WORDS FROM OUR PASTOR
A few years ago, I went on a
pilgrimage to Ireland. I
spoke about it in a children
and youth moment a few
weeks ago, when asked
about the winter solstice
light in the mounds of
Ireland and how they
believed it carried the
departed on the light to the
afterlife. The pilgrimage
was a couple of weeks and
we learned about Irish spirituality. When I came
back, I showed pictures of my time. Kristi asked
whether I saw anything besides cemeteries? Yes, I
did. However, we did visit a lot of cemeteries, seeing
history. We had a priest tell us about a cross dating
back to the 400s. People pilgrimaged there to touch
it because it is said to have the power to lift burdens.
Then he asked us to touch this cross that was out in
the open, not kept behind ropes or glass. I did hug it,
and it was comforting thinking
about all the people who have
done the same over the years
and how we are connected.
We also went to Downpatrick,
Northern Ireland, the home of
the Centre on St. Patrick. We
had a lovely tour and lecture
about St. Patrick. We had lunch
on the hilltop after the hike and
talked about the life of St.
Patrick. We also visited the
church there and saw what is
said to be the place where St.
Patrick is buried. Mind you, there are at least three
places that claim this. We also visited Saul Church;
the first church ever built in Ireland by St. Patrick. So
many amazing places! Patrick loved the people and
wanted them to be set free by Christ. It is a message
still compelling today. While we observe Lent and
celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the 17th, may we be
reminded that Patrick was a slave turned missionary
who became a bishop and changed a whole island
nation. He still has an impact today!
One other thing, during my time there was a huge
debate about the best tea. Is it Barry's or Lyons? I'll
say this: I like them both, and if you asked me which
to brew, I'd say whatever you are having isn't worth a
fight to divide us. If you want to try these teas, World
Market in SLO has them. They are both fantastic.
In the Cast-A-Net this month, you'll find articles
about all the things going on in the church and ways
for you to be involved, and even some things you
might prefer over other things. That is ok. We should
be reminded that our preferences are preferences,
and our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world, much like
Patrick. We do this when we love boldly, serve
joyfully, and lead courageously, even when someone
prefers Lyons over Barry's. We strive to be a place
that is open hearts, open minds, and open doors.
Sometimes that means our preference isn't what is
done. Sometimes that means we change the tea to
be able to do ministry differently.
MARCH 2026
RRRRRRB2025
OUR EASTER OFFERING
Give a virtual spiritual bouquet
With the success of our "Bring the Animals to Baby
Jesus" Advent/Christmas oering we thought we
would try a similar approach for our Easter oering.
The theme is Easter Floral Spiritual Bouquets. Of
course, these are not real owers, they are virtual
spiritual owers. Celebrate Easter and the beginning
of Spring with a spiritual bouquet of your favorite
owers. Our goal for this year's Easter oering is
$7,000. The funds are an important part of our
annual budget and are necessary to carry on the
worship, missions and programs at the First United
Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande. We are hoping
for some generous bouquets of roses. Please give
generously. Mark your contributions "EASTER" or
specify which virtual spiritual bouquet you would like
to sponsor.
$20 for a spiritual bouquet of Daisies
$50 for a spiritual
bouquet of Daodils
$100 for a spiritual
bouquet of Tulips
$250 for a spiritual bouquet of
Carnations
$500 for a spiritual bouquet of
Orchids
$1000 for a spiritual bouquet
of Roses
These are not real owers; they are our way of
celebrating Easter and supporting the ministries of
our church.
Please mark your contribution 'EASTER' or specify
choice of a spiritual bouquet either on your check
or oering envelope
NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS IS
FORMING!
Have you noced the new faces that are parcipang in
our worship services? Welcoming these folks to worship
is one of my favorite acvies each Sunday! I quickly
oer them a Welcome Bag and arrange for them to have
a name tag prepared and ready the following Sunday. I
encourage them to sign our aendance books. A leer
is sent to their home from Pastor Wes welcoming them
to our church and encouraging them to return. There
are calendars available lisng the planned acvies for
the months ahead. Copies of the current Castanet are
available in the Narthex and Criswell Hall. They are
invited to join us for Hospitality me aer the service.
The rest is up to you, the congregaon, to introduce
yourself and get acquainted with our visitors. Your face
and your encouragement is so welcoming to our guests!
Now is the me to begin to plan a New Membership
Orientaon meeng to talk about how our church
funcons internally and is organized. We will be having
a New Member Orientaon luncheon on May 17th aer
the Second Service in the McMillan Room. There will be
a light lunch provided by the Membership Care
Commiee. Church Council members will be there to
give short presentaons. There will be hand-outs to
take home. A date will be set during either worship
service for those who wish to be brought into full
membership of The First United Methodist Church of
Arroyo Grande. Those who are considering membership
either by Confession of Faith, i.e. a new believer having
never been a member anywhere, Rearmaon of Faith,
i.e. having once been a member or coming back to
acve involvement in the faith community or Transfer,
i.e. an acve believer in a faith community or another
United Methodist Church can contact Kerren Brown or
contact Pastor Wes. Kerren is available in the Narthex
each Sunday and Pastor Wes is available by
appointment.
MISSION TEAM REPORT
Mission Team and helpers serving at People's
Kitchen on December 30, 2025
We will be preparing casseroles on March 30 and
serving on March 31st. If anyone is interested in
helping please let us know. Patty and Frank Williams
are still in our thoughts and prayers. We are also
praying for Evelyn Bradley for a speedy recovery. Ruth
Mandac is in the Philippine's and will be gone for a
few months. Our next Mission Team meeting will be
March 11, 2026 in the McMillen room at 1:30 PM.
Please join us to further the missions of our church.
CHANGES COMING TO OUR SANCTUARY
The projection system in our sanctuary is wearing
out. What was state of the art when it was installed
many years ago is now obsolete. Replacement parts
are expensive or almost impossible to obtain. The
screen is used extensively in First Service to display
songs and announcements. Some have noticed that
the projector is fading, making the screen harder to
read. Small pieces have been falling from the screen.
The time has come to get a new system. Most
churches now use large video screens visible to the
entire congregation.
New video screens will be installed on each side of
the sanctuary. Another screen will be in the back
which can be viewed by the pastor, liturgist, choir
and those serving in the chancel area. This will allow
words to hymns, responsive readings, community
prayers and announcements to be easily displayed
at both services and should help the services flow
smoother. Funding for this project is from income
from our Endowment accounts. Please see David
Anderson, Trustee President, if you have any
questions or concerns.
Meet the Capuno Family
The Capuno family joined our church in November.
Michael is nurse and a dedicated husband and
father. He works hard taking care of his patients,
enjoys helping his family and being active in the
church community. He enjoys playing pickleball. It
keeps him active and helps him unwind after work.
Edmelyne is a Clinical Laboratory Scientist, and a
warm and caring mother. She enjoys baking because
it helps her relax. She enjoys making treats for family
and friends.
Ellise works at Cuesta College, tutoring anatomy,
physiology and microbiology. She hopes to get into a
great university soon to pursue nursing. She enjoys
making hair clips in her free time.
Ellsworth is in Middle
School. He is an
energetic boy who
enjoys playing,
discovering new
activities, and being
with his family. He
has a curious
personality and a
loving nature that
brings joy to those
who know him.
The family enjoys playing games such as Boggle
together.
Both Ellise and Ellsworth serve as acolytes.
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.
Our Superbowl Chili Sale went very well. $640 was
added to our treasury. We sold all the Chili we made.
It makes us wonder, what if we made more?
United Women in Faith Sunday had strong
attendance. Our guest Pastor Melissa McKinnon was
well received. We enjoyed her sermon on “The
Candle”. It was inspiring. We need to lead with the
Christ Candle. We recognized the Women of the
church, officers of the United Women in Faith,
leaders of our circles and groups. We welcome
women to join any of the three circles; Joy circle,
Mary, Martha, Esther circle, or Daughters of Grace
Circle. There’s also an active book club reading a lot
of interesting books. For the craftier inclined, we
have Sew and Sews, quilting, knitting and crocheting.
We also recognized Lorie Ford for her tireless and
loyal work keeping the Acolyte team organized, the
Communion Table ready and the kitchen well
stocked. There are probably many other things she
does for us behind the scenes. When you see her
thank her in person.
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 Circle, meets in the McMillen Room at 5:30 on
the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Susan
Throndson.
Sew And Sews Meets every Tuesday in the McMillen
Room from 10 until 1:30, bring a sandwich if you want
to stay for lunch. The Prayer Shawl Ministry is lead by
Janice Moore. We need knitters and crocheters.
Book Club meets the 3rd Friday, in the library, at
10:30. Contact Judy Leonard or Patti Melsheimer for
a book if interested.
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
We have a great variety of tours and events coming
up. Keep checking the connections table to sign up.
Sun. March 8, Pancake Breakfast between church
services, $10 per person. Scrambled eggs, sausage,
fruit, and of course pancakes, lots of pancakes.
Tickets are now on sale.
Fri. March 13th- Etto Pasta Factory Tour and lunch
in Paso Robles. $40 per person. With this you get a
$25 gift card to use at their restaurant and gift shop.
Leave from church at 9:45 am for an 11:00 am tour.
Sat. March 28th Labyrinth at Lucy & Elwood’s
House and enjoy appetizers. Leave from the church
at 10:50 am for 11am event.
Sun. March 29 Free Movie “I Can Only Imagine”, at
4:00 pm with J. Michael Finley, Dennis Quaid and
Trace Adkins. A Christian movie about the story
behind the writing of one of the most popular
Christian songs.
Sat. April 11th Red Wings Horse Sanctuary in Paso
Robles. Leave church at 9:30 am.
Sun. May 3, Taco Bar. After 2nd Service.
Sat. June 6 Encore Tour of Bob and Scotts Garden.
Leave church at 9:45 for 10am tour.
Wed. Aug 5 at 3:45 and again on Sat. Aug. 15 at 9:45
Arroyo Grande History Tour, same tour on two
dierent days, limit 10 per tour.
Fri. September 4- Plantel Nursery Tour Santa
Maria. They grow vegetable transplants and do
automated planting at farms. Leave church at 9:20.
HOLY WEEK
Please invite family and friends to our
Holy Week activities
Palm Sunday, March 29, 8:30 & 10:30 Services
Maundy Thursday, April 2, 6:00pm
Good Friday, April 3, Tenebrae Service, 6:30pm
Easter Sunday, April 5, 8:30 & 10:30 Services
YOUTH GROUP!
Next Youth Group Meetings
Saturday, March 7 & Saturday, April 4
3:00 Leaders, 4:00 Youth, 5:30 Dinner
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. 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 Arroyo Grande First United
Methodist Church 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.
Easter Flowers
Ordering Form
Order Your (Real) Easter Flowers now!
The Flowers will decorate our Sanctuary on
Easter Sunday.
Following the second service on Easter, you may take
flowers home to enjoy. Part of your donation goes to
the purchase of flowers delivered to the shut-ins
prior to Easter so they can also enjoy Easter Flowers.
Please make your checks payable to the church and
note “Easter Flowers” .
Please submit your order no later than
Monday, March 23, 2026.
Please place my order for _______ flowers at $20.00
each.
In Honor of ___________________________________
_____________________________________________
In Memory of_________________________________
_____________________________________________
Name: _______________________________________
Phone #: _____________________________________
OFFICE USE ONLY:
CASH __________ CHECK#_________ AMOUNT PAID__________
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURADAY
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
1PM Bible study
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:00PM Trustees
7:30 PM Big Band CH
4
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
5:30PM Worship
Team PS
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
6
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
Youth Group
3PM Leaders
4PM Youth
5:30PM Dinner
8
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
Between services
$10 Pancake
Breakfast
Daylight Savings
Time
9
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
10
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
1PM Bible Study CH
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band CH
11
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee
1:30PM Mission
Team
6:30 PM Daughters
of Grace MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal,
13
10PM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
11AM EttoPasta
Factory Tour
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
1:30 Finance, L
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band CH
18
9AM Church Work
Morning
2PM Church Council
MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal S
20
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
10:30AM Book Club L
21
22
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
3PM Friendly
Neighborhood Big
Band Concert
23
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
24
9AM Senior
Exercise, CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
11AM Chair Yoga
1PM Bible Study
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:30 PM Big Band
25
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
27
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
11AM Nomination PS
28
11AM Labyrinth
Prayer &
Refreshment
Lucy & Elwood’s
Home
29 PALM SUNDAY
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Movie Night
I can only imagine
30
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
4:30PM
Communications L
31
9AM Senior Exercise
CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
1PMBible study
5PM Bell Choir HB
7:00PM Trustees
7:30 PM Big Band CH
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
A fun evening with wild costumes, delicious food, king cakes, The Friendly Neighborhood Big Band,
a (non-alcoholic) bar and line dancing (based on the downpour that followed, it must have been a rain dance).
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH SUNDAY
Rev. Melissa Roux MacKinnon preached. Lorie Ford was honored for her loyalty and service to our church.
March UWF Book Club Selection:
On Friday, March 20th the UWF Book
Club will discuss the historical novel,
Her Hidden Genius, written by Marie
Benedict. This revelation of the work
that Rosalind Franklin did to uncover
the mystery of DNA will leave you both
amazed and outraged. She relentlessly
experimented to prove the double
helix structure of DNA without support
from the men surrounding her. In fact
they tried to take credit for the work
she did in the 1940’s and 1950’s. Join
us at 10:30 A.M. in the church library on Friday, March 20th for
our discussion of Her Hidden Genius. Readers will need to
purchase their own copies of this book. See Judy Leonard or
Mary Whitson for possible locations to obtain the 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!
VIDEO CAMERA
AND SOUND BOARD OPERATORS
NEEDED AT BOTH SERVICES
No experience necessary. Youth welcome.
See Pastor Wes
Come Join us Sunday March 8, 2026
Between services
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
Mar. 01 Elwood Hyden Rossalyn Clauson
Mar. 08 Joe Brown Nancy St. Laurent
Mar. 15 Mary Throndson Joyce Singleman
Mar. 22 Susan Throndson Carolyn Anderson
Mar. 29 Sharon Roemer Priscilla Alquest
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!
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:
Frank, Barbara, Irene, Colton, Ann, Stephen,
Patria, Tiffany, Micaela, Rosario, Nallo, Elidia,
Gerardo, Ted Michael, Carmen, John, Mark,
Cristy, Carol, Jonathan, David, Carol, Danny,
Clarence, Jan, Marily, John, Natalie, Carlo.
LAST CHANCE!
to be in our new
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
We NEED
YOUR PHOTO
Pictures are taken between services
and following 2nd service
in the Library.
Or submit your favorite picture on-line at
FUMCAGCommunications@gmail.com
Please include your names, address, phone
numbers and e-mails.
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 Estela Placencia
E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com
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
03/02 Carina Avila
03/07 Lucy Jacob
03/07 Julie Wise
03/11 Carolyn Anderson
03/12 Marilyn Balster
03/13 Pat Wiemers
03/15 Art Gary
03/20 Tony Harvey
03/21 Maddie Mendez
03/22 Helen Moore
03/25 Pam Garza
03/29 Ann Wilson
03/30 Tamara Wise
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
Mar 01 Trustees
Mar 08 Worship Team
Mar 15 Communications
Mar 22 Daughters of Grace Circle
Mar 29 Endowment/ELT
LEGACY GIVING
Please consider Legacy Giving in your future plans. This can be done
through your financial advisor or with the assistance of the California-
Pacific United Methodist Foundation. Brochures are available at the
Connections Table in the Narthex. You may contact them directly at
626-568-7347 or on the web at www.cpumf.org to help create your own
personal or family legacy.
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
March 2026
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Upcoming Events
Sat. Mar. 7 Youth Group, 3pm leaders,
4pm youth, 5:3pm 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 & Refreshments,
Lucy & Elwood’s home 11AM
Sun. Mar 29 Free Movie ”I Can Only Imagine”
Thu. Apr. 2 Maundy Thursday, 6pm
Fri. Apr. 3 Good Friday Tenebrae Service 6:30
Sat. Apr 4 Youth Group, 3pm leaders, 4pm youth,
5:30pm dinner
Sat. Apr 11 Red Wings Horse Sanctuary Leave
church 9:30
Sun. May 3 Taco Bar, after 2nd service
Sat. Jun 6 Scott And Bob’s Garden Tour, Leave
church 9:45, Tour 10am
Wed. Aug 5 Arroyo Grande History Tour 3:45pm
Sat. Aug 15 Arroyo Grande History Tour 9:45am
Fri. Sep 4 Plantel Nursery Tour, 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.