UndertheDome
Central United Methodist Church
Balcony Friends
Wednesdays, Starting July 9 | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Sanctuary
Welcoming Event for the Crimm Family
Sunday, July 13 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM
The Commons
The Chosen Bible Study
Sundays, Starting July 13 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Christian Family Conference Room
Children’s Mission Camp
Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Highland Park UMC
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, July 17 | 1:30 - 6:30 PM
Davis Christian Life Center
We have a goodly heritage in you! Your many words of encouragement, support, and love have buoyed us during this time of difficult transition. Thank you for your many gifts and offerings that will sustain us through this challenging time. Your love has been constant for three years, yet you still surprise us with your overwhelming generosity and assistance. You have shown up in many ways, and my family and I thank you. God is our lamp and our guide, but you have made the map more clear and the way more passable. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! May our paths continue to cross.
Love,
Ann and Andy Kovan
LETTER FROM OUR SENIOR PASTOR
Rev. Thomas Smith Senior Pastor
Dear Friends,
Last month, I was blessed with a oncein-a-lifetime trip to South Africa It was my first time ever traveling south of the equator, and so many things felt new and different! The water drained in the opposite direction from that in the Northern Hemisphere The people spoke different languages. People drove on the left side of the road. One of the most striking things to me was seeing stars I had never seen before Because of the Earth's curvature, some stars are only visible from the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
While travelers are often struck by the differences between new locations and home, I have also reflected on the similarities. The differences are ones of perspective. People are concerned about and love their families and friends The stars in the sky are different, but they are arrayed in the same sky. Even in our differences, we are more alike than we think.
I left for my trip only a few days after the conclusion of the 2025 meeting of the South Carolina Annual Conference. Like other recent conferences, we discussed important issues on which people have divergent views. Yet, we are connected. We follow the same Lord and seek to serve Him together. We are better together, and I firmly believe that we are stronger when we seek to live together in unity, despite whatever differences there may be.
This month, we can and should celebrate our connectedness We send forth Rev. Dr. Ann Kovan and her family as we welcome Rev. Rusty Crimm and his family. We will certainly miss the Kovans, but by God’s grace our connection to them remains And as we welcome the Crimms, we celebrate the connection that brings them to us.
In times of uncertainty and transition, let us seek to live in unity, thanking God for the love that binds us all together.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Dear Church Family,
Is Adult Sunday School still relevant in today’s world? To answer this question, you might need to consider where your core Christian support comes from, and how your theological ideas are challenged and expanded upon Sunday School is where we connect with people we might not see or socialize with regularly Small group discussion, especially in Sunday school, is where we support one another through life’s celebrations and challenges. It is where you discuss scripture in depth, where you are called to consider how you put your faith into action.
In some seasons of life, Sunday School is just about going so that you can be a good role model for your children, or find out parenting tips, or share worries about supporting your own parents. Sometimes it is about making a dish for a grieving friend or working together as a group in a shared mission Sometimes it is about sitting together in a pew to grieve with a classmate’s family in solidarity at a parent’s passing.
And sometimes you’ll find acknowledgements of your spiritual gifts or encouragement in a new calling on your life
Adult Sunday School. Silly name, important concept, especially in today’s world
Blessings and Peace, Meg
Rev. Rusty Crimm
Associate Pastor
Full disclosure I am writing this at Lula’s on a day I should probably not be working I love doing nothing, but I often feel guilty as many of us do because there is always something to do The house needs to be vacuumed, the laundry needs to be run, the plants need to be watered, the files need to be organized, and I have a lot of stuff to do in this transition to Central, but I really just want to finish season two of Andor on Disney+. It’s really good, y’all.
Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but with the changes to the school year and everyone being able to work remotely, summer just doesn’t feel as restful as it once did. So I want to offer you a “do as I say, not as I do” piece of advice: rest. Even God took a day off, and you ain’t God. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a day at the beach, a meal with an old friend, or anything else that lowers your blood pressure, take some time to do something that makes your heart happy
As I’ve often heard, self-care isn’t selfish, and I am constantly relearning that, also. After all, if we’re always busy, when do we have the chance to hear the still, small voice of God? May we take some time this season to care for ourselves and to listen to God’s call
Grace and peace,
Rusty
SUNDAYS @ CENTRAL
SUNDAY WORSHIP TIMES
8:30 AM - Chapel Service - Ingram Chapel
10:30 AM - The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
10:30 AM - Sanctuary
July Schedule
July 6
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev Rusty Crimm (The Well)
July 13
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Chapel)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Sanctuary)
Rev. Thomas Smith (The Well)
July 20
Rev Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev Meg Bryce Jiunnies (The Well)
July 27
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
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.
Ministry Spotlight
Adult Sunday School
Central offers classes to match your preferred style of study and fellowship Explore our current classes or help create a new one that fits your interests.
Contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies, Pastor of Faith Formation and Discipleship, for more information.
CHILDREN’S SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL
During July, we will continue to combine Children’s Sunday School classes into two groups: 5K-2 grade and 3rd-5th grades. nd
We’ll meet in the Children’s Assembly Room at 9:30am and then move to classrooms for the month of July except for July 6, when we will meet on the playground
YOUTH SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Join Julie and Pastor Meg and/or Pastor Rusty for Sunday School this summer. We meet at 9:30 AM in the Youth Area!
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Christian Discussion – Room 277
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
LAYLEADERSHIPANDSERVANTHOOD:
SanctuaryWorshipTeam
This committee is intricately involved in the worship services conducted in the Sanctuary. Every month the committee oversees the following areas of worship: Altar Guild, Communion, Lent, Advent, Crucifers, Acolytes, Banner Bearers, and Music The beautiful services Central enjoys would not be possible without the work of these dedicatedcommitteemembers!
ClergyLead:Rev ThomasSmith,SeniorPastor
StaffLiaison: Dr DonGrice
Chairperson: JenniferPeebles
Committee:TaraBallenger,EileenBlackwell,SusieBrown,JulieCoker,MaryFalcone,BettyHester, NicoleHupfer,HeatherMcCown,CynthiaMorgan,KarenMunn,LarryOrr,JodyParker,ElizabethRabun, HalRowan,SusanWilliams,SandraWillis
UPCOMINGCOMMITTEEMEETINGS
PreschoolBoard
Tuesday,July1
4:00-5:00PM
Children’sCommittee
Sunday,July13
9:00-10:00AM
StephenMinistryTeam
Monday,July14
6:00-7:30PM
TheWellTeam
Monday,July14
6:00-7:00PM
OutreachCommittee
Wednesday,July16
8:30-9:30AM
FinanceCommittee
Tuesday,July22
6:00-7:00PM
ChurchCouncil Tuesday,July22
7:00-8:30PM
Education&SpiritualGrowthTeam NextMeeting:August3
CongregationalCareVisitation NextMeeting:August5
CongregationalCareMinistries NextMeeting:August5
3rd Floor Choir Room
Organ Update
The Schantz console formerly in the sanctuary is being updated with Hauptwerk software that will allow digitally sampled pipes from organs around the world to be played on it. The project is slated for completion this summer.
Work underway at the shop of Lincoln Pipe Organs in North Carolina. Mechanical drawknobs have been replaced with computer screens
Sampled sounds of the organ of St. Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, England will be the first to be installed on the newly updated instrument.
St. Mary Redcliffe Organ St. Mary Redcliffe Organ
SUMMER DAY CAMP
AT CUMC PRESCHOOL IS IN SESSION
FUN ACTIVITIES, CHAPEL, YOGA, DANCE, AND MUCH MORE
CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
NURSERYMINISTRY
NURSERYSTAFFNEEDED
Central UMC's Nursery Department is seeking dependable, caring individuals to provide childcare for infants through first grade during Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening programs, as well as occasional church events throughout the year We would love to welcome you to our dedicated nursery team! While previous childcare experience is preferred, it is not required
To apply, please contact Catherine Lucius or use the QR code on this page.
Welcometothe CentralStaffTeam!
Abbey Allen
Abbey Allen will begin her ministry as Central’s Director of Nurseries on July 28! Having served in the nursery for several years, Abbey brings valuable experience to her new role. She and her husband, Austin, are proud parents of their adorable son, Silas. Abbey shares, “My passion in life has always been children and helping them grow,” and she looks forward to serving our youngest members as Director of Nurseries.
Catherine Lucius
On July 28, Catherine will step into the role of Director of Children’s Ministries! She and her family husband Mac and daughters Holden Grace, Mary Mac, and Hattie—have been an important part of Central’s family for years. Catherine has served as Director of Nurseries for the past six years and is excited to embrace this new ministry challenge. Please join us in welcoming Catherine to her new role and consider offering your support as we serve our children together!
Thank
You from Mrs. Brandie
Thankyousomuchforthebeautifulfarewellreception!Centralwillalwaysholdaspecialplaceinmyheartand intheheartsofmyfamily.Iwillforevercherishthememorieswe’vemadeandthelessonswe’velearned together—especiallytheconstantremindersofhowdeeplyGodlovesus—throughoutmysixyearsservingas theDirectorofChildren’sMinistriesatCentralUnitedMethodistChurch.Ithastrulybeenablessingtowalkthis journeyalongsideyou.
Thankyouforallthewaysyouhavemademefeelsolovedandsospecialduringthisseasonoftransition.
LookingAhead
Sunday, August 3
Blessing of the Backpacks & Promotion/Christian Education Sunday during the Sanctuary & Well Services
Sunday, August 31
“Popcorn and a Movie”
Sunday, September 14
Bible Presentation to 3rd Graders during the Sanctuary Service
July
July
July
- Thomas Lewis
July 29 - Davis Brown
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of Vacation Bible School, especially our Co-Directors, Jordan Johnson and Fletcher Strait! Whether you offered your time, donations, or prayers, your support was deeply appreciated Thanks to your generosity and involvement, we had a wonderful week learning to trust God in all things!
MISSION FOCUS
Thank you to all who donated to The Florence Area Humane Society!
Youth Help with
UpcomingEvents
Wednesday, July 9
Buddy’s
ICE CREAM SOCIAL & MEET THE PASTOR
Joinusforanafternoonofsweettreats andfellowshipaswewelcomeournew AssociatePastor,Rev.RustyCrimm, andhisfamilytoCentralUMC!
3:00-4:30PM THECOMMONS Sunday,July13
Faith Formation & Discipleship
IT’STIMEFORBALCONYFRIENDS!
WEDNESDAYS,STARTINGJULY9
Women of Central, summertime wouldn’t be the same without a gathering of Balcony Friends friends in your life who lift you up, cheer you on, share your celebrations and your worries all grounded in the love of Christ Join us under the balcony from 5:30-6:30pm for faith and fellowship Afterwards, those who wish to continue the conversation will be going to a local restaurant to chat some more
We have an all-star lineup: Rev Cynthia Taylor, Missy Brown, and Rev Vivia Fowler are among our speakers Join us for an engaging time of conversation about women and spirituality for women of all ages! No registration is needed, and casual attire is welcome
THECHOSEN
REVIEW&BIBLESTUDY
Join Renae Chadwick and Bill Flynn for a discussion on this interesting and entertaining television series
Which aspects are based on the Bible? How does this series make scripture more accessible?
This eight-week study will take place at 6:00 PM on Sundays, beginning July 13 and ending August 31
Registration is limited to 12 participants After registering, you may pick up your book in the church office The cost is $1000
Please register by July 10 by scanning the QR code
CONGREGATIONAL CARE
Visitation Team
Be a part of something special
Central’s Visitation Team is made of up of wonderful people who want to make sure that if you cannot come to the church building, the church will come to you! This group keeps in touch, bringing you news and making sure you are included in community.
There are many ways you can either receive or offer this type of care ministry If you are interested in learning more, please contact the Chair of Congregational Care, Missy Brown.
Pastoral Care
One of the most important ministries Central’s clergy team can provide is to make sure that every person has the prayers, the pastoral visits, and the listening ear that we all need at times.
We hope that you will contact the church office if you would like to meet with a pastor or would like a visit, including times when you are unable to attend worship but would like to receive Holy Communion.
Please give us a call or email and let us know of any needs you or someone you know might have for pastoral care.
Central’sStephenMinistryProgram
SpiritualCareWhenLifeis
CaringandConfidential
StephenMinistersarelayco trainedtoprovideone-to-on experiencingadifficulttime divorce,jobloss,chronicort relocation Central’sStephen differentexperiences,indiff withdifferentpersonalities, shareisapassionforbringin peopleduringatimeofneed Christiancommunityismad
Ifyouorsomeoneyouknow pleasecallRev MegJiunnies
Youdonotneedtowalkalon strictlyconfidential.
Central’s Care Network of Ministries
Need prayer or willing to pray for others regularly?
Join us at the Prayer and Holy Communion Service at 12:15pm every Wednesday in the Chapel
Would you like to be included on the congregational prayer list? Contact the office or our pastors to be added to the list.
Are you widowed and interested in socializing with other women? Join in our Soul Support events held monthly (Balcony Friends is Soul Support for the Month of July.)
Have you added a new baby to the family?
Our Meals for Families with New Babies team would like to bring you a meal and a gift from Central!
Are you caring for a loved one who is ill?
Our special Caregivers Retreats are short and social to allow for some time for self-care
Homebound or have limited mobility?
A personal visitor from our Visitation Team can be such a blessing. Call on your behalf or someone else’s
Enduring a difficult time?
Stephen Ministry at Central is something we are really proud to share. Our Stephen Ministers are well-trained, and partnering with one for prayer and listening when you are going through life’s challenges is such a gift
Got questions about faith or navigating church? Are you in the hospital, do you want at-home Holy Communion, or do you just need your pastor?
Contact your pastors Thomas, Meg, and Rusty look forward to spending one-on-one time with you in prayer and conversation.
If you have an idea for a new care ministry to add to these and others Central has, please contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies to put ministry into action!
Summer is the time of year when blood reserves are at their lowest and need is at its highest. Please help us resolve the shortage by donating at our July 17 blood drive in Davis CLC. The drive will run from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and we do accept walk-ins if you're not sure what time you can stop by.
If you'd like to reserve a slot, please sign up in The Commons or contact the administration office at 843-662-3218 If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact Kathryn Velicky for more information Thank you for your help!
BEDS Ministry Helps Children in North Carolina
A ‘Thank You’ from Clergy in NC
We extend a huge “thank you” to the Central United Methodist Church community and the BEDS Project volunteers on behalf of the 27 children in Old Fort and Marion, North Carolina who received your beds
On May 31, Central volunteers drove two U-Haul trucks with 27 beds, mattresses, and linen bags up to Old Fort and Marion to be delivered First United Methodist Church of Marion received and then distributed 17 beds and, with help from family and friends, we delivered 10 beds to families in Old Fort Many of the families were identified thru the McDowell School District Counselors and Marion community workers
Some of the children had lost their homes in Hurricane Helene and are now living with grandparents or other relatives Beds went to three children of a single mother; three Hispanic families in our community received beds; a ten- and twelve-year-old brother and sister were able to move from a double bed into their own beds; and an eighteen -year-old was able to move from a sofa to their own bed
You provided much needed joy and brightness to communities that have experienced so much despair and frustration in the past few months God is good! And we are grateful
Rev Kathryn and Jim Hunter
Old Fort, NC
Phone: 843-662-3218
Pastoral Emergency Care: 843-662-3206
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Physical Address:
167 South Irby Street Florence, SC 29501
Mailing Address: 265 West Cheves Street
Florence, SC 29501
Clergy & Staff
Senior Pastor
Thomas Smith, tsmith@centralmethodist net
Associate Pastor
Rusty Crimm, rcrimm@@centralmethodist net
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Meg Bryce Jiunnies, mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net
Pastor Emeritus
Tom Pietila
Retired Pastors
Dannye Bragdon, Mel Flail, Alice Hocking, Julian Lazar, Leon Wagnon, DeVere Williams
Director of Music/Organist
Don Grice, dgrice@centralmethodist net
Worship Director of The Well
Lance Hatchell, lhatchell@centralmethodist net
Music Associate/Director of Handbells
Beverly Hazelwood, bhazelwood@centralmethodist net
Director of Children’s Choirs
Jaime Martinez
Director of Preschool Choir
Kristen Hardaway
Director of Nurseries
Abbey Allen
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
Receptionist
Dianna Wilson, dwilson@centralmethodist net
Media Associate
Kathryn Velicky, kvelicky@centralmethodist net
Director of Central UMC Preschool
Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist.net
Kitchen Manager
George Hicks
Caretakers
Jason Taylor, Charles Beaufort, Ronald Jones
Housekeeper
Nicole Shaw
Safety Officers
Marilyn James, Johnny Spears, Billy Brown, Chris Benjamin, Kee’Shawn Mitchell, Jared James