PASTOR'S PAGE
We have arrived at
the end of Lent. In
just a few short days,
at the dawn of April
5th, we celebrate the
Resurrection. As we
move into the season
of Eastertide, may we
be Resurrection
people. Death is not
the last work. Easter
means a new start for
all of us. To get there, we have to travel through the last
valley of Lent. This week, we have Maundy Thursday
Soup at Six. Traditionally this service contains things
such as celebrating the eucharist and/or foot washing.
We are going to have a meal together, just like Jesus
and the disciples. We will eat and join in fellowship.
Comeback the next day and travel through the nal
hours of Jesus life. As we reect on Jesus’ last hours, it
reminds us of the trials and diiculties we face. It may
seem like Friday night, but Sunday is on the way! As
the song Happy Day exclaims,” The greatest day in
history, death was beaten, you have rescued me, sing
it out: Jesus is Alive!”
I will continue to share this over and over I love our
church. We have great leadership! They all work
together and do a great job helping us have a
wonderful faith community. It reminds me of the
dierent parts of the body. They are all important, but
the sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Each of
our parts makes up the whole of our faith community.
Many wonderful things are going on and wonderful
people are making a dierence. We have many ways
for people to connect. Make sure you check out the
Connections table for the sign-ups for the dierent
events happening. We have some really fantastic
things coming up. As wonderful as this is, I believe the
best is yet to come. We have more on the horizon, lives
to impact, to make the world a better place and ways
to serve. I do truly believe every one of us can and do
make a dierence in the world.
Thank you to each of you who makes a dierence in
the faith community here and beyond.
Rev, Wesley Thompson
HOLY WEEK ACTIVITIES - BRING YOUR FRIENDS - DETAILS INSIDE
MAUNDY THURSDAY
6PM Soup and Salad Supper
GOOD FRIDAY
6:30PM Tenebrae Service
EASTER SUNDAY
8:30 Easter Service with Praise Band
10:30 Easter Service with Chancel Choir
Refreshments, Easter Bunny and Fun after both
services. Easter Egg Hunt for adults after 2nd
service.
April 2026
RRRRRRB2025
Join us in our Holy Week Faith Journey
Maundy Thursday, also called Holy Thursday,
commemorates the Last Supper that Jesus had with
his disciples. The name stems from the Latin
mandatum (commandment), referring to Jesus'
commandment given at the Last Supper "love one
another as I have loved you".
We will celebrate Maundy Thursday with a simple
soup and salad supper at 6:00, so that we may enjoy
each other's friendship and remind us to follow
Jesus's commandment to "love one another".
Good Friday Tenebrae Service
The Service of Tenebrae, or "Shadows," is based on a
twelfth-century late night/early morning service and
is an extended meditation on the Passion of Christ.
Scripture narrating the events of Jesus’ last week on
earth, is read from the gospels interspersed with the
extinguishing of candles until the only candle
remaining on the altar is the Christ Candle. A bell
tolls 33 times to honor the thirty-three years of Jesus’
life on Earth. The Christ Candle is then carried out of
the sanctuary and worshippers depart in silence. It is
a way of remembering Jesus and honoring Jesus’
Passion.
Our Good Friday Tenebrae service will be a simple
service starting at 6:30 with the passion narrative
from one of the gospels, two or three passion hymns
and no homily. The scripture is the message as we
honor Jesus’ life in worship. The service will
conclude at sunset.
We will celebrate Christ's resurrection with joyous
worship services. Our Easter celebrations will
include special refreshments and visits by the Easter
Bunny and Easter Chicken handing out eggs with
surprises between services. Bring the kids, grand-
kids and great grand kids. The youth are putting on
an Easter Egg hunt for the adults after Second
Service. Bring your parents and grandparents. It will
all be lots of fun!
UNITED WOMEN
IN FAITH
Our new United Women in Faith directory is almost
ready to publish. There has been a lot of research into
past records because not everything was recorded. It
was important to us to have records as accurate as
possible since the last directory was published in
2018. Covid was responsible for much of the delay
due to lack of records and not publishing the
directory during the years since. Now we are on track.
Something new for United Women in Faith: Dorine
Bolterman has consented to serve as our Mission
chair. She is working on getting together a group of
volunteers to fix meals in our church kitchen for the
Five Cities Homeless Coalition. If you can give your
time once a month talk to Dorine or Gerry. This would
only be fixing the meals, not serving, so it would only
be about 2 hours. This is great community service.
We have our annual Tea coming up on May 9. It will
have a flower theme with lots of surprises. There will
be a special presentation by Brad Bettencourt on
flower arranging. We are planning tea sandwiches,
special desserts and of course tea. Invite your
friends and family, sign up and purchase your tickets
at the UWF table after Easter. Tickets are $15.
Bingo will be August 15. Mark that down. Just don’t
leave town.
September we will host the North District United
Women in Faith with a Women’s Retreat here.
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 Library
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 led 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
Things are shaping up for a great Spring for our
congregation with a lot of interesting and fun
activities.
Our Pancake Breakfast did so well that it was
decided that it would fund the Cinco de Mayo Taco
Bar making it free for all.
The March13th- Etto Pasta Factory Tour and lunch,
was attended by 20. It was very informative and
tasty.
The March 28th Labyrinth at Lucy's House was well
attended and spiritually enlightening for many.
April 5, Easter Sunday. We will be hosting the
Hospitality Time at our church. Look for lots of good
seasonal things to snack on and a visit from the Big
Bunny and his two friends. They may even be giving
out special eggs. Youth will put on an Easter Egg hunt
for adults after 2nd service.
Saturday, April 11, Red Wings Horse Sanctuary.
Leave church at 9:30 for 10:30 tour in Paso Robles. It
is free, however a donation is encouraged to help
them continue their work.
Sunday, April 26, Free movie night, 4:00 "I Can Only
Imagine 2 - Mercy Me" A sequel to "I Can Only
Imagine" that continues the story.
Sunday, May 3, Taco Bar. After second service.
There will also be Tamales and entertainment. Free.
Sign up at the connections table.
Saturday, June 6 Encore Tour of Bob and Scotts
Garden. Leave church at 9:45 or meet there at10
Wednesday Aug 5 at 3:45, and Saturday Aug 15 at
9:45, Arroyo Grande History Tour of the Village.
Limited to group of 10 on each day.
Friday, September 4 Plantel Nursery Tour in Santa
Maria. They grow vegetable transplants and do
automated planting of these at farms. We will meet
at 9:20 at church to carpool there.
As always, it’s a good idea to sign up at the
Connections table to assure yourself of having a
place. Submitted by Gerry McGuire
SCAM ALERTS
A scammer has gotten hold of e-mails
of many church members and sent out
e-mails in the name of Pastor Wes
asking for help in obtaining gift cards.
Anytime you get a request for a gift card
there is about a 99.9% chance it is a scam. Ignore it
and delete it. Pastor Wes, church members, the IRS,
the sheri, Microsoft or any other government agency
or company will NEVER e-mail or phone you asking for
gift cards. If you get such a request DELETE IT. If you
think it might be legitimate, don't respond to the e-mail.
Phone the person or organization using the phone
number you have on le or look up at their website. DO
NOT use the phone number the scammer put in their e-
mail.
Another scam going around is URGENT UPDATES. You
get a message on your computer or phone that you
must install an update immediately or you will not be
able to access your les or something terrible will
happen to your phone or computer. IGNORE IT. It is a
scam to gain access to les on your computer.
Legitimate updates do not have to be installed
immediately like they once were. Depending on the
update it will either be installed automatically at night
(typical of Apple) or next time you turn o your
computer (typical of Microsoft).
Remember - always be suspicious, always double
check. THE SCAMMERS ARE OUT TO GET YOU!
BECOME A SPY FOR OUR CHURCH!
The Communications Team is
always looking for fresh ideas from
other churches. When visiting
other churches be sure to pick up
copies of their bulletins,
newsletters, prayer cards, etc. You
may leave them in the
Communications Box in the oice
or give to Joel Anderson.
NEW MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
AND SPONSORS
I am noticing new faces coming to our Worship
Services each week and many who are returning with
consistency. Welcome!! I think you are feeling the
presence of the Holy Spirit in our congregation and a
welcoming spirit among us. We are preparing for our
next New Membership orientation meeting on May 17th.
The class will introduce you to all the “ins and outs” of
membership, campus life and opportunities to further
your worship and service desires within our church and
community. There will be a signup sheet at the
Connections Table in the Narthex for those interested
in becoming members of our church. Current
members who would like to become a sponsor are
encouraged to attend. Sponsors stand beside
incoming members and act as resources during follow
up. Pastor Wes or Kerren Brown are available to
answer questions or help guide you with your decision.
Blessings and prayers for you during this decision time.
-Kerren Brown
VIDEO CAMERA,
SLIDE AND
SOUND BOARD
OPERATORS
NEEDED AT BOTH SERVICES
No experience necessary.
Youth welcome.
See Pastor Wes
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!
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!
Mission Team Report
March was our month for
People’s Kitchen. We
prepared casseroles on
March 30th and served on
March 31st. If anyone is
interested in helping, in
the future please let us
know. We serve on the fifth Tuesday of the Month.
March 15 was UMCOR Special Sunday. April 19 is
Native American Special Sunday, a time to recognize
the contributions of Native Americans to our faith
and communities. Through your generosity, we
support Native-led ministries to provide
scholarships for Native American students pursuing
the ministry, and fund impactful programs that
empower Native communities. Join us in celebrating,
giving, and praying for our Native American brothers
and sisters in Christ.
The Little Pink Houses of Hope is planning their
breast cancer retreat in this area, which will be held
October 25-31. One of the ways that they care for
their breast cancer patients and their families during
retreat week is by providing home cooked meals or
sponsored dinners. These shared meals offer more
than nourishment. They create space for
connection, comfort, and rest during what is often a
very challenging time. The Mission Team, with help
from any interested church members have
volunteered to provide a meal. More info to follow
when we know the exact day.
LABYRINTH PRAYER WALK
A prayer labyrinth is a spiritual journey. It is a physical and
mental meditation method that has been used in Christianity
and other cultures for hundreds of years. The labyrinth has a
single, winding path leading to the center, then leads out
again. Though everyone follows the same path, not everyone
has the same journey. Some meditate as they walk, some
pray silently at each turn, some sing some recite a prayer
aloud as they walk. Walking the labyrinth is a way of
connecting to God and centering oneself. About 16 people
from our church enjoyed walking the two labyrinths at Lucy
and Elwood's house, followed by fellowship and refreshments.
ETTO PASTA FACTORY TOUR
What an enjoyable, educational and delicious outing!
Thirteen members and friends joined the Fellowship
Ministry tour of the Etto Pasta Factory, Market and
Pasta Bar in Paso Robles. The tour started off in the
Etto Pasta Museum. It includes pasta making
equipment that has been around long enough that
Thomas Jefferson had one just like it. That was
followed by excellent, short videos explaining the
history of the firm and how the pasta is made. The
owners spent considerable time traveling in Italy
where they fell in love with the delicious pasta. Unable
to find similar products in the United States they
started their own pasta factory! Participants then got
to see the pasta actually being produced. The
ingredients are simple, organic semolina durum wheat
and water. Ingredients are mixed and extruded
through bronze dies, giving the pasta a naturally rough
texture that holds sauce beautifully. Next came a
delicious pasta lunch at the Etto Pasta Bar. And
everyone came away with a box of pasta to cook up at
home. It was a wonderful day of fun, friendship and
fellowship!
MELFRED BORZALL FACTORY TOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD
BIG BAND CONCERT
A fun afternoon of lively
music was enjoyed by all.
A wide variety of tunes
was played, ranging from
Count Basie to Blazing
Saddles to My Fair Lady as
well as beautiful singing by
Katheryn Loomis. Watch
for announcements of their
upcoming concerts.
Thank you Dick Melsheimer for an amazing tour
and an incredible Santa Maria barbeque lunch.
United Women of Faith honor Lorie Ford
Paul, Kent & Jack on their regular monthly
walk on the beach. They also do monthly walks on
the Bob Jones Trail. Say Hello when you see them.
YOUTH GROUP!
Next Youth Group Saturday, April 4
3:00 Leaders, 4:00 Youth, 5:30 Dinner
In -N-Out Burger excursion planned
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.
If you would like to be considered for an ELT
Scholarship, please submit a completed application
by May 15th.
April UWF Book Club Selection:
The UWF Book Club will meet on
Friday, April 17th to discuss The
Briar Club, an intriguing
historical fiction story by Kate
Quinn. In this story a group of
women live in a rundown
boarding house in Washington,
DC during the 1950’s McCarthy
era. When a mysterious widow
moves into the attic room, she
begins hosting weekly dinner
parties. Eventually everyone starts sharing their
secrets until an unexpected act of violence occurs.
Then they start questioning who is the enemy in their
midst.
Come join us to discuss The Briar Club on April 17th at
10:30 A.M. in the church library. See Judy Leonard to
get a copy from a library book club kit.
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!
Tai Chi Classes
Senior Exercise is now doing Tai Chi on Tuesday and
Thursday at 9 am in Criswell Hall. Come and check our
class out. We are using videos at this point. We are
looking for a leader to help us further our knowledge
and skills.
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
Apr. 05 Joe Brown Judy Leonard
Apr. 12 David Beard Patti Melshimer
Apr. 19 Sharon Roemer Carolyn Anderson
Apr. 26 Debra Bradley Michelle Richardson
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!
CHURCH PHOTO DIRECTORY
We are wrapping up the new church photo
directory, but are still missing pictures from a
few members and regular attendees
If you did not get your photograph taken after
service, you may still submit one by e-mail to
FUMCAGCommunications@gmail.com
Deadline is Sunday, April 11.
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:
Harper, Colton, Ann, Arla, Lamar, Sean,
Carlo, Armando, Cole, Cristy, Sherry, Jack,
Natalie Jocelyn Stephen, Rosario, Nallo, Ted
Michael, Carmen, David, John, Mark, Emilio
Jonathan, Carol, Danny, Helen
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
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship L
5:30PM Worship
Team PS
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
2
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
6PM Maundy
Thursday Soup, Salad
Supper
4
Youth Group
3PM Leaders
4PM Youth
5:30PM Dinner
5
8:30AM Informal
Easter Service
10:30AM
Traditional Easter
Service
6
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
8
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee L
1:30PM Mission
Team MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal,
9
9AM Tai Chi CH
10:30am Staff Parish
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
11:30AM Nominations
PS
5PM Bell choir HR
11
12
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
13
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
15
9AM Church Work
Morning
2PM Church Council
MMR
5:30PM Daughters
of Grace L
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal S
16
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
18
19
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
20
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
22
9AM Church Work
Morning
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal, S
23
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
25
26
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Free Movie
Night "I Can Only
Imagine 2"
27
4:30PM
Communications L
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
29
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle MMR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal S
30
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga CH
5PM Bell choir HR
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
Bishop:
District Superintendent:
Rev. Garth Gilliam
04/01 Jack Cuddy
04-02 Andrea Mendez
04/04 Paul Holden
04/06 Patti Melsheimer
04/07 Deb Bradley
04/07 Kristi Thompson
04/08 Grant Cuddy
04/08 Shirley Werling
04/15 Mary Jorstad
04/21 Pax Thompson
04/24 Ryan Odom
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
Apr 05 Fellowship Ministry
Apr 12 Finance
Apr 19 Endowment
Apr 26 Joy Circle
May 03 Mary, Martha, Esther
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
April 2026
First United Methodist Church
PAGE 12
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
STAMP
Upcoming Events
Thu. Apr. 2 Maundy Thursday Soup Supper
6pm
Fri. Apr. 3 Good Friday Tenebrae Service 6:30
Sat. Apr. 4 Youth Group, 3pm leaders,
4pm Youth, 5:30pm dinner
Sun. Apr. 5 Easter Sunday Services, 8:30 &
10:30am
Sat. Apr. 11 Red Wings Horse Sanctuary,
Leave church 9:30
Sun. Apr. 26 Free Movie Night, "I Can Only
Imagine 2, Mercy Me"
Sun. May 3 Taco Bar, after 2nd service
Sat. May 9 Women's Tea
Sat. Jun. 6 Scott and Bob’s Garden Tour,
Leave church 9:45, Tour 10am
Wed. Aug. 5 Arroyo Grande History Walk
Sat. Aug. 15 Arroyo Grande History Walk
Sat. Aug. 15 Bingo Night
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.