The Dome The Dome Under Under
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMINGEVENTS
All Saints Sunday
Sunday, November 2
Children’s Sabbath in The Well
Sunday, November 9
Veterans Breakfast
Thursday, November 13
Happy Travelers Trip
Thursday, November 20
Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
Advent Workshop
Sunday, November 30
UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS UPCOMINGCOMMITTEEMEETINGS
Education&SpiritualGrowth
Sunday,November2
9:00-9:30AM
PreschoolBoard Tuesday,November4
4:00-5:00PM
Adult&FamilyMinistries
Monday,November10 5:00-6:00PM
StephenMinistry
Monday,November10
6:00-7:30PM
TheWellTeam
Monday,October13
6:00-7:00PM
OUR STAFF OUR STAFF
BoardofTrustees
Tuesday,November11
5:15-6:30PM
Children’sMinistry
Sunday,November16
8:45-9:30AM
OutreachCommittee
Wednesday, November19
8:30-9:30AM
FinanceCommittee
Monday,November24
6:00-7:00PM
ChurchCouncil
Monday,November24
7:00-8:30PM
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
Worship Director of The Well Lance Hatchell, lhatchell@centralmethodist net
Director of Nurseries Abbey Allen, aallen@centralmethodist net
Director of Children’s Ministries Catherine Lucius, clucius@centralmethodist net
Director of Youth Discipleship Julie Knight, jknight@centralmethodist net
Director of Adult & Family Ministries Adriane Reynolds, areynolds@centralmethodist net
Facilities Manager Dan Rogers, drogers@centralmethodist net
Business Manager Tara Ballenger, tballenger@centralmethodist net
Director of Media
Philip Maenza, pmaenza@centralmethodist.net
Office Manager Shay Justice, sjustice@centralmethodist net
Media Associate Kathryn Velicky, kvelicky@centralmethodist net
Director of Central UMC Preschool Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist.net
friends. We remember all those whose lives blessed us and have now been brought into God s presence.
MESSAGES FROM OUR CLERGY
Toward the end of November, we celebrate Thanksgiving While this day is not marked by a church service is nevertheless a day we set aside to respond in gratitude for God’s many blessings. We enjoy delicious foo perhaps we gather with loved ones, and we remember all the ways God is active in our lives.
Rev. Thomas Smith Senior Pastor
The last Sunday in November is the First Sunday of Advent Advent is a season of preparation for Christma but its meaning runs deeper than merely counting days until December 25. The word Advent comes from t Latin adventus, which means “coming.” The Advent season invites us to anticipate the arrival of Jesus. We look forward to our celebration of Jesus’ birth on Christmas We also prepare our hearts for Jesus, who continually comes to us in Word and through the Holy Spirit We likewise look forward to the day when Ch returns in final victory His second Advent.
November is filled with spiritual significance We recall God’s saving work on behalf of those who are now Him in heaven, we give thanks for God’s blessings, and we begin the season that leads us to anticipate with hope the goal of God’s saving work. As we live into this spiritually rich month, the words of John Wesley co to mind, “The best of all, God is with us.”
Yours in Christ,
Dear Church Family,
So many precious memory making opportunities are part of our November calendar each year And so many times we are pressing and planning way ahead toward Christmas and all of the festivities - without resting in the moment of what November embodies This is a time of family gatherings - not just the families we were born into, but the family of Jesus Christ
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
We pause to remember our loved ones who have left us in this past year, even while we celebrate the new lives that are joining us We remember and honor those who have laughed with us, grieved with us, taught us, inspired us, and worked alongside as part of the Body of Christ. As we give thanks for how truly blessed we are to have this church family, and most of all our wonderful God who loves us more than we can imagine, I pray that it will inspire each and everyone of us to reach out to those around us who do not have the blessing of Christian community and invite them to join us
This is the right time to intentionally respond to that love by showing God’s children. So many events and services gives each of us plenty of opportunity to be invitational.
Here are some ideas: when you see the list of our Saints, write a note to one of the families Invite a family with small children to the Children’s Sabbath in the Well on November 9 . Remind your small group (Sunday School, Bible Study, mission group) that a casual and fun Advent Workshop for all ages takes place during the Sunday School hour on November 30 - a great event to do with children and grandchildren as well as for yourself! Provide Advent greenery in honor or memory of someone special And fill up that Operation Christmas Child shoebox! It is sure to be a blessed season! th
Blessings,
Meg
Friends,
Around this time of year my thoughts often drift to my dear friend Leah Stufflebam, of blessed memory. She was my first new friend when I started college and tragically died in 2019 from triple-negative breast cancer. Every year since then, without fail, as the calendar creeps nearer to All Saints Sunday, she reenters my mind, and I’m flooded by memories and the grief that accompanies losing someone you were close to. She was a force to be reckoned with, fiercely her own person, and aggressively friendly in the best ways. Of course, she – like all of us – had her shortcomings; but I learned a lot about faith from her and many days I wish I could talk to her.
Rev. Rusty Crimm
Associate Pastor
I treasure All Saints Sunday because of Leah and so many other folks in my life who helped make me who I am today, but who haven’t gotten to see this version of me. Often people assume that on days like All Saints we put people up on a pedestal, or we venerate them as saints or martyrs, but really? We come together to worship God and witness to the role that the folks whom we love and see no more have played in our lives. And it’s important to remember that both things can be true: that they were regular, flawed people, but that they also influenced and helped mold us into the people we are today.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Grace and peace, Rusty
All Saints Day
November 2, 2025
LindaWardRichardson November11,2024
MargaretKatherineSpann November22,2024
JamesRaymondBell December6,2024
DonnaEvansFlynn December24,2024
Elizabeth“Dolly”BonnoittBrunson December29,2024
JohnRobertMcDonald,Jr. February8,2025
CalvinCharlesStaudt,Sr. February11,2025
RichardClaytonParker February23,2025
SusanTurnerSenseney March2,2025
MareeParrottCherry March9,2025
RufusRudolphHackney,Jr. March28,2025
FrancesPortGarrison April1,2025
Bobby“CT”Phillips April18,2025
GeraldO'NealKennedy April29,2025
ClydeTalmadge“Shot”Padgett,Jr. May17,2025
BettyJhoSmith May17,2025
GayleFowlerRobertson June18,2025
LarryDeonRabon June24,2025
JosephinePattersonMiller June27,2025
BarbaraFranksPetett July3,2025
RussellLeeBarnes,Jr. July17,2025
DavidJohnSearcy August11,2025
JohnEdwardsReynolds September11,2025
ShirleySensenigStaudt October3,2025
MargueriteRegisterAlphin October10,2025
JeanneMooreStephens October25,2025
November 2
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
November 9
Rev Meg Jiunnies (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
SundaySchool
All Sunday School classes meet from 9:30 to 10:15 AM on Sunday mornings. If you need help finding a classroom, please visit our Welcome Center in The Commons or ask a greeter at any entrance and they will be more than happy to show you the way.
SundayWorshipTimes
8:30 AM 10:30 AM 10:30 AM
November 16
Chapel Service - Ingram Chapel
The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
Sanctuary Service
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Sanctuary)
Rev. Thomas Smith (The Well)
November 23
Rev Rusty Crimm (Chapel)
Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
November 30
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
CELEBRATIONS
3K/4K – Malambri Room 145
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
Katherine “Kate” Louisa Connelly
Baptized on October 5, 2025
Daughter of Matt and Mary Rachel Connelly
Elizabeth Anne Johnson
Baptized on October 12, 2025
D ght f Till n and Maggie Johnson
Michael “Rook” Miles
Hannah and Rhys Miles welcomed their son on September 4, 2025 Rook’s proud big brother is Sam, and his grandparents are Meg and Bubba Brunson and Cherrie Dean.
Margaret Nell Merriman
Kendall and Wil Merriman welcomed their daughter
Margaret Nell Merriman on August 1, 2025. Margaret’s proud big brother is Wilson, and her grandparents are Toni and David Starks and Penny and Chip Merriman
Advent & Christmas AT CENTRAL UMC
November30at9:30AMinSpears:AdventWorkshop
Come join us for Central’s Annual Advent Workshop for all ages. This year we’ll have craft stations to help you share the story of the birth of Jesus and celebrate the joy of the year, as well as a reading station, and some Christmas goodies to share. This is a time of fellowship for the whole church!
December17at12:15 PMintheChapel:AServiceofHopeandComfort
The Christmas season can be difficult for many people for any number of reasons. During this service we'll give voice to our griefs and struggles, while acknowledging the hope to be found in the birth of Jesus, and the comfort found in the love of God.
December21at4:00PMintheSanctuary:AServiceofNineLessons&Carols
This beautiful service retells the Christmas story from the Old Testament through the birth of Christ to the visits of the shepherds and magi. Scripture lessons are interspersed with carols sung by the choir and hymns sung by the congregation. Preservice music begins at 3:40 PM and a reception follows.
December24:ChristmasEveatCentral
4:00 PM: Choose between a casual worship service in The Well (Davis Christian Life Center) or a traditional worship service in the Sanctuary. 6:00 PM: A second traditional worship service in the Sanctuary
STEWARDSHIP
We had a wonderful Commitment Sunday on October 26! In response to God’s many blessings, you, the peopleofCentral,returned136commitmentcards,pledgingatotalof$988,782.
Even though Commitment Sunday has passed, it’s not too late to make your commitment to empower Central’s mission and ministry in 2026. Commitment cards will be available in the Sanctuary and The Well throughtheendoftheyear.Youmay:
Completeacardduringworshipandplaceitintheofferingplate Mailyourcompletedcardtothechurchoffice SubmityourcommitmentonlinethroughRealm
You can also set up autopay through Realm, allowing your gift to be debited directly from your account Thank you for your continued faithfulness in supporting Central through your prayers, presence, gifts, service,andwitness!
Choir Member Spotlight
Sandra Howard, composer
My first forays into writing music came when I was in high school. I was writing songs to sing and play on my guitar. I entered a songwriting contest my senior year of high school and won. This was the beginning of my interest in being a composer.
During my time at Furman, I found my love for choral music, and this continued into my master’s study at Southern Seminary, where I studied composition with Dr. Phillip Landgrave. After seminary, I did some writing but ultimately returned to the classroom to teach music. This is where I found my success as a composer. My first published pieces were written for my school choirs to sing. My composition mentor was Dr. Brian Busch, the founder and editor of BriLee Music. BriLee Music was established to publish music for developing voices, and my compositions were a great fit for their catalog.
I have sixteen octavos (a type of sheet music designed specifically for choir) published, all with either BriLee or Carl Fischer Publishing My music has been performed for honor choir events and several pieces appear on state performance lists
When we moved to Florence in 2011, I set my composition aside and focused on classroom teaching and directing children’s choirs Now that I am retired from the classroom and no longer directing, I have turned my attention back to composition. Last March I was privileged to have our Masterworks Choir perform my arrangement of Wayfaring Stranger. It was such an honor for me and marked my return to composition.
In July I attended the International Choral Composers Institute and had a week of intensive study. This was a life changing experience for me and cemented my desire to continue writing. I currently have two pieces submitted to publishers for their consideration. The process of getting published is slow and can be tedious while waiting for a response from editors, but I am hopeful that I will be published again soon.
My current projects include an arrangement of a lullaby that my friend’s mother wrote and sang to her children and grandchildren. Additionally, I am learning a new music writing program on computer and learning to write for organ so I can write a piece for our Chancel Choir!
Children’s Sabbath JOIN
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 IN THE WELL
Thankful
for every little blessing!for every little blessing!
Psalm 127:3
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, November 5
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Sunday, November 9
Children’s Sabbath in the Well
Wednesday, November 12
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Wednesday, November 19
Bible Blast & Children’s Choirs 6:00-7:00PM
Wednesday, November 26
Happy Thanksgiving! No Wednesday Night Activities
Sunday, November 30
Family Advent Workshop - 9:30 AM Sunday School Hour
Kid’s Corner
Family Bible Discussion for November
The Fruit of the Spirit & Thankful Hearts
Scripture Focus: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol.” Galatians 5:22–23
This past month, our children have been learning how growing closer to God helps us show the Fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives These virtues love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control help us live more like Jesus
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude and the Fruit of the Spirit go hand in hand When we focus on what we’re thankful for, our hearts fill with love and joy!
Family Activity:
Create a Gratitude Jar! Each night, have every family member write (or draw) one thing they are thankful for and add it to the jar. At the end of November, read them together and talk about how being grateful has brought more joy and love into your home
Family Prayer:
“Dear God, thank You for filling our hearts with Your Spirit Help us to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control each day. We are thankful for You and for one another Amen”
Join us in The Well on Sunday, November 9, for a special Children’s Sabbath led by our kids! Over the past month, they’ve been learning about the Fruit of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control and how growing closer to God helps these virtues flourish in our lives
Our Children’s Christmas Program will be on Wednesday, December 10 at 6:00 PM! We hope you can join us!
Whether or not you have a child participating, we hope you’ll come and celebrate with us. It will be a joyful service you won’t want to miss! Happy JacksonTab EllingtonGranth TancyCrimm
TRUNK
TRICK OR TREAT FOR CANNED GOODS
UpcomingEvents
Concert
FMU Concert Choir and Voice Collective
Directed by Dr. Fran Coleman
Central UMC Sanctuary
November 19, 2025 | 6:15 p.m.
Join us on Wednesday, November 19, for a performance by the Francis Marion University Chorus! Open to all university students, the University Concert Choir has an average enrollment of between 35 and 45 students. This group has sung in numerous area churches and has also performed with the Florence Symphony Orchestra. Francis Marion’s Voice Collective is a small, audition-only vocal group. This group performs throughout the region for schools and service organizations. Don’t miss this incredibly talented group of singers!
Celebrating Over 20 Years of Santahatchie
Join us for Santahatchie 2025 as we celebrate over 20 years making homes warmer, safer, and drier!
December 27- December 30, 2025
We need your help!
We have a role for everyone from students to retirees. Registration starts November 17!
Mustard Seed Wrap -Up
thisministry,offeredthegiftsofyour donations,andservedthepeopleofFlorence throughyourlovingwitnesstoGod’sworkin theworld.
OUTREACH MINISTRY OUTREACH MINISTRY
Pleasecontinuetobeinprayerasweseekto continuetoservethesefamilies–andallof Florenceandtheworld–throughactsoflo andcompassionasawitnesstoGod’sgra ThankyouforfollowingJesusbylovingGo andlovingyourneighbors!
Graceandpeace, Rusty
Operation Christmas Child
Collection Ends Sunday, November 16
Operation Christmas Child delivers great joy and the Good News of Jesus Christ to children in need around the world through gift-filled shoeboxes Each box packed full of quality toys, school supplies, and personal care items becomes a tangible expression of God's immense love for the child.
For many, it is their first gift ever! Delivered by our local church partners, shoebox gifts provide an opportunity to present the Gospel to boys and girls in a clear, child-friendly way.
Step 1: Pick up a shoebox from the church
Step 2: Get your label (based on age categories)
Step 3: Fill with gifts. Select a medium to large "wow" item such as a soccer ball with a pump or stuffed animal, then fill it with other fun toys, school supplies, and personal care items Don't forget to include a personal note and photo!
Step 4: Pray! Pray for the child who will receive your shoebox gift.
Step 5: Donate $10 per box, which is critical to cover evangelism materials, shipping, and other project costs
Step 6: Drop your shoebox off in The Commons no later than November 16, 2025.
ScanthisQRcodefor moreinformation!
OUTREACH MINISTRY OUTREACH MINISTRY
Central United Methodist Church’s Endowment Funds
On October 2, funds from Central’s Permanent Endowment were presented to Lighthouse Ministries and The Manna House Each organization received $4,000.00.
Below is a brief summary of the important work these organizations are doing:
Lighthouse Ministries
Lighthouse Ministries helps local families remain safely housed by assisting with rent or utility payments in times of crisis. Whether it’s a mother working multiple jobs to keep the lights on, or a senior facing an eviction due to unexpected medical expenses, these endowment funds will offer tangible relief and restore dignity in moments of vulnerability. Every dollar of this donation will go directly towards preventing homelessness and ensuring that families can stay in their homes with heat, water, and electricity.
The Manna House
The Manna House is a community kitchen and food pantry operated 100% by donations, sponsorships, and grants. They provide breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and the pantry is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The kitchen served 99,250 meals in 2024 and they are on target to surpass that number in 2025. In addition, the pantry serves over 15,000 meals per month in the form of groceries.
These two organizations are doing extraordinary work in the name of the Lord as well as providing basic needs to the community. Your continued support of Central’s Permanent Endowment Fund will allow Central to sustain our commitment to these local missions as well as foreign missions In addition, Central oversees the Ellouise Schofield Scholarship fund for the benefit of those who wish to enter the Ministry or for those entering the Christian Education field
If you have any questions, please contact our Senior Pastor, Rev Thomas Smith, or Clary Rawl (843-9921213 or cerawl1@aol com )
Parking Lot Ministry
Centralsupports theParkingLot Ministry,which serveshotmeals andhopetothose inneed.Joinuson December20,at 7:00AM,behindthe oldHopeHealth buildingforour nextevent!
Blood Drive
Thursday, December 11
Central’snextblooddrivewillbeheldThursday, December11inDavisChristianLifeCenter.Comejoinus forsomewinterfunandhelpussavelives.Signup sheetswillbeavailableintheCommons,andyoucan alsoregisterbycalling843-662-3218orbyusingour exclusivedonorcodeCentralUnitedontheRedCross website.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorconcerns,please contactKathrynVelicky.Forthe2026year,ourBlood Drivescheduleisshiftingslightly,sopleasebeaware thatwewillhavedrivesindifferentmonthsthanusual. InformationwillbeavailableonCentral’swebsiteand anyquestionscanbedirectedtoKathrynVelicky.
BibleStudies
Online Study of the Gospel of Matthew
Led by Rev. Thomas Smith
Available on YouTube
Scan the QR Code to watch!
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
WhatMattersMost: AStudyofPhilippiansbyKarenEhman
LedbyGinnyHillandBethAnnOwen
Mondays,9:30-11:15am
27:17 Men’s Bible Study
1 and 2 Samuel st nd
Led by Johnny Crouch, Art Justice, and Hank Leeke Tuesdays, 7:00-8:00am
Rooted: Men’s Study
The Book of James
Led by Rev. Thomas Smith Wednesdays, 6:15-7:00pm at Birds Nest
Engaging God’s Word: Women’s Study
Ruth and Esther
Led by Rev Meg Jiunnies
For more information, contact Patty Howard Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am
Scan QR Code to register!
Central recently welcomed the SC Cognitive Connection to share valuable resources, information, and encouragement with our community. There is growing interest both within our congregation and across the wider faith community in offering a variety of support events for families and friends affected by dementia. Our next program will take place at the beginning of 2026. If you have questions or would like support, whether through prayer, information, or connection with a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Meg.
Soul Reset: Breakdown, Breakthrough, and the Journey to Wholeness
byJuniusDotson
LedbyRev RustyCrimm Wednesdays,6:15-7:00pm
“SoulResetisacallforthechurchandallofJesus’ disciplestoresetandreordertheirlivesaround spiritualpractices,tolearntowalkthroughour difficultseasonswithoursoulsconnectedtothe sourceofLivingWatersothatwedon’tburnoutor breakdown Andifwedoburnoutorbreakdown, welearntoliftoneanotherupandpointoneanother backtoJesus "
JoinPastorRustyonWednesdaynightsthrough November19forajourneythroughRev.Junius Dotson's SoulReset:BreakdownBreakthrough,and theJourneytoWholeness There'snocost--justbe suretoregisteronline Wehopetoseeyouthere!
Central’s Congregational Care
Central’s Stephen Ministry Team is an extremely important part of our Care Ministry Having trained laity to provide ongoing, weekly care and prayer for those in crisis is a blessing Please share this information with someone you feel would benefit, or contact Rev Jiunnies for more information
