NEWS notes
Save the Date!
Our summer Kids Club is back at Butler this summer! Mark your calendar for July 29-31....this activity is for EVERYONE! If you have kids, grandkids, neighbors with kids, the ability to serve, or a heart to pray - there's a way for you to be involved.
This will be a 3 day club in the evenings from 6-8pm. Our theme is all about shining a light on who Jesus really is. There will be opportunities to sign up starting this Sunday, and watch for registration info to come soon! If you're too excited to wait, contact our children's ministry director, Maria Galvan, for details.
MONTHLY
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is this Friday _____, rain or shine! Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM until food runs out around 10:30am. Additional volunteers are always welcome; if you can help out please contact us
and let the church office know. Please continue to pray
for opportunities to build connections with individuals we serve.
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is this Friday June 5. Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM. Additional volunteers are always welcome; if you can help out please contact us and let the church office know.
Given the current limitations on SNAP funding, we do anticipate running out food by 10:30am. As donations for our food pantry continue to come in (Thank you to all who have donated!) we will do our best to meet needs as they arise.
Please continue to donate
non perishable food items*
as you're able. Donations can be dropped off in the church foyer on Sundays.
Please continued pray
for the individuals we serve, and for opportunities to build connections with them.
* Current items needed: canned chicken, chili, and pasta sauce.
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is tomorrow morning, Friday _____! Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM until food runs out around 10:30am. Additional volunteers are always welcome; if you can help out please contact us
and let the church office know, or look for coordinator Roberto that morning. Please continue to pray
for opportunities to build connections with individuals we serve.
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is this Friday September 6. Volunteers are always welcome. Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM until food runs out around 10:30am. Please continue to pray for opportunities to build connections with individuals we serve, and – yet again - for relief from the heat!
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is this Friday June 5. Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM. Additional volunteers are always welcome; if you can help out please contact us and let the church office know.
Given the current limitations on SNAP funding, we do anticipate running out food by 10:30am. As donations for our food pantry continue to come in (Thank you to all who have donated!) we will do our best to meet needs as they arise.
Please continue to donate
non perishable food items*
as you're able. Donations can be dropped off in the church foyer on Sundays.
Please continued pray
for the individuals we serve, and for opportunities to build connections with them.
* Current items needed: canned chicken, chili, and pasta sauce.
Food Distribution this Friday
Our monthly breakfast ministry and food distribution is this Friday November 7. Clients are served starting at 9:00 AM. Additional volunteers are always welcome; if you can help out please
contact us
and let the church office know.
Given the current limitations on SNAP funding, we do anticipate running out food by 10:30am. As donations for our food pantry continue to come in (Thank you to all who have donated!) we will do our best to meet needs in the coming weeks. Please continue to pray
for the individuals we serve and for opportunities to build connections with them.
Church Council Update
The Church Council will be meeting this Thursday, ______. A copy of the agenda is available online. The topics include _____
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.
Church Council Update
The Church Council's regular monthly meeting is this Thursday, Feb 19. A copy of the agenda is available online; topics include a financial update, continued strategic planning, some facility matters, and items for the church business meeting on March 15.
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.
Council Update
Our Church Council meets monthly, generally on the third Thursday of the month. Coming up for 2024 we have several council roles open:
• Moderator, Assistant Moderator, Secretary
• Congregational representatives (for Faith Community and Common Ground)
Council nominees should be a person who has joined in membership, and able to serve Butler Church as a whole.
Thanks for joining us in prayer as we together discern leadership for the coming year. Click here
for more info.
Youth Group Sundays
Now that school is back in session, regular youth group gatherings are starting up again! Find us on Sundays at 4:00 pm
in the Youth Room (near the main office, on the Winery side of campus). Youth group is for all students in junior high and high school; bring a friend!
Our youth leaders have stocked up on snacks, and may have some water games to stay cool on this heat wave. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
Women's Wednesday Bible Study
Our Women's Bible Study group started up again for the fall this week, August 27. Join in on Wednesday mornings at 10:00am
here at Butler Church in Room 3 (by the garden on the Winery side of campus).
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Congrats to all celebrating a birthday, milestone, or anniversary this month! If your special date is coming up and you want to make sure we have it noted, let us know here. Special THANKS to Frances Echavarria who keeps the Butler Café celebrations going.
Special Butler Cafe this Sunday
This Sunday, December 8
will be a special Butler Café celebrating Nov/Dec birthdays and anniversaries. Special thanks to Frances Echavarria who keeps the birthday celebrations going! Check this week's Buzz email for a list of birthdays, and if you have one coming up, let us know!
Join in at 10:15AM every Sunday in the courtyard for Butler Cafe fellowship time with all of our Butler family!
ANNUAL
New Year Blessing
New Year's greetings to all of our Butler family! As we enter this new season, may you continue to lean into Hope, share Peace, seek Joy, and live out the Love we have in Christ!
Kings' Day Festival for Children
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!
To donate or to sign up, please contact Pastor Elbio or the church office (559-252-3741). The event is free and open to friends, but each child must be registered in advance. Thank you!
Palm Village Soup Supper and Annual Meeting
The Palm Village Retirement Community in Reedley is holding its annual meeting February 24, 2026, at 7 PM, preceded by the annual Soup Supper. As a founding church, Butler leadership is invited to select one or more delegates to represent Butler Church at the event. In addition, any persons interested in serving on the Palm Village board or being a delegate to the meeting should contact Jim Holm via the church office
so that their names can be submitted. Nominees must be submitted by February 13.
Mark Your Calendar!
The month is flying by, so take a moment and make sure you have some upcoming Butler events penciled in for the coming months! Check out the Butler calendar to note things like
Combined Services,
Women's Retreat,
the
annual church picnic, and other special events. Get ready for some yummy fundraisers, and stay tuned for more details on how to serve or sign up!
(the events calendar ^ isn't updating so repost it when we get this fixed)
Spring LEAD Cohorts
In addition to our local learning cohort, our broader church family also sponsors virtual LEAD Cohorts each fall and spring. Sign ups for the next round of cohorts are currently taking place! LEAD Cohorts bring together people from across our US Mennonite Brethren community for intentional, online conversations that deepen faith, foster relationships and encourage growth.
This season's list of cohort topics includes: Effective communication in a digital world, Holistic healthy living, Leadership for women in ministry, Discipleship discussions, and Lectio Divina. Session dates vary by cohort but most begin the first week of February; all take place virtually via zoom. See the entire lineup and consider signing up!
January Prayer Gatherings
Churches in Fresno/Clovis are again joining together for 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting at the start of the new year, from January _________. A prayer guide is also available to pick up on Sunday mornings here at Butler. Consider setting aside a specific time for prayer, or joining one of the city wide prayer gatherings. Let’s begin the year with our attention attuned to God and what He wants to accomplish in our individual lives, the life of our church, and in our city.
A note about Fasting: This is about more much more than “giving up” - it’s about making room! Fasting from a meal, a particular food, or an activity, creates a “space” in us for God to fill. Prayer is communication with God; it's a two-way conversation where we speak and listen.
Year End Giving Letters
Year-end giving letters for tax purposes will be sent out soon, primarily by email. If you have any questions, or would like a printed copy, please contact the church office. Thanks!
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The annual year-end giving letters were sent out this week, primarily by email. If you did not receive one, or would like a printed copy this Sunday, please contact the church office. Thanks!
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All Church Combined Service this Sunday
This Sunday, February 23
is our All-Church Combined Service! With our special focus on our partner agencies, and our own Dr. Andre Stephens, president of FPU, will bring the message. There will be worship in multiple languages and we will be taking a special offering as part of the service. The morning will start with a special Butler Cafe at 9:30AM
in the courtyard celebrating January & February birthdays and anniversaries! The service will follow in the sanctuary.
Black History Month
Nearly 50 years ago, February was designated as Black History month. It has become an annual cultural tradition where we get to focus on the people and events that often go overlooked and under-appreciated. However, author and speaker Jemar Tisby reminds us not to view Black history as isolated points on a timeline but as part of a coherent and continuous story. So, as you notice specific things or people being celebrated, take that opportunity to dig a little deeper! Or ask a brother or sister at Butler what history is especially significant to them and learn more from there. There are 5 suggestions in the attached article on how to begin!
Black History Month
https://urbanfaith.com/five-reasons-to-celebrate-black-history-month/
Special Offering for MB Agencies
We are part of a church family that goes far beyond Fresno! Each February we have a special focus on these local and global partner agencies of our Mennonite Brethren family: the US MB churches, the Pacific District Conference of MB churches, Multiply, and Fresno Pacific University and Seminary. This Sunday we will give a special offering for the support of these agenc ies; our goal is $15,000. Thank you for prayerfully considering what amount you feel led to give. You can give online now to "MB Agencies Support"
or bring your gift this Sunday.
Special Offering Update
Thank you to all who have given toward the special offering in support of USMB, PDC, Multiply, and Fresno Pacific University and seminary. As of May 19 our goal of $15,000 has been reached! Thank you to all who gave so generously.
To learn more, visit: butlerchurch.org/ministry-partners
Christian Leader News and Magazine
One the Mennonite Brethren ministries being supported through our special offering this Sunday is the Christian Leader. This bimonthly award-winning magazine plus regular news stories help connect the US Mennonite Brethren churches with each other and our broader MB family.
Butler church members and regular attenders can receive the Christian Leader
by mail.
(If you are not currently on the mailing list but would like to be added, please let the church office know!) Feature articles and columns are also published on their website along with news stories on current events, like these recent articles:
February 2025
Christian Leader News and Magazine
A new issue of the Christian Leader is available! This bimonthly magazine features articles and news stories to help connect the US Mennonite Brethren churches with each other and our broader MB family.
This issue "Anabaptism" talks about our faith roots, and includes an article by our very own Pastor Connie Nicholson! You can
receive the Christian Leader
by mail or find it online.
(If you are not currently on the mailing list but would like to be added, please let the church office know!) News stories, feature articles and columns are published on their website.
Man Camp Coming Up
Butler men, mark your calendar for March 7-9
to be part of Man Camp at Hartland. This camp is always packed with great men, food, fun, and most importantly amazing worship and messages. If you'd like to register, talk with Samson Khoutsavanh or contact the church office!
Time Change weekend
Daylight Savings time begins this Sunday, March 9. Remember to turn in an hour earlier than usual on Saturday night so you don't miss anything Sunday morning!
Lent and Ash Wednesday
This month marks the beginning of Lent, starting with Ash Wednesday. All are welcome March 5 at 7PM
for an Ash Wednesday service
of confessional scripture reading and prayer which will take place in the Worship Center.
Lent is the season in which we prepare for the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection. It is an opportunity to refocus our lives. Traditionally, during Lent many people take up a spiritual practice like fasting to focus more attention upon Christ and his cross. It can also be a time we intentionally say Yes to something as we let go of other habits. During these weeks leadin g to Easter, as church we will journey through a series on the “In Between.” Pray that through this season, our faith will grow and deepen as we experience how the cross leads us to new life.
Spring Cleaning?
As you are spring cleaning, remember to take items you no longer need to MCC's Thrift on Blackstone here in Fresno. Your donations help Fresno Area Community Enterprises and Mennonite Central Committee. When you drop off your donations or volunteer in the store, leave yourself time to find great bargains! Your purchases also benefit Mennonite Central Committee.
You can join the Team and help people in need around the world and in our community! The store needs
volunteers
as well-- sorting donations, pricing goods, cashiering, customer service, and organizing.
Thrift on Blackstone is located at 6687 N. Blackstone Ave, south of Herndon. To volunteer, contact store manager
Kathy Crowder (559-831-7567), or volunteer coordinator Pat Unruh (559-978-5538).
Baking Day and Bake Sale Fundraiser
All Butler women and friends are invited to join in a baking day this Saturday at 1:00 pm at the Butler kitchen! These items will be for a bake sale fundraiser with proceeds helping Butler ladies attend a women's retreat in April. You can find more details on our Women's Ministry page. A variety of baked goods will be available for sale this Sunday March 16...but on a limited basis; check out the order form and pre-order today!
Baking Day Saturday | Bake Sale Sunday!
All Butler women and friends are invited to join in a
baking day this Saturday, March 29 at 1:00 pm at the Butler kitchen! These items will be for a bake sale fundraiser with proceeds helping Butler ladies attend a women's retreat in April. You can find more details on our
Women's Ministry page.
Thank you to all who placed orders for the Bake Sale on Palm Sunday! A variety of extra baked goods will be available...but on a limited basis, so stop by during Butler Cafe to claim some goodies! Donations can be made by cash, venmo, or check (to Butler Church) and additional giving help toward retreat scholarships is most welcome!
MCC Sale this weekend
The West Coast Celebration for World Relief will be this Friday and Saturday, April 10&11 on the FPU campus just across from Butler Church. Proceeds go to support Mennonite Central Committee's relief projects around the world. This is both a fundraiser and a great time of fellowship and connection, so don’t miss out! To help make this huge event possible, volunteers serve in every aspect areas including many food booths (fritters, zwiebach, tri tip, etc) and the traditional quilt auction.
MCC Sale this weekend
The West Coast Celebration for World Relief will be this Friday and Saturday, April 11&12, on the FPU campus just across from Butler Church. Proceeds go to support Mennonite Central Committee's relief projects around the world.
There are many ways to participate, and MCC is specifically
seeking volunteers for
"Around the World with MCC." This interactive booth is designed to give kids a hands-on experience with MCC’s global work. If you would be available to volunteer this Saturday for an hour,
email
rosanazamudio@mcc.org.
There are other ways to volunteer as well; if you'd like more info, visit MCC's event page here
or contact the Church Office to get connected. Thanks!
New Members Class
If you are interested in baptism or membership
at Butler Church, please contact your congregational pastor or contact the church office
this week! A membership class will start this Sunday, and we plan to have baptisms and present new members on Palm Sunday on April 13th!
New Member Testimonies
Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 16 at 3pm
in the Family Center to hear testimonies from those joining Butler as new members. This is a special time to hear and to support those whose story now joins ours as members of the Butler Church family!
Palm Sunday Highlights
All of our Butler congregations will be joining together for worship for Palm Sunday April 13! The morning will start with Butler Cafe at 9:30 AM and the service will follow in the sanctuary with worship, a message, and baptisms of new members!
Note: On Easter Sunday each congregation will have their worship service at the regular 9AM and 10:45AM times. Easter invites will be available again this Sunday!
Candy & Egg Donations
Candy and Easter egg donations are needed for our special kids' activity on Easter Sunday. Please bring wrapped candies and new plastic eggs to the church office or give them to a Children’s Ministry Leader on Sunday with a note “for Easter activity." If you'd like to serve with Children's Ministry or help prepare for this fun activity, please let
Maria Galvan know!
Spring Outreach Event Today
Together with our missionary Nzash Lumeya and the Garcia family, Butler will be joining in serving at a community BBQ this Wednesday afternoon, April 16
at the Cedar Courts apartments. We're looking forward to this opportunity to bless this community in southeast Fresno! We have 12 people from Butler who will be serving there! Pray with us for opportunities to share the love of Jesus there as we extend an invitation to Easter Sunday services.
We are also planning some special activities for kids here at Butler for Easter Sunday! If you'd like to help out, please let Maria Galvan
know!
Easter Sunday
This will be a great Sunday to invite friends or neighbors to worship with you! We will have services at our regular times, and there will also be special activities for kids. He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!
9:00 AM English & Lao 10:45 AM English & Spanish
Graduates
If you’re graduating this summer, let us know! Please send the church office your name, school, and graduation date so we can honor your hard work! (You can also drop a note in the offering this Sunday.)
Prayer for our Country and Leaders
As we continue to lift up our city and country through the 21 Days of Prayer, we are especially mindful of the leadership transitions happening this month. Please pray
for wisdom for our political leaders, that peace will be pursued over violence, and for justice for the marginalized to be at the center of policy decisions being made.
National Day of Prayer
This Thursday, May ___, is the National Day of Prayer, which takes place every first Thursday in May. Several gatherings will be taking place in Fresno/Clovis throughout the day; you can find out more here. This invitation is also a good prompt to be in prayer for our country & government leaders - that they would seek God not just for blessings but to do justice, love mercy, & walk humbly (Micah 6:8).
Celebrating Asian American Heritage
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month. Here at Butler Church, we’re blessed to worship together with brothers and sisters from several Asian cultures! In our Asian Grace congregation alone, we have members who are Khmu, Lao, Mien, and T’in! And beyond that we have Filipino, American Samoan, Korean, and Cambodian represented within our broader church family and congregations!
Fresno also has a large Hmong community (different from Khmu). Both people groups originate in modern day Thailand and Laos, with Hmong extending north and east into what is now Myanmar, Vietnam, and China. Here are links to some articles to learn more about the local Hmong community and about Khmu culture.
Celebrating Asian American Heritage
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month. Here at Butler Church, we’re blessed to worship together with brothers and sisters from several Asian cultures! In our Asian Grace congregation alone, we have members who are Khmu, Lao, Mien, and T’in! And beyond that we have Filipino, American Samoan, Korean, and Cambodian represented within our broader church family and congregations!
Here are links to some articles to learn more about local history and Khmu culture.
Here are links to some articles to learn more about local history and Khmu culture.
Celebrating Asian American Heritage
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage month. Here at Butler Church, we’re blessed to worship together with brothers and sisters from several Asian cultures! In our Asian Grace congregation alone, we have members who are Khmu, Lao, Mien, and T’in! And beyond that we have Filipino, American Samoan, Korean, and Cambodian represented within our broader church family and congregations! This article, written a few years ago from the perspective of a Korean-American pastor, provides insight on why celebrating AAPI histories, culture, gifts, and experiences is actually a form of worship.
- May 2024
Celebrating Moms
Mother's Day is coming up this Sunday, when we give special recognition to the mothers in our lives and the amazing work they do on a daily basis. As we pray for our moms, pray also for those who are unable to be mothers, or who have lost a mother recently, as it can be a difficult day for them.
Pentecost Sunday
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, when we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit. It is a day when we remember the miraculous birth of the Church, where 3,000 responded to the Spirit at work in Peter and the disciples. Be encouraged by reading once again about these amazing events in
Acts 2, and realize
that same Spirit is alive and well in you, in His Church, and here at Butler!
Eastern Orthodox churches observe Pentecost one week later (this year on
Sunday May 31). Artwork credit: Ed de Guzman
Picnic Sunday!
Our annual Church Picnic is this Sunday May 18 on the campus of Fresno Pacific University! Remember to plan to bring food to share!
There will be a short service on campus hosted by Faith Community at 9AM and then we'll gather at 10:00 AM
at FPU for an outdoor service and potluck lunch! Picnic Sunday is a great opportunity to fellowship & play together as a church family, and we also would like to have fun activities for all ages. Thanks to all who have signed up to help! If you are able to volunteer,
connect with Pastor Scott or sign up using the link!
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:
Juneteenth
Juneteeth is a day to celebrate freedom but also to reflect on the realities of our history. Some great resources, including the “Faith & Freedom” documentary, are available at: bethebridge.com/juneteenth-resources. Here is a prayer litany to reflect on as well. - June 2024
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.
Opportunities to Serve
Our next Food Distribution will take place next week Friday. Because it is a holiday weekend, we’ll have an early delivery on Thursday and will need a few extra volunteers on the morning of July 2 to help get things set up. (The good news is our food giveaway will be indoors out of any hot weather!)
Reminder that we do need volunteers to
serve with children’s ministry one Sunday a month as well! To help with either of these or how to serve on other ministry teams, talk with a Pastor or contact the church office. Thanks!
Prayer
This year the 4th of July holiday comes as our nation is even more divided than before. Some are celebrating and others are leaning into lament. One thing we can all do together is listen and pray.
We give thanks to God for the privilege of living in this country.
We pray for God's healing presence to pervade our politics and cultural life.
We seek to share the Confident Hope we have through Jesus.
Prayer
The 4th of July holiday can bring mixed feelings as the nation celebrates independence, but recognize that freedom is not experienced equally. Some folks feel a great amount of blessing / fortune to live in this county. Others see how far we have to go in order to become “a more perfect union." So some are celebrating and others are leaning into lament. One thing we can all do together is listen and pray.
We give thanks to God for the privilege of living in this country.
We pray for God's healing presence to pervade our politics and cultural life.
We seek to share the Confident Hope we have through Jesus.
Back to School Prayers
Almighty God, We give you our schools.
We give you all the teachers and staff who work there,
We give you all the students who study there.
We pray our schools would be places of great discovery, adventure and creativity. May they be places where students love to learn and where they learn to love, A place where every one is respected and all are deeply valued. (More....)
- August 2023
Fall Ministry Opportunities
As your schedule forms for this fall, please consider including some time to serve with a ministry at Butler. There are a variety of ways to serve. For example: With Butler Café, in the church office, with the children or youth ministries, or even online from home! A specific area of need is preschool and nursery volunteers so we can have those classrooms open every Sunday.
You can see more at butlerchurch.org/serve. If you would like to help but are not sure where you would fit in, please talk with your pastor or contact the church office!
Hispanic Heritage Month
This week launches national Hispanic Heritage month. Here at Butler Church, we’re blessed to worship together with Latinx brothers and sisters in several of our congregations! In Amor y Fe specifically, there are multiple cultures represented, and an average of 30 people attend each Sunday, worshipping and studying scripture together in Spanish. This congregation began over 25 years ago, and grew out of a Spanish language Bible study started by Butler members. There’s more growing possible, too - in southeast Fresno alone, 63% of residents are Hispanic, and 44% speak Spanish or only Spanish. (More....)
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, this month began with “Fiesta Patrias." 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.
Have you been wondering why Hispanic Heritage month isn't set for a regular calendar month? Read more about it here.
Meet & Treat Coming Up!
This is
a great event both for the families of our surrounding community as well as Butler Church families. Each year hundreds from our community enjoy coming to our campus for a family
friendly event, and we will be here on Oct 31 @ 5pm to greet them! So, send your candy donations this way!
You can drop them off during Butler Café this Sunday.
We’re in the process of forming teams and there is room for more volunteers! Sign up this week if you can participate;
that will help us know which specific activities we can plan for. For those participating, there will be a volunteers' meeting this Sunday (Oct 26)
after the morning worship services, just before lunch.
Meet & Treat this Friday!
Details are coming together for Meet & Treat this Friday evening! We're looking forward to
a great evening with friends and family from Butler and our surrounding community. Extend an invite to your neighbors!
The event time is 5-7PM!
Every year we have hundreds of people come into our campus; let’s be praying for all who will come out this year. While this event is not about celebrating Halloween, we are about being a safe environment and a fun place for our Butler Church family & community! Let’s remember to share the good news, letting people know that Jesus is the Light of the world!
Volunteers: Remember we're gathering at 4pm to finish set up and pray together. Please come to the Family Center and get a nametag. Parking for volunteers will be in the small parking lot, and we'll encourage our guests to use the main lot.
Pastor Appreciation
October is traditionally Pastors Appreciation Month, a great opportunity to give extra encouragement and express our thanks to our pastors and pastoral leaders. Consider taking this time to write a note of thanks to our pastors and let them know how they are appreciated!
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Time Change Sunday
This coming Sunday, November 3 is time change Sunday. Take the opportunity to turn in at the ‘regular’ time and get some extra sleep! Or skip changing your clocks, and arrive to church extra early! :)
Happy Thanksgiving
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
- Psalm 118:1
If you do not have someone to celebrate the holiday with, let the church office know so we can be in touch with you. Please note that the church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 & 29. The church office is regularly open Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, and Fridays til noon.
Missions Sunday is here!
THIS Sunday is our time to celebrate God's goodness, give thanks through giving, and join in the work He is doing locally and across the world! This Sunday, November 23
the morning
will begin with café fellowship time at 9:30am followed by a combined service in the Worship Center at 10:00. We will be worshipping together, hear from our missionaries and speakers Pablo and Maricela Chavez from Peru, and have time to prayer! We'll also give special emphasis to sharing the Good News locally and the many avenues to be personally involved.
SPECIAL OFFERING
As we join together in support of our missionaries & mission partners both financially and in prayer, our giving goal this year is $20,000. Please be in prayer for what amount God is leading you to give. Bring your gift on Sunday or give online to have your gift added to the total gift count this Sunday! More at butlerchurch.org/missions.
Thanksgiving Lunch this Sunday
Following the combined service this Sunday, we will be sharing in a meal together.
The food will be provided and seating will be available indoors. Plan to stay and fellowship with Butler family members from each of our congregations! There will also be an opportunity to get to know Pablo & Maricela Chavez and have a Q&A about their ministry in Peru. (Join in the Family Center for that!)
Looking forward to our time together on Missions Sunday!
Happy Thanksgiving
"Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!"
- Psalm 118:1
If you do not have someone to celebrate the holiday with, let the church office know so we can be in touch with you. Please note that the church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 28 & 29. The church office is regularly open Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, and Fridays til noon.
Missions Offering Update
We're getting closer to meeting our goal for the Mission Offering, now at $18,440! We’re at 92% of our goal to support our missionaries and local mission initiatives in 2026. If you made a giving pledge or were not yet able to give, you can do so online or give this Sunday.
Be sure to mark your gift “Missions Offering.” Thanks!
Year end gifts are also appreciated which can be designated to the Butler Church general budget.
Decorating for Advent
With the first Sunday in advent just around the corner, we'll be decorating our worship spaces soon for the Christmas season. If you would be interested in volunteering to help, please talk to your pastor or let the church office know. It's always a fun project to work on together!
Christmas Decorating
All the Butler congregations will be decorating the Sanctuary & Family Center on Saturday, November 30th, at 10am. Come join in the fun! (There will be goodies too!) If you are able to help, please let the church office know.
Advent
This Sunday, December 1, marks the beginning Advent.
Two of our congregations have chosen the theme “Lights of Christmas” for this season. Each Sunday will contrast the advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love against the prevailing themes in our culture: fear, anxiety, loneliness, and sadness. We will be encouraged to push against these forces that enslave & isolate and instead seek freedom & community as found in the Kingdom of God.
Pastor Connie has also prepared an advent devotional booklet! Copies will be available on Sunday if you would like to have a series of advent readings to follow and reflect on. We will conclude the advent season with our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service on December 24!
Annual Business Meeting
Our annual church business meeting will be this Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 PM. Please plan to bring a snack to share! At our annual meeting we review the current financial report and how Butler Church ministries will be prioritized & funded in the coming year (including facilities and staffing), as represented in the budget proposal. Council nominations are processed, and discussion takes place on church life matters. Please note that we are in need of nominations for Council Treasurer and Vice Moderator.
Please take some time to read the ministry reports available in the meeting packet! Click here for a copy or look for extra packets to be available this Sunday.
Church Business Meeting
Our annual Church Business Meeting will be THIS Sunday, December 7
@ 3:00 pm in the Family Center. You are invited to bring snacks to share before our meeting and during the conversation time afterward. The meeting packet (including the proposed budget for 2026) will be available again this Sunday and an updated version can be found online as annual reports are added.
Asian Grace Christmas Celebration
This Sunday afternoon (Dec 14), our Asian Grace congregation will be having a special Christmas celebration in the Family Center. There will be worship in place of a morning service, followed by fellowship time – and of course great food! Our Butler family is welcome to join in!
Blue Christmas service
Butler Church will host a Blue Christmas service this year on Sunday, December 21 at 2:00 pm. This service will be a quiet, reflective space in which to honor memories and bring together our burdens of loss. Anyone who has lost someone / something dear in 2025 or simply wants the opportunity to remember and reflect on loss from longer ago – all are welcome.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Our annual Christmas Eve service at 5pm will feature carols, readings, a children’s story, and candlelight blessing. We look forward to welcoming young and old, friends and family, and those from near and far in a celebration of God’s announcement of “goodwill” to all people! In the case of rain we will adjust plans for our candlelight carols. Regardless of weather, there will be a fellowship time following the service, with hot chocolate and treat bags (tutes!) for each family/household.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Our Christmas Eve service on
Tuesday, December 24
will be at 6:00PM. It's a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor! Each congregation will have a part in the service, and our children will also be singing. We'll conclude the evening with our tradition of singing carols by candlelight outdoors, weather permitting. We'll also have goodies to share following the service!
Year End Giving
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 Amor y Fe and Common Ground. To count toward this year, all donations need to be received or postmarked by Dec 31st. Thank you.
Holiday Office Hours
Please note that the church office will be closed December 24 - Jan 1 for Christmas holidays. Regular office hours will resume Thursday, January 2nd.
The office is regularly open:
Tuesdays - Thursdays 9AM-5PM (closed for lunch)
Fridays 9AM - noon
Mondays by appointment
We'll be checking phone and email messages throughout the holiday.
559-252-3741 / info@butlerchurch.org
New Year Blessing
New Year's greetings to all of our Butler family! As we enter this new season, may you continue to lean into Hope, share Peace, seek Joy, and live out the Love we have in Christ!
OCCASSIONAL
Update from Anul
Anul is still being detained in California. However, she was informed this week that a ticket has been booked for travel in 3 weeks.
Thanks for your continued prayers for Anul. There's still time to write a letter if you would like to send her an encouragement by mail. If you would more detailed updates on how to pray for Anul, or to give toward her support for resettlement, please connect with Shelly in the church office for details. 559-252-3741 | info@butlerchurch.org
Special Butler Cafe this Sunday
We'll have a special guest with us this Sunday (June 7) in the worship services and at Butler Cafe. Karen Sanchez, our missionary from Thailand and longtime member of Butler Church, will be visiting to share highlights of the ministry there and to connect with you! Plan to stop by during Butler Cafe to come say hi! There are many things happening in Thailand to celebrate and also pray for - look for the sign up to join their monthly zoom prayer gatherings.
Butler Cafe is on Sunday mornings at 10:15AM for a half hour. Special Butler Cafes are also time to celebrate monthly birthdays and anniversaries together! If you have a celebration this month in June, let us know.
Butler Cafe BYOM
Butler Cafe on Sundays is an important time for fellowship with our church family. Join in on Sundays at 10:15AM in the courtyard!
If possible, please
Bring Your Own Mug
for Butler Café on Sundays! A new law to reduce styrofoam waste means that cups will be more expensive for Butler Café. If you’d like a disposable cup, please be prepared to donate to help us cover those costs. Or better yet, BYOM and we can save on costs and reduce waste! You are also welcome to store clean mugs in your foyer mailbox. Thanks!
In Memory
Longtime Butler member, Johanna Braun, passed away last week Thursday at Palm Village in Reedley. The obituary is available here. A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, Nov 5.
Children's Ministry Update
Parents - Reminder that this Sunday February 8, our morning children's ministry will feature Pajamas and Pancakes! We will be having pancakes in our pajamas and have a lesson in Love. So, parents, bring your kiddos in cozy pj's that Sunday; you are more than welcome to provide any toppings for our pancakes. Thanks!
Our kids' class on Sundays is during the 11AM hour for kids K-6th grade. Feel free to contact our children's ministry director, Maria Galvan,
with any questions.
New Weekly Men's Bible Study
Halfway through week we could all use a recharge. Butler men, let’s spend some time in the Word together and be refreshed! A weekly Wednesday night men’s Bible study is starting up this week! Join us in the Youth Room Wednesdays from 7-8 pm.
Men's Fellowship Breakfast
This Sunday at 9:00 AM
is the next Men’s fellowship breakfast. Your RSVP will help with our planning! Hope to see you this Sunday!
If you would be interested in being part of an all Butler men’s gathering, please let a pastor or Calvin Certain know. Thanks!
Women's Bible Study
The Wednesday morning Women's Bible Study group is starting again this spring on Wednesdays at 10AM
here at Butler Church. The first few gatherings have taken place, but there is still an opportunity to join in! This series will be learning about Jesus through the book of Mark. More details on this and other upcoming women's ministry activities are posted on our Women's Ministry
page.
Children's Ministry Update
We praise God for the many new faces we’ve seen during our Sunday school classes recently! We are now in need of volunteers to help during both service times. Thank you for pouring out to our children, loving on them, challenging them and most importantly teaching them about Jesus. If you are interested in volunteering, contact our Children's Ministry director, Maria Galvan!
Community Meal Highlights
We had a great evening together at our August Community Meal ! We filled up the Family Center, and enjoyed a delicious meal of “tacos al vapor” which quickly vaporized! There was birthday cake for dessert to celebrate all the August birthdays. After dinner there was a powerful worship time in the Sanctuary lead by the FPU college hour team, Pastor Elbio shared his inspiring faith journey in the Family Center, and our Children's Ministry Director organized a great time for the children.
- August 2024
Christian Leader News and Magazine
A new issue of the Christian Leader is available! This bimonthly magazine features articles and news stories help connect the US Mennonite Brethren churches with each other and our broader MB family.
You can
receive the Christian Leader
by mail or find it online. (If you are not currently on the mailing list but would like to be added, please let the church office know!) Feature articles and columns are also published on their website along with news stories on current events, like these recent articles:
Council Update
A Council Connection update is provided throughout the year to highlight recent church council agenda items and decisions. If you have a suggested agenda item for the church council or any questions or concerns, please share them with the council member for your congregation. The council generally meets the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Most recent update:
Council Connection for July 2021
PDC Convention
Butler is part of the Mennonite Brethren family of churches. Thursday & Friday Nov 7 & 8, the Pacific District is having their conference - for fellowship, ministry reports, and decision making as a broader church body.
The convention will be taking place at Bethany MB Church here in Fresno. You can find more details here! Please join us in prayer for safe travel for all attending from across the western states, for good connections and conversations, and for wisdom in vision for PDC future ministries.
Butler Cafe is Back!
Our time together between services is an important part of our fellowship as one church, and a great place to share stories together. Join us for Butler Café Sundays at 10:15am for coffee and connection time! Our café team is still forming, and is in need of a few more people to join in! If you would like to take turns in the Sunday schedule to make coffee/tea & serve goodies, in a safe and welcoming way, talk with a pastor or let the church office know! Thanks.
- October 2021
Job & Ministry Opportunity
Thrift on Blackstone
is hiring for two roles that support the daily work and mission of our thrift store. We are looking for a full-time Thrift Store Operations Manager to help guide store operations and support staff, and a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to welcome, train, and care for the volunteers who make this work possible.
Located on Blackstone just south of Herndon, Thrift on Blackstone
is a faith-based thrift store working in partnership with Mennonite Central Committee and FACE (Fresno Area Community Enterprises, Inc.). If this work sounds meaningful to you, or if you know someone who may be a good fit, we invite you to learn more and apply. (Contact the church office
for details.)
Thrift Store Volunteers
The MCC thrift store welcomes your donations of good-quality, clean, gently used clothing. They are also in need of more volunteers! For more information call 559-515-6362 or visit the store on Blackstone (at 6687, south of Herndon). Donations are received Monday through Friday, 10 AM—5:30 PM, and on Saturdays, 10 AM—3:30 PM. You can follow Thrift on Blackstone on Facebook
also!.
Community Meal this Sunday
It's already the end of February, and that brings us to another great Community Meal! Invite a friend or neighbor to join in with us for dinner together this Sunday at 5PM, and a fu n activity. We were inspired by Valentine's day, to come up with a game show based on the theme! It will be a lot of fun you won't want to miss!
Your RSVP
will help in our planning! If you'd like to help out in some way, you can also let us know in your response. Thanks!
Worship Services Update
Our Sunday worship services can be found via our
Church at Home
page with several being livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube.
While our Fresno County covid restrictions are in place, we will not be having indoor worship services, but some outdoor events will be planned, like our recent outdoor communion service and outdoor Christmas eve service. Watch for updates
here and in our enewsetter!
Food Distribution Ministry Highlights
Our food distribution ministry continues on the first Friday of the month. Thank you to our Butler volunteers who have been serving, helping the process to go smoothly with the new health guidelines in place. About 150 households are provided food regularly, serving over 300 people each month. Volunteers are always needed and welcome! To help, contact
us! - posted 2020
checklist
Weekly checklist:
WEEK 1: Food Distribution, birthdays
WEEK 2: ________
WEEK 3: Council mtng?
WEEK 4: Men's Bible study? Financial Update? Food D?
check any seasonal posts, too!