Pastor's Page
In 1740, John
Wesley wrote a
Sermon called
"A Catholic
Spirit." Based
on 2 Kings
10:15, this
sermon asks,
"Is your heart
right, as my
heart is with
your heart?"
The sermon
reminded us that true unity does not mean everyone
thinks the same way, but that we can still love alike.
A catholic spirit means a universal, open-hearted
Christian spirit. It is about loving everyone – friend or
stranger, person or opponent- while staying firm in your
faith. It means we do not have to abandon our core
beliefs or become indifferent to truth. Having a big heart
does not mean having a blank mind. When we live with
a catholic spirit, we give others the liberty of thought.
They have the same freedom to think, interpret, and
worship. It means we have universal love. We live this
out by showing our compassion stretches beyond our
own local group, church, or social circle, and by loving
and caring for all people. It means we work together
even when Methodist, politics, or church traditions
differ; we join hands to do good and advance God's work
whenever possible.
Wesley emphasized that if your heart is right with God,
he'd take your hand, and that we don't need to share
every opinion to be brothers and sisters in Christ. True
love is not lazy indifference. True love is a deep, steady
grace. It is allowing your heart to stretch wide enough to
embrace anyone made in the image of God.
Though we may not think alike, can we not love alike?
This question invites the audience to feel hopeful and
reassured that love can unify us beyond our differences,
which is essential for inspiring unity.
We as Methodists strive to love like this. We aim to
create a safe, welcoming space where all people can
experience God's love, fostering trust and comfort within
our community.
Do no harm,
Do good,
Stay in love with God.
Do no harm: be mindful of our words, actions, and
overall impact so we do not injure others, ourselves, or
creation. It involves avoiding evil, resisting oppression,
and practicing care.
Do good: moves past simply avoiding bad behavior to
taking intentional, positive action. It encourages acts of
kindness, charity, mercy, and serving those in need
whenever possible.
Stay in Love with God: focuses on nurturing your spiritual
relationship with God through regular practices like
prayer, worship, and Scripture, which provide the moral
strength and wisdom to follow the first two rules.
May we continue to work together to provide a place
where people feel safe so they can experience God's
grace, forgiveness, transformation, and liberation.
Rev. Wesley Thompson
OCTOBER 2026
Youth Group Empty Bowls Fundraiser for Five
Cities Homeless Coalition
Yet another wonderful meeting for the Youth Group took
place on Saturday, August 29th, in the beautiful home of
Evelyn and Deb Bradley. We had lots of fun painting
bowls and enjoying delicious pizza, which we washed
down with some refreshing lemonade! There were also
games like Cornhole and Jenga to be played while we
waited for our bowls to dry. Participants in the bowl
painting created beautiful designs; from sunsets to
watermelons and everything in between. I think it's safe
to say that everyone enjoyed their time at the event and
felt welcome to join in all the fun that was to be had.
Thank you to our wonderful volunteers and hosts of this
event! ---- Daisey Paredes
Youth group decorated 32 bowls. The bowls are used to
serve soup provided by local restaurants at the 5Cities
Homeless Coalition Empty Bowls Luncheon fundraiser on
Thursday, October 1st at St. Patrick's Catholic Church.
They will also be available at a "Pop-Up Party" Saturday
October 10th at St. John's Lutheran Church. Tickets are
$25. Bowls may be available at our Alternative Christmas
on Sunday, October 25 after both services.
FREE GOLF LESSON FOR YOUTH GROUP
PGA professional Jim Delaby has opened his schedule to
teach our youth golf and golf
etiquette on November 21st
from 2pm to 4pm at Monarch
Dunes golf course. He will
supply golf clubs. The only
requirement is to wear close-
toed shoes with good traction
(tennis shoes) and athletic
clothes. Polo shirts are good but
not necessary, no jeans.
This is very generous of Jim to do this for our youth. He
normally travels throughout the country doing high end
intensive golf lessons. Jim is very good with beginners
and has a background in special education. He is a devout
Christian and talks freely about his faith. We are blessed
to have this opportunity for our youth. This will be a fun
day. and preparation for a possible upcoming golf
tournament fund raiser.
Please sign up at a Youth Group meeting or Sunday
School. Sign-up sheet is under the cross in the Youth
room.
UPCOMING YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Sat. Oct. 17 Youth Group, 4pm, Dinner 5:30pm
Sat. Nov. 14 Youth Group, 4pm, Dinner 5:30pm
Sat. Nov. 21 Free Golf Lessons for Youth Group at
Monarch Dunes Golf Course, 2-4pm
Youth Group brought bowls to take advantage of a
Slurpee promotion at 7-11 on September 19 meeting.
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.
At the August 22 Bingo there was lots of Pizza, due to a
mistake at Dominos. Lots of prizes too! It was suggested
we start at 4pm and go to 7pm as some serious players
felt there was not enough time to eat Pizza and play
Bingo. So next time we will eat and play from 4 to 7pm.
Saturday, September 26 was the Women in Faith
Retreat, “Rooted and Renewed". 21 women from this
church and neighboring North District churches joined
together in fellowship and conversation. We were
prayed for, to be encouraged and challenged by the Holy
Spirit that we would become more rooted in Christ and
renewed. We had an opportunity to talk and get to know
fellow participants, including some we knew from our
own congregation. We had a delicious box lunch,
followed by some easy and rewarding craft activities. As
we closed we desired to get together again with the
women from the other churches; Trinity Methodist
Church of Los Osos and San Luis Methodist church. Each
wanting to grow their group.
We thank Diane Garner, North District president, and
Kim Smith, communications coordinator, for traveling
the distance to lead this amazing retreat.
Craft workshops have begun on Tuesdays. Kits are
available to pick up and take home now. They are located
on the table in Criswell Hall in the over-hang area. More
will be added. Help us out. You can come on Tuesdays
(between 10am and 1pm) and get instructions for the
kits. It’s a good time to learn new skills, including
crocheting. We have coffee, tea and cookies too. If we
get more people to help, we could expand to Thursday.
Last week we did wreaths, turkeys, and crocheting.
Boutique Time November 6,7,8. We will need help from
all to make this the best, ever. The clipboards are on the
card table in Criswell Hall, to sign up to help. We will
need help pricing, organizing, displaying, baking, and
candy making November 3,4 and 5 and cleanup on the 8.
We need volunteers to work the boutique.
Respectfully submitted, Gerry McGuire
FELLOWSHIP
MINISTRY
September 4th Plantel Nursery Tour and Dana Adobe
Heritage Day, Saturday, September 12th, were well
attended. Those who attended expressed how much
they learned and had a good time.
We have a great variety of tours and events coming up.
Keep checking the connections counter to sign up.
Upcoming events:
October 25, Sunday 4PM, Movie is ET, popcorn and
refreshments are free.
November 14, Saturday John Lindsey, meteorologist,
will do a presentation on El Nino. 10:30.
November 29, Sunday Advent Workshop. 11:30 to 1:30
December 5 Saturday, Holiday Extravaganza 5pm-7pm.
Need Talent to volunteer, let us know if you can perform.
December 8, Tuesday & December 17, Thursday 1pm.
Tour of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. Sign up in
advance on-line at Diablo web site.
Submitted by Gerry McGuire
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
FOOD OUTREACH
The UWF (United Women in Faith) is collecting donations
to support local organizations that help the hungry and
homeless.
The Five Cities Christian Women Food Pantry requests:
toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers and dish
soap/laundry detergent. It is better to donate money
rather than food as they are able to purchase food in bulk
that best fits the needs of their clients. Donations may
be made to the church or UWF and marked "FOOD
PANTRY".
The 5Cities Homeless Coalition requests:
new underwear, new sweatpants & sweatshirts, new
socks, new beanies, jackets, scarves & gloves. bottled
water, shelf-stable protein shakes, hygiene items &
sunscreen, soft breakfast bars, instant noodles, tuna or
chicken pouches, individually packaged snacks.
Donations should be dropped off at the Missions Table
in Criswell Hall
October UWF Book Club Selection:
The October book selection, The
Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, is a
fictional account of Packhorse
Librarians in Kentucky during the
Depression-era in America. Based on
the traveling librarian program
developed by Eleanor Roosevelt, it
shows the loyalty, tenacity, and
passion these young women
displayed. No matter the difficult
terrain or opposition along the way, they delivered books
to people who had never had access to books or other
reading material. This story is entertaining as well as
educational.
Everyone is invited to join the discussion on Friday,
October 16th at 10:30 A.M. in the church library. See Judy
Leonard to borrow a library copy of The Giver of Stars.
NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY AVAILABLE
Our new photo member directory may be picked up at the
Connections Table in the Narthex or in the Church Office.
Members should contact the office if they would like to
receive a copy by mail. Choir rehearses Wednesdays at 6PM. Check it out!
THE HAND BELL CHOIR IS LOOKING FOR MORE DING-A-LINGS
The Grande Ringers provide beauful music using hand bells at our services on the third Thursday of
each month. Come and join this fun and supporve musical group. Rehearsals are on Tuesday and
Thursday from 5pm to 6pm. While reading music is an asset, members have joined and learned to
read music on the y. The ringers are adapng at helping each other learn to play. Feel free to drop
in or contact director Leonard Lutz through the church oce...
THE FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD
BIG BAND CONCERT
Sunday, October 4, 3PM
in the Sanctuary
Free Admission -- Donations Welcome
Proceeds benefit our church
Invite your friends!
Mission Team
Katherine Parker, our Covenant Missionary in Nepal was
safe in California when the disastrous flood hit. She and
our Mission Team are asking our congregation to donate
to Nepal Flood Relief Efforts through the Global Ministries
of the United Methodist Church.
As of 9/13 our generous congregation has donated:
$1,410 towards Hawaii Flood Relief and
our Mission Team has added an additional $2,000.
$1,200 towards Nepal Flood Relief and
our Mission Team will add an additional $2,000.
Update on the Mandolin
Almost two years ago, our
church assisted in obtaining a
mandolin for the ecumenical
praise band at Valley State Prison
in Chowchilla. Due to the
inspections and paperwork
involved, it took almost a year before it was delivered to the
band. Recently we received a note from the band member who
first inquired about obtaining the instrument.
I have been playing the mandolin a lot. I play it for church
about 6 times a week. We have a lot of different Bible
studies and worship services here, we play music before
every service and groups - even the Christian 12 step
group plays worship music before group, but I don't
attend them. It is nice playing the mandolin because it has
a distinct sound and I don't feel like competing with other
guitar players. They can't play what I'm doing and
strumming the mandolin doesn't sound like a guitar. It is
such a rare instrument in prison that most people feel
endeared to it, and because it is small. I still play guitar,
but only when I have to lead worship.
You can tell the congregation I look forward to playing the
mandolin for them someday. I wrote a bluegrass tune not
too long ago and have been playing every genre - even
jazz.
NEW SOUNDBOARD IN SANCTUARY
We have a new digital soundboard in the Sanctuary. The
two old analog soundboards (one for the house sound,
one for video service), were starting to wear out. There
were problems of noise or interference on some of the
channels. The new board will make the sound tech job
easier, but please have patience while we adjust and learn
the new equipment. There are separate pre-sets for first
and second service, so we don't have to adjust settings
between services. The one board can control sound for
both the house and video. Reverb, compression and
effects can be adjusted separately for each channel. With
a full digital recording we can edit live (useful if we ever
do live streaming) or can go back and edit a recording.
This will allow operators to practice adjustments off-line
rather than learning by doing during the service. Special
thanks to Mike Coho and Paul Roberts for setting up the
new board, and Joe Brown and David Bolterman for
building the new audio-video center at the back of the
sanctuary.
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:
Colton W, Alice A, Dorine B, Evelyn B, Harper, Jeff,
David, Emilio, Lisa, Myla, Carol, Dennis, Nancy,
Barbara, Karl, Salting Family, Robert & Family, Don,
Sarah Nancy, Jedediah, Tim, Wendy, Lee, Bert, Cristy
& Lamar, Carlos, Jose, Terry, Rosario, Lydia, Nallo,
Carmen, People in Nepal, Haitian Refugee.
ELT SCHOLARSHIP
ELT Scholarship recipient Ellise Capuno at her first days of
clinicals at California State University Bakersfield.
She wrote "Thank you so much and God bless",
As many of you may know, the Everett Lee Taylor (ELT)
Scholarship was pleased to present $1,500 to Ellise
Capuno, 3rd year Nursing, Cal State Bakersfield and Ian
Beard, 4th year undergraduate degree Astronomy, San
Diego State. With the help of the Church Council, 3 new
first year applicants have been identified as potential ELT
awards for the 2027-2028 school year. Donations to this
fund are welcome at any time. Simply mark your donation
"ELT Scholarship Fund."
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
A church runs on its volunteers. We are all called to serve
and be part of the faith community in some way. Serving
is a way to connect with the church and grow spiritually.
We all have different talents and spiritual gifts. Pray
about where your gifts can serve the church.
Some areas where help is needed:
• Office help: folding, labeling and stamping
• Video camera operator at Sunday services
• Running slides at Sunday services
• Sound board operator at Sunday services
• Greeters and ushers at Sunday services
• Song and liturgy slide creator for 2nd service
• Post events on Social Media
• Singers for the Chancel Choir
• Ringers for the Bell Choir
There are nominated and committee positions also.
Please contact Pastor Wes to discuss where you might be
able to help out.
Tai Chi and Fast Walking
Tai Chi and Fast Walking is a class being offered on
Tuesday and Thursdays.
Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice that
features slow, continuous and graceful movements
paired with deep breathing. We practice a gentle, low-
impact exercise that helps us have better balance, joint
and muscle health and relaxation. We use a video by
David-Dorian Ross as the instructor. We meet at 9:00 to
10:00 am on Tuesdays. The videos we use are not the 24
Form Tai Chi or the exercises you see on Facebook or
other media sites. You can also do Tai Chi sitting down in
this class.
The Fast Walking is on
Thursdays from 9:00 to
9:40. We do a constant
walk for 2 miles with a
break after a mile. This is a
good start to your day. It
increases your heart rate,
increases breathing for
circulation, and oxygen for
your muscles. Your whole
body is involved with hands and arms moving as well as
your legs. We move up and back, sideways and it is all
done indoors. We use a video by Leslie Sansone to lead
us. Come give us a try. We are a small, friendly group who
will welcome you. See Mary Throndson if you are
interested or just show up.
By Mary Throndson - Leader
Wisdom of John Wesley
"A due degree of exercise is indispensably
necessary to health and long life."
Sunday
Monday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
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 Fast walking& Tai
Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga-CH
5pm Bell Choir
Rehearsal Rm#115
2
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec
3
4
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
3pm Friendly
Neighborhood Band
Concert
5
6 PM Gerry’s Quilt
Class-CH
8
9 AM Fast walking &
Tai Chi CH
10:30am Staff Parish,
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga-CH
11:30am Nominations
committee, MMR
5 pm Bell Choir
Rehearsal Rm #115
9
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec
10
11
8:30AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
12
69
PM Gerry’s
Quilt Class-
CH
15
9 AM Fast walking & Tia
Chi CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH 5
pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Rm #115
16
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks
& Rec
10:30am UWF Bok
Club L
17
Youth Group
3pm Adults, 4pm
Youth, 5:30pm
Dinner
18
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
19
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
22
9 AM Fast walking & Tai
Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga-CH
5pm Bell Choir Rehearsal
Rm #115
23
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec
24
25
8:30AM
Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM Traditional
Worship Service
4PM Movie Night ET
CH
26
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
4:30
Communications L
29
9 AM Fast walking & Tai
Chi CH
11AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 pm Bell Choir rehearsal
Rm #115
30
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec
31
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
10/01 Jenna Moore
10/02 Kerren Brown
10/05 Daisey Paredes
10/05 Roger Sperling
10/06 Marcella Roan
10/13 Lorie Ford
10/13 Ruth Mandac
10/16 Ian Beard
10/20 Carina Mendez
10/22 Rose Ann Steiner
10/29 Lila Anderson
10/29 Rebeca Avila
10/30 Katelyn Thompson
10/31 Mary Hawkins
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
October 04 Finance
October 11 Joy Circle
October 18 Mary, Martha, Esther
October 25 Endowment/ELT
November 01 Mission Team
November 08 Nomination Committee
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
October. 04 Sharon Roemer Carolyn Anderson
October. 11 Joe Brown Joyce Singelman
October. 18 Mary Throndson Judy Leonard
October. 05 Deb Bradley Rosslyn Clauson
Bring your entire family
Nursery care,
Children's
Sunday School
and Youth Group
is available every
Sunday at 10:30
Service.
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande www.facebook.com/fumcag
October 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 Oct. 4 Friendly Neighborhood Band Concert,
3PM in the Sanctuary
Sat. Oct. 17 Youth Group, Adults 3pm, Youth 4pm
Sun. Oct. 25 Alternative Christmas Boutique, after
both services.
Sun. Oct. 25 Free Movie Night, ET, 4pm
Mon. Oct. 26 Little Pink Houses of Hope dinner.
Fri-Sun. Nov 6-8 Holiday Boutique 9am-2pm, Friday &
Saturday. Sunday after both services
Sat. Nov. 14 John Lindsey presentation on
El Nino,10:30.
Sat. Nov. 14 Youth Group, Adults 3pm, Youth 4pm
Sun. Nov. 15 Boutique after both services.
Sat. Nov. 21 Free Golf Lessons for Youth Group at
Monarch Dunes Golf Course, 2-4pm
Sat. Dec. 5 Holiday Extravaganza Talent Show,
5-7pm.
Sun. Dec. 6 Friendly Neighborhood Band Concert,
3pm.
Tue. Dec. 8 Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant,
1pm. Advance on-line signup required.
Sat. Dec. 12 Youth Group, Adults 3pm, Youth 4pm
Thu, Dec. 17 Alternate date: Diablo Canyon Nuclear
Power Plant, 1pm. Advance on-line
signup required.
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.