Butler’s emergency response vehicles and a Butler Ambulance Service ambulance were open and on display Saturday, Nov. 7, for an open house at Orchard Hill Church — Butler.

Residents came to check out the vehicles and talk to the people who operate them, and enjoy hot chocolate and doughnuts while touring the church as a part of the church’s monthly community outreach.

Brady Randall, pastor of the Butler church, likened the open house to opening the front porch of the church to welcome both followers of Jesus and people exploring faith.

“We’re here in the community. We love the community and everyone involved,” Randall said. “We love our members.”

Randall said a study conducted several years ago when the county had a population of 188,000 found that 77,000 people did not belong to a church or were not connected with one.

He said hosting an outdoor event is less intimidating for people interested in church, but who also have questions about faith.

The church does not assume all people attending its events are Christians or familiar with the Bible, according to Randall.

“Many people have followed Jesus their whole lives, but many have doubts and questions. This is a safe place for them,” Randall said. “Sometimes people want to belong before they believe. We want to create an environment where God can be at work.”

He said 250 to 290 people attend Sunday masses, and the church hosts a food distribution on the last Saturday of each month. Church leaders are making plans for the next outreach event that will be held in February or March, Randall also said.