Caring Ministries

As we walk in faith together, there are times when support is needed.  At Buffalo UMC we have several caring ministries that can help.  Sometimes we as individuals are on the receiving end and sometimes we are able to be on the giving end, providing that support to others.  These are the ministries that provide support:

Befrienders

Many lay people at Buffalo UMC are trained as BeFrienders, caring adults who listen to people in distress and make regular contact with them for either a short-term or long-term relationship.  BeFrienders don’t judge or tell people what to do, they just listen.  If you are interested in becoming a trained BeFriender, or if you might be in need of a listening ear, contact the church office.

BeFriender Ministry is a national organization based in Minnesota.  Feel free to visit their website to learn more about this caring ministry by clicking on the title in red.

Blankets for Beds

We collect new or gently used bedding year-round at the church for local distribution, primarily through the Buffalo Food Shelf.   This is one of our many ministries that developed out of the passions of one of our parishioners.  If you have blankets, quilts, sheets or towels to donate, you may drop them off at the church anytime.  There is a box across the hall from the church office.

Common Hope Guatemala

Our congregation has sent seven teams to Guatemala since 2004 in support of the Common Hope Mission there.  In addition, there are many families who sponsor children through monthly donations.  We also collect supplies year-round to send for ministries there – things like school supplies, mittens and hats (yes, it’s cool in those mountains!), sports and recess supplies like balls, jump ropes, etc.  Visit the Common Hope website to learn more about this organization and child sponsorship.  Contact Buffalo UMC for ways you could support Common Hope or perhaps get a vision team organized locally.

Food Shelf

The need for food is always around us. Our church is actively involved in supporting the Buffalo Food Shelf and collects food and supplies year–round in a red wagon near our church office.  We have many people who volunteer by serving on the board, stocking shelves, transporting food or cleaning at the food shelf.  We can help you get involved too!  Just let us know you are interested and we will connect you.

Meals Ministries

There are several meals ministries here at Buffalo United Methodist serving a variety of needs within our congregation, our community and the greater metropolitan area.
  • Our church serves a meal at Wesley UMC in Minneapolis for disadvantaged people every fifth Saturday, amounting to four or five times per year.  Some of the people served are homeless, some are employed but are unable to pay for both housing and food. This is a meaningful ministry for both the recipients and meal servers!  Please consider helping with this outreach.  Call the church office for more information.
  • Buffalo UMC is also taking part in the new monthly community breakfast served at the Buffalo Community Center.  Churches take turns serving the meal, which is a partnership between Love Inc., the food shelf, the Community Center, and churches.
  • When someone faces a difficult time, a team of volunteer cooks will make meals and deliver to their home.  We also have frozen meals on hand at church that can be delivered on short notice to help someone out.

Prayer ShawlS

Prayer Shawl Needlework Group – Makes prayer shawls and gives them people going through a tough time, to remind them of both God’s love and church’s love for them.  This group gathers once a month and enjoys fellowship together, but people also work on their projects on their own time.  Some members also make other needlework items for missions, such as baby hats or blankets.