WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
A new year, and we have so many great things on the
schedule. I'm excited about our church and the ways we
connected and the community. You will find so many
great things coming up. I am looking forward to all the
different things we have scheduled. February is the
month we shift gears from Ordinary time to Lent. Lent
is the time of reflection and journeying through the
wilderness, arriving at Resurrection Sunday, which kicks
off the Season of Eastertide. Sometimes we want to
rush through Lent and get right to Easter, but when we
do that, we miss out on the renewal Lent provides. Lent
gives us space to reflect, repent, renew and prepare.
Lent is a season of returning. Returning to God, to
humility and to hope. We have traveled through
Advent, the waiting, Christmastide, the celebration,
Epiphany, the manifestation of God and now we turn to
Lent to prepare us for the Eastertide celebration, and
then living in the power of the church through the
power of Pentecost!
As we shift from the season of Epiphany reminding us
God's light is for everyone, may we enter the season of
Lent ready to reflect May we rekindle the fire of God in
our lives. May we burn bright! May others see the light
pouring out of us! May God use us to make the world a
better place! We get to make a difference in the world;
may we never grow tired of making a difference and
helping others. You might think, “What can I do?”
You make a difference in every life around you!
I love and appreciate all of you more than you can know!
FEBRUARY 2026
RRRRRRB2025
TREASURER'S REPORT
We have a wonderful, acve, generous, congregaon at
the First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande. Our
new Youth Group has taken o. We have midweek
acvies for spiritual, physical and mental health
including Sew 'n Sews, Bible Study, Book Club, Chair Yoga
and much more. Check out the upcoming fun acvies
on the calendar on the back page of this issue. These
include Mardi Gras, factory and garden tours and a visit
to a horse sanctuary. The Friendly Neighborhood Band
will hold their Spring Concert in the Sanctuary on March
22. It is a fun event and all proceeds are donated to our
church. So come and bring your friends. These events
oer opportunies for fun, friendship, fellowship and a
chance to minister to one another. They allow your
friends and family to become acquainted with our church
and its welcoming members. Please invite them.
Our Christmas oering was over $10,000, the largest I
can remember. We have a generous congregaon and
had a lot of fun. Our Thanksgiving oering exceeded
plan. Aendance is up. Regular thes and oerings are
running slightly ahead of last year, but unfortunately it is
less than we need.
The cost of the closure of the Children's Center exceeded
their remaining reserves. So far, our church advanced
$12K to cover the Children's Center's closing expenses
and obligaons. We paid that out of our reserves, rather
than our regular budget.
Many expenses have increased far beyond what was
originally budgeted. These include insurance, pastor's
housing allowance and bookkeeping plus many more.
The Trustees are working on bringing in addional
income by increasing the fees charged to the companies
that store equipment on our empty lot and also renng
space on an hourly basis to outside organizaons. Arroyo
Grande Parks and Recreaon has started to a hold a
kning and crocheng class on Fridays in Criswell Hall.
Even with this addional income we are looking at a $14K
decit this scal year. We need everyone to give a lile
extra over the coming months to help cover this decit
and keep our church thriving. Please give generously.
Joel Anderson
Acng Treasurer
RECENT HOME VISITS
The Membership Care team and church members delivered flowers for Christmas to 12 of our shut-ins.
Roger and Nancy Sperling Don and Helen Gugeler recently celebrated their
76th Wedding Anniversary
Mission Team Report
On December 29th we had Daisy, Maddie, Lily and a friend of Dorine’s help us to prepare the casseroles and on
December 30th we had Daisy, Pax, Katelyn, Elijah, Fran and our normal crew serve approximately 70 people at
People’s Kitchen. Thanks to everyone for all the help.
Dorine went to a People’s Kitchen Informaon meeng.
They started People’s Kitchen in May of 1992 serving 4
people. In 2025, the number of days served was 365, and
served 22,634 meals. Many of the board members have
been there since the start of the program. They have 35
dierent teams who faithfully show up on their day every
month. (The excepons are the 5th week teams who
serve once every quarter-which is the First United
Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande.) The following
churches have serving teams: New Life Community
Church, Arroyo Grande United Methodist, Nipomo
Presbyterian Community Church, St. Barnabas Espicopal,
Oak Park Chrisan, Grace Bible, 5-Cies Vineyard, St.
John’s Lutheran, St. Patrick’s Catholic, Coastal
Community Church, Calvary Chapel, Life Point (who owns
the building which South County Peoples Kitchen
serves), Peace Lutheran, St. Paul’s Catholic, Everyday
Church, Church of Laer Day Saints and Hope Church.
Arroyo Grande Community Hospital and members from
the Rotary are represented with food and serving teams.
Some of the teams are quite small with 5-7 people on the
team while others may have 20 or more people in the
rotaon.
Our next casserole preparaon is Monday, March 30 and
distribuon on Tuesday March 31. Please plan to join the
us in this fun and needed mission.
ELT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
FOR FALL, 2026
Everett Lee Taylor Scholarship applications will be
available online (www.worshipweekly.com) and in the
church office beginning in April. Everett Lee Taylor was
a pastor here from 1984-1988. The purpose of this
scholarship is to help deserving United Methodist
students enrolled in accredited universities, college and
technical schools defray the cost of their education.
Only students who are or have been active participants
in the First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
may apply. Graduating high school seniors must include
letters of recommendation as well as a high school
transcript with their completed applications. Returning
college students will need to provide a college transcript
but are not required to submit letters of
recommendation. Students may apply for this
scholarship more than once if they have maintained a
minimum 2.5 GPA in their college work.
The completed application with required attachments
must be turned into the church office by May 15th.
Everett Lee Taylor Scholarship recipients will be
announced in early June. Scholarship checks will be
given to recipients upon proof of registration in Fall,
2026 college classes.
So, if you would like to be considered for an ELT
Scholarship, please submit a completed application by
May 15th.
What's a Choir For?
This may seem like a strange question since churches
have always had choirs. Choirs even go way back before
our current ideas of what a choir is. The Old Testament
refers to choirs composed of Levites who served priestly
roles in the temple at the time of David. 2nd Chronicles
even depicts the choir leading an army. Sounds like fun,
but not today.
There's a shift in the New Testament about becoming a
royal priesthood (1Peter 2:9), although this is
mentioned in the Old Testament as God's prophetic
destiny for all believers. We all now have the Holy Spirit,
so this changes everything.
Even though choirs have a specific skill set, we no longer
carry a priestly role of worshiping on behalf of the body
of believers. We now have the role of encouragement
in order to inspire all gathered believers to worship.
This is no lightweight statement: worship is the first
work of the church and everything else emanates from
that.
Come check out the choir. We meet Wednesday at
6:30pm in the Sanctuary.
Volunteers Needed
After many years of daily checking the security of the
Church, Dave and Dorine Bolterman have decided to
retire. The Church has been truly blessed for their
service.
The job involves walking the perimeter of the church
and checking that all the doors are locked and
windows are closed.
If we could get 7 people to volunteer one evening a
week we could get this important task covered.
We also need someone to take out 2 recycling bins
to the curb every week on Tuesday. They are
emptied early on Wednesday morning and the
Wednesday work crew brings them in.
Please contact Dave Anderson President of the
Trustees for more info or to sign-up.
WHAT WILL BE YOUR LEGACY?
Legacy giving has been what has sustained our
church for over 140 years. It helped pay for the first
parsonage. It helped pay for our sanctuary. It is
what finances our ELT Scholarships. The income
from unrestricted endowment funds has covered
the cost of unexpected repairs and capital
purchases. Without major gifts of those in the past,
our church would not exist today. Please
prayerfully consider a legacy gift to the First United
Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande so that it may
continue to serve future generations.
Sunday February 8: It’s that time again. Superbowl!
The women of United Women of Faith are at it again
preparing Chili with cornbread and cookies. Pick up
your order Sunday after church and take it home for
lunch or a halftime snack. Each is packaged to serve two
people in microwavable containers. How convenient is
that. Serves two for $20. Order by February 1.
Sunday February 15: United Women in Faith Sunday.
This is the day we recognize the Women of the church.
We will have Pastor Melissa MacKinnon from the
District giving the sermon. Officers of the United
Women in Faith will be honored for their work. There
will be flowers and cake. Come join us at either service.
Circles and groups: All women are invited to attend the
circles and groups of your choice. Just come!
Mary, Martha Esther Circle: has restarted and meets on
the last Wednesday of the month at 10 am in the
McMillen Room. Contact Mary Throndson.
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
5:30 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 the3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.
Contact Judy Leonard or Patti Melsheimer for a book if
interested.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
FELLOWSHIP
MINISTRY
Sunday, February 22, 4pm Free Movie Night:
“Song , Sung, Blue”. Mike and Claire are two down
on their luck musicians who prove that it’s never too
late to find love and follow your dreams. They form a
Neil Diamond tribute band called “Lightning and
Thunder”, and rise to unexpected hometown
stardom. When tragedy strikes, their love and
passion give them the strength to overcome
hardships and inspire everyone around them. As
usual the movie is free.
Wednesday, February 25, tour of the Melsheimer
Business: Melfred Borzall. 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. Tour starts at 10 am
and lasts 2 hours. Check out the Connection Table
to sign up.
Sunday, March 8, Pancake Breakfast between
church services at 9:30. $10 per person. Scrambled
eggs, bacon, sausage, and of course pancakes, lots
of pancakes.
Friday, March 13th, Etto Pasta Factory Tour and
Lunch, in Paso Robles. $40 fee includes $25 gift card
which may be used at lunch or the Pasta Market.
Leave church at 9:45 for 11:00 tour.
Saturday, March 28th, Visit the Prayer Labyrinth at
Lucy & Elwood's house and enjoy refreshments.
Leave church at 10:50 for 11AM event.
Saturday, April 11th, Red Wings Horse Sanctuary in
Paso Robles. Leave church at 9:30
May 3, Taco Bar, after 2nd service.
Saturday June 6, Scott and Bob's Garden Tour.
Always a fun and popular event. Leave church 9:45
for 10:00 tour.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
1
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
2
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
3
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
4
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
6
10:00AM Knitting &
Crocheting CH
7
8
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
Superbowl chili
takeout
After Both Service
9
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
10
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
11
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee
1:30PM Mission
Team
5:30 PM Daughters
of Grace MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
13
10:00AM Knitting &
Crocheting CH
14
15
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
16
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
17
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study CH
1:30 Finance, L
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir HB
6PM Mardi Gras Party
7PM Trustees MMR
7:30 PM Big Band CH
18
9AM Church Work
Morning
2PM Church Council
MMR
6:00Pm Ash
Wednesday Service
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal S
20
10:00AM Knitting &
Crocheting CH
10:30AM UWF Book
Club L
21
22
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Movie Night
Song Song Blue
23
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
4:30PM
Communications L
24
9AM Senior Exercise,
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study
3PM Endowment
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band CH
25
9AM Church Work
Morning
10:AM Mary,Martha,
Ester Circle MMR
10AM Melfred
Borzall Factory Tour
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
2PM Church Council
27
10:00AM Knitting &
Crocheting CH
11AM Nomination
PS
28
Youth Group
3:00PM
Leaders
4:00 PM Youth
5:30PM Dinner
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
MARDI GRAS
Tuesday February 17 at 6PM
COME JOIN OUR MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION
FOR AN EVENING OF FUN, FUN, FUN!!
Mardi Gras masks and costumes encouraged. Live Music.
Mardi Gras Dinner includes gumbo, red beans, rice, salad and King Cake.
Free will donation to support Church ministries and activities
Special drinks available for purchase.
Sign up in advance at the Connections Table or call the office.
The origin of Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday,
Shrove Tuesday, Carnival and many other names goes
back to the early days of the Church. In 604AD, Pope St.
Gregory I formalized the practice of fasting during Lent in
a letter to St. Augustine of Canterbury in which he wrote
“We abstain from flesh meat and from all things that
come from flesh, as milk, cheese, eggs. Mardi Gras
became a final day to use up foods that were forbidden in
Lent and a day of celebration and indulgence before the
somber 40 days of Lenten fasting and penance. Some
claim it originated from medieval European pagan spring
fertility rituals that were adapted by the Catholic Church.
Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday. It marked the day
that all the fats, such as butter, milk and meat were to be
used up. The celebration arrived with the early French
settlers who came to the French settlements in North
America. The first organized Mardi Gras celebration in
America was held in 1703 in Mobile, Alabama, which was
then the capital of French Louisiana.
Whatever the day
is called, it
provided for one
last opportunity to
party before Lent.
And party they did!
At one time the
celebrations lasted
from Epiphany
(January 6) until
Lent, but Renais-
sance popes restricted
the fun to the last few
days preceding Ash
Wednesday. Mardi Gras
in New Orleans typically
spans about three weeks
and features numerous
parades. Ours is just one
evening, so come and
make the most of it!
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
6PM FEBRUARY 18
Please join us for a simple, short Ash Wednesday service.
There will be imposition of ashes for those that desire it.
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when
many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period
of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual
discipline. Although Ash Wednesday has ancient roots, it
does not appear in the rituals of The United Methodist
Church or our predecessor denominations until the 20th
century.
Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness
before God and our human mortality. The service focuses
on both themes, helping us realize that both have been
triumphed through the death and resurrection of Jesus
Christ.
Ashes are an ancient symbol. In Genesis, we read that God
formed human beings out of the dust of the earth
(Genesis 2:7). After expulsion from the Garden of Eden,
the first human beings are told by God, “you are dust, and
to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19 NRSV). The
Hebrew word translated dust, is occasionally translated
ashes elsewhere. Throughout scripture, ashes are part of
rituals when people seek forgiveness and mourn their sin
(see Numbers 19:9, 17; Hebrews 9:13; Jonah 3:6;
Matthew 11:21, and Luke 10:13, among others)
The imposition of ashes on the heads of Christians to mark
the beginning of Lent can be traced at least to the 10th
century. Marking the forehead with the sign of the cross
is a more recent adaptation.
In earlier centuries, ashes were used to mark those who
had been separated from the church because of serious
sins and were seeking to be re-admitted to the fellowship
of the church. In effect, they were redoing the process of
final preparation for church membership along with those
doing it for the first time. They were sprinkled with ashes
and given rough garments to wear as a sign of sorrow for
their sins and their commitment to seek renewal in
Christian life through this season.
Since the tenth century, the observance of Ash
Wednesday has become a general rite for all in the
Western church. The Orthodox churches have never
observed this rite.
United Methodists first adopted an official ritual for Ash
Wednesday that involves the use of ashes in the 1992
Book of Worship. Prior to that time, Methodists either
had no official service at all for this day (through 1964) or
an “ashless” Ash Wednesday Service (1965 Book of
Worship). The use of ashes remains optional in the
current Book of Worship, and, indeed, in all rites for this
day. Ashes are an "accessory" that demonstrates an
awareness of mortality and an intent to repent. The actual
awareness and the corporate and personal acts of
repentance are the substance of services for the first day
of Lent.
In many churches the ashes are made by burning the
palms from the previous year's Palm Sunday.
As the ashes are placed on the forehead, words such as
these are spoken: "Remember that you are dust and to
dust you shall return," recalling God's words to Adam in
Genesis 3:19, or “Repent, and believe the gospel”
recalling the message of both John the Baptist and Jesus
(Mark 1:15).
Through the service of ashes on the first day of Lent, we
come before God recognizing our humanity, repenting of
our sin, and remembering who we are and who we can
be.
This was written by Ask The UMC,
a ministry of United Methodist Communications
January UWF Book Club Selection
The UWF Book Club will meet on
Friday, February 20th at 10:30 A.M.
in the church library to discuss The
Thursday Murder Club by Richard
Osman. Every Thursday morning
the group of unlikely friends meet in
their peaceful English retirement
village to discuss unsolved crimes.
Now in their seventies none of them
has ever solved a case until
someone discovers a body. This
entertaining story gets everyone,
including the reader, involved in solving more than one case.
We welcome you to join us as we discuss the mystery on
February 20th. This time we have a book kit from the library so
you can borrow a book. See Judy Leonard to pick up your copy.
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
Feb. 01 Joe Brown Carolyn Anderson
Feb. 08 David Beard Judy Leonard
Feb. 15 Debra Bradley Patti Melshimer
Feb. 22 Lucy Jacob Rose Ann Steiner
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at public
speaking? If so, we have just the volunteer position
for you! We always welcome new members and
the old ones too, to try their voice as a Liturgist!
The Communications Committee
has started to work on a new
PHOTO DIRECTORY
Pictures are taken between services
and after 2nd service in the library.
Please signup in CrIswell Hall
next to the library.
Drop-ins are available as time allows.
For best results it is suggested to wear solid
color tops with long sleeves and no logos
Those with glasses should wear glare free
glasses if available.
Or submit your favorite picture on-line at
FUMCAGCommunications@gmail.com
Please include your names, address, phone
numbers and e-mails.
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:
The People of Minnesota
Frank, Barbara, Irene, Colton, Ann, Stephen,
Patria, Tiffany, Micaela, Rosario, Nallo, Ted
Michael, Carmen, John, Mark, Emilio, Cristy,
Carol, Jonathan, David, Carol, Danny, Clarence,
Jan, Marily and John.
Church Office: 805-481-2692
E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com
Website:
www.WorshipWeekly.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/fumcag
You Tube Worship Videos:
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
02/02 Devin Paredes
02/02 Mathew Williams
02/03 Barbara Reineke
02/03 Isabella Russell
02/05 John Roan
02/06 Mark Moore
02/06 Michael Williams
02/09 Alexia Mendez
02/16 Paul Collagan
02/19 Irene Kliesch
02/22 Maddy Quaglino
02/23 Leonard Lutz
02/25 Michelle Paredes
02/26 Dale Inman
02/28 Leona Beerup
02/29 Chloe Keith
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
Feb 01 Membership
Feb 08 Mission Team
Feb 15 United Women of Faith
Feb 22 Staff-Parish
Mar 01 Trustees
Mar 08 Worship Team
Mar 15 Communications
Mar 22 Daughters of Grace Circle
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
February 2026
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Upcoming Events
Sun Feb. 8 Superbowl Chili Takeout
Sun. Feb. 15 UWF Sunday Rev. Melissa MacKinnon
Tue. Feb. 17 Joy Circle, 3PM, Member's Home
Tue. Feb. 17 Mardi Gras Party 6PM
Wed. Feb, 18 Ash Wednesday Service, 6PM
Fri. Feb. 20 Book Club, 10:30 Library
Sun. Feb. 22 Free Movie Song Song Blue, 4PM
Wed. Feb 25 Melfred Borzall Factory Tour 9:20
Wed. Feb. 25 Mary, Martha, Esther Circle, 10AM,
Sat. Feb. 28 Youth Group, 3PM leaders,
4PM youth, 5:30PM dinner
Sun. Mar 8 Pancake Breakfast, between services
Fri. Mar 13 Etto Pasta Factory Tour & Lunch.
Leave church 9:45 for 11AM tour.
Sun. Mar 22 Friendly Neighborhood Big Band
Concert, 3PM
Sat. Mar 28 Labyrinth Prayer, Lucy & Elwood’s
home 11AM
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.