They gather at noon in the newly renovated building at 357 Jericho Turnpike in Old Westbury to worship, celebrate and offer thanks for their new home. It's difficult to imagine now that the building, with its architectural beauty and colonial charm, was once a horse barn. But the beautiful new home of Bethel United Pentecostal Church is a testimony of what faith and dedication can accomplish.

The church, which draws a large constituency from the Franklin Square, West Hempstead and Elmont area had its former home in Oyster Bay. Bethel purchased the new land in Old Westbury because it was rapidly outgrowing its former facilities and needed space to accommodate new members and its ministries, which include home Bible studies ministry, home friendship ministries, discipleship ministries, children's ministries, Christian education ministries, youth ministries, marrieds ministries, singles ministries, among others.

The 450-member congregation of Bethel is uniquely diverse. Worshippers represent many nationalities. Italians, Greeks, Hispanics, African Americans, Asians, and Jews, alike all claim to be among those who have been dramatically affected by the influence of the Old Westbury church. Gina Farengo of Elmont, states, "I was raised Catholic, but the very first time I came to Bethel I felt something very different. I never dreamed that I could experience the presence of God like this." Nino and Nina DiGiovanni of Vito's Pizzeria in Franklin Square whose family have been members of Bethel for many years say, "The ministry of Bethel means everything to our family." "We were looking for a real relationship with God and we found him at Bethel."

Because of a growing number of Italian members, the church has recently begun an Italian language Bible study. The church also offers this Bible study free to anyone who requests it. Local businessman Eddie D'Amico, owner of "My Three Sons Bagels" in Elmont and long-time member of the church says, "I was born and raised in Rome, Italy, but I never really knew the Bible, or that I could experience God in a very real and tangible way. It amazes me how very relevant the Bible is to my everyday life."

In recent years, Bethel United Pentecostal Church has gained considerable local and national recognition for its award-winning, 90-voice concert choir. The choir has performed benefit concerts for The United Way, The United Cerebral Palsy Association, Toys For Tots and Children's Health Association. In addition to performing each Christmas at shopping malls throughout the metropolitan area they have also made yearly appearances at Long Island Festival of Trees, the European American Bank Holiday Extravaganza and the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights Extravaganza.

The choir has also performed concerts in Scotland and Holland and was the featured guests at Manger Square in Bethlehem, Israel on Christmas Eve two years in a row. Members of the Bethel Choir were also featured recently in the ABC television special In Search Of Jesus with Peter Jennings. Their soul-stirring gospel music is heard weekly during Sunday services at the church and they have produced several compact discs, which are distributed nationally. The upbeat Sunday services are heartfelt and inspiring. Shouts of "Hallelujah" and "Praise the Lord" ring out as the "Spirit" begins to "move" worshippers. Make no mistake about it, Sunday at Bethel means old-time religion!

The Pentecostal movement traces its origins back to the year 33 AD to an event recorded in the Biblical Book of Acts where the phenomenon of "speaking in other tongues" is first recorded. The book of Acts refers to this as the Day of Pentecost, the day on which the Christian church first began. The Boston Globe recently reported the Pentecostal movement as being one of the fastest growing faiths in the world, with some 25 million members being added in the past 10 years, bringing the total to more than 300 million adherents worldwide.

The 32-year-old church recently finished a two-year renovation project on the dilapidated stable located on the property, and has plans to build a larger sanctuary in the near future. While the newly converted stable is far from its original condition, Rev. William Cook, West Hempstead resident and the administrative director for the church says, "I think it's sort of fitting that we converted the existing stable into a church." "After all, the shepherds first found Him in a stable many long years ago."

Recently beautiful signs were installed at the entrance to the church property welcoming all to come inside. "We are here to be a blessing to the community," says Pastor Doug Davis. "We live in a very troubled world, but when people walk through the doors of Bethel it's our prayer that their lives will be touched by the presence of God." "Our doors and hearts are open to everyone." "Everyone is welcome here," he added. For more information about Bethel you can call the church at 338-1032.