CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 1
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 1
1
HOPE, JOY AND LOVE RISING
JANUARY 2025
275 North Halcyon Road . Arroyo Grande . CA 93420 . (805) 481-2692
Singers Carolyn and Dave! Magician Larry! "Mop Lady" Mary!
Who can do better? as Carol Burnett
Astronauts Kent, Bernie, and Christina! Cellist Roz! Reindeer Doris!
CAST~A~NET FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 2
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 2
Sun. Jan. 12 Retirement Celebration for Frances Robertson
After both worship services
Sat. Jan. 18 Bingo, Pizza and Prizes 5:00-7:00 PM $20
Sat. Jan. 25 Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal
Viewing, Meet at Church at 10:00 AM.
Sun. Feb. 09 Superbowl Chili Takeout
After second service $20 serves 2
From the Pastor:
January begins with a celebration of the Epiphany and Holy Communion, followed by a celebration of Jesus’ baptism
in the Jordan with an opportunity for all of us to renew the baptismal covenant as we begin 2025. During our pastor’s
vacation time at the end of the month we welcome familiar clergy friends to our pulpit, Rev. Rich Bolin and Rev. Ken
Kaish. Holy Communion will be available at the 8:30 service each Sunday as usual since both pulpit guests are
ordained clergy and are authorized to preside. As always, monthly Communion will be oered at our 10:30 a.m.
service on the rst Sunday of the month.
We hope you’ll join us as we worship weekly, and if you’ve never been able to catch our Christmas Eve Service due to
travels or nighttime driving, it’s online at worshipweekly.com. Click SERVICES and look for December 24, 2024 and
you can watch the video and take in the music of our praise team, choir members and soloists who were David
Anderson, Julia Burns and Chloe Keith.
Dear Members and Friends at FUMCAG,
I am writing to let you know of my decision to retire from my position as Oce Manager/Pastor's Secretary,
eective January 17, 2025. After much consideration, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to
begin the next chapter of my life and retire from the workforce.
It has been an honor and a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated church membership, and
especially with Pastor Mary Birgelaitis, over these ten years since I was hired in January of 2015. I am
grateful for the members of the church I have met, friends I've made and worked with and for the friendships
we have made together.
As I prepare to embark on a new phase of my life, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone at
FUMCAG. I have had the privilege of working on the worship services and the events of the church. I was
honored to help the church survive and even ourish in some unique ways during the COVID years.
Thank you again for the opportunity to work with you and I look forward to keeping in touch. I wish you all
the very best.
Sincerely, Frances Robertson
January 5, 2025 – EPIPHANY
SHINE, JESUS, SHINE
Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12
Rev. Mary Birgelaitis, preaching
January 12, 2025 – BAPTISM OF THE LORD
FIRE AND WATER
Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Rev. Mary Birgelaitis
January 19, 2025 – 2nd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
BEING JESUS
Rev. Rich Bolin, pulpit guest
January 26, 2025 – 3rd SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
Rev. Ken Kaisch, pulpit guest
CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 3
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 3
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NORTH DISTRICT WEEKLY COVENANT PRAYER LIST FOR JANUARY 5 to JANUARY 26, 2025
Pray for the continued vision of the UMC in the California-Pacic Conference:
"Ending spiritual and physical hunger."
-- DS Reverend Garth Gilliam
Prayer
week
begins on: Church/Ministry Clergy Leader(s)
01/05/25
Bishop First UMC
First German UMC
Pastor Kate Hunter
Pastor Kurt Poland
01/12/25
Atascadero UMC
Camarillo Korean UMC
Pastor Michelle Park
Pastor Sang Yung Lee
01/19/25
Bethel Korean Mission Church
First UMC of North Hollywood
Pastor Kisung Nam
Pastor Krista Givens
01/26/25
First UMC of Pasadena
First UMC of Pasadena
Pastor Angela Galanis-Price
Pastor Mina Nau-Mahe
Ring in the New Year!
Many of you have heard the Grande
Ringers as they ring on the Third
Sunday of the month from
September through June. But have
you considered being a part of the
group? You may have noticed that
we have half the ringers we used to have. We are
blessed that the ones who are ringing currently are
dedicated to ringing bells.
We would love to have more ringers. Our rehearsals
are Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.
While reading music is an asset we have had people
join and learn to read music on the y. Our ringers are
very adept at helping each other learn to play.
As hard as it is for me to believe, I’ve been directing
the Grande Ringers since 2000! I appreciate all the
ringers I’ve had the pleasure of serving. When COVID
hit, it impacted our handbell choir immensely. We still
haven’t recovered. Yet our ringers play admirably!
If you have an interest in joining
us, feel free to drop by and see if
we would be a good t for you.
You may also contact me via the
church oce at 805 481-2692.
Leonard G. Lutz, Handbell Director
WORSHIP
LITURGISTS
JANUARY 05
8:30 a.m.---------------------Joe Brown
10:30 a.m.----------------Judy Leonard
JANUARY 12
8:30 a.m.---------------------David Beard
10:30 a.m.------------Nancy St. Laurent
JANUARY 19
8:30 a.m.------------Susan Throndson
10:30 a.m.-------------------Judy Leonard
JANUARY 26
8:30 a.m.----------------Mary Throndson
10:30 a.m.-----------------Kent Unsworth
~ submitted by Carolyn Anderson
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 4
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY
Our First Sunday of
Advent with lunch
and craft workshop
was a lot of fun!
Those attending had
a good time and
look forward to
next year.
The Christmas
Extravaganza
Variety Show truly
was memorable, with performances by talented people.
The plays and skits hit our funny bones--the acting was
superb, Larry amazed us with his magic tricks, Roz played
her cello splendidly, and we all loved Carolyn and Dave’s
rendition of “I Can Do Anything Better than You”. Joel
Anderson recited his very comical version of " 'Twas the
Night Before Christmas", which is printed below!
Thank you to all the actors and behind-the-scenes helpers
for presenting a great show! We all went away happy and
looking forward to the Holiday Season.
As we begin the New Year of 2025, on January 25, 11:00
AM we will take eld trip to visit the Piedras Blancas
elephant seals and possible lunch in Cambria. Carpool
from the church leaving at 10:00 AM.
Look for a new schedule in February for more activities,
including a trip to Uora, a nearby ower-growing
nursery.
---submitted by Gerry McGuire, Fellowship chair
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
at the First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
By Joel Anderson, with apologies to Clement Clark Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas & all through the Church
Not a creature was stirring, though I didn’t really search.
The garlands were hung in the chancel with care
In hopes that a big Christmas crowd would soon be there.
The choir was nestled all snug in their pews
Ready to sing hymns, that Julie did choose .
With Brad at the organ and Mary in her stole
Christmas Eve service was ready to roll.
When out in the Narthex there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter.
Away to the doors I ew like a ash
Trying to avoid creating a crash.
There in the Narthex, so blue and so bright
Where I beheld a most wonderous sight.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But Mike and the Praise Band, plus his horses, oh dear!
The tall, talented guitarist, so lively and smart.
I knew in a moment it must be Mike Clark.
In cowboy hat and boots, so boldly he strode
As he leapt from the horse on which he had rode.
More rapid than eagles his singers they came,
He whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
Sing Connie, Sing Chloe, Sing Pam, sing loud and on key
Play Dennis, Play Bob, Play Ian, Play sweet and wonderfully!
The choir joined into the singing so bold
Praise band and the Choir, they sounded like gold.
The Bells joined into this chorus with cheer
Ringing loud and with glee so everyone could hear.
The horses were neighing & braying and stomping their feet
In time with the music. It sounded so sweet.
The music they made was really quite grand.
Musicians and horses sounded like a hundred piece band.
And much to the Trustees utter delight
There was nary a horse pie, anywhere in sight.
But Rev. Mary was bothered and uptight
With horses in the Narthex on Christmas Eve Night.
So Mike sprang to his steed, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all rode like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he rode out of sight,
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!
CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 5
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 5
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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,
inuence and impact local and global communities.
JANUARY 2025
The UWF Book Club will
meet on Friday, January 17th at 10:30 a.m. in the
church library to discuss The Book That Maers Most
by Ann Hood. In this conal story Ava joins a book
club that has chosen to read a mysterious book from
her childhood. This book had helped her deal with the
sudden deaths of her sister and mother. Now she is
dealing with another stressful event: her daughter has
gone missing in Paris. The Book That Maers Most
shows the healing power of literature in dealing with
love, loss, secrets, and friendship.
Everyone is invited to read the book
and join in the discussion on January
17th. We will be using a library book
kit so have plenty of books to share
with readers. See Mary Whitson or
Judy Leonard if you’d like to borrow
one.
JANUARY 2025 UWF BOOK CLUB SELECTION:
The Book That Matters Most by Ann Hood
---submitted by Judy Leonard
UWF is announcing the formation of a new circle,
designed especially for working women. It is set to
start meeting in January. They will meet in the early
evening. Time, day and place will be decided. If you
are interested, contact Susan Throndson. Help us
support the forming of this new group! Be one of the
founding members.
With the New Year 2025 here, we can start those
new years resolutions. You know where, you vow to
broaden your sights, searching for hope and love in
this world. Make this the year you step forward to
join a UWF circle or group. Make some new friends
and support the mission of our UWF, locally and
abroad. Finishing o our 2024 year, checks were
sent out to The First United Methodist Church
Children's Center, Five Cities Homeless Coalition,
Five Cities Christian Women Food Pantry, Captive
Hearts and Oceano School to support their valuable
programs.
Circles and groups: All women are invited to
attend. To help you out, we have:
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last
Wednesday of the month in the McMillen Room.
Meetings resume in January.
Joy Circle meets the third Tuesday of the month,
3-5 pm in members’ homes. Check with Kerren
Brown for more information.
Sew And Sews meet every Tuesday in the
McMillen Room at 10 until 1, bring a sandwich
if you want to stay for lunch. We encourage
those interested in quilting, crocheting, knitting
and just plain visiting and sharing. To attend.
Book Club meets the 3rd Friday, in the library,
at 10:30. Contact Judy Leonard for a book if
interested.
--submitted by Gerry McGuire, UWF President chair
CAST~A~NET FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 6
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 6
THE "EASTER BERNIE"
Happy New Year!
What a joy to serve this congregaon for the past nine and half years! We have accomplished good
things together. We have six months to share between now and my mandatory rerement on June 30,
2025. It’s me to enjoy ongoing acvies and prepare to receive new leadership.
My rerement raises quesons about the process of appoinng the next pastor for the First United
Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande (FUMCAG). That process will unfold over a period of months
between now and the end of June. Your leaders and I have begun the process of preparing for a
smooth transion. Below you will nd a summary of steps which will happen.
• NOW — please begin praying for the process of choosing FUMCAG’s next pastor. Pray for our
Sta Parish Relaons Commiee (SPRC) as they will be working with the Bishop and District
Superintendents to select my successor.
• IN PROCESS — the SPRC will communicate a thorough and thoughul descripon of FUMCAG, and
its vision for the years ahead. They will speak on behalf of the congregaon in clarifying what is
needed and desired in the next pastor.
• YOU CAN HAVE INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR SPRC MEMBERS and let them know what
you think the most important needs of the church are with regard to pastoral leadership. What
gis, graces and skills are needed to grow the church forward as the congregaon moves ahead?
• EARLY JANUARY — The Bishop will publish a list of all “clear openings”. Clergy are welcomed to
send suggesons of people they believe may be a good t. A pastor may put their own name
forward for consideraon. The Cabinet will consider such informaon in their discernment process.
• EARLY to MID-JANUARY — The bishop and the superintendents in California-Pacic Annual
Conference will meet and spend me in prayer and conversaon about which pastors to appoint
to which congregaons.
• Your job is to focus prayer for the bishop and district superintendents as they are in the process of
discerning whom God would have become FUMCAG’s pastor.
• LATE JANUARY to EARLY MAY — The District Superintendent will introduce the pastor designee to
our SPRC in a condenal meeng to conrm a good t. As the currently appointed pastor, I am
not directly involved in that meeng.
• SOON AFTER THE MEETING WITH THE SPRC — An announcement of the new pastor will be made
to our congregaon and a simultaneous announcement will be made at the current church of the
incoming pastor. The announcement has to remain condenal unl it is announced to both
congregaons.
CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 7
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 7
7
• FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW PASTOR there may be several months remaining
prior to Annual Conference or a very short me depending on when the appointment is made.
• JUNE 2025 — My last Sunday leading worship at FUMCAG will be around annual Conference
me which is June 11-14th.
• JULY 2025— The new pastor begins July 1, 2025. Typically, an incoming pastor is allowed several
weeks to unpack, rest, and get acclimated to the church and community, and starts preaching
mid-July. So, there may be a couple weeks of pulpit guests.
What about the next six months? We have a lot yet to accomplish and to celebrate.
• We are strengthening commiees and launching new leaders.
• We are revising church goals and picking up pieces that fell away during the pandemic.
• We will plan welcome celebraons to connect the congregaon with new leadership.
• We will create a new pictorial directory to include new pastoral leadership and sta.
This is NOT a me to hit PAUSE. I will not slow down and slide into rerement. Join me in making
this an acve, energec me of planning and preparing together. We have everything we need to
ourish: a superb and dedicated sta, solid lay leadership, and a well-cared for fully paid building.
Transions can be fun and full of new possibilies. This promises to be a good thing for both FUMCAG
and for me. I am excited to see what God has in store for you and for me, and I am condent that the
next chapter in FUMCAG’s life will be beer than we can yet imagine. Let’s make the most of the next
six months!
With love and gratude,
Pastor Mary Birgelais
___________________________________________________________________________________
Pastor’s 2025 Vacation:
Wednesday to Wednesday
January 15th to 29th
Pastoral care coverage will be in place for emergencies.
Rev. Rich Bolin will cover this time period.
Please contact the oce.
CAST~A~NET FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 8
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 8
"DO YOU RECOGNIZE THIS PURCHASE"
SCAM
Scammers send out an e-mail that looks like it
comes from your credit card company asking
if a certain large purchase was authorized,
and to click or call if it was not authorized.
Of course you don’t recognize it, the scammer
made it up and wants you to click or call so
they can defraud you. The e-mail looks
legitimate because the scammers copy the card
company’s legitimate e-mail. Some clues that it is a
scam: The legitimate e-mail will reference the last 4
digits of your card number. The scam e-mail does not.
The card company’s name should appear on the left of
the @ sign in the senders e-mail address. The scammers
may include the card company name on the right of the
@ sign, but usually not to the left. Rather than click on
the link and fall for their scam, check your account on the
card company’s web site. If you don’t see the charge
then you know it is a scam and can delete the e-mail. If
you do see an unauthorized charge, call the number on
the back of your card to report it.
CONNIE ON PATROL
Story by Joel Anderson, Photo by Nan Lippi
Connie Clark and her trusty steed Miss Cee regularly patrol
the beaches of Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation
Area and Pismo State Beach. The horse and rider are
volunteer members of the Oceano Mounted Patrol which
works closely with state park rangers. The mounted patrol
provides the rangers with extra eyes to monitor park
activities, can access back areas of the dunes that cannot be
easily reached by other means, and are goodwill
ambassadors. Almost everyone loves seeing the volunteer
rangers on horseback, and many come up to talk or pet the
horse. The horses have to go through a thorough
certication process, be good with children and dogs, and
don’t mind going into the ocean. Connie has been active
with the Oceano Mounted Patrol for many years.
Volunteers on horseback have patrolled Oceano’s beaches
since at least World War II, when they watched for enemy
spies and submarines. Nowadays they watch for things like illegal campres, loose dogs and people
needing help. Next time you visit the beach you can watch for Connie and Miss Cee.
WEBSITE UPDATES
Please check out the latest updates to our church
website: WorshipWeekly.com
Our webmaster Jamie Foster has added pages featuring
pictures of our recent fun events including the Christmas
Extravaganza, Christmas Crafts Fair, Christmas Eve
Service UWF Boutique and the 140th Anniversary
Celebration. Check out the Recent Fun Events link on the
home page.
There is a link to the excellent video by Susan Throndson
that was presented at our recent Charge Conference.
The video reviews our new Mission Statement in
conjunction with the many activities that take place in
our congregation.
The home page lists upcoming church events. Please let
Joel Anderson know if you would like an event or activity
listed.
There are also links to our worship service videos, Cast-A
-Net, weekly bullet+ins, our church’s history, the
Children’s Center, on-line giving and much more. The
“Find” tab brings up a powerful search engine. The
search engine can be used to research past events,
people or ??.
CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 9
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 9
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We are sad to inform you that Priscilla Alquist
resigned as Mission Chairperson. She will be missed.
We met on December 11, 2024, to discuss our agenda.
We made casseroles for People’s Kitchen December
30th and served approximately 60 people on
December 31st.
Our Mission Team donated $1,000 to each of
the following organizations: 5 Cities Christian
Women’s Food Pantry, the People’s Kitchen
and the 5 Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC).
We are working on putting together information for
the homeless so they will know which organizations
are available and when. 5CHC has a warming center
at 1023 East Grand Ave., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420.
They pickup at certain locations in the late afternoon
and take people back the next morning. Information
is on their website.
Human Relations Day on January 19 is one of six
churchwide Special Sunday oerings of The United
Methodist Church. Human Relations Day calls United
Methodists to recognize the right of all God’s
children in realizing their potential as human beings
in relationship with one another. The special oering
benets neighborhood ministries through
community Developers, community advocacy
through United Methodist Voluntary Services and
work with at-risk teens through the Youth Oender
Rehabilitation Program.
Human Relations Day reminds us of Dr. King’s vision
of the beloved community that speaks of loving
every neighbor as ourselves. It calls us into
“neighborhood,” with all kinds of people in all kinds
of places. We give thanks for those already working
to bring the vision to reality and join together to
continue this work of God’s kingdom more fully.
Have a blessed 2025.
----submitted by Dorine Bolterman
This is our team which served People's Kitchen on Dec. 31st,
2024: Frank Williams, Debbie Bradley, Evelyn Bradley, Dorine
Bolterman, Hilary Henderson and Patty Williams.
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM WANTS YOUR PICTURES
The Communications team is creating an on-line photo library of the many activities that
take place at our church. Photos are used on our website, in the Cast-A-Net, for publicity
for upcoming events and will help document our activities for future generations. Please
send pictures of both past and future church activities to Joel Anderson by e-mail or text
or e-mail them to the Communications Team at FUMCAGcommunications@gmail.com.
CAST~A~NET FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 10
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 10
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
NEW YEAR'S DAY
Church Office
Closed for Holiday
2
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30 PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal-S
3
4
5
8:30 AM
Contemporary
Worship Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
6
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
7
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
10 AM Sew & Sews-
MMR
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
7:00 PM Board of
Trustees-MMR
8
9 AM Church Work
Morning -CH
10 AM UWF
Steering-L
1:30 PM Mission
Team-MMR
9
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal-S
10
11
12
8:30 AM
Contemporary
Worship Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
13
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
14
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
10 AM Sew & Sews-
MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1:30 PM Finance
Meeting-Library
15
9 AM Church Work
Morning-CH
2:00 PM Church
Council-MMR
16
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
10:30 AM Staff
Parish--PS
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
4 PM Children's
Center Board-MMR
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30 PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal-S
17
10:30 AM UWF
Book Club-L
18
5-7 PM
Bingo-CH
Pizza and &
Prizes
19
8:30 AM
Contemporary
Worship Service
10:30 AM
Traditional Worship
Service
20
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
The Rev. Martin
Luther King Jr.'s
Birthday
Observance
Church Office
Closed for Holiday
21
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
10 AM Sew & Sews-
MMR
11:00 AM Chair Yoga-
CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
3 PM JOY Circle-at
homes
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
22
9 AM Church Work
Morning-CH
23
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30 PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal-S
24
11:00 AM
Nominations-PS
25
11 AM Piedras
Blancas
Elephant Seal
viewing-10 AM
leave church to
carpool
26
8:30 AM
Contemporary
Worship Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
27
4:30 PM-
Communications-
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
28
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
10 AM Sew & Sews-
MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
29
9 AM Church Work
Morning-CH
10 AM Mary-
Martha-Esther-
MMR
30
9 AM Senior
Exercise-CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30 PM Chancel
Choir Rehearsal-
31
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
CAST~A~NET JULY 2022 PAGE 11
CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 11
11
Layout Editor: Frances Robertson
Proofreading, Mailing and
Oce Assistance:
Mary Whitson, Dave Bolterman
Dorine Bolterman
Other contributors:
Teams /Committees/
Oce Angels
Have we missed your
birthday? If so, it is not listed in
our data base. Please contact the
church oce and we will be glad
to add your birthday to our
monthly birthday list!
Church Oce: (805) 481-2692
E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com
Website:
www.worshipweekly.com
Find us on Facebook at: United
Methodist Church of Arroyo
Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
Pastor: Rev. Mary B. Birgelaitis
E-mail: mbirgelaitis@gmail.com
Oce Administrator:
Frances Robertson
Website Manager: Jamie Foster
Children’s Education Director:
Carolyn Russell
Music Director: Julia Burns
Praise Team Director: Mike Clark
Choral Pianist: Dennis Eiler
Handbell Choir Director:
Leonard Lutz
Worship Video Editor:
Susan Throndson
Bishop: Rev. Dottie Escobedo-Frank
District Superintendent
DS Rev. Garth Gilliam
Preschool Director:
Madrigale Quaglino
E-mail: agumcc@sbcglobal.net
Preschool Oce: (805) 481-2223
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HONOR A
LOVED ONE WITH FLOWERS?
Do you enjoy the beautiful ower
arrangements placed on the altar on
Sundays? Dates are available for Sunday
morning ower dedications in upcoming
months. Your oral tributes are
welcomed and will be placed on the
altar for both services on Sunday.
You can pick up your arrangement after
the second service.
Contact Frances in the Church Oce
The cost for altar owers is $30.
TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Facilitated by Nancy St. Laurent
Meets on
Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. In Criswell Hall
Next Bible Study book is:
CONTEXT
by Josh Scott
and begins on Tuesday, January 21
Books are ordered and will be available
soon from Nancy.
All are welcome to join us!
Alex Paredes......01/04
Norm Henderson.....01/07
Marjorie Ott.....01/08
Michelle Richardson.....01/08
Carolyn Russell.....01/15
Nancy Baughman.....01/17
Elwood Hyden.....01/17
Natalie Weitkamp.....01/18
Jim Alquist.....01/20
Steve Gillean.....01/20
Judy Leonard.....01/22
Jordan Henderson.....01/29
Eileen Odom.....01/29
Mary Throndson.....01/29
CAST~A~NET FEBRUARY 2024 PAGE 12
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CAST~A~NET JANUARY 2025 PAGE 12
COVER STORY
Photos from Christmas Extravaganza
From the Pastor, Coming Events, Letter
from Frances..................................2
Handbell Choir, Liturgists, Prayers..............3
Fellowship Ministry, "Twas the Night".......4
United Women in Faith, UWF Book Club....5
Process of Appointing next pastor..........6-7
Connie on Patrol, Website Info, Scams,,,,...8
Mission Team, Your pictures wanted.........9
January Calendar........................................10
Bible Study, Flowers, Birthdays.................11
Sunday Hospitality, Mission Statement....12
Children's Center Chronicle
First United Methodist Church
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
www.facebook.com/fumcag
2025
STAMP
SUNDAY HOSPITALITY
SNACK HOSTS
United Women of Faith
Membership Care
Fellowship Ministry
Church Council
JAN 5
JAN 12
JAN 19
JAN 26
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 oer
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
dierences. 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.
JANUARY
