"The kingdom of God is like a net that was cast into the sea" - Matthew 13:47

First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande

April 2025

Holy Week

2025

Palm Sunday—April 13, 2025

POWERFULLY LONELY,

YET NEVER ALONE

Luke 19:28-40

The celebration of the triumphal entry of

Jesus into Jerusalem marks the beginning

of Holy Week as we gather in worship.

Some congregations celebrate this as

Palm/Passion Sunday. Others celebrate

this as Palm Sunday with additional

worship opportunities during Holy Week.

There will be two worship services as usual

at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. So come celebrate

worship and celebrate with us.

Maundy Thursday—April 17, 2025

The Last Supper and Ritual of Tenebrae

6:00 pm in our Sanctuary

Remembering the last days of the earth

journey of our Lord, we gather in worship on

Maundy Thursday for a simple celebration of

the Last Supper punctuated by a reading of

the Passion Narrative from the gospel with

the Ritual of Tenebrae. One by one candles

will be extinguished as we listen to the story

of Jesus entering the darkness of betrayal,

violence and crucifixion as his life is taken

away. We are combining these

remembrances in lieu of offering two services

on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.

Easter Sunday—April 20, 2025

8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Worship

And God said “YES!”

Luke 24:1-12

Rev. Mary Birgelaitis

276 North Halcyon Road * Arroyo Grande * CA 93420 * (805) 481-2692

MEET OUR INTERIM CHOIR DIRECTOR

TRICIA STEWART

I am more than pleased and blessed to be the Interim

Choir Director of this church! I’ve been asked to

introduce myself, so here goes!

I was born and raised in Santa Maria. Music was just

about all I ever wanted to do. My parents indulged me

with piano lessons, guitars, voice lessons and even gave

me a 5 string banjo in the 4th grade. They drew the line

at drums, but I learned to live with the pain.

I was active in high school with choral groups and

drama. In fact, I was part of a summer drama program

at Righetti High School where I met Dennis Eiler. I think

you know him. Working again with Dennis feels like

wearing your best comfortable, spiffy shoes. I love being

a part of the team with him and Brad.

I met my husband, Tim at Hancock College when I was

18. We married a couple of years later and moved away

to Oregon. I majored in Music Education at the

University of Oregon in Eugene. My degree had a

concentration in choral conducting.

After Tim and I finished our education in Oregon, we

moved to Pasadena where we both attended Fuller

Theological Seminary. Attending Fuller was a spiritual

rebirth for me. To study under such scholarship and

devotion as the professors embodied was an explosion

of faith and intellect.

Although my background was in choral, my first

teaching assignment was band and that became the

professional constant. I have taught Jr. High band for a

total of 21 years…all instruments. To that I can add 1

year of choir, also at the Jr. High. I have taught recorders

and general music all the way down to kindergarten and

back. I ended my teaching career at Nipomo High

School, where I taught choir, concert band, marching

band, jazz band classroom piano and guitar.

In addition to

this, I was the

choir director

at New Life

Community

Church in

Pismo for over

8 years. I was

in charge of

ensembles,

Christmas and

Easter

Concerts and

served on the

Worship

Committee.

In retirement,

I conducted

the Rotary

Sing-along at the Clark Center for 3 years. While in

charge, I hired Dennis to work with me on that project.

I also met Leonard Lutz while doing that. It is a delight

to land here with both of them.

I currently serve on the Harvest Festival Committee. I

hire the bands and organize some of the venues, as well

as MC the opening ceremony.

I have two grown daughters Talitha is a Registered

Nurse in Oregon. Shamarah is a former Special Ed

teacher and current writer who lives with her husband

in Los Osos and our only granddaughter. We chose their

names while Tim was studying Biblical languages, FYI.

Good luck with pronouncing them!

I look forward to serving this congregation. I feel like I

have already found a church home, the welcome has

been so amazing!

MEET OUR new

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

BLANCA PLACENCIA

My name is Blanca Estela Placencia. I was born in

Mexico but raised in the U.S. since I was 3 years old.

I am married and have 4 wonderful children, 1 girl

and 3 boys. I also have 7 granddaughters, 2

grandsons and with god's blessing I will be a great

Nana this year. I come from working in Agriculture

as a Human Resources person for many years. I am

very outgoing and enjoy spending time with the

family and my grandchildren who definitely keep me

busy. I also enjoy cooking and keeping myself busy.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome.

UWF REPORT

United Women in Faith seeks to

connect and nurture women

through Christian spiritual

formation, leadership develop-

ment, creative fellowship, and education so that they

can inspire, influence and impact local and global

communities.

A new circle, is forming especially for working

women and those looking for an early evening circle.

The new circle has had their first meeting with 5-6

new enthusiastic members. They’re in the process of

organizing their group. They have a book picked out

to study. If you are interested, contact Susan

Throndson or leave your name with the office. Be

one of the founding members. The next meeting is

April 9 at 6:30PM in the McMillen Room

We have a date for our United Women in Faith

Sunday. We will celebrate, April 27. We will

recognize members and present our new officers for

the coming year.

Looking ahead to May 10, when the annual tea will

be held, a fashion show is being planned. If you

would like to be a model let us know. We welcome

models with a fun attitude. The tickets will go on sale

soon at $10 per person. Bring your mother,

daughter, sister or friend. This is one of our most

well-attended events. Mark your calendar now.

Our next Bingo night is planned for August 9th. There

will be a new price structure with reduced rates for

children.

Circles and groups: All women are invited to attend.

Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last

Wednesday of the month. We are studying a book on

Moses.

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 from 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.

Book Club meets 3rd Friday, in the library, at 10:30.

Contact Judy Leonard for a book if interested

NEW OFFICE HOURS

Church office will be open from

8:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Monday - Thursday

Serving at the People’s Kitchen on January 31st 2024

was well received and rewarding for all involved. The

Mission Team will be preparing about 80 hot meals

for People’s Kitchen on April 29th. Some of the

groceries needed in the preparation of the meals is

available at the People’s Kitchen from donations

they have received, reducing the cost to the Mission

Teams budget.

May 4th 2025 is Native American Ministries Sunday.

The Native American Ministries offering bolsters the

work of Native American ministries in annual

conferences throughout the United States. These

ministries exist in rural and urban settings, including

reservation and other community ministries. The

Native-American Ministries offering also provides

scholarships for the Native Americans studying at

United Methodist schools of theology and empowers

congregations to find culturally appropriate ways to

minister to their communities through Christ’s love.

The United Methodist Church is a worldwide church

engaged with congregations and communities

throughout the world. We bear a long-standing

commitment to serving the vulnerable and

promoting global justice. The United Methodist

Church has an agency, the United Methodist

Committee on Relief (UMCOR), that provides relief

and assistance in response to natural and human

made disasters in addition to supporting programs in

areas of migration health, food security and

environmental sustainability. UMCOR has often

partnered with U.S. relief offices, which have been

suspended for 90 days via executive order. This has

caused disruption with numerous aid programs,

jeopardizing the delivery of healthcare, education

and psychosocial support to millions globally.

May the words of the Psalmist be upon all our hearts

as we discern our living in these days. “Give justice to

the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the

affected and the destitute. Rescue them from the

hand of the wicked. Psalm 82:3-4.

April UWF Book Club Selection:

A Piece of the World

by Christina Baker Kline

This month’s book, based on the

true story of the inspiration for

Christina’s World, one of Andrew

Wyeth’s famous twentieth

century paintings. Christina is

tied to her family’s Maine farm

by her health issues. She seems

destined to live a quiet life until

she meets Andrew Wyeth. Their

friendship opens a whole new

world for her.

If you would like to join in the discussion of this

fascinating story, join the UWF Book Club on Friday,

April 25th, at 10:30 A.M. in the Church Library. See

Judy Leonard to borrow a book.

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY

Facilitated by Nancy St. Laurent

Meets on

Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. in Criswell Hall

The Group is currently studying

“The Final Days”

by Matt Rawle

Books are available from Nancy.

All are welcome to join us!

ELT Scholarship Applications

Due by May 15th

The Everett Lee Taylor Scholarship Committee is

eagerly awaiting applications for this year’s round

of ELT Scholarships. If you have been involved

with our church and plan to attend a university,

community college, or trade school as a fulltime

student in the fall, please check out our

scholarship application and instructions on the

church’s website (www.worshipweekly.com).

Applications are also available in the Church

Office. New and returning college students may

apply for the scholarship.

Completed applications must be turned into the

church office by Thursday, May 15th. If you have

any questions, contact Judy Leonard.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to ease the

financial burden of advanced education just a

little bit.

We Need YOUR Help!

A church survives by its volunteers. We need your

help. These positions take only a few hours a month

and can fit around your schedule.

• Ushers are needed for both service

Please contact Kerren Brown

• Video Camera operator, especially 2nd Service

Please contact Mike Coho or Susan Throndson

• Sound Board operators needed at both services

Please contact Mike Coho or Susan Throndson

• Prayer Coordinator

Please contact Rev. Mary

• Help with New Member Classes

Please contact Rev. Mary

• Holiday Flowers Coordinator (Christmas & Easter)

Please contact Rev. Mary

Fellowship Ministry

Thursday, April 3 Cabrillo High School Aquarium

Tour in Lompoc. Admission is a free-will

donation. To carpool meet at church at 12:55, or

meet at Aquarium at 1:45pm. Aquarium is

located at 4350 Constellation Road, Lompoc.

Sunday, April 27. 4pm Movie-"Six Triple Eight"

Academy Awards Nominated film. During WWII

the only Women’s Army Corps unit of color

stationed overseas takes on an impossible

mission in a drama based on a true story. The

movie is free and includes popcorn and other

refreshments. It will be in Criswell Hall.

Saturday, June 21 is a possible date for a return

visit to the beautiful Gardens of Scott Trees and

Bob Davis. If you missed it last year, put it on

your calendar now, you won’t regret it.

Sunday, July 20 1:30pm PCPA at Marian Theatre

in Santa Maria is performing the play

“Something Rotten”. This is a Shakespearean

Play that is funny and witty. If you are

interested, please let us know by Sunday, June

15th. The cost is $40.50 per person.

Submitted by, Gerry McGuire

Date 8:30 10:30

April 6 Joe Brown Patti Melsheimer

April 13 Susan Throndson Tim Stewart

April 20 Mary Throndson Rose Ann Steiner

April 27 Sharon Roemer Joyce Singleman

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Sew & Sews-MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

1 PM Bible Study-CJ

5 PM Bell Choir HR

7:00PM Trustees MMR

9 AM Church

Work Morning-CH

10 AM Fellowship

Committee-L

6:30 PM Worship

Committee-PS

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Craft Workshop

MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

12:55PM Cabrillo High School

Aquarium tour

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

6:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal-S

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

1PM Bible Study-CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-

9 AM Church Work

Morning - CH

10 AM UWF

Steering-

1:30 PM Mission

Team-MMR

6:30PM New

Women's Circle-

MMR

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

6:30 PM Chancel

Choir

Rehearsal-S

8:30 AM

Informal Worship

Service

10:30 AM

Traditional

Worship Service

6 PM Gerry's Quilt

Class-CH

9 AM Church Work

Morning - CH

2 PM Church

Council-

MMR

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

3:30PM Children's

Center Board-MMR

6PM Maundy

Thursday/Tenebrae Service-S

PALM SUNDAY

8:30 AM

Informal Worship

Service

10:30 AM

Traditional

Worship Service

6 PM Gerry's Quilt

Class-CH

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

1 PM Bible Study-CH

1:30 PM Finance-L

3 PM JOY Circle-homes

5 PM Bell Choir-HR

EASTER SUNDAY

8:30 AM

Informal Worship

Service

10:30 AM

Traditional

Worship Service

6 PM Gerry's Quilt

Class-CH

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

1 PM Bible Study - CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

9 AM Church

Work Morning-CH

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10:30 AM Staff

Parish--PS

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

6:30 PM Chancel

Choir

Rehearsal-S

10:30 AM UWF

Book Club-L

11 AM

Nominations-

UWF SUNDAY

8:30 AM

Informal Worship

Service

10:30 AM

Traditional

Worship Service

4:00 Free Movie-CH

Six Triple Eight

People's Kitchen

Food Prep 1:30 PM-K

4:30 PM-

Communications-

6 PM Gerry's Quilt

Class-CH

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

People's Kitchen

Food Distribution 11:00AM

1 PM Bible Study - CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

9 AM Church

Work Morning-CH

10 AM Mary-

Martha-Esther

Circle-MMR

9 AM Senior

Exercise-

11 AM Chair Yoga-CH

5 PM Bell Choir

Rehearsal-HR

6:30 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal-S

Easter Lilies

The name says it all…or does it?

By Nan Lippitt

Since biblical times, various flowers have been

associated with Easter, including, but not limited to

Calla lilies, Madonna lilies, and Easter lilies.

The Latin word for lily is lilium, which derives from

the Greek word leirion. The word means “true,” and

specifically referred to the Madonna lily, which the

Greeks revered. The word can also signify “pure,”

“rebirth,” or “passion.” Think “Passion Play.”

The Calla lily, or Calla, is also known as the Irish

Easter Lily as well as other names. The Calla lily is not

actually a lily. Instead, it is a member of the Araceae

family. Calla lilies are native to southern Africa. They

have naturalized throughout the world, including the

Central Coast; many of us have Callas in our yards.

The Madonna lily looks similar to the Easter Lily. It is

endemic to the Middle East and the Balkans. This

may be the flower that grew at Gethsemane after the

Resurrection. It is associated with Mary, hence its

name.

The Easter lily is native to southern Japan and

Taiwan. Nowadays, it is grown almost exclusively in

the Smith River Valley in Del Norte County in

northern California.

In Matthew 6:28, Jesus says, “And why are you

anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the

field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I

tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed

like one of these.” In addition to Bible references,

lilies are depicted in religious art. Moreover, cross

pendants with Callas or Easter lilies are worn.

I have a childhood memory of celebrating Easter at

church. Every year a cross about 7’ tall, that was

made by a parishioner, was beautifully covered with

about 80 to 90 Calla lilies. Please share your

experiences or memories of Callas or Easter lilies!

MORRO BAY NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

and STATE PARK, March 15, 2025

Everyone that participated on the Morro Bay outing had a nice

time. First, we visited the State Park Natural History Museum.

The small museum is a gem: many interesting, interactive

exhibits, excellent taxidermy specimens, and great views. We

were amazed at how small the birds’ eggs were relative to the

size of mature birds. Did you know that the American Crow has

blue-colored eggs? We learned the importance of Big, Old, Fat,

Fertile, Female fish (BOFFFF.) Yes, ichthyologists (fish scientist)

do use this term. BOFFFF are critical for sustaining a species.

After visiting the museum, we walked along the marina just

below. To our delight, we saw four otters very close between

two docks! Then, we walked a 0.7 mile loop trail that offered

sweeping, beautiful views of the estuary and in all directions. It

was a most enjoyable trip!

DON GUGLER

CELEBRATES HIS

100th BIRTHDAY

APRIL 11

WISH HIM A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

BOB AND MARY JORSTAD

OUR DANCING DYNAMIC DUO

By Nan Lippi

Fred Astaire step aside. We have our very own Fred

and Ginger in our midst! Bob and Mary Jorstad have

been kicking up their heels, both literally and

figuratively, for their fifty-six years of marriage. They

are recent arrivals to the Central Coast, joining family

in Nipomo not quite two years ago. While living in

Bemidji, Minnesota, they would go out dancing with

Bob’s parents. After Bob completed graduate school

in Idaho, they moved to Charleston, Illinois where he

joined the faculty at Eastern Illinois University as a

Professor of Geology. Mary was Program Director of

a Dental Hygiene Program. At a health outreach

event she met Ollie Mae Ray, (Ph.D. Dance) who

taught dance at the University. From that point on, it

was Cha-Cha-Cha! Bob and Mary would get free

lessons in exchange for doing demonstrations for

others. The pair is especially talented. Not only do

they perform the dances, they also choose the music

and Bob does the choreography, which is no small

feat (not feet). They do myriad ballroom and Latin

dances: Samba, Merengue, Texas 2 Step, Hustle, Fox

Trot, West Coast Swing, Tango, Bolero, Bachata,

Waltz and many more. Mary in an understated

manner said, “It’s a lot of movement.” Bob said that

the Hustle is the most demanding. Think serious

cardio. They performed on public television for

several Christmas shows. They are even featured on

the cover and throughout a dance textbook. Bob

plays the bass guitar with the Praise Band. Mary

often operates the sound board at First Service.

Presently Mary is recovering from some injuries.

They hope to get back into the swing of things,

including a performance at the Christmas Variety

Show!

P.S. Be sure to ask Bob about his Elvis impersonation.

Church Office: 805-481-2692

E-mail: fumcag@yahoo.com

Website:

www.worshipweekly.com

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/fumcag

Pastor: Rev. Mary B. Birgelaitis

E-mail: mbirgelaitis@gmail.com

Office Administrator:

Blanca Placencia

Webmaster: Jamie Foster

Children’s Education Director:

Carolyn Russell

Interim Choir Director:

Tricia Stewart

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:

Rev. Garth Gilliam

Children’s Center (Preschool):

Director:Madrigale Quaglino

E-mail: agumcc@sbcglobal.net

Phone: 805-381-2223

4/1 Jack Cuddy

4/1 Janine Moore

4/4 Paul Holden

4/6 Patti Melsheimer

4/6 Laurie Moore

4/7 Deborah Bradley

4/8 Grant Cuddy

4/8 Shirley Werling

4/11 Don Gugeler

4/15 Mary Jorstad

4/15 Jack Moore

4/24 Ryan Odam

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

Sundays? Dates are available for Sunday

morning flower dedications in upcoming

months. Your floral 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 Blanca in the Church Office

The cost for altar flowers is $30.

April 6 Fellowship Ministry

April 13 Staff-Parish

April 20 Communications

April 27 Children’s Center

May 4 Methodist Men

SUNDAY HOSPITALITY

SNACK HOSTS

LEGACY GIVING

If you missed the Legacy Giving Workshop, Personal Philanthropy

brochures from the California-Pacific United Methodist Foundation are

available at the Connections Table in the Narthex, or you may contact

them directly at 626-568-7347 or on the web at www.cpumf.org to

help create your own personal or family legacy.

Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com

Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande

www.facebook.com/fumcag

April 2025

First United Methodist Church

PAGE 12

of Arroyo Grande

275 North Halcyon Road

Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692

STAMP

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.

UPCOMING

EVENTS

Thu. Apr. 3 Cabrillo High School Aquarium

leave church 12:55pm

Thu. Apr 10 Children's Center Open House,

6-7pm

Sun. Apr 13 Palm Sunday

Thu. Apr. 17 Maundy Thursday Service 6PM

Sun. Apr. 20 Easter Sunday

Sun. Apr. 27 UWF Sunday

Sun. Apr. 27 Children’s Center Art Show

Sun. Apr. 27 Free Movie: Six Triple Eight 4PM

Mon. Apr. 28 People's Kitchen Food Prep 1:30

Tue. Apr. 29 People's Kitchen 11:00

Sun. May 6 Methodist Men Taco Bar, 11:30

Sat. May 10 UWF Tea & Fashion Show

Thu. May 15 Everett Lee Taylor Scholarship

application deadline

Sun. May 25 Staff Appreciation Sunday

Sun. Jun 15 Deadline to reserve tickets for

“Something Rotten” play by PCPA on 7/20

Sun. Jul. 20 PCPA “Something Rotten” at

Marion Theater, 1:30