"The kingdom of God is like a net that was cast into the sea" ---Matthew 13:47
First United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande
May 2025
276 North Halcyon Road * Arroyo Grande * CA 93420 * (805) 481-2692
Worship with us in May
“The time is out of joint, O cursed spite, that ever I was born to set it right!” Such were the words of Shakespeare’s
Hamlet who felt the burden to make things right and knew that to do so was beyond his ability to accomplish. My
rendition of those lines as we approach the end of this decade together is “The time is getting short, O cursed spite!”
I, too, am overwhelmed by a sense of responsibility and the desire to leave things in order to make this transition
good for you and the pastor who will join you. Indeed, the time IS short! With two months to share, most of what I
can do for the congregation is done. I simply want to be with you and to enjoy the time we have left. With less than
nine sermons to preach, I offer you this series for the month of May.
PRESCRIPTIONS FOR LIFE
May 4, 2025
Third Sunday of Easter
Rx: Laughter
Communion at both Services
May 11, 2025
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Rx: Love
Mother’s Day/ United Women of Faith
May 18, 2025
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Rx: Sing
Heritage Sunday
May 25, 2025
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Rx: Give Thanks
Memorial Day Weekend
I will depart from the lectionary during these 50 days of Easter, keeping the alleluias going, and choosing passages
that dovetail with our many special Sundays. During June, I will do likewise as we move through Holy Communion,
Ascension, Pentecost, Father’s Day and my last Sunday. Tricia Stewart, Chancel Choir Director, will be away for the
month of May from May 1st-18th. Special music has been planned for the month of May.
---Mary Birgelaitis
Welcome New Members
It was our joy to welcome three new members in the
month of April. We welcome:
Nan Lippitt
Debora Bradley
Evelyn Bradley
Stay tuned for additional information.
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Pictures of recent fun events at our church are on
our website WorshipWeekly.com.
Click on See recent Fun Events. It is towards the top
of the page between the Mission Statement and
Current Ongoing Programs.
All Of Us!
Remember ZIGGY? ZIGGY’s sentence structure is not
always an English teacher’s delight, but ZIGGY gets
his point across and is entertaining to boot! My
favorite ZIGGY cartoon pictures ZIGGY standing
alone saying:
“Many of us are more capable than some of us,
but none of us is as capable as all of us!”
It’s time for all of us to come together in unity, peace
and in the power of Christ to make this the best
transition ever in the life of our church. O how I
appreciate the many volunteer hours you all invest in
the life of our congregation so that we can do
important outreach in the name of Jesus. You are a
blessing, and it’s true, together we can do more than
any of us can do alone! Love, forgive, serve, and
remember the words of scripture in 1 Peter 2:9:
“You are a chosen race,
a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God’s own people, called out of darkness
into God’s light.”
Church Council Report
The Church Council has been busy for the last two
months! We approved the purchase of Hearing
Enhancement Equipment for the sanctuary. This
new device will help many of our members hear the
service more clearly. Those who wear hearing aids
will be able to “sync” their hearing aids with the
equipment. We look forward to the installation.
The Church Council is also considering the
purchase of a new grand piano, possibly a digital
electric piano. Dennis Eiler, our pianist, says that our
current grand piano is getting too old and needs
tuning regularly. The new piano will be
“programmable” so that the pianist can change the
key while music is played, it will not need regular
tuning and should have a better sound. Dennis and
members of the Trustees are planning a trip to Los
Angeles to see and hear the proposed piano.
We need your help to fund these special
purchases. Please donate. Mark your checks or
envelopes "Hearing" or "Piano"
Did you notice the beautiful flower cross in the
Narthex on Easter Sunday? It was the creation of the
Worship Committee, Joe Brown, Kerren Brown and
Brad Bettencourt.
We are pleased to welcome Carolyn Anderson,
our new Lay Leader, to our meetings.
---Patti Melsheimer, Chair
Treasurer's Report
We are nearing the end of our Fiscal Year which ends
June 30. With Rev. Mary retiring and a new pastor
coming, it is important that we end the year in the
black. Right now, it looks like it is going to be close.
We had strong giving in December and January, but
we have been running deficits of over $6,000 per
month the last two months with stewardship falling
off and expenses exceeding plan. We lost some
generous givers who entered the Church
Triumphant. Our Thanksgiving and Christmas
offering fell over $3,000 short of what was needed.
I am hopeful we can exceed our goal $5,500 for our
Easter Offering. As of Easter we received $5,012, so
we are close. It is important that everyone maintain
or if possible, slightly increase, their regular giving for
the rest of the year, so that we may end the fiscal
year without a deficit.
---Joel Anderson, Acting Treasurer
Sunday May 4th
11:30-1pm
Dine In or Take Out
$10 – Under 12 $5
Brought to you by the UMM
Proceeds to benefit the Children’s Center
SCAM ALERT!!!
Scammers are trying to obtain a copy of our
church directory. One claimed to be a new member
and e-mailed Rev. Mary asking for the directory.
Another used the name of a member to e-mail the
church office asking for a copy of the directory.
Blanca, our new administrative assistant is wise and
was suspicious. She phoned the member and they
quickly confirmed that she did not send the request.
If scammers get ahold of a directory they may
pose as members and send out messages asking for
help or may ask for donations. Always be suspicious.
Verify that an e-mail is the members correct e-mail
address before replying. Confirm by phone or in
person if you get a request asking for money to make
sure it is not a scammer.
Always keep our church directory private. It is
only for members personal use and should never be
given out. If someone asks you for a copy tell them
to pick it up at the church.
--- The Communications Committee
A new circle has formed especially for working
women and those looking for an early evening circle.
The new circle has had their first meeting with 6
enthusiastic members. They are studying the book
“Daughters of Grace”. They meet on the second
Wednesday of the month at 6:30. They welcome
more members. If you are interested, contact Susan
Throndson or leave your name with the office. This
year has been very busy for the United Women in
Faith. There have been many memorials, retirement
parties and even a wedding. This has resulted in
some of our usual activities being postponed. One of
those is our UWF Sunday. We will recognize our
United Women in our Faith circles and will recognize
special people on Mother’s Day. Yes, our Annual Tea
has always been the Saturday before Mother’s Day.
This year we will have the Tea, on Saturday,
September 20, 11:30 to 1:30. We are putting
together a event “not to be missed” memorable
Fashion Show. Tickets go on sale in August for $10
per person.
Our next Bingo and Pizza is planned for Saturday,
August 9th, 5:00 to 7:00 pm. As this is a fundraiser,
tickets will be $20 or $10 for children under 12.
Look for special events recognizing Pastor Mary as
she retires and welcoming our new minister. Dates
to be announced.
Circles and groups: All women are invited.
Mary, Martha Esther Circle meets on the last
Wednesday of the month. We are studying MOSES.
Joy Circle meets on the third Tuesday of the month,
3-5 pm in member homes. Check with Kerren Brown
for more information.
Evening Women’s Bible Study meets on 2nd
Wednesday in McMillen Room at 6:30. Contact
Susan Throndson.
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 will meet 3rd Friday, in the library, at
10:30. Contact Judy Leonard for a book.
On Sunday, May 4 your Mission Committee will be
asking for donations for Native American Ministries
Sunday. Please use the giving envelopes found in the
pew racks and write “Native American” on your
check or the outside of the envelope. Checks should
be made out to FUMCAG. These contributions will
be collected throughout the month of May.
Contributions help develop and strengthen Native
American ministries throughout the United States.
The Missions Committee welcomed two new
members in April: Debora Bradley and Evelyn
Bradley. Debra and Evelyn helped with food
preparation and serving at People’s Kitchen on
January 31, 2025. All members are invited to a
People’s Kitchen 33rd Anniversary BBQ on May 3rd.
Executive Director of 5 Cities Homeless Coalition,
Janna Nichols and Stephanie LaBlanc gave the
Mission Committee a presentation on what is being
done locally for the homeless. The committee found
the presentation very informative. The Church
Council endorsed the Mission Committee plan to
host Alternative Christmas Fair on October 26, 2025.
Unique Christmas gifts supporting non-profit
organizations will be sold. As United Methodists,
our social principles highlight the call to be
instruments of love, justice, and care.
May UWF Book Club Selection:
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
May, 2025 UWF Book Club
Selection: The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn Many of us
have read The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn by Mark
Twain as high school
students. Published in 1884
this classic story portrays an
unlikely friendship between a
runaway slave boy, Jim, and
an abused teenage white boy,
Huckleberry Finn. Along with
their adventures, the story provides a look at slavery,
friendship, prejudices and bigotry. The UWF Book
Club will meet in the church library on Friday, May
16th, at 10:30 A.M. to discuss The Adventures of
Huckleberry Finn. See Mary Whitson for a copy of the
book or check it out at the public library.
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 ELT 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 thrives through 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 services.
Please contact Kerren Brown
• Video Camera operator, especially 2nd Service.
Please contact Mike Coho.
• Sound Board operators needed at both services.
Please contact Mike Coho
• 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
Sunday May 4, at 11:30 Taco Bar Tickets $10.
With proceeds going to the support of the
Children’s Center.
Sunday May 25 4:00 pm Free Movie Night ,
The movie is The Long Game.
Saturday June 21, from 10 to 12 noon
Gardens of Scott Trees and Bob Davis.
The gardens are awesome and the tour with
Scott is very informative. If you missed it last
year, join us for sure! I can already smell the
roses.
Sunday, July 20 1:30 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.
---Gerry McGuire
Date 8:30 10:30
May 04 Joe Brown Cristy Van Hook
May 11 Mary Throndson Ken Unsworth
May 18 Susan Throndson Michelle Richarson
May 25 Joel Anderson Rosslyn Clauson
NEW OFFICE HOURS
Church office will be open from
8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Monday - Thursday
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
1
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Craft Workshop
-
MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
2
3
4 Communion Sunday
5
6
7
8
9
10
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1PM Bible Study-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-
HR
9 AM Church Work
Morning - CH
9 AM Senior Exercise
-
CH
10 AM Craft
Workshop
-
MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH 5
PM Bell Choir Rehearsal-
HR
11 Mother's Day
12
13
14
9 AM Church Work
Morning – CH
10 AM UWF
Steering
Committee
1:30 PM Mission
Team-MMR
15
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10:30 AM Staff
Parish—PS
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
3:30PM Children's
Center Board-MMR
16
10:30 AM UWF
Book Club-L
17
UWF Sunday
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study-CH
5 PM Bell Choir-HR
18 Heritage Sunday
19
20
21
22
23
24
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
10 AM Sew & Sews- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
1 PM Bible Study - CH
1:30 Finance - L
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
2 PM Church
Council-
MMR
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal-
HR
6:30 PM Chancel Choir
Rehearsal-S
25
Staff Appreciation
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
4:00 Free Movie-CH
The Long Game
26
People's Kitchen
Food Prep
4:30 PM-
Communications-
L
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
27
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
28
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
10 AM Mary-
Martha-Esther
Circle-MMR
29
9 AM Senior
Exercise-
CH
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5 PM Bell Choir
Rehearsal-HR
6:30 PM Chancel Choir
Rehearsal-S
30
31
Arroyo Grande United Methodist
Children’s Center
Open House April 10, 2025
“Tons of Fun,”
said Lucy Jacob about our trip to Mighty Cap
Mushrooms in Paso!
March 28, 2025
By Nan Lippitt
Owner and founder Chris Batlle could easily be
featured on the cover of Inc. Magazine, an
organization dedicated to American entrepreneurs.
Perhaps he already has!’ What began as an interest
in foraging and a passion for mushrooms has become
a highly successful business venture. It all began in
2019 when Chris started growing about 5 pounds of
mushrooms in his garage on a weekly basis. Five
years and two facilities later, he expects to grow at
least 3,000 to 4,000 pounds mushrooms weekly (that
is 2 tons of mushrooms!). He mentioned being
thankful to God for his success.
Chris’s passion for caps, another name for
mushrooms, can be found throughout all aspects of
his business. Most commercial mushrooms are
grown on conveyer belts in manure. By contrast, his
mushrooms are grown in sterile blocks of oak and
soy in black plastic bags. The switch to black-colored
bags, one of his innovations, has increased
productivity by about 20%, which contributes to
being a viable entity.
After conducting market studies, Chris focused on
growing high quality artisanal, gourmet mushrooms
sold exclusively in San Luis Obispo County. Some of
the varieties are Giant Trumpet, Chestnut, Oyster,
Shiitake and Lion’s Mane mushrooms. He requires
chefs that use his mushrooms to tour the facility.
Chris also sells mushrooms, mushroom growing kits,
and mushroom merchandise at his facility.
Chris recommends cooking mushrooms rather than
eating them raw; this makes their many nutritional
benefits more bioavailable.
Chris is especially personable, and his tour of Mighty
Cap Mushrooms was very interesting.
Our wonderful Easter Celebraon
included a rousing sing-along Hallelujah
Chorus followed by Hospitality Time
that with the Easter Bunny and Easter
Chicken handing out eggs lled with
Easter surprises.
Cabrillo High School Aquarium Tour
Not only did we find Nemo, but Dory too! Yes, Dory, Nemo and many other marine animals, including sharks, jellies, abalone
and coral, are alive and well at the Cabrillo High School Aquarium in Lompoc. Four members of the Lompoc United
Methodist Church joined us on the Aquarium tour. Over two hundred high school students are involved with the Aquarium
including operation, maintenance, obtaining specimens, conducting research, acting as docents; and collaborating with
Monterey Bay Aquarium, an important partner. Everyone was duly impressed and enjoyed the visit.
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
5/2 Hilary Henderson
5/3 Susan Coho
5/3 Jo Anne Napoles
5/8 Karen Wise
5/11 Marian Balster
5/12 Judie Neufeld
5/13 Randall Jones
5/14 Stacy Inman
5/15 Bob Jorstad
5/16 Doris Douglas
5/18 Vennie Paredes
5/18 Terry Ramsey
5/20 Janine Williams
5/22 Paul Jacob
5/25 Rob Isakson
5/26 Roger Ridley
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.
HOSPITALITY
HOSTS
May 4 Methodist Men
May 11 UWF
May 18 Trustees
May 25 Staff Parish
June 1 Finance
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
May 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
Sun. May 4 Taco Bar, 11:30-1pm $10
$10 Adults, $5 children under 13
Sun. May 11 Mother's Day and
UWF Recognition
Thu. May 15 Everett Lee Taylor Scholarship
Application Deadline
Sun. May 25 Staff Appreciation Sunday
Sun. May 25 Movie Night 4PM,
The Long Game
Sun. Jun 8 ELT Scholarship Sunday
Sun. Jun 15 PCPA play “Something Rotten”
Deadline to reserve tickets
Sat. Jun. 21 Scott Trees Garden Tour 10AM,
leave church at 9:45
Thu. June 26 Children's Center Promotions,
Noon,S