The Dome The Dome Under Under
UPCOMING EVENTS & COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Education & Spiritual Growth Committee Meeting
May 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Moody Parlor
Coffee with the Pastors
May 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Spears Fellowship Hall
Preschool Board Meeting
May 4, 2026 | 4:00 PM
Moody Parlor
Endowment Committee
May 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Christian Family Conf Room
National Day of Prayer
May 7, 2026
11:00 AM-1:00 PM
4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Ingram Chapel
Breakfast for Graduating Seniors
May 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Spears Fellowship Hall
Graduation Sunday
May 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Sanctuary
Adult & Family Ministries Team Meeting
May 11, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Moody Parlor
Stephen Ministry Meeting
May 11, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Christian Family Conf. Room
Board of Trustees Meeting
May 12, 2026 | 5:15 PM
Christian Family Conf Room
The Well Design Team Meeting
May 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Sunshine Classroom
Children’s Committee Meeting
May 15, 2026 | 9:30 AM
Malambri Center Classroom
Scrapbooking Group
May 17, 2026 | 12:30 PM
Sunshine Classroom
Help4Kids 5K-5 Graders th
May 17, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Help4Kids Building
Worship Committee Meeting
May 19, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Christian Family Conf Room
Outreach & Advocacy Team Meeting
May 19, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Moody Parlor
Happy Travelers Trip
May 20, 2026 | 7:30 AM
Murrells Inlet
Veterans Breakfast
May 21, 2026 | 8:00 AM
Spears Fellowship Hall
Memorial Day
Church Office Closed
May 25, 2026
Faith-Sharing Team Meeting
May 26, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Sunshine Classroom
I could have spent the rest of that afternoon thinking about the snakes no doubt slithering around me, but instead I chose to make the most of my time in outdoor fellowship We can look around the world and be weighed down by all that is going wrong, and there is plenty going wrong The troubles of the world can and should weigh on us, but Sunday comes each week as an opportunity to look toward God, enjoy the fellowship of our brothers and sisters, and seek to grow in God’s love and grace We can focus on the negatives to such an extent that we close our eyes and stop our ears to the good things happening around us
God is with us. The risen Christ walks alongside us through life. The Holy Spirit dwells within us. Let us be the kind of people who recognize that all is not well with the world, but who nevertheless look Godward and seek to join God in mission to the world It is an essential truth in ministry that Sunday is always coming Week after week, day after day, God offers us time to focus on God, be spiritually recharged, and go forth empowered to engage the world
All of which is to say, I hope to see you Sunday!
Yours in Christ,
Associate Pastor
One of the great joys I’ve found in ministry and in life is finding older friends and mentors to go to for advice. I’ve tried to be intentional about fostering relationships with other clergy couples that Katherine and I can lean on I’ve also tried to be intentional about seeking out older clergy Black and white to learn from so that my ministry is forward-looking, but also honors the work of the people who have done this job successfully for a long time We recently celebrated the life of Rev Mel Flail, a Central member and longtime pastor, who was one of those people; and Mel was friends with another beloved friend of mine, the late great Rev Keith Hunter I still hear both of their voices in my head sometimes as I consider next steps, as I write sermons, and as I talk to younger clergy (I am, admittedly, rapidly aging out of the “young clergy” designation)
Rev. Rusty Crimm
The church, by design, is an amazing experiment in intergenerational relationship development We often segregate ourselves based on age and gender (amongst other things), but too often fail to cross those lines outside of Sunday morning worship. I am a better pastor because of the influence of Mel and Keith and the dozens of others whose experience I’ve learned from, and I want to encourage you to find ways to cross those boundaries and learn from people who are of a different generation than you. If you are an older adult, you’ve got things to learn from the younger adults, and vice versa We all have things to learn from one another, and Central has lots of ways to do just that!
Rusty
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
May is here, and it doesn’t just remind us of new beginnings—it is the real entry into summer for those of us here in Florence. We begin remembering the rhythm and the heat to come! Central’s staff and clergy are busy planning offerings of fun, fellowship, and faith for June and July. And summer is the perfect time for you to invite someone without a church home to join us in casual ways—all it takes from you is an invitation, and what a blessing you will be to someone who doesn’t enjoy the blessings of support and fellowship we have here at Central. Consider, especially, not only our worship services, but also Vacation Bible School and the BBQ & Bluegrass event in June, and Balcony Friends in July.
Take a good look in these pages, and please join me in thanking God for the wonderful things happening here. And then mark your calendar for things you don’t want to miss!
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies
And...you might have a great idea that just needs some others to join in, and perhaps some resources—that is exactly what I love to do! Come by and see me if you have an idea for ministry that we want to get going, or even if you are in the middle of listening to hear what God is calling you to personally. Meg
SUNDAYS @ CENTRAL
Sunday Worship Times
9:00 AM
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
Chapel Service - Sanctuary
The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
Sanctuary Service
Sunday School
All Sunday School classes meet from 10:00 to 10:45 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’s Sunday School
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
Youth Sunday School
6th-12th Grades – Youth Room 206
Nursery at Central
Adult Sunday School
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
At Central, our nursery ministry is a meaningful first step in a child’s spiritual journey, providing a safe, loving environment where seeds of faith can grow. All staff have completed background checks and are certified in Infant and Child CPR and First Aid, so families can feel confident in their child’s care
If you need nursery care for a church event, contact Abbey Allen, Director of Nurseries If you’re 18 or older and interested in joining the team, Abbey would love to connect with you
CELEBRATIONS
Stone New Member | April 19, 2026
| April 26, 2026
Michael Rook Miles Baptized
Jackson
Let’s Fill the Altar Flower Calendar Let’s Fill the Altar Flower Calendar
At Central, our call is clear: One Church. One Community. One Calling. At Central, our call is clear: One Church. One Community. One Calling. One way we live this out is by caring for the spaces where we gather to One way we live this out is by caring for the spaces where we gather to worship. worship.
Each Sunday, altar flowers help create a beautiful worship environment. Each Sunday, altar flowers help create a beautiful worship environment. When they are not sponsored, the church covers the cost—so this is an When they are not sponsored, the church covers the cost—so this is an opportunity to turn an existing expense into a shared act of generosity. opportunity to turn an existing expense into a shared act of generosity.
You are invited to You are invited to sponsor altar flowers: sponsor altar flowers: In memory of a loved one In memory of a loved one In honor of someone special In honor of someone special
To To celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or milestone celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or milestone S Simply as an expression of gratitude imply as an expression of gratitude
These dedications support the life of the church and allow us to share
These dedications support the life of the church and allow us to share in in one another’s stories, joys, and memories. one another’s stories, joys, and memories.
It’s a small act—but one that reflects who we are together. It’s a small act—but one that reflects who we are together.
To sign up, contact Shay Justice or stop by the church office.
To sign up, contact Shay Justice or stop by the church office.
National Day National Day
“Glorify God among nations, seeking him in all generations.”
Thursday, May 7, 2026 Thursday, May 7, 2026
Central’s Ingram Chapel Central’s Ingram Chapel 11:00 AM-1:00 11:00 AM-1:00 PM PM 4:00 PM-6:00 PM 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
Everyone is invited to join our prayer vigil on the National Day of Prayer. Come as you’re able and unite with us in intentional, intercessory prayer. Feel free to invite others.
If you’re interested in hosting a portion of the event, please contact Tracie Paschal or Rev. Meg Jiunnies for more information.
WILLIAM CLARK ARTHUR
SOUTH FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
JEAN ALLEN CATES TRINITY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
JULIA MARSHALL CATES TRINITY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
CLAYTON THOMAS FOLSE WEST FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
DONALD HUGH GRANGER III WILSON HIGH SCHOOL, IB PROGRAM NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATION SUNDAY MAY 10, 2026
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
WILLIAM LAWTON HESTER WEST FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER IN WELDING
ALLIE CLYDE HIGGS
WEST FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL, STEM PROGRAM CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
JAMES DRAYTON LEE TRINITY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
DAVIS CHRISTOPHER LOVE SOUTH FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL WOFFORD COLLEGE
THOMAS ELVINGTON MOODY TRINITY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COLLEGE GRADUATES
LYDIAROSMARIE BAREFOOT ROLLINSCOLLEGE
BACHELOROFARTS IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT MINOR IN COMMUNICATIONSSTUDIES
ANNA GIBBONS COKER
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY, HONORS COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNICATION
GRIFFIN MYERS FOLSE CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
ELOISE SIMMONS HUPFER WOFFORD COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH & GOVERNMENT
CALEB GARRISON KING UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS DECEMBER 2025
DALTON EARL MOODY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTING
MARY HODGES KNIGHT WOFFORD COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY
ETHAN HAUN MCCOWN CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION SCIENCE MANAGEMENT
MARY TINDALL PARHAM
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY HONORS COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PHILOSOPHY
EMILY CLAIRE PEEBLES UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA HONORS COLLEGE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY
POST GRADUATE DEGREES
GRACE ANNE BROWN THE CITADEL MASTER OF ARTS PSYCHOLOGY: CLINICAL COUNSELING
JOHN MICHAEL MORGAN V TRINITY COLLEGIATE SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
BRYCE CHAVAZ SWEETENBURG WEST FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
CADEN WOOD TAYLOR WEST FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
MARY CATHERINE MCLEOD POTTER WOFFORD COLLEGE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY
KATE SAVILLE SANSBURY UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ACCOUNTING
ANNA CAROLINE STONE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES MINORS IN CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGICAL MATHEMATICS
AMY SMITH THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN FINANCE MINOR IN DATA SCIENCE
HARPER WESLEY SMITH WOFFORD COLLEGE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY AND GOVERNMENT
CHRISTOPHER RYAN TAYLOR, JR. WOFFORD COLLEGE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY
TYNER JOSEPH JIUNNIES YALE SCHOOL OF DIVINITY MASTER OF DIVINITY
SUMMER SUMMER CHOIR CHOIR
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School
Sunday, June 14 - Wednesday, June 17
Themes for 2026 VBS:
Day 1 - God is our creator! (Genesis 1)
Day 2 - God knows everything! (Psalm 139)
Day 3 - God is our safe place! (1 Samuel 23-24)
Day 4 - God is love! Luke 22:39-24:12
We’re excited to invite your family to serve our community! During VBS, we’ll be collecting bottled water and other non-perishable items for the Manna House. It’s a simple, hands-on way for kids to help others and make a meaningful impact
You can shop from our Amazon wish list using the link we’ll share in May; items will be shipped directly to the church office.
We’ll also have a collection box in The Commons from June 1–June 21, so you’re welcome to bring donations with you to church during that time.
Thank you for helping us love and serve our neighbors!
There’s still time to sign-up for VBS! Scan the QR Code or visit www.centralmethodist.net/children to register!
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
The Easter Egg Hunt was such a fun afternoon! Thanks to all who came out and made it such a great success!
Upcoming Dates & Details
Help4Kids Volunteer Event & Fundra
Sunday, May 17
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Help4Kids Building
Samuel Miles - May 9
Shep Yarborough - May 15
The Children’s Ministry is hosting a fundraiser through Sunday, May 17. We’ll be collecting items to donate during our family volunteer event at Help4Kids. Contact Catherine Lucius for more information.
Kids Mission Camp with Highland Park
Monday, July 13 - Thursday, July 16
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join us for a week of serving at various missions in the community! Kids will learn about God while serving our neighbors. Scan the QR code to register!
More summer activities to be announced in June’s Under the Dome, so be on the lookout!
Cooper Connelly - May 16
James Hardaway - May 17
Harrison Cole - May 19
Alden Gorton - May 20
Daniel Kosh - May 22
Reese Tabor - May 24
May Memory Verse
Now hurry, go tell his disciples, “He’s been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 28:7
YOUTH MINISTRY
Upcoming Dates & Details
May 3, 2026 – Year-end UMYF Party
Join us at El Agave and Smiling Scoops— bring money for dinner and dessert! Friends are welcome, so feel free to invite others. Please RSVP to Julie by May 1 so we can make a reservation.
June 12, 2026 – Florence Flamingos Game
Join us for a fabulous night with the Florence Flamingos! It’s Neon Night, featuring a post-game drone show. Tickets are $16 per person and include food and drinks. Please let Julie know by June 9 if you plan to attend. Friends and family are welcome!
May’s Bible Verse
I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Birthdays
Annabelle Slice – May 15
Will Hester – May 16
Braxton Batelli – May 20
Claire Lewis – May 23
Carson Timms – May 27
Keep Checking Back!
We have so many awesome things planned this summer! Please continue to check your email, our social media accounts, Under the Dome, and the mail about upcoming events!
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY APRIL19,2026
Adult & Family Ministries
SCOUTING
Luke Arthur, son of Andy and Leigh Ann Arthur, and Davis Love, son of Nathan and Brandie Love, will receive their Eagle Scout awards at a Court of Honor on May 11
Both Luke and Davis have been involved in Scouting for more than 10 years, beginning in first grade when they joined Central’s Cub Scout Ministry
For their Eagle Scout service projects, L k l d h i i f ki l
HAPPY TRAVELERS
Join the Happy Travelers on Wednesday, May 20, for a relaxing two-hour cruise along the scenic Waccamaw River Take in the beauty of former rice plantations, historic trunk gates, and moss-draped oak trees while watching for wildlife like alligators, eagles, and osprey along the way
Space is limited, so be sure to register early to reserve your spot We’d love for you to join us!
LOOKING AHEAD
VETERANS BREAKFAST
All veterans are invited to attend our Veterans Breakfast on Thursday, May 21, at 8:00 a m in Spears Fellowship Hall
Major Al Jeffords, a Vietnam helicopter pilot, will share his experiences and reflections from his time in service
The breakfast is complimentary, and guests are welcome to attend This gathering offers a wonderful opportunity for fellowship, connection, and appreciation for those who have served You may register on Realm, by calling the church office, or by emailing Adriane.
Join us for a fun and flavorful evening at our annual BBQ & Bluegrass event on Wednesday, June 24, from 5:30–7:00 p m in the Davis Christian Life Center
Enjoy a delicious barbecue meal while listening to live bluegrass music from Borrowed Time, featuring Sharon and Johnny Tanner. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy great music, and spend time with friends and family
Registration will open June 1 We hope to see you there!
Luke Arthur Davis Love
Outreach
BRIDGING FUTURES SUMMER
A 5-day summer camp for migrant and immigrant children will be held June 22–26, 2026 Hosted at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church in partnership with Cross Cultural Impact, the camp will offer full-day programming to reinforce learning during the summer months Certified teachers will support students in English, math, and other subje lead art, music, games, and other activities throughout the day. You may volunteer for one day or multiple days Sign-up forms will be available soon; in the meantime, please let Pastor Rusty know if you’re interested.
2026 CUMC BOOKBAG DRIVE
From June 21 to July 19, we will be collecting school supplies to fill 150 bookbags for local students. These donations will benefit Briggs Elementary, Lighthouse Ministries, Helping Florence Flourish, and Manna House in preparation for the July 29 start of the school year. Donations may include bookbags, notebooks, looseleaf paper, Ticonderoga pencils, Crayola crayons, and glue sticks Join us July 21 to pack bags contact the church office to volunteer. Prefer not to shop? Give through the offering plate or Realm (designate Bookbag Supply Drive), and Outreach will shop for you. More details and an Amazon wish list coming soon!
Bible Studies
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, Julian Lazar, Alice Hocking, 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, 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
Kitchen Manager/Chef
George Hicks
Caretakers
Jason Taylor, Charles Beaufort, Ronald Jones, Aaron Meyers-Coward
Housekeeper
Nicole Shaw
Safety Officers
Marilyn James, Johnny Spears, Billy Brown, Chris Benjamin, Kee’Shawn Mitchell, Jared James