Many Azure Hills church members remember when the church campus was a country club, complete with an Olympic-sized pool and a snack bar. Azure Hills charter member Carolyn Marovitch remembers the journey to becoming a church. “I was with the group that walked through the country club before it was purchased.”
Founded on January 1, 1965, by 288 charter members, the church has grown to over 2,300 members. The weekend of January 17-19, 2025 the church celebrated 60 years of rich history under the theme ‘All Belong,’ reflecting the church’s commitment to embracing and uplifting people of all backgrounds and walks of life.
The anniversary weekend began on Friday, January 17, with a night of worship led by George Tuyu, youth pastor. Tara VinCross, senior pastor, preached on how everyone has a place at God’s table. During the first worship service on Saturday, Lee Venden, pastor, presented a unique message that included his late father, former senior pastor, Morris Venden. In the second service, Southeastern California Conference president, Jonathan Park, congratulated the church for its 60-year history of gospel ministry. Grand Terrace mayor, Bill Hussey, and mayor pro tem, Michelle Sabino, then presented a plaque and proclamation honoring Azure Hills’ contributions to the community including hosting community events, supporting safety during the pandemic, and creating the Elias Community Center.
John Brunt, former senior pastor, preached a message titled, “Welcome,” reminding the congregation to welcome others as Christ has welcomed us. The service concluded with five baptisms, including 92-year-old Florita Welborn, the oldest person ever baptized at Azure Hills, as well as Holly and Chris Negron and Anthony and Jankel Cadavid.
The weekend celebration continued with lunch and an evening concert by the Heritage Singers, and concluded on Sunday, January 19, with a pickleball tournament of players from ages 10 to 86 years old on the Azure Hills courts, organized by church member, Ernie Medina, Jr.
Throughout the weekend, Azure Hills celebrated God’s faithfulness, community impact, and commitment to welcoming all. “We are so grateful to Dr. Andy Sandiford and the Anniversary Planning Committee, who did a fantastic job organizing this weekend,” said Pastor Tara VinCross. “We are eager to see all that God will do in the years to come as we pursue Jesus, committed to loving our neighbors in Grand Terrace and beyond.”