Azure Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church

Beware the Travel Brochure | Dr. Gilbert Valentine

We are excited to have Dr. Gilbert Valentine as our guest speaker!

Dr. Valentine is a respected Adventist scholar and educator who, even in retirement, continues to teach occasionally at the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School at La Sierra University in California.

Originally from New Zealand, Dr. Valentine has served the Adventist Church in pastoral ministry, youth leadership, and higher education around the world—including in Pakistan, England, Thailand, Australia, and his home country.

He is widely recognized for his work in Adventist history and Ellen White studies. His writings include several major biographies and books exploring the development of Adventist thought, leadership, and prophetic identity. His forthcoming biography of theologian Edward Heppenstall is expected to be released by Pacific Press this summer.

Dr. Valentine is also a beloved member of our Azure Hills Church family. He and his wife, Dr. Kendra Haloviak Valentine, live in Riverside, where he enjoys cycling through the citrus groves near their home.

The title of Dr. Valentine's message this is “Beware the Travel Brochure." Here's a preview: "Sometimes our experience at a destination does not match what the glossy travel brochures promised. What do we do when that reflects our experience in the church? The assurance that Jesus is the builder of the church assures us that though the development process might at times be messy and uncomfortable, the community being built is strong. Jesus is an experienced builder. What can we learn from Jesus' confidence in the future of the church?" - Dr. Gilbert Valentine

Mighty to Save | Pastor Daniel Xisto

This week’s message walks us through Daniel chapter 6—but not just as a story about lions and deliverance. We’ll uncover how this ancient story points directly to Jesus, the One who was consumed so that we could be saved. We’ll also reflect on how unjust systems—then and now—target those who seek peace, justice, and truth. In a world full of modern-day lion’s dens, we are reminded: "our God is still mighty to save."

Highest Calling | Dr. Jonathan Park

For our Diversity Sabbath this year, we're honored to have Dr. Jonathan Park, president of our Southeastern California Conference, as our guest speaker!

Elder Park was born in Korea and came to the United States when he was young. He has always wanted to be a pastor, and God has graciously made his dream come true. He is married to Ashley, has three children, and knows he is very blessed. He currently serves in the role of the President of the Southeastern California Conference. He has had the privilege of serving as a local church pastor for several churches for the past 30+ years.

His sermon is entitled, "Highest Calling."

“The fulfillment of the highest calling experience depends on who you look at.” - Dr. Jonathan Park

Naming God: The Legacy of Encounter | Pr. Sabina Vieira

Pastor Sabina Vieira will share the message entitled “Naming God: The Legacy of Encounter,” where she will explore the powerful story of an unexpected mother who will challenge the ways we think about legacy and discipleship.

Neither!, the best bad news we need to hear today | Elder Caleb VinCross

Elder Caleb VinCross preached a sermon titled, "Neither!, the best bad news we need to hear today." You are invited into the presence of God, a place where all belong.

Caleb VinCross is a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, educator, and board certified healthcare chaplain. Caleb has a passion for creating space for people to learn, grow, and authentically express their thoughts and feelings. Caleb joins his wife Tara, son Josiah, and daughter Ava on their many adventures in ministry and beyond. He currently serves veterans and their families, focusing on providing support for severe mental illness, substance use, grief, and moral injury.

The Breakfast Club | Pastor Gabriel Morales

Jesus resurrects and doesn’t immediately ascend; He stays with His disciples for a few weeks longer. John 21 is a reminder that good things don’t have to be rushed. It’s a story that reveals the pathway to forgiveness and is an invitation to participate in the healing of a fractured world.

 

Pastor Gabriel Morales will share a sermon called, “The Breakfast Club.”

Come Worship the King| Resurrection Reflection| Pastor Tara VinCross

Last Words of Jesus | Azure Hills Pastoral Staff

Final words have weight and meaning. The Scriptures share the final words of Jesus, poignant words spoken from the cross.

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.”

“Amen, I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise”

“Woman, behold, your son….Behold, your mother.”

“I thirst.”

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

“It is finished.”

“Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Before we move into celebrating the resurrection, together we meditate on these sacred words. The Azure Hills Pastoral Staff will share short messages on the last words of Jesus. We invite you to take in the depth of the love and sacrifice of Jesus. John 10:18 says, "No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

Sabbath, a Pathway of Grace, Part 4: Feasting | Pastor Tara VinCross

Revelation testifies that death and suffering, pain and sadness will not always be a part of our story. The Sabbath is a gift now, and a reminder of this hope that is to come. We rest in God’s grace, we cease from our labors, we embrace a subversive way of life, and we feast in God’s presence. Living in Sabbath rhythm gives structured time for joy and reminds us of all that is to come. For six days we do, we work, we create, we build… The seventh day, we remember the joy of the Lord and how we will spend eternity.

Pastor Tara VinCross will conclude our sermon series, "Sabbath, a Pathway of Grace," Part 4: “Feasting.”

Sabbath, a Pathway of Grace, Part 3: “Sabbath as Resistance" | Pr. Daniel Xisto

What if the Sabbath was never meant to be just a day off work—but a way of life? A way to remember who we are, who God is, and what truly matters. This Sabbath, we’ll explore how God’s gift of rest not only renews our souls but empowers us to resist the pressures of Pharaohs—both past and present. Sabbath is a calling we are asked to embrace!

Pastor Daniel Xisto will continue the sermon series, Sabbath, a Pathway of Grace, Part 3: “Sabbath as Resistance."