Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

Online Map

From I-95: Take exit 164, Highway 52. Turn towards Florence. This is Lucas St. Follow signs to Highway 52, Irby Street, and turn right. Follow, crossing railroad tracks at City-County complex. Cross W. Evans Street. Next light is Cheves. Central is on the right. Parking access from Irby or Cheves Streets.

From I-20: Follow I-20 business spur into Florence. Pass Wal-Mart on right at second light. Circuit City on right at third light. Proceed through next light ( Ben Dozier Blvd ). At the fifth light, take a left onto Evans Street. Cross through light at Books-A-Million, through lights at Hoffmeyer, Cashua, Sunset, Edisto and McQueen. Turn right onto Coit Street. Proceed to next light, and take a left onto Cheves Street. Central will be on the left after you pass First Union. Parking is accessible on Cheves, in lot across from church. From Lake City: Take Highway 52 North, and follow into downtown Florence. Cross 2nd Loop Cherokee Dr., and Palmetto St. (Hwy 76/301). Central will be on the left at next light.

From Myrtle Beach, and points east: Pick-up highway 76 in Marion, and follow into Florence, past Francis Marion University. Follow past manufactured home dealers and the Florence Airport on left. After underpass, turn right at sign pointing to McLeod Regional Medical Center. This is Cheves Street. Follow past McLeod. Cross Church Street, Dargan Street, and Irby Street. Central will be on the right.

Where do I go once I arrive at Central UMC ?

Building Map

The main access to the building is through the Commons Area. This door is located on the North side of the building and is accessible from the Irby Street parking lot. Look for the brick columns.

To get to the Sanctuary Building, enter through the Commons Area and go straight. You will see a hall way on the left with stairs; this will lead you to the first, second and third floors. If you have trouble with stairs, there is an elevator to the right of the stairwell in the hall.

To get to the Educational Building, enter through the Commons Area and go straight. You will pass a hall on the left and right, continue straight. There will be restrooms on the left and directly across from there is a stairwell that leads to the second floor of the Educational Building. There is no elevator access to this building. If you are looking for a first floor class, continue past the stairwell and there are classes on the left and down a hall to the right.

To get to Central Place, enter through the Commons Area and make an immediate right. Follow this hallway (Nursery Corridor) all the way to the end and make a left. This hallway is the first floor of Central Place and there are classrooms on both sides. To get to the second floor, there are stairwells at either end of the hall. There is a small elevator at the far end of the hall in the lobby on the left.

When was Central UMC founded?

Central UMC was founded in 1870.

Who are your ministers?

Tom Pietila and Will Malambri.

What should I wear?

Both the 9 am and 11:15 am services at Central are considered "traditional." Most women wear skirts and dresses, and most men wear suits or suit jackets and dress slacks.

Where does my child go after
"Children's Time"?

During each Sunday morning worship service, children ages three through five are invited to attend a “mini-sermon” at Children’s Time. Afterward, the children ages three through five are escorted to the nursery and are to be picked up in room 145 after the service concludes.

How can I get involved?

We invite you to worship with us in our corporate worship services and in our daily ministries and activities. All, members and visitors alike, are encouraged to participate in any services, ministries, programs, and activities offered by Central. All that is offered, from Wednesday night meals and programs to sporting events to choirs to trips, is intended to encourage the discipleship of those involved, including you. This website will provide you with more information of ways to get involved and, should you be ready to do so, how to join the membership at Central.

How can I join?

If you are interested in joining Central UMC, please contact one of the pastors. You may join by profession of faith and baptism or by transfer of membership from another church. We encourage, but do not require, a brief service of welcoming as a means to introduce you to the congregation, to remind them of their commitment to God and you, and to give you the opportunity to profess your commitment to God and Central UMC. If you are interested in joining Central UMC, please contact one of the pastors, Rev. Tom Pietila (Pastor) , Rev. Will Malambri (Pastor), or Rev. Elise Erikson Barrett (Associate Pastor).