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Buffalo United Methodist Church

609 8th Street NW--Buffalo, MN 55313--(763)682-3538

 


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Rev. Ruth Ann Ramstad


Pastor

Personal Statement of Call
Standing at the well of my ancestors,
my purpose is to drink the living water of Jesus Christ
until it gushes up into a fountain of eternal life,
so that I might offer at least a cup of cold water
to each thirsty person and barren desert place I encounter,
until justice rolls down, the deserts all bloom,
and the plain water of my life has been transformed into new wine.

Ministry Description
Like every other Christian, a parish pastor is a disciple of Jesus who needs
forgiveness and grace, and who strives to grow more and more like Jesus.
Because Jesus served the hungry, the lost and the lonely, disciples want to do
the same. Pastors are not called to serve "more" than others or to attain
"higher spirituality" than others. The grace and power of God is available for
everyone in Christ Jesus.

Favorite Bible Verse
John 4:14
Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give
him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.


Ordination
June 2, 2000 - As Elder in the United Methodist Church, Minnesota Annual
Conference. An Elder is a minister with full authority for word, sacrament,
and order in the local church. Elders serve according to the bishop's appointment
within the boundaries of the Annual Conference, most typically as parish pastors.


Education
Currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program at Fuller Theological Seminary
in Pasadena, California
1994-1995: Clinical Pastoral Education Residency as Trauma Chaplain at Regions
Medical Center
1994: Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology (United Methodist)
in Kansas City, Missouri
1989-1990: Graduate studies in Philosophy, University of Wisconsin -Madision
1989: Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, University of Minnesota-Duluth

Ministry Experiences
Since May 2001: Lead Pastor of Buffalo United Methodist Church
1997-2001: Associate Pastor of Centenary United Methodist Church
in Mankato, MN.
1995-1997: Director of Youth Ministries at Hopkins United Methodist Church
in Hopkins, MN.
1994-1995: Emergency Room/Trauma Chaplain at Regions Medical Center.
1991-1994: Director of Youth Ministries at Valley View United Methodist Church
in Overland Park, Kansas.

Family Life
I have been married to David Coward since 1985. David is a children's librarian for
the Westcott branch of the Dakota County Library. He recently completed a
Master of Theology degree in Christianity and Islamic Studies at Luther Seminary
in St. Paul, where he also served as acquisitions librarian for six years.
David is a frequest guest teacher and lecturer, offers children's story time at
church and through local schools (AKA Mr. Moose), and has enjoyed being
involved in the Buffalo Community Theater.
We have three sons, Jonathan (21) lives and works in Mankato, MN. Benjamin (17)
is preparing for a year abroad in Germany after his high school graduation.
James (8) is an avid reader and takes piano lessons.
I was blessed to be married and have two of my three children before I understood
myself to be called into ordained ministry. I believe that God has used marriage
and family as essential preparation and support for my pastoral work.