Update from the Church Business Meeting

This past Sunday afternoon at the church business meeting, approval was given to 3 motions brought by the Council: a revised budget for 2026, the revised wording of our Mission Statement, and moving to a unified (single) church budget and related amendments to the bylaws. The next step in our transition process is for our Council to bring recommendations for how to carry out “being a multicultural community” and congregational leaders are encouraged to process this with each of our congregations. Stay tuned also for a date for our next all-church listening session.

Our Mission: To be a multicultural community that connects people with Jesus and one another in Southeast Fresno and around the world.

Church Council Update

The Church Council will be meeting this Thursday, June 18. A copy of the agenda is available online. The agenda includes: next transition steps and timeline; possible bylaws revisions; potential future staff needs; budget planning for 2027.

A reminder: 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.

Graduation Congratulations
Rodney Komen graduated from Fresno Pacific University on May 9th with a bachelors degree in Nursing. Rodney writes, "My prayer is to work at Community regional medical center and to serve my patients." Congrats, Rodney!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Children's Ministry Update

This summer our Children's Ministry Director, Maria Galvan, is taking family leave. In the meantime, our team of volunteers is working hard to keep our programs running. We have two classes (3 yrs-Kindergarten & 1st-6th Grade) that meet our 10:45 services following the opening worship time, for 30-40 minutes. Children from Common Ground and Amor y Fe enjoy reading their Bibles, playing games, and sharing life together with friends their age.

This is an important time for faith development and connection for our children. Please consider serving once-a-month. Our entire Butler Family (all four congregations) are welcome to share their gifts of teaching and serving! Contact Pastor Connie for more information about ways to help on Sundays and during the week.

** Note: This Sunday, June 21, we will have Children's Church for 1st-6th Grade only based on availability of volunteers; we hope to resume preschool class the next week. 

Youth Ministry Update

Coming this Summer! Our youth leadership team is working on plans for some fun summer events, so stay tuned for more details! (Since summer brings a change in school, family, and work schedules, our regular Sunday youth group gatherings will be on a break for summer.) Youth and parents, be sure to follow as updates are posted online!
• butlerchurch.org/youth
• instagram.com/butleryouth.4884

Scripture Reading Plan

We're in week 2 of our summer Family Matters series scripture reading plan. As you read Genesis and notice the often "messy" family dynamics, notice also where you see God at work - giving us hope in the midst of our own circumstances! There will be a variety of speakers for our Faith Community and Common Ground services; this Sunday (June 21) Pastor Ron will be with us again and Pastor Connie will to bring the message for Father’s Day. Our scripture reading readings for this week are below!

Week 2 (June 14-20)

Monday: Genesis 15:1-20

Tuesday: Genesis 16:1-16

Wednesday: Genesis 17:1-27

Thursday: Genesis 18:1-15

Friday: Genesis 18:16-33

Father's Day

As we recognize Father’s Day this Sunday, we praise God for the Dads in our life – our own fathers, and the blessing of having a heavenly Father. Pray for our men and fathers at Butler Church, and for those missing their father or seeking to set a better example.

Juneteenth

It's a big weekend because this Friday is also the celebration of Juneteeth! It's a day to celebrate freedom but also to reflect on the realities of our nation's history. Some great resources, including the “Faith & Freedom” documentary, are available at: bethebridge.com/juneteenth-resources. 

Locally, you can experience a Juneteenth celebration at "Freedom Town," a festival being set up near the West Fresno Center of Fresno City college. Details at:

fresnojuneteenth.com.

Invitation to Gathering 2026 this July!

Butler Church is part of a larger church family of the US Mennonite Brethren Churches (USMB). This summer the national conference will be taking place in Salt Lake City, and the invitation is open for all to attend!  Come be encouraged, challenged and renewed; the theme is “Cultivate: Living on mission with Jesus.” Rooms may be reserved at our group rate through June 20. Details are at usmb.org/gathering2026. If you aren’t able to attend in person, do join in praying over the Gathering!

Graduation Congratulations
Aron Khoutsavanh graduated from Fresno City College on May 22nd - a surprise the family managed to keep until that very day for his dad Nixon Khoustavanh with Chansamone's help! Aron studied graphic design and has already been doing contract work designing and producing posters, flyers, and tshirts. This summer he is taking some time off to help his family with a big repair project. Congrats, Aron!

Congratulations also to sister Kiera Khoutsavanh who is completing middle school this week!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Graduation Congratulations
Tobiah Ens graduated from Fresno State on May 15th with his Bachelors of Arts in Computer Science. (His grandfather, Harold Ens, who graduated from Fresno State in 1965, is especially excited to have another Bulldog grad in the family!) Here at Butler Toby has also been working as our Tech Intern which has been a blessing to all of us as well. Toby is staying in the Fresno area and will be looking for an IT job for now. Congrats, Toby!

It's graduation season for the Ens family. Timothy Kamin Ens is graduating next week from Hoover High School as one of 50 valedictorians on June 10! He will attend community college and hopes to later transfer to a 4 year college in Oregon while he also considers pursuing an aviation program. (Timothy attends First Presbyterian church so we don’t see him often here at Butler.) Parents Lowell and Melissa, and grandparents Harold & Helen are very proud of these two young men! Congrats, Timothy!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Youth Ministry Update

Our youth leadership team is working on plans for some fun summer events, so stay tuned for more details! (Since summer brings a change in school, family, and work schedules, our regular Sunday youth group gatherings will be on a break for summer.) Youth and parents, be sure to follow as updates are posted online! butlerchurch.org/youth and on IG @butleryouth.4884

Volunteers Needed this Summer 

Calling for volunteers for Children's Ministry, and Kids Club this summer! This "VBS" will be a 3 day club in the evenings Wed-Fri July 29-31 from 6-8pm. Our theme is all about shining a light on who Jesus really is. This Sunday there will again be an opportunity to sign up, and registration info is coming soon.

Join a team, or you can also volunteer to help over the coming weeks as we get everything ready! Ways to serve include: group leaders, crafts, snacks, games, decorating, registration, prayer, and more. To sign up, contact the church office or watch for more details to come.

Graduation Congratulations
Alex Coleman will be graduating high school June 10 from Aspen Ridge. This summer, Alex plans to work a summer job and spend as much time as possible with his friends before they all go their separate ways for college! Alex has also been a faithful volunteer with children's ministry here at Butler. In the fall he'll be at Fresno City College finishing up general ed classes. Congrats, Alex! 

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Graduation Congratulations
Teda Pel will be graduating this Saturday (May 23) from the Fresno City College RN Program. She is a daughter to Khom (Mally) Khoutsavanh. Teda writes: "I am extremely grateful to be able to get into this program, complete my ADN, and become an RN. This experience has helped me understand how nurses can impact the community. After graduation, I hope to land a job in a cardiac unit. I plan to continue my education to get my bachelors and maybe masters. In the future, I hope to use my skills to help on a medical mission.” Congrats, Teda!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Children's Ministry Team

One of the best investments you can make is jumping on board with our Children’s Ministry team and serving our kids! Passionate people are needed to help once a month in Nursery, Preschool, or Kids class 1st-6th grade. We are very flexible and offer various roles beyond teaching.

All the curriculum and training is provided; you just bring your love for the children!  If you feel the Holy Spirit leading to join our team, please connect with me. Also join me in prayer, for volunteers that will shape the spiritual future of our children!

Would you consider joining us for one Sunday? Join our team and make and an eternal impact on our children. For more information, contact the church office or talk with a pastor!

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." -Proverbs 22:6

Graduation Congratulations

Terry Vongviset writes: "I am currently completing my RN to BSN program at Fresno State and will be graduating this Saturday (May 16). This journey has helped me grow professionally and strengthened my confidence, leadership, and patient care skills. In the future, I hope to continue my education by pursuing a master’s or nurse practitioner program. I am also interested in exploring case management as a career path so I can continue helping patients navigate and improve their healthcare experience."

Terry's parents are Ken & Judy Chaypramouk from our Asian Grace congregation. Congrats, Terry!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

Graduation Congratulations

We have several graduates in our Butler family this spring! Katarina Becker is earning her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley on Saturday May 16 with a double major in Music Education & Psychology (with department ceremonies on May 17 & May 20.) Kat recently completed a senior recital on french horn, and was part of the Cal Band drum line! She plans to enter grad school for a Master’s degree and teaching credential. Congrats, Kat!

We're highlighting our graduates each week! If you are graduating you’re graduating this summer, let us know! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)

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.