Pastor Rich Allen has been a United Methodist pastor for 39 years, but he’s still young at heart! He arrived at the Centerport UMC after 20 years of ministry in Sayville, New York, moving from the south shore of Long Island to the north shore. His interests are beach volleyball, bodysurfing, music (Christian, contemporary and instrumental), reading and writing. Rich’s favorite Scripture is Philippians 4:8 and 9c, NIV:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things … and the God of peace will be with you.

Office Administrator Megan Ferrante took the reins in 2025, but it was an easy transition, as she holds the same position at our neighbor church, St. Paul’s UMC in Northport. She is also our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, and is married to our music director (see below). Megan brings energy, enthusiasm and professionalism to both positions, and is the first contact person for many both inside and outside of our church community. She has followed in her predecessor’s footsteps by not sending us a photo, so we’re going to leave this sentence in here until she does!

Joe Ferrante has been the Music Director at CUMC since 2018. He is also a piano accompanist and adjunct faculty member at Nassau Community College, as well as accompanist for Hofstra’s University Choir. He also teaches in-home and in-studio piano and guitar lessons and accompanies for dance classes during the American Academy of Ballet’s summer program. Joe can be seen playing a variety of solo and ensemble “gigs” throughout the tri-state area and beyond, mainly with Nitework, and the Total Rhythm Experience, backup band for Clyde McPhatter’s Drifters, a group led by the late singer’s song Ron David McPhatter. Joe and his wife Megan live in Smithtown with their four children, Thomas, Madeline, Max and Colin.

Younger Choir’s Director Laurie Hawkins has been a member of CUMC for over 40 years, and has sung in the choir the whole time! For more than 20 years she has also been directing the Children’s Choirs . As a retired music educator, she love to be able to sing with the children of CUMC.  Laurie also enjoys singing with the Huntington Choral Society, volunteering at the Huntington Community Food Council, reading, going to the beach and last but not least, spending time with her grandchildren!