Brian and Rebecca Dube
Brian and Rebecca are both lifelong Acushnet residents where they live on a lake with their daughter Jolee and their two dogs. They also have 2 adult children. Brian's idea of vacation is a beach and a book. He loves people, Dunkin' iced coffee, and playing games. He recently began learning to fly.
Pastor Brian (PB) is our Lead Pastor. His main focus is preaching and teaching. He works closely with the leadership team to make sure CFCNB is a place where God continues to change lives through authentic, Christ-centered community. He is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. He is a graduate of Adult and Teen Challenge (2008) where he received his first ministerial credentialing after a clear call to vocational ministry. Brian completed undergraduate studies at BCC and Global University. He holds teaching certifications in Apologetics and Biblical Counseling, a MA in Urban Ministry Leadership from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and is completing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty University with a focus on Apologetics. He also served as a chaplain with the New Bedford Police Department.
Rebecca co-leads the Children's Ministry, serves as a Youth Group Leader, and is part of the Worship Team. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She holds MA State Certification as a Childcare Director and has over 25 years' experience working with children and youth, including operating her own Nursery School for over 10 years. Beckie enjoys spending time with family, working in the yard, paddle-boarding and game nights.
*On November 19, 2023, Pastor Brian was left almost completely paralyzed with a very rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He went on to spend almost 6 months hospitalized. You can read more about his journey by clicking below:
https://news.ag.org/en/articles/news/2024/12/faced-with-paralysis-and-death-pastor-encounters-the-goodness-of-god
Pastor Brian (PB) is our Lead Pastor. His main focus is preaching and teaching. He works closely with the leadership team to make sure CFCNB is a place where God continues to change lives through authentic, Christ-centered community. He is a licensed minister with the Assemblies of God. He is a graduate of Adult and Teen Challenge (2008) where he received his first ministerial credentialing after a clear call to vocational ministry. Brian completed undergraduate studies at BCC and Global University. He holds teaching certifications in Apologetics and Biblical Counseling, a MA in Urban Ministry Leadership from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary and is completing his Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty University with a focus on Apologetics. He also served as a chaplain with the New Bedford Police Department.
Rebecca co-leads the Children's Ministry, serves as a Youth Group Leader, and is part of the Worship Team. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. She holds MA State Certification as a Childcare Director and has over 25 years' experience working with children and youth, including operating her own Nursery School for over 10 years. Beckie enjoys spending time with family, working in the yard, paddle-boarding and game nights.
*On November 19, 2023, Pastor Brian was left almost completely paralyzed with a very rare neurological condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome. He went on to spend almost 6 months hospitalized. You can read more about his journey by clicking below:
https://news.ag.org/en/articles/news/2024/12/faced-with-paralysis-and-death-pastor-encounters-the-goodness-of-god
Sam Bongiorno
Sam and Rachel were raised in New Bedford, where they now live with their beautiful daughter, Ellie. They enjoy spending as much time as possible outside at the playground and riding their bikes.
Sam is one of the Associate Pastors, where he oversees Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. Sam has pursued theological studies at Northpoint Bible College and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
Sam and Rachel both have a heart to see the gospel reach people of all ages. Rachel works running her family's transportation business and also volunteers in the Children's Ministry.
Sam is one of the Associate Pastors, where he oversees Children, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. Sam has pursued theological studies at Northpoint Bible College and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary.
Sam and Rachel both have a heart to see the gospel reach people of all ages. Rachel works running her family's transportation business and also volunteers in the Children's Ministry.
Willy and Christina Rivera
Willy and Christina are New Bedford natives who continue to live and serve in the city they love alongside their eight children. They have been married for 25 years and are passionate about building a Christ-centered home. As a family, they have been deeply involved in homeschooling, fostering, and adopting children, reflecting their heart for caring for and investing in the next generation.
They actively serve in a variety of ministries at CFCNB and are deeply committed to building strong relationships within the church and the community. Willy serves as an Associate Pastor, overseeing outreach, community groups, and volunteer ministries. In addition to his role at the church, he also serves the community as a hospital and outreach chaplain, providing care, encouragement, and spiritual support to those in need.
Christina serves as the Director of Church Media and Design and hosts the Beyond Sundays Podcast, where she helps share stories, conversations, and insights that encourage people in their faith beyond the weekend service.
Together, Willy and Christina share a passion for discipleship, community, and helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Willy is currently pursuing ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God as he continues to follow God’s call on his life and ministry. When they are not serving in ministry, they enjoy spending time with their family and look forward to their yearly vacations together.
They actively serve in a variety of ministries at CFCNB and are deeply committed to building strong relationships within the church and the community. Willy serves as an Associate Pastor, overseeing outreach, community groups, and volunteer ministries. In addition to his role at the church, he also serves the community as a hospital and outreach chaplain, providing care, encouragement, and spiritual support to those in need.
Christina serves as the Director of Church Media and Design and hosts the Beyond Sundays Podcast, where she helps share stories, conversations, and insights that encourage people in their faith beyond the weekend service.
Together, Willy and Christina share a passion for discipleship, community, and helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus. Willy is currently pursuing ministerial credentials with the Assemblies of God as he continues to follow God’s call on his life and ministry. When they are not serving in ministry, they enjoy spending time with their family and look forward to their yearly vacations together.
Cathy Ortiz
Cathy works as an assistant to the pastors, helping to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes. In addition to serving in an administrative position, Cathy also finds great joy in serving the Lord in the areas of Hospitality and Women’s Ministry.
Cathy comes from a large Swedish family where she was taught from very early on, of the love of Jesus. Right from the beginning, church family was an important part of her life. When she lost her husband, Ernie, to cancer, she found the spiritual and emotional support she needed within the congregation.
Cathy spent her teen years volunteering at the Children's Haven every summer, working with inner-city children and where she learned firsthand to trust the Lord in everything. This experience was just the beginning of a lifelong walk with the Lord. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who is currently living in Coventry, RI with her beloved cats, Thor and Odin.
Cathy comes from a large Swedish family where she was taught from very early on, of the love of Jesus. Right from the beginning, church family was an important part of her life. When she lost her husband, Ernie, to cancer, she found the spiritual and emotional support she needed within the congregation.
Cathy spent her teen years volunteering at the Children's Haven every summer, working with inner-city children and where she learned firsthand to trust the Lord in everything. This experience was just the beginning of a lifelong walk with the Lord. She is a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who is currently living in Coventry, RI with her beloved cats, Thor and Odin.
David and Lauren Daniels
David Daniels, originally from upstate New York, relocated to Southeastern Massachusetts in late 2020 and married his wife, Lauren, in the spring of 2021. The very next day they were baptized here at the church, marking the beginning of a new chapter of their lives firmly rooted in faith and community. They have two daughters, Ryleigh and Sophia.
David serves as an Associate Pastor, overseeing Men’s Ministry. He has a passion for recovery ministry, shaped by his own powerful story of redemption. He also serves as the Program Director of the RISE Recovery Support Center in New Bedford, where he supports individuals and families pursuing healing and lasting transformation. In addition, David continues to further his academic and ministerial training as he faithfully pursues God’s calling on his life.
Lauren serves as a leader within the Women’s Ministry and is often found at the welcome booth on Sunday mornings, greeting and connecting with those who enter CFCNB. She is pursuing her nursing degree. Lauren shares a similar testimony of deliverance from addiction. This shared journey of brokenness and redemption has deeply shaped both David and Lauren, cultivating in them what they believe is a God-given calling to “love others back to life.”
David serves as an Associate Pastor, overseeing Men’s Ministry. He has a passion for recovery ministry, shaped by his own powerful story of redemption. He also serves as the Program Director of the RISE Recovery Support Center in New Bedford, where he supports individuals and families pursuing healing and lasting transformation. In addition, David continues to further his academic and ministerial training as he faithfully pursues God’s calling on his life.
Lauren serves as a leader within the Women’s Ministry and is often found at the welcome booth on Sunday mornings, greeting and connecting with those who enter CFCNB. She is pursuing her nursing degree. Lauren shares a similar testimony of deliverance from addiction. This shared journey of brokenness and redemption has deeply shaped both David and Lauren, cultivating in them what they believe is a God-given calling to “love others back to life.”
Emelia Ziegler
Emelia has served the church for the past ten years in various ways and is our Worship Leader. She also works as both a Children's Church Teacher and a Youth Group Leader. In October 2024, Emelia married her husband, Kendan. They live in Mattapoisett.
Emelia works as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at a pediatric clinic in Dartmouth, where she has the privilege of providing speech therapy services to children.
In her free time, she enjoys family game nights (with a touch of friendly competition), escape rooms, playing the ukulele, and treating herself to ice cream from Acushnet Creamery.
She is also the oldest daughter of Pastor Brian and Rebecca.
Emelia works as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) at a pediatric clinic in Dartmouth, where she has the privilege of providing speech therapy services to children.
In her free time, she enjoys family game nights (with a touch of friendly competition), escape rooms, playing the ukulele, and treating herself to ice cream from Acushnet Creamery.
She is also the oldest daughter of Pastor Brian and Rebecca.
Deanna Vargo
Deanna Vargo, affectionately known as Grandma D, is a cherished volunteer at Christian Fellowship Center (CFCNB). Her husband of 47 years, Pastor Joe, ministered here for 12 years until his passing in 2015, leaving a profound legacy among the men of the church as well as the many men he ministered to in prison.
Deanna continues his legacy with grace and humility. A retired teacher, she taught at Taylor School in New Bedford for 30 years and volunteered for 16 more, shaping countless lives. Former students warmly greet her throughout the city; a testament to her enduring impact.
Deanna’s organizational skills shine as she helps in the office, sends birthday and anniversary cards and prays faithfully for the congregation.
Deanna treasures time with her sons, Michael and Eric, their wives, Hanna and Julie, and her grandchildren, Rosie and Sam, who bring her immense joy. Whether creating children’s activities, storytelling, or offering kindness, her love inspires our community. Grandma D’s unwavering dedication, warmth, and humility make her an invaluable blessing.
Deanna continues his legacy with grace and humility. A retired teacher, she taught at Taylor School in New Bedford for 30 years and volunteered for 16 more, shaping countless lives. Former students warmly greet her throughout the city; a testament to her enduring impact.
Deanna’s organizational skills shine as she helps in the office, sends birthday and anniversary cards and prays faithfully for the congregation.
Deanna treasures time with her sons, Michael and Eric, their wives, Hanna and Julie, and her grandchildren, Rosie and Sam, who bring her immense joy. Whether creating children’s activities, storytelling, or offering kindness, her love inspires our community. Grandma D’s unwavering dedication, warmth, and humility make her an invaluable blessing.
Lynne Blezzard
Lynne and her husband Bill have been married for 33 wonderful years. Together they've raised three children and are now cherishing this season of life as grandparents. They live in the coastal town of Mattapoisett, where they've built a life centered on faith, family, and community. One of Lynne's favorite scriptures is Galatians 6:9–10, which reminds her daily of the importance of perseverance, kindness, and living out our faith.
Lynne has worked as a church bookkeeper for over 20 years and has had the privilege of serving in that role at CFC for the past three years. Lynne believes it is a joy to support the church in a behind-the-scenes way and be part of a loving church family. She's grateful for the community here and looks forward to all that God has in store.
Lynne has worked as a church bookkeeper for over 20 years and has had the privilege of serving in that role at CFC for the past three years. Lynne believes it is a joy to support the church in a behind-the-scenes way and be part of a loving church family. She's grateful for the community here and looks forward to all that God has in store.