Pastor's Page
One might wonder what
that number means and
why a pastor's article starts
with it. It could mean a
great many things.
However, in this context, it
represents the 12th Cast a
Net article I've written. Hard
to believe we are approaching a year. It has been
quite the year, and it has been wonderful. First, I want
to tell all of you thank you for so many things. Some of
you know of the difficult circumstances we had
before coming here. You and this church have been
and continue to be a healing place for my wife and
kids. Being a pastor here is a joy, and I brag about this
church and how great you all are. I love being a
pastor. I love being your pastor. We have such an
amazing church!
We have an exciting year to look forward to, goals to
stretch us, goals to inspire us, and goals to help us
connect people to the mission and ministry of the
church. We are rooted in being Methodist. Our Three
Simple Rules, as John Wesley charged us are: Do No
Harm, Do Good and, Stay in Love with God. Our
ultimate charge is to glorify God, love our neighbors
and serve our community. We are going to be working
on those things, finding ways to Love Boldly, Serve
Joyfully and Lead Courageously.
We will call upon people to take a greater role in the
church in various ways. I could list the various ways
we need help. Let me say it this way, there are things
and ways we need everyone, such as: Prayer,
Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness. It will be hard
work, and the outcome will be worth it. Our growing
children and youth ministries are an example. Lives
are being changed. We don't know the origin of the
quote, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago.
The second best time is today.” We are going to work
on planting trees and leaving a legacy for future
generations. Part of that is serving today, part of it is
stewardship, and part of that is saying, “Yes, we can!”
The church we
build today is
the church that
vitally impacts
the world
tomorrow,
making the
world better for
all people. We
have the
responsibility
to pave the way
and set a great foundation for future ministry. Yes, we
can and we will! The Best is Yet to Come!
Rev. Wesley Thompson
JUNE 2026
RRRRRRB2025
12
Church Council Report
The Church Council met on Wednesday, May 20,
2026. The Council is composed of the chairs of the
various committees that help govern the church. At
our May meeting, Pastor Wes led a discussion of how
to set goals, organize and plan for the future of our
church. He encouraged each committee to set Five
SMART Goals for 2026! A SMART goal must be
Specic, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time
Based. The goals fall into the categories of wisdom,
health, favor with God, favor with humanity and they
should also all have some fun worked into them!
Kerren Brown reported that she will be holding a
second meeting for prospective members on Sunday
May 31 immediately after second service. Patty and
Frank Williams reported the Missions Committee has
been in contact with both our missionaries and will
be posting their newsletters on the bulletin board in
Criswell Hall. (Be sure to look for them!) Steve Gillian
reported the ELT committee is awarding two
scholarships to our college student members. Gerry
McGuire reported the UWF’s Mother’s Day tea was
very well attended and everyone enjoyed Brad
Bettencourt’s oral demonstration. Jim Alquist
reported funds from the Endowment Fund have been
distributed to several missionary programs and the
African University. Pastor Wes reported that the
Children and Youth Program is going forward quite
successfully! Mary Throndson has accepted
responsibility for the Children’s Sunday School
program, Cristy Thompson is supervising the
Nursery, and the Youth program is growing under the
direction of Tim Olsen.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these
activities, please see Pastor Wes or me!
Patti Melsheimer, Chair
Treasurer's Report
We are coming to the end of our Fiscal Year, which
ends June 30. Though giving is up this year, expenses
are up even more so we anticipate ending the year in
a decit. I hope everyone could give a little extra in
June so we can end the year in the positive. This will
help us continue and expand the new ministries of
our church and start new programs. Unlike most
churches we do not run an annual pledge campaign.
Instead, we rely on our members to contribute
regularly and as needs arise.
This past year we started a successful and growing
youth group and opened our new nursery. Worship
attendance and membership have increased. We
serve at People's Kitchen, support local missions and
help fund two overseas missionaries. Improvements
were made to the sound and hearing assistance
systems, new video screens were added to improve
the worship experience and a new heater was
installed to keep us warm in winter. Fellowship
Ministry has sponsored a number of fun trips and
activities that engage members and provide the
opportunity to invite potential new members. We
need YOUR help to continue to expand the ministry
and activities at our wonderful church.
Many banks now oer automatic bill paying. You can
set up your regular contribution to the church to be
paid automatically on a certain day of the month.
Most banks oer this service at no charge, and unlike
credit cards or on-line giving service, it is at no charge
to the church, so the full amount goes directly to our
Church and its ministries.
If you need to take a Required Minimum Distribution
from your IRA, you can gain substantial tax savings by
making the distribution directly to our church or
another charitable organization. Qualied
Charitable Distributions count as part of your
required minimum distribution but they are not
taxable and are not included in your Adjusted Gross
income. People who are 70½ can transfer up to a
maximum $111,000 from their traditional IRA. We
would all be overjoyed if someone contributed the
maximum. See your tax advisor for all the detail.
Joel Anderson
Acting Treasurer
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
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 new directory is here. Thank you to Sandy
Underwood for the data entering, Blanca and Joel for
the printing, and Mary Throndson, Mary Hawkins,
Patti Melsheimer and myself for the research in past
records. This unit goes back to 1948 and has been
meeting continuously since that time. Even in Covid
times we figured out how we could continue to
communicate. That says a lot for our United Women
in Faith for our unit and our church, when many
groups have folded around us.
Our Tea was enjoyed by many. I received many
compliments from attendees for the food and
especially for Brad’s wonderful demonstration and
talk on flower arranging. A good time was had by all,
and there were some happy women who went home
with some beautiful arrangements.
Bingo will be August 22. Save the date. There will be
Pizza.
September 26 we will host the North District United
Women in Faith with a Women’s Retreat, here. We
don’t have to travel. More information to follow.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
FELLOWSHIP
MINISTRY
We have a great variety of tours and events coming
up. Keep checking the connections table to sign up.
The Taco Bar was successful. We had many
people join us for our Tres de Mayo Luncheon. The
Tacos and entertainment were wonderful.
Red Wings Horse Sanctuary in Paso Robles was
rescheduled to Saturday, June 27th due to weather.
Saturday, June 6 Encore Tour of Bob and Scott’s
Garden. Carpool from church at 9:45 for 10:00 tour.
Sunday, June 28 Free Movie Night 4:00 “Remarkably
Bright Creatures” While working at a small-town
aquarium, a widow (Sally Field) bonds with a clever
giant Pacic octopus and an adrift young man (Lewis
Pullman) in this moving drama as she discovers the
true mystery of the disappearance of her son.
Sunday, July 5 Bar-B-Q after second service On the
Patio. Plans are coming together so set the time
aside. Hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, corn on
the cob and apple pie will be served.
Wednesday, August 5, 3:45, and Saturday, August
15 9:45: Arroyo Grande History Tour of the Village.
Limited to group of 10 on each day. The list is full.
Check back maybe we can add another date for
those that missed out.
Friday, September 4- Plantel Nursery Tour: in
Santa Maria. They grow vegetable transplants and do
automated planting of these at farms. Meet at 9:20
at church to carpool there.
Saturday, September 12, 9:30-4. Dana Adobe
Heritage Day, History, culture and enjoying it all with
your friends from First United Methodist Church of
Arroyo Grande. Plans may include a picnic lunch.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
Library News
Once a month or so, library books will be coming
to Criswell Hall fellowship tables! They have been
well received on recent Sundays. I hope you will
pick one up and take a look. The library has a
wonderful selection of children’s story books,
biographies, fiction, devotionals and fun facts.
There are even some binders of World War II
memories written by our church members! These
are unique to this library.
Happy reading,
Joyce Singelman
BLESSINGS OF THE SHAWLS
For the past year, Janice Moore has been working
diligently with the Sew and Sews to replenish our
inventory of hand-knitted or crocheted shawls/lap
robes for the Shawl Ministry. We now have a nice
supply of shawls/lap robes ready to be blessed by the
congregation. Pastor Wes will lead this blessing the
first Sunday of June. These items will be placed on the
prayer rails at the alter. After you come forward to take
the Communion Elements, you are invited to stop by
any one of the shawls/robes to offer a personal
blessing.
Many blessings are prayed over each stitch from the
beginning to end of every shawl/robe. These are
available to you at no cost as a gift for someone you
know who is in need of comfort or solace, or a time of
celebration or joy. Prayer shawls are helpful when
someone is undergoing medical procedure(s): as
comfort after a loss, in times of stress. If you have a
special request to have a shawl/robe made for
someone, please contact Janice.
Janice will be available to record the tag number of the
shawl/lap robe(s) you have selected to take to
someone you know who may benefit from this
blessing. If any of you are interested in joining the
Shawl Ministry, the Sew and Sews meet in the McMillen
room every Tuesday morning. Janice will meet you
there and get you started! -- Kerren Brown
OUR NEW NURSERY IS NOW OPEN!
Janice Moore’s great-granddaughter Priscilla was the
first to enjoy our new nursery. It is located just off the
Narthex. Nursery care is provided during the 10:30
service.
Mission Team
Our church helps support two overseas missionaries:
Florence Mefor serving in Zimbabwe and Katherine
Parker in Nepal.
Florence Mefor is a veteran nurse-midwife who for over
20 years has served in Zimbabwe. She transformed
maternity care by establishing daily food programs for
expectant mothers at the Mutambara and Old Mutare
Mission Hospitals. Her work drastically reduced
maternal mortality and improved nutrition for over 100
mothers, ensuring safe delivery options. Maternal and
infant mortality dropped significantly. Old Mutare
reported zero maternity ward deaths in 2025. This
milestone is a direct result of the clinical and
nutritional standards Florence implemented.
UPCOMING PEOPLE'S KITCHEN
Everyone welcome to come and help.
Monday June 29 Food Prep in the church kitchen.
Tuesday June 30 Serving food. Leave church 11am.
Thank You to the Wise Family!
A BIG Thank you to the Wise family who carried out a
major clean-up of our Children's Center. They hauled
out no longer usable equipment, worn out toys and
assorted junk so we can prepare the classrooms for
new uses.
MEET DAISEY PAREDES
OUR CAST-A-NET YOUTH REPORTER
My name is Daisey Paredes. I'm sixteen years old, and
I’ll be a junior at Nipomo High School after this
summer. My mom, Michelle Paredes, and my
grandma, Nancy St. Laurent, started going to the First
United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande in 1987,
just a few years before my parents got married. They got
married in 1992, in the very sanctuary where I, along
with my six siblings, was baptized. I don't talk about
myself very often because there isn't a lot to say other
than what I'm interested in, which is listening to music,
walking, camping and writing. I love writing stories. I'm
not too fond of writing essays at school, but I've gotten
a lot better at it. At least these days, I can actually
conclude an essay instead of quitting on the second
paragraph. Something else you should know about me
is that I have a rabbit. Her name is Bianca, and she's so
precious! She's got the softest, whitest fur you've ever
seen, and she's so friendly! She's also huge. Another
thing about me is that I have two nephews and four
nieces, including the little baby on the way from my
only sister, Victoria. The other kids love the rabbit,
especially Lilly, who gets so excited around her. It's nice
to see if you can get past the nagging fear that she's
going to squeeze Bianca due to her overwhelming
aection and love for her soft fur. One nal thing I
wanted to say is that I'm so happy to be reporting for
the Youth Group and using something I enjoy to help
the church!
Daisey Paredes
YOUTH MINISTRY
May 16th was a cozy Saturday for Youth Group in the
upstairs classroom of the church. The afternoon was
enjoyed with two games of Swap, which is a card game
won by the player who can get rid of all their cards
before their opponents. The rst round was won by me,
Daisey, but only due to the kindness and generosity of
Makiyah, who sort of let me win, before winning the
second round herself. It was an intense game, but the
key is to pay close attention to the cards of those
around you, or else you could end up with a lousy hand
when it comes time to "Swap!" After that, we took a few
minutes to write down the names of any friends or
acquaintances who may not attend church or may be
considering leaving their church, and we thought
carefully about how we could share our faith with
them. We then said grace before heading down to enjoy
a lovely dinner of hotdogs and tater tots, but not before
saying grace a second time, as requested by the
wonderful ladies who prepared all of the delicious food
for us! Thank you, by the way!
Next youth event is Progressive Barbeque:
Saturday June 13, starting at the church at 4pm.
Help with People's Kitchen:
Monday June 29 Food Prep in the church kitchen.
Tuesday June 30 Serving food. Leave church 11am.
Daisey Paredes
TACO BAR
Food and fun followed by the Mexican Hat Dance
MOTHER'S DAY SUNDAY
Women were given roses.
June UWF Book Club Selection
Imagine the life of a female
physician and her midwife friend in
15th Century China. In this historical
con novel, Yunxian was raised by
her physician grandmother who
taught her about women’s illnesses
and treatments. Following her
grandmother’s teachings, Yuxian
pracces the Four Examinaons of
Chinese medicine – looking,
listening, touching, and asking.
Unfortunately, Yunxian is bound by tradion and an
arranged marriage not to help out other women with
their medical issues. The power of the women’s
friendship helps them to break down the barriers set up
by old traditions.
Judy Leonard.
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!
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:
Marj. Eddie, Barry, Chad, Dennis, Alice, Cristy,
Harper, Colton, Michael, Ryan, Alina, Pam, Alex,
Robert, Jan, Tina, Mark, Lovella, Lydia, Lupe,
Rosario, Nallo, Susan, Haws, Drew, Carolyn, Jack,
Stephen and Lamar.
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
June. 07 Joe Brown Priscilla Alquist
June. 14 Lucy Jacob Patti Melshimer
June. 21 Elwood Hyden Judy Leonard
June. 28 Sharon Roemer Michelle Richardson
May. 31 Deb Bradley Carolyn Anderson
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
A Note of Thanks from the Wise Family
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
3
9AM Church Work
Morning
6:00PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
4
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
5PM Bell choir HR
5
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
6
10AM Scott &
Bob’s Garden Tour
7
8:30AM Informal
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Service
Blessing of the
shawls both
services
ELT Scholarships
award both
services
8
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
10
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Steering
Committee l
1:30PM Mission
Team MMR
11
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
10:30AM Staff
Parish MMR
11:30AM
Nominations
Committee MMR
5PM Bell choir HR
12
10AMKnitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
13
4pm Youth Group
Progressive BBQ
14
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
15
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
17
9AM Church Work
Morning
10 AM UWF Steering
Committee L
1:30PM Mission
Team MMR
18
10:30PM Staff
Parish MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
11:30AM
Nominations L
5PM Bell choir HR
19
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
10:30AM UWF Book
Club L
20
21
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
22
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
24
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Easther Circle MMR
2PM Church Council
5:30PM Daughter’s
of Grace Circle L
25
9AM Tai Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
26
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
27
10:30AM Red
Wings Horse
Sanctuary Tour
leave Church @
9:30AM
28
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
4:00 Free Movie
"Remarkably
Bright Creatures"
29
1pm People’s
Kitchen, Food Prep
4:0PM
Communications L
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
Abbreviation Legend
CH-Criswell Hall
HR-Handbell Room #115
K-Kitchen
L-Library Room #123
MMR-McMillen Room #113
PS-Pastor’s Study
S-Sanctuary
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
Webmaster: Jamie Foster
Choir Director:
Tricia Stewart
Praise Team Director:
Mike Clark
Pianist/Keyboard: Dennis Eiler
Handbell Choir Director:
Leonard Lutz
Bookkeeper: Kelli Stein
Worship Video Editor:
Susan Throndson
Covenant Missionaries:
Katherine Parker, Nepal
Florence Mefor, Zimbabwe
Bishop:
Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank
District Superintendent:
Rev. Garth Gilliam
FRIENDLY KITTY
NEEDS A NEW HOME
Contact Blanca in the Church Office
for details.
06/04 Mike Reineke
06/05 Jim Steiner
06/07 Ray Douglas
06/07 Makiyah Thompson
06/14 Paulette Black
06/15 Janice Moore
06/16 Dennis Eiler
06/17 Steve Shrefler
06/19 Connie Clark
06/19 Gloria Johnson
06/21 Evelyn Bradley
06/21 Joyce Singelman
06/23 Sandy Underwood
06/24 Tricia Stewart
06/25 Nan Lippitt
06/26 Aaron Dickison
06/26 James Wise
06/27 Dee Anna Shrefler
06/28 Bobbi Merris
06/29 Maureen Rose
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
June 07 Trustees
June 14 Worship Team
June 21 Endowment
June 28 Communications
July 05 Daughters of Grace Circle
July 12 ELT
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande www.facebook.com/fumcag
June 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. Jun. 6 Scott and Bob’s Garden Tour, Leave
church 9:45, Tour 10am
Sat. Jun. 13 Youth Group, Progressive BBQ
starting at 4:00 at church
Sat. Jun. 27 Red Wings Horse Sanctuary,
Leave church 9:30 Tour 10:30
Sun Jun. 28 Free Movie Night: Remarkably Bright
Creatures 4pm
Mon. Jun. 29 People's Kitchen, Food Prep, 1pm
Tue. Jun. 30 People's Kitchen, Food Serving.
Leave church 11am
Sat. Jul. 11 Youth Group. 3pm Leaders, 4pm
Youth, 5:30pm dinner
Sat. Aug. 1 Youth Group: Labyrinth & Low
Country Boil at Lucy & Elwoods, 4PM
Wed Aug. 5 Arroyo Grande History Walking Tour
4pm, leave church 3:45
Sat Aug. 15 Arroyo Grande History Walking Tour
10am, leave church 9:45
Sat. Aug. 15 District Youth and Family Events in
Oxnard, 10am - 3pm.
Sat. Aug. 22 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.