Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Grumpy About Grace | Pastor Mike Leno

God gives grace extravagantly. He saves the undeserving and gives blessings to both the just and the unjust. It is by God’s grace that we enjoy the blessings of this church--our community of faith. Life in the kingdom of grace—it’s more than any of us deserve!

Not everyone, however, is happy about God’s extravagance. Why waste the resources of heaven on those who don’t appreciate it? Why risk offending the faithful by rewarding those who don’t do their part? Jesus told a parable about jealous workers who asked those kinds of questions. Pastor

Mike Leno will explore the meaning of Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Does the message of that parable apply to us today? Let’s find out together.

You’re a Piece of Work | Pastor Tara VinCross

On average, people live around 27,000 days. As many know, some get more time, some less. In addition to time, each person is given talents and resources, all three in different proportions. Still, each person is given something to share with the world. Stewardship is caring for what has been entrusted to you. Firstfruits, tithe, and offering were all invitations to grow a spirit of generosity in us. The question is, what will you do with what has been entrusted to your care?

Pastor Tara VinCross will share a sermon called, “You’re a Piece of Work.” We invite you to worship, experiencing the renewal found in the presence of God.

Left Handed | Dr. Christon Arthur

We welcome our guest speaker, La Sierra University President, Dr. Christon Arthur! Prior to his arrival at La Sierra, Arthur served in multiple roles at Andrews University; as provost from 2016-2024, dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Research from 2010-2016, and as associate provost from 2012-2016. Prior to coming to Andrews University, Arthur served as an associate professor of Educational Administration and Associate Dean of the College of Education, at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is married to Carmelita, and they have one adult son, Christon Arthur Jr.

Pastor Alfonzo Greene III | It’s Time to Stretch

We welcome our guest speaker, Pastor Alfonzo Greene III! He was born in Berrien Springs, Michigan and is a product of Christian education. He is a graduate of Oakwood University, in Huntsville, AL where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Theology. He also has a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry in Missional Church Leadership from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI.

Pastor Greene is an adjunct professor at Oakwood University. He began his pastoral ministry in South-Central Conference in January 2004, where he pastored the Springfield/Clarksville/ Gallatin, TN district. He then pastored the Maranatha and First SDA Churches in Tuscaloosa and Eutaw, AL. For 10 years, he served as the administrative pastor of the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Huntsville, AL and campus pastor at the Bridge a campus of that church. In 2021, he accepted a call to serve as the Lead Pastor of the Mt. Rubidoux SDA Church in Riverside, CA. Pastor Greene is happily married to his high school sweetheart, the former Mary Okike, also a graduate of Oakwood University. Their marriage began on July 4, 2004 and they have added five beautiful children to their union: Chimere, Alfonzo Joseph (AJ), Ikenna, Caleb, and Shiloh. His greatest desire is that his life will bring glory to God.

“What if your greatest breakthrough is on the other side of your biggest limitation? In “It’s Time to Stretch,” we’ll see how Jesus called a man with a withered hand to step beyond his comfort zone and into healing by faith. Don’t hold back—God is ready to stretch you into new possibilities!” - Pastor Alfonzo Greene III

Making Room | Pastor Sabina Vieira

"Moving is rarely an enjoyable task. Managing boxes, deciding what will fit in a new space, and letting go of things—and people—you hold dear can be both physically exhausting and emotionally challenging. In our walk with God, we often face a similar challenge—an invitation to make space for something greater. But that’s not always easy. So, how do we create room for Him?

Join us this Sabbath as we explore Luke 5:27-33 and discover the powerful and sometimes unexpected blessings of living a journey that makes room for God. I will share personal insights from my own journey, revealing how this process can be both difficult and transformative." -Pastor Sabina Vieira

Longing for Light | Pastor Daniel Xisto

Start the New Year with Purpose! Pastor Daniel Xisto will kick off the new year by exploring how we can bring hope and love to a world that desperately needs it. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus reminds us that we are meant to be a positive force in our communities—illuminating the path for others through our compassion.

As we step into 2025, let’s reflect on what it means to live with purpose, to make a difference, and to embody the values of kindness, justice, and care for those around us.

This message will encourage and challenge you to step boldly into the year ahead with faith and love as your foundation. Let’s begin this journey together!

The Light of Communion | Pastor Tara VinCross

God will not let go of creation - precious human beings made in God's image. Even though we sinned, scorned, and rejected Him, He chose to enter into this world, and made our planet Earth a place visited by the God of all the universe. God settles the cosmic conflict through the strength of God's love for us - and an invitation to commune with God. The greatest gift God gives us is the light of communion with God.

Pastor Tara VinCross will share a sermon called, “The Light of Communion.”

Azure Hills’ Pastoral Team - Christmas Carol Reflections

Christmas carols invite us to sing of love and freedom, peace and adoration. That’s what we all want, isn’t it? Freedom from the worry, guilt, fear, and terror that seem to press in upon us. The opportunity to bow down in praise to the One who is with us, whose light dawns in all of our hearts. We can hardly imagine it, yet Jesus promises to be the Source of this light and peace for each one of us. 

Our Pastoral Team will share reflections on their favorite Christmas Carols, hymns that lift our hearts in worship. From our hearts to yours, together let us focus on the Light of the World, our Emmanuel. Let’s recapture the wonder of worshipping our God. 

The Light of Christmas – Pastor Tara VinCross

Every year at this time Azure Hills presents a musical worship celebration of Jesus’ birth. The theme this Sabbath is, “The Light of Christmas.” We will hear music performed by the Cherub Choir, the Children’s Choir, Gospel Choir, Chorale, Ladies’ Chorus, Orchestra, the Youth, the Indonesian Male Chorus, and pianists Joel and Justin Oswari. Don Charboneau, Lisa Davidson, and Caleb VinCross will narrate, and Pastor Tara VinCross will present a message. The program will conclude with Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus, for which the audience will be invited to join.

The Gift of Darkness and Light | Pastor Tara VinCross

Advent is preparation for Christmas; anticipation, not celebration. There is a work being done in the secret place. Emmanuel, knit together in human flesh in the hidden place of the womb. 

The darkness has always been a space where God works in might and power, creativity and creation. The space where God brings forth something new.

Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. - Genesis 1:2

The people living in darkness have seen a great light…a light has dawned. - Matthew 4:16  

Pastor Tara VinCross will offer a message titled, The Gift of Darkness and Light.