time this year so you can
get an early start on Christmas festivities
and to assist those that don't drive at night.
Holiday Extravaganza
Talent Show
Saturday, December 13, 3-5PM
Bring your family and friends
for fun and food.
A GOLDEN SUPRISE!
When Financial Secretary Jim Alquist was counting the
offering a few weeks ago, a gold coin fell out of an
unknown envelope. It was a Saint Helena 1/4 ounce
gold coin! It is a generous gift as the coin contains over
$1000 of gold. The Finance Team greatly thanks the
unidentified donor of this amazing coin. The Team
decided to keep the coin as church property, until a
special need arises.
Saint Helena is a British Territory and is one of the most
remote islands in the world. It is located in the South
Atlantic Ocean, some 1,200 miles west of Africa.
Because it is so isolated, it is where the British exiled
Napoleon after the Battle of Waterloo.
During the Age of Sailing the island was controlled by
the British East India Company. It was an important
stop where ships could replenish water and provisions,
and was famous for its brothels and bars. At its peak
over 1000 ships a year would stop there. With the
coming of steamships and the opening of the Suez Canal
it turned into an unimportant, forgotten backwater.
Today it has fewer than 5000 residents. The economy
is based on handouts from the British government,
tourism and the sale of stamps and coins to collectors.
The 2022 dated gold coin has the nominal face value of
£25, which is about $33. Of course, it never trades at
that. One side depicts Queen Elizabeth. The other is
modeled after the 18th century British gold coin called
a "Spade Guinea". The coin got the name because the
depiction of the British coat of arms looks like a spade.
The Latin legend "DIRIGE DEUS GRESSUS MOES"
translates as "May God Direct My Steps". It is an
excellent message for all of us to remember as we enter
this new year.
NEW MEMBERS
Please welcome 12 new members who joined Nov. 23.
Ellise Faith, Ellsworth Zxain, Michael and Edmelyne
Campuno with sponsor Mary Hawkins
Pax, Aleander, Makiyah & Kristi Thompson
with sponsor Jo Anne Napoles
Tricia Stewart Sponsor Bobbi Merris with
Terry Carver
Not Shown: Steve & Paulette Black transferred their
membership to out congregation and will be presented
at a later date.
It's our last youth group event of the year! The Youth
Christmas Party & Progressive Dinner will be taking place on
Saturday, December 6th from 4:00pm - 8:30pm. Meet at the
church at 4:00pm and bring a wrapped White Elephant Gift
(funny gift that costs no more than $10) to exchange at our
last location. Parents should plan to pick up their teenagers
when we return to the church at 8:30pm. This event is for all
students currently attending 6th-12th grade as well as all
adult volunteers who have been attending the youth
volunteer training with Pastor Tim. A completed 2025-2026
Medical Release Form is required from each student planning
to attend. Please see Pastor Wes for the medical release form
and then bring the completed form to the Progressive Dinner
with you on December 6th! This is a great event to invite
friends to!
UPCOMING YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING:
3:00pm - 4:00pm on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
UPCOMING YOUTH GROUP:
4:00pm - 5:00pm on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
(with dinner following)
Bring the Advent animals
to baby Jesus
We had such fun
and success with
"Bringing the
Advent Animals to
Baby Jesus" in
previous years
that we're bringing
them back. We
need your help to
bring the doves,
cats, dogs,
donkeys, sheep,
cows, camels and
colts to the manger in Bethlehem to adore and worship
the Baby Jesus. We are hoping for some angels who will
contribute $1000. Our goal for this year's Advent
offering is $6,500. The funds are an important part of
our annual budget. Your contributions will help bring all
the animals to Bethlehem. Please give generously.
Mark your contributions "ADVENT" or specify which
animal you would like to sponsor.
your contribution will help bring
all the animals to Bethlehem:
$10 brings a dove
$25 for cat or a dog
$50 for a donkey
$100 for a sheep
$250 for a cow
$500 for a camel
$750 for a colt
$1000 for an angel
Please mark your contribution 'ADVENT' or specify what
you want to bring to the manger either on your check or
offering envelope.
Happy 99th Birthday Del Hollinger
Like so many lovely things such as temperate weather,
strawberries and fine wine, Del Hollinger is a product of
the Central Coast. And, similar to Jesus’ first four
disciples, he is a sailor. At the very first opportunity, age
15, he joined the Sea Scouts, in Avila. He learned to row,
sail, tie knots and all things maritime. Del also crewed
(raced) on various boats.
As a Senior at San Luis Obispo High School Del took a
course in Morse Code. This made him invaluable as a
Radioman when he joined the U.S. Navy. In Asia, Del and
another Radioman were in charge of all communications
for five ships. Del operated three circuits at once: left ear,
right ear and front! After World War II ended, he spent
seven months in Mainland China.
After Asia, Del worked pushing a buggy of concrete to
help build the Marsh Street Bridge in San Luis Obispo
(S.L.O.) This motivated him to complete a Civil
Engineering degree in two years. He worked for the
California Division of Highways (the Division,) now known
as Caltrans, in S.L.O. In 1951, Del was called back to
Korea. Upon his return, he resumed working with
Caltrans for the next 37 years. He worked on Highway
101, and managed 38 projects at once.
Del enjoys poetry. When the Division became Caltrans,
resources were significantly decreased. Del gained
notoriety for creating limericks. Del jokes that it may have
limited his advancement.
“You asked me if I had anything to say,
I'll say anything, any old day,
It may not be important,
It may not be good,
But, I opened my mouth whenever I could.”
As a 21-year-old, Del built his first sailboat, a Geary 18’,
and named her Gismo. Years later, Del and his wife Hilde
sailed out of Avila on an Erickson 29’ named Foxy Lady to
Hawaii. This extraordinary voyage was 20 days over and
30 days return. Flying fish would land on their foredeck.
And a beautiful Orca came within 8 feet. Due to
equipment, Del navigated by running fixes rather than
dead reckoning. Del still owns a Geary 18'. He is a lifetime
member of the San Luis Yacht Club.
Del has always recognized the importance of physical
activity. He and Hilde enjoyed dancing, including tango,
jitterbug, rumba, and square dancing, which they did for
decades around the country. He continues to do 75
pushups every morning in addition to other exercises.
And, he is once again walking two miles daily at an
impressive pace!
In 1960, when 33 years old, Del moved to Shell Beach. He
became a member of the Shell Beach Methodist Church.
When the church closed in April 2006, Del joined the First
United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande. He
deliberately became an usher in order to meet people.
Del served as Head Usher for ten years. When you see
him, you can ask Del about his missionary work in Papua
New Guinea
Del and Hilde enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Their
Christmas celebration included various German
traditions such as stollen. Since her death on Christmas
Eve 2015, Christmas has been a very hard time for Del
UWF BOUTIQUE
The Holiday Boutique as usual was a great success. How
could it not be with so many wonderful helpers, making
things during our craft workshops. Dorine, Leona, Janice,
Pam, Claudia, Michelle and Mary T. We had so much fun
together. We thank the many who made things at home:
Karen and her jams, (she was making them as fast as we
sold them). Her granddaughters planted succulents for
us. Kristi made wreaths that were popular and so pretty.
We had donations from Edna from Ventura, Sandy
between her trips (pottery items) and of course Susan,
who made so many clever things. Special thanks go to
those helping to set up and take down: Joyce, Leona,
Mary T, Irene, Susan, Dennis, and Bob T. It really does
take a lot of people to put this on and also a lot of
customers. Thank you all! An unofficial tally shows close
to $5,000. Wow! Our recipients of our donations are
going to be so happy! We will send checks to the
Children’s Center, 5 cities Homeless Coalition, Captive
Hearts and Oceano School.
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. We will
not be meeting in November and December.
Joy Circle, meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 3-5
pm in members’ homes. Check with Kerren Brown for
more information.
Daughters of Grace will be meet in the 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. The next meeting is January 14.
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 meets 3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.
Contact Judy Leonard or Patti Melsheimer for a book if
interested.
MISSION TEAM REPORT
The Mission Team finished our Alternative
Christmas. We collected $1,865 for supporting
Heifer International, and $325 for 5Cities
Homeless Coalition we sold jewelry for our
Missionary to Nepal.
Gently used clothing donated by church
members was taken to People’s Kitchen and St.
Barnabas Thrift Shop weekly.
Mission team members helped with the
Children’s Center clean up after repairs and
remodeling of classrooms. The fifth Tuesday in
December will be our turn to provide a hot meal
for the homeless at the People’s Kitchen again.
Members and volunteers prepare nutritious
casseroles for 65 people on Monday December
29 and deliver them Tuesday December 30.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
The Movie for the end of the month will not be
shown in December due to the holidays.
The Holiday Extravaganza Talent Show is in the
process of gathering more acts and planning.
Contact Gerry or Cindy Rhola if you’d like to be
included. This congregation has lots of talent, we
need to know who you are. Just Remember to
put this on your calendar, Saturday, December
13 at 3pm.
Factory Tour on Wednesday February 25th at
Melfred Borzall with Dick Melshiemer. Melfred
Borzall is a pioneer in horizontal
directional drilling tools. Please meet at the
church parking lot at 9:20 am or at Melfred
Borzall located 2712 Airpark Dr, Santa Maria, CA
93455 at 10 am. Participants must wear long
pants and closed toed shoes we will be in a
factory. The tour is 2 hours long with a possibility
of lunch. To learn more please check out the
Melfred Borzall website for videos of the drills
and a history of the company. There is a
maximum of 24 people for this tour, the deadline
to register is Sunday February 22. For questions
contact Lucy Jacob at 805 503 9397.
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURADAY
1
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
3
9AM Church Work
Morning
Fellowship Ministry
10AM L
5:30PM Worship
Team, Pastors Office
4
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell Choir HR
6:30PM Chancel Choir
Rehearsal S
5
6
4-8:30PM Youth
Progressive
Dinner CH
7
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
3:00PM Friendly
Neighborhood
Big Band Concert
8
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
10
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF
committee L
1:30 PM Mission
Team MMR
6:30 PM Daughters of
Grace MMR
11
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell Choir HR
6PM Children's Center
Christmas Program S
12
13
3PM Christmas
Extravaganza
Variety Show
14
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
15
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
17
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Steering
Committee
2PM Church Council
18
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10:30AM Staff Parish
PS
11AM Chair Yoga CH
3:30PM Children's
Center Board MMR
5PM Bell choir HR
6:30PM Chancel Choir
19
10:30am UWF Book
Club L
11:00am
Nominations
committee PS
20
21
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
22
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
24
Christmas Eve
Service: 4PM
25
26
27
28
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
29
1:30PM People's
Kitchen Food
Prep
4:30PM
Communications
Library
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
31
10AM Mary, Martha
Esther Circle, 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
December UWF Book Club Selection
Our December book, Anne of Green Gables
by L. M. Montgomery, is a classic that has
been enjoyed by children and adults for
many years. Anne is an 11-year-old orphan
who has not had a permanent home since
the death of her parents. She is sent by
mistake to the Green Gables farm where
they are expecting her to be a boy. Anne
makes a place for herself through her grit
and passion for belonging.
This uplifting story is one which readers will enjoy as Anne
engages us in her exploits. What a perfect Christmas book!
Join us for our discussion on Friday, December 19th at 10:30
A.M. in the church library. You can borrow a book from the
library or see Judy Leonard or Mary Whitson to get your own
book.
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!
Library News
The library is open on Sundays from 9:30 to 12:00.
Come into browse, check out a book or just chat
with me. Our shelves are filled with some
wonderful books!
This month’s highlight is the Mitford series by Jan
Karan, very heartwarming and fun to read! A
special new addition to our library is the Mitford
Snowmen, a Christmas story.
Joyce Singelman
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
Dec. 07 Joe Brown Patti Melsgeuner
Dec. 14 Lucy Jacob Barbara Reineke
Dec. 21 Elwood Hyden Nancy St. Laurent
Dec. 28 David Beard Carolyn Anderson
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 ______
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, Mike, Tifffany Tracy, Carmen, Rosario,
Ernest, Willy, Jason, John, Mark, Harper, Desmond,
Nathan, Jack, Joe, Bodie, Lee, and Elaine, Mark,
Harper, Jack, Joe, Jack, Bodie, Lee, Elaine.
WELCOME AALIYAH RAE MENDEZ
Daughter of Carina Mendez
Great Granddaughter of Blanca Placencia
Born Nov. 7, 2025
GOD BLESS LITTLE HARPER
She is now at Ronald McDonald House and doing
better. Thank you everyone for your prayers.
Please continue to pray for her.
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
Choir Director:
Tricia Stewart
Praise Team Director:
Mike Clark
Pianist/Keyboard: 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
12/01 Judy Heiney
12/03 David Beaman
12/05 Stephen Wise
12/07 Michael Balster
12/08 Adeline Bottorff
12/09 William Russell
12/10 Michael Clarck
12/13 Nancy Sperling
12/13 Deborah Lewis
12/16 Susan Throndson
12/17 Julia Burns
12/20 David Beard
12/24 Kent Unsworth
12/27 Cyndee Rohla
12/27 Joseph Leonard
12/27 Jed Moore
12/30 Scott Trees
12/30 Susana Jones
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
Dec 07 Endowment /ELT
Dec 14 Trustees
Dec 21 Mission Team
Dec 28 Fellowship Ministry
Please consider year end gifts to your church
There can be significant tax advantages in giving appreciated stock or
donating Required Minimum Distributions from an IRA account directly to
the church. Talk with your tax advisor for detail.
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
December 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. Dec. 6 Youth Program, Progressive Dinner
4:00-8:30PM
Sun. Dec.7 Friendly Big Band Concert 3:00PM
Thu. Dec. 11 Children's Center Christmas Program
Sat. Dec. 13 Christmas Extravaganza 3-5PM
Wed. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Service 4PM
Mon. Dec. 29 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30PM
Tues. Dec. 30 People's Kitchen Food Distribuon 1
carpool from church at 11AM
Sat. Jan. 3 Youth Training for adults 3PM
Sat. Jan. 3 Youth Group with dinner 4PM
Sun. Jan. 25 Free Movie Night 4PM
Wed. Feb. 25 Melfred Borzall factory tour, 10AM
Leave church at 9:20AM
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.