Happy New Year!
I hope you had a great year this past year and look
forward to an even better one this coming year. This
year, on the first Sunday of the new year, we will have a
Wesley Covenant Service. The Wesley Covenant Service
is a significant Methodist tradition focused on the
renewal of our commitment to God. John Wesley first
introduced the service in 1755. It is a spiritual exercise
designed to help people and communities take inventory
of the past year and rededicate their lives to Christ. You
will find many Methodist churches that have the service
yearly, and many more that are rediscovering this gem
started by John Wesley.
The core purpose and meaning are threefold. First, a
renewal of covenant vows. The service is a way to
remember and reaffirm the promise made at baptism. It
is a means of grace, a way for God to work in the
believer's life. Second, while similar to a New Year's
resolution, it is deeper and more personal. It focuses on
our relationship with God rather than self-improvement.
And finally, the central theme is surrender. Surrender of
our will to God's will. It is an acknowledgement that we
are not our own self-made person, but we belong to God.
The service is most traditionally held on New Year's Eve
or New Year's Day, and as such, it has often been called
how do first or last Sunday of the year. As mentioned, it
contains self-examination and confession. A time to
reflect on the past year, acknowledge sin, and seek
forgiveness. The service involves scripture readings,
hymns, and a specific call-response liturgy where
members of the congregation declare their faith. The
most powerful moment is the Wesley Covenant Prayer,
and then the service most often concludes with the
Eucharist.
The Covenant Prayer is the heart of the service. It defines
a life of total devotion to God's mission.
The service offers a fresh start. It reminds participants
that being a Christian is a way of life rather than just a set
of beliefs. It emphasizes self-giving love and service to
others. I hope that you come participate and enjoy the
beauty of this service, and let it impact you and give you
a jump start to the New Year!
The Wesley Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you,
Praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things
To your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God,
Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer,
You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth,
Let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.
January 2026
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JANUARY 2025
RRRRRRB2025
CHILDREN’S CENTER CLOSING
It is with sadness I report that at the last meeting of the
Church Council it was decided to accept the
recommendation of the Children’s Center Board to close
the United Methodist Children’s Center as of January 2,
2026. This was a decision not made lightly. Our church
has sponsored the Children’s Center for over 20 years,
but we had to face reality. For several years, the school
has struggled to enroll enough children. As you may
have noticed, we don’t see many young couples moving
to this area. New residents seem to be those who have
moved here to retire! Lucia Mar Unified School District
is experiencing the same challenge. We are also
experiencing a decline in students in the Children’s
Center because the state of California recently began a
program to enroll four-year olds for. Transitional
Kindergarten, which is free. We lost several students to
that.
Second, we have struggled to retain teachers. You may
not realize but early childhood teachers have very
specific educational requirements. We are not able to
offer any incentives like health insurance.
Consequently, teachers find better opportunities and
move on.
Thirdly , our enrollment charges do not pay for the
whole program. We have depended more and more on
fundraisers and donations from many in this
congregation. We have had to dip into the reserves
each month to keep going. Maddy and her team have
worked very hard to overcome these challenges but at
some point, we must face reality.
The parents and the teachers were given notice that we
will close on January 2, 2026. This is a sad time for all.
We wish things could be different. I hope you will
express your appreciation to Maddy and her staff.
Patti Melsheimer
Chair, Church Council
Dear FUMC Family,
A message of faith inspired a
vision and led to the opening of
the Arroyo Grande United
Methodist Children’s Center in
July 2005. Thanks to this
incredible ministry, it flourished
and provided a safe, loving, and
nurturing place where families
entrusted their children to the
staff. This program offered more
than essential academic and social-emotional skills. It
fostered a profound love for learning, for one another,
and for God. These invaluable experiences will enrich
children’s lives now and in the future! Over the years,
we were deeply blessed by the generous contributions
of our community, families in our programs and this
remarkable congregation. I want to express my heartfelt
gratitude to each of you for sharing your time, talents
and unwavering support. Your kindness has enabled us
to provide a high-quality Christian ministry that truly
blesses families in our community. Throughout my time
here, we've achieved so much, fueled by the dedication
of incredible volunteers, supporters, and generous
donations, several projects were completed. In
September 2007, we revitalized the backyard
playground, which created a safe, enjoyable outdoor
space. A special thanks to the Eagle Scouts who built
two beautiful pergolas for sun protection, installed a
welcoming sign on Bennett Street and in the Children’s
Center parking lot and created seating areas at the front
of the school. We also made significant updates to our
classrooms, including enhancements to room 108. We
removed the glass wall, added storage cabinets, and
installed new flooring in several rooms. These
improvements have truly transformed our learning
environment. Overall, these projects improved facilities
and experiences for children, their families and staff.
As I reflect on the remarkable 20 years of service by the
Arroyo Grande United Methodist Children’s Center, I am
filled with cherished memories as its director. This
program has set a standard for quality care and will
always be remembered for its profound impact on
countless families and individuals. Though we will miss it
dearly, the legacy of love and growth will endure.
With gratitude and excitement for the future,
Maddy Quaglino, Director of AGUMC
MEET KELLI STEIN
Kelli Stein is a
critical, but rarely
seen, staff
member of our
church. Kelli has
been the
bookkeeper for
both the Church
and the Children's
Center since
2014. She writes
checks, does the
payroll, makes
sure bills are paid
on time and keeps
the books in
proper order. You can usually find her in the Finance
Office on Tuesday and Thursday in the late afternoon.
Kelli loves animals and originally planned to be a
veterinarian. Her first job working for a veterinarian was
caring and feeding of animals at Edna Valley Veterinary
and Equine Center. All was well until she was invited to
become involved in a surgical procedure. After turning
green and becoming sick during the procedure, she
decided maybe that was not the best career choice and
started working with the bookkeeper at the organization.
Later she got a job doing QuickBooks for a non-profit
organization. She then began to take on other clients.
She continued her training through the Cal Poly Certified
Bookkeeper Program, and later became a Certified
QuickBooks Pro Advisor. Some of her jobs have included
work for San Luis Obispo County and working with
attorneys to help investigate a $10 million dollar fraud
case. She enjoys figuring out complicated bookkeeping
situations (hopefully we do not give her any). She
currently has about six regular bookkeeping clients.
She also works with her husband Kurt in their family
business: C & S Shower Door in Grover Beach. The family
owned, third generation glass shop does far more than
just glass shower doors. They do a wide variety of custom
and standard glass, including cabinet glass, mirrors, table
tops, shelves, wardrobe doors, room dividers, glass
railings and even glass wine rooms. They provide fast
turnarounds for custom projects as they do shop
drawings and breakdowns right in their own office.
Kelli and Kurt have two adult children, one grandchild and
another one on the way. Their daughter recently
graduated from beauty school. The family likes taking
exotic vacations together. Recent destinations have
included Belize, Bora Bora and Moorea. She continues
her love of animals. She is active in the Feline Network of
the Central Coast and works with their Trap-Neuter-
Return (TNR) program. She is currently caring for about
18 abandoned or feral cats. She enjoys roller skating.
Watch for her zooming down the Bob Jones Trail.
If you have a payroll question or need help on a church
related payment or accounting issue you can contact Kelli
by leaving a message with the church office or with
Church Treasurer Joel Anderson.
WELCOME TERRY CARVER
Please extend a warm
welcome to our new
member Terry Carver.
Terry was born in
Orange County,
California, but has lived
in the Five Cities area
most of her life. She has
one son from a previous
marriage who is a
college instructor in
Cambodia. Her
daughter-in-law is a
physical therapist.
She worked for Mid State Bank for 20 years before
returning to Riverside, California where she worked in the
mortgage business. Her husband Mike was originally
from Marin County. When they retired, they moved back
to the Central Coast as soon as possible!
For fun she reads detective novels. And, of course, they
walk on the beach and visit wineries.
Terry says “I feel so blessed to be a member of this church
and have loved meeting so many great people.”
We will introduce other recent members in future
months.
HAPPY 57th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
BOB AND MARY JORSTADT!
Our Angel Tree
December Youth group included a progressive dinner and
white elephant gift exchange. A fun evening was enjoyed
by all. Youth group meets first Saturday of the month.
Adult training at 3pm, youth meeting is 4pm, followed by
dinner at 5pm.
Our Angel Tree helped make a joyful Christmas for the
children of 50 families in our area. Thank you everyone
for your continued support!
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 was a rousing success.
Final total as everything is counted is $6,540.50. We will
send checks to 5 cities Homeless Coalition, Captive
Hearts and Oceano School.
January will find us celebrating UWF 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.
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 meets 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.
Sew And Sews meets every Tuesday in the McMillen
Room from 10 until 2. 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.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
MISSION TEAM
REPORT
The Mission Team wishes the congregation a
Happy New Year, filled with love and blessings
Thanks to all for the help and support. We Just
completed our last feeding for People’s Kitchen
in December and have scheduled our next
feeding for March 2026.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
The Advent workshop was enjoyed by about 30
people. It was fun and a great opportunity to get to
know people. We made beautiful wreaths,
decorated cookies, and made some fun tree
ornaments as we readied ourselves for Christmas. If
you missed it, set the time aside next year for sure.
The Extravaganza was so fun. Who knew we had so
many talented people? Larry Baughman is an
amazing magician. Makiyah did a beautiful piano
solo. Deb, Bob, Mike, Connie, Dennis and Tricia
delighted us with songs and musical comedy. There
were reindeer spreading their cheer. Mary, Bernie
and Jack did a humorous skit. We made Santa proud
as we cleaned up the delicious array of sweets and
desserts.
The Movie for the end of the month, Sunday,
January 25, will be Wonka (2023). This movie tells
the story of Willy Wonka and the adventures he
encounters in starting up his chocolate factory.
Armed with a hatful of dreams, Willy Wonka, a young
chocolatier manages to change the world one bite at
a time. Timothee Chalamet stars as Willy. Come join
us at 4PM for the free movie (we promise to have
chocolate).
The next Fellowship Ministry field trip will be
February 25, when we go on a tour of the
Melsheimer Business, Melfred Borzall Factory. You
will need to sign up for this one for sure, as there are
a limited number of places. We leave church at 9:20.
Check out the connection table.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURADAY
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
4
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
Wesleyan
Covenant Service
at both services
6
9AM Senior
Exercise CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:00PM Trustees
MMR
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
7
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
5:30 Worship Team
PS
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
8
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
9
10
10AM Unhanging of
the Greens, S
11
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
13
9AM Senior
Exercise CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study
CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7PM Trustees MMR
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
14
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee
Mission Team 1:30PM
6:30 PM Daughters of
Grace MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal S
15
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10:30AM Staff Parish
Pastor’s Office
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
16
10:30am Book club L
17
18
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
20
9AM Senior
Exercise, CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study
1:30 Finance, L
3PM Endowment
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
21
9AM Church Work
Morning
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
2PM Church Council
22
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10:30AM Staff Parish,
PS
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
23
11:00am
Nominations
committee PS
24
25
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Free Movie
“Wonka”
27
9AM Senior Exe CH
10AM Sew’ N Sew
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study
CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
CH
28
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle, MMR
29
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
30
31
January UWF Book Club Selection:
Our January book, Mad Honey, written
by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney
Boylan, is a complicated story about
people who have secrets that possibly
endanger those they love. Olivia and
her son, Asher, find themselves back in
a small New Hampshire town taking
over a beekeeping business. Asher
meets Lily there and finds a kindred spirit. Soon
everything changes. This novel is full of suspense and
exploration of the risks that people have to take in loving
relationships. If you are interested in reading Mad Honey
for the book club discussion, you can contact Judy
Leonard or Mary Whitson. A few copies from the library
system are available. Or you can purchase a used book
online or a new book at a local bookstore. We meet on
Friday, January 16th at 10:30 A.M. in the church library.
We welcome you to come join us!
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!
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
Jan. 04 Sharon Romer Carolyn Anderson
Jan. 11 Joe Brown Priscilla Alquist
Jan. 18 Mary Throndson Joyce Singleman
Jan. 25 Susan Throndson Michelle Richardson
The Communications Committee
is starting work on a new
PHOTO DIRECTORY
Pictures will be taken between services
and following 2nd service.
Signup for photos will be available at the
Connections Table starting in January.
Drop-ins will be available as time allows.
Or submit your favorite picture on-line at
FUMCAGCommunications@gmail.com
Please include your names, address, phone
numbers and e-mails.
We need additional photographers following
2nd service. Contact Joel Anderson
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, Nallo, Ernest, Willy, Jason, John, Mark,
Harper, Desmond, Nathan, Lee, Elaine, Mark,
Harper, Frank, Barbara and Irene
Library News
The library is open on Sundays from 9:30 to
12:00. Come in to 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
Thank you to everyone who
donated Poinsettias to
decorate our sanctuary
Donor In Memory or Honor of:
Michael & Cyndee Rohla
Christina, Jack, Fay, Grant, Matthew,
Carrie, Claire
Michael & Cyndee Rohla
Worth & Ida Grim & Frank & Ruth Rohla
Lori Ford
Isabella & Murl Sloan
Jan Treat
Nancy Baughman
Alice Addison
Carolyn Russell
Bud Johnson
Mother & Father + 4 Siblings
Bud Johnson
Betty Johnson
Bernie & Mary Hawkins
Mary Throndson
Karen Wise
James & Mary Johnson
Irene Kliesch
Carl Kliesch, Mom& Dad Cook,
Sisters Marie & Anita
Michelle Richardson
Steve Richardson
Patti & Dick Melsheimer
Patti's Parents Morris & Mary Lee Lamar
Dick & Patti Melsheimer
Dick's Parent's Mary & Fred Melsheimer
Jinna Gillian
Virginia & Walter Gibson
Lucy Jacob
Mike Jacob &
Weston & Jeannette Anderson
Scott Trees
Velma & Clyde Trees
Scott Trees
Lisa & Lewis
Judie Newfield
Jim & Velma Miller & Lorettta Newfield
Steve & Paulette Black
Mom & Dad Johnson& Mom & Dad Black
Judy Leonard
Shirley Holgate
Bring the Advent animals
to baby Jesus
The Bring the Animals to Baby
Jesus Advent/Christmas offering
exceeded expectations! We had
32 doves, 7 cats, 2 dogs, 1 skunk,
4 donkeys, 9 sheep, 2 cows, 3
camels, 1 llama, 1 colt, 1 elephant
and 3 angels all coming to the
Manger to worship Baby Jesus.
There was an additional $1,017 of unspecified gifts. In all
our Advent/Christmas offering raised $9,749.50. Thank
you everyone for your generous contributions!
THE POINSETTIA STORY
Poinsettia is the quintes-
sential Christmas flower. It is
native to Mexico and Central
American countries such as
Guatemala. The Aztecs
cultivated it for medicinal
use. It is naturalized to the
Central Coast.
“The Little Drummer Boy”
song is about a sincere,
simple act of love towards
baby Jesus. Similarly, the poinsettia’s association with
Christmas originates from a Mexican legend in which a
poor girl gathers wild poinsettias as a gift for Baby Jesus.
When placed on the altar, the plants miraculously
bloomed into beautiful, red flowers. Her heartfelt,
humble act became glorious.
In the Spanish language, the poinsettia is called "la flor de
Nochebuena", or simply "nochebuena". Nochebuena
literally translates as "the Good Night." More importantly,
Nochebuena is how Spanish-speaking people worldwide
refer to Christmas Eve.
The star-shaped leaves symbolize the Star of Bethlehem.
The bright, red color represents Jesus’s sacrifice.
Historically, monks in Mexico used the poinsettias in
nativity ceremonies.
The poinsettia was introduced into the United States by
the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett
in the 1920s. Throughout the 1900s, the Ecke family
popularized the poinsettia as the Christmas star, e.g., by
gifting them to the White House for Christmas. The Ecke
Ranch in Encinitas, California became the global leader in
poinsettia production. Huell Howser did a lovely
California’s Gold episode about the Ecke Ranch.
The red, pink or white “flowers” are actually modified
leaves called bracts. These leaves turn color depending
upon light exposure, a process called photoperiodism.
The flower is the tiny yellow cluster. Poinsettias bring
beauty and joy during Advent, Christmastide and the New
Year!
Contrary to popular belief, they are only mildly toxic to
people, dogs and cats. That said, exercise caution with
poinsettias and other plants.
Church Office: 805-481-2692
E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com
Website:
www.WorshipWeekly.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/fumcag
You Tube:
https://tinyurl.com/yc6e32x5
Pastor: Rev. Wesley Thompson
E-mail: wes.thompson@gmail.com
Office Administrator:
Blanca Placencia
Webmaster: Jamie Foster
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
01/02 Jayme Stednitz
01/03 Blanca Placencia
01/04 Alex Paredes
01/07 Norm Henderson
01/08 Marjorie Ott
01/08 Michelle Richardson
01/15 Carolyn Russell
01/17 Elwood Hyden
01/18 Natalie Weitkamp
01/20 Jim Alquist
01/20 Steve Gillen
01/22 Judy Leonard
01/25 Mary Birgelaitis
01/27 Lynn Stewart
01/28 Susan Exon
01/28 Barbara Zilkoff
01/29 Jordan Henderson
01/29 Eileen Odom
01/29 Mary Throndson
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
Jan 04 Endowment /ELT
Jan 11 Finance
Jan 18 Joy Circle
Jan 25 Mary, Martha, Esther
CAMPUS WI-FI 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
January 2026
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Upcoming Events
San. Jan. 3 Youth Group: 3pm Adult training, 4pm
youth group, 5pm dinner
Sun. Jan. 4 Wesleyan Covenant Service, both
services.
Sat. Jan. 10 Unhanging of the Greens, 10am,
Sanctuary
Wed. Jan. 14 Daughters of Grace Women’s Circle,
6:30pm, McMillan Room
Tue. Jan. 20 Joy Circle 3:0 0, member’s home
Sun. Jan 25: Free Movie 4pm
Wed. Jan 28 Mary, Martha, Esther Circle, 10am,
McMillan Room
Wed. Feb 25 Melfred Borzall Factory Tour, leave
church 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.