Buffalo United Methodist Church
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Staff

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Lead Pastor
Amy Strom

[email protected]
(763) 682-3538, Ext 2
What do you do here at Buffalo UMC?
I was licensed and ordained in the Covenant denomination to Word and Sacrament in 2016. In 2017 I began sensing God leading me to come over to the United Methodist Minnesota Conference and began serving Frazee, Dent and Vergas in July of 2018, quickly falling in love with the United Methodist denomination! I am so grateful for an opportunity to serve in a way that matches my sense of call to ministry, education, gifts and graces, and vows to serve. My main responsibilities as Lead Pastor in making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world include:
  • Living faithfully in an on-going ever deepening relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ based on grace and being a beloved child of God
  • Lead and order the life of our faith community in ways that grow disciples and help them join our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ;
  • Design and lead worship and administer the sacraments of Communion and Baptism;
  • Teach and preach the Word of God to foster spiritual growth, service, and missional engagement in our congregation, local community, and world; and
  • Provide pastoral care in collaboration with our Congregational Care Team.
 When did you begin working at Buffalo UMC?
I was appointed to Buffalo UMC by Bishop Lanette Plambeck effective July 1, 2023. I began my first appointment to the UMC in July of 2018 when I was appointed to the three-point charge of Frazee, Dent and Vergas. Frazee transitioned to being under the care of District Superintendent Kantonen and Dent and Vergas began to carry my roll full-time in March of 2019, right before the Pandemic.
​Do you have a family?
Aside from enjoying being a part of the Family of God having many siblings in Christ, I am single and have no children, unless being owned by two cats (Walter and Gabe) count! I enjoy and continually nurture a robust sense of connection with a wide variety of friends and colleagues.
Where did you go to school? 
I went to high school in Bemidji and graduated from the University of Bemidji with a Bachelor of Arts in English. From the 7th grade, I had a clear passion and goal to become an English teacher. But in my junior year in college, God began redirecting my steps. About eight years after college, I began attending and then graduated from Bethel Theological Seminary in 2013 with a Master of Divinity and a 3.9 grade point average. I also received my training as a Spiritual Director, graduating from North Park’s C. John Weborg’s Center for Spiritual Direction in 2019. 


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​Worship & Ministry Coordinator
Amy Austin
[email protected]
What does a Worship and Ministry Coordinator do?
My main responsibilities are to:
  • Help plan worship services with the Lead Pastor
  • Plan / Coordinate all elements of the worship services (ie.Create tech scripts, coordinate sound and tech operators, etc.)
  • Serve as a liaison to Guest Connections, Adult Discipleship Visioning, and Congregational Care teams
  • Love and serve Jesus!
Office Hours:
-Sundays 8:00-10:00am
- Mondays Off
- Tuesdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesdays: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursdays: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (by appointment)
- Fridays: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (by appointment)
-Saturdays Off
Feel free to reach out or schedule a time to meet!

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Children's & Youth Ministry Coordinator
Leader: Taylor Ryan
[email protected]

Ministry Description
I develop and oversee programs, teams, and volunteers that nurture the spiritual development of children from birth through high school in alignment with the mission, vision and values of BUMC. In collaboration with the pastor and other teams, they will create engaging activities and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all children and youth.

Office Hours and Availability
I typically work Tuesday-Thursday and Sundays. Hours may change based on availably and needs of the church. Here is my general weekly schedule:
Mondays- Off
Tuesday: 9:00am-2:00pm In Office
Wednesday: 10:00am- 3:00pm In Office
Thursday: 9:00am-2:00pm In Office
Friday-Saturday: Off
Sunday: 8:00am-11:00am Helping in Sunday School Classrooms and Conformation Class

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​(pictured from left to right): Lori Goth (Children’s Ministry Leadership), Eve Smith, Alston Armah, Gail Hurley (Children’s Ministry Leadership), Jan Bjore (Children’s Ministry Leadership), Sarah Urick and Brianna Kiputh. Also welcome those not shown that include: Abby Harkman (Children’s Ministry Leadership), Christy Merkl, Barb Odenthal, Barb Sande, Brynn Warner, Brianna Kiphuth, Darla O’Flanangan and Maryann Barfknecht.

We are thrilled to introduce the dedicated team of leaders and volunteers who will be serving in our Children’s Ministry this year! These faithful servants will bring energy, compassion, creativity, and a shared commitment to helping children grow in their love for Jesus. We are so grateful for this team’s willingness to serve and please keep us in your prayers.
 


Children's Ministry Team 


Music

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Handbell Choir Director
Jill Starr

Support Staff

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Administrative Assistant 
Michelle Jones
[email protected]
What do you do here at Buffalo UMC?
I am the Administrative Assistance here at the Buffalo United Methodist Church.  I am the one that you would contact to get information about ministries in the church, Weekly Connection announcements, building reservations and almost any other question about the comings and goings at church.  

When did you begin working at Buffalo UMC?
I started working for the Buffalo United Methodist Church June 1,2016.

What is your favorite part of working here?
I'm very much enjoying serving the people of the congregation. I also really enjoy the staff here at BUMC.  You may not believe this but we really do enjoy each other and have a lot of fun. I feel Gods love very present in this Church. I have a servant heart and love serving others.

Do you have a family?
I have a very active and busy family. I have one son (27) and two daughters (23 & 24) to keep me out of trouble. They are all busy with school, jobs & sports in the St Michael area. I also have one dog and one cat. 

Where did you go to school?
I graduated from the Association Free Lutheran Bible School in Plymouth, Mn after high school. I also attended North Hennepin Community College for small business and Hennepin Technical College for Floral design. 

Favorite  Bible Verse

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2

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   What do you do here at BUMC?
      
I am the Bookkeeper.

   When did you start working here?
        I started working at Buffalo UMC on August 13, 2020.

   What is your favorite part of working here?
         I’m excited to take on a new role here, serving my church family.


   Do you have family?
         I have two boys (9 and 11), my husband, two dogs, and my mom living under one roof. It’s a lot of fun, and               super busy.

   Where did you go to school?
          I attended Rasmussen College and NAU to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting.

Bookkeeper
Sarah Williams

[email protected]


Theresa Jacobs
 Nursery Coordinator:
Jan Bjore

Ministry Description
  • Provide a safe Christian environment for young children (typically ages 0-5) to explore fellowship with other children, while families attend worship.
  • Provide the children with a consistent care giver to bond with and routine each week.

We have a wide variety of toys including blocks, trucks, books, stuffed animals, toy houses and puzzles for children to explore. 

There is no pre-registration required. Caregivers are always welcome to stay and play with their children for as long as they wish. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday!

Nursery Care Attendant
Nursery Hours:
  • Sunday 8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
  • Other occasions as scheduled


Buffalo United Methodist Church
609 8th Street NW
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone 763-682-3538
Fax 763-682-3614

Location (click for map & directions)


Come and Worship with Us
Sunday Mornings at 9am
(We also have a second service
the 1st Sunday of each month at 10:30am)

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We invite you to join us each Sunday morning for worship!!  Just click on the link to the right to go directly to our Facebook page! You'll also find links to the videos on YouTube on our Worship page.
  
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