Pastor's Page
We are off to a great new year! You may be wondering
what classes I have left. I will be in my second year of
Residency in Ministry classes. The first one will be at
the retreat center in Sierra Madre, August 11 to August
13. Additionally, I will be starting my third and final
Advanced Course of Study class to transfer. This will
be a 10-week class starting in August. The class is
United Methodist Doctrine, and it focuses on the
origins, sources, concepts, and practices of Christian
doctrine within the United Methodist Tradition of
Christianity. I look forward to what the class holds and
getting to share about it with you.
We have a very busy August ahead of us. We re-
started our children's Sunday School class. The youth
are looking forward to many events this month. On
August 1
st
, is prayer labyrinth and Low Country Boil at
Lucy and Elwood's. August 9th, is the a blessing of the
new school year. August 15th is the North District
Live, Laugh and Love event. I encourage all of you to
attend. The District has some amazing things
planned. Further information is found elsewhere in
this issue. On August 29
th
the youth are painting bowls
as a fundraiser for the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition.
Empty Bowls is a great program and I'm glad our
students are going to help. That is just a few events
happening this month! We also have staff
appreciation, bingo, Arroyo Grande history walking
tours, and many other events happening!
This week we received a check from an Individual
Retirement Account (IRA). Someone who had passed
away named the church as a designated beneficiary.
We thank that family for their loved one's generosity.
It was a great gift that blesses us as a church. I was
reminded by someone that this would be a good
opportunity to remind all of us that we too can make a
difference in the same way. If you have named the
church as a beneficiary, I would like to take a moment
and, on behalf of the church, say thank you for your
generosity and planning. Your gift will make a
difference, a lasting difference.
As we head into autumn, as we remember the cooler
nights, the smell of pencils, Friday night football, and
the start of a new school year, take a moment and give
thanks to God. I give thanks to God for all of you. You
are a blessing to me. May we continue to love boldly,
serve joyfully, and lead courageously. May we
continue to make a difference in the world and in the
lives we encounter. You are loved, and you make a
difference!
Rev. Wesley Thompson
AUGUST 2026
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.
Saturday, August, 22. Bingo 5-7pm Save the date.
There will be Pizza and lots of prizes and fun. $20 per
person, $10 for 12 and under. Under 6 free.
Saturday, September 26 we will host the North
District United Women in Faith with a Women’s
Soul and Care Retreat here. Save this date. We will
be welcoming our North District sisters to share a
wonderful time together. Details to follow.
Friday-Sunday, November 6,7,8.Holiday Boutique
We need help from all of you to make this the best
ever. We will have some kits available to take home
and finish, starting Sunday August 9. These can be
found on the UWF table in Crisswell Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
UWF FOOD OUTREACH
Dorine made 3 beef casseroles, purchased lettuce and
croissants. Jerry made red velvet cupcakes. Dorine and
David delivered them on June 28th to Five Cities
Homeless Collation (5CHC) in Grover Beach John, who
is in charge of the food at that location called me to say
that it was very much appreciated and liked by all.
Sandy Underwood has signed up to help with the food
outreach. I will be making 3 chicken casseroles,
purchasing lettuce and croissants. Patti Melsheimer did
dessert for the next delivery to 5CHC on July 26.
If anyone is interested in being involved there will be a
signup sheet on the UWF table in the Criswell Hall.
Thank you to all that have helped me or signed up.
-Dorine Bolterman
FELLOWSHIP
MINISTRY
The Bar B Q on July 5 was very well attended and so much
fun. Food was delicious. Thank you to the Bar B Q cooks,
Paul and Jack, for serving up great hamburgers and hot
dogs. And thank to the many who brought salads and
apple pies. We were well fed. Our judges for the Apple
Pie Baking Contest: Marjorie Ott, Pastor Wes, and Bernie
Hawkins did a very professional job and came together
to decide the winner, Mary Jorstad.
Wednesday, August 5, 3:45, and Saturday August 15,
9:45, Arroyo Grande History Tour of the Village. Limited
to a group of 10 on each day. The list is full. We are
considering adding another date for those that missed
out. Sign up on the waiting list at the connections
counter in the Narthex.
Sunday, August 30 - Free Movie Night 4pm “My Spy 2” ,
starring Dave Bautista and Chole Coleman. Cia agent JJ
and his stepdaughter unite to spoil a nuclear plot in Italy,
while Sophie is on a Choir trip. The movie, popcorn and
refreshments are free.
Saturday, 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
the church to carpool there.
Saturday, September 12, Dana Adobe in Nipomo. Meet
at the church to carpool at 10:00. It’s Heritage Day, with
added fun and we will picnic.
September 13- Volunteer Sunday, there will be a
catered lunch to honor all our church volunteers after
second service.
Tuesday December 8 & Thursday December 17,
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant tour. We have been
approved as a group. However each person must sign up
on-line individually. Visit our website:
WorshipWeekly.com for the links
Dec. 8 tour appears to already be filled
Keep checking the connections table for other events.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
MISSION TEAM REPORT
Mission Team served 98 people at People's Kitchen on June
30. A big thank you to Christina, Grant and Faye Cuddy,
Makiyah Thompson, Bob and Mary Jorstad, Evelyn Bradley,
Dorine Bolterman, Mary Hawkins, Frank and Patty Williams
for helping with food prep and serving. We will prepare food
for People's Kitchen on Monday, September 28 at 1:30 and
serving on Tuesday, September 29. Please join us.
OLD PIANO FINDS A GOOD HOME
The old piano has found a new home with a young,
upcoming musician from Santa Maria.
The piano was donated to the church many years
ago. It still had its original $250 price tag stenciled on
the back! Since then, the piano has moved from the
old choir room to Criswell Hall, before being stashed
in the McMillen Room. The new owner played it in the
parking lot while waiting for his dad to arrive with a
truck.
Thank you to Karen Wise for helping the piano find its
new home.
YOUTH GROUP
Rather than the planned outdoor activities, the Youth Group
took advantage of Free Slurpee Day by walking down to the
nearby 7-11. Discussion and dinner followed.
Upcoming youth events:
Sat. August 1: Labyrinth and a traditional southern Low
Country Boil dinner at Lucy & Elwoods. Meet at church at
4PM.
Sat. August 15: District Youth and Family Event at St. Paul's
United Methodist Church in Oxnard, carpool from church at
7:30. Further information elsewhere in this Cast-A-Net
Sat, August 29: Youth Group will paint bowls to support
Empty Bowls 2026 Fundraiser to benefit Five Cities
Homeless Coalition. Meet at the home of Evelyn and Deb
Bradley, at 4 pm!
GAZEBO REPAIRED
AND PAINTED
A big Thank You to David, Irene, Pax and Xander for repairing
and painting the Gazebo in the courtyard in time for our
Independence Day celebration.
Helen Gugeler and Margaret visited her old friends at Sew and
Sews while picking up Don's things from his memorial service.
The video of Don Gugeler's memorial service is available at:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6KpHfIIAy8
or https://t.ly/ecwWz
SCAM
ALERTS!
The number of scamming e-mails and texts has
increased tremendously over the past few months.
Always be alert, be suspicious and think twice before
responding to any e-mail or text, even if it seemingly
comes from a familiar source. Scammers can fake a
text or e-mails origin.
Your points at Kroger/Ace/Costco/Walmart, etc. are
not expiring today. It is a scam!
No one is giving you free stuff. It is a scam!
That free gift that is already on its way to you, it isn't.
If it was they would not need your information. It is a
scam!
AAA is not giving you a free roadside kit. It is a scam!
USPS does not need your address. The Post Office
does not know your e-mail address when someone
sends a package.
FedEx or UPS are not apologizing for delaying or losing
your package, and is certainly not giving you an iPad,
iPhone or anything else. If the e-mail does not
address you by name and include a tracking number
it is a scam!
Blue Cross, Blue Shield, etc. are not offering you plan
alternatives at this time.
Avoid answering political surveys - they don't care
about your opinion; they just want your personal
information and your money.
Look at e-mail and website addresses very carefully.
Scammers will often substitute the number "0" for the
letter "O" or insert an extra period after a name when
trying to imitate a legitimate company.
Never, ever, give out gift card information by phone, e-
mail or text. There is a 99.9% chance it is a scam. If
you want to provide a gift card, give physical gift card.
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:
Leroy, Tim, Wendy, Gracie, Alice, Bud, Nan L,
Dorine B, Marilyn B, Doris D, Gary, Barbara,
Isabella, Lee F, Lee E, Ron, Elaine, Linda,
Emery Phil M, Sandy W, Russell S, Bert K, Joe
M, Carlos V, Lydia V, Nallo V, Rosario R, Lupe
C, Carmen G, Linda H, Mark J, Cristy V, Eddie
S, Barry, Chad, Dennis, Alina L, Alex,
Harper, Carolyn, Jack, Stephen G and Colton
W.
RETIRED TREASURER'S REPORT
After serving as Treasurer and Finance Chair for 18
years I am leaving the positions in good hands while I
move onto other endeavors around the church. JoAnne
Napoles is taking over as Treasurer. David Anderson is
our new Finance Chair.
I am happy to report that we nished our scal year
ending June 30 with a modest $8,918 surplus. This is a
LOT better than the budgeted decit I forecasted last
year. We have a wonderful, generous, congregation
that responded to our needs. Overall stewardship was
up 8% over last year, which is remarkable considering
that some generous givers passed in the previous scal
year. Our nances have also been helped by additional
income from the Friendly Neighborhood Band
concerts, renting Criswell Hall to Arroyo Grande Parks
and Rec one day a week for their knitting and
crocheting class and increasing the rent on our empty
lot. In keeping with Book of Discipline guidelines, the
Endowment committee allocated some of the income
from the Parsonage Fund to be used to help oset the
pastor's housing allowance. This next scal year looks
challenging due to many price increases. Dave is
diligently working up a budget for our next Fiscal Year.
- Joel Anderson
Wisdom of John Wesley
“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in
all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the
times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever
you can.”
“If doing a good act in public will excite others to do
more good, then ‘Let your light shine to all.’ Miss no
opportunity to do good.”
“Do no harm. Do good. Stay in love with God.”
“Cleanliness is indeed next to godliness.”
"The church changes the world not by making converts
but by making disciples.”
"Prayer is where the action is.”
"The neglect of prayer is a grand hindrance to
holiness.”
"Singing is as much the language of holy joy as praying
is of holy desire.”
“Sing lustily and with a good courage. Beware of
singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift
up your voice with strength.”
“Though we cannot think alike, may we not love alike?
May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one
opinion? Without all doubt, we may. Herein all the
children of God may unite, notwithstanding these
smaller differences.”
"People who wish to be offended will always find some
occasion for taking offense.”
"Christianity is essentially a social religion and that to
turn it into a solitary religion is indeed to destroy it."
What one generation tolerates, the next generation will
embrace.”
"Gain all you can, save all you can, give all you can."
“The best of it is, God is with us.”
Back to School is Cool Event:
Sunday, August 9 during the 10:30 service we will be
blessing our upcoming school year.
All are welcome to participate. Students, learners,
teachers, support staff, custodians, secretaries,
volunteers, and anyone that has a child, friend, or
neighbor that is committed to learning this school year.
We will be blessing the backpacks, laptops, and
school supplies for our students and teachers. Bring
along a special school item that we can bless that will
go with you each day to school. Those that are present
will receive a small gift in addition to the blessing to
carry with their school supplies. If your learner can't be
present in person, please share this blessing and let
them know we are praying them through their school
experience.
Children and Youth Sunday School will continue to
meet each Sunday after the Children and Youth
Moment during the 10:30 service.
Parents or guardians should register their children at
the Connections Table before the beginning of the
10:30 service. Children and youth will be asked to
come forward for the Children and Youth Moment
during the service. The children and youth will be
invited to attend Sunday School in classrooms 114,
and 215. The teachers will guide the students to their
classrooms after the Children and Youth Moment. At
the end of the service, parents are asked to pick up
their children from their classrooms. Youth will be
dismissed on their own.
The Nursery is open for babies and toddlers under 3
years of age during the 10:30 service.
AUGUST UWF BOOK SELECTION
On Friday, August 14
th
the UWF Book
Club will meet at 10:30 A.M. in the
church library to discuss Run, a novel by
Ann Patchett. This intriguing story
describes the impact of a stranger who
puts her life in danger by saving the life
of a young man. She had been secretly
watching the family which included a white son and
adopted twin black brothers. As the story unfolds it
illustrates what family is and the depth of parents’ love
for their children whether they are adopted or given
away.
See Judy Leonard or Mary Whitson about purchasing a
copy of Run
Library News
Maybe you have wondered what some folks are
reading from our library. Here are some recent
titles that have been checked out.
• No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by
Max Lucado
• The Origin of Satan by Elaine Pagels
• Long Range Planning
• Fiction series by Karen Kingsbury
• Nurse
• The Death of Money
• The Great House of God by Max Lucado
• With You All the Way by Max Lucado (from
the children’s section but wonderful for
anyone)
• Chief Sarah, a story of Sarah
Winnemucca‘s fight for Indian rights
Happy reading!
Joyce Singelman
Held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1800 C St. Oxnard.
Our Youth Group is attending. Car pool from our church leaving at 7:30.
$15 per person, $10 for children under 12. Includes lunch.
Please register in advance using QR code or
https://form.jotform.com/garthgilliam/live-love-laugh-2026
Volunteer helpers needed. Please contact Pastor Wes for more information.
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
Youth Group
Labyrinth & Low
Country Boil at
Lucy & Elwood’s
4pm
2
8:30AM Informal
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Service
Children’s Sunday
School Kickoff
3
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
4
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
7PM Trustees MMR
7:30 PM Big Band CH
5
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
4PM AG History
Gentle Walking Tour
5:30PM Worship
Team MMR
7
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
8
9
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
Back to School
Blessing
10
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
11
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
7:30 PM Big Band CH
12
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee, L
1:30PM Mission
Team MMR
14
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec MMR
15
10AM AG History
Gentle Walking
Tour
Live, Love & Laugh
Youth and Family
Event in Oxnard
carpool from
church 7:30AM
16
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
17
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
18
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
3PM Joy Circle,
5:30PM Finance
MMR
7:30 PM Big Band
19
9AM Church Work
Morning
2PM Church Council
MMR
21
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
10:30AM UWF Book
Club L
22
5PM-7PM Bingo
Night: Pizza &
Prizes $20 adults,
$10 youth, under
6 free
23
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Staff Appreciation
Sunday after both
services
24
4:30PM
Communications L
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
25
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
7:30 PM Big Band CH
26
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle MMR
27
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
28
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
29
4PM-6PM Youth
Group Empty
Bowls @ Evelyn &
Deb’s home
30
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
31
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
08/01 Tina Moore
08/02 Priscilla Alquist
08/02 Jacqueline Ridge
08/04 Rosslyn Clauson
08/07 Patty Williams
08/08 Nancy St. Laurent
08/10 Gerry McGuire
08/10 Frank Ridge
08/10 Joshua Thompson
08/11 David Avila
08/12 John MacKeen
08/13 Bill Gerrish
08/15 Robert Underwood
08/17 Nancy Gerrish
08/18 Ellsworth Capuno
08/19 Carol Gary
08/20 Nancy Burns
08/22 Dorine Bolterman
08/23 Joe Brown
08/23 Frank Williams
08/24 Peter Paredes Jr.
08/24 Cristy Van Hook
08/26 Niki Raetz
08/27 Jacqui Burns
08/27 Sharon Roemer
08/28 Peter Paredes
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
Aug. 02 Mary, Martha, Esther
Aug. 09 Mission Team
Aug. 16 Nominating Committee
Aug. 23 Staff Parish
Aug. 30 Trustees
Sept. 06 Worship Team
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
August. 02 Joe Brown Carolyn Anderson
August. 09 Youth Elise Capuno
August. 16 Sharon Roemer Joyce Singelman
August. 23 David Beard Judy Leonard
August. 30 Lucy Jacob Patti Melsheimer
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande www.facebook.com/fumcag
August 2026
First United Methodist Church
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
Upcoming Events
Sat. Aug. 1 Youth Group: Labyrinth & Low
Country Boil at Lucy & Elwoods, 4pm
Sun. Aug. 2 Children & Youth Sunday
Wed Aug. 5 Arroyo Grande History Gentle
Walking Tour, 4pm behind Cafe Andreini
leave church 3:45
Sun. Aug. 9 Back to School Blessing Sunday
Sat Aug. 15 Arroyo Grande History Gentle
Walking Tour, 10am behind Cafe
Andreini leave church 9:45
Sat. Aug. 15 District Youth and Family Events in
Oxnard,10am - 3pm.
Sat. Aug. 22 Bingo & Pizza Night. 5-7pm
Sat. Aug. 29 Youth Group: Paint Empty Bowls
fundraiser at Evelyn and Deb Bradley's
home, 4:00
Fri. Sep. 4 Plantel Nursery Tour, Santa Maria,
10am, Meet at church 9:20
Sat. Sep. 12 Dana Adobe History Day.
Carpool from church at 9:30
Sat. Sep. 26 District Women's Retreat
Mon. Oct. 26 Little Pink Houses of Hope dinner
Fri-Sun. Nov 6-8 Holiday Boutique
Sat. Nov. 14 John Lindsey presentation on El Nino.
10:30
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.