I’ve been following the forecasts all day, and it still looks as if Hurricane Irene will be hitting us at full force during the Sunday morning hours. Current projections have us receiving the brunt of the storm with flooding and 60-80mph winds during our planned service times. Although I originally planned to wait until tomorrow morning to make a call, I am concerned that a potential loss of power would make it impossible to get the word out.

So, please pass the word to all you know that as of this notice, ALL SERVICES ON SUNDAY MORNING ARE CANCELLED.

 I feel it is the best decision for us to keep the safety of our members and staff as our first priority. That said, the storm still has not hit yet. Please consider worshipping this afternoon at 5pm. That service will be held as scheduled , and will be in the sanctuary to accommodate a larger crowd.

If all the forecasts turn out to be wrong, and conditions radically change overnight. We may try to have one service tomorrow at 10:15am. If it turns out that the storm weakens dramatically, and it is safe to venture out of our homes, we will post an update on our website and Facebook. Unless you hear otherwise, however, all service will be cancelled on Sunday.

My prayers are with all of us for safety during the dangerous conditions. I am especially concerned with our elder members and those who live alone. If you know of anyone who may be in need, please check in on them or direct me to them. As long as cell service is active, I can be reached directly at (631) 827-7600. Please do not hesitate to call for concerns or questions. Also, I had considered opening our building as a shelter for those in need. However, our parking lot has a history of flooding, and I am afraid that in terrible conditions this might not be the safest place to seek refuge. If you need to evacuate your home, call my cell phone directly. Again, it is (631)827-7600. You can then either proceed to one of the shelters designated by Suffolk county (please refer to the list below), or you are welcome to come to the parsonage at 14 Mark Lane, Deer Park 11729. We have plenty of food, water, and space. If phones are down, just come on by!

God’s blessings everyone, and I’ll see you soon!

Peace,

Pastor J

Suffolk County Hurricane Shelters



**Note: These shelters are, also, accepting special needs patients with the exception of those using ventilators or high tech medical equipment.

Babylon - North Babylon High School, 1 Phelps Lane, North Babylon NY 11703

** Babylon – Deer Park, Robert Frost Middle School, 450 Half Hollow Road, Deer Park NY 11729

Brentwood - Brentwood High School 2 Sixth Avenue, Brentwood NY

Brookhaven – Eastport/South Manor Jr/Sr High School 543 Moriches Middle Island, Manorville NY 11949

** Brookhaven – Sachem East High School, 177 Granny Road, Farmingville NY 11738

Cutchogue – Cutchogue East School, 34900 Main Rd, Cutchogue

East Hampton – East Hampton High School, 2 Long Lane, East Hampton NY 11937

Fire Island – Fisher's Island School, Greenwood St., Fishers Island

Huntington – Walt Whitman High School, 301 West Hills Road, Huntington Station 11746

Greenport – Greenport School, 720 Front St, Greenport

Mattituck – Mattituck High School, 15125 Main Rd, Mattituck

Middle Island - Longwood High School, 100 Longwood Road Middle Island NY

Orient – Oysterponds School, 23405 Main Rd, Orient

Riverhead – Riverhead High School and Middle School, 600 Harrison Ave, Riverhead NY 11901

** Southampton – Hampton Bays High School, 88 Argonne Road Hampton Bays, NY 11946
For those with animals the Southampton Town Animal Control Officers will be available to take pets to an off-site location. However, residents are urged to board their animals elsewhere as space is limited in the animal shelters

Southhold – Southold School, 420 Oaklawn Av, Southold

Pet-Friendly Shelters

Note: You are now required to bring a cage with your animals.

Riverhead - Suffolk County Community College Eastern Campus, Woodland Building 121 Speonk-Riverhead Rd.

Brentwood - Brentwood Recreation Center located, 89 Third Ave, Brentwood, NY

If you have a question regarding shelters please call the Suffolk County Department of Emergency Management at 631-852-4900.