Convention Strategy

09 10 2026

September 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches

Jason McNair Convention Strategy cooperative program, evangelism, Evangelism Grants, idaho, missions, southern baptists, stewardship, utah

We started U&I Together in UI Connections to provide a place where churches can promote upcoming events or celebrate what God has been doing in and through our churches. Send your submissions to State Missionary Jason McNair at jmcnair@uisbc.org.

This month, U&I Together recaps reports and celebrations of some of this summer’s activities, plus baptisms, across our two states. Check out news of a book written by one of our Utah pastors.

September 2026

Localizing Disaster Relief

Treasure Valley Southern Baptist Association Disaster Relief volunteers recently had the opportunity to minister in our local area, rather than traveling out of state,” reported the association’s administrative assistant, Michele Ring.

The June 26th storm – with flash flooding in Caldwell – resulted in more than 30 people being displaced, with a great need for both physical and spiritual help.

Joe and Delores O’Neill were asked to serve as chaplains to help those in need spiritually. John (and his wife Juanita) Montoya, the new Disaster Relief director for the Treasure Valley Baptist Association, were tasked with clean up for a devastated family.

“Other local volunteers were able to help as well,” Ring wrote in the latest issue of the TVBA newsletter, The Focus. “In addition, volunteers were able to use our local resources such as the Disaster Relief trailer. It was extremely gratifying to bring both physical and spiritual help.”

Utah pastor pens discipleship book

Dustin Carpenter, pastor of Roosevelt (Utah) Baptist Church recently published Apprenticeship to King Jesus: Ancient Catechesis for a Secular Age on Amazon. It’s about learning to follow Jesus in everyday life,” Carpenter told U&I Together. “This way of discipleship has been a game changer in our church.”

According to Amazon’s description of the 318-page book, “In a culture that forms us 24 hours a day, what does it actually look like to be formed by Jesus?

Apprenticeship to King Jesus is an invitation back to an ancient path, one the early church used to form disciples into apprentices of the King.” Carpenter uses Scripture, the Nicene Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments to develop a spiritually disciplined life.

“Drawing on echoes from Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and Marvel, this book reveals how the Story Behind all stories is breaking into our world, and how you can step into it,” the Amazon description continues. Otherwise, it’s available in paperback for $14.99 or on Kindle for $4.99, or free on Kindle Unlimited.

Cascade church celebrates community

Central Valley Baptist Church in Cascade, Idaho, in June hosted its annual “Community BBQ and Kids Festival.” At least 200 people participated.

In addition to food, fun, and building community, assisted in part by a NAMB/UISBC evangelism grant, Pastor Richard Iddings reported 19 gospel conversations and two professions of faith in Jesus.

“It is truly wonderful how effective food is at overcoming social barriers,” Iddings wrote in his report of the event. “This was our second year hosting a community BBQ, open to all, promoted using social media, banners, posters, and invitations.

“This event serves as a springboard for many of our other ministries and as an introduction to many unfamiliar with our church family. The event was a wonderful success, we saw a steady stream of familiar and unfamiliar faces, over 200 people were served burgers and hotdogs over the course of three hours, many Jesus and gospel conversations were had, and two people later accepted Christ.

“The real strength of this event is not on event day,” the pastor wrote. “It is the residual impact. For example, this year we had our largest VBS to date and one of the largest VBS weeks in our local county, plus more kids joining us for our Summer Fun events. Our clothing closet ministry has been consistently larger than the previous year, and we continue to see new families from the event joining us in corporate worship.

“We have already had discussions in how to improve next year, stretch our reach into the unchurched/dechurched community, and expand our gospel impact,” Iddings concluded, including other church leaders in his “We.”

Red Hills baptizes at Quail Creek

A “good number” of baptisms have taken place at Red Hills Southern Baptist Church in Cedar City, Utah, Pastor Joe Kline told U&I Together. He emailed later to say the total for the year, as of Sept. 8, is 23, thirteen in the last month alone.

“The Holy Spirit is moving. God is at work,” Kline said. “It’s been miraculous what God is doing. Some are coming through the youth group. Some are kids coming to us.”

Kline said he and the church’s Youth Team have been working with the youth this year.

“It’s a lot of building relationships, getting to know families, and just being one-on-one with people, answering questions, getting in the Word,” Kline continued. “Especially in the youth and college age there’s a real hunger and thirst to know the Lord. Not religion but a true relationship.”

Red Hills Southern Baptist Church baptized 27 people in 2025, and 32 in 2024, according to its Annual Church Profile (ACP) reports.

Hispanic churches in Utah gather for Missions Education training

Leaders from Hispanic Churches from along the Wasatch Front in Utah

Hispanic church leaders and families from half a dozen churches and ministries along the Wasatch Front gathered at Canyons in Español in Salt Lake City where they learned how the Utah-Idaho SBC York Dillman State Missions Offering is used to strengthen churches within our two states by supporting ministries like Disaster Relief, Collegiate Ministry, Women’s ministries, and Salt Lake School of Theology.

They also were informed by UISBC Executive Director Rob Lee on how Cooperative Program dollars are distributed through the national SBC and used locally to support the operations of the convention.

WMU President and UISBC part-time ministry assistant, Sonia Gutierrez, along with her husband, Rafael, spoke about Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions and Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

SLBA Pastors gather to focus on Gospel centered preaching

On Wednesday, September 2, pastors and ministry leaders from across the Salt Lake Baptist Association gathered at Canyons Church for September Pastoral Fellowship. The event began with worship, then hearing from God’s Word as pastor Luke Bylsma of Gospel Light in Salt Lake City presented a message from Philippians 2.

SLBA Executive Director, Andrew Jones shared “One of my hopes for the SLBA is that our gatherings would be about more than conducting associational business. We want to cultivate mutual care among pastors that leads to genuine gospel partnership among churches. That starts with relationships—knowing one another, praying for one another, learning from one another, and wanting to see one another’s churches flourish.”

Most of the discussion centered on The Heart of Preaching a book given away at the event to every pastor in attendance as a gift from Crossway Publishing. The text of the book addresses the challenge of bringing the gospel to bear on the real lives of our people. Andrew continued, “We talked about the relationship between the gospel, gospel truths, and gospel conduct and considered how our preaching can move beyond simply telling people what to do by helping them see how Christian obedience flows from the good news of what Christ has done.”

The next gathering of the SLBA will be their Annual Meeting in November, also at Canyons Church.

08 10 2026

August 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches

Jason McNair Convention Strategy cooperative program, evangelism, Evangelism Grants, idaho, missions, southern baptists, stewardship, utah

This month, U&I Together brings reports and celebrations of some of this summer’s activities, including Sonfest, across our two states.

August 2026

Family Conference attracts community

Iglesia Gracia e Verdad in Treasure Valley Baptist Association hosted a three-day Family Conference in late June with the assistance of a NAMB/UISBC evangelism grant that 60 people attended. Ten people were engaged in a gospel conversation and one person made a profession of faith.

“We planned this event as an opportunity for growth and discipleship for our members and an outreach opportunity for unbelievers,” Pastor Tim Martin reported. “We were encouraged to have 14 new families attend over the weekend, and hope to follow up with them.

“We were also so encouraged that after an extended session of questions and answers with the speaker after the last session Saturday, one of our single young men received the Lord as his Savior. God is at work, and we are so grateful for His grace and mercy.”

Movie and pizza night intrigues community

Risen Life Church in Midvale, Utah, with the assistance of a NAMB/UISBC evangelism grant, hosted 55 people at the downtown Pearl Theater July 3, for a free showing of The Sandlot movie about pre-teen boys and baseball, set in the 1960s.

“We were able to meet a lot of individuals in Midvale who said they had wanted to connect to our church but were afraid to connect until an opportunity like this,” Church Planting Pastor Jonathan Perkins reported. “We were able to share about our church and the free gift of the gospel before the movie and invite people after the movie to church service. We were able to have a gospel conversation with three individuals, separately, throughout the evening!”

Abide Church plant joins God and Country Festival

About 5,000 people gathered in Nampa, Idaho, June 30 for the 60^th annual God and Country Festival. About 30 churches from eight southwestern Idaho towns participated, including Abide Church, which Cameron Stevens is starting. A NAMB/UISBC evangelism grant assisted.

“We were able to engage with hundreds of people,” Stevens reported. “We handed out over 500 ‘little Jesus’s’, multiple gospel tracts, ‘Jesus loves you’ bracelets, Jesus films, and more. The gospel was shared in various ways through conversation, gospel tracts, the ‘Evang-a-cube,’ and our visiting mission team from Florida.

“One gentleman committed to coming to our in-home Bible study. Multiple others signed up to receive information on our church plant. Our Bible study reconvenes on Aug. 19. Lord willing, we’ll see some fruit from this event.”

Longtime women’s leader dies

Carol Timberman, 84, died June 27 after a fall in Clearfield, Utah. According to her obituary, “During her [early years] in Utah, she served her Lord and Savior faithfully through both her volunteer positions at Mountain View Baptist Church (formerly First Southern Baptist Church of Clearfield) and as their church secretary. During the early 1990’s, she felt God leading her to worship and serve at First Baptist Church in Roy.

“In 1995, she joined with Layton Hills Baptist Church and held many positions of leadership in the Sunday School, mission programs, and jail ministry.” Timberman served in several leadership positions in UISBC’s WMU, including president for a five-year term, and in 1986 was also on the organizational board of Fish ‘n Loaves Food Pantry. A financial gift from her estate is to be used for women’s events and ministry training.

Price pastor receives community award

Chris Polito, general contractor business owner and bivocational pastor of Gospel Community Church in Price, received from the Carbon County Commission July 1 a Super Service Award “for his constant and quiet dedication to helping those in need throughout the community,” according to a local news report.

One example that was cited: Recently he “personally funded and arranged a hotel room for a stranded patient who had just been discharged from the hospital with nowhere else to go.”

Polito deflected the recognition. “It truly takes a village” to support those in need, Polito said.

Sonfest 2026 Youth Event equips 80 students for gospel engagement

Our annual Sonfest Youth Evangelism Conference featured worship led by Florida worship leader Paul Samson and challenging messages from God’s Word were presented by Mississippi Student pastor, John David Fortenberry. The students represented seven Utah and Idaho churches and totaled 97 in attendance at Mountain View Baptist Church in Layton who hosted the gathering.

Students were introduced to RAGE ministries’ Emoji Wristband Evangelism during one of the breakouts where 80 students were trained and equipped with wristbands that have NFC tap technology within every band. While at Lagoon Amusement Park in Farmington, students had a final gathering for worship and encouragement, and four students reported using either their Sonfest shirts or wristband to share the gospel with at least one person. Others raised their hand that they shared in ride lines, as well. More information about Wristband Evangelism can be found at JesusSave.Me.

One church reported that three students from their church prayed to receive Christ after the Friday night opening session. Over 75% of the students present raised their hand that this was their first time attending Sonfest. Students were also challenged to heed a call to ministry by grabbing a copy of Jeff Iorg’s book, Is God Calling Me?.

Sonfest has been the primary Student Evangelism equipping tool used by UISBC network of churches since 1994. A gathering of student leaders on Saturday morning of day 2 at this year’s Sonfest pledged to expand the reach of the event beginning in Summer 2027.

Reminders of Upcoming events in our network of churches

The Fall semester of Salt Lake School of Theology begins Aug. 24 with two classes: New Testament 1 taught 6-9 p.m. Mondays until Dec. 12 at Gospel Grace Church, 62 E 1300 S in Salt Lake City, by Matt Emadi PhD, and Old Testament 1 taught remotely by Jared Jenkins PhD.
Christology Conference with Dr. David Rathel from 6-9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Risen Life Church, 2780 E 3900 S in Salt Lake City, sponsored by the Salt Lake School of Theology and funded in part through the UISBC State Missions Offering. Registration is live now for only $10 (increases to $15 at the door) and includes dinner at 5 p.m.
Ministry Wives Gathering from 8a-5p Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28-29, at Redemption Church Ogden, 585 39^th in South Ogden. Sponsored by UISBC Women’s Network.
Week of Prayer for Utah Idaho State Missions Offering, Sept. 6-13. Visit uisbc.org/smo to order promotional materials.
Prophecy Watchers Conference Sept. 18-19 at Pine Ridge Baptist Church, 108 Pine Road in Kamiah, Idaho.
Words Matter Weekend at Mountain View Baptist Church. The 2026 Women’s Conference is scheduled to take place on September 18-19 with author Cheryl Marshall. Cost is $35 and includes meals and a copy of Cheryl’s book, When Words Matter Most. More information is on our Facebook page, and on the registration page for the event.

06 10 2026

Utah-Idaho May Executive Board meeting highlights ACP reports and increase in baptisms

Jason McNair Annual Meeting, Convention Strategy, Strengthening Churches cooperative program, Executive Board, idaho, missions, southern baptists, utah

Utah-Idaho SBC Executive Board chairman Matthew Claridge shares devotion during their May meeting.

Salt Lake City, UT – The strength of the UISBC is in the churches that choose to affiliate together to live out the great commission every day of the year. While the Utah-Idaho SBC is in session one day in October, we also have business to attend to through the other 364 days of the year. Your UISBC Executive Board seeks to fill that gap, at least every May and September.

Our May meeting of the Executive Board gathered on May 15 and 16 at Canyons Church in Salt Lake City. Board Chairman Matthew Claridge, pastor of Redeemer Church in Grangeville, ID, shared a devotion that looked at the tenuous relationship between King David and his wife, Mikal, the daughter of former King Saul. The devotional reminded board members that we serve for the glory of God and not our own agendas. It was a good reminder for board members to remember who they represent.

UISBC Executive Director addresses the Executive Board of the Utah-Idaho SBC during their May meeting.

The Saturday session included a rundown of reports from the previous day’s meeting and began with a roll call of board members present. Rob Lee, UISBC Executive Director, gave a financial report, followed by a compilation report from recent ACP data that was submitted from Utah-Idaho SBC churches.

Our annual church profile reports showed growth in baptisms last year with one church celebrating 132 baptisms. ACP reports remain a challenge to get and we pray all of our churches would report so we can see the real scope of what is happening across our State Convention. With that in mind, we have seen six years of growth in the number of people being baptized in our churches. This is reason to celebrate!

From reports: 10,423 Total Membership, 780 Baptisms, 602 Additions, 10,562 Weekly worship attendance, 5792 Weekly SS/Bible Study attendance, 4028 VBS Enrollment; undesignated giving $15,024,338, CP churches reported $789,723.

The board was also updated on the growth of Reach Idaho as they seek to minister to needs of churches in Idaho and seek places to plant new works. The board was asked to pray for the leadership of Reach Idaho and their full-time staff of Richard Dugger and Mike Palmer who oversee the ministry together.

The board addressed the upcoming retirement of DR Director Russel Hohmann and the future transition to a new contract worker from Burley, ID who has been approached about taking over DR leadership for Russ upon his retirement.

The remainder of the meeting entailed the updates from the various committees and approving the reports submitted by convention staff and contract workers.

The next meeting of the Executive Board will be held in Salt Lake City on September 11-12, with location tentatively determined but not confirmed.

Please be in prayer for the UISBC Executive Board as their members seek to support the work of the UISBC State Staff and seek to connect with churches across the two states in the interim between annual meetings of the UISBC.

05 08 2026

May 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches

Jason McNair Convention Strategy cooperative program, evangelism, Evangelism Grants, idaho, missions, southern baptists, stewardship, utah

This month, we focus most of U&I Together with reports and celebrations of special Easter services that took place the first Sunday in April in churches across our two states.

May 2026

Sowing the gospel

Redemption Church in Ogden sent 30 college students out twice – Jan. 2 and Jan. 10 – to share the gospel with people at their place of business, government offices and first responders’ stations in Ogden, as well as with students, staff and faculty at Weber State University.

The students reported 96 gospel conversations over the two days.

“The students did canvassing, handed out gifts to small business workers, government workers, and first responders, and shared the gospel in the process,” Anthony Jozwick told UI Connections. He’s director of Mission Utah for the Redemption Family of Churches.”

An evangelism grant from UISBC and NAMB provided financing for materials and gifts.

“We used the funds for ministry materials such as canvassing materials and materials for goodie bags and protein baskets for small businesses and first responders,” Jozwick said. “This led to tons of gospel conversations throughout the week in the Ogden area and on the Weber State campus. This made a great launching point for future teams and long-term missionaries to follow up.”

“At Weber, they tabled while sharing the gospel,” Jozwick continued. “They got multiple names and locations of individuals to follow up with for getting them plugged into the church. We wanted them to do the activity to point individuals to Redemption Ogden and to share the gospel with the LDS.”

Come sing!

Treasure Valley Baptist Association’s “Fifth Sunday Summer Sing” is to take place at 6 p.m. May 31 at New Covenant Baptist Church, 624 Lake Lowell Ave. in Nampa, Idaho. All Idaho and Utah churches are invited.

“If you have a special to play or sing, bring it!,” leaders say. Fellowship is to follow the quarterly music event. The next ones are set for August and November.

The association’s Momentum Kids Camp for 3-6 grade students is set for June 22-26 at Cathedral Pines near Ketchum, Idaho. Momentum Youth Camp for 6-12 grade students is set for July 12-17 at Living Waters Ranch near Challis, Idaho. More info available at TreasureValleySBA.com.

Idaho women retreat for strength

The 62 attendees at the tenth annual Treasure Valley Baptist Association’s Ladies Retreat April 10-12 were treated to Janis Jelke, who encouraged the women to seek after God and understand His heart, especially seeing His character in the Psalms. She also asked each woman to examine her own heart, discerning in what way it might be a stony heart, rather than one of flesh. Finally, she emphasized the importance of becoming God’s friend and spending time with Him.

The theme of the retreat was Ezekiel 36:26.

Activities included small groups meeting after each session for discussion and prayer; Ginny Clark wrote and narrated a “Tenth Year Fashion Show;” dinner and dessert fellowship Friday night, and rock painting, led by Linda Larkin.

Calvary Baptist in Idaho Falls celebrated 75 years of faithful ministry.

Calvary Baptist Church in Idaho Falls, Idaho gathered May 2nd and 3rd to celebrate the church’s 75th anniversary. Saturday evening was a gathering of church members, past and present, for informal sharing, church trivia contest and a video presentation of highlights of the history of the church. Highlights included listing of the six churches started in southeast Idaho by Calvary through the years and eight additional ministry points.

Opening the cornerstone of the original building to examine the contents placed there when the building was dedicated in 1957 was planned for the conclusion of the evening. But the granite cover proved to be too firmly secured to be removed. A newspaper article from the time shared details of the dedication service and listed the contents as: a Bible, roll of charter members, the full membership roll, list of church officers, pastor, deacons, roll of building committee and copy of the minutes of the last session of the Twin Buttes Association.

Sunday morning’s worship service featured worship music led from the keyboard by Mark Langley who was the Minister of Music and Education from 1984 – 1993. Rev. Kirk Casey, pastor from 1997 – 2008, brought the morning message. The eight pastors and 6 associate pastors who have served the church were honored.

Dale Perry led in prayer and was recognized as the longest continuous member. Messages from former pastors Kirk Baker and Matt McGukin were shared and the celebration concluded with a live feed message and prayer from Rev. Kevin Wauer who will become the ninth pastor of Calvary Baptist Church beginning in June.

Mary McFarling, long time Administrative Assistant at CBC, now retired from the staff but still faithfully serving in many volunteer capacities, oversaw the celebration that was attended by Associational leaders from Eastern Idaho Southern Baptist Association and UISBC Executive Director, Rob Lee.

Prophecy Watchers Idaho 2026

Pine Ridge Baptist Church is excited to host a Prophecy Conference featuring some of the world’s foremost experts on Bible prophecy and world events on September 18 & 19, 2026. Prophecy Watchers and three Bible prophecy experts are coming to Kamiah, Idaho. Join Mondo Gonzales, Joe Hawkins, and JB Hixson for this two-day event of fellowship and education. Topics are to include the Rapture of the church, Israel’s future, artificial intelligence, digital currency, and others.

Tickets are on sale now. Space is limited, so buy your tickets today. A local chef will be preparing lunch and dinner for both days. If you can’t attend in person, there is an option to purchase tickets to stream the event. Visit www.prbc-id.org/prophecy-conference for more information and ticket purchases.

Beauty from Ashes to provide information on how to best help children in domestic abuse situations

Join the folks at Mountain View Baptist Church in Layton, UT for a complimentary lunch meeting where Beauty from Ashes ministry will present information that will help church leaders best respond to children who are living in the midst of domestically abusive households. They will discuss the dynamics of domestic abuse for children and what God has to say about it from biblical counselors, survivors, and the BFA team. Register Online.

04 09 2026

April 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches

Jason McNair Convention Strategy cooperative program, evangelism, Evangelism Grants, idaho, missions, southern baptists, stewardship, utah

This month, we focus most of U&I Together with reports and celebrations of special Easter services that took place the first Sunday in April in churches across our two states.

April 2026

Idaho to get 4 ‘look-sees’

Between April and June, the Mississippi (state convention) Mission Board, Georgia (state convention) Mission Board, and two Baptist associations in Florida plan to participate in vision tours organized by Reach Idaho that stretch along the southern quarter of the state.

Reach Idaho is a relatively new ministry in Idaho that focuses on starting churches, strengthening churches, and providing internships and apprenticeships for those interested in Christian ministry.

“We’re seeing a lot of people interested in Idaho,” said Mike Palmer, director of Reach Idaho and pastor of Salmon Valley Baptist Church and Lemhi River Cowboy Church. “God’s laying Idaho on the hearts of a lot of people.”

Sola Gracia hosts NextGen gathering

Sola Gracia Church of Riverton, Utah, where Isaac Garza is pastor, hosted GEN4C on March 28 for teens and young adults. GEN4C is an acronym for “Generation for Christ,” and the “C” that starts with Christ, also includes calling, community, and commission.

“All of those make up GEN4C,” Garza told U&I Together. “This church is second-generation Hispanic but most of them are in their late 20’s and in their 30’s so to close that gap we started this ministry.”

Leaders prayed for 50 attendees for the Saturday event, and attendance grew to 55. It was an evening “of worship, preaching the Word, and then we had fellowship, games and activities, and finished off with food,” Garza said.

Leonardo Lopez pastors Iglesia Bautista Sola Gracia in West Jordan, Utah, which was planted in 2015. Today about 130 mostly Hispanic people gather for Sunday worship; eight people were baptized in 2025. Sola Gracia West Jordan, which focuses on first-generation Hispanics, started Sola Gracia Riverton, which focuses on second and third-generation Hispanics, in 2024. About 30 regularly gather in Riverton for Sunday worship.

Western Preachers’ School set for early May

Salmon Valley Baptist Church again this spring plans to host a workshop for pastors and other church leaders. It’s set for May 1-2 at Salmon Valley Baptist Church, where Mike Palmer is pastor.

“Living where I live, on Sunday morning you’re not going to find a supply preacher on short notice,” Palmer said. “We need to train people. We need to train and raise up people to preach, lead Sunday school and other ministries.

“In the New Testament, the pastors of churches came up from within the church,” Palmer added. “They didn’t have the idea of calling someone from someplace else. It’s a biblical concept: Teach men and women to be able to share the gospel. Teach them how.”

The “schooling” focuses on Bible preparation for preaching or leading a class. It’s several quick lessons in how to study the Bible with more intent, to be equipped to correctly handle the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15.) It’s a study equally applicable to leaders of small groups and Bible studies as it is to pastors. All with an interest in increasing their biblical knowledge are welcome.

Redemption uses Valentine’s Outreach as a means to reach ten new Ogden families

Through funds provided by North American Mission Board evangelism grant, Redemption Church in Ogden built an important bridge into their community. Throughout the event, children participated in gospel-centered activities, crafts, and Bible teaching focused on the love of Christ.

The central message was from the parable of the Lost Sheep, helping children understand that Jesus is the Good Shepherd who pursues and cares for each one personally.

“We emphasized that no one is unseen or forgotten by God — He rejoices when even one is found.” reported Kalyn Wagner, Redemption next gen leader who organized the outreach event.

Easter reports from churches

Editor’s note: UISBC sent an email April 7 to all 192 churches and church-type missions in Utah and Idaho, requesting information for the April U&I Together column. Following are responses from all who emailed their reports by Wednesday evening, April 8. UI Connections went to press April 10. Realizing we didn’t give much time to respond, we might post others that came in after deadline.

As of April 9, 2026, here are our Easter reports from churches

Stites Baptist Church, Stites, Idaho
Pastor Hilaire Hinds reports: “Stites Baptist Church had 11 in attendance for service and afterward we shared a common meal.” Stites is four hours north of Boise, Idaho.
Midvale Community Baptist Church, Midvale, Idaho
Pastor Christopher Blythe reports: “We had a biscuits and gravy breakfast for the community. Fed about 60 people and it was the first time in many years. Some ate and left. Overall it was a Wonderful turnout! Also had 50+ come for service, which is up from our average 20.”
Resonate Church, Salt Lake City, Utah
Pastor Jonathan Moore reports: “For Easter and Good Friday, we explored the ideas of blessings and curses. On Good Friday, I preached on how Jesus became a curse for us, Galatians 3:13. We nailed sin to a cross and took communion together. The communion included eating a bitter herb to remind us of the bitterness of our sin that nailed Jesus to the cross.

“On Easter, I preached out of Ephesians 1 and explored the idea of the blessings we receive because Jesus resurrected. We took communion together as well. Later that day we had a potluck at my house with our whole church and celebrated the day by spending quality time together as a church.”
Duchesne Christian Church, Duchesne, Utah
Pastor Carl Wimmer reports: “Wow did we have another epic turnout in little Duchesne! We were once again set up out the doors, literally. We propped opened the main doors, so people could hear, and set chairs on the sidewalk. We held communion and ended up serving around 120 people with the Lord’s Supper.

“A new family mentioned they had wanted to come hear about the Resurrection of Jesus from the ‘Pastor who had just died and come back.’ It was humorous, but they loved the service and said they will be back! We also held our annual Resurrection morning breakfast, and served more than 100 people.”
Sand Hollow Baptist Church, Caldwell, Idaho
Pastor’s wife JoEllen Claypool reports: “We had communion and one of our teens got baptized. We always let the fathers baptize their own children so that was special to watch.”
Canyonlands Fellowship Church, Moab, Utah
Pastor Geoff Thomas reports: “We had two outreaches prior to Easter Sunday and multiple services throughout Holy Week. A special thank you to our Women’s Ministry as they commissioned our new Fellowship Hall with their annual Spring Brunch a few Saturdays ago.

“That was followed by the Faith & Business breakfast held on Palm Sunday as we reached out to the business community of Moab, building relationships that helped us understand how we might best serve them. Our hope over time is to see the gospel shape the culture of businesses in Grand County. A total of 10 businesses were represented at the breakfast, and two businesses attended our worship service on Easter Sunday.

As for Holy Week at CFC: a good Bible study about Judas Iscariot on Thursday night as we wrapped up our ‘Twelve Ordinary Men’ Bible study.

“We followed this up through a call to Solemn Assembly on Good Friday where the Lord was faithful leading us: in Communion with Him at The Upper Room, in prayer with Him at the Garden and in grief with him at The Skull. This was a most intimate and Special Service at CFC.

“And of course, Resurrection Sunday with our Donut Day outreach at 10 a.m., when we had numerous first-time visitors followed by a worship service with just over 100 people.

“And what a beautiful demonstration of resurrection through believers’ baptism as a young couple came forward as a testament of new life having come to their home through salvation in Jesus Christ.”
Church of the Valley, Sandy, Utah
Pastor Boyd Bettis reports: “We prayed like crazy as a church before Easter weekend.”

“Our average attendance is 220; we had more than 240 for Easter. Seven people were baptized and a few others made a profession of faith and trust in Jesus.

“We always put together a nice breakfast spread.”
Resonate Church, Boise, Idaho
Pastor Marc Chaney reports: “We had 118 on Easter for our Sunday Gathering! We did an Easter BBQ with more than 50 in attendance and got to fellowship and celebrate the resurrection.
First Baptist Church, Clearwater, Idaho
Pastor Don Starn reports: “The Risen Lord was magnified and exulted on Easter in the building that His church meets at.

“We had Sonrise Service at 6 a.m. with songs and praises. Luke 24:1-9 was the morning scripture from the pulpit. Afterword we had a fellowship breakfast and most all stayed for that.

Then we had our regular Sunday School and Worship, and we still had 27 in attendance.

“All praise to Jesus Christ. Keep us in your prayers. God is working.

“On a side note, the Lord has made it possible that we can purchase the property behind our church building so we have more parking!

“Old relationships are being reconciled and He is the head of our church. Keep the Son in your eyes and keep up the good work. Matt. 28:19.”
Elk City (Idaho) Baptist Church
Pastor Tom Moore reports: “We had an early morning service, not quite sunrise, with 20 in attendance.

“We had a breakfast at 8:30 with around 35 in attendance. Then our regular Easter Communion service with 42 present. This is our normal Resurrection Sunday schedule but with more in attendance than last year.”
Primera Iglesia Bautista and Water’s Edge Fellowship, Burley, Idaho
We met together for a united Good Friday Service on April 3.

Pastors Dave Carver and Lucio Gutierrez each spoke a 15-20 minute message about God’s love, sacrifice, and how we should share about God’s love. Worship teams came together to lead the congregation in worship in English and Spanish. After the message the pastors read 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 in Spanish and English before the Lord’s Supper, which they both helped pass out to the congregation.
First Southern Baptist Church, Washington, Utah
Pastor John Shirey reports: “We had one person baptized along with more music to celebrate the resurrected Christ. Our attendance was 256. God is good.”
Pleasant View Baptist Church, White Bird, Idaho
Interim Pastor Jim Hilliard reports: “This Resurrection Day we had 70 (Not bad for an area that boasts 91 as the population of White Bird, Idaho) at the Sonrise service at the White Bird Battlefield Overlook.

“Members said it was the largest crowd they had ever had. The weather was very conducive to having a service. We transported a piano, guitar and streamed the service live on Facebook.

“There was one gentleman who attended who was a neighbor of one of our church members. He was a Sikh!

“Then we went to the church and enjoyed a breakfast that the ladies put together of fruit, casseroles, cinnamon rolls, egg dishes, quiche, orange juice, coffee, juice and tea. The Easter Sunday service came next, including the Lord’s Supper.”
Iglesia Bautista Sola Gracia, West Jordan, Utah
Pastor Leonardo Lopez reports: “Easter Sunday was a great celebration where approximately 90 people prayed, sang, and were encouraged and challenged by His Word to continue forward in our Christian lives, confident that our Savior lives and is among us.

“In addition to all of this, we celebrated the Lord’s Supper, remembering His death, His resurrection, and His second coming. We concluded with two baptisms. A couple who were recently saved obeyed this ordinance last Sunday.

“Our prayers continue to be that God would keep awakening His people in Utah and Idaho to reach unbelievers. May every church be strengthened through His Word and in the power of His Spirit.”
Living Hope Ukrainian Church (pre-plant launch team), Fruit Heights, Utah
Pirates can’t steal the true meaning of Easter for Utah’s Ukrainian children

On Saturday before Easter, Living Hope hosted a special puppet show in Fruit Heights, UT featuring two pirates who try to steal all the chocolate filled Easter eggs from children, but later learn from a little girl that the true meaning of Easter can’t be stolen. It resides in every child who celebrates the resurrection of Jesus as the true meaning of Easter.

The puppet show was follow-up with a message by pastor Oleh and a family Easter egg hunt for the 45 kids and 25 Ukrainian adults present at the event.

Pastor Oleh Kamanov is currently leading a weekly bible study for Ukrainian families in Salt Lake City on Thursday nights. In August 2026, he and his family intend to launch Living Hope Ukrainian Church out of Kings Cross Church in Fruit Heights. Oleh has completed initial NAMB church planting assessment and is gathering support for this new plant.

Feed My Sheep Conference | April 18, 2026

Utah-Idaho Pillar Network and Redeeming Life Church in Bountiful is hosting a powerful one-day conference designed to equip and encourage every church member.

Christian Singles Mixer | May 9, 2026

Several Utah Idaho and Salt Lake Baptist Association churches are working in partnership hosting a Christian Singles Mixer at Risen Life Church, May 9, 7:00-9:00 PM.

03 10 2026

March 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches

Jason McNair Convention Strategy cooperative program, evangelism, Evangelism Grants, idaho, missions, southern baptists, stewardship, utah

March 2026

Hispanic churches train workers in Idaho

A seven-hour workshop on evangelism and discipleship took place February 6-7 at Calvary Church in Nampa, Idaho, for people attending Hispanic churches in Treasure Valley. NAMB’s Send Network Español, Treasure Valley Hispanic Residency, and a UISBC grant provided resources. The anticipated attendance was 20-25, but the actual attendance came in at 40. Guest speaker was pastor Jorge Ramirez of Bakersfield, California.

“This was a training workshop with a planter and residency director from California who came to do the training,” Tim Martin, co-pastor of Iglesia Gracia y Verdad and co-director of the Treasure Valley Hispanic Residency reported. “We were encouraged with the participation of people from at least four different Hispanic churches in the Treasure Valley along with our seven residency students.

“We trust this training will be useful in their lives and ministries, as well as a blessing to their churches,” Martin continued. “To God be the glory!”

Working on marriage

Redemption Church in Ogden, Utah, last December wrapped their sixteen-week marriage enrichment program, Reengage, with a celebration for 56 people funded in part with a NAMB/UISBC evangelism grant. The grant was also to provide materials, promotion, and childcare.

“The childcare piece was critical because it allowed couples with kids to come who otherwise would not be able to attend,” reported Daniel Savage, worship arts pastor at Redemption Ogden.

“One couple began attending who previously had not been connected to a local church. We saw them pushed and willing to grow to strengthen their marriage and learn more about how Jesus defines what a healthy marriage looks like,” Savage said. “Another couple came into this semester not communicating well, especially in the area of listening to each other’s concerns. But as each lesson was taught, they both truly recognized what they needed to be working on and understood about staying in their circle.”

In an evaluation, one respondent wrote, “Reengage made me focus on my own relationship with Christ in a way I hadn’t before. It gave me a new perspective of marriage and what a Christ-centered marriage is.” Another wrote, “Reengage helped me to not only build my relationship with my spouse but also become closer to God. I learned to pray more this time.”

FBC Provo to host We Believe Conference

FBC Provo Pastor Brendon Scoggin invites everyone to a conference of sound teaching, singing, prayer, and fellowship. The event is titled We Believe Conference, an annual event where they focus on one theme for an entire day of teaching. This year, the theme is Christology. This year’s event is set for March 27, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m. Visit their website for more information.

A conference for pastors and ministry leaders that seeks to encourage and train in sound doctrine is coming to Provo, Utah, March 27, 2026.

Pastor’s wife dies

Teressa “Terry” Gutierrez died at home after a long illness Feb. 13. She was the wife of Lucio Gutierrez, pastor since 2010 of Primera Iglesia Bautista in Burley, Idaho. She also leaves behind their son, Marco Gutierrez, and daughter, Adriana Gutierrez. A memorial service took place February 19.

“Teressa always had a smile and always welcoming,” wrote Berta on the memorial page. “She will be truly missed.” An obituary writer wrote, “Though her name may fade from the lips of time, the imprint Teressa leaves upon the hearts of her loved ones remains eternally vivid – a testament to the depth of her spirit and the richness of her legacy.”

Among Terry Gutierrez’ ministries besides being the pastor’s closest support, over the years she taught a children’s Sunday School class, VBS, and most recently, an adult Sunday School class. She was the church’s WMU director for four years, and she encouraged the start of “Fresh Start” in Burley, a WMU Job Corps ministry.

“Terry was definitely a prayer warrior everyone could call on,” said Enrica Molina, a longtime member. “She was always there for all church members, spiritually, emotionally, physically. She would definitely answer any phone call and definitely would show up at your house any day or night you needed her.

“She gave all honor and glory to God, always.”

Roosevelt church breaks record

Dustin Carpenter has been pastor since December 2022 of Roosevelt Baptist Church, which started in 1944 in northeastern Utah. For the first time since 1980 (the earliest year seen in the national ACP database,) in 2025 the average weekly attendance at Roosevelt Baptist’s Sunday morning worship services topped the 100 mark, for a total average of 110 for the year.

The church’s stats also show five baptisms in 2025; the first six this year are to be baptized on Easter, after completing a class on doctrines.

“God’s really been forming me here and helping me become a better pastor,” Carpenter said. “We are hoping to see true revival break out as we continue to disciple rebels for The King.”

DR, first aid training take place in Idaho

Water’s Edge Baptist Fellowship in Burley, Idaho, on February 7 and Central Valley Baptist Church in Meridian, Idaho, on February 28 hosted training for the SBC’s Disaster Relief ministry. The attendees – 10 in Burley, which took place in English and Spanish, and 17 in Meridian.

UISBC DR Director Russel Hohmann led the training in both sites, and both sites provided “Introduction to Disaster Relief” and “Temporary Roofing” training.

Separately, Calvary Baptist Church in Boise provided Red Cross-certified First Aid training February 21 and 28. Fifteen people responded to the training.

“We had some members who were curious,” Pastor David Paschal told U&I Together. A recent emergency at the church brought a quick response from the Boise Fire Department. “That prompted our people to want to know more about emergency services,” Paschal added.

Elk City Church sees gains

Sunday morning worship attendance at Elk City Baptist Church in Elk City, Idaho, grew to 30 in 2025, its largest attendance since 2001. This was up 10 from last year, and up from the dozen attendees it fell to in 2018 and 2019. (Kudos to those 12!) Tom Moore has been pastor since October 2008 of the church started in 1982.

Four people were baptized in 2025, the most since the same number were baptized in 2009.

Elk City is a small, unincorporated community of about 170 people located in north-central Idaho within the Nez Perce National Forest, offering a remote, forested location popular for hunting, fishing, and ATV recreation.

“We thank God for His blessings of sending us new families to minister to and to give them a place to minister,” Moore told U&I Together. “Elk City is a beautiful place to enjoy God’s creation. We praise Him for it, and for His hand in our lives.

“As God has brought new families, He has brought what the church needed in future leadership,” the pastor continued. “We have two new deacons and are starting a children’s and youth ministry. We look forward to His continued grace.”

Treasure Valley has plans

Moderator-led Treasure Valley Baptist Association (metro Boise) has activities and events planned for all ages between now and July.

A “Battle-Ready Men’s Conference” is set for March 27-28 at Crosspoint Caldwell.
A “Fifth Sunday Sing” is se for 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at New Covenant Nampa.
“Illumination Station” VBS training is to start at 9 a.m. April 11 at Calvary Boise.
“A heart for God” associational ladies retreat focusing on Ezekiel 36:26 is set for April 10-12. Cost: $195.
Momentum Kids Camp June 22-26 at Cathedral Pines has “in the beginning, GOD …” as its theme. Cost: $175.
Momentum Youth Camp is set for July 12-17 focusing on Romans 6:8-11 at Living Waters Ranch near Challis. “Alive” is its theme. Cost: $225 before May 15; $300 after.

Christian Singles Mixer | May 9, 2026

Several Utah Idaho and Salt Lake Baptist Association churches are working in partnership hosting a Christian Singles Mixer at Risen Life Church, May 9, 7:00-9:00 PM.

Feed My Sheep Conference | April 18, 2026

Utah-Idaho Pillar Network and Redeeming Life Church in Bountiful is hosting a powerful one-day conference designed to equip and encourage every church member.