The Dome The Dome Under Under
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMINGEVENTS
Brown Brothers Christmas Concert
December 3 | 6:00 PM | Davis Christian Life Center
Happy Travelers Trip
December 5 | 1:00 PM | Summerall Chapel
Children’s Christmas Program
December 10 | 6:00 PM | Sanctuary
Red Cross Blood Drive
December 11 | 1:30 PM | Davis Christian Life Center
UMYF Christmas Party
December 14 | 5:00 PM
A Service of Hope and Comfort
December 17 | 12:15 PM | Ingram Chapel
Parking Lot Ministry
December 20 | 7:30 AM | HopeHealth Parking Lot
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
December 21 | 3:40 PM | Sanctuary
Church Admin Office Closed
December 24 - December 27
Christmas Eve Worship
December 24
4:00 PM Sanctuary & The Well | 6:00 PM Sanctuary
Santahatchie
December 27- December 30
Combined Worship Service
December 28 | 10:30 AM | Sanctuary
TheWellTeam
Monday,December1
6:00-7:00PM
PreschoolBoard
Tuesday,December2
4:00-5:00PM Education&SpiritualGrowth Sunday,December7 9:00-9:30AM ChurchCouncil Monday,December15 6:00-7:00PM
Associate Pastor
Rusty Crimm, rcrimm@centralmethodist net
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Meg Bryce Jiunnies, mjiunnies@centralmethodist net
Director of Music/Organist
Don Grice, dgrice@centralmethodist.net
Worship Director of The Well
Lance Hatchell, lhatchell@centralmethodist net
Director of Nurseries
Abbey Allen, aallen@centralmethodist net
Director of Children’s Ministries
Catherine Lucius, clucius@centralmethodist net
Director of Youth Discipleship
Julie Knight, jknight@centralmethodist net
Director of Adult & Family Ministries
Adriane Reynolds, areynolds@centralmethodist.net
Facilities Manager
Dan Rogers, drogers@centralmethodist net
Business Manager
Tara Ballenger, tballenger@centralmethodist net
Director of Media
Philip Maenza, pmaenza@centralmethodist net
Office Manager
Shay Justice, sjustice@centralmethodist net
Media Associate
Kathryn Velicky, kvelicky@centralmethodist.net
Director of Central UMC Preschool
Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist net
Rev. Thomas Smith Senior Pastor
Dear Friends,
The older I get, the faster time seems to fly. It is hard to believe that Advent is upon us, and Christmas is just around the corner Yet here we are at the beginning of December, with a joyful season ahead of us
With the New Year waiting on the other side of Christmas, our minds might turn to new beginnings. For me, my mind is turning to growth specifically, how we as a church family can invite others to follow Jesus with us Studies have shown time and again that the number one factor influencing someone to visit a new church is a personal invitation from someone they trust. With so many worship opportunities this month, we all have a wonderful chance to invite new people to experience worship at Central I ask you to prayerfully consider whom God may be leading you to invite to a worship service or program
Not only does this season provide us with worship opportunities, special services, and programs, it also offers us the chance to see Central shine Our Faith Sharing Committee has created invitation cards, offering all of us a way to invite people to see what Central is all about. These cards will be available around the campus throughout December. Please pick one up, put it in someone’s hand, and invite them to worship with us.
I also encourage you to make sure you take time for prayer, Bible reading, and reflection on the meaning we seek this time of year. Amidst the parties, visits, gift purchasing (the list could go on), it is easy to lose sight of the truth that we are preparing to celebrate the good news that God became one of us, born as we were, and lived among us The Son showed us a better way to live, died our death, and rose to offer us eternity with Him This is why we worship during Advent and Christmas. This is what we celebrate. As you focus on the true meaning of Advent and Christmas, I encourage you to consider ways you can share this good news with others, inviting them to join us in following Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Dear Church Family,
As I write this, I am also planning for the many opportunities for worship, study, and fellowship that this season of Advent brings. I’m that kind of annoying person that thinks planning is half of the fun!
And then, there is always the tinge of bittersweet as I remember Christmases from the past with so many people I love so much, now gone from my presence. I think that this makes this season so full of feeling.
In those times, I center myself by returning to the heart of the matter. God incarnate in a vulnerable child. I remember that the trappings of gold and glitter, music and celebration were not how a very young girl gave birth to our Messiah. In a scary world that was cold and hostile, she brought our Savior into the world in an act of faith that is breathtaking to imagine.
I’m sure most of you all have contemplated this. And I know that all have had both joy and deep sadness that marks this season. This Christmas may lean more one way than another this year. And I also know that there is only so much time to participate in all the things. So, as you plan your Advent journey, I invite you all to join me in a variety of activities that help guide you to the heart.
My plan: to pray each day for the vulnerable, to read Luke’s account of the life of Jesus, to attend worship with joy as I praise our loving God. I hope to listen intently to our young people about whatever they want to tell me, and beam at them with pride as they sing to our homebound. I will balance celebration with quiet reflection. I will attend parties, but also the Service of Hope and Comfort. I will clap for our children at the Children’s Program and sit in awe of the readings and music at the Lessons and Carols Service. And I hope to once again look out at our beloved congregation on Christmas eve and see the wonder in their eyes in the reflection of the candlelight. Simple, full, meaningful. All I have to do is be fully present. God willing, I hope to share these special things with you.
Many blessings and love in Christ,
Rev. Rusty Crimm
Associate Pastor
Katherine and I got married on December 28, 2018, so we’ll celebrate our 7th anniversary this year. This means that Christmas and our anniversary tend to bleed together, but we’re also both pastors. In the past 7 years we’ve not had two identical Christmases or anniversaries. That week in 2019 I closed one of the churches I was serving and had to preside over a funeral on our way out of town for our first anniversary. The next year we had a one-month-old and were in the throes of Covid, and things only got more complicated from there. Christmas is often our most fluid season in terms of our calendar.
And I’ll be honest, it’s hard sometimes. I miss the simplicity of the Christmas of my childhood, the ritual and tradition of Christmas Eve and Day. I miss my grandparents, with whom I spent almost all my Christmases for 20-some-odd years. I think this is why our Service of Comfort and Light has come to mean so much to me; I have had hard Christmases and need to be reminded that humans are capable of both being sad and hopeful at the same time, and I know many of you reading this have a similar experience.
If you are having a hard time getting into the Christmas spirit this year, I want to invite you to the Chapel on Wednesday December 17 at 12:15 for our Service of Comfort and Light. We’ll give voice to our struggles and griefs while acknowledging the hope found in the arrival of the Christ-child. It’s okay to not be okay, and I hope that this service will be a balm for your soul in what can be a difficult season.
Rusty
SundayWorshipTimes
8:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM
DecemberSchedule
December 7
Rev Meg Jiunnies (Chapel)
Rev Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev Rusty Crimm (The Well)
December 14
Rev Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev Rusty Crimm (The Well)
SundaySchool
All Sunday School classes meet from 9:30 to 10:15 AM on Sunday mornings. If you need help finding a classroom, please visit our Welcome Center in The Commons or ask a greeter at any entrance and they will be more than happy to show you the way.
Children’sSundaySchool PRESCHOOL
3K/4K – Malambri Room 145 ELEMENTARY
5K/1st Grade – Malambri Room 231
2nd/3rd Grade – Malambri Room 221
4th/5th Grades – Malambri Room 219
December 21
Chapel Service - Ingram Chapel The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
Sanctuary Service
Rev Rusty Crimm (Chapel) Re Re De Re (Co San
6th-12th Grades – Youth Room 206
AdultSundaySchool YouthSundaySchool
Christian Discussion – Room 277
Koinonia for Young Adults - Room 172
New Beginnings – Room 272
New Horizons – Room 279
Sarah Blanton-Philathea – Room 174
Searching Disciples – Room 275
Spiritual Journeys – Room 276
Sunshine Class – Room 164/165
Wesley Fellowship – Room 170
JOHN AND LIBBY CHARLES JOINED NOVEMBER 23, 2025 | SANCTUARY
WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGE
Starting January 4, 2026
Central United Methodist Church Chapel Service 9:00 AM Ingram Chapel
The Well 9:00 AM Davis Christian Life Center
Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday School Classrooms Sanctuary 11:00 AM Sanctuary
CallingAll ofCentral’s NewLeadership
On Sunday, January 25, the 2026 ministry teams and leaders will be meeting for Lead Central after 11:00 AM worship, so mark your calendars! We’ll have a light lunch, get our year started off well, and take a group picture. This time is also the first meeting for all of the committees for the 2026 year. Thank you to all our dedicated leaders!
Every Member in Ministry
If you have not signed up for a ministry area for 2026, don’t worry, there is still time! Please use the link below to fill out your form and submit this part of your stewardship commitment.
AdventGreenery
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FirstSundayofAdvent–November30
WreathsforTheCommonsDoors-Margaret&RobertMorgan,Joyce&RickMcWhorter
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SecondSundayofAdvent–December7
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ThirdSundayofAdvent–December14
VasesofGreeneryfortheChancel-Hannah&RhysMiles
ChristmasEve–December24
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Epiphany–January4
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Join us at 12:15 PM in the Chapel on Wednesday, December 17, for a Service of Hope and Comfort acknowledging grief and struggle while finding peace, love, and hope in the birth of Jesus.
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
December 21, 2025 4:00 PM
Preservice music starts at 3:40 PM
Christmas Eve JOIN US FOR
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
4:00 PM | THE WELL & SANCTUARY 6:00 PM | SANCTUARY
Central UMC Preschool Central UMC Preschool Merry Christmas from Merry Christmas from
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Wednesday, December 3
BibleBlast & Choir Group Practice f
Sunday, December 7
Children’s Choirs Sing in Worship Services for Advent Cherub Choir in Sanctuary; Junior Choir in the Well
Wednesday, December 10
Children’s Christmas Program 6:00 PM in the Sanctuary
Wednesday, December 17
Christmas Break – No Wednesday Night Activities
Sunday, December 22
Family Caroling Event with Children’s Choirs at 4:00 PM
Wednesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Services – Children’s Choirs Sing during 4:00 PM Services
Kid’s Corner: Family Bible Discussion for Advent
Family Advent Activity: Daily Moments of Hope, Joy, Peace & Love
This Advent season, spend a few minutes each day creating space to remember what Christmas is about Use this guide as a simple way to create meaningful moments together
What You’ll Need: 5 candles (any color, or the traditional purple, pink and white); Bible; Optional: A small wreath to place the candles in (or make your own wreath and candles out of cardboard and paint them to make this an art project as well)
Week 1 – Hope (Nov 30–Dec 7) - Light the first candle. | Read: Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 or Luke 1:26–38 | Activity: Share one thing you are hoping for this Christmas or in the New Year Write it down and pray over it together
Week 2 – Peace (Dec 7–14) - Light the first and second candles | Read: Luke 2:8–14 | Activity: Do something calming as a family go on a peaceful walk, play soft music, or just take five minutes of quiet time together.
Week 3 – Joy (Dec 14–21) - Light the first three candles (traditionally the third candle is pink). | Read: Luke 1:46–55 or Philippians 4:4–7 | Activity: Have a “joy night” watch a favorite Christmas movie, bake cookies, or do something fun together.
Week 4 – Love (Dec 21–24) - Light all four candles. | Read: John 3:16 or 1 John 4:7–1 | Activity: Do one act of kindness together for someone else write a card, deliver cookies, or pray for a neighbor
Christmas Eve or Christmas Day - Light the final candle in the center (Christ Candle) | Read: Luke 2:1–20 | Activity: Give thanks to Jesus together and celebrate his birthday together as a family
Merry Christmas!
CUMC will have a nursery available for children 3 and under during both the 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM Christmas Eve services. Children 1 year of age and younger will be in classroom 132, and children ages 2-3 will be in classroom 135.
Drop off will begin 20 minutes prior to the service
Please send an extra change of clothes, diapers, wipes, special lovie/comfort item and any snack/drink you would like your child to have while in the care of our Nursery Staff
Please reach out to Abbey Allen with any questions (AAllen@centralmethodist.net).
Everygoodgift, everyperfectgift comesfrom above.Thesegifts comedownfrom theFather,the creatorofthe heavenlylights,in whosecharacter thereisno changeatall. James1:17
Santahatchie 2025
about santahatchie
For more than 20 years, Central UMC has celebrated the Christmas season through Santahatchie a powerful tradition where our youth and adults come together to make a real difference in our community.
Santahatchie gives participants the chance to spend part of their holiday break serving others through hands-on projects like roof repairs, ramp building, and general home improvements There’s no job too big or too small and no experience required. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or picking up a hammer for the first time, there’s a place for you!
We are especially in need of adult volunteers to serve as site leaders your guidance helps make these projects possible.
And if you’d like to support Santahatchie but can’t volunteer, visit our Santa Hut in The Commons each Sunday from now until Christmas. Our youth will be collecting donations to fund home repairs throughout the week You can even make a gift in honor of someone and receive a special recognition card to share a heartfelt Christmas gift that gives back.
ADULT & FAMILY MINISTRIES
Happy Travelers Trip to Charleston
Join the Happy Travelers on Friday, December 5, for a special trip to Charleston to attend the Christmas Candlelight Service at Summerall Chapel. Cadets from the Citadel Gospel Choir, the Chorale, and the Regimental Band will take part in this annual celebration of the birth of Christ, observing the events of the Advent, the Annunciation, the Birth of the King, and Epiphany through Scripture lessons and carols
We will depart the church at 1:00 p.m. and enjoy a late lunch/early dinner prior to the service. Participants are responsible only for the cost of their meal We expect to return to Florence by 10:30 p.m.
We hope you’ll be part of this meaningful and memorable trip! Spaces are limited, so register soon!
Scouting News
In November, Central’s Cub Scouts spent an afternoon outdoors with a full lineup of activities, including sack races, three-legged races, tug-of-war, and corn shucking. Dr. Weave Whitehead led skits and songs around the campfire, where the scouts also roasted hot dogs and made yummy s’mores. The day wrapped up with a sawdust hunt, ending the event on a fun, energetic note. Interested in Scouting? Contact Tim Fisher or Adriane Reynolds
Recreation at Central At Central, staying active is fun and fellowship-filled! Youth basketball gives kids a chance to build skills, make friends, and enjoy friendly competition. On Monday nights, the Men’s Basketball Ministry combines exercise with community, offering a great way to connect with others For something fast-paced and social, pickleball is open on Sunday and Thursday afternoons. No matter your age or skill level, Central’s recreational programs are a great way to get moving!
Wednesday Night Dinners in December
Don’t miss these opportunities to celebrate the season with good food, music, and community!
On Wednesday,
December 3, enjoy dinner followed by a Christmas Gospel performance by the Sensational Brown Brothers
Our final Wednesday Night Dinner of 2025 will be on Wednesday, December 10, featuring a special Children’s Nativity Program in the sanctuary
OUTREACH MINISTRY OUTREACH MINISTRY
Parking Lot Ministry
CentralsupportstheParkingLotMinistry, whichserveshotmealsandhopetothose inneed.JoinusonDecember20,at7:00 AM,behindtheoldHopeHealthbuildingfor ournextevent!
Blood Drive
Ournextblooddrivewillbeheld Thursday,December11from1:30 to6:30inDavisCLC
Operation Christmas Child
Wewereabletocollectover60 boxesforOperationChristmasChild thisyear!Thankyoutoallwho participated!
Childhood Hunger Awareness
JANUARY 2026 FOOD
DRIVE
Please join us in supporting food-insecure children by donating Vienna sausages.
Help4Kids feeds 2,200 students each year. The warehouse is located at 2420 Hoffmeyer Road.
More information will be available soon!
40thAnnual“ALightforSomeoneYouLove” TreeLightingCeremonybenefitingMcLeodHospice
Thursday,December4,2025|5:45p.m.
McLeod Hospice will celebrate the 40th Annual “A Light for Someone You Love” Tree Lighting Ceremony at McLeod Regional Medical Center on December 4
Central is sponsoring a tree in memory of those in our church family who passed away over the past twelve months
Greeters Needed
GreetingandWelcomeisoneofthemost importantministriesofourchurch. Sundaymorningandspecialevent guestsshouldfeelaccepted,recognized, informed,and,mostofall,appreciated.As agreeter,youwillprovideguestswitha feelingofcomfortandhelpthatgives themthebestpossibleexperienceand removesobstaclesinterferingwiththeir connectiontoChrist.Wewilltrainyouand scheduleyouinarotationthatwon't overburdenyourtime.
Tovolunteerorgetmoreinformation, emailRev.RustyCrimm!
to Write Daily Scripture Readings? YoucanwriteDSRs!Yes,YOU!Youdon'thavetobeaprofessionalwriterorteacher,just someonewholovestoreadandreflectonScripture!Wearelookingforindividuals,couples, SundaySchoolclasses,orothergroupswhoarewillingtosharetheirreflections. We'llprovide youwithlectionarytextsforeachday,butyouarewelcometochooseotherpassagesasthe Spiritleadsyou.MaybeyouwanttodrawontheScriptureandwhatyouarecurrentlylearning inSundaySchoolorBibleStudy.YouwillbehelpingwithavitalministryofCentralUnited MethodistChurch!Tovolunteerorgetmoreinformation,emailRev.RustyCrimm!
photo by Phillip Guyton
Online Study of the Gospel of Matthew
Led by Rev Thomas Smith
Available on YouTube
Scan the QR Code to watch!
Rooted: Men’s Study
TheBookofJames
LedbyRev ThomasSmith
Wednesdays,6:15PM-7:00PM atBirdsNest
BibleStudies CominginJanuary2026!
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
Matthew: TheGospelofPromisedBlessings
LedbyGinnyHillandBethAnnOwen
Mondays,9:30AM-11:15AM
StartingJanuary5
Engaging God’s Word: Women’s Study
The Gospel of Mark
TheWalktoEmmauslastspringwasa72-hourspiritualjourneyfilledwithprayer, meditation,worship,andcommunion.Itisapowerfulexperiencewherewe learnedaboutGod’sgracethroughbothwordandaction Manyofuscherish beingunplugged,hearingtestimoniesofGod’sworkinpeople’slives,and witnessingHispresencethroughouttheSeasideEmmauscommunity CentralwillhosttheSeasideEmmausReuniononJanuary9,andeveryoneis invited thosewhohavegonebefore,thoseconsideringthejourney,andanyone whosimplywantstoenjoysupper,fellowship,andupliftingentertainment.
Led by Rev Meg Jiunnies
Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
27:17 Men’s Bible Study
1 and2 Samuel st nd
LedbyJohnnyCrouch, ArtJustice, andHankLeeke
Tuesdays,7:00AM-8:00AM
Engaging God’s Word for Mothers of Young Children
RuthandEsther
LedbyRev MegJiunnies
Wednesdays,6:15PM-7:00PM
The Walk to Emmaus January 9, 2026
Mothersofyoungchildrenareinvitedto joininthiswonderfultimeofBibleStudy. Thisseasonoflifemaybehectic,butthis willbeagroupfullofunderstandingand grace Prepareasyouareable,anddon’t worryaboutthetimeswhenyoujustneed tolistenandaskquestions Thefirstclassis January14-registrationcomingsoon!
If you are interested in participating in a Wednesday morning or evening study starting in January, contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies!
Formoreinformationortoregister, visitwww centralmethodist net/studies
Central’s Congregational Care
Spotlight Ministers: Central’s Wonderful Visitor Team!
Every December, members of Central’s Visitor Team spread a little Christmas joy to our members who are homebound These men and women work hard to make sure that all of our church family members continue to feel connected and cherished. If you would like to join this team, please contact our chairperson, Missy Brown. This ministry is truly a blessing for both the visitors and the ones they visit!
Scan QR Code to register!
