Meet Pastor Kenn, the Board Members and Leadership of Christian Fellowship Center
Pastor Kenn and Grace Bongiorno
Pastor Kenn and Grace are in their eighth year of ministry at CFC. Their vision to minister in a multi-cultural city set on the Atlantic Ocean came true May 21st 2000 when the congregation unanimously elected Kenn as their new Senior Pastor.
Kenn was born and raised in Erie Pa. At the age of twenty Christ came into his heart and called him into full time ministry. He has studied at several different schools and presently is working on his Doctorate of Ministry at The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary.
Grace was born in Holland and at the age of nine her family moved to Switzerland to pastor a growing congregation near Zurich. She graduated as a licensed nurse and before starting a fulltime job decided to work as an aupar (Nanny) in America. During her first month in America, Grace visited First Assembly of God Church in Lynn Ma. It was there that she met Kenn. One year later the two of them were married. Grace is working on counseling degree at UMass Dartmouth, enjoys playing volley ball on the church team and serves as one of the children’s worship leaders for children’ church.
They live in New Bedford raising their three children. They love their church family, the city life, and the many opportunities to reach their city with the Love of Jesus Christ...
Pastor Raymond and Cheryl Rios
Ray and Cheryl have been married for 22 years. They met at Zion Bible Institute and married after Ray graduated in 1985. They have 3 children, 2 daughters and a son.
Ray has been actively involved with music ministry his whole life, and has been serving as the worship Pastor for 5 years.In 2006 Ray pursued his dream and received his ministerial license.
Cheryl leads the Manna From Heaven ministry, which provides meals to those in need within our congregation and family members.
Dan & Nery Amaro
Dan & Nery Amaro have been married since 1982. They have two grown sons, Bryan (who married Renee in 2006) and Adam.
Dan grew up in a Christian home and has been serving the Lord for most of his life. He comes from a strong family heritage of pastors and musicians, with his grandfather, Silvano Amaro, being the founder of Christian Revival Temple, which was one of the first Spanish speaking churches in New Bedford.
Nery was saved at 14, recalling her teen years in church as the best years of her life. They have been involved , in some capacity or another, with the Missionette and Royal Rangers ministry for over 20 years. Nery shared that it's wonderful to see children who were in the program from years ago that are now all grown up and can still recall the great times they had as a Missionette or Royal Ranger.
Being part of a ministry that helps bring children to the knowledge of Jesus and His unending love is truly a blessing.
Paul and Diane Rioux
Paul and Diane are high school sweethearts that have been married since 1984. They have four wonderful children (Jocelyn, Jade, Jacob, and Jentelle) and live in Mattapoisett, MA. Paul is originally from Fall River, and is an electrical engineer for the US Navy. Diane is originally from New Bedford and is a Nurse Practitioner working in a cardiologist office in New Bedford.
They came to really know the Lord in March 1991 the result of the birth of their first child a few months earlier. Once they held that new life in their arms, given to them by God, they knew they had to do right by her and introduce her to God even though they themselves did not personally know him themselves.
So much joy and peace came into their hearts at this time knowing they were on the right path to eternal life.Paul and Diane came to CFC in January 2003 and they thank God for leading them to this awesome church. Both Diane and Paul serve as Youth Group leaders. Paul also serves as a church Deacon, a board member, and serves on the building committee. Paul is willing to serve in any capacity as needed.
Joe and Deanna Vargo
Joe and Deanna Vargo live in New Bedford and have been married for 40 years. They have two adult sons who reside in Santa Monica, California.
Deanna was born, raised, and educated in New Bedford. She graduated from NBIT in 1965 which is now UMASS Dartmouth, with a degree in teaching. She retired from a teaching career in 2003, but has returned on a part time basis. Joe was born in Ohio, and came to the east coast while serving in the US Navy for 4 years. While stationed in Newport, RI ,he met Deanna, and they married after dating for only 8 months.
Both Joe and Deanna have been attending CFC since 2001. Joe has been a Christian for 19 years and served in the Prison Ministry for 18 of those years. At CFC he is the Prison Ministry Co-ordinator and is also serving in the Pastoral Care Ministry. Deanna has been a Christian for 13 years. She has been a Sunday School teacher for the past 5 years, serves as the Assistant to the Women's Group Leader, and has been available to help in many of the other ministries when necessary. Both Joe and Deanna lead a Discipleship Class for new believers bi-monthly at the Church. Their heart's desires are to help and see new believers grow in the Lord.
Paul and Terry Dawson
Paul and Terry Dawson have been married 27 years and have four daughters. They came to Christ in November of 1991.
Paul manages a local pharmacy. He has served as the men’s leader for ten years, a board member and most recently sings on the worship team.
Terry owns Custom Window Treatments, which specializes in curtains and home decorating. She served as the women’s leader for five years and leads a women’s weekly Bible study. Her passion is to encourage women to a higher calling in Jesus Christ.
Charles and Adrianna Kennedy
Charles and Adrianna have been married 22 years. They met at one of CFC’s fellowship groups and within a year they married.
Charles was born in Dartmouth and has lived most of his life in the New Bedford area. He is a graduate of the UMass Amherst and manages the water treatment facility for the City of New Bedford. Charles began attending CFC back in 1979 and has served in many capacities through the years as usher, Sunday school teacher, board member and most recently treasurer.
Adrianna was born in Vicenza, Italy. She came to America in 1968. In 1977 she moved to New Bedford and in 1985 came to CFC. She works as a cook for the city of New Bedford school department. She has served as a greeter/usher, church decorator, nursery worker, organizedmany dinner parties and most recently served for the past five years as the women’s leader.
They have a heart to serve and help people grow strong in the Lord. The two of them together lead a home Bible study where they have opportunities to bring hope and healing in peoples lives.
Richard & Jane Boynton
Rich and Jane Boynton have been married for 23 years. They met at Zion Bible Institute where they both attended school. Rich was born in New Bedford and raised down the Cape. Jane was born and raised in Fairhaven. Since their marriage in 1984 they have been serving at CFC. They have four children, three girls and one boy.
Jane has served in multiple roles over the years including Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Group Leader, Ladies Ministry, preaching, worship team and wherever else needed. Jane currently serves as the choir director, cell group leader, and sings on the worship team. Jane is currently teaching 5th grade at a Christian school.
Rich has served on the board, treasurer, deacon board, and ushering. His current ministry is Sunday School Director, Deacon Board, and Men's Ministry. They have a heart to encourage other believers in the Lord.