Buffalo United Methodist Church
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Staff

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Lead Pastor
Amy Strom

Pastoramy@buffaloumc.com
(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
Debra Bishop
Debbie@buffaloumc.com
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. Choose music, 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!

Do you have a family? 
Yes!  I've been married to my amazing husband Kendall for 26 years and we have two equally amazing teenage boys - Zach and Josh.  Our very busy household also includes two cats - Kiara and Zazu.

What do you love about your job? 
My job entails two of my greatest passions - music and serving others!  I feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful church!!

Where did you go to school?
I graduated from the University of Eau Claire with a BA in Music Therapy (1991).


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Youth Ministry Team
Leader: Vacant

The Youth Ministry Team is passionate about equipping the youth to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. If you would like to get connected with the youth group or help on the team, please contact Children's Ministry. 
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Ministry Description
  • Lead youth group activities and studies during the school year
  • Coordinate guest speakers, teachers and studies for Senior High youth
  • Organize and lead short term mission experiences
  • Engage high school youth in leading various aspects of worship
  • Provide opportunities for faith growth through various events​



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 ​Children's Ministry Coordinator
Andrea Gravley
​Andrea@buffaloumc.com

Ministry Description
  • Oversees Children's Discipleship Programs
  • Assists with Faith Stepping Stone Program
  • Plans Summer Activities for Children
  • Oversees Administration of Children's Ministry​​
  • Oversees functions of church Nursery 

Do you have a family? 
Happily married to Collin. We are blessed with 2 teenage children, Carter & Dalinda and 2 cats, Harley and Tootsie.  
 
Where did you go to school?
I graduated from: Illinois Wesleyan University (2002) with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Health studies; College of St. Catherine (2007) with a Master of Arts in Nursing. I am certified as a pediatric nurse practitioner and internationally board certified lactation consultant. 



Music

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Handbell Choir Director
Jill Starr

Support Staff

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Administrative Assistant 
Michelle Jones
Michelle@buffaloumc.com
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, bulletin 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 (25) and two daughters (21 & 22) 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

Sarah@buffaloumc.com


Theresa Jacobs
 Nursery Attendant(s):
Dalinda Gravley
Sydney Colton
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
We welcome older children/teens who wish to volunteer their services.


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
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We invite you to join us each Sunday morning at 9:00 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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