Trick or Treat for Canned Goods; meet at the Arthurs’ House, 5:00 pm

Commitment Sunday

Sunday, October 26

8:30 & 10:30 AM • All Services

Sunday, October 26, is our congregation's Commitment Sunday.

Plan now to attend two important events: Sunday morning worship and the reception immediately following worship.

We will follow our regular worship schedule in the Chapel, the Well, and the Sanctuary.

Christian giving is a spiritual practice that allows us to experience the blessings of generosity. The act of giving certainly empowers the church’s mission, but it also blesses the giver as he or she participates in the spiritual gift of generosity. As someone committed to serving God through Central, please plan to attend Commitment Sunday and make your financial commitment as an act of worship.

Happy Travelers - October 23

We’re going to Riverbanks Zoo.

Click here to register!

Join us on Wednesday, October 22, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for Wednesday Night Dinner!

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office.

Adult Menu: Enchiladas, Mexican Rice & Refried Beans

Kids Menu: Tacos, Mexican Rice & Refried Beans

Click here to register!

SC Cognitive Connection Dementia Care Workshop

Discover ways to better support dementia care in our community through this special morning workshop hosted by the United Methodist Church. Led by Toni Anderson (SC Department of Aging), Rev. Bryan Pigford, and Bishop Ken Carder, the program builds on Bishop Carder’s visit with us last fall. Join us—and invite others who would benefit—as we learn how to provide care, support, and education around dementia.

📅 Wednesday, October 22

🕤 9:30 AM–12:00 PM

Click here to register!

Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 19 | 4:30–6:00 PM

Join us for an evening of fall fun & fellowship, costumes, & candy!

We invite you to donate candy and host a trunk to help make this community event a sweet success!

Click here for our Amazon Wishlist for candy donations!

What is Stephen Ministry?

Stephen Ministry provides one-on-one, Christ-centered care during times of crisis or challenge. If you’ve ever considered receiving support, wondered about confidentiality or time commitments, or felt called to serve as a Stephen Minister or Leader, this is a chance to learn more. Join us for an open discussion where you can ask questions or simply listen to others’ experiences.

📅 Wednesday, October 15

🕕 6:00–7:00 PM

📍 Spears Fellowship Hall

Join us on Wednesday, October 15, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for Wednesday Night Dinner!

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office.

Adult Menu: Choice of Shrimp & Grits or Chicken Pontalba, Fresh Mixed Greens, Cornbread, and Assorted Desserts

Kids Menu: Chicken Strips & French Fries

Click here to register!

There will be no Wednesday Night Dinner on Wednesday, October 8, 2025

We will resume on Wednesday, October 15.

World Communion Sunday

BEDS Build Day

Saturday, October 4

Join us for BEDS Build Day on Saturday, October 4, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the BEDS parking lot (268 W. Cheves St.) as we come together to build beds for children in Florence School District One who don’t have a bed of their own.

BEDS (Better Education Demands Sleep) is a ministry founded in 2015 by Central member Art Justice, who was inspired after learning about a similar effort in Pineville, NC. Since then, Art and a team of volunteers have built and delivered countless beds—all from donated materials—to children in need, helping ensure a better night’s rest and a brighter day at school.

No experience needed! Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. We’ll have trained team members to guide you, and if you happen to own a hand-held router or cordless drill, please bring it—along with your charger and bits.

Come build hope with us, one bed at a time!

The Board of Trustees of The Manor cordially invites you to a celebration honoring the late John Dodd Orr on Thursday, October 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. The celebration will take place in front of The Clubhouse, which—along with several other spaces—will be named for Orr. The event will include a short program, refreshments, and tours. Please call The Manor at 843-664-0700 by September 15 to register your attendance.

21st Annual
Central United Methodist Church
UMW BBQ Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Dinner (5:00 PM - 6:30 PM)

Catered by Schoolhouse BBQ
Take out, drive-thru, or lunch delivery of 10 plates or more!

$14 per plate
(BBQ, Rice & Red Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Slaw, and Bread)

$5 for a Child’s Hot Dog Plate
(dinner, dine-in only)

All proceeds go to local missions.

Purchase tickets from the church office (843-662-3218) or any UMW member.

21st Annual
Central United Methodist Church
UMW BBQ Fundraiser
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Lunch (11:00 AM - 1:30 PM)

Catered by Schoolhouse BBQ
Take out, drive-thru, or lunch delivery of 10 plates or more!

$14 per plate
(BBQ, Rice & Red Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Slaw, and Bread)

All proceeds go to local missions.

Purchase tickets from the church office (843-662-3218) or any UMW member.

Come Travel with Us!

The Happy Travelers invite you to join us on Thursday, September 25, for a special trip to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, N.C. This inspiring, 40,000-square-foot experience is set on 20 acres of beautiful grounds near Billy Graham’s childhood home. Inside the barn-shaped library, you’ll walk through exhibits that share his remarkable journey from a small-town farm boy to an international ambassador of God’s love.

There is no cost for the trip (other than your lunch), and everyone is welcome. Space is limited, so be sure to save your spot by registering on Realm or by emailing Adriane at areynolds@centralmethodist.net.

Join us on Wednesday, September 24, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for Wednesday Night Dinner!

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office.

Menu: Oven-Baked Pork Chops, Redskin Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, and Cornbread

Click here to register!

3rd Grade Bible Presentation

On Sunday, September 14, during the Sanctuary service, our 3rd graders will receive their very own Bibles—a special milestone in their Christian faith. We want to help them learn how to use this precious gift as a tool for living in God’s Word and growing closer to Him.

If you can’t attend that day, your child will receive his or her Bible at another convenient time.

For the Music of Creation
a service celebrating the music ministry of Central UMC

Sunday, September 21

10:30 AM

Sanctuary

Soul Support: Fellowship for Women Who Have Lost a Spouse

Join us for an evening of shopping and fellowship in downtown Florence! We’ll explore Barringer’s General Store—a unique shop filled with local art, jewelry, food, handbags, and more. Enjoy food samples and group discounts on purchases, and

then continue the evening with dinner at El Agave Mexican Restaurant.

📅 Thursday, September 18

🕔 5:00 PM

📍 Barringer’s General Store & El Agave

For more information, contact:

• Becky Crawford | (843) 621-1424 | beckyhcrawford@gmail.com
• Cherrie Dean | (843) 245-4028 | cdean22268@sc.rr.com

Red Cross Blood Drive - In Memory of Russ Barnes

Thursday, September 18, 2025
1:30 - 6:30 PM
Davis Christian Life Center

Register using the sign-up sheets in The Well or The Commons or by clicking the following link. Click here — use the Sponsor Code CentralUnited to find out Blood Drive.

Russ Barnes was a devoted blood donor and a passionate advocate for Central UMC’s partnership with the Red Cross. Before being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a form of blood cancer, he was a regular donor at our drives. Even after his diagnosis, Russ continued to support the ministry by sharing his story with the congregation and encouraging others to give. He often attended drives to thank donors personally, serving as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of this outreach. In honor of Russ’s unwavering commitment, Central UMC and the Red Cross have partnered to dedicate the September blood drive to his memory.

Veterans Breakfast

All veterans and active-duty service members are invited to our next Veterans Breakfast on Thursday, September 18, at 8:00 AM in Spears Fellowship Hall. Following breakfast, we will welcome Jim Thomas from the Florence VA Clinic as our guest speaker.

There is no cost to attend, but we ask that you register through Realm or by contacting Adriane at areynolds@centralmethodist.net. Please help us spread the word by inviting other veterans, whether or not they are members of Central!

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for Wednesday Night Dinner!

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office.

Menu: George’s Famous Spaghetti, Fresh Mixed Greens & Garlic Bread

Click here to register!

Columbia College President - Guest Speaker

September 14, 2025

10:30 AM - During Worship

John H. Dozier is Columbia College’s 21st president.  Dr. Dozier received his Bachelor of Science in marketing from South Carolina State University and was presented with a Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2015. He went on to earn both a Master of Business Administration and a Doctor of Education degrees from DePaul University in Chicago. He held a variety of leadership positions in the Chicago community college system, including vice president of academic and student affairs for Kennedy-King College and Wilbur Wright College; chief information officer for the entire system; and president of Kennedy-King College. He joined the University of South Carolina in 2013, where he served as the inaugural chief diversity officer and senior associate provost.  Most recently, he served as the Institute Community and Equity Officer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Dozier is married to Victoria who is a mechanical engineer, and they have three children.

Join us for an uplifting concert from the Sensational Brown Brothers—featuring Central’s own Billy Brown. The Brown Brothers have traveled from coast to coast sharing the good news of Jesus through gospel music, and in 2021, they were honored with induction into the African American Museum of Black Gospel Music in Nashville, Tennessee.

Join us on Wednesday, September 10, at 5:30 PM in the Davis CLC for the first Wednesday Night Dinner of the season! We’ll enjoy a delicious Southern-style supper together, followed by an uplifting concert from the Sensational Brown Brothers—featuring Central’s own Billy Brown.

The cost of the meal is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Registration is strongly encouraged and may be completed on Realm or by calling the church office.

Menu: BBQ Chicken, Macaroni & Cheese, Collard Greens, Green Beans, Coleslaw & Cornbread

Click here to register

CareGivers Retreat: Creative Prayer Journaling

Caregiving can be rewarding but also exhausting—this retreat offers a chance to rest, recharge, and connect with others who share your journey. Join us for fellowship, a short program, and light refreshments.

📅 Wednesday, September 10

🕓 4:00–5:00 PM

📍 Moody Parlor

Stay afterward to enjoy Wednesday Night Dinner or pick up a meal to take home. To register for dinner, visit www.centralmethodist.net/events.

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. Please ensure that at least one parent attends.

Septmeber 7, :400 PM

Youth Lounge

Children’s Choir Kick-off Party

Please join us for this exciting Choir Kick-Off event on Wednesday, September 3. We’ll start with a pizza dinner at 5:30 PM, followed by a joint choir practice at 6:00 PM. This will allow the Children’s Choirs to have an extra choir practice before they are scheduled to sing in the Sanctuary for Music Sunday on Sunday, September 21.

During this time, parents will have the opportunity to observe how the Children’s Choir practices on Wednesday evenings, as well as receive information about our upcoming fall events and guidance on our new Online Consent Form. We hope you can join us for this important and fun evening of fellowship!