For 12 years the Azure Hills church put kids first. It has stretched financially three times on projects to benefit them.

Meanwhile, the 30-year-old sanctuary aged. The lime green carpet was stained and wrinkled. Worn fabric exposed pew padding. It was not until 2003 that construction crews moved in and members moved out. Then, unexpected problems slowed progress and bumped up the costs.

With mounting anticipation, members now hope to worship in the refurbished sanctuary by September.

Gem stone colors will infuse the carpet. The baptistery will emerge from its cave-like setting, enhanced by an attractive water feature. New lighting will brighten the sanctuary in a follow-up phase. A larger platform, new pews, expanded lobby and up-to-date sound system are also part of the package.

Hidden Problems

“When construction crews opened walls and ceilings they found problems,” said Art Blinci, chair of the building committee. “Some roof beams rested on hollow frames, not solid posts. Some supports were cut short and poorly braced. Some electrical switches and wiring were put in wrong. Thank God we never had a fire.”

“We expected our project to cost $600,000 and a few months of inconvenience,” said John Brunt, senior pastor since March 2002. “But fixing structural flaws lengthened the time-frame and increased costs.” The total may reach $1.1 million.

Fortunately, church member Fred Simental is a general contractor. “He engineered the interchange of Interstate 10 and Interstate 15 in Ontario, and worked on the Tyler Mall,” Brunt said. “He knows what he is doing. This church will be done right.”

Values Drive Decisions

Azure Hills is the spiritual home for 2,100 members. Two-thirds are between the ages of 20 and 49. A vision for service drives how they invest time and money.

In 1994, they built a six-room elementary school for $600,000. In 2000, they opened a 14,000 square-foot, eight-room children’s ministries wing, costing $1.2 million. Recently, they renovated the youth room and church offices.

On any Sabbath, two or three separate church potlucks may nurture new members, bring leaders together and embrace visitors. The Pathfinder club is one of the largest in the conference. Another 70 children, ages four to nine, belong to the Adventurer club. Sabbath school leaders fan out weekly, ministering to nine groups ranging from infants to early teens.

Until last November, 700 young adults packed the fellowship hall. First known as the Young and Restless, the group attracted young professionals for Bible study and worship. That group, which changed its name to CrossWalk Ministries, now rents space at 10455 Corporate Drive in Redlands.

Values drive decisions for Azure Hills members—including the decision to refurbish the sanctuary.

Alger Keough, executive pastor since September 1999, pointed out that church renovation is more than fixing things. It is tangibly expressing spiritual values. It reveals a congregation’s commitment to community and to God. “Ultimately,” he said, “we believe a place of worship should be inviting, comfortable and uplift God to those around us.”