Pastor Rich Allen has been a United Methodist pastor for 35 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.

Administrative Assistant Connie Kozlowski has been in charge of our church office for decades. This means she knows everything. Just ask! She is the first contact for many at the Centerport UMC, and offers beautiful meditations in the church’s weekly email. She is primarily in the office on Thursday mornings and otherwise works from home. The fact that her photo is so small in comparison to everyone else’s is no reflection on how we feel about her. (Connie, please get me a larger photo asap! ~ Pastor Rich)

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.

Education and Family Ministry Coordinator Mackenzie Pech has been working with children for over 10 years. Between babysitting, live-in nannying, tutoring, party planning and being a Resident Assistant in college, Mackenzie thoroughly enjoys connecting with others and creating a fun, safe and hands-on learning environment. Come chat with her about baking, gardening, and ways you can get involved in Christian Education & Family Ministries!

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!