The Dome The Dome Under Under
UPCOMINGEVENTS
Home Central Digitized Sermon Program
February 4 | 6:15-7:00 PM | Spears Fellowship Hall
Costa Rica Mission Trip Interest Meeting
February 8 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Spears Fellowship Hall
Scout Sunday
February 8 | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary
Children’s Sabbath
February 8 | 11:00 AM | Sanctuary
Lead Central
February 8 | 12:00 PM | Davis CLC
Joint Circle Meeting
February 10 | 10:00 AM | Sanctuary
Board of Trustees Meeting
February 10 | 5:15-6:30 PM | Christian Family Conference Rm
Masterworks Children’s Choir Performance
February 11 | 6:15 PM | Sanctuary
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner
February 17 | 5:30 PM | Davis CLC
Ash Wednesday Services
February 18 | 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM | Sanctuary
Lenten Midweek Service
February 25 | 12:00 PM | Sanctuary
Pinewood Derby
February 25 | 6:00 PM | Davis CLC
Masterworks Children’s Choir & Central UMC Junior Choir
Wednesday, February 11 6:15 PM Sanctuary
Rev. Thomas Smith
Senior Pastor
Dear Friends,
This month, we see the beginning of Lent We know that from the earliest days of the church, Easter was preceded by a season of fasting and spiritual preparation Lent, these 40 days (excluding Sundays) leading up to Easter, invites us to a time of spiritual introspection. Lent is a season of course correction, inviting us to reorient our lives toward God.
One of the most meaningful ways we can go about this reorientation is to undertake a Lenten fast Many people will give up a luxury, such as chocolate or soft drinks, as an intentional reminder to focus on God. Depriving ourselves of a small indulgence does not make us better, in and of itself. Rather, the act of fasting is a reminder to pray and open the eyes of our hearts to see God with us
Equally important, many people will take up an added spiritual practice during Lent. For example, people may undertake a special Bible reading plan or begin a new prayer practice Central’s worship life during Lent offers several opportunities for a spiritual reorientation On Wednesdays during Lent, we will hold a series of special worship services at noon. A light lunch will follow each week, except on Ash Wednesday. Each service will feature either a guest preacher or musician Our weekly Service of Prayer and Holy Communion will take place at 11:30 each Wednesday, offering an opportunity for prayer and Communion in an intimate setting In addition to the regular program of Bible studies, Rev. Rusty Crimm will be leading a special Lenten Bible study on Wednesday evenings. I encourage you to look through the studies going on this month, and if you’re not already involved in a small group study, find one in which to participate
Lent is a gift to us, offering opportunities for spiritual growth. I hope you will take advantage of what Central has to offer, seeking to grow in God’s love and grace
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Dear Church Family,
It’s February entering the season of Lent with renewed focus on spiritual disciplines, new ministry planning, and excitement over the year’s programs and ministries is an energizing time in the life of Central Each season brings its wonderful moments, as well as challenges. It is the right time to review our care ministries and think about how we remain connected as we also look outward in our community to meet the needs that harsh winter weather can bring Planning is crucial for effective ministry!
As we plan, let’s pray to God to help empower us in ministry and then prepare ourselves to take bold steps and trust in God to be part of things that may not seem practical. When God calls us to action, we simply need to use our gifts and graces to join in God’s work not figure out how to make events successful, but to make ministry fruitful, and we can’t always see what God has in store for us!
Where will you be called in ministry this year? Start in prayer; continue by asking others to pray for you. Take time to explore the Florence community to discover where the needs lie Learn about Central’s ministries, as well as where Christians are making a difference everywhere Read scripture that is where we most often find clarity and inspiration Taking these intentional steps will help guide you to your ministry in this season.
Most importantly, commit to spending time each week in praise and thanksgiving to God because we have the great privilege and blessing to be in Christian community with one another!
Blessings and Love in Christ,
Rev. Rusty Crimm Associate Pastor
It feels as if I’ve only just put the Christmas tree away and finally tidied up, and now Lent is nearly here. Many people use Lent as a time to practice self-discipline by giving something up. Traditionally you would fast from eating meat on Fridays, or fast from eating anything for a full 24 hours, but I know people who cut out sugar or carbs or TV or social media for the 40(ish) days of Lent, too.
I have tended to have more success “picking something up” for Lent. Whether it’s carving out intentional reading time each day, exercising, listening to music, or things like that, those are things I enjoy that quiet the noise of the world (and my brain) and make it easier to focus, to pray, to study, and so on. So, in the spirit of picking something up for Lent, I want to offer you an idea to try:
On Christmas Eve, I told the folks in The Well that “The Christmas story is as simple as telling someone who Jesus is, and how Jesus has changed us.” So, as we enter the Lenten season, the idea I want to challenge you with is to tell someone who Jesus is and how Jesus has changed you. Talking about our faith doesn’t have to be awkward or intense or require a master’s in theology; talking about our faith is no more complicated than reading and talking about scripture or telling someone what God is doing in your life. So, take the chance and tell someone who Jesus is! You’ll never know the impact it might have.
Grace and peace,
Rusty
S U N D A Y S @ C E N T R A L
February2026
February 8
Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel)
Rev Thomas Smith (Sanctuary)
Rev Rusty Crimm (The Well)
February 15
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Chapel)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (Sanctuary)
Rev. Thomas Smith (The Well)
SundaySchool
All Sunday School classes meet from 10:00 to 10:45 AM on Sunday mornings. If you need help finding a classroom, please visit our Welcome Center in The Commons or ask a greeter at any entrance and they will be more than happy to show you the way.
Children’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
February 22
Chapel Service - Sanctuary The Well - Davis Christian Life Center Sanctuary Service
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies (Chapel)
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies (Sanctuary)
Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well) 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM
CELEBRATIONS
Birth
December 16, 2025
Emerson Swinton Brunson
Emerson is the son of Meghan and William Brunson
Proud grandparents are Meg and Jay Jiunnies
6th-12th Grades – Youth Room 206
AdultSundaySchool YouthSundaySchool
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
We want to celebrate you!
Each month in Under the Dome, we love celebrating the life of our church by sharing baptisms and welcoming new members. We also enjoy highlighting joyful moments like birth announcements and weddings. If you have something to share, please contact Philip at pmaenza@centralmethodist.net so we can celebrate with you!
Choir Room organ project completed!
The original Schantz organ console, which served Central UMC since 1988, was replaced in 2022 by a new console built by Orgues Létourneau. The 1988 console still had usable components such as keyboards and pedalboard. It was moved to the third-floor choir room and has since been digitized and outfitted with up-to-date software that allows for sampled (recorded) sounds from various instruments around the world to be downloaded and played. The Harrison and Harrison organ of St. Mary Redcliffe in Bristol, England is the initial instrument we have chosen. The organ will be used as a practice instrument and to accompany choir rehearsals.
Shrove TuesdayPancake Supper
Tuesday, February 17
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Davis Christian Life Center
Adults $10.00
Children $5.00
Ash WednesdayServices
February 18, 2025
12:00 PM & 6:30 PM
We will begin observing the 40 days of Lent on February 18 with two Ash Wednesday services. Both services will include the traditional imposition of ashes and will be led by Rev. Smith, Rev. Crimm, and Rev. Jiunnies.
LENTEN MIDWEEK SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY 25
Rev. Johnny Crouch, Retired Local Pastor
MARCH 4
Rev. Terry Fleming, Florence District Superintendent
MARCH 11
Rev. Tae Park, Associate Pastor, Surfside UMC
MARCH 18
Music for Lent
Dr. Sherry Woods and Dr. Benjamin Woods
A program of reflective music for viola and piano
MARCH 25
Rev. Tiffany Knowlin Boykin, Wesley UMC, Columbia
All Wednesday services are held in the Sanctuary at 12:00 PM.
Please join us for Holy Communion at 11:30 AM in Ingram Chapel.
Following worship, lunch will be served in Spears Fellowship Hall. The cost is $8.00 per person, and you may register in advance or pay at the door.
REGISTRATION OPENING SOON AT
Central UMC Preschoo
January 26, 2026
Registration began for existing students and siblings
February 2, 2026
Registration begins for Central members
February 9, 2026
Registration opens to the public
Spots are very limited, so don’t miss the opportunity for Central members to apply early!
Birds & Bees at Fi
March 8 - Save th
The CUMC Children a First Presbyterian Ch Mary Flo Ridley on Su
This informative talk i toddlers to teens an It will teach parents w conversations and bu
Childcare will be prov 5 grade and below. th
$20 tickets admit two Scan the QR code to p
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, February 4
Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM
Sunday, February 8
Children’s Sabbath in Sanctuary 11:00 AM
*Please plan to have your child at church by 9:45 AM so we can practice during the Sunday School hour!
Wednesday, February 11
No Bible Blast or Choir! The CUMC Junior Choir (2 -5 grade) will sing along with the Masterworks Children’s Choir for our programming following Wednesday night dinner.
*Cherub Choir (3K-1 ) can either attend the concert with their family or go to 145 with Ms. Lauren and Ms. Beth following dinner
Saturday, February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Children’s Sabbath in the Sanctuary February 8, 2026
February 16-20 F1S Winter Break. Have a safe and fun break!
Tuesday, February 17 Pancake Dinner for Shrove Tuesday
Wednesday, February 18
No Bible Blast or Choir this evening. There will be dinner as usual, but no children’s programming afterwards Attend the Ash Wednesday service with your family!
Sunday, February 22
Children’s Lay Readers in Sanctuary and Well
Wednesday, February 25
Pinewood Derby - No Bible Blast or Choir. Please plan to attend this fun family event!
Children’s Sabbath in the Sanctuary will take place on February 8 This is a special morning where the children of CUMC lead the congregation in worship!
We will be preparing for this service on Wednesday evenings, so if your child would like to be a part of it, please plan to have them attend on Wednesday so they feel confident in their roles. We want them to feel empowered and ready to lead!
HappyBirthday!
AnnaReavesYarborough• February2
MaryMacLucius• February2
MarthaAnnJohnson•February3
CarterRodel•February6
HaydenHinton • February8
AllstonMcDougal •February11
MaggieSherard•February13
ElizabethEngland-Plisiewicz•February18
ChandlerRodel•February23
BakerBurch • February28
Sunday SCOUT
BLESSINGBOX2026
Parking Lot Ministry
Online Study of the Gospel of Matthew
Led by Rev. Thomas Smith
Available on YouTube
Scan the QR Code to watch!
BibleStudiesandEvents
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
Matthew: TheGospelofPromisedBlessings
LedbyGinnyHillandBethAnnOwen
Mondays,9:30AM-11:15AM Room173
Home Central
Wednesday, February 4 | 6:15-7:00 pm
Join John Frank in Spears Fellowship Hall for an introduction to Home Central a new program that will help us minister to those who aren’t able to worship with us in person
Lent in Song
Rev. Rusty Crimm
Lent in Song is a look at Lent through familiar hymns and spirituals
Join this class on Wednesday Nights, 6:15-7:00 pm in Room 172 on February 25, March 4, March 11 and March 18 No registration is required
27:17 Men’s Bible Study 1 and2 Samuel st nd
LedbyJohnnyCrouch, ArtJustice, andHankLeeke
Tuesdays,7:00AM-8:00AM
SpearsFellowshipHall
Rooted: Men’s Study
The Book of James
Led by Rev Thomas Smith
Wednesdays, 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM Room 173
Join us for a Purpose-Based Investing Presentation by Frank O’Shea, Financial Advisor Wednesday, March 4 | 6:15-7:00 pm
Would you like to feel good about how you grow your wealth as a Christian? If so, you may be interested in this purpose-based presentation, which discusses how you can align your portfolio with your purpose as you work toward your goals.
This includes:
How to align your portfolio with your personal purpose
Two ways to invest with purpose: sustainable investing and valuesbased investing
Some suggestions for purpose-based investment opportunities with Edward Jones
Central’s Congregational Care
Meals for Families with New Babies
It is such a joy to welcome new babies into our church family, and we want to do so with a little gift and a meal. Please contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies if you have a new baby so we can welcome them!
Home Central
As a part of our CUMC archive ministry, we are offering a time machine!
OK, not really, but you can now get a USB flash drive full of sermons and Orders of Worship dating back to 1989, featuring the preaching of Bob Faulkner, Steve Brown, Chad Davis, Elise Barrett, Tom Pietila, Will Malambri, and others!
If you would like one of these flash drives and if you need help figuring it out stop by the church office and pick one up or call Pastor Rusty and he’ll be happy to get you set up!
John Frank will also be giving a presentation as a part of our Wednesday Night Programming on February 4 at 6:15 PM in Spears Fellowship Hall.
Dementia 201 Short Program
As a follow-up program to our first workshop, we are inviting Amy Rushing from the SC Department on Aging back to Central to present a program on Wednesday, March 11 at 6:15 pm
Dementia 201: Positive Interactions
A discussion on best practices for caregivers and loved ones of people living with dementia
Topics include:
- A short overview of dementia brain changes, types, stages, symptoms
- Effective communication strategies by stage
- Methods to interpret verbal, non-verbal and behavioral cues
- Best practices to prevent or de-escalate challenging situations
Whether or not you were able to attend the first program, you are invited to join us! Please register with Rev. Meg Jiunnies by emailing mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net to make sure we have enough material.
SponsorAltarFlowers:ABeautifulWaytoGive
One simple and meaningful way to support the life of our church is by sponsoring altar flowers Each Sunday, flowers help make our worship space warm, welcoming, and filled with beauty. When they are not sponsored, the church covers the cost, so this is a wonderful opportunity to turn an existing expense into an act of stewardship and love.
Individuals and families are invited to sponsor a Sunday in honor or in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a special occasion, or simply as a gift of gratitude. Sponsoring altar flowers strengthening our community by allowing us to share in one another’s jo
It’s a small act that makes a big impac b h i hi d i
Costa Rica Mission Trip Interest Meeting February 8 | 10:00-11:00 AM | Spears Fellowship Hall
Our dates are set for May 30-June 6, 2026 This is a wonderful trip that you won’t soon forget! Join us as we help further the Kingdom of God with missionary Wil Bailey and the Costa Rica Mission Project (CRMP) All ages are welcome to attend A parent must accompany children younger than 14 years of age No skills are required The cost is $1,500 and includes airfare, meals, lodging, transportation, construction materials, local labor, and insurance Scholarships are available! Register now by going to www centralmethodist net Contact David Coker at 843 230-3188 for more information.
