This Sunday's service will be a reflective time where we create space to grieve loss of loved ones in this past year and honor their memories in the holiday season. If you know of someone who would benefit from having their loss acknowledged in this way please gently encourage them to consider this opportunity taking place Dec 21 at 2:00 pm.

Our missionaries, Pablo & Maricela Chavez are also preparing to head overseas...returning to return to Peru for a second term on January 7. Pablo writes: 

Our Amor y Fe congregation is planning a “Festival de Dia de Reyes” (Kings Day Festival) afternoon especially for children, on Sunday January 4. We are also planning to bless each child with a toy gift. Those interested in attending should register with Pastor Elbio. Financial donations or donations of toys will be helpful! 

Thank you to the many who have been faithful in stewardship through regular financial giving. As we approach year-end, please consider making a special gift to Butler Church. Suggested designations are the General budget or a congregational fund. To count toward this year, all donations need to be received or postmarked by Dec 31st. Thank you.

We welcomed three newly elected members to the Butler Church Council: Jim Holm as Moderator, Suzanne Slattery as Secretary, and Jim Rodriguez as Treasurer. Further, Anne Guenther was re-installed as the Faith Community (FC) representative. I am so thankful for the willingness of these new members to serve and look forward to their leadership and wisdom among us with a year of significant transition ahead. Further, for their diligence and faithful service in Council leadership we thank Matt Jacobs (Moderator), Shelly Coleman (Secretary), and Rosalie Carter (Treasurer). NOTE: Two of these elections required special action: (1) the secretary position is provisional until a future congregational meeting can consider amendments to the church constitution that loosen current requirements for multi-congregational representation on the executive; and (2) the FC position required suspending the bylaws regarding term limits.

In this image, the child and the infant are represented by the roots. The viper represents the asp and the adder. The threat looms, yet the roots thrive and the sprout emerges from the stump. The prey and the predator are on equal terms; no longer is one superior to another. We must humanize one another. We must honor each other’s ancestry.

Anul is thanking God for the love and family she has here in Fresno and trusting God for what will come next. We are thanking Him for connections that have been made in Fiji where she may be able to stay and rebuild her life. Please continue to pray for peace and guidance for Anul. 

If caring for needs of folks in our community in very practical ways is something close to your heart, please also talk with your pastor or contact the church office. We would like to build a social action response team that can respond to needs as they are made known. If you have a personal need, please also talk with a pastor.

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