Black is Not a Monolith
By: Jordyn Wright
On May 17, the Riverside Kansas Avenue SDA Church was transformed into a vibrant celebration of sound, soul, and spiritual depth through an event titled “Black Is Not a Monolith.” Created and curated by young adult, Marissa Wright, the night sought to challenge the narrow assumptions often placed on Black worship—namely, that it exists solely within the gospel tradition.
The evening featured a diverse range of musical expressions, from classical choral pieces and hymns to jazz, contemporary worship, and spoken word—all offered through the lens of Black spirituality. For Wright, the title and vision of the event were deeply personal and years in the making. “The title came from a moment in a theology class where a professor asked how we worship,” Wright recalled. “My friend Joseph Smittick responded simply, ‘Black is not a monolith.’ That stuck with me. We are not a singular sound or story.”
Wright’s own worship journey spans various communities—from gospel services at Kansas Avenue to classical performances with the Aeolians of Oakwood University. “I was hoping to communicate our versatility,” she said. “There’s nothing we can’t do—and we do it excellently. This event was about showcasing the range of Black expression in worship, something many people haven’t had the chance to see.”
Delroy Brooks, associate pastor of Kansas Avenue, offered support for the event, and emphasized the importance of creating space for new voices in ministry. “I see myself as a cheerleader,” he said. “Events like this show us that young people aren’t walking away from church—they’re transitioning. We need to make room for their creativity.”
The event sparked meaningful reflection on how church communities can better honor the fullness of Black identity. “Our identity has too often been shaped by media or politics,” Brooks noted. “My hope is that we return to our first love and allow our worship to reflect the truth of who we are in God.” While Wright is cautious about promising a series, she’s open to what’s next. “I definitely want to do this again,” she said. “But only with the same level of prayer, purpose, and intention.”
Black Is Not a Monolith was more than a program. Instead, it was a movement in melody that reminded all in attendance that Black worship is, and always has been, a beautifully complex tapestry.
The Southeastern California Conference (SECC) is excited to announce our Lodge Lift campaign. It’s time to give our Pine Springs Ranch lodge a face lift and we need your help. We are renovating the entire lodge, from the lobby and hallways to the meeting rooms and furniture. We are also upgrading all of our guest rooms, from the carpet to the ceilings, and providing each room with new windows, solar shades and air-conditioning. It is safe to say your visits to Pine Springs Ranch will never look the same again.
This renovation project is estimated to cost $5 million. In order to make it a reality, we are calling upon our conference family to help donate towards this project. SECC is willing to double your donation by matching every dollar raised up to $2.5 million. We can and will complete this project with the generosity of donors like you, who cherish their past experiences at PSR and want to help make more possible in the future.
With your help, Pine Springs Ranch will continue to serve families and churches for generations to come, offering them the chance to answer Christ’s invitation, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest,” Mark 6:31. We thank you for continuing the legacy of our camp and retreat center by joining us in that mission.
And we thank you for not just making a donation, but for making a difference.
$189470.79 raised of $2,500,000
as of 9/19/25
SECC Ordains David Steward and Maria Ejurango
By Ezrica Bennett
Southeastern California Conference (SECC) recently ordained David Steward at Fallbrook church and Maria Ejurango at Waterman Visayan Fil-Am church.
Steward received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Pacific Union College, a Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University, and evangelism training from Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism. He has been pastoring for five years. When asked what he appreciates most about being in ministry, Steward shared, “I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful members in the art of soul winning.”
As he continues his pastoral ministry, Steward hopes he will experience personal revival and that his church will “be on its knees seeking for God's Spirit to be poured out mightily and working miracles.”
When he's not leading his congregation, he loves an array of outdoor activities and spending time with his wife and kids.
Ejurango received her Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in theology and health, at Mountain View College in the Philippines; a Master of Education with an emphasis in curriculum and instruction from Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies in the Philippines; and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University. She pastored for seven years in Cebu, Philippines, served as district pastor to 16 churches, and spent 15 years in Bangkok, Thailand, as a Bible teacher at Ekamai International School. She has served at Waterman Visayan Fil-Am church as an associate pastor for six years. “The joy of being an instrument of God to change lives for eternity” is one of the aspects of ministry she enjoys most.
Her long-term pastoral and personal goals focus on creating environments and facilities for children to be nurtured and rooted in their Adventist faith and to develop a closer relationship with Christ.
Outside of her pastoral duties, she loves crafting and making greeting cards for birthdays and special occasions. She also celebrates the endeavors of her husband and her two adult children.
SECC is honored to support pastors Steward and Ejurango as they serve with passion and conviction, bringing their unique gifts and dedication to their congregations.
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.
