Pentecostals Praise God for 25 Years of Pastorate

In observance of their 25^th pastoral anniversary, the congregation of invites the community to join in a very special weekend celebration from Friday, May 6, through Sunday, May 8, filled with special activities and an Open House.

“We want them to come and celebrate with us – just to see what the Lord has done,” said the Rev. Jay Stirnemann, senior pastor of Christ Temple. “We began as evangelists years ago and fell in love with the people. I knew that God called us here, and we intend to stay here for the rest of our lives. I love this area. It’s a beautiful place to be.”

Twenty-five years ago, Pastor Jay was a travelling evangelist who took his family on the road.

“It was exciting evangelizing, but once we got here, I loved it,” said Pastor Jay’s wife Renee Stirnemann, who leads Christ Temple’s Sunday school ministry. “We’re here where God wants us to be.”

When Pastor Jay found himself in Fall River, he learned there was a church on South Main Street that needed a pastor. At the time the church was a few years old and housed in a little white building. There were 32 adults and children in attendance at Pastor Jay’s first service.

The family would settle in Tiverton, and for the next 10 years, Pastor Jay led the city congregation.

In 1995, church members bought the present 12,000-square-foot building on almost two acres at 1198 Fish Road in Tiverton.

“I just began to minister to people’s needs and preach the Gospel, and over time we found that it worked,” he said. “As of this past Sunday, there were 206 in attendance."

Established in 1945, United Pentecostal Church International has been among the fastest growing denominations in North America. Pastor Jay serves as district superintendent for the faith in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, representing 29 churches throughout the region.

The congregation also has launched several new churches, including Spirit and Truth United Pentecostal Church in Central Falls, New Hope Fellowship United Pentecostal Church in Lincoln and a subsidiary ministry in Wareham, MA.

According to the New Testament, on the Day of Pentecost, Jesus’ followers received the gift of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues.

“That is the common experience of every believer in the New Testament,” said Pastor Jay. “What we offer is New Testament Christianity. When people get tired of religion, this is where they come. We point people to the Word of God, and that’s why we know what we are teaching is true. If you’re looking for the real thing, come in and check us out.”

The Celebratory Service at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 6, will attract members from Pentecostal churches throughout the region, as well as folks from Texas, Illinois and Missouri.

“It’s open to the public and particularly for those who have been connected with us in the past,” said Pastor Jay. “I have baptized over 1,100 people in the last 25 years.”

Special guest speaker will be the Rev. Kenneth Haney, the former general superintendent for United Pentecostal Church International.

The congregation will host a full Banquet and Celebration at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7. The Rev. Scotty Teets, an honorary general board member of United Pentecostal Church International, will be guest speaker. Tickets for the Saturday banquet are $25. Discounts for larger families are also available.

The Revival Service at 10 a.m. Sunday, May 8, will feature Evangelist Kenneth Haney.

“Before he became superintendent of our organization, he pastored for 30 years the largest church in our fellowship with 3,000 members in Stockton, CA,” said Brother Chris Paolini. “He has a lot of experience – a very seasoned ministry.”

Christ Temple United Pentecostal Church offers two services on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; and a Wednesday evening service at 7:30 p.m.

For more information or to reserve banquet tickets, stop by Christ Temple, call Pastor Jay at (401) 625-1891 or visit www.christtempleonline.org