March 2026 U&I Together: Stories from churches
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.
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.
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.
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