Why Riverhead?

In 2018, while visiting family on Long Island, Jay and Erinn took a spontaneous day trip east. They didn’t know it at the time, but that simple outing would mark the beginning of a lifelong calling. As they drove through Riverhead—past the farmlands, the downtown storefronts, and the winding Peconic—they felt it: a deep, undeniable sense of peace. The presence of God was thick in the air. In that moment, the love of the Lord for Riverhead washed over them like a wave. It wasn’t just beautiful. It was holy.

That day, Jay and Erinn knew Riverhead was more than a town. It was their parish. The place where they were being sent. A city with spiritual significance. A mission field waiting for a different kind of church.

Why Riverhead?

Riverhead is more than a picturesque town on the edge of the East End—it’s a strategic crossroads. As the county seat of Suffolk County, it sits at the center of influence for the region. It’s where policy meets people, where government meets grassroots, and where decisions are made that affect thousands across Long Island.

But more than its political significance, Riverhead represents something uniquely beautiful: a diverse, resilient community. With a population made up of many cultures, languages, and life stories, Riverhead reflects the kind of tapestry the Gospel was meant for. According to the U.S. Census, the town is home to over 35,000 residents, with a growing Hispanic, African-American, and Eastern European population. The economic landscape is equally broad—ranging from affluent neighborhoods to working-class communities and families facing poverty. This mix makes Riverhead a mirror of the Kingdom of God: a place where all are welcome and all are needed.

That’s why The Porch isn’t just a coffee roastery or a ministry—it’s a living, breathing response to the call of God for this place. We believe the church isn’t a building you visit on Sundays, but a community you live with every day. Through prayer walks, shared meals, youth mentoring, food relief, and deep discipleship, we are planting roots and watching revival grow—one conversation, one cup of coffee, and one life at a time.

How You Can Join the Story

We believe you have a role to play in what God is doing in Riverhead. Whether you're near or far, here are three ways you can get involved:

• PRAY – Cover Riverhead and The Porch in prayer. Pray for families, young adults, and those struggling to find hope. Pray that revival would take root in unlikely places.

• GIVE – Every dollar helps us serve our city. Your generosity fuels our mobile outreach, community care efforts, and future brick-and-mortar gathering space. You’re not just funding coffee—you’re fueling mission.

• VOLUNTEER – If you’re local, come serve with us! Help host an event, serve at the coffee trailer, or be part of our discipleship gatherings. There’s room at the table.

Riverhead is our home. It’s our heart. And we believe its best days are just beginning. Will you be part of the story?