Pastor's Page
You may have noticed many things happening around
the church. The facility is being updated and new
projects are underway. One might wonder how we can
do all these great things? Furthermore, how are we
able to do so when we are behind on our financial
plan? Those are great questions! Let me take a
moment to answer them and also encourage you. The
first thing I would like to share is that while we are
behind on our financial plan, we have an almost 10%
increase in giving over the last year! That is a great
thing to be excited about! Thank you! You helped
ministry happen! We are behind due to a number of
different things: insurance costs, health insurance,
and the cost of almost everything has increased. We
have done an amazing job with the huge increases we
have seen. But what about the projects?
The projects we completed this year are funded by our
Endowment. Endowment donations are often
planned as end of life giving. It has given us a good
amount of principle. From that principle, we get
income every year. Some of the endowment income is
designated for specific mission work so we disperse
that to those missions. Other endowment income is
non-designated which is used for church ministries,
building projects and outreach beyond the regular
operating budget. We cannot use that money for
normal operating costs. That allows us to take care of
facility needs. Endowment funds paid for our new
furnace, sanctuary screens, updated telephone
system, internet upgrade and other things. We have
new projects happening that are very exciting.
Endowment is passive income that allows us some
freedom and flexibility to maintain our facility. The
Endowment Committee also manages the Tree of
Life. First, I want to thank those people and families
who have given to the Endowment Funds and the Tree
of Life over the years. It truly has saved our church.
Second, I would encourage you to think about giving
to Endowment. It doesn't have to happen at the end of
life; one can give anytime. A gift to Endowment has the
ability to be a gift that gives in perpetuity. You might
think, well, I don't have a large amount. That is okay,
together we pool our resources and the pot gets
bigger. The bigger the pot, the more the income. If you
would like to give to Endowment, I would love to talk
with you about ways that your gift can help us the
most in the future. I would also like to encourage
everyone to continue to give regular tithes and
offerings. We still need income to help fund our
operating expenses. Thank you so much for your
generosity and giving. It really does make a difference.
You all are so amazing! We have such a wonderful
congregation with generous people who are making a
difference in the world!
Rev. Wesley Thompson
JULY 2026
RRRRRRB2025
PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS
We welcomed three new members at the 10:30 service on June 14.
Ingrid Johnson
Ingrid and her
husband, Ron,
moved to the
Central Coast in
1977 from San
Pedro, California.
They have made
their home in
Nipomo for over
20 years. They
both are very
independent and
full of spirit and Joy. They have 2 adult children who live
far away, one in Canada and the other in Washington.
Ingrid has roots from the Hanson Place Central
Methodist Church in Brooklyn, New York. She is a
retired librarian having retired after 30 years of service.
No one should be surprised to hear that she loves to
read. She volunteers at the Arroyo Grande Library and
participates in the library Book Sales. She has helped
at the People’s Kitchen for many years. I know you will
enjoy getting to know Ingrid. She has a wonderful smile
and happiness bubbles about her. She will be a great
addition to our church and you will enjoy meeting her.
Her love of reading and service are perfect beginnings
for new friendships here at our church.
Robert (Bob) and Jacklynn Andress
This lovely couple came up to me in the Narthex on
February 1st this year to introduce themselves. I knew
right away that they were meant for our church! Bob is
well versed in the Methodist Church and Jacklynn was
pleased to meet me. As Bob and I talked I discovered
he was a previous member of the Covina United
Methodist Church and held many leadership positions
in the church over the years. Quietly, I was thanking
our Lord for sending them to us, because I knew they
could be great assets. Bob has been an educator for
many years, working as a high school counselor,
school principal and school administrator. He and
Jacklynn met at Fresno Unified School District and
married in 2019. Bob has a daughter who lives in
Arroyo Grande with 2 grandchildren. Bob’s hobbies
are gardening, model trains, reading mystery novels
and travel. However, Bob’s initial interest in our
church was to join the choir and within two choir
practices he was sitting with the choir on Sunday
mornings in the chancel.
Jacklynn has been pretty busy too! Jacklynn is a retired
Administrative secretary. She has 2 sons; one lives in
Washington and the other in Texas. She is an active
member of the Mary Martha Esther Circle and the Sew
and Sews. I began to notice in church that Jacklynn
was sitting in the front pews on your right-hand side
while Bob was singing with the choir. But the truth be
known, she was slowly making her way to Trisha
because she would like to sing in the choir. So, look for
her when the choir returns in September. Jacklynn’s
hobbies include, sewing, piano, gardening, cooking,
and travel. Join me in welcoming this lovely couple into
our congregation. They have already made friends with
many of you.
Kerren Brown
Interested in exploring membership
in our church?
Please contact Pastor Wes, Kerren Brown or
leave a message with the office.
2026-2027 ELT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO
IAN BEARD AND ELLISE CAPUNO
On June 7th Ian
Beard and Ellise
Capuno were
presented to the
congregation as
recipients of the
2026-2027 ELT
Scholarship. This
scholarship was
set up as a
memorial to a
former pastor of
our church, Everett Lee Taylor. Ian and Ellise are two
of the more than 50 students who have received it. Ian
has now received four ELT Scholarships. This year he
will be a senior at San Diego State University where he
is majoring in astronomy in the honors program. He
has a 3.93 cumulative GPA. Ian has been involved in
numerous research projects over his college career,
all aimed at supporting his goal of ultimately earning
his Ph.D. in astronomy and becoming a tenure-track
professor at an accredited university. Ian spent his
last summer at the University of New Mexico where he
tested, assembled, and installed numerous upgrades
to the Long Wavelength Array, which is a radio
telescope. This summer, Ian will focus on two
projects, modeling and exploring the spectrum of a
specific type of supernova (Type Iax) and building and
testing a spectrograph to be installed at the SDSU
Mount Laguna Observatory. He will be the only SDSU
student to attend Vera C. Rubin Community
Workshop at the end of the summer, where he will be
able to present these projects. His proudest
achievement is being the sole undergraduate student
presenter at the SDSU Planetarium. Finally, this
summer Ian will be trained in giving weekend tours at
Caltech’s Palomar Observatory, home to the famous
200- inch Hale telescope where he will describe its
historical and scientific significance.
Ellise, her parents
and younger
brother joined the
church in
November of 2025.
Ellise and her
younger brother
have often served
as acolytes during
Sunday worship
services. This year
Ellise will be a
junior at California State University, Bakersfield. She
attended Cuesta College, receiving a Pre-Nursing
Associate Degree. She has a 3.86 cumulative GPA.
Ellise has been a tutor at Cuesta College for Human
Biology and has studied Physiology, Microbiology,
Human Anatomy and Chemistry. She wants to bring
positive energy to the field of nursing and help others.
Ian and Ellise will each receive a $1,500 ELT
Scholarship which can be used to help pay for college
expenses. We are excited about their activities,
accomplishments and passion for their fields of
study.
If you would like to contribute to the ELT Scholarship
Fund, you may donate at any time. Checks can be
made to FUMCAG denoting ELT Scholarship on the
memo line. Our committee is looking for any church
members to join, please see Pastor Wes.
Wisdom of the Bible
An intelligent mind acquires knowledge, and the
ear of the wise seeks knowledge
Proverbs 18:15
Report from Annual Conference
Our trip to La Quinta, CA, astonished us. The 2026
California Pacific Conference, Astonish, involved 350
local churches, with over 50,000 members. Though
they were not all there, at times it seemed like it. Mary
Hawkins and Gerry McGuire were astonished with the
numbers of people attending from churches as far
away as Paso Robles to San Diego to the California
eastern border and Hawaii. The event was held at the
beautiful La Quinta Resort Hotel. We had a hot time
with temperatures in the 100’s.
Seriously, there were many resolutions and rules to
be voted on under the direction of our Bishop Dottie
Escobedo-Frank and her cabinet. We voted on Clergy
to be elected to General Conference celebrated 70
years of women’s ordination, clergy ordination,
approved the 2027 budget and apportionment for the
conference.
Those who attended from our church were Mary
Hawkins, Gerry McGuire, Carolyn and Dave
Anderson, and Pastor Wes and his Family (Kristi,
Makiyah, Pax and Zander).
There was great food, a lunch with UWF sisters, a
North District Dinner, a Laity Lunch, and breakfast
with the North District allowing time to share with
fellow attendees. This is where we get ideas for
programs and directions. We attended the youth
worship service, and found how invigorating their
music was. You couldn’t keep from moving with the
beat.
Pastor Wes also attended some of the same meetings
and many clergy only meetings. Pax, Zander and
Makiyah were involved with the youth program and
came back with ideas. They found time to try and
swim in all 42 swimming pools. Ask them how they
did?
Regards from La Quinta!
Mary and Gerry
Nomination Committee
Friends, we at the Nomination Committee are working
hard to help ll church roles. One area we are
addressing is term limits. You might be concerned
about remaining in a role for years, or are concerned
that you have found your place and your term is over.
We want to assure you we are doing our best to help
everyone. The United Methodist Church has term
guidelines to help foster rest and give space for new
people to grow. It is helpful for all to learn the dierent
roles in the church and nd the place that brings life to
us as we serve to help make the world a better place.
What this means is that specically Administrative
Chairs will have terms. Program Chairs are not as
strict and may allow for an additional term. Everyone
gets a three-year term and will be thanked at the end
of their term. Some may be asked if they could serve
another term. We want you to know we appreciate
your willingness to serve, learn new roles, and help the
church. We can't do this without you. You make a huge
dierence and we say thank you! You might be getting
a letter soon, thanking you for your service, and asking
if you would like to serve another three years. We really
want you to say yes. Especially if this is something that
brings life to you and helps you ourish! We really do
care about all of you and want to make sure you are
taken care of as you help serve the church.
July UWF Book Club Selection
The UWF Book Club will meet on
Friday, July 17th at 10:30 A.M. in
the church library to discuss a
recent novel, Sacrament by
Susan Straight. This story set in
San Bernardino, California,
focuses on a group of ICU nurses
trying to save peoples’ lives
during the rst year of the COVID
pandemic. At the same time their families are
desperately missing them and struggling with their
own issues.
See Judy Leonard about borrowing a copy of
Sacrament.
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.
Bingo will be Saturday, August, 22. 5-7pm Save the
date. There will be Pizza and lots of prizes and fun.
$20 per person, $10 for 12 and under. Under 6 free.
North District United Women in Faith with a
Women’s Soul and Care Retreat, September 26 .
Save this date in your calendar. We will be
welcoming our North District sisters to share a
wonderful time together.
Boutique November 6,7,8. We need help from all of
you to make this the best ever.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
FOOD OUTREACH
UWF has a new committee called Food Outreach. It
provides food once a month on a Sunday at 5:00 PM
to the 20 people at 5 Cities Homeless Coalition
(5CHC) at 1523 Longbranch Ave., Grover Beach, CA.
93433. If you are interested in being involved there
will be a signup sheet in the Criswell Hall.
5CHC is also are looking for volunteers to help
prepare food for both their locations at the Oceano
Community Center on Monday, Tuesday &
Wednesday from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. If you are
interested please contact Dorine Bolterman at
dbolterman@sbcglobal.net. Thank you.
FELLOWSHIP
MINISTRY
We have a great variety of tours and events coming up.
Keep checking the Connections Table to sign up.
Sunday, July 5 Bar-B-Q after second service on the
patio. Plan on coming. Hot dogs, hamburgers,
watermelon, corn on the cob and apple pie will be
served.
Sunday, July 26, Free Movie Night: Project Hail Mary
starring Ryan Gosling. A stranded astronaut awakens
alone on a distant spacecraft with no memory of his
mission, only to uncover that he is humanity’s nal
hope against a cosmic disaster. As he reconstructs
his past, he forges an unlikely interspecies
partnership that becomes essential to saving both his
world and another.
Wednesday, August 5, 3:45, and Saturday, August
15 9:45: Arroyo Grande History Tour of the Village.
Limited to group of 10 on each day. The list is full.
Check back Maybe we can add another date for those
that missed out.
Friday, September 4, Plantel Nursery Tour: in
,Santa Maria. They grow vegetable transplants and do
automated planting of these at farms. Meet at 9:20 at
church to carpool there.
Saturday, September 12, 9:30-4: Dana Adobe
Heritage Day, History, culture and enjoying it all with
your friends from First United Methodist Church of
Arroyo Grande. Plans may include a picnic lunch.
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
Wisdom of John Wesley
The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but
social; no holiness, but social holiness.
~ John Wesley
FATHER'S DAY
Pastor Wes was returning from Annual Conference. Rev. Mike Eggleston preached a thoughtful message on
"Father' Abraham's Dilemma". The Women in Faith handed out Father's Day treats to the men.
Church Council Report
Our Church Council met on June 24th. We had reports
from various committees. Dave Anderson shared
information about the activities of the Trustees. The
sand has all been removed from the center of the patio
and the patio area is now ready for our 5th of July bar-b-
que! Mary Hawkins reported that the Staff-Parish
Relations Committee is planning a special recognition
day for all our staff members later this summer.
Appreciation was expressed to Steve Gillian for the nice
presentation of ELT scholarships to the two recipients
(Ian Beard and Elise Capuno). The Missions Team, led
by Patty & Frank Williams, discussed the plans for the
next feeding of the homeless at the People’s Kitchen.
Joel Anderson reported that the new Church Directory
is almost ready to go to the printer. Special thanks were
expressed to Joel Anderson for his 18 years as the
Church Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Team.
Our next Church Council meeting will be Wednesday,
July 15, 2026.
Patti Melsheimer, Chair
Little Free Library Uses Children's Center Books
I had a dream
when I moved into
my house in
Arroyo Grande. I
had discovered
Little Free
Libraries here and
wanted one at my
home that was
exclusively filled
with children’s
books. After 39 years of teaching 5th and 6th graders I
knew the importance of reading for children. I had no
idea how to accomplish it but it was my dream.
Then a strong wind destroyed the fence between my
house and my new neighbors. Both of us had dogs and
they had two children with a third on the way. We
needed a fence. I went to talk to them about
collaborating on a fence. They explained that their baby
was medically fragile. She would be born with
complicated issues. Between that and their new house
they could not afford a fence at this time. I told them I
was in a different stage of my life and, if they let me
arrange for the fence I wanted, I would have the fence
installed. They agreed. I had it done.
0During one of the talks with my pregnant neighbor, I
told her of my dream of a Little Free Library. She said
her father-in-law had built one for his daughter. I was
impressed. Not long after that, the father-in-law
knocked on my door and offered to make a library for me
as a thank you for providing the fence for his son’s
family. I was touched and delighted. He built it and my
landscaper installed it. The little girl is now eight years
old and active in gymnastics. The library has been
available for her during her whole life. Many
neighborhood children enjoy it. One family moved
across the street because seeing the children’s library
convinced them it was a good neighborhood.
Neighborhood families keep it well stocked.
Now I have a new dream. I want a larger Little Free
Library next to the children’s library to contain middle
school to adult books. I have no idea how to
accomplish it but it is my dream.
My thanks to the church for the wonderful books I was
able to get at the Children’s Center sale to restock my
library with fresh choices. The books will be enjoyed.
Mary Whitson
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
At the June 7 services prayer shawls and robes were
blessed by Pastor Wes and members of the
congregation, then distributed to those needing
comfort or solace. Thank you to Janice Moore and the
Sew and Sews for their hard work in creating these
wonderful gifts. The Shawl Ministry and the Sew and
Sews meet in the McMillen room Tuesday at 10AM.
Janice can meet you there to get you started.
Elwood’s friend Dick Ward, receives a prayer shawl.
Parents and Grandparents, we encourage you to bring
your children and grandchildren to attend Sunday
School during our 10:30 Service.
Youth Sunday School will continue to meet each
Sunday after the Children and Youth Moment.
Children’s Sunday School will formally begin on
August 2. In the meantime, children from Pre-K to 6th
grade will gather in Room 114 for an informal Sunday
School program.
The Nursery is open for babies and toddlers under 3
years of age.
Parents or guardians should register their children at
the Connections Table before the beginning of the
10:30 service. Children and youth will be asked to
come forward for the Children and Youth Moment
during the service. The children and youth will be
invited to attend Sunday School in classrooms 114,
and 215. The teachers will guide the students to their
classrooms after the children and youth moment. At
the end of the service, parents are asked to pick up
their children from their classrooms. Youth will be
dismissed on their own.
LIVE, LOVE & LAUGH
Coming up August 15
Youth Group is attending. So should you!
Day of fun and learning for the whole family.
Sign up at the Connections Table in the Narthex for
registration and for car-pool.
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:
Ayers Family, Nan L, Dorine B, Marilyn B,
Doris D, Lee F, Lee E, Elaine, Emery Phil M,
Sandy W, Russell S, Bert K, Joe M, Carlos V,
Lydia V, Nallo V, Rosario R, Lupe C, Carmen G,
Linda H, Mark J, Cristy V, Eddie S, Barry, Chad,
Dennis, Alina L, Alex, Harper, Carolyn, Jack,
Stephen G and Colton W.
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
PS-Pastor’s Study
S-Sanctuary
1
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Fellowship
Ministry, L
5:30PM Worship
Team, MMR
3
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
4
5
8:30AM Informal
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Service
Independence Day
BBQ after 2nd
service
6
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
7
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
7PM Trustees MMR
7:30 PM Big Band CH
8
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM UWF Steering
Committee, L
1:30PM Mission
Team MMR
10
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
11
Youth Group 3pm
Leaders,
4pmYouth,
5:30pm Dinner
12
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
13
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
14
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
7:30 PM Big Band CH
15
9AM Church Work
Morning
2PM Church
Council, MMR
17
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec MMR
10:30AM UWF Book
Club L
1PM Don Gugler
Memorial
18
19
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
Worship Service
20
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
21
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga
3PM Joy Circle,
3PM Endowment CH
5:30PM Finance
MMR
7:30 PM Big Band
22
9AM Church Work
Morning
24
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
25
26
8:30AM Informal
Worship Service
10:30AM
Traditional
4PM Free Movie
Project Hail Mary
27
4:30PM
Communications L
6PM Gerry’s
Quilting CH
28
9AM Tai Chi CH
10AM Sew’ N Sews
MMR
11AM Chair Yoga CH
7:30 PM Big Band CH
29
9AM Church Work
Morning
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle, MMR
30
11AM Chair Yoga
CH
31
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting Parks &
Rec CH
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
07/02 Colin Odom
07/03 Lee Fonseca
07/03 Mary Whitson
07/06 Bud Johnson
07/08 Peggy Bridges
07/08 Michael Rohla
07/11 Larry Baughman
07/11 Bernie Hawkins
07/12 Steve Black
07/14 Dick Melsheimer
07/15 Valerie Beard
07/15 Faye Cuddy
07/19 Joel Anderson
07/20 Christine Ridley
07/23 David Bolterman
07/31 Julia Weitkamp
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
July 05 Daughters of Grace Circle/
Membership Care
July 12 Fellowship Ministry
July 19 Finance
July 26 Joy Circle
Aug 02 Mary, Martha, Esther
Aug 09 Mission Team
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
July. 05 Joe Brown Rose Ann Steiner
July. 12 Joe Brown Joyce Singelman
July. 19 David Beard Carolyn Anderson
July. 26 Sharon Roemer Judy Leonard
May. 31 Deb Bradley Carolyn Anderson
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at public
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande www.facebook.com/fumcag
July 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. Jul. 5 Independence Day Barbeque after
2nd service
Sat. Jul. 11 Youth Group. 3pm Leaders, 4pm
Youth, 5:30pm dinner
Sun. Jul. 26 Free Movie: Project Hail Mary, 4pm
Sat. Aug. 1 Youth Group: Labyrinth & Low
Country Boil at Lucy & Elwoods, 4pm
Sun. Aug. 2 Children & Youth Sunday
Wed Aug. 5 Arroyo Grande History Gentle
Walking Tour, 4pm behind Andreinis
coffee, leave church 3:45
Sun. Aug. 9 Back to School Blessing Sunday
Sat Aug. 15 Arroyo Grande History Gentle
Walking Tour, 10am behind Andreinis
coffee, leave church 9:45
Sat. Aug. 15 District Youth and Family Events in
Oxnard,10am - 3pm.
Sat. Aug. 22 Bingo & Pizza Night. 5-7pm
Fri. Sep. 4 Plantel Nursery Tour, Santa Maria,
10am, Meet at church 9:20
Sat. Sep. 12 Dana Adobe History Day.
Carpool from church at 9:30
Sat. Sep. 26 District Women's Retreat
Mon. Oct. 26 Little Pink Houses of Hope dinner
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.