The Dome The Dome Under Under
Labor Day - Church Office Closed
Monday, September 1
Wednesday Nights Resume
Wednesday, September 10 | 5:30 PM
Davis Christian Life Center
Third Grade Bible Presentation
Sunday, September 14 | 10:30 AM Sanctuary
Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday,
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OUR STAFF OUR 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
Director of Music/Organist Don Grice, dgrice@centralmethodist net
UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS
UPCOMINGCOMMITTEEMEETINGS
PreschoolBoard
Tuesday,September2
4:00-5:00PM
WorshipCommittee
Tuesday,September2
5:30-6:30PM
SPRC
Tuesday,September2
6:00-7:00PM
Education&SpiritualGrowthTeam
Sunday,September7
9:00-9:30AM
Adult&FamilyMinistriesTeam
Monday,September8
5:00-6:00PM
TheWellTeam
Monday,September8
6:00-7:00PM
StephenMinistry
Monday,September8
6:00-7:30PM
BoardofTrustees
Tuesday,September9
5:15-6:30PM
Children’sMinistryCommittee
Sunday,September14
8:45-9:30AM
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
Receptionist
Dianna Wilson, dwilson@centralmethodist net
Media Associate
Kathryn Velicky, kvelicky@centralmethodist.net
Director of Central UMC Preschool
Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist net
Dear Friends,
MESSAGES FROM OUR CLERGY
Rev. Thomas Smith Senior Pastor
I'm working on a couple of projects that I’d like to share with you and get your help with.
My first project is a Bible study for younger men called Rooted, which will begin on September 10 at 6:15 PM We’ll meet on the back deck of Bird’s Nest and read through the book of James together. We can have dinner at church with our families beforehand, then gather for the study. Each session will wrap up by 7:00 PM Please spread the word!
For my second project, I am working to increase Central’s online presence. I recently finished the online Matthew study that I began a few years ago. There are 37 videos on Central’s YouTube channel, guiding participants through the entire book I plan to record a study on another book of the Bible and welcome your suggestions for a book you might like to explore
The next phase of our digital efforts will be a series of short videos called “Why Do We Do That?” This is where I really need your help There are so many things we do in church without thinking about why we do them For example: Why do we say the Lord’s Prayer every Sunday in worship? What is the Apostles’ Creed, and where did it come from? What are those scarf things the clergy wear? (They’re called stoles, by the way.)
If there are questions you have wondered about, or questions you think would be helpful to help people explore, I want to hear about them Please share your ideas with me, and I will do my best to answer them in short videos we’ll share on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.
My prayer is that these efforts can leverage social media to help people learn about Central and encourage people to come see what a wonderful church we are. Thank you for your help in making it happen!
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Dear Church Family,
All of the clergy and staff have been working hard to plan for discipleship opportunities for all age groups We begin September with a variety of Bible Studies and fellowship groups, a new prayer request system, opportunities for lay leadership, new curriculum for our children and youth, and some community connection events. This time of year is exciting and full of new possibilities for growing in our faith
Please do not let today go by without praying for someone. Take a few moments to register for a Bible study or Wednesday night dinner Consider your spiritual gifts and pray how you will serve in the coming year. The ministry potential is exhilarating and the fruit of being actively engaged are the virtues of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control This also happens to be our fall faith focus for our children and youth!
The best way each adult can contribute to our young disciples’ understanding of the Fruit of the Spirit is to let them catch you modeling these wonderful outcomes of belonging to Jesus Christ So, go forward and live and be guided by the Spirit in these coming days. And, oh, what a wonderful experience this fall will be for all of us!
Galatians 5:22-26
Blessings,
Rev. Rusty Crimm Associate Pastor
In Matthew 13, as Jesus is preaching to a great crowd, he tells the people that “the kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”
We often fall into the trap of thinking that, because we can’t solve a problem entirely, it’s not worth taking even small steps toward a solution. In other words, we allow perfection to be the enemy of better And it’s easy to come to that conclusion, because with the amount and enormity of the world’s problems–let alone those right here in our community–how can we as individuals, or even a congregation, move the needle towards justice rolling down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream?
Well, this month we have another chance to move that needle by collecting diapers for the migrant community here in Florence We’ve all been the recipients of kind acts throughout our lives that have reminded us that we are more than what others think of us, or what we think of ourselves; we are God’s children, and through those acts of love and kindness we are reminded of that I want to ask you to join me in helping others experience that same Christlike love and grace through this simple act of service.
Grace and peace,
Rusty
S U N D A Y S @ C E N T R A L
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
YouthSundaySchool
6th-12th Grades – Youth Room 206
AdultSundaySchool
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
SundayWorshipTimes
8:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM
Chapel Service - Ingram Chapel The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
Sanctuary Service
SeptemberSchedule
September 7
Rev Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
September 14
Rev Meg Jiunnies (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
CELEBRATIONS
September 21
Rev Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Sanctuary)
Rev. Thomas Smith (The Well)
September 28
Rev Rusty Crimm (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
Katherine “Kate” Louisa Connelly was born on July 1, 2025, to Mary Rachel and Matt Connelly She joins her two older brothers, Cooper and Bennett Proud grandparents are Faith and Ashby Gressette, and Char and Scott Connelly.
STEWARDSHIP
Genesis 1 tells us the story of God creating all that is. The last thing God created was humanity,givingthemtheinstructions,“Befertileandincrease,filltheearthandmaster it.” One way to read this is that the first humans were charged to be stewards, or managers, of God’s creation. God made it all, so it all belongs to God, but God gave humanityeverythingtheyneededandassignedthemthetaskofcaringforit.Evenina timebeforethefirstsin,whenhumanitywasperfectbothphysicallyandspiritually,and whenhumanitywasinaperfectrelationshipwithGod,westillhadworktodo.Wewere totakecareoftheresourcesGodentrustedtoourcare.
TheGardenofEdenwasalongtimeago,andweliveinafallenworld.Butwestilllivein God’s creation and are entrusted with the care of God’s resources. As a church family andasindividuals,wearecalledtoprayerfullyconsiderhowweusetheresourcesGod entruststoourcare.
Nominations for Lay Leadership
Do you, or does someone you know, have spiritual gifts or feel called to a specific area of leadership at Central?
Central’s Nominations for Lay Leadership Team begins meeting soon to consider people with the spiritual gifts to serve as leaders and members of our ministry committees for 2026. Central is an active and effective force for Christian ministry within our church and community, and it is important for every member to use their unique spiritual gifts, experience, and passion to continue to be so. Please begin praying about where God is calling you in the stewardship of your time and talents for this coming year.
Contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies to volunteer or to nominate someone else for a position of leadership. It takes all of us with our many gifts and experiences to continue to equip Central as a growing and active church!
For the Music of Creation FortheMusic ofCreation
a service celebrating the music ministry of Central UMC a service celebrating the music ministry of Central UMC
Sunday, September 21 10:30 AM Sanctuary Sunday, September 21 10:30 AM Sanctuary
Ground-breaking
Rev. Bob Faulkner with engineers 1987
20 Anniversary th Portrait Unveiling for Rev. Bob Faulkner and Mary Alice Ingram
Left to right: Ann Ayres Orr, John Orr, and artist Thomas Nash 2012
HE MANOR’S CENTRAL ROOTS
Manor is a beautiful 89-acre retirement community that ts roots right here at Central. On Sunday nights in the early ’ s, a group of Centralites would gather for dessert after ning worship They affectionately called themselves “The Cream Gang ” On a particular night, at the home of Austin Louise Muckenfuss (now the Russell House), one lady ented that her friend was having to move out of Florence retirement home in North Carolina, and asked why dn’t there be a Methodist place like that in Florence. The rs sympathized with her, and Reverend Bob Faulkner, with e humor, commented that “all it would take is some land some money ” To everyone ’ s surprise, a portion of that d was provided within just a week’s time!
Mary Alice Ingram and Mr. Edwin Osteen, both Central mbers, showed up to the pastor’s study on Monday ning, each with a check and a goal of “let’s make it happen ” Mrs Ingram even had a vision of an avenue of oaks leading to the front door of this new home for Florentines and their neighbors Word spread quickly that Central was building a retirement home in Florence, and that is when Carl Harris, the pastor of St. Paul UMC, called Rev. Faulkner and said that Robert and Vermell Hamer, members of his church, owned 89 acres of land off of I-95 that they wanted to donate to this project
Excitement grew with these gifts. Members of Central gathered in the old Spears Fellowship Hall to fold and address letters of information and questionnaires regarding interest to members of churches all across the state. Rev. Faulkner spent time talking to groups at various churches and worked hard trying to get support from the SC United Methodist Conference He learned quickly that it would take “ more than some land and money ” to continue this project maybe even a miracle! He and Mrs. Ingram reached out to some other Centralites civil engineer Hugh Miley, attorney Laurence McIntosh, and Central’s SPRC chair and businessman John Orr, for their expertise Plans were drawn and people sent in deposits, wanting to know when they could move in, but the momentum halted when local banks and even HUD worried about the scale of the vision and refused requests for loans.
Ribbon cutting for Grand Re-opening
Left to right: Bishop Jonathan Holston, John Orr, Jane Miley, and Ann Wansley 2016
ohn Orr wrote in his notes about The Manor: “Do you believe miracles? I surely do ” He tells the story of this iscouragement over the project and of Reverend Faulkner’s rayer and answer from scripture, a verse from the book of abakkuk that soon would be written on the plaque at the ont door of the Manor:
will take my stand to watch, and station myself on the tower, nd look forth to see what he will say to me, and what I will nswer concerning my complaint
nd the Lord answered me: Write the vision; make it plain upon he tablets, so he may run who reads it.
For the vision still waits its time; it hastens to the end it will not lie If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay
Orr wrote, “With this, we knew we could not give up. ”
Banyan Retirement Services was hired to help cut costs and manage the project On December 3, 1991, a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held The United Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee opened with Independent and Assisted-living facilities By 1993, full to capacity, another bond issue allowed for three new wings, including a skilled nursing unit. In 1995, the beautiful chapel was built and named in honor of Mary Alice Ingram, and on the 20th Anniversary of the Manor, the front building was named for Reverend Faulkner Today, The Manor consists of 79 Independent Apartments, 36 Patio Homes, 64 Assisted Living Apartments, 31 Apartments for Memory Care, a 32-bed Health Care Unit, and two Aldersgate Homes for those adult children with special needs who have parents at The Manor.
Mr Orr gave much credit for the Manor to his friends; however, he himself has been the most generous steward of The Manor Community. He served as the chair of the Board from 2010 until his death in 2024. In 2016, with his leadership and gifts, the Manor held a Grand Re-opening with new additions and new outdoor spaces, including the entrance fountain, The Gazebo, the Serenity Garden, the Pavillion and Pond Walking Path, the Lifestyle Center, The Children’s Playground, The Dog Park, the Club House and even a putting green, which he and his golfing buddy, Reverend Faulkner, had dreamed about.
John Orr recalled always reading the verse from Habakkuk on the plaque at the front door when he would come and go He said he often visited Mrs Ingram and thanked her for her vision and contributions She humbly responded that she was grateful to the community for allowing her to be part of it.
Some forty years after those initial meetings, we will gather to remember and celebrate John Orr. His contribution of “land and money, ” hard work, vision, and belief in miracles has gone beyond what that Ice Cream Gang could have ever imagined Those who knew John know he would simply say, “Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”
Art Justice said of John Orr, “Everyone who knew John knew him as a man of vision John had a vision for the Manor that far surpassed all others Beginning in 2011, when John invited me to join the Manor Board of Trustees, I got to witness that vision He saw what the Manor could become, and all of the amenities that it could offer to its residents, and then he refused to take “ no ” for an answer. John cared for the Manor. He cared about its residents, and also its employees; and he cared for the long-term future maybe most of all I was honored to be John’s friend and to get a front row seat as he shaped and led the Manor for over a decade ”
The Board of Trustees of The Manor cordially invites you to a celebration honoring the late John Dodd Orr on Thursday, October 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The celebration will take place in front of The Clubhouse, which along with several other spaces will be named for Orr. The event will include a short program, refreshments, and tours Please call The Manor at 843-664-0700 by September 15 to register your attendance
Park and Pavillion to be named for John Orr
Entrance fountain to be named for John Orr
In Memory of Russ Barnes
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE
REDCROSS BLOODDRIVE
RussBarneswasadevotedblooddonorand apassionateadvocateforCentralUMC’s partnershipwiththeRedCross Beforebeing diagnosedwithMyelodysplasticSyndrome,a formofbloodcancer,hewasaregulardonor atourdrives Evenafterhisdiagnosis,Russ continuedtosupporttheministrybysharing hisstorywiththecongregationand encouragingotherstogive Heoften attendeddrivestothankdonorspersonally, servingasapowerfulreminderofthelifechangingimpactofthisoutreach Inhonorof Russ’sunwaveringcommitment,CentralUMC andtheRedCrosshavepartneredto dedicatetheSeptemberblooddrivetohis memory.
TIME THURSDAY 1:30-6:30PM SEPTEMBER18
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2025
LUNCH
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, September 3
Wednesday, September 10
Sunday, September 14
Wednesday, September 17
Sunday, September 21
Wednesday, September 24
Sunday, September 28
Children’s Choir Kickoff 5:30-6:30PM
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Third Grade Bible Presentation in the Sanctuary Service
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Music Sunday: Children’s Choirs Sing in the Sanctuary Service
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Children serve as Lay Readers in The Well and the Sanctuary
Children’s Choir Kickoff
Please join us for this exciting event! We’ll start with a pizza dinner at 5:30 PM, followed by a joint choir practice at 6:00 PM
While the children rehearse, parents will be given information about our upcoming fall events and receive guidance on our new Online Consent Form We’ll be available to help you complete the form on the spot We hope you can join us for this important and fun evening!
�� Save the Date: Trunk-or-Treat ��
Sunday, October 19 | 4:30–6:00 PM
Join us for an evening of fall fun & fellowship, costumes, & candy! We invite you to donate candy and host a trunk to help make this community event a sweet success!
Bible Blast on Wednesday Nights
This fall during Bible Blast, children will be learning how to use their Bibles to find verses and working on Bible verse memorization with Mrs. Catherine.
They’ll also explore the Fruit of the Spirit with Pastor Meg and Pastor Rusty as they prepare for Children’s Sabbath on November 9
Each week will incorporate games, art, and fellowship, making Bible learning fun and meaningful!
William Blayton - September 1
Annalee Seif - September 9
Gainsley Burdette - September 16
Wrigley Cole - September 29
Children’s Choirs & Worship
Central’s Children’s Choirs involve more than just singing! Along with learning music, children discover what worship means and actively participate in the life of our church’s worship services. Come join us as we sing, learn, and worship together!
Cherub Choir 4K - 1st grade Junior Choir 2nd - 6th grade
3rd Grade Bible Presentation
On Sunday, September 14, during the Sanctuary service, our 3rd graders will receive their very own Bibles a special milestone in their Christian faith. We want to help them learn how to use this precious gift as a tool for living in God’s Word and growing closer to Him
If you can’t attend that day, your child will receive his or her Bible at another convenient time.
Nursery News
Welcome Wigglers 3K & 4K
Welcome Wigglers begins Sunday, September 7 and runs through September 28 This 4-week program, led by our pastors, helps 3K & 4K children get comfortable with Children’s Time and Children’s Church during the Sunday School hour. Drop off your child at Sunday School as usual!
UMYF Kickoff Party UMYF Kickoff Party
UpcomingEvents
5:30PM Jr.High
S Y
September7:YouthParentMandatoryMeeting–4:00PM|YouthLounge UMYF:SeriesontheFruitoftheSpirit
6:30PM DinnerforAllYouth
7:00PM HighSchool
September14:UMYF
September21:UMYF
September28:5:00PM-FruitoftheSpiritSeriescontinuesfollowedby softballgameatBriggsElementaryforallyouth
October5:NOUMYF–IntersessionforFSD1
October12:5:00PM–AssembleTrickorTreatforCannedGoodsBags/ IceCreamSundaes
October19:TrunkorTreat
October23:5:30PM-DistributeTrickorTreatBags(meetatBriggs)
October26:CommitmentSunday LookingAhead
YouthSundaySchoolisheldeach Sundayfrom9:30-10:15AMinthe YouthLounge!Joinusandbringa friend! SundaySchool
Butthe FruitoftheSpiritis love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, andself-control. Thereisnolaw againstthese things. Galatians5:22-23.
ADULT & FAMILY MINISTRIES
Wednesday Night Dinner is Back!
Join us on Wednesday, September 10, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for the first Wednesday Night Dinner of the season! We’ll enjoy a delicious Southern-style supper together, followed by an uplifting concert from the Sensational Brown Brothers featuring Central’s own Billy Brown.
The Brown Brothers have traveled from coast to coast sharing the good news of Jesus through gospel music, and in 2021 they were honored with induction into the African American Museum of Black Gospel Music in Nashville, Tennessee.
The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office Come for the food, stay for the fellowship, and be blessed by an evening of music and community!
Veterans Breakfast
SENSATIONAL BROWNBROTHERS GOSPELSINGERS
All veterans and active-duty service members are invited to our next Veterans Breakfast on Thursday, September 18, at 8:00 AM in Spears Fellowship Hall Following breakfast, we will welcome Jim Thomas from the Florence VA Clinic as our guest speaker
There is no cost to attend, but we ask that you register through Realm or by contacting Adriane at areynolds@centralmethodist net Please help us spread the word by inviting other veterans, whether or not they are members of Central!
Come Travel with Us!
The Happy Travelers invite you to join us on Thursday, September 25, for a special trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N C This inspiring, 40,000-square-foot experience is set on 20 acres of beautiful grounds near Billy Graham’s childhood home. Inside the barn-shaped library, you’ll walk through exhibits that share his remarkable journey from a small-town farm boy to an international ambassador of God’s love
There is no cost for the trip (other than your lunch), and everyone is welcome Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot by registering on Realm or by emailing Adriane at areynolds@centralmethodist net
Central Scouts Return from Philmont
Central’s Scoutmaster, Dr. Harrell Docherty, served as lead advisor for a crew of 12 scouts and leaders who spent 12 days in July backpacking more than 60 miles through the Rocky Mountains of northern New Mexico. Hugh Granger served as the crew leader, completing his second Philmont trek, while Nathan Love participated as one of the adult leaders, hiking alongside his son, Grant
The group’s journey took place at Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico Scouting’s premier high-adventure base Each summer, Philmont hosts more than 18,000 youth across its 140,000 acres of rugged mountain wilderness, making it the largest youth camp in the world.
Interested in participating in Scouting? Contact Adriane Reynolds or Tim Fisher.
Moses: In the Footsteps of the Reluctant Prophet by Adam Hamilton
Led by Ginny Hill and Beth Ann Owen
Bible Studies
Mondays, Starting September 8, 9:30-11:15 am
Online Study of the Gospel of Matthew
1 and 2 Samuel st nd
Led by Johnny Crouch, Art Justice, and Hank Leeke
Tuesdays, starting September 9, 7:00-8:00am
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
The Book of James
Led by Rev. Thomas Smith
27:17 Men’s Bible Study
Wednesdays, starting September 10, 6:15-7:00pm at Bird’s Nest
Rooted: Men’s Study
by Jevon Caldwell-Gross, Magrey deVega, Sam McGlothlin, & Susan Robb
Led by Rev. Meg Jiunnies
Wednesdays, September 17 - October 1, 6:00-7:00pm
Engaging God’s Word: Women’s Study
1 and 2 Thessalonians st nd
Led by Renae Chadwick and Bill Flynn
Led by Rev Meg Jiunnies; for more information, contact Patty Howard
Sundays, September 21 - October 9, 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesdays, starting September 10, 10:00-11:00am through October 22 (no meeting October 8)
Scan QR Code to register!
Scan the QR Code to register!
On Purpose: Finding God’s Voice in Your Passion
Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness by Junius Dotson
Led by Rev. Rusty Crimm
Wednesdays, October 22 - November 19, 6:00-7:00pm
The Chosen: Series Review and Discussion
Coming in October!
Congregational Care
CareGivers Retreat: Creative Prayer Journaling
Caregiving can be rewarding but also exhausting this retreat offers a chance to rest, recharge, and connect with others who share your journey. Join us for fellowship, a short program, and light refreshments
�� Wednesday, September 10
�� 4:00–5:00 PM
�� Moody Parlor
Stay afterward to enjoy Wednesday Night Dinner or pick up a meal to take home. To register for dinner, visit www.centralmethodist.net/events.
Soul Support: Fellowship for Women Who Have Lost a Spouse
Join us for an evening of shopping and fellowship in downtown Florence! We’ll explore Barringer’s General Store a unique shop filled with local art, jewelry, food, handbags, and more Enjoy food samples and group discounts on purchases, and then continue the evening with dinner at El Agave Mexican Restaurant.
�� Thursday, September 18
�� 5:00 PM
�� Barringer’s General Store & El Agave
For more information, contact:
Becky Crawford | (843) 621-1424 | beckyhcrawford@gmail.com
Cherrie Dean | (843) 245-4028 | cdean22268@sc.rr.com
SavetheDates
What is Stephen Ministry?
Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one, Christ-centered care during times of crisis or challenge. If you’ve ever considered receiving support, wondered about confidentiality or time commitments, or felt called to serve as a Stephen Minister or Leader, this is a chance to learn more. Join us for an open discussion where you can ask questions or simply listen to others’ experiences
�� Wednesday, October 15
�� 6:00–7:00 PM
�� Spears Fellowship Hall
SC Cognitive Connection Dementia Care Workshop
Discover ways to better support dementia care in our community through this special morning workshop hosted by the United Methodist Church. Led by Toni Anderson (SC Department of Aging), Rev. Bryan Pigford, and Bishop Ken Carder, the program builds on Bishop Carder’s visit with us last fall Join us and invite others who would benefit as we learn how to provide care, support, and education around dementia
�� Wednesday, October 22
�� 9:30 AM–12:00 PM
�� Spears Fellowship Hall
OUTREACH MINISTRY OUTREACH MINISTRY
Bookbag Drive Report
Our Bookbag Drive was a great success again this year! Thanks to your generosity, we collected 195 Bookbags, which allowed us to donate filled bags to Briggs Elementary, Helping Florence Flourish, Lighthouse Ministries and The MannaHouse.Whatablessing to be able to help so many children walk into school on the first day with a bag filled with the supplies they need. Thank you to those who donated and those who helped pack! Outreach could nothavedoneitwithoutyou
BEDS Build Day
Saturday, October 4
JoinusforBEDSBuildDayonSaturday,October4,from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the BEDS parking lot (268 W. Cheves St.) as we come together to build beds for childreninFlorenceSchoolDistrictOnewhodon’thave abedoftheirown.
BEDS (Better Education Demands Sleep) is a ministry founded in 2015 by Central member Art Justice, who was inspired after learning about a similar effort in Pineville, NC Since then, Art and a team of volunteers have built and delivered countless beds all from donatedmaterials—tochildreninneed,helpingensure abetternight’srestandabrighterdayatschool.
No experience needed! Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. We’ll have trained team members to guide you, and if you happen to own a hand-held router or cordless drill, please bring it along with your chargerandbits.
Parking Lot Ministry
Central supports the Parking Lot Ministry, serving hot meals and hope to those in need at 7:00 AM behind theoldHopeHealthbuildingonselect Saturdays. We had a wonderful turnoutonAugust16 thankyoutoall whoserved!
MUSTARD SEED MIGRATION GRANT MUSTARD SEED MIGRATION GRANT
A PARTNERSHIP WITH TRINITY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH A PARTNERSHIP WITH TRINITY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“The kingdom of God is a mustard seed in a crack in the sidewalk growing fast that breaks up the stone by reaching deep, spreading wide for the birds to nest.
Oh, when you find that shade from the heat and haste, leave your striving and come to rest where the branches spread over broken bread; find heaven in a sparrow’s nest.”
- “Oyster Shell” by the Porter’s Gate, feat. Paul Zach
This spring, Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church approached Central with an idea to reach out to the migrant community here in Florence. Through our United Methodist Committee on Relief, we found the Mustard Seed Migration Grant, a $2,000 grant to help churches reach out to–and come alongside of–immigrants and refugees in their communities. The grant’s website states that “the goal of this program is to nurture a deeper understanding and care for the most vulnerable in our communities, assisting them without regard to their race, religion, or status. We also encourage participating congregations to think about what they might do on a long-term basis, how they might get involved in advocacy to address systemic injustices present in immigration policy or consider how they might more completely live into a new understanding of church as the kingdom of God, actively engaged in caring for the most vulnerable in the community. ”
This spring, Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian approached an to out to here Florence. our United Methodist Committee on Relief, we Mustard Seed Grant, a $2,000 grant to churches out to–and come of–immigrants refugees in their communities. The grant’s states “the of this program to nurture a deeper and care for the most vulnerable our communities, them without to race, religion, or status. We encourage participating congregations to what they might do on a long-term basis, how they might get involved advocacy to address present in or more live a new of church as the of God, actively in for the most vulnerable the community.”
Through the month of September, Central will be holding a diaper drive for migrant families in our community who are struggling to provide for the basic needs of their children; and, for their part, Trinity EPC’s existing migrant ministry is using the $2,000 to provide additional support by purchasing other necessities. Through this partnership, we hope to show the city of Florence the power of the Holy Spirit to connect Christians of different faith traditions in the pursuit of the greatest commandment: to love God and love our neighbors.
the month of September, Central will be holding a diaper for migrant families our community who are struggling to provide of children; and, for their part, Trinity EPC’s existing ministry is using the $2,000 to provide support other necessities. this partnership, we to show of Florence the power of the to connect traditions in the greatest commandment: to love our neighbors.
If you have any questions or have a desire to provide additional help in this area, reach out to Pastor Rusty! For a list of needs, scan the QR Code for our Amazon WishList.
If you any or a desire to provide additional help in this area, reach out to Pastor Rusty! For a list of needs, scan the QR Code for our Amazon WishList.
