The Joy Connection. August Is There Always a Reason. Worship Events. Sunday, August 2 No Child Left Behind John 1:1-13 Holy Communion

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1 The Joy Connection August 2015 A monthly publication of Buffalo United Methodist Church Worship Events Sunday, August 2 No Child Left Behind John 1:1-13 Holy Communion Sunday, August 9 Fender Benders Matthew 18:21-35 Sunday, August 16 Angels in August Luke 1:5-20 Sunday, August 23 Radioactive Christians Luke 9:28-36 Sunday, August 30 Set the Ball Psalm 32 Holy Communion Carpenter s Tools lead worship music Sunday Schedule Joyful Praise Worship 8:15 am Fellowship Hour 9:20-10:20 am Celebration Worship 9:45 am Is There Always a Reason It doesn t take us long on this journey of life to realize that suffering is often part of the experience. Sometimes that suffering is shortlived, like a skinned knee or the 24-hour flu. Other times suffering seems to go on with no end in sight, like so many who are living with chronic pain. Sometimes our suffering is intensely personal, like the anguish of the soul experienced by those living with depression. Other times our suffering is felt nationally or even globally, like the aftermath of the horrific shootings at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Our suffering is greatly varied in life, but we all have this one thing in common: since we are alive, we will all know suffering. Christians have struggled for thousands of years to understand suffering in light of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. One well-meaning response to suffering goes like this: It must have happened for a reason. Someday you ll understand God s purpose in this. I say well-meaning because the assertion that God has a reason for all our suffering is an attempt to bring order out of chaos; an attempt to bring comfort in the face of an unpredictable and often frightening world. But is there always a reason for our suffering? Does God s purpose always endorse, and in effect, cause our pain? In my own wrestling with these questions, I ve found it helpful to be clear about I DO know about God, even though there is much about God I can never fully understand on this side of the resurrection. I DO know that suffering comes not from God, but from all those who oppose God, including Satan and even ourselves when we choose willful disobedience rather than loving discipleship. I DO know that God s plan for the world is for redemption. God is the historical champion of bringing beauty out of ashes. In the face of any suffering, I know God can bring good, just as God did when Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt. So is there always a reason for our suffering? Perhaps not. Perhaps we were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, or we drew the short straw in the genetic lottery that led to a predisposition for heart disease or cancer. A better question is this: Is God always good? Definitely! Does God always hear and answer our prayers? Certainly! Can God bring good out of our suffering and pain? Absolutely! As Christians, we can t expect to be immune to suffering. But we can be firmly rooted in our faith as we suffer, certain of what we can t always see with our eyes, confident in the Savior whom we serve. Blessings, Pastor Bill

2 Buffalo United Methodist Church serving people for Jesus Christ so that we all may know joy! Reach New People - the Great Commission, Matt. 28:19-20 Cultivate Spiritual Vitality - the Great Commandment, Matt. 22:37-40 Heal a Broken World - the Great Proclamation, Luke 4: Leadership Team Larry Totten Member at Large/Lay Leader Jeremy Carlson Member at Large/Lay Leader Pam Sieberg Member at Large/Lay Leader Dexter Lehman Treasurer Peter Bedker Finance Team Chair Dave Sieberg Property Team Chair Al Sheldon/Jane Van Dorp Staff Parish Relations Reps. Paulette Moore Recorder Laurie Schroeder Lay Associate Minister Bill Reinhart ex officio Staff Parish Contact Al Sheldon Co-Chair Dan Buchholtz Co-Chair Staff Pastor Rev. Bill Reinhart PastorBill@buffaloumc.com Lay Associate Minister Laurie Schroeder Laurie@buffaloumc.com Youth Leaders Jana & Mike Knutson Jana@buffaloumc.com Family Min. Dir. (Interim) Lydea Laudenbach Lydea@buffaloumc.com Administrative Asst. Sarah Klett Office@buffaloumc.com Bookkeeper Sarah Klett Sarah@buffaloumc.com Preschool Director Melissa Ungaro Melissa@buffaloumc.com Preschool Teacher Christine Hartke Preschool Assistant Sarah Urick Organist Kathie Denison Handbell Director Jill Starr Custodians Dan & Traci Torgerson The Joy Connection is a monthly publication for members and constituents of Buffalo United Methodist Church. Buffalo UMC is part of the Minnesota Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church.

3 Spiritual Growth Angels in August? This August we ll be celebrating our worship together in some eclectic and surprising ways. For example: August 2 We ll celebrate Holy Communion for the first of two times this month (read on). We ll also be reminded that we are all beloved children of God, and can t escape God s love. August 9 We ll compare our relationship problems to car accidents, learning defensive driving tips to use with those we love and all with whom we work and worship. August 16- Are we seriously going to learn and sing about angels in the middle of August? You bet your sweet reindeer! Find out why God s messengers appear to us and why we should be glad they do. August 23 Learn more than you knew you wanted to know about Marie Curie, the Holy Spirit, and what it really takes to get that inner glow! August 30 Enjoy a bonus celebration of Holy Communion today (we will NOT be celebrating communion on September 6, Labor Day Weekend), and learn some surprising things that the game of volleyball can teach us about confession. Saturday Awakenings Celebration Peace & Love Songs of the 60 s & 70 s Saturday, August 22 7:00 pm This is our annual in-house concert featuring our own Buffalo UMC musicians. We ll share a mix of songs from the 60 s and early 70 s including The Beatles, folk music, songs from Godspell, Jesus Christ, Superstar and more! We ll sprinkle in a little commentary on how music was influenced by the culture of the day, and inversely how music helped shape the culture, as well. As always, invite a friend and help us spread the word! Refreshments will be served and a portion of the freewill offering will go to our BUMC family fund. Prayer Partners Ministry Continues Our Prayer Partners ministries starts its third year this fall as we connect each BUMC Sunday School child (ages 3 years through 6 th grade) with an adult who promises to pray for the child over the year. Prayer suggestions and reminders will be sent out regularly to make praying for the Sunday School child easy to incorporate into your routine. Blessings from God are waiting for adults to take a step of faith and participate in this ministry. There are around 70 Sunday School students waiting for a Prayer Partner. Take time and pray. In the quiet moments, listen to see if the Holy Spirit is guiding you to say Yes! I want to experience the joy-filled blessings of living out 1 Thessalonians 3:12, to abound in love for one another and become a Prayer Partner. Sign up on the bulletin board at church now to participate or talk with Lydea Laudenbach, our Family Ministries Director, if you have any questions about this ministry. Unidos en Cristo Spiritual Retreat Unidos en Cristo (aka Cursillo) is a threeday ecumenical retreat encounter with God s grace designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people. Many from our church have attended a UEC weekend and found it to be a lifechanging experience. We invite you to attend one, too! Sign up as soon as possible. Upcoming Fall Unidos en Cristo weekends: Men: November 5-8 Women: November at Brunswick UMC in Crystal, MN To learn more, talk with Darla O Flanagan or someone else who has attended, pick up a brochure, borrow the DVD available at church, or visit the website at

4 Ministry & Missions Help Deliver Meals on Wheels August is our month to deliver Meals on Wheels to people in Buffalo who rely on a hot noon meal delivered to their door. It only takes about 45 minutes to an hour of your time. Meals are picked up between 11:30-11:45 at the back door of Lake Ridge. There are three routes, so we need three drivers each day! If you aren t familiar with Buffalo, we can team you up with someone who is. Sign up now on the board in the entryway to help! Help Replenish the Family Fund Your generous giving to our Family Fund allows our church to help those in immediate need of financial assistance with car repairs, utility expenses, medical transportation, and other unforeseen needs. Most recipients of these grants are constituents of our own church family, but the fund is nearly depleted and in need of replenishment. If you would like to support this ministry of grace as a special offering, please mark Family Fund on your designated offering. School Supplies Collection From now through August 16, we will collect school supplies for both Love INC and also Common Hope in Guatemala. Love INC has specifically asked Buffalo UMC to collect 150 erasers 75 pencil boxes packs of colored pencils Common Hope will also take crayons (24- pk) markers, small scissors, glue sticks, pens, pencils and pencil sharpeners. There is a collection box in the entryway for your items. This is a great project for families to do together because it gives children a vision of what selfless love looks and feels like. Thank you for uniting with Love INC-Big Woods in this ministry! Volunteers are also needed to help assemble the backpacks on Tuesday, August 25 at 3-6 pm. Adults and families are encouraged to help. Please contact the church office if you want to attend so we can RSVP for you. Help Serve Wesley Meal August 29 Help those who are less fortunate by helping our church serve a meal at Wesley UMC in Minneapolis on Saturday, August 29. We leave church at 8 am and return around 2:00 pm. Confirmation students are expected to participate in at least one meal per year, so if they have not yet done so, this is a great opportunity to catch up! Please sign up on the bulletin board if you can go along to help serve, or bake a white cake. UMW Meeting August 13 The UMW meets Thursday, August 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. George Christ will share a program, So the World May Hear, about his recent hearing aid mission to the Congo with Starkey Hearing Foundation. Paulette Moore will lead us in devotions. All women are welcome to share in the program and fellowship. If you need a ride, call Sara Gaeth. Frozen Meals Available A batch of frozen cheese manicotti, and cookies are available to help someone out with a quick and easy meal. Anyone can deliver a meal, but, please let the church office know if you do. Share Your Extra Produce Bring extra garden produce on Sunday mornings to share with your church family. Freewill donations will help replenish the family fund. This is a great way to be good stewards, promote healthy eating, and support those in need! Please try to bring items in clean containers and minimize dirt if possible. Blankets for Beds Please keep bringing your new and gently used bedding and towels for local distribution. The need remains strong. If you need items to be picked up, please contact Dianne McLain at Please check out the Connection Points page at the end of the newsletter for information on ministries which meet regularly!

5 Worship Upcoming Worship Events August 2 Holy Communion August 16 Guest Musicians (at 8:15) - Gretchen Otness, Jonathan Coward and more August 30 Holy Communion; Carpenter s Tools lead worship Sunday Schedule Changes Sept. 13 Our summer worship schedule runs through Labor Day Sunday, September 6. On Sunday, September 13 we return to our fall schedule, so mark your calendar now: 8:15 Joyful Praise Worship 9:20-10:20 Fellowship & Sunday School Hour 10:30 Celebration Worship Carpenter s Tools Hosts Sought We will be blessed on Sunday, August 30 when the Carpenter s Tools Music Ministry Team will lead our worship. We are looking for three families from our congregation to host the musicians. They will arrive in the late afternoon or early evening on Saturday, August 29 and leave after lunch on Sunday. The host family is responsible to have food for them Saturday evening, Sunday breakfast and Sunday lunch as well as provide sleeping arrangements. Please contact Rita Varner-Otness, if you could help host 2 or 3 of the CTI team or if you have any questions. Opportunities for Musicians If you d be interested in being part of the Joyful Praise team or offering special music at late service occasionally, we d love to hear from you. And musicians to work with children and youth are also needed. Please see Laurie if interested in any of these: singing or playing with The Praise Team providing special music for late service, or organizing ensembles to sing lead children s SS music starting this fall work with youth musicians at a Wednesday evening Summer Music Camp in August help with our Kids Choir this fall. Worship Attendance Early Late Total June July July July Fun & Fellowship Diners Out Gathering August 27 This fellowship ministry meets on the 4 th Thursday of each month May through September, so join members and friends of Buffalo UMC for dinner and a time of fellowship at Perkins Restaurant on Thursday, August 27 at 5:30 pm. If you have any questions or need a ride, call Dave & Sara Gaeth at Thursday Game Gathering August 6 Come enjoy relaxed fellowship at our next Thursday Game Day on Thursday, August 6 from 1:00-4:00 pm. Coffee will be available and you should bring a snack to share. A variety of games are enjoyed by those who attend. This is a time for adults of all ages to gather for fun and games, so invite your friends, too. If you need a ride or more information, call Esther Kiphuth at Labor Day Retreat at Koronis The annual Labor Day Weekend Retreat at Camp Koronis in Paynesville is fun for all ages. This UM camp features retreat center accommodations with all the fun activities of family camp. Details are available at church. Register soon!

6 Children's Ministries & Sunday School New! Music Camp in August Kids entering grades 5-9 this fall are invited to participate in a music camp at church this August. On Wednesdays August 5, 12, and 19 we ll have opportunities for kids who play instruments or like to sing to come together and work with some of the Praise Team members. We ll work on some music that we can then sing and play in church sometime this fall. Please call Laurie immediately if your 5 th or 6 th grader is interested and hasn t already signed up. We ll get back to all families with specific times and details soon! Register Now for Sunday School! Have you turned in your family s Sunday School registration form? Please do so as soon as possible so we can get class rosters ready and order materials. Is there a family you could invite to Sunday School this year? Let them know that we d love to have them come and learn more about being a child of God! Registration forms are available at church or on our website. Get Involved with Sunday School! We are blessed to already have a great list of SS teachers committed for Fall. Our primary needs right now are: music leader for preschool 1 st grade co-music teacher for 2 nd -6 th grade substitute teachers Sunday morning resource room helpers to collect offerings, take attendance, and organize supplies Please help if you can! Pray about this ministry and let us know if you feel called to serve. Contact Sarah Urick or Laurie Schroeder ASAP to volunteer. We also encourage parents to volunteer as classroom helpers. Sunday School Teacher Training All Sunday School teachers and helpers need to attend a training session. To accommodate busy schedules, there will be two opportunities: Sunday, August 30 at 9:30 am Wednesday, September 2 at 6:30 pm (make-up) Our primary training will be on Sunday, August 30 at 9:30 am. For those who can t make that one, we ll have a make-up session on Wednesday at 6:30 pm. RSVP to the church office by August 23 to let us know which session you will attend. We ll have some teaching tips, curriculum and calendars will be handed out, and we will run through the processes and procedures volunteers need to know. Those needing to view the mandatory safety video will also get that done. Mid-Summer Celebration a Success! A huge thank you to all who helped make the Mid-Summer Celebration on July 12 a fun day. Whether you welcomed people, brought animals, shared music, ran the cakewalk or a game, or anything else it was all appreciated! Special thanks to the UM Men for serving the meal, Carlsons for lining up the inflatables, Wurtzbergers for organizing the family mission event, and Glenda Vidmar for the overall coordination. BUMPreschool Now Enrolling! Our preschool mission is to provide an atmosphere of love and acceptance in which each child can develop socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually and intellectually. We still have openings in both classes for fall. If you or someone you know is looking for a preschool, call Melissa Ungaro for more information or a tour. We also have some scholarship funds available. Did you know that our church has four different Facebook pages?!?! These four symbols represent them. Type Buffalo United Methodist and see what pops up and like us, then share with others!

7 Confirmation Confirmation Starts Up in September Registration letters have been mailed to incoming 7 th graders and returning 8 th graders. If you haven t returned your faith partner nomination sheets and family communication planner yet, please do so ASAP!! Please do not contact faith partners yourself - just list the names of those you want to consider on the registration form. If you know a youth who might want to participate in our confirmation program, please have them contact us as soon as possible. Remember that Sunday School starts September 13, and the mandatory Student and Parent Confirmation Orientation session is on Wednesday, September 16 at 6:00 pm, so mark your calendar now! Confirmation Sunday September 20 The information packets have been mailed for those being confirmed on Sunday, September 20. Please make sure to send in your confirmation information to the church office no later than August 16 so we have a robe and reserved seating for your family. If you have any questions or have not received a letter please contact the church office. In the Community Fare for All Offers Affordable Food Fare for All grand opening in Buffalo is Tuesday, August 4 at 3:30-5:30 pm at Zion Lutheran Church. This program is open to everyone and saves up to 40% off fruits, vegetables and frozen meats to the community. There is no need to register just come check out what food is available. See information on the bulletin board. The Blessing Closet The Blessing Closet is a new community clothing closet that will supply children s clothes at no cost. It will be open on Thursday, August 6 from 10 am 7 pm at Zion Lutheran Church. Bring your children to shop for school clothes for the new school year. There is no cost for families all you need is ID for each child (medical card, social security card, birth certificates, etc.). If you have questions call West Metro Big Band Free Concert Enjoy the music of the West Metro Big Band at Sturges Park in Buffalo on Thursday, August 6 at 7:00 pm. West Metro played for our February Saturday Awakenings concert this year, and our very own Mike Miller, Josh Roeser and Mark Johnson play in the band. Come on out! Living With Chronic Pain Workshops The Buffalo Hospital is offering two free workshops on chronic pain this fall. If you have questions about either class, please contact the hospital at Chronic Pain Self-Management Program This 6-week workshop provides information and teaches skills that people can use to manage chronic pain. It runs September 21-October 26 on Mondays from 6:30-8:30 pm at Monticello Fitness Evolution. Living Well with Chronic Conditions Workshop In this 2-hour, 6-weeks workshop you will get support, find practical ways to deal with pain and fatigue, discover better nutrition and exercise choices, understand new treatment choices and learn better ways to talk to your doctor and family about your health. This workshop runs October 27-December 1 on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 pm at the Buffalo Hospital Conference Center.

8 Preschool Update Preschool Update By Melissa Ungaro, Director The summer is flying by and we are busy getting ready for the start of another preschool year! The rooms are getting a deep down cleaning, the paperwork is getting organized, materials are getting prepared, and staff is busy planning an exciting curriculum for the school year. Enrollment for the fall; our 4/5 class has 13 students, and our 3 year old class has seven of the 16 spots filled, with continuing interest and tours taking place. In telling others about our preschool, whether in person or by social media, please remember that scholarship dollars are offered to those in need who meet the criteria, so encourage anyone to apply. Our loving Christian arms want to reach out to ALL little people, regardless of economic status, so that EVERYONE may experience this same vital early childhood education. Please consider a donation to this fund that is currently running low, with five requests already in for the upcoming school year. On September 2, preschool will hold our Orientation Night for parents and their preschoolers. Preschoolers get to meet their new friends and teachers with a short play time, storytime and snack; parents get to meet with the director and other parents to gather all the important information needed for the year. And then we are ready for the start of the preschool year which begins on Sept. 10 for the 3 s and Sept. 11 for the 4/5 s! Ministry Team Reports Property Team Update In July the property team had a work night to clean and organize the shed (it looks great!) and to mount a new bulletin board in the entryway (also looks great!). Thanks to Don Roberts for getting us the donated bulletin board from his workplace. Thanks also to all who are mowing and weeding to keep things looking good this summer. Finance Team Meeting Randy Whitcomb, Finance Team Member Do you use bill pay with your checking account and like it? You can have your offering to the church done through bill pay too; it can even be set up on a repetitive basis so it goes automatically on your preferred schedule. It s easy to change amounts and scheduled payments whenever you want. Another option available to help deal with the busy pace of life in today s world. Interim Family Ministries Director We welcome Lydea (Aurentz) Laudenbach as our interim Family Ministries Director starting August 4. Lydea was an active member of BUMC for about four years, then moved to Moorhead and taught middle school English there for several years. During that time she got married, and now her husband s job brought them back to this area. Lydea has been re-connecting with people here since her return, and is eager to use her talents, training, and strong faith to lead ministries for families here at BUMC. Please welcome her, and better yet volunteer to help with ministry! In the Conference Lay Ministry Discernment Retreats There are several upcoming Saturday retreats that offer you an opportunity to learn basic leadership skills while exploring your spiritual gifts and discerning how God is calling you to use those gifts to build the kingdom.. If you are interested, contact Laurie to help you register. September 26, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Evangel UMC (Rochester) First UMC (Worthington) Oct. 10, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. First UMC (Grand Rapids) First UMC (Redwood Falls) Lay Speaker Certification Training If you feel a call to share God s word through preaching, attend this November weekend retreat in Park Rapids for Lay Speaker Certification. Six sessions will prepare you as a worship leader to speak in our church or in other churches. See Laurie if interested.

9 Our Church Family Do You Need a Ride to Church? If you or someone you know needs a ride to worship, contact Joanne Johnson at Cross Country Trek for Safe Water Some of you will remember former BUMC members Kent & Betsy Hering, now living in Bemidji. They began a cross-country tricycle trek to raise awareness and funding for safe drinking water through the non-profit group WaterAid. If you want to read about their adventures, or donate to their cause, check out their website at A West Virginia TV news team also shared part of their story which you can view in this clip: ouple-pedals-cross-country-raising-awareness-for- Safe-Drinking-Water html Share a Gift of Connection We have so many people in our church family right now who are living with chronic pain or declining health. Please continue to keep them in your prayers though we don t mention them by name each week. Many appreciate hearing from you with words of encouragement, too, so don t hesitate to call or send a card when you re able! Prayer Matters For the family of Bill Johnson, former BUMC member who passed away July 16. His service was here at BUMC on July 25. For Mary Ann Peterson who has been dealing with a case of tic douloureux, which causes painful nerve spasms in the side of her face and head. For Marisa Miner, as she continues with medical consultations and possible surgery. Dave Pramann will cease dialysis the end of July and move home into hospice care on August 1. Please pray for peace for Dave, Kaye and their whole family. For peace and pain control for Elaine Varner as she undergoes medical tests and procedures. For Lawrence O Flanagan as his kidney disease is progressing faster than hoped and he will have to begin dialysis soon. Also pray that a living donor might be found and for them to be strong and encouraged during this difficult time! If you would like to know more about living organ donation, check out this link - Please continue to pray for Don and Jeanne Wermager s extended family - Brother In-law Floyd Olson has bladder cancer and they are praying the cancer has not spread; Don s brother, Doug, has been undergoing cancer treatments on his liver, lung and pancreas; their nephew Kevin, had surgery in his neck and has now developed a blood clot in his leg. For Jennifer Blom to have relief from her abdominal pain. For Pastor Melanie and family as she leaves our staff to explore God s next call for her. Joys & Celebrations Dan Peterson is finally feeling better and is able to eat again has enough energy to go out for walks. He and Sally appreciate your prayers over this long period of time! He still faces health challenges, but this is the best he s felt in a long time. We met our blood drive goal of 20 units on Sunday, July 12! And although we didn t match our 30 units from last year, we did have nine first-timers and 11 walk-ins, so thank you all! Jay from Memorial Blood Center says: Thank you for another wonderful event. The staff have told me how much they enjoyed the day and your parishioners. Nine first-time donors is a huge day for us! Celebration that our senior high mission team and chaperones answered God s call to serve at Storm Camp July Team members are: Madison Smith, Ian Smith, Kyle Ewer, Ben Weese, Nicole Wurtzberger, Deanna Armstrong, Ethan Ellis, Bill Reinhart and Jana Reinhart. Joy that the Knutson family had a wonderful experience in Guatemala, and that Mike & Jana return to their duties as youth directors on August 1.

10 Connection Points Ministries and fellowship opportunities meeting at regularly scheduled times United Methodist Women Every 2 nd Thursday of the month All women are invited to join us in the fellowship hall monthly to spend time in fellowship, and to learn more about the missions supported by the UMW. This Month: Thursday, August 13 at 1:00 pm Program: So the World May Hear by George Christ Hostesses: Ruthy Kalway and Joyce Posthumus Devotion: Paulette Moore United Methodist Men s Fellowship Every 3 rd Saturday of the month Men of the church interested in service, faith and fellowship are invited to come meet with other men for fellowship, devotion and fund raising projects. The meetings begin with breakfast at 7:30 am. This month: On hiatus for the summer Prayer Shawl Ministry Every 4 th Monday Gather at Arlene Nelson s home at 1:00 pm to knit or crochet shawls for people who might be homebound, in the hospital, grieving, or in other challenging situations. You may participate in ministry even if you can t attend the sessions. Call Dianne McLain at with questions. This month: On hiatus for the summer Thursday Gatherings Every 1 st Thursday of the month Gather in the fellowship hall at 1:00 pm for a time of fellowship playing games and occasional service project. Bring a favorite game and snacks. All are welcome! Call Esther Kiphuth at if you have questions. This month: Thursday, August 6 at 1:00 pm Diners Out Fellowship Gathering Every 4 th Thursday of the month Gather at Perkins during the months of May-September at 5:30 pm for food and fellowship. Primarily active seniors, but all are welcome! Call Sara Gaeth at if questions. This month: Thursday, August 27, 5:30 pm

11 YOUth News to help put YOU in Youth Ministry August 2015 The purpose of BUMC Youth Ministry is to connect all youth with the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ so that they may be life-long Christ followers. I had a recent conversation with an almost Confirmand about the idea of faith creeds. I emphasized that writing a faith creed is a very important part of the confirmation process, but that she can't expect her faith to look the same when she's confirmed as it did when she wrote the creed back in May. Faith is a journey and the confirmation process was to help get the tools to have a basic understanding of and then continue to grow in faith. We are responsible for our own faith growth. There are people and tools to help us along the way such as studies, small group leaders or service and mission opportunities, but ultimately it is a personal decision to grow in faith. You may have people encouraging you, but no one can make you be faithful. I know my faith is much different than it was back in 1990 when I was confirmed. It has been a twisty road to get me to where I am today. I've had great role models and people who have invested in me. I've made mistakes. I've observed tremendous leaders trying to help guide me and lead by example. If youth learn by example, think about the examples you are providing for them. Are you faithful in your worship attendance? Do you look for ways to take the next step and move ahead? How are you growing in your faith and taking the next step? Volunteers Sought Wednesday Night Youth Group runs from September to May. We are in need of a variety of adult volunteers to fill positions. Small Group Leaders: similar to table leaders, the small group leader facilitates a discussion with a few youth based on provided discussion questions and large group teachings Mission Night Volunteers: help with various mission projects. Extra hands are always needed on mission nights. Past projects have included Operation Christmas Shoebox, sandwich making, garbage patrol and birthday kits for the food shelf. Occasional drivers for offsite events Sunshine Committee: help us send cards for birthdays and special events Are you interested in helping with one of these opportunities and connecting with a great group of youth? Do you have a different idea of how you can impact the Senior High Youths' faith walk? Jana would love to talk to you! Meals on Wheels Remember that August is our church's Meals on Wheels month. Grab a your favorite youth and sign up for a route to deliver meals. This is a great chance to reconnect and serve together.

12 August Schedules August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 8:15 am August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 9:45 am August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 Scripture Reader Schedule Traditional Celebration Service 9:45 am Dave Gaeth Ken Weese Suzy Smith Duane Otness Mary Johnson Coffee Server Schedule UEC Marjorie Zacharda, Gail Hurley & Linda Sherman Darla Frink & Lisa McConnon Loren & Jane Van Dorp Julie Bedker Laura & Troy Carter Usher Schedule Georgia Pollock & Esther Kiphuth Dave & Pam Sieberg Mike & Barb Sande Gail Hurley & Jan Heyerdahl Larry & Darla Frink Ivan Erickson & Lester Hamann Lester Hamann Linda Bostic & Jeremy Carlson Mary Johnson & Iona Markley Bob & Chris Highberg September 6 September 9 September 9 September 13 September 16 September 20 September 24 September 26 September 27 October 4 October 11 Looking Ahead Items to Put on Your Calendar Maureen Pranghofer Preaching Sr. High Volunteer Orientation Faith Partner & Table Leader Orientation Open House Sunday & Ministry Fair; Fall schedule resumes Confirmation Orientation for Parents & Students Confirmation Sunday Diners Out at Perkins Saturday Awakenings Guitarist Phil Heywood 7 th Grade Faith Stepping Stone World Communion Sunday 3 yr. old Faith Stepping Stone Blessing Resources Current issues of the Upper Room, Alive Now, Pockets (for children), and DevoZine are available in the entryway for a nominal donation. Prayer Requests Call the office or use the cards available in the attendance pads to make prayer requests. Turn them in to the pastor before services on Sunday morning for inclusion in announcements. Information Prayer Circle Please call the church office at with prayer concerns or to be part of the prayer circle. Flowers for the Altar Do you have a special event or person you want to honor with flowers some Sunday? Sign up on the flower chart posted by the office, and indicate if you will bring your own, or place your check for $39 in the offering marked flowers and we will order. Please let the church office know: If your telephone number, address or mailing address change. When a member of your family is hospitalized or in need of pastoral care. If you would like Holy Communion brought to you. If you know of someone in the congregation that could use a delivered meal.

13 August 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Schedule 8:15 am Joyful Praise Worship 9:20 am Fellowship 9:45 am Traditional Worship 1 9:00 am AA 2 Holy Communion :30 am AA 5 6:00 pm Kids Music Camp 7:30 pm Joyful Praise 6 1:00 pm Thursday Game Day 6:30 pm AA Women s Group 7 8:00 pm AA 8 7:30 am Worship Design Team 9:00 am AA :30 BeFrienders 11 10:30 am AA 7:00 pm Leadership Meeting 12 6:00 pm Kids Music Camp 13 1:00 pm UMW 6:30 pm AA Women s Group 14 8:00 pm AA 15 9:00 am AA :00 pm MS Support Group 18 10:30 am AA 7:00 pm SPRC 19 6:00 pm Kids Music Camp 7:30 pm Joyful Praise Sr. High Service Project 20 6:30 pm AA Women s Group 21 1:00 pm Community Commodities Distribution 8:00 pm AA 22 9:00 am AA 7:00 pm Saturday Awakenings Peace & Love Songs of the 60s & 70s :30 am AA 7:00 pm Finance Team :30 pm Diners Out at Perkins 6:30 pm AA Women s Group 28 8:00 pm AA 29 8:00 am Wesley Meal 9:00 am AA 30 Holy Communion Carpenter s Tools in Worship 9:30 am Sunday School Teacher Training 31 August is BUMC s month to deliver Meals on Wheels. Sign up now to help! Call the church office

14 Buffalo United Methodist Church th Street Northwest Buffalo, MN CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Buffalo, MN Permit No. 31 Buffalo United Methodist Church serving people for Jesus Christ so that we all may know joy! Office Hours: Closed Mondays Tuesday-Thursday 9 am to 3 pm Friday 9 am to 1 pm Don t Miss Saturday Awakenings Phone Fax Office@BuffaloUMC.com Website Find us on Facebook Peace & Love Songs of the 60s & 70s Saturday, August 22 Our annual in-house concert featuring Buffalo UMC musicians sharing a fun mix of secular and faith-based music from the 60 s and 70 s. The Joy Connection is a monthly publication of The Buffalo United Methodist Church. Submission deadline is the third Thursday of every month.