In Memory of LaWanda Franz

A longtime member of Butler Church, LaWanda Franz passed away on September 16, one day before her 90th birthday. She was surrounded by family, having experienced a stroke in the days prior. The memorial service for LaWanda will be this Saturday, September 26 at 10:30AM here at Butler Church with a reception following.

If you would like to help with the reception, bringing a tray of desserts would be appreciated, sliced and ready-to-serve. Thank you for your continued prayers for the Franz family as they are saddened by this loss, yet experience comfort in remembering LaWanda's life & rejoice that she is now in the presence of Jesus.

Volunteers Thank You

Our next Unified Service is coming on Sunday, October 4. Mark your calendar for 10:00 AM! That afternoon will also be a special thank you and planning event for our regular volunteers; we are super thankful for all of you!!!

If you serve regularly here at Butler, please let us know by this coming Monday if you will be able to the lunch. Check your email for more details. Thanks!

Pastoral Staffing Update

The following update was shared this week with our Butler Church congregations:

On behalf of the Church Council and Pastor Elbio Carballo, I am writing to inform Butler Church that discussions between Pastor Elbio and the Council have led to a decision that Pastor Elbio's service as a Pastor of Butler Church will come to an end on December 31, 2026. Pastor Elbio just celebrated his fifteenth anniversary as Pastor of Amor y Fe, and we thank him for his faithful service in leading that congregation over these years. We also pray for Pastor Elbio and Sandra as they determine what future ministries God may have for their lives. 

The Council has agreed with Pastor Elbio that his last Sunday at Butler will be October 11, though his official concluding of ministry will be at the end of December. Pastor Connie and the Church Council are organizing a celebration and recognition of Pastor Elbio's ministry as part of our Unified Service on October 4. I invite all of you to join us in worship on that day, as we thank Pastor Elbio and Sandra for their ministry and pray for God's guidance in their next steps. 

Jim Holm, Moderator

Butler Church Council

Baptism and Membership

If you are interested in baptism or membership at Butler Church, please talk with one of our pastors or let the church office know, by October 11. We want to celebrate together in an upcoming Unified Service! Our Baptism & Membership Class will be on Sunday, October 18.

Christian Leader fall issue

The next issue of The Christian Leader is coming out in October! Watch your mailbox to find encouraging reads, beautiful artwork. new resources, and stories from across our USMB family of churches.

This magazine is available (at no added cost) to all regular members and attenders of Butler Church. To make sure you're signed up, you can add your contact info to the list. You can also check out CL Link online for updates devlivered to your inbox. 

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 Beaulieu, 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!

Hispanic Heritage Month

It's national Hispanic Heritage month! Here at Butler Church, we’re blessed to worship together with Latinx brothers and sisters in several of our congregations, and specifically Amor y Fe!

In Fresno, the celebration starts off with Fiesta Patrias. This year taking place this Sunday Sept 20 with activities throughout the afternoon. You can read more here about the history behind this annual cultural festival. 

Have you been wondering why Hispanic Heritage month isn't set for a regular calendar month? Read more about it here.

Missions Update - Peru

Our missionaries, Pablo and Maricela Chavez in Peru, have been supporting the pastors and leaders of the Peru MB Conference. Recently they helped facilitate a Pastors’ and families’ retreat, where A total of 48 people attended representing 9 families. It was a good time of connection and trust-building. Plans for ongoing connections were made which was positive. Maricela writes: “During the retreat the pastors’ wives met separately and were tasked with answering how are they walking with each other. They answered honestly – they are not. And it’s because there is no trust between them to reach out in times of need. They decided to create spaces for trust to grow between them. I will walk with the women in this journey of trust building.”

Currently the Chavezes are supporting the Vichayal church to rebuild a meeting room. Multiply is sending an ACTION team to help with the final phases of construction. (If you are interested in being part of this or a possible Butler Peru team in Summer 2027, talk to a pastor or let the church office know!)

See our missionary updates page for more current prayer requests from the Chavezes. They write: “Trust is the key in all relationships – with God and each other. Thank you for trusting us to be here in Peru and thank you for keeping your word and continuing to walk with us on this journey and continuing to hold us in prayer.”

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
  

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!

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

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.