The Centerport UMC is involved in a number of mission and outreach programs, and provides space for others as well. Here are just a few ways to get involved, whether through donations or hands-on volunteer work!

HACO (Harborfields Alliance for Community Outreach) is a local food mission sponsored by the Harborfields School District under the guidance of Maggie Boba. HACO accepts donations of food, gift cards, services or goods. Food donations can be placed in the drop boxes outside our church for delivery to those in need.

Our church has joined with eight interfaith congregations in Huntington to bring a family from Ukraine to our community. We are working with HIAS, a 140-year-old refugee resettlement organization.
 
The family had to flee their home and has surely experienced the trauma of war, displacement, and loss.  A small Sponsor Circle has been formed of skilled volunteers who will work directly with the family to facilitate their adjustment.
 
There will be many opportunities to become involved, but our most pressing need is funds. Can you contribute? Any amount will help.   
 
Our team pledge is to provide the family with full financial support for the first four to six months, including plane tickets, transportation, housing, food, clothing, and childcare. Given the cost of living in Huntington and the probability that any job will be on the lower end of the pay scale, our plan is to supplement the family’s income for the full two years of the program.
 
So far, more than $50,000 has been raised, with another $20,000 pledged. The goal is $150,000-200,000. Temple Beth El, which is coordinating the resettlement effort, has established a Refugee Resettlement Fund for use by the entire Huntington community.  
 
Please give whatever you can.  Checks should be made out to Temple Beth El – Refugee Resettlement Fund, and mailed to: Temple Beth El, 660 Park Ave, Huntington, NY 11743. Please put the name of our congregation in the memo line. You can also donate online, and choose Refugee Resettlement Fund, the second one listed, and type our congregation’s name in the tribute space. All gifts are fully tax-deductible.
 
We will provide regular updates to the community about our resettlement efforts while respecting the privacy of the family in our care.  Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your support!
 
If you have any questions or want more information please feel free to contact Denise Leparik.
dleparik@aol.com
631-549-4137

The Centerport UMC is a member of the ELC (Ecumenical Lay Council)  of Northport, East Northport, Greenlawn and Centerport. Any local church is invited to join. In addition to the churches, the Youth Directives and Alternatives and the Drug and Alcohol Task Force are part of the ELC. Susan Beck is our representative.

The ELC manages the Northport food pantry, participates in the November book drive and the Soles for Souls program both sponsored by the Northport Rotary. The ELC also participates in the adopt a family program sponsored by the Youth Directives and Alternatives Organization. We support each of the members in any program they offer.

The UM Army is a mission team from numerous churches that travels to areas of need to offer physical support to communities in need. This may involve building projects, painting, clean-up work, and partnership with teachers and kids. The most recent trip was across Long Island Sound to Wethersfield, CT.

Our Social Justice Committee takes on issues of local, national and international importance. They are currently involved in efforts to curb gun violence, and are organizing a letter writing campaign to urge people in swing states to get out to vote.

Several members of our congregation also volunteer at the Huntington Community Food Council, which serves 150 families or more each week! Another organization dear to our hearts is Helping Hand Rescue Mission, which provides a variety of resources for people in need. HHRM is located in Huntington Station, but they have a drop box at our church, with a current need for children’s summer clothing, kitchen items and hygiene products.

One of our specialized drives is Soles 4 Souls, a collection box for new and used shoes. The box is located in the church hallway and all shoes are accepted! Soles 4 Souls is part of the Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, which operates out of the Northport Presbyterian Church. Centerport is also one of 35 churches participating in the Huntington Interfaith and Homeless Initiative, which operates during the winter months and provides housing, clothing, a hot dinner, breakfast and a bag lunch.

While the pandemic put many in-person ministries on pause, we hope they will return soon, as the needs have never been greater.