The Elias Community Center is now open on the Azure Hills Church campus off Barton Road and will serve as a hub for community outreach, support groups, wellness seminars, children’s programs, and recreational activities. The Community Center provides three large multi-purpose classrooms, a kitchenette, ADA restroom, shower, and laundry, in addition to an outdoor snack bar/patio area, restrooms, fire pit, prayer garden, and recreational sports courts for pickleball and basketball.
On August 27, 2022, the Azure Hills congregation, Southeastern California Conference, and community leaders came together to dedicate the Center, named after a couple whose love and compassion touched the members of Azure Hills Church and the surrounding community.
Pastor Salim and Alice Elias came to America from the Middle East where he served as a pastor and church administrator before joining the Azure Hills pastoral staff in 1976. The congregation quickly learned of his passion to spread the love of Jesus to everyone with whom he came in contact. His wife, Alice, was known for her love and hospitality.
In the fall of 2020, plans were made to renovate a 4,000 sq ft building that previously housed the early childhood children’s center, with a vision of better serving and loving the surrounding community. The congregation, from youth to seniors, worked alongside contractors to create a center that will serve young adults and community service ministries. During the dedication service, the Honorable Darcy McNaboe, Grand Terrace Mayor, thanked the congregation for being a welcoming place where neighbors, community groups, and service organizations can gather throughout the year.
Azure Hills Church Senior Pastor, Tara VinCross emphasized, “We are committed to utilizing our campus to its fullest potential, collaborating with neighborhood partners as we serve our Grand Terrace community. We want all to experience the welcome and love of God here.”
This fall, the Elias Community Center will offer space for a community grief support group, clothing give-away, and young adult ministry gatherings. In January 2023, the Community Center will host the Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) with Dr. Hans Diehl and his team from the Lifestyle Medicine Institute, as Azure Hills Church provides support for those seeking to thrive in their health - emotionally, physically, and mentally.