JANUARY 2026
Under
The Dome The Dome Central United Methodist Church Central United Methodist Church
ISSUE #31
UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday Night Dinner Returns January 14 | 5:30 PM | Davis Christian Life Center Church Office Closed – Martin Luther King Day January 19
UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGS Lead Central January 25 | 12:15 PM | Davis Christian Life Center
OUR STAFF Senior Pastor Thomas Smith, tsmith@centralmethodist.net
Director of Youth Discipleship Julie Knight, jknight@centralmethodist.net
Pastor Emeritus Tom Pietila
Director of Adult & Family Ministries Adriane Reynolds, areynolds@centralmethodist.net
Associate Pastor Rusty Crimm, rcrimm@centralmethodist.net
Facilities Manager Dan Rogers, drogers@centralmethodist.net
Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship Meg Bryce Jiunnies, mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net
Business Manager Tara Ballenger, tballenger@centralmethodist.net
Director of Music/Organist Don Grice, dgrice@centralmethodist.net
Director of Media Philip Maenza, pmaenza@centralmethodist.net
Worship Director of The Well Lance Hatchell, lhatchell@centralmethodist.net
Office Manager Shay Justice, sjustice@centralmethodist.net
Director of Nurseries Abbey Allen, aallen@centralmethodist.net
Media Associate Kathryn Velicky, kvelicky@centralmethodist.net
Director of Children’s Ministries Catherine Lucius, clucius@centralmethodist.net
Director of Central UMC Preschool Jennifer Walters, jwalters@centralmethodist.net
Rev. Thomas Smith Senior Pastor
Dear Friends, We stand at the beginning of a new year. A new year presents opportunities for a fresh start and renewed focus. Many of us will make New Year’s resolutions. According to the Pew Research Center, the most common resolutions are health-related (a whopping 79% of resolutions made), followed by resolutions related to finances, relationships, hobbies, and work. The last category mentioned by the folks at Pew is labeled “Something Else.” That something else is what I encourage all of us to consider at the beginning of 2026. Our personal relationship with God is the most important part of our individual lives. It is also an area of our lives that is easy to neglect. The Creator of the universe offers us love and grace. God has provided ways for us to seek His presence, by which we can grow in love and grace. Spiritual exercises like prayer, Bible study, and worship are gifts that create space in our lives for God to work within us. These practices do not make us better in and of themselves, but these intentional encounters with God cause us to focus our attention on God’s presence with us. This year, I pray we all make a “something else” resolution to seek after God. Let us not neglect to worship with the church. Let us not neglect to seek God in prayer and Scripture. There is no greater resolution we can make than to seek to grow in God’s love and grace. As we begin a new year together in mission and ministry, this is my prayer for the people of Central: I pray that we would open ourselves to God’s presence and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading into faithful service as followers of Jesus Christ. The words of James 4:8 come to mind, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” Yours in Christ,
Rev. Meg Bryce Jiunnies Pastor of Faith Formation & Discipleship
Dear Church Family, I love a new year and a fresh start! I am grateful for both the blessings and challenges this last year has brought, but I’m ready to look forward and try new things, especially with my favorite group of people—Central’s Church family! So, this month we’ll start a Bible study for mothers of young children and a discussion group for young adults on occasional Thursday evenings at a local coffee shop. We have other continuing studies and discussions, plus a gathering for new members. The wonderful thing is, if you can dream it, if God is calling you to begin a new ministry or a group, Central is a wonderful place to combine resources and spiritual gifts to try some holy experiments. Come and talk to me and lets figure out the logistics! I’m energized already this year by the sheer number of people at Central who are trying new things and stepping out of their comfort zones to grow in their faith and serve others. I think God calls to us to figure out ways to use what we learn and believe, and connect with one another in Christian love. So... spend some time exploring, thinking, and praying. Consider what you are going to commit to for your spiritual growth, and how you will witness to others. And I’ll look forward to talking with you and planning! Blessings and Love in Christ,
Meg
Rev. Rusty Crimm Associate Pastor As I’ve gotten older, I have come to appreciate New Year’s resolutions. In recent years I have used them as an excuse to expand my musical and literary tastes, and I’ve grown a lot because of those things. For example, I went from listening to just over 1,000 minutes of music in 2023 to over 19,000 minutes in 2024. In 2024, I read fewer than 10 books, and this year I increased that number to 36. I have some thoughts about what I’ll try to do this year, but I know what will guide it: intention. Being more intentional with how I spend my time, energy, and money is difficult, but has been really rewarding. And it’s always surprising to me that this is surprising, because I know from my childhood and young adulthood that I was not intentional about how I tended to my faith, and I had a long road back in my early and mid-20’s. And so, I want to give you a word of encouragement, here at the beginning of 2026, to find a way to intentionally build your faith this year. Whether it’s through outreach, serving in worship, attending a Bible study or small group, or anything else, there are lots of ways that you can grow in your walk with Christ in an intentional and meaningful way here at Central. I’m reminded of Jesus’s words that, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” because we ought to treasure our time and energy and much as our money, because where spend our time and energy reflects our values and our heart. So, my hope for this year is that you will find some way to intentionally spend time with God and be community here at Central. If you need help doing those things, please reach out to me, or Pastor Thomas or Pastor Meg and we’ll be happy to help you. Happy New Year!
Rusty
SUNDAYS @ CENTRAL Sunday Worship Times
January 2026 January 4 Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel) Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary) Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
January 11 Rev. Thomas Smith (Chapel) Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary) Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
Sunday School 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.
9:00 AM
Chapel Service - Ingram Chapel
9:00 AM
The Well - Davis Christian Life Center
11:00 AM
Sanctuary Service
January 18 Rev. Meg Jiunnies (Chapel) Rev. Tom Pietila (Sanctuary) Rev. Thomas Smith (The Well)
January 25 Rev. Meg Jiunnies (Chapel) Rev. Thomas Smith (Sanctuary) Rev. Rusty Crimm (The Well)
CELEBRATIONS Baptism
November 30, 2025 Elie Robert Feder and Margaret Mills Brown
Children’s Sunday School PRESCHOOL 3K/4K – Malambri Room 145
Elie is the son of Mills Brown and Linus Feder.
ELEMENTARY 5K/1st Grade – Malambri Room 231 2nd/3rd Grade – Malambri Room 221 4th/5th Grades – Malambri Room 219
Margaret is the daughter of Kate and J.T. Brown.
Youth Sunday School
6th-12th Grades – Youth Room 206
Adult Sunday School
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
Birth
October 30, 2025
Michael Craig “Cal” Corso Jr. Cal is the son of Catherine and Michael Corso and the younger brother of Lottie.
Central United Methodist Church
WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGE Chapel Service 9:00 AM Ingram Chapel
The Well 9:00 AM Davis Christian Life Center
Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday School Classrooms
Sanctuary 11:00 AM Sanctuary
CALLING ALL OF CENTRAL’S NEW LEADERSHIP The 2026 ministry teams and leaders will be gathering for Lead Central on Sunday, January 25! We’ll share lunch, kick off the year with purpose, and capture a group photo. This gathering also marks the first official meeting for all committees. Thank you to all of our dedicated leaders—we’re grateful for your commitment and excited for the year ahead!
January 25, 2026
after 11:00 AM worship
JOIN US ON
NIGHTS Returning January 14, 2026 5:30 - 7:00 PM DINNER & FELLOWSHIP ADULT BIBLE STUDIES ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN NURSERY AVAILABLE For more information visit www.centralmethodist.net/events
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
CENTRAL UMC PRESCHOOL UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES: January 26, 2026 Registration begins for existing students and siblings
February 2, 2026
registration begins for central members
February 9, 2026
Registration opens to the public
CENTRAL UMC
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
We had so much fun acting out the Nativity Play in the Sanctuary and going caroling together in December! Thank you to everyone who made these two events such a success for our kids!
Children Christmas Caroling
Upcoming Events Thursday, January 1
Wednesday, January 14
Sunday, January 4
Wednesday, January 21
Happy New Year! Make a New Year’s resolution together as a family! See the Family Bible Discussion below for ideas!
Wednesday Night Programming returns! Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM.
New Worship Schedule Begins 9:00 AM The Well and Chapel Service, 10:00 AM Sunday School, 11:00 AM Sanctuary Service Children’s Church will be provided during both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM worship services.
Tuesday, January 6
FSD1 Schools start back - happy first day back at school!
Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM.
Sunday, January 25
Children’s Choirs sing at The Manor 2:30-4:00 PM
Wednesday, January 28
Bible Blast & Choir 6:00-7:00 PM
Kid’s Corner: Family Bible Discussion for the New Year “If anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 The start of a new year is a special time. We turn the page on the calendar and look ahead with hope. Many people make New Year’s resolutions—promises to try something new or do something better. God loves new beginnings, too. The Bible reminds us that when we follow Jesus, God is always at work making us new. We don’t have to be perfect, and we don’t have to do it all on our own. Each day of this new year is a chance to learn, grow, and trust God a little more. As families, we can choose to begin this year by inviting God into our hopes and goals. When we pray together, read the Bible, show kindness, forgive others, and help those in need, God helps us become more like Jesus one day at a time. By making a family New Year’s Resolution or Goal for 2026, we can make space for God to guide us throughout the year. Talk About It as a Family What is something you’re excited about in 2026? Is there something you want God to help you with this year? How can your family grow closer to God together in 2026? A Simple Family Faith Activity As a family, choose one faith goal for the new year. Some ideas include: Praying together each day Reading a Bible story together once a week Finding one way each month to serve others (the BEDS ministry & Parking Lot Ministries are both wonderful ways to serve the Pee Dee area as a family!) Write your goal down and place it somewhere you’ll see it often: on the refrigerator, kitchen counter, a bulletin board, or your family calendar. Family Prayer for January Dear God, Thank You for new beginnings and for loving us every day. As we begin this new year, help our family trust Your plan for our family, follow Jesus together, and grow in love and faith together. Amen.
Children’s Sabbath in the Sanctuary February 8, 2026 Children’s Sabbath in the Sanctuary will be on February 8 this year. 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 nights in January so they feel confident in the roles. We want them to feel confident and empowered and ready to lead! More details to come!
Happy Birthday! Mary Finklea • January 1 Ruby Hilley • January 5 Laura Hope Derrick • January 7 Harrison Kosh • January 10 Oliver Hilburn • January 22 Hattie Lucius • January 29 Walker Grimsley • January 30
CENTRAL UMC
YOUTH MINISTRY VOLUNTEERING AT THE MANNA HOUSE
Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser January 28 , 2026
Upcoming Events
January Birthdays!
January 4
Jacob Love January 8
No UMYF
January 6
FSD1 resumes
January 11
Secret Destination – 5:00 pm - All Youth
January 18
John Wylie Richardson January 26
No UMYF
Let God grant
January 19
what is in your
Martin Luther King Day
heart and
January 25
fulfill all
UMYF – Regularly Scheduled Time
your
January 28
plans.
Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser
Psalm 20:4
Join us for a Youth Spaghetti Fundraiser Dinner on Wednesday, January 28 at 5:30pm. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting our youth group and their upcoming activities. All are welcome. Bring your family and friends and come hungry. More information coming soon!
Santahatchie 2025
Blood Drive Holiday Sweater Contest On Thursday, December 11, we held a Holiday Sweater Contest as part of the Blood Drive. Donors were invited to wear an ugly, silly, or classic Christmas Sweater. Here are the winners of the contest!
Greeters Needed Welcoming visitors and members is one of the most important ministries of our church. Sunday morning and special event guests should feel accepted, recognized, informed, and, most of all, appreciated. As a greeter, you will provide guests with a feeling of comfort and help that gives them the best possible experience and removes obstacles interfering with their connection to Christ. We will train you and schedule you in a rotation that won't overburden your time. To volunteer or get more information, email Rev. Rusty Crimm!
Debi Kalaritis won Best Classic Sweater
The Pain of Disaffiliation Wednesday, January 21 | 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Kathryn Velicky won Best Funny Sweater
Bishop Willimon will discuss his book on disaffiliation, The Church We Carry, and answer questions. All are invited. No charge. Copies of the book are available for free.
First Sunday Fellowship DOUGHNUT SCHEDULE 2026
Thank you to our Sunday School classes for providing doughnuts! Here is the new schedule for 2026:
Congratulations to Our Mission Persons of the Year Adult Mission Person of the Year - John Frank Youth Mission Person of the Year - Allie Clyde Higgs
January 4 February 1 March 1 April 5 May 3 June 7 July 5 August 2 September 6 October 4 November 8 December 6
Spiritual Journeys Sarah Blanton New Beginnings New Horizons Searching Disciples Christian Discussion Spiritual Journeys Sunshine Class New Beginnings New Horizons Searching Disciples Christian Discussion
If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Rusty Crimm (rcrimm@centralmethodist.net).
Childhood Hunger Awareness JANUARY 2026 FOOD DRIVE Please join us in supporting food-insecure children by donating Vienna sausages to Help4Kids.
Use the QR Code above to shop their Amazon Wishlist for quick ordering and delivery.
Or consider sponsoring a child for $20 a month! For more information visit ww.help4kidsflorence.org/donate
Bible Studies Coming in January 2026! Online Study of the Gospel of Matthew
Courtney Graham Women’s Bible Study
Led by Rev. Thomas Smith
Matthew: The Gospel of Promised Blessings
1st and 2nd Samuel
Led by Johnny Crouch, Art Justice, and Hank Leeke
Available on YouTube Led by Ginny Hill and Beth Ann Owen
Scan the QR Code to watch! Mondays, 9:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Tuesdays, 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Starting January 5
Ruth and Esther Led by Rev. Meg Jiunnies Wednesdays, 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
The Gospel of Mark Led by Rev. Meg Jiunnies Wednesdays, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The Book of James Led by Rev. Thomas Smith Wednesdays, 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
Mothers of young children are invited to join in this wonderful time of Bible study. This season of life may be hectic, but this will be a group full of understanding and grace. Prepare as you are able, and don’t worry about the times when you just need to listen and ask questions. The first class is January 14 , 2026.
On January 14, we will begin to study the Gospel of Mark using this resource over a six-week period. Join us for some or all of the sessions! Email Rev. Jiunnies to register (mjiunnies@centralmethodist.net).
The Walk to Emmaus January 9, 2026 The Walk to Emmaus last spring was a 72-hour spiritual journey filled with prayer, meditation, worship, and communion. It was a powerful experience where we learned about God’s grace through both word and action. Many of us cherish being unplugged, hearing testimonies of God’s work in people’s lives, and witnessing His presence throughout the Seaside Emmaus community. Central will host the Seaside Emmaus Reunion on January 9, and everyone is invited—those who have gone before, those considering the journey, and anyone who simply wants to enjoy supper, fellowship, and uplifting entertainment.
Join Rev. Meg at Lula’s on Pamplico Hwy for a short time of fellowship and discussion before their open mike nights at 6:30pm on Thursday, January 15. We’re hoping to make this a regular event! Friends are welcome!!
Engaging God’s Word for Mothers of Young Children
Engaging God’s Word: Women’s Study
Rooted: Men’s Study
Young Adults: Christ, Conversation, and Coffee
27:17 Men’s Bible Study
If you are interested in participating in a Wednesday morning or evening study starting in January, contact Rev. Meg Jiunnies!
For more information or to register, visit www.centralmethodist.net/studies
Central’s Congregational Care Spotlight Ministers: Central’s Wonderful Visitor Team! We have so many wonderful, engaging people who enjoy visiting those who can’t get out much, but want a connection with our church family. Please contact Missy Brown or Rev. Rusty Crimm if you are interested in either being a visitor or having a visitor!
The Role of a Stephen Minister People are often not comfortable accepting a Stephen Minister because they don't understand the role of the Stephen Minister. More often they are apprehensive because they MISunderstand the Stephen Minister's role. The visual below helps to explain the special role that a Stephen Minister can play when someone in your congregation is experiencing grief, a life transition, a time of questioning, or even a short period of needing an objective listener and someone to pray with them. Stephen Ministers are not family or friends, who may lack objectivity over your given situation or have a personal role in it. Nor are Stephen Ministers mental health professionals who will diagnose and advise. Instead, a Stephen Minister is one who fills the gap between these two areas. They are confidential listeners who will not offer advice or criticism. They are trained to be one on one care-givers who rely on God to be the cure-giver.
If you or someone you know is interested in partnering with a Stephen Minister or hearing more about the program, please reach out to one our SM referral coordinators, Shelia Barnes or Mincy Peterson - or to one of our pastors.