Pastor's Page
We have finalized the
budget for the coming
year. First, I want to
thank all of you for
giving so generously
and consistently. It
makes a huge
difference. Because of
you, we have been
able to accomplish
great ministry this past
year. Starting a youth program, preparing for a
nursery, starting Children's Sunday School again, field
trips, Bingo, parties and many other fantastic things.
We had a great Christmas Eve, Tenebrae and Easter
service. We have impacted our community through
your generosity in so many ways!
I thought I would take a moment to share a bit about
some of the questions we get about the budget and
why it is higher. All committees and church council
have
looked at the budget and worked on what and how
we can do ministry while being good stewards with
financial gifts to the church. The finance team, led by
Dave Anderson, has done a good job streamlining the
budget. However, we are a little short in our planning
to cover everything proposed in the budget. This does
require people to be diligent and careful about how we
spend. You might notice the weekly amounts and the
totals in the bulletin. Some months and weeks we will
be ahead and others we will be behind. This is because
giving fluctuates in different months. Based on past
giving, we know months like December are usually
higher and help us get ahead.
Why is the budget higher? As you know, the cost of
everything is higher. The church insurance,
apportionments and operations cost have gone up. As
part of the California Pacific Annual Conference of the
United Methodist Church, pastoral pay is set by them and
we cover the minimums; those too go up. We also have
added children and youth ministries.
Someone once said, "Don't tell me what you value.
Show me your budget, and I'll tell you what you value.”
Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, talks about how
good-to-great companies use the budget with calm,
systematic consistency, making strategic allocations
to fund the core purpose, providing mission impact.
As United Methodists, our mission is to make
disciples of Jesus for the transformation of the world.
In our local congregation, we look for ways we can live
that mission out. We transform our community
through loving boldly, serving joyfully, and leading
compassionately to see individuals transformed
through faith and our communities changed to better
reflect the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of love,
justice, and mercy.
We need you! You will hear from Dave Anderson and
me with more specifics in the coming months. We ask
for you to be in prayer about how you can help. Once
again, I want to say you all are so generous; thank you!
We appreciate you all so much. I know we can work
together to continue to provide the same level of
ministry we have been doing, and I look forward to the
things God is calling us to do this coming year!
Rev. Wesley Thompson
SEPTEMBER
The North District Live, Love & Laugh event at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Oxnard was enjoyed by
15 members or our Church who made the drive down early Saturday morning. The fun event included
seminars, Bingo, two comedians, crafts, pro-wrestling, axe throwing, pickleball, food and lots of foam.
BACK TO SCHOOL BLESSINGS SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
We have Back-to-School Blessing gifts and cards available to share.
See Pastor Wes if you would like to give the gift to someone you know.
Sunday, August 16
What a Sunday! Joe Brown gave the sermon, Rosslyn Clauson played the cello at 10:30 service
and there were cakes to honor our college students Ian Beard and Ellise Capuno
HISTORICAL WALKING TOURS OF ARROYO GRANDE
Local historian Jim Gregory led church members on two historical walking tours of the Village of Arroyo Grande.
Both tours were sold out. Please check the Connections Table for possible additional tours.
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.
September 26, 10am - 3pm.
We will host others from
surrounding Methodist churches in the North District
United Women in Faith. “Rooted and Renewed” is the
title of the Soul and Care Retreat. You are invited to
come, pause, reflect and renew, leaving encouraged
for continued ministry and service. Registration is $25
per person. This includes a box lunch from Panera.
Deadline for registration is September 14. Registration
form is available at the UWF card table in Criswell and
in this issue of the Cast-A-Net. It is requested that you
bring a reusable water bottle to eliminate landfill
waste.
Many have noticed the red quilt on the wall in the
McMillen Room. That’s where it rests, between
Tuesdays, at which time we quilt it. Its absence from
there is because it is nearly finished. The community
knows that Sew and Sews hand quilt for donations to
our philanthropic efforts. It was thought by our group
that it was a beginner’s quilt, whereby the owner at the
time learned how to hand sew and piece the patches
together to make the many blocks that make up the
quilt. When we received the blocks all were
not the
same size and many were not even square. Needless
to say, we needed to sew these together to complete
the quilt top (we usually receive the quilt tops
finished). Y ou can see it’s been a long two y
ears and
some say over a million stitches, but it’s
almost finished. Binding is being done.
A quilt is not only a family heirloom, but a historical
record of fabrics (many in this quilt are from the
1940’s and 50’s. There is a block with the date 1975
embroidered on it. A label will go on it with what
information we can get together, the person who
started it and those who worked on it, including the
ladies of Sew and Sews.
Boutique November 6,7,8 and 15
. We need help from
all of you to make this the best boutique ever. We
have some kits available to take home and finish.
These can be found on table in Crisswell Hall. Sign up
sheets will be in Criswell for those interested in
helping set up. Looking forward to a very successful
Boutique!
Respectfully submitted,
Gerry McGuire
JOY CIRCLE NEW MEETING TIME
Joy Circle will return to their regular in-home monthly
meeting on the third Tuesday each month, beginning
September 15, 2026 at 2:30-4:30pm! All women from
the congregation are welcome to join Joy Circle. We will
begin this season’s study with Adam Hamiliton’s “Moses,
In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet”. This series is
accompanied with a video narrated by Adam in his classic
storytelling style with riches of faith, his own experience
of the “geography of Moses” and connecting the
Scriptures with our modern context. (Paraphrased from
introduction). Bring your Bibles. We encourage
discussion, prayer and fellowship. Our September
meeting will be held at Kerren Brown’s home. Please
see/call for her address. This is a loving group of women
with joy and welcoming in their hearts.
.
The Mission Team had a special guest on Saturday,
August 15. Sixteen church members enjoyed a
wonderful presentation by Katherine Parker, our
Covenant Missionary in Nepal. Jim and Priscilla
Alquist provided us with a barbecue at their house.
Our church and our Mission Committee has sponsored
Katherine for a number of years through United
Methodist Global Ministries. We were honored by her
visit. About every three years Katherine is given time
to come home.
Nepal is about 1/3 the size of California, yet has a
population of 30 million. Katherine has been working
the western area of Nepal lately, partnering with a
group called United Mission to Nepal. The vision of the
group is fullness of life for all in a transformed Nepal
society. Currently it is focused on violence in the
community. She loves her job, loves helping people
and enjoys sharing knowledge and needs. She would
be happy to send email updates to church members
who send their email addresses to her at:
kparker@umcmission.org. She mentioned that the
response to requests may be sporadic due to access
and time. A video of her presentation should be
available soon on our website and YouTube channel.
Our Serving at People's
Kitchen
is coming up at the
end of September.
Come join us.
Monday, Sept. 28
, 1:30 Food Prep in church kitchen.
Tuesday, Sept. 29
, Noon meal distribution at House
of God Church, 946 S. Rockaway, Grover Beach.
Carpool from church at 11:30 or meet there at 11:45.
We have a great variety of tours and events coming up.
Keep checking the Connections Counter to sign up.
August 5 and 15 we toured the Village of Arroyo
Grande with Jim Gregory, a local historian as our
guide. He enlightened us on history of buildings and
early people of the town, including some colorful
stories. Limited to a group of 10 on each day, our list
filled up fast. We are considering adding another date
for those that missed out. Sign up on the waiting list at
the Connections Counter in the Narthex, or see Lucy
Jacobs.
Upcoming events:
September 4, Friday,
Plantel Nursery Tour, Santa
Maria, They grow vegetable transplants and do
automated planting of these at farms. Meet at 9:20 at
church to carpool.
September 12, Saturday
, Dana Adobe in Nipomo,
Meet at the church to carpool at 10:00. It’s Heritage
Day, so there will be added fun. Bring a picnic lunch or
order something from the food trucks. A sk Connie
Clark for further information.
September 13, Volunteer Sunday
, There will be a
catered Lunch to honor all our church volunteers after
second service. Everyone is invited.
September 27, Sunday, 4pm,
End of Month Movie -
Title to be announced.
November 14, Saturday
,
10:30 am
, John Lindsey,
meteorologist, will give a presentation on El Nino.
November, Sunday
, (date to be announced) Advent
Workshop
December 5, Saturday
,
5-7pm
, Holiday Extravaganza
Submitted by, Gerry McGuire
VIDEO CAMERA AND
SOUND BOARD OPERATORS
NEEDED AT BOTH SERVICES
No experience necessary.
Youth welcome. See Pastor Wes.
September Book Club Selection
On Friday, September 18
th
the UWF
Book Club will meet in the church
library at 10:30 A.M. to discuss Life
Among the Savages by Shirley
Jackson. This charming memoir of
her life in rural 1950’s Vermont
raising children reveals the
humorous
challenges
of
motherhood. Join us as we discuss
her life with a household of her four
children, her husband, and assorted pets. See Mary
Whitson if you would like to borrow a copy of the book.
Questions? Talk to Mary Whitson or Judy Leonard
Church Council Report
The Church Council met Wednesday August 19th. Our
new Chair of Finance, Dave Anderson, presented the
recommended budget for 2026-27 which was
approved. There will be challenges for us this year
because of increases including janitorial services and
our apportionments paid to the Conference. Our new
Treasurer, Joanne Napoles, was introduced. Joanne
has kindly consented to continue as the Church Council
secretary. Thanks Joanne!!
The Nominations Committee reported that they are
still seeking a chair for the Trustees. Pastor Wes
discussed the activities of the youth program including
their recent trip to a District Youth meeting in Oxnard.
Priscilla Alquist reported that our church membership
now stands at 145 with the passing of Shirley Werling.
Mary Throndson reported that the new church
directory will be going to the printer very soon!
HELP AFTER HURRICANE LALA
Hawaii needs our help! On August 15 the storm
damaged hundreds of homes and buildings and left
thousands without power. Support ongoing disaster
relief efforts with your special donation.
Use QR code, web link or
checks made out to our
church with the notation:
"Hawaii Disaster Relief
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:
Bobbie M, Colton W. Leroy, Tim, Wendy, Gracie,
Alice, Bud, Nan L, Dorine B, Marilyn B, Doris D,
Gary, Barbara, Isabella, Lee F, Lee E, Ron, Elaine,
Linda, 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 and Stephen G
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Saturday
1
9 AM Tai Chi
10 AM Sew & Sews &
Crafts- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
7PM Trustees MMR
7:30pm Neighborhood
Big Band CH
2
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
10AM Fellowship
Ministry
10AM Worship Team
5:30PM L
4
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting
Parks & Rec
10AM Plantel Tour
5
6
8:30AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30AM
Traditional Worship
Service
7
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH 9
8
9 AM Tai Chi
10 AM Sew & Sews &
Crafts- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30pm Neighborhood
Big Band CH
9
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
10AM Steering
Committee L
1:30PM Mission Team
6 PM Choir Rehearsal S
6:30PM Daughter’s of
Grace MMR
11
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting
Parks & Rec
12
Dana Adobe History
Day, Carpool from
church at 9:30am
13
Volunteer
Appreciation Sunday
8:30 AM
Informal
Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
14
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
15
9 AM Tai Chi
10 AM Sew & Sews &
Crafts- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
3PM Joy Circle
5PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
5:30PM Finance MMR
7:30pm Neighborhood
Big Band CH
16
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
2PM Church Council
MMR
6 PM Choir Rehearsal S
18
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting
Parks & Rec
10:30AM UWF Book
Club
L
19
20
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional
Worship Service
21
6 PM Gerry’s
Quilt Class CH
22
9 AM Tai Chi
10 AM Sew & Sews &
Crafts- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30pm Neighborhood
Big Band CH
23
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
6 PM Choir Rehearsal S
25
10AM Knitting &
Crocheting
Parks & Rec
26
North
DistrictWome4n
Retreat 10am-3pm
27
8:30 AM
Informal Worship
Service
10:30 AM
Traditional Worship
Service
28
6 PM Gerry's Quilt
Class-CH
4:30PM
Communications
L
29
9 AM Tai Chi
10 AM Sew & Sews &
Crafts- MMR
11 AM Chair Yoga-CH
5PM Bell Choir Rehearsal
7:30pm Neighborhood
Big Band CH S
30
9 AM Church
Work Morning-CH
10AM Mary, Martha,
Esther Circle MMR
6 PM Choir Rehearsal
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
4PM Movie Night 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
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
September 06 Worship Team
September 13 Communications
September 20 Membership Care &
Daughters of Grace
September 27 Fellowship Ministry
October 04 Finance
October 11 Joy Circle
Interested in exploring
membership in our
church?
Contact Pastor Wes, Kerren
Brown or leave a message in
the office
Liturgists
Date 8:30 10:30
Sept. 06 Joe Brown Patti Melsheimer
Sept. 13 Elwood Hyden Carolyn Anderson
Sept. 20 Susan Throndson Rose Ann Steiner
Sept. 27 Mary Throndson Rosslyn Clauson
May. 31 Deb Bradley Carolyn Anderson
Visit us on the web at: WorshipWeekly.com
Find us on Facebook at United Methodist Church of Arroyo Grande www.facebook.com/fumcag
September 2026
First United Methodist Church
of Arroyo Grande
275 North Halcyon Road
Arroyo Grande, CA 93420 (805) 481-2692
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
Fri. Sep 4 Plantel Nursery Tour, Santa Maria,
10am, Meet at church 9:20
Sat. Sep12 Dana Adobe History Day.
Carpool from church at 9:30
Sun. Sep 13 Volunteer Appreciaon Sunday aer
2nd service. Includes lunch.
Sat. Sep 26 District Women's Retreat 10AM-3PM
Sun. Oct 4 Neighborhood Band Concert, 3PM
Sun. Oct 25 Alternave Christmas Bouque,
aer both services
Mon. Oct 26 Lile Pink Houses of Hope dinner
Nov 6 - 8 & 15 Bouque
Sat. Nov 14 John Lindsey presentaon on El Nino.
10:30
Sat. Dec. 5 Extravaganza Talent Show 5-7PM
Sun. Dec 6 Neighborhood Band Concert 3pm
Tue. Dec 8 Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant.
1pm, Advance on-line signup required.
Thu. Dec 17 Alternate date: Diablo Canyon Nuclear
Power Plant. 1pm, Advance on-line
signup required.