The Dome The Dome Under Under
AT CENTRAL
Worship
& Sunday School
Worship Services Sunday School
Chapel Worship Service
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
Gather and Grow
Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 9:30 AM
THIS MONTH
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
Spears Fellowship Hall & The Commons
Parking Lot Ministry
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 7:00 AM
HopeHealth - East Palmetto St.
Congregational Care Team
Monday, August 3, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Christian Family Conf Room 173
Stewardship Team
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Christian Family Conf. Rm 173
Preschool Board Meeting
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Moody Parlor Room 166
Adult & Family Ministries Meeting
Monday, August 10, 2026 | 5:00 PM
Moody Parlor Room 166
Upcoming Events Committee Meetings
Scrapbooking Group
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 12:30 PM Classroom 164/165
Happy Travelers
Thursday, August 27, 2026 | Time TBD Broadway at the Beach
GET INVOLVED
The Well Design Team
Wednesday, August 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM Sunshine Classroom 164/165
Children’s Committee Meeting
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 9:30 AM
Malambri Classroom 232
Education & Spiritual Growth Meeting
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Moody Parlor Room 166
Worship Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Christian Family Conf Room 173
Finance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Sunshine Classroom 164/165
Church Council
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Spears Fellowship Hall Room 156
Visitwwwcentralmethodistnet/eventsorcontactthe churchofficeat8436623218!
Faith-Sharing Team Meeting
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 | 6:00 PM
Sunshine Classroom 164/165
Questions about an upcoming meeting or event?
Rev. Thomas Smith
Senior Pastor
FROM YOUR PASTORS
Friends,
I write these words in a season of loss June and July have seen a number of funerals at Central In response, I feel led to offer a pastoral word Each time we gather for a service at the close of someone ’ s earthly life, one of Central’s clergy stands before a group of grieving people and says, as part of the greeting, “May God grant us grace, that in pain we may find comfort, in sorrow hope, in death resurrection ”
Those words, which I have spoken more times than I can count in my 25 years of ministry, have struck me in a new way these last few weeks They are a profound invocation of God’s faithfulness, spoken at times when we may feel far from God
Grace, classically defined, is the unmerited favor of God It is God’s loving action toward us and within our hearts, something we do not deserve and cannot earn. In praying for God’s grace in a time of grief, we ask God to give us what we cannot give ourselves In the United Methodist funeral service, we ask for comfort to relieve pain, hope to transform sorrow, and resurrection to be the antidote to death
It is common to hear grief described as a process, but it is not The idea of a process suggests a neat progression, step after step, until a goal is reached Grief is more like wandering with a general destination in mind, but with backtracks, sidetracks, and moments of feeling lost Yet the words of our funeral liturgy hold a Scriptural truth: God is faithful to bring us to a better spiritual place Just as the only way to reach a destination is to keep going, the only way to find comfort, hope, and resurrection is to keep going
Jesus died our death and rose for our sake God’s promise is sure, and the destination is certain By God’s grace, comfort comes on the far side of pain, hope on the far side of sorrow, and resurrection on the far side of death
If you are grieving, just keep going. ThomasSmith
Rev. Rusty Crimm Associate Pastor
Rev.
Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
F I b f f s e
I’m excited for her – I remember much of my time in school fondly – and I’m also excited for a return to a regular routine (inasmuch as the life of a clergy couple lends itself to routine); but I also recognize the unique opportunities that summer affords to slow down, to have more intentional family time, and to just have fun
These moments of transition can be difficult, but they are also filled with possibilities! A new season of life offers a kind of blank slate to start something again or start something new, and the church is a wonderful companion for that journey Our faith is a communal faith in which we grow together, learn together, worship together, fellowship together, and that kind of support is essential, whether you ’ re starting a new chapter, ending an old one, or in the middle of one that you just can’t quite get a handle on
As our Fall programming starts up, I want to encourage you to engage your faith in a new way Join a Bible study, come back to worship, attend a Veteran’s Breakfast, help out with a BEDS build, join the choir – there are so many ways to feed your faith at Central, so let’s start this new season together!
Grace and peace,
Dear All,
It’s a fresh new school year, and even for those of us who aren’t in school or don’t have children going back to school, there is an excitement in the air about returning to the rhythms of the school year Bible Studies, special events, new mission work, and just greeting people after missing them in the summertime travel season is fun Now is the time to plan for your personal and family spiritual practice agenda How are you committing your time to serve God and one another? What will be your personal faith plan? To help with your planning, take a look at the Spiritual Growth Plan of Action and use the link to fill out your Every Member in Ministry Form
Start now to think and pray about your tithes and offerings as we approach Commitment Sunday Planning and discussing your desires and calling to spiritual growth and practice, just like in every area of our lives, is the way to make good intentions into transformative actions Let me know if I can help you find your ministry for this year!
Blessings to all and I look forward to Wednesday night meals, Bible studies, seeing you in worship and Sunday school, and all of the wonderful activities starting back up!
Blessings, RustyCrimm
Meg Bryce Jiunnies
"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
CENTRAL UMC Happenings at
Endowment Grants Awarded
Ellouise Jones Schofield Scholarship Fund
Endowment Grants from the Ellouise Jones Schofield Scholarship Fund were awarded to both Tyner Jiunnies and JT Brown at the Annual Methodist Conference in June
Tyner is currently continuing his graduate work at Yale Divinity School He emphasized the importance of being part of a supportive church community like Central, sharing that Central and the United Methodist Church have helped him grow in faith, love, and service to others Tyner looks forward to continuing to serve the United Methodist Church in the years ahead
JT currently serves as Senior Minister of Fair Lawn UMC in Columbia This grant will help him repay student loan debt incurred during his seminary education. It reflects Central’s commitment to supporting those in ministry by recognizing the financial challenges that often follow theological education JT is deeply grateful for Central’s generosity and for the many ways the church continues to encourage and support him in his ministry.
Greater Florence Habitat for Humanity was awarded a grant to support its mission of building safe, affordable homes for families in need within our community
A grant was awarded to Lighthouse Ministries to provide emergency assistance in response to increased community needs Colder winter weather and rising gas prices led to a significant increase in requests for financial assistance.
Permanent Endowment Fund
Kids Mission Camp with Highland Park UMC
Our children had a wonderfulweek serving alongside Highland Park UMC at Kids Mission Camp! They put their faith into action by being the hands and feet of Jesus while serving at Lucky
Central's Bookbag Drive Makes a Difference
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our church family, Central's Outreach Committee had another successful Bookbag Drive! Together, we collected and filled 150 backpacks with school supplies to help local students begin the new school year prepared and confident before classes started on July 29.
After all the donations were collected, a group of dedicated volunteers came together, formed an assembly line, and got to work filling each backpack with age-appropriate school supplies for elementary, middle, and high school students Their teamwork and enthusiasm ensured every student received the supplies they needed for a successful start to the schoolyear
The backpacks were distributed through Briggs Elementary School, Lighthouse Ministries, Helping Florence Flourish, Cross Cultural Impact and The Manna House, extending Central's love and support to children and families throughout our community.
Thank you to everyone who donated backpacks, school supplies, monetary gifts, or their time to this important ministry Your generosity is making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students and is a wonderful example of what it means to serve our neighbors with Christ's love
Scouting Ministry
Cub Scout meetings resume on Sunday, August 23, at our Scout Hut, located at 618 Plum Drive We welcome boys in the following grade levels: 5K–2nd Grade: Sundays, 2:30–3:30 pm; 3rd–5th Grade: Sundays, 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Our first outdoor adventure is Saturday, August 29, when we'll attend a Columbia Fireflies baseball game, enjoy the postgame fireworks, and camp overnight in the outfield The evening also includes a movie and popcorn after the game.
Other exciting activities throughout the year include Scout-O-Ween in October and an overnight adventure aboard the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier in January
If you ' re interested in learning more about Central's Cub Scout ministry, please contact CubmasterWilliam Hardaway.
lood Drive
Summer is one dangerously low crisis point. Plea time Our longti members of ou donation itself t please contact any barriers to y
STARTING WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
Chancel Choir
7:15 PM | Third Floor Choir Room Youth and Adult
Directed by Don Grice
Handbell Choir
6:15 PM | Handbell Choir Room
Youth and Adult
Directed by Beverly Hazelwood
STARTING WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
Cherub Choir
6:00 PM | Preschool Choir Room 3K-5K
Directed by Kristen Hardaway
Junior Choir
6:30 PM | Children’s Choir Room Grades 1-6
Directed by Jaime Martinez
JOIN US ON
Central United Methodist Church
DINNER & FELLOWSHIP
ADULT BIBLE STUDIES
ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN
NURSERY AVAILABLE
Wednesdays starting September 9, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
WHY THAT? DO WE DO
SHORT VIDEOS. BIG QUESTIONS. DEEPER FAITH.
how these historic words unite us in faith, remind us what we believe, and connect us with generations of Christians who have spoken them before us
A NEWVIDEO SERIES FROM OUR CLERGY
Sometimes the things we do as church people become so routine that we stop paying attention to their meaning Those same practices can also seem strange to people who have little or no experience with worship or church life
Central's clergy are launching a new social media series, Why Do We Do That?, to help us reflect on the power and significance of the ways we practice our faith
SO FAR, WE HAVE EXPLORED:
WHY DO WE HAVE SERMONS?
Rev Rusty Smith explores why sermons are an important part of worship and how they help connect Scripture with our lives today.
WHY DO CLERGY WEAR VESTMENTS?
Rev Meg Bryce Jiunies explains the meaning behind clergy vestments and what they communicate about worship, faith, and the Christian seasons
SEEKING NURSERY WORKERS!
PROMOTION Sunday
August 2, 2026
Children will be promoted to their new Sunday School classrooms! We are excited to welcome them as they begin a new year together.
WELCOME, RISING 5K!
RailTrail entrance behind Naturally Outdoors
We are so excited to welcome our kindergarteners to the Elementary Hall upstairs This is such an exciting transition, and we can't wait to help them continue growing in their faith, building friendships, and having fun in Children's Ministry!
Rail Trail Walk + Dinner at Buddy’s
MEET HERE
Thursday, August 27, 2026
5:00 PM
We had so much fun at this event in June, we decided to do it again in August!
WEDNESDAY
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. We
AUGUST
Birthdays
David Strait
Leo Capotosti
Sellers Gettys
Anne Marie Sherard
Ryder King
August 9
August 19
August 22
August 26
August 28
WHAT TO EXPECT
Coffee for caregivers
Open play in Spears Fellowship Hall
Name tags
Families mingle
Welcome and storytime
WHAT IS GATHER & GROW?
Gather & Grow is a monthly gathering where children and their caregivers come together for a morning of stories, crafts, games, and friendship. It's a place where children can play, create, and build relationships while parents, grandparents, and caregivers enjoy coffee, conversation, and community together.
9:30 - 9:50 | Arrival & Open Play
SATURDAY,AUGUST8 9:30-11:00AM
AGE GROUPS
Seedlings (Ages 3-5)
Story-based crafts, creative play, and games
WHY GATHER & GROW?
Because faith grows in community.
Children will make friends, explore God's love through stories and activities, and have fun together
Caregivers will enjoy coffee, conversation, and meaningful connections with other families.
WHY COME?
Build new friendships
Connect with other families
Enjoy a fun morning together
Grow in faith and community Everyone is welcome!
Sprouts (Ages 6-8)
Games, activities, teamwork activities, and crafts
Children Ages 2 & Under
Open play in the commons with a parent or caregiver
INVITE A FRIEND
Gather & Grow is open to the entire community Invite your friends, neighbors, grandparents, and other families to join us!
PAINT WARS Messy Games
Get ready for an evening of color, laughter, and crazy fun! Invite your friends for an unforgetable night
AUGUST 17, 2026
5:30 - 7:30 PM Church Grassy Lot
FRIENDS ARE WELCOME
WEAR OLD CLOTHES & BRING ATOWEL
FOOD TRUCKS AVAILABLE!
PROMOTION SUNDAY
August 2, 2026
The Youth of Central will gather with Julie Knight, Director of Youth Discipleship, for a light breakfast, fellowship, and a chance to reconnect with old friends and welcome new ones
YOUTH PARENT MEETING
AUGUST 9, 2026 | 5:00 PM Youth Lounge
This meeting is an opportunity to connect, share our plans for the upcoming year, complete all necessary forms, and work together to support the spiritual growth and well-being of our youth.
ensure
Q & A
JENNIFER PEEBLES
WORSHIP TEAM CHAIR
How long have you served in this ministry area?
I have served on the Worship Committee for over 10 years. I started as the scheduler for the processional (acolytes, crucifers, and banner bearers) and became chair 7 years ago.
What do you enjoy most about serving with this Team?
We have a wonderful committee that I love working with. Getting to know more of my church family has been a gift. It's also been an opportunity for me to learn more about the liturgical seasons and what they specifically mean to us.
What made you say “yes” when you were nominated to serve?
I initially said yes to Worship because of Patsy McLeod. She took such pride in our services and the upkeep of the sanctuary. I admired her devotion to Central and attention to detail. When she asked me to join, I didn't even hesitate and I still think of her when I set up for communion.
Have you had moments of doubt as you’ve led this Team? How has God been present in your work?
God is always present in our work. I often say we are the "church mice" that come in to make sure things in order Being in our beautiful sanctuary, whether it's straightening things in the pews, setting up for communion, or decorating for Advent, is a peaceful and can be a prayerful experience. The best is when Don is rehearsing and I can listen; God's presence is impossible not to feel during this time.
What are the spiritual gifts that are important on this Team? What life or work experience is helpful?
Serving is certainly the spiritual gift that is most applicable to the Worship Committee. We all give our time to ensure that our congregation and guests have a meaningful worship experience. Organization is the most important quality that all of our members have. I think being a mom of three, working as a nurse, and being active in community organizations are all experiences that helped me be up for the task.
Spiritual formation and faith growth happen best when each person takes intentional steps to use the spiritual practices that God and the Church have shared with disciples. A balance of corporate and personal practices is important, and below you will find two lists to help you develop your own Spiritual Formation Plan for the next year Your pastors are always available to answer questions, help you find ministries in which to participate, and listen to your ideas for our church.
CORPORATE SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Participate in Small Group Bible Study & Fellowship Study, discuss, pray, and care for one another regularly You can do this by joining a Sunday school class, a circle, the men ’ s study, etc
Worship God Together
Join in one of the four Worship Services offered each week
Participate in Holy Communion
Take Baptismal Vows to Others Very Seriously
Affirm Your Faith in the Presence of Other Believers
Use affirmations like the historic Apostle’s Creed to profess aloud what you believe.
Lead, Teach, Encourage
Use Your Spiritual Gifts in Christian Community
Use the Every Member in Ministry Form (scan QR code) to choose a ministry in which to serve
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Prayer and Devotion Time
Pray for yourself, for others, for the world Read other’s words and daily thoughts on Scripture
Reading Scripture
Consider these questions: What does the Bible say? How is it relevant to me?
Stewardship
Use resources wisely
Witness in Words and Actions
Share the gospel, and witness through specific actions
Compassion
Be a caring and supportive presence for others
Hospitality
Be invitational and welcoming in Christian community.
Gratitude
Notice (and perhaps write down) the blessings God has provided each day.
Christian Mentoring
Help someone grow in their spiritual practice
Justice
Seek the good of others; use your power to create a more equitable world
Discover and Use Your Spiritual Gifts
Sabbath
Rest and worship God
Don’t know where to begin? Give Rev. Meg a call or email and let’s find a group together!
Scan the QR Code for Central’s Every Member in Ministry Form!
Upcoming Bible Studies
Young Women’s Engaging God’s Word Study: Philippians
Starting on September 16, 2026
Malambri Hall, Room 232 | 6:00-7:00 PM
Rev. Meg Jiunnies, Leader
The Chosen Bible Study
Starting in September on Sunday afternoons
Renae Chadwick and Bill Flynn, Leaders
Rooted: Bible Study for Younger Men
Starting on September 16, 2026
Location TBA | 6:15-7:00 PM
Rev Thomas Smith, Leader
Middle School Boys Bible Study
Starting in September, two Tuesdays a month
Krispy Kreme | 7:00 AM
Rev Thomas Smith, Leader
27:17 Men’s Bible Study
Starting in September, every Tuesday morning
Spears Fellowship Hall | 7:00 AM
Johnny Crouch and Art Justice, Leaders
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
Starting Monday, September 14, every Monday morning
Room 173 | 9:15 - 11:00 AM
Ginny Hill and Beth Ann Owen, Leaders
Be sure to check out the September edition of Under the Dome for more information about our upcoming Bible Studies and ways to register! You can also visit www.centralmethodist.net/studies to learn more!
Church Office
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
Find Us Online
CUMC SC
Stay connected with daily Scripture readings, event photos and videos, ministry updates, upcoming events, and important church announcements
CUMCFLORENCE
Experience life at Central through photos, reels, stories, and daily Scripture readings that highlight our worship, ministries, and community
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
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, Billy Brown, Chris Benjamin, Kee’Shawn Mitchell, Jared James