September 2026 - UTD - CUMC

SEPTEMBER 2026

Under The The Dome Dome Central United Methodist Church Central United Methodist Church

ISSUE #39

AT CENTRAL

JOIN US!

Worship & Sunday School Worship Services

Sunday School

Chapel Worship Service

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.

Each Sunday | 9:00 AM | Sanctuary

The Well Worship Service Each Sunday | 9:00 AM Davis Christian Life Center

Sanctuary Worship

Each Sunday | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary

Wednesday Service of Prayer & Holy Commnion Each Wednesday | 12:15 PM Ingram Chapel

THIS MONTH

Upcoming Events Church Office Closed for Labor Day

UMW Board Meeting

Monday, September 7 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday, September 16 | 3:30 PM Moody Parlor Room 166

UMW Circle Meetings

Happy Travelers Tuesday, September 22 Off Campus

Veterans Breakfast

Rev. Robby Lybrand on Hospitality

Tuesday, September 8 Various Locations

Thursday, September 17 | 8:00 AM Spears Fellowship Hall

Wednesday, September 23 | 6:00 PM Spears Fellowship Hall

First Wednesday Night Dinner

Music Sunday

Bible Blast Gathering for Third Graders

Wednesday, September 9 | 5:30 PM Davis Christian Life Center

Sunday, September 20 | 11:00 AM Sanctuary

Organ 101 – Wednesday Program

Scrapbooking Group Meeting

Wednesday, September 9 | 6:15 PM Sanctuary

Sunday, September 20 | 12:30 PM Sunshine Classroom 164/165

Sunday, September 27 | Time TBD The Burdette Home

Immigration Simulation with Rev. Patrick Taylor

Wednesday, September 30 | 6:15 PM Spears Fellowship Hall

GET INVOLVED

Committee Meetings Preschool Board

Youth Committee

Board of Trustees

Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00 PM Moody Parlor Room 166

Sunday, September 13 | 10:00 AM Youth Sunday School Room

Tuesday, September 15 | 5:15 PM Christian Family Conf. Room 173

Worship Committee

Stephen Ministry

Tuesday, September 1 | 5:00 PM Christian Family Conf. Room 173

Monday, September 14 | 6:00 PM Christian Family Conf. Room 173

Education & Spiritual Growth Team

SPRC

Adult & Family Ministries

Tuesday, September 1 | 6:00 PM Christian Family Conf. Room 173

Monday, September 14 | 5:00 PM Moody Parlor Room 166

Children’s Committee

Nominations Committee

Sunday, September 13 | 10:00 AM Malambri Classroom 232

Monday, September 14, 21, & 28 | 6:00 PM Faulkner Board Room 108

Come & See Committee

Outreach & Advocacy Team

Sunday, September 13 | 3:00 PM Spears Fellowship Hall Room 156

Tuesday, September 15 | 6:00 PM Moody Parlor Room 166

Sunday, September 20 | 10:00 AM Moody Parlor Room 166

Finance Committee Tuesday, September 22 | 6:00 PM Sunshine Classroom 164/165

FROM OUR PASTORS

Rev. Thomas Smith

Rev. Rusty Crimm

Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies

Senior Pastor

Associate Pastor

Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship

Dear Friends,

“Come and see!”

Dear All,

Even though it’s nearly 100 degrees outside, the calendar tells us it’s fall. With fall comes a lot of fun things—church gets busier, there is the promise of cooler temperatures (eventually), and football is back!

As we begin September, we focus on the fact that we are One Central: one church in one community with one calling to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors. My hope is that, throughout this month, you will hear about many ways in which we can invite our community to come and see what God is doing through Central UMC, and also that you will come and see new ways to give of your prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

I just finished reading a thoughtful article

by Rev. Mark Tidsworth who guided our church through “Making the Shift” a few years ago. That program started some really fine ‘holy experiments’ and reinforced the culture here at Central that encourages all disciples to create relevant new ministries for our context.

If you’re a football fan, think of the players you can name, or past great players who stick in your mind. Chances are they’re quarterbacks or offensive players who make big plays and score touchdowns.

Defensive players that come to mind likely play positions that get big tackles or break up passes. We know those players’ names. But unless we’re superfans of a particular team, we might be hardpressed to name an offensive lineman, a long snapper, or a holder. Yet at any given moment during a football game, each team has 11 players on the field.

There are many more on the sidelines.

There are position coaches and trainers.

There are a host of people whose efforts go into making the big plays, even if only a handful of them get highlights on ESPN. It takes an entire team, working in concert, to be effective.

Something similar is at work when a church is effective. It takes all of us, with our unique gifts and talents, with different passions and skill sets, working together to effectively carry out the mission and ministry God entrusts to us. When we all give God and His church our 100% effort, God works through us to advance God’s Kingdom and make a difference for God’s church and our community.

I’m particularly excited about the opportunities we’ll have on September 23rd and 30th to hear from Revs. Robby Lybrand (Associate Pastor, St. Mark UMC, Greenwood) and Patrick Taylor (Pastor, The Way UMC, Aiken) about how we can continue building our hospitality ministries and how we can better help our immigrant neighbors here in Florence. These are both tangible ways that we can live into the theme of this month—you’ll find more information about both events in the pages of this issue of Under the Dome. You’ll also hear more of the stories of Central members through our Daily Scripture Readings this month, focusing on how God has been at work in them through the ministries of Central.

I can’t wait to see how you and our community will come and see what God is doing through Central!

Grace and peace,

Rusty Crimm

Mark’s article was about things that your pastor might want you to know about your church journey. The points were all very good, but the one that resonated with me the most was about sharing those times of faith growth with your pastor.

While we often see the results—the fruit of your growth, we don’t always get to have a conversation with you about it.

Mark reminded everyone that a conversation like this can be really significant to a pastor’s ministry.

Last month’s Under the Dome included a worksheet of spiritual disciplines for the coming year. Rusty, Thomas, and I would love to hear how you have incorporated some of these practices (or others) into your faith formation journey. This is the wonderful gift of corporate discipleship— the way we encourage and uplift and inspire one another!

So, come have a conversation with us and tell us about your new insights or the things you are struggling with. We really do want to know, and you never know how meaningful it will be for us all!

Blessings,

Meg

I’m looking forward to continuing to serve alongside you in ministry and to a season of impactful mission and ministry!

Yours in Christ,

Thomas Smith

“

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

Proverbs 3:5-6

2027 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

ONE

CENTRAL

ONE CHURCH. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE CALLING.

We are One Church, in One Community, with One Calling – to Follow Jesus,

by Loving God and Loving Neighbor.

This season of spiritual growth is designed to deepen our understanding of Christian stewardship. Rather than focusing on the church's need to receive, we are invited to reflect on the giver's need to give—for their own spiritual development. The act of giving certainly empowers the church's mission, but it also blesses the giver.

ONE CENTRAL SERMON SERIES September 6 through October 4 Our clergy will be doing a sermon series leading up to Commitment Sunday about how we are One Central and what that means.

COMMITMENT

Sunday

OCTOBER 4, 2026 Plan now to attend two important events on Commitment Sunday!

We will follow our regular worship schedule with the Chapel Service and The Well at 9:00 AM, and the Sanctuary service at 11 :00 AM. RECEPTION BETWEEN SERVICES Join us for a time of fellowship and celebration at 10:00 AM between worship services.

Series Note: We are one community, one church, with one calling to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbor.

DAILY SCRIPTURE

Readings

A SPECIAL SERIES IN SEPTEMBER Throughout the month of September, our Daily Scripture Readings will be written by members of our Come and See team, the Stewardship Committee, staff, and Lay Leaders.

Each reflection will highlight how God has worked through Central UMC to shape lives, build community, and equip us for our calling.

Watch for these readings each day and be inspired by how God is at work in and through our church family!

THE WELL

A FRESH LOOK. The same living water.

The Well Logo Redesign “…those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”

(JOHN 4:14 NRSVUE) When Central created a blended worship service in 2014 and named it The Well, they created a space where, like the story of the woman at the well, anyone could come and meet Jesus as they are, without fear and without judgment.

One of the wonderful things about Central UMC is how a meaningful worship service like The Well can coexist with our Chapel and Sanctuary worship services. We were inspired by the story of the woman at the well, and by our stewardship focus of One Central to redesign our logo to reinforce what many of us already know—that there is a place for everyone at Central.

The well reminds of the living water that Jesus brings us, as Central’s dome atop that well reminds us that, even though we worship in three different service, we are one church in one community with one calling: to follow Jesus by loving God and loving our neighbors.

Join us at Each Sunday 9:00 AM | Davis Christian Life Center

MUSIC MINISTRY

The Music The Music of the of the Spheres Spheres a service a service celebrating celebrating the Music the Music Ministry Ministry of of Central Central UMC UMC

Sunday, September Sunday, September 20, 20, 2026 2026 || 11:00 11:00 AM AM Sanctuary Sanctuary

MUSIC MINISTRY

2026-2027 Season Central United Methodist Church Florence, South Carolina

Photo by Joseph Routon

May 6, 2027 7:00 PM

October 8, 2026 7:00 PM

February 18, 2027 7:00 PM

Lenora Jeffcoat

Nathan Laube

Area Chair and Associate Professor of Organ The University of Oklahoma

Concert Organist Columbia, SC

Associate Professor of Organ Eastman School of Music

“The playing is expressive and musical, and she has a fine ear for color.”

– American Record Guide

International experience as a choral accompanist and performer

“Nathan Laube, once a ‘rising star’ is now an international star, and his consummate musicianship is justifiably celebrated worldwide.” – The Tracker

Damin Spritzer

Free Admission

www.centralmethodist.net/organcentral

CENTRAL UMC

Happenings at CENTRAL UMC Promotion Sunday On August 2, 2026 Central held its annual Promotion Sunday. It was a great start to a new Sunday School year!

It was wonderful to see our children and youth settling into their new classes, meeting teachers, and reconnecting with friends.

Please keep our Sunday School teachers, volunteers, and students in your prayers as they begin another year of learning, growing, and following Christ together. We can't wait to see what this year has in store!

Gather & Grow Our very first Gather & Grow was held on August 8, 2026. That morning was full of kids learning and playing together, parents connecting, new friends, lots of laughter, a little bit of chaos, and a reminder that there is always room for one more.

We read The Big Umbrella and talked about how God’s love is big enough for every single one of us. No matter who we are, there is always room for us in God’s love and in our church family.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make our first Gather & Grow such a special morning. We can’t wait to gather and grow together again next time!

Parking Lot Ministry On August 15, 2026, members of Central helped serve our community through the Parking Lot Ministry, preparing and distributing nearly 150 meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity throughout Florence.

Six times each year, members of Central come together through this ministry to provide meals and extend care to our neighbors beyond the walls of the church.

Interested in getting involved? Whether you’d like to help prepare meals, package food, or assist with distribution, we’d love to have you join us! Contact Mark Adams to learn more.

ONE CHURCH. ONE COMMUNITY. ONE CALLING.

Central’s Boy Scout Troop Central’s Scouting ministry gives boys a place to grow, build friendships, learn new skills, and develop character along the way. Boys in grades 6–12 meet every Tuesday evening from 7:00–8:30 PM at Central’s Scout Hut, located at 618 Plum Drive. Younger boys in 5K–5th grade can join Central’s Cub Scout program, with dens meeting twice a month on Sunday afternoons.

Interested in getting involved? Contact Tim Fisher at timwfisher@aol.com or text 843-409-4126 for more information about Central’s Scouting ministry.

Schofield Library Below are featured books available in the Schofield Library (now on a table display).

Remember, you can search the library catalog from your home at centralumc.library.site Collins, Ace Ellsberg, Robert James, Carolyn Leon, Vicki MacArthur, John Soelle, Dorothee Tamez, Elsa Thurston, Bonnie

Stories Behind Women of Extraordinary Faith Blessed Among All Women Lost Women of the Bible Uppity Women Speak their Minds Twelve Extraordinary Women Great Women of the Bible Jesus and Courageous Women Women in the New Testament

Birth Announcement Tillie James Ruffin Born August 17, 2026

Daughter of Devin & Thomas Ruffin Proud Grandparents are Patti & Jed Cribb

Baptism On August 9, 2026, Eloise Ann Shumpert was baptized at Central UMC. Eloise is the daughter of Mary Amanda and Stokes Shumpert.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

ORGAN 101 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

Our First Wednesday night programming on September 9, 2026 will be Organ 101 with Dr. Don Grice.

After dinner, at 6:15 PM in the Sanctuary, come join Dr. Don Grice for a presentation on Central’s organ.

Enjoy a brief tutorial on the King of Instruments, featuring a behind

Dr. Don Grice Organist at Central UMC

the scenes look at our organ. You will discover some of the basics about how the instrument works and what the organist does. Hear the different families of sounds including flutes, strings, and reeds and see some of the devices and controls manipulated by the player. The console will be fully visible for the presentation.

“Hyacinthe”

The Organ Console

BIBLE STUDIES

Bible Studies MIDDLE SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

BOYS Bible Study

GIRLS

Starts in September Meets Two Tuesdays a Month For Boys in 6th-8th Grades Krispy Kreme on Palmetto St. 7:00 AM Led by Rev. Thomas Smith

Starts in September Meeting on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays For Girls in 6th-8th Grades Krispy Kreme on Palmetto Street 7:00 AM Led by Grace Timms

H I G H SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL

GIRLS Bible Study

Bible Study

ROOTED YOUNG MEN’S YOUNG MEN’S

Bible Study

Started in August Meeting on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays For Girls in 9th-12th Grades Venus Restaurant on Palmetto St. 7:00-7:45 AM Led by Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies

Starts September 16, 2026 Meets During the School Year Young Men TBA 6:15-7:00 PM Led by Rev. Thomas Smith

YOUNG WOMEN’S

Courtney Graham

ENGAGING GOD’S WORD:

Philippians

Women’s Bible Study

Starts September 16, 2026 Ends November 18, 2026 Young Women Malambri Hall, Room 232 6:00-7:00 PM Led by Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies

Starts September 14, 2026 Meets Every Monday Morning Women of All Ages Room 173 9:15-11:00 AM Led by Ginny Hill & Beth Ann Owen

Bible Study

BIBLE STUDY ON

THE CHOSEN TV SERIES

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Starts September 13, 2026 Meets on Sundays Everyone is Welcome to Join Room 173 3:30-5:00 PM Led by Renae Chadwick & Bill Flynn

Starts September 15, 2026 Meets Every Tuesday Morning Men of All Ages Spears Fellowship Hall 7:00-8:00 AM Led by Johnny Crouch & Art Justice

At Central, our Bible Studies are a meaningful way to grow in faith and build lasting connections through fellowship. Some studies require registration to help us prepare materials and plan accordingly. Others are open to all with no registration needed, so feel free to join anytime and be part of the conversation.

Visit www.centralmethodist.net/studies to read more about our upcoming Bible Studies and to register.

UMW BBQ

22ND ANNUAL CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

UMW BBQ FUNDRAISER OCTOBER 7, 2026 LUNCH: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM DINNER: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Catered by Shuler’s BBQ

Eat in, take out, drive thru, or lunch delivery of 10 or more plates!

All proceeds go to local missions.

$15 per plate

(BBQ, BBQ Bog, Sweet Potatoes, Slaw, and Bread)

$5 for a Child’s Hot Dog Plate (dinner, dine-in only)

Purchase tickets from the church office (843-662-3218) or any UMW member.

UMC PRESCHOOL

UM MC C CCeennttrraall U Prreesscchhooooll P Here we grow again!

FAITH, LEARNING, FUN! Every Day!

START CHILDREN OFF ON THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO, AND EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OLD THEY WILL NOT TURN FROM IT. Proverbs 22:6

NURSERY MINISTRY

A LEGACY OF

Love

CELEBRATING THE FAITHFUL MINISTRY OF TWO BELOVED NURSERY WORKERS AS THEY RETIRE

Kathy Allen

Helen Greenwell

OVER 30 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

OVER 25 YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE

I moved to Florence, South Carolina, in 1974 as a bride.

The only people I knew were my husband and his grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. C. L. Sexton. The Sextons were very active members of Central United Methodist Church, so I immediately joined and found a wonderful church family.

Hilary, my daughter, came home from work at the church one day and said, “Mom, we need someone to work with Ms. Kathy in the baby room. I think you would like it.” I think that was 25 years ago!

As a young wife and mother, I taught first-grade Sunday school and Vacation Bible School and was active in United Methodist Women, serving as president from 1979–1980. From 1986–1988, I served as Director of the Mother’s Morning Out program. In November 1988, I accepted a full-time position, but I found that I really missed the children. When I was approached in the late 1990s about working in the nursery on Sunday mornings, I did not hesitate to say yes.

It has been an honor to be entrusted with the care of the church’s youngest and most vulnerable members these last 35 years. I have tried to ensure that every child feels physically safe, deeply loved, and uniquely valued. I have learned so much from the children and their parents, as well as from all the wonderful women I have worked with.

Central has a strong children’s ministry that focuses on partnering with families to lead children into a safe, joyful, and foundational relationship with Jesus. I look forward to continuing to work with Central’s children, and I encourage you to do the same.

Continue Their Legacy

The children have kept me happy and feeling young. I can’t pick a favorite memory, but I guess the most rewarding thing is knowing that I took care of those kids like they were my own. Now, to see those same kids grown up and having children of their own—it has come full circle.

I have loved working in the nursery and taking care of the babies.

Their kindness has welcomed generations of children into God’s house! Thank you Kathy and Helen for your love, your patience, and your faithful service!

Learn more about Central’s Nursery www.centralmethodist.net/nursery

Join Our Nursery Team!

Do you enjoy caring for children and helping families feel at home? We’re looking for caring individuals to serve in Central’s Nursery on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO APPLY!

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Join us ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS FOR BIBLE BLAST! Each week, we’ll find fun and creative ways to learn God’s Word through

games, art, yoga, music, snacks, movement, and more!

Our theme for 2026-2027 year is a throwback to the 90's:

IS BACK

on September 9, 2026!

Throughout the year, we’ll talk about what it means to follow Jesus in our everyday lives, including how to pray, how to be a good friend, how to serve others, and how we can continue building a strong community together here at Central.

And of course, we can’t have a ’90s WWJD theme without WWJD bracelets! Each child will receive a bracelet to wear as a reminder throughout the week.

Every Wednesday they remember to wear their bracelet to Bible Blast, they’ll help their group work toward a special Bible Blast party!

We’ll also work on outreach projects throughout the year and prepare for special events in the life of our church, including Children’s Sabbath and the Nativity Program.

Wednesday Night Schedule: 2nd - 5th Grades:

BIBLE BLAST

6:00 - 6:30 PM

st

BIBLE BLAST

6:30 - 7:00 PM

3K - 1 Grade:

Children will participate in choir during the other half of the hour.

Bible Blast will meet upstairs in the Children’s Assembly Room unless otherwise specified. This year, all children participating in Bible Blast or Choir will be picked up from the Children’s Assembly Room at 7:00 PM.

Children's Choir Needs You! Do you love music and enjoy encouraging children? Join our Children's Choir ministry as a Wednesday Night helper! No teaching experience is needed—just a welcoming heart and a willingness to help children grow in music and worship.

Wednesdays • 6:00–7:00 PM Interested? Contact Kristen Hardaway at 843-495-1571

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

CHILDREN Coming Up in September!

Sunday, September 6

Wednesday, September 23

Wednesday, September 9

Sunday, September 27

Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM

Outreach Project

Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM

Sunday, September 13 Sunday School lesson on Genesis 41:1-57, Joseph Saves the Day

Wednesday, September 16

Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM

Sunday School lesson on Genesis 42:1-46, Joseph and His Brother Unite Third Grade Bible Presentation in the Sanctuary at 11:00 AM

Wednesday, September 30

Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM

Sunday, September 20

Music Sunday Children’s Choirs sing in the Sanctuary at 11:00 AM–group practice during Sunday School

Questions about upcoming events? Contact Catherine Lucius, Director of Children’s Ministries!

3rd Grade Bible Presentation On Sunday, September 27, during the 11:00 AM Sanctuary service, all third graders will receive their very own Bible as a special gift from Central United Methodist Church. We are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our third graders and their families as they continue to grow in their faith and learn more about God’s Word.

That afternoon, our third graders will be invited to a special Ice Cream Social with our pastors at the home of the Burdettes. This will be a fun opportunity to spend time together and learn a little more about their new Bibles. More information will be sent to third grade families soon!

September Memory Verse “SO CONTINUE ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER AND BUILDING EACH OTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE DOING ALREADY”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 CEB

WEDNESDAY Nights Return!

SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

We're excited to kick off another year of Bible Blast and Children's Choir! Join us for dinner at 5:30 PM, followed by Bible Blast and Choir from 6:00–7:00 PM.

September Rook Miles September 4

Birthdays

Brice DuBose September 4 Grantlee Talbert September 8 Annalee Seif September 9

Evans Strait September 19 Harper Ward September 28 Wrigley Cole September 29

YOUTH MINISTRY

YOUTH Join us for Youth in September!

Sunday, August 30 UMYF The Jones’s House All Youth 5:30-7:00 PM

Sunday, September 20 UMYF 6th- 8th Grades at 5:30 PM Dinner for All 6:30 - 7:30 PM 9th -12th Grades at 7:00 PM

Sunday, September 6 No UMYF Labor Day Weekend

Sunday, September 27 Movie Night Mrs. Sharpe’s House All Youth 5:30-8:00 PM

Sunday, September 13 UMYF 6th- 8th Grades at 5:30 PM Dinner for All 6:30 - 7:30 PM 9th -12th Grades at 7:00 PM

Questions about upcoming events? Contact Julie Knight, Director of Youth Discipleship!

Back to School Messy Games

And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

ADULT & FAMILY MINISTRIES

VETERANS

Breakfast

Meets every other month in Spears Fellowship Hall

NEXT BREAKFAST

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 8:00 AM CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

r o T k r n e u r T Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00-7:00 PM • Irby Street Parking Lot

Join us for wednesday night dinner first!

Decorated trunks • Candy • Costumes Special visit from the hartsville bubble guy!

HOST A TRUNK! Families, Sunday School classes, and church groups are invited to decorate a trunk and hand out candy. Keep it simple or get creative.

Halloween decorations are available if you need them!

Email Catherine Lucius, clucius@centralmethodist.net, to sign-up!

Candy donations & Volunteers needed INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS!

LAY LEADERSHIP

Q&A

W I T H C E N T R A L’ S L AY L E A D E R S

long have you served in this Q How ministry area? served on Stewardship A Iforhave two years. do you enjoy most about Q What serving with this Team? enjoy the collaboration with A Ithe pastors and with members from each committee or ministry.

JEANETTE JACKSON STEWARDSHIP CHAIR

made you say “yes” when Q What you were nominated to serve? said "yes" when Thomas asked A Ime to lead Stewardship because I feel strongly that it is vital to the mission and ministries of our church.

are the spiritual gifts that Q What are important on this Team?

you had moments of Q Have doubt as you’ve led this Team?

spiritual gifts I have relied A The on are being organized and

have had many moments of A Idoubt.

I sought out past

What life or work experience is helpful?

being intentional in listening to others' opinions. I think it takes courage to be in this ministry because it is one that evokes strong feelings from congregation members.

How has God been present in your work?

leaders and asked their opinions on the format for this year. I have also relied heavily on Thomas for guidance. God has been present as I've asked for guidance and as I've prayed with Thomas.

FAITH FORMATION & CONGREGATIONAL CARE

LAY LEADERSHIP Every Member in Ministry Here at Central we encourage every person to choose at least one area of ministry in which to serve.

Our EMIM form is designed to help you choose in an easy and accessible manner.

Scan the QR Code to see which of the ministries might interest you!

Or visit centralmethodist.net/serve

If you are interested in starting a new ministry or taking part in one that isn’t listed on our form, contact

Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

1 Peter 1:4

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

A ‘ONE & DONE’ VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEAL DELIVERY

Many of you may not be aware of a special ministry we have as part of our Wednesday Night Dinners.

For members of our church family who are unable to attend in person, dedicated volunteers deliver the Wednesday night meal to their homes.

If you are unable to attend due to health concerns or surgery and would like to consider this opportunity to stay connected with your church family, please contact Rev. Rusty Crimm through the church office (843.662.3218) or Beth Ann Owen (843.615.6007).

WE ARE ALSO SEEKING

VOLUNTEERS for this ministry

IF you are a regular Wednesday Night Dinner attendee, you could deliver after you finish your meal.

IF you participate in the Wednesday programs, then you could deliever the meals at 5:30 PM. IF you participate in the Wednesday programs, please know that we would only ask you to deliver once a month.

AND IF you don’t regularly attend Wednesday dinners, please consider helping a fellow member unable to participate in church fellowship due to health or surgial concerns.

Again, contact Rev. Rusty Crimm or Beth Ann Owen with questions.

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Central’s Congregational Care Team would like to expand its grief ministry. We are looking for one or two people to be willing touse their spiritual gifts to lead a grief group, help equip families with grieving children, or develop other means of support for those who are grieving, especially as we prepare for the holidays.

If you are feeling called to this ministry, please contact Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies for more details.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

RADICAL

Hospitality

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2026 Our Wednesday night programming on September 23, 2026 will include a presentation from Rev. Robby Lybrand of St. Mark UMC in Greenwood, SC on “The Hospitable Church.”

Robby is not only the Associate Pastor at St. Mark UMC but also a Ph.D. candidate and Chef Instructor in USC’s School of

Rev. Robby Lybrand

Hospitality and Tourism Management!

Associate Pastor, St. Mark UMC Ph.D. Candidate & Chef Instructor USC School of Hospitality & Tourism Management

He has literally written books on church hospitality and will give us some pointers on how we can continue making Central UMC a more welcoming and hospitable place!

Help us grow in hospitality by completing this 15-minute survey!

OUTREACH & ADVOCACY

IMMIGRATION SIMULATION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

Our Wednesday night programming on September 30, 2026 will include an immigration simulation.

We will participate in real stories as immigrants navigating the complex and changing realities of America’s immigration system.

You’ll hear different stories and see how the current process (largely unchanged for 40 years) responds to present realities.

Getting beyond political caricatures, you will leave having learned about the time it takes to move through the system, the legal avenues for entry, and the current global realities of migration.

Led By:

Rev. Patrick Taylor Pastor at The Way UMC | Aiken, SC

Church Office

Clergy & Staff

Phone: 843-662-3218

Senior Pastor Thomas Smith, tsmith@centralmethodist.net

Pastoral Emergency Care: 843-662-3206

Associate Pastor Rusty Crimm, rcrimm@@centralmethodist.net

Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship Meg Bryce Jiunnies, mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net Pastor Emeritus Tom Pietila

Physical Address: 167 South Irby Street Florence, SC 29501

Retired Pastors Dannye Bragdon, Julian Lazar, Alice Hocking, Leon Wagnon, DeVere Williams

Mailing Address: 265 West Cheves Street Florence, SC 29501

Director of Music/Organist Don Grice, dgrice@centralmethodist.net

Find Us Online

Music Associate/Director of Handbells Beverly Hazelwood, bhazelwood@centralmethodist.net

Worship Director of The Well Lance Hatchell, lhatchell@centralmethodist.net

Website www.centralmethodist.net Your hub for everything happening at Central! Find upcoming events, worship information, church news, resources, sermons, and more—all in one place.

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

Facebook CUMC.SC

Stay connected with daily Scripture readings, event photos and videos, ministry updates, upcoming events, and important church announcements.

Instagram CUMCFLORENCE Experience life at Central through photos, reels, stories, and daily Scripture readings that highlight our worship, ministries, and community.

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

YouTube

Director of Central UMC Preschool Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist.net

CentralUnitedMethodistChurch

Watch weekly worship services anytime, anywhere. Catch up on recent messages or revisit your favorite sermons and special services.

Realm Register for Bible studies, events, and Wednesday Night Dinners, connect with fellow church members, and access the online church directory.

Need an account? Contact Shay Justice in the Church Office.

Kitchen Manager/Chef George Hicks Caretakers Jason Taylor, Charles Beaufort, Ronald Jones, Aaron Meyers-Coward Housekeeper Nicole Shaw Safety Officers Marilyn James, Billy Brown, Chris Benjamin, Kee’Shawn Mitchell, Jared James