Ministry at the Table
By Arthur F. Blinci
Last October, the Azure Hills church family came together at the table to celebrate the dedication and refurbishing of the long-awaited kitchen and fellowship hall. The dedication service for these remodeled facilities was celebrated with music, reflection, gratitude, words of congratulation, a scriptural blessing, and prayers of dedication. Special guests included Christian Edition; Bill Hussey, Grand Terrace mayor; and Patty Marruffo, executive secretary of the Southeastern California Conference.
Those who came to celebrate were reminded by Tara VinCross, Azure Hills senior pastor, “Fellowship at the table—enjoying a meal together—is a core part of Christian worship.”
This project closes the first phase of the Vision Capital campaign, which was envisioned in 2017 as a $1.8 million capital development program for the Azure Hills campus to better meet the ministry needs of our congregation and community. Phase one included the creation of the Elias Community Center and the long-awaited expansion and renovation of the original kitchen into a 1,400-square-foot modern stainless-steel kitchen to support ministries and community events.
Phase two is now underway with the completion of the new cool roof system over the main campus buildings. The fellowship hall has been fully remodeled with new ceiling tiles, energy efficient LED recessed lighting, new flooring, new banquet seating, a new audiovisual system, and new window coverings to provide a modern design for over 700 guests. The ten classrooms, powerhouse, and hallways are being remodeled with new ceilings, LED lighting, and new flooring to provide a fresh modern design for Sabbath School and other ministries.
The Lord has led throughout the peaks, valleys, and delays of the Vision Capital project. The church is grateful to the many people who made it possible by giving their time, energy, and ongoing financial gifts to support the Vision Capital fund. Azure Hills is also excited to come to the table and put these new expanded and remodeled spaces into action, providing thriving ministries for all who come onto the Azure Hills campus.