Hurricane

Dear Marcus Pointe Family,

As Hurricane Isaias approaches the Gulf Coast, we want to make sure our church family has the information and time needed to prepare.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Hurricane Isaias is expected to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday night or early Saturday morning. Our area is currently under a hurricane warning, with the potential for damaging winds, heavy rainfall, flooding, and widespread power outages.

Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our church family, all Sunday worship services, Sunday School classes, and ministry activities at all Marcus Pointe campuses are canceled for Sunday, October 11.

We encourage everyone to take this storm seriously, complete necessary preparations, and follow guidance from local emergency officials. Below, we've included a hurricane preparedness checklist to help you and your family get ready.

As a church family, we also want to encourage you to look out for one another. Check on neighbors, elderly family members, and those who may need assistance. This is an opportunity for us to demonstrate the love of Christ through practical care and service.

If you or your family need assistance following the storm, please reach out to our church. We want to do what we can to help our church family and community recover.

Above all, let's be faithful in prayer. Pray for the safety of our community, for those in the storm's path, and for the first responders and emergency personnel who will be serving throughout the weekend.

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." — Philippians 2:4

We love you, church family. Please stay safe, stay informed, and take care of one another.

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

With Hurricane Isaias approaching, we encourage every household to take the following precautions before conditions deteriorate.

Power & Communication

Prepare for possible extended power outages and interruptions to water service.
Fully charge cell phones and portable battery packs.
Have flashlights and extra batteries available.
If you own a generator, make sure it is operational and that you have adequate fuel. Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Keep it at least 20 feet from your home, with the exhaust directed away from doors and windows.

Food & Water

Stock up on bottled water. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day, ideally enough for 7–10 days.
Purchase nonperishable groceries that do not require refrigeration or cooking.
Fill propane tanks for outdoor grills as an alternative cooking source. Never use grills indoors or in garages.
Have a manual (non-electric) can opener available.

Fuel & Finances

Fill your vehicles with gasoline before the storm arrives.
Keep some cash on hand, as ATMs and electronic payment systems may be unavailable during power outages.

Medications & Essential Supplies

Have a 7–10 day supply of necessary prescription medications, when possible.
Stock up on toiletries and personal hygiene essentials, including toilet paper.
If you have pets, prepare a 7–10 day supply of food, water, and necessary medications.

Home & Family Safety

Secure outdoor furniture, decorations, trash cans, and other loose items.
Know your evacuation zone and follow any evacuation instructions from local officials.
Keep important documents, medications, and essential supplies in a safe, accessible location.
Stay informed through official weather updates and local emergency management announcements.

Stay Informed

For the latest weather updates, evacuation information, and emergency guidance, visit:
National Hurricane Center: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/
National Weather Service – Mobile/Pensacola: https://www.weather.gov/mob/
Florida Emergency Management: https://www.floridadisaster.org/Know

As you prepare, please check on those around you who may need additional help. A small act of kindness can make a significant difference during a difficult time.

Canceling services doesn't cancel the needs of our church. Ministry goes on, our staff and missionaries still count on us, and our neighbors are about to need us more than ever.

In the days ahead, the needs across our community will increase dramatically. That's when the church gets to be the church. Two ways you can help right now:

Keep giving your tithes and offerings. Your faithfulness keeps every ministry of Marcus Pointe ready to serve.
Give to Hurricane Relief. Every gift goes straight to helping families recover and rebuild.

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Galatians 6:9)