Endurance Series

Our English Congregations have begun an 8-week series through the book of Philippians. Along with each Sunday sermon, we also have people who are writing up Mid-Week Questions for you to consider - along with a friend, spouse, or group - during the week after the sermon. (A big thank you to Eddie Morgan, Amanda Beulieu, Edd Russell, and Beth Stephens!)

The discussion questions are not connected to the sermon, but they are generated out of the same text that was taught on Sunday. This is a fun way to study the same text from two different perspectives! This also means if you miss Sunday, you can still read the scriptures for the week and use the questions to cultivate your spiritual growth. 

These questions are available each Sunday at the back of the sanctuary for you to take home and are also found on our "Endurance" series page: butlerchurch.org/endurance.

This is an excellent opportunity to connect with someone over coffee, breakfast or a walk and discuss Sunday's sermon and these questions to help further your connection to Jesus and to one another!

Unified Service Highlights

Our September Unified Service included the formal Commissioning service for Pastor Connie Nicholson as our Interim Executive Pastor! We had a full worship team with musicians from across our church family, shared in communion together, and prayed over Pastor Connie and Bret. The message, "The Work Continues" was shared by Pastor Connie, was from Philippians 1, starting off the new Endurance sermon series. We are invited to be Grateful, to Partner in life and ministry, and live with Purpose.

A big thank you to all who were part of this special morning...over 20 people both up front and behind the scenes! As we enter into this next season, there is much before us, and opportunities for everyone to connect and to serve. Our next Unified Service will be on October 4!

Congratulations

Pastor Elbio Carballo is marking 15 years of pastoral ministry here at Butler Church on September 15! He is also looking forward to being a keynote speaker at the upcoming Avia Men's conference in October at FPU, through his involvement at the Center for Community Transformation. Here at Butler, as part of our transitions, he has also taken on pastoral support for our Food Distribution teams. Congratulations Pastor Elbio and thank you for the ways you encourage us in ministry together!

Growth Opportunities this Fall

As we get into the rhythms of the fall season, this is a great time to join a small group! Below are a number of opportunities for you to engage with people and with scripture! Details are posted on our Events page.

Weekly

• Bible Study with Pastor Nzash learning to know "Who is Jesus? What is he doing in the scriptures and in southeast Fresno?"  | Mondays  @ 6:00 pm
• Women's Bible Study on the women in the Bible | Wednesday mornings @ 10AM

Monthly

• Prayer for our Community for the needs of our neighbors and how they can be met with the love of Jesus | every 1st Saturday @ 10AM
• Men's Fellowship Dinner for those hungry for fellowship & encouragement | the second-to-last Saturday @ 5PM
  

Children's Ministry Update

We’re excited to announce that Kim Garcia has joined the Butler Staff as our new Children’s Ministry Director! She will be coordinating our children’s ministry leaders, and getting to know more of our Butler kids and parents over the coming weeks.

Say hello to Kim when you see her this Sunday! If you have any questions about signing in kids for children’s ministry class, check with her before the service or during the greeting time! 

Church Council Update

The Church Council has scheduled two meetings for September: On Sunday September 6 (following the unified service) and September 17 for their regular meeting.

Note that Council meetings are open for guests to attend and listen in. If you have a topic to suggest for a future meeting, or any questions or concerns, please direct those to the council member from your congregation. Please pray for the council as they meet for wisdom, discernment, and unity in decisions to be made.

Aviva Men's Conference

Our own Pastor Elbio Carballo will be a keynote speaker at the annual Aviva Ministries Men’s Conference! This event is in Spanish and this year will be held at Fresno Pacific University, with the support of the Center for Community Transformation. Under the theme “No More Excuses!,” this conference will challenge men to identify and overcome the excuses that prevent them from fully living out God’s calling as sons, husbands, fathers, and spiritual leaders. It will be a time of biblical teaching, reflection, and encouragement to strengthen your faith and make an impact on your families and communities.

Aviva | Men’s Conference

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Warkentine Cultural Center at Fresno Pacific University

8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Reserve your spot and get a free lunch

Cohorts this Fall with USMB

Looking to grow deeper in your faith and leadership journey? Join a cohort! These FREE online learning communities offered by our USMB family of churches give you the opportunity to connect with others and learn together. With topics from discipleship to developing church leaders, contemplative conversations and more, there’s a cohort for you. Sessions take place online and many start in early September, so sign up soon!

Assistance Donations

Through the Butler Church Benevolent Assistance Fund, we have been able to help with several time sensitive needs recently. Given the upcoming cuts in SNAP funding even more requests may be coming in soon. Please consider making an additional donation to the church benevolent fund , by designating for this in the offering or through giving online. We also work with partner agencies like MB Foundation and Everence to expand our capacity through matching grants. 

Another way to donate is by contributing to our food pantry. Non-perishable goods can be dropped off on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary foyer. Canned goods like pasta sauce, chili, and chicken are especially helpful.

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.