At the recent Clton City Council Meeting April 2, Council Member Dr. G (Dr. Luis S. González) presented a proclamation to Pastor Richard C. Luna, in recognition of his long-standing service to the members of Amazing Grace Apostolic Church, the neighborhood in and around L Street, and to the community of Colton.
Pastor Luna has served unwavering, along with his wife Carmen, on a ministerial journey which has lasted 51 years, and still continues today. Many people from the community have attended his church over the years and have often commented about the solid church doctrine, and to the open participation of many of his church members.
For over 50 years, Pastor Luna and his wife, Carmen, have been an integral part of the establishment and development of Amazing Grace Apostolic Church, located at 147 East L Street, in Colton. Their association with this church actually goes back to 1968, when the church had its humble beginnings in a small one room building at the corner of M Street and Ninth Street. The former Pastor, Mr. Vicente Cornejo, grandfather to Richard Luna, was the one who learned that the L Street location was for sale, and for $13,000 spearheaded the purchase of this dilapidated old church. When they moved in, November 1972, there were approximately 50-60 members.
With the excitement of a new building and a growing church, the move to the L Street location was somewhat bitter-sweet, as his grandpa fell ill. Soon after, the concern over church leadership began to brew, and all eyes were subsequently trained on young Richard. After careful prayer and consideration, Richard Luna felt the calling to lead the church, and accepted the call, not realizing this would be a ministerial journey spanning over 50 years. Pastor Richard and Carmen were not only embraced by the congregation, they were supported with prayers, encouragement and provided financial support for Richard to take seminary classes through the Apostolic Church Association.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Richard has provided his congregation with thoughtful, prayerful and effective leadership. In addition, Carmen closely supported her husband, and was instrumental in the development of women’s ministries. From the time of his appointment, Pastor Luna has guided the church members through bible study, weekly sermons, church activities, financial stability and building renovation and improvements. Together, their ministry has not only allowed their church to flourish, but to sustain that success for two generations, establishing itself as the longest running pastor-congregational relationship in the entire City of Colton.
Pastor Richard Luna, along with his wife, Carmen, is to be congratulated for his lifetime of service as an influential church leader and inspirational disciple of Christ. Both Richard and Carmen shall forever remain a pillar of our community. May they continue to receive the blessings of Jesus Christ through their leadership, their continued service to Amazing Grace Apostolic Church, and at some point, their eventual retired life.