The Joy ConnectionIn midnights? In cups of coffee? In inches? In miles ? In laughter? In strife? In journeys to plan In truths that we learned? In times that we cried? In bridges we

The Joy Connection November 2016

A monthly publication of Buffalo United Methodist Church

Worship Events

Sunday, November 6 How Will You Measure Your

Life? By How and What You Give

Matthew 25:14-19 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

All Saints Day Holy Communion

Sunday, November 13

How Will You Measure Your Life? By Who and How

You Serve Mark 10:35-45 John 13:1-17

3rd Grade Faith Stepping Stone

Sunday, November 20

How Will You Measure Your Life? By Who or What

You Worship Psalms 135:15-21 Colossians 1:15-23 Consecration &

New Member Sunday

Sunday, November 27 Wake Up! Get Dressed!

Matthew 2:1-9 Romans 13:11-14

1st Sunday of Advent

Sunday Schedule

Joyful Praise Worship 8:15 am

Education & Fellowship Hour 9:20-10:20 am

Celebration Worship 10:30 am

How Will You Measure Your Life?

There’s a popular song from the musical Rent that offers an intriguing question. How do you measure a year of a life? In minutes? In daylights? In sunsets? In midnights? In cups of coffee? In inches? In miles? In laughter? In strife? In journeys to plan? In truths that we learned? In times that we cried? In bridges we burned? Or the way that we died? How about love?

As followers of Jesus, we measure our lives in love. Admittedly, the Christian ideal of love can look very different than the love lifted up in our culture. How do Christians measure love? In times we put the needs of others before ours? In times we brought a sacrificial gift to God’s altar? In times we became the hands and feet of Jesus for someone in need? In times we humbled our hearts before God in praise and worship?

In the final class of each semester, Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christenson asks his students how they will apply the theories of business and organizations to their own lives to ensure that they are happy and successful in their careers, their relationships are an enduring source of happiness, and they live lives of integrity. Those discussions with students led to his best-selling book, “How Will You Measure Your Life?”

In our November worship series of the same name (actually beginning on October 30), we are exploring this same question. Drawing from scriptural teaching, we’ll look at how what we choose and value has far greater impact on our lives than what we achieve and acquire. We’ll rediscover the timeless truths that our lives are measured by the depth and breadth of our love for others in the name of Jesus; the extent to which we joyfully share a portion of what God has first given us; our humble service to others; and our worship of Christ our King, surrendering our lives to the power and will of the Holy Spirit.

We’ll conclude this worship series with joyful worship on Sunday, November 20 as we receive new members to the church, celebrate an adult baptism, and consecrate our plans for our 2017 giving. God is continuing to do new things in our midst. Join us for worship and see for yourself. As always, it won’t be the same without you!

Blessings, Pastor Bill

Spiritual Growth MCCI Breakthrough Movement

Last March our leaders started us on a journey of growth and breakthrough called Missional Church Consultative Initiative (MCCI), a unique coaching and resourcing initiative that the Bishop gifted to our church, mostly underwritten by our Annual Conference. Only six churches out of hundreds were invited to participate. The purpose is to invest in supporting our congregation’s spiritual journey as we move into the future.

MCCI includes a number of specific resourcing pieces. For example, Pastor Bill is attending monthly pastor’s cohort meetings with a coach and brings teachings home to share with our leaders. A team from BUMC already attended a Breakthrough Prayer Initiative training, and we’re forming teams centered on Growing Generous Givers and improving Guest Readiness (hospitality). “Undercover worshippers” will attend our church in the months ahead! The Leadership Team is completing a congregational self-study to review our history, demographics, staffing, organization, and values.

On April 28-30, a team of MCCI specialists will lead our congregation in an MCCI/Breakthough Weekend. On Friday, April 28, the team will interview Pastor Bill, other staff and key ministry leaders and will hold focus groups with congregants and separately with youth. On Saturday, April 29, we’ll have an all-church event from 9 am-3 pm with as many of you as possible to share your God stories, learn about our congregation, and to hear the feedback from our undercover worshippers!

On Sunday, April 30 all gather for a single worship service (time tbd) which will include a presentation of five recommendations called “prescriptions” for moving us forward to the next level of fruitfulness in making disciples for Jesus. What are these recommendations? We’ll have no idea until Sunday, April 30!

There will be three “Town Hall” meetings in May moderated by lay people, to discuss the recommendations of the MCCI Team, then on Sunday, June 4 we will hold a Church Conference to vote up or down on the entire slate of recommendations. Exciting! PLEASE mark your calendars now with those important dates!

Cross Training Session November 20 CrossTraining is a multi-generational

session for youth and adults happening monthly in the back of the fellowship hall between services from 9:20-10:20. All are welcome! This month, Curtis Rieck will lead a session on “Green Pastures and David’s Psalm” on November 20.

Most of us have read the 23rd Psalm. We imagine the lush, green meadows when hearing the word "pasture" but grazing sites in Israel actually look like rocky, barren hillsides scattered with a few blades of grass among the rocks. There’s a lesson in that for all of us! Come explore this concept with others on Sunday, November 20 at 9:20!

Advent Study Opportunity Take part in an Advent study on a Sunday morning, weekday or your own in one of these ways: • Start your own group!

Laurie has new resources available that you could use to get started on or after the first Sunday of Advent, November 27.

• Participate in a Thursday noon Advent study led by Laurie using the book “Prepare the Way.” All are welcome! One-hour sessions are Thursdays, December 1, 8, 15, & 22.

• Read the book “Prepare the Way” on your own, and perhaps take part in an online e-course! This Cokesbury eCourse offers: 1. a guided practice for each day of Advent 2. weekly videos with the author 3. audio recordings of scripture and prayers, 4. a place for group discussion if you wish.

“Prepare the Way” books are available at church for $12 each. This four-week Advent study by Pamela Hawkins offers guided prayer, scripture readings, and reflections focusing on the words: peace, justice, fearlessness and faithfulness. Prepare your heart for the birth of Christ!

Adult Bible Study Continues The ongoing traditional Bible study led by Paulette Moore continues to meet at her home on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. This year they will study the books of 1, 2 and 3 John, followed by Jude, James, 1 Peter and 2 Peter. All are welcome to join this study long- or short-term as you’re able. Please talk to Paulette if interested.

Ministry & Missions Membership Class November 12

Come learn more about the church on Saturday, November 12 at 9:00 am. This class answers questions about Buffalo UMC and Methodism in general, as well as what membership means. All are welcome whether contemplating membership or not. It’s a great chance to get to know some other people, and get information. Those who choose to join following the class will be received as members on Sunday, November 20 during worship. Please sign up on the bulletin board or call the church to let us know you’re coming.

Operation Christmas Child The congregation is invited to join our

Sunday School children in supporting Operation Christmas Child this fall. Now through November 13 we will accept donations of items to fill shoeboxes for kids around the world. You may bring separate items, or your family may choose to fill a shoebox on your own.

We will also happily accept cash donations as each shoebox we fill has a $7 shipping fee to get it to its destination. Here are the types of items you can bring: TOYS: Include items that children will

immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, children’s scissors, etc.

NON-LIQUID HYGIENE ITEMS: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

ACCESSORIES: t-shirts, socks, hats, shoes, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.

DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

Christmas Dinner Meeting Nov. 6 Our one and only planning meeting for this year’s Christmas Day Dinner is on Sunday, November 6 at 11:35 am. You can help with planning even if you can’t attend the dinner. Sign up to volunteer, or just come to the planning meeting to learn more! We are grateful that Del Smith will again be our head cook (or Admiral Smith, as we call him), but of course this event only happens thanks to many helpers in both the planning stages and on Christmas Day. Let us know if you can be part of the team!

United Methodist Women Update The UM Women will gather on Thursday,

November 10 at 1:00 pm at church with a program entitled “Thankful.” All women are welcome to come enjoy fellowship, devotions and dessert. Bring along “thank offerings” if you have them, along with items for Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. (Empty shoeboxes welcome, too!)

Ministry Discernment Retreats The Annual Conference is offering one-day

Ministry Discernment Retreats that introduce the options for certification in lay ministry. Explore your gifts and possible calling to serve in your congregation or beyond. The class opens the door to equip you for leadership and ministry in the United Methodist Church as a certified lay servant, lay speaker, lay minister or even as a possible candidate for licensed local pastor, deacon or elder. There is no obligation to move forward.

Sessions are scheduled on two dates at several different locations in 2017: Sat., January 28 at Detroit Lakes UMC, Duluth

Hillside UMC, and Redwood Falls UMC. Sat., February 11 at Cross Winds UMC in Maple

Grove; Northfield UMC & Stewartville UMC. Cost is $40, but scholarships are available, so do not let the cost deter you. Deadline to register is January 23, 2017. Contact Janet Beard for more info ([email protected] or 763-300-6619).

Blankets for Beds As winter approaches, the need for blankets

increases. Please bring new and gently used blankets, bedding and towels for local distribution. If you need items to be picked up, please contact Dianne McLain at 763-682-2260.

Worship Upcoming Worship Events Nov. 6 All Saints’ Sunday and Holy

Communion (Daylight Saving Ends) Nov. 13 Faith Stepping Stone Blessing of 3rd

graders; 2nd – 6th graders sing Nov. 20 Consecration of Pledges and New

Member Sunday Nov. 23 Community Thanksgiving Eve Service

(Wed. at 7:30 pm) at Zion Lutheran Nov. 27 1st Sunday of Advent – Also UM

Student Day offering received

Daylight Saving Time Ends Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Saturday evening, November 5! Then join us the next morning for All Saints’ Sunday as we remember those in our church family who have gone on to be with the Lord over the past year.

Parkview Service November 6 Pastor Bill would love to have you join him as he leads worship at Parkview Chapel on Sunday, November 6 at 2:00 pm. It’s great to have folks there to help lead the singing and visit with residents. Let him know if you can join him!

Order Poinsettias by Nov. 20 Your donations help us adorn our sanctuary with poinsettias for Christmas. Place your orders at $10 per plant by November 20. Sign-up forms will be in the pew attendance pads or call the church office. We ask that flowers be left in place through Christmas Eve worship. There is an opportunity to purchase an extra poinsettia for yourself at $10 while supplies last, with the profits going toward mission scholarships.

UM Student Day Offering Nov. 27 We will receive the United Methodist Student Day special offering on Sunday, November 27, as one of the six annual UM special offerings. This offering calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. They support U.M. scholarships and the U.M. Student Loan Fund.

Buffalo Community Thanksgiving The Annual Community Thanksgiving Festival is at Zion Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 23 at 7:30 pm. Pastors and musicians from Buffalo area churches give leadership to this community-wide time of worship, with mass vocal and handbell choirs including our Chancel Chimes! Confirmation students are required to attend.

Hanging of the Greens December 4 Our senior high youth will again provide

leadership for our Hanging of the Greens service on Sunday, December 4.

Christmas Worship Schedule With Christmas Eve and Day falling on a Saturday/Sunday this year, our holiday worship schedule is a bit different from usual. Mark your calendars so you know your worship options. Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24 5:00 pm Candlelight Praise Service 7:30 pm Candlelight and Carol Service

Christmas Day Worship Sunday, December 25 One blended service only @ 10:30 am

Saturday Awakenings Celebration

Randy Sabien Saturday, November 5 7:00 pm

Our next Saturday Awakenings concert features virtuosic violinist Randy Sabien teaming up with award-winning guitarist Dan Caton to present an evening of high-energy music inspired by the gypsy jazz of Django Reinhardt. These guys are amazing musicians, so come for an evening of lively and engaging music! As always, invite a friend and help us spread the word. Refreshments will be served and a freewill offering will be received.

Worship Attendance Early Late Total September 25 135 70 205 October 2 150 68 218 October 9 138 78 219 October 16 131 70 201 October 23 144 51 195

Children’s Ministries & Sunday School

Sunday School Update It is so great to be back in

Sunday school and to see all the smiling faces, new and returning! We’ve had several fun weeks already, including our first monthly party. Thank you to all who participated in the Prayer Partner Party! We’re happy to make that connection and begin that friendship early on in the school year.

It is important as we are building new friendships in school, church, and other areas in our lives, to know what it means to be a good friend. In the first five lessons we have learned “To be kind to our friends.”

This month, we are going to discover one of our best friends, Jesus. “We’re friends with Jesus.” John 15:9-17. He is with us wherever we go; in the lonely moments, in the busy moments, stressful and happy moments, always. Help your children watch for his presence in their lives. Help them pray to not get upset over the details of life, but instead find Jesus. Help them give their cares to Jesus and watch how God lifts the burden from them. Psalm 55:22 says “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”

You may have noticed your children are coming home with fewer projects and papers this year. We are trying a new curriculum that encourages more interaction, role-play, and movement to grasp and understand the lessons. It is a refreshing, energetic curriculum to help kids learn, in a variety of ways. Feel free to pass along any feedback your children are giving you on class!

Sunday School Mission Update Your SS “First Sunday Mission Offering”

on November 6 will go toward paying the shipping fees for the shoeboxes. Classrooms bins are starting to fill with items to go into the Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes. Way to go everybody! Keep up the good work!!

Mission Packing Party November 13 Our next “Second Sunday Celebration” is our Operation Christmas Child shoebox packing party on Sunday, November 13 during the SS hour. Children should report to classes as usual for music time, then they’ll watch a video on OCC and pack up boxes to send around the world. So exciting! Be sure your family has brought all shoebox donations by that day! Parents welcome to help!

Third Grade Faith Stepping Stone Third graders will receive Bibles and a congregational blessing during worship on Sunday, November 13. Families may choose which worship service to attend for the blessing.

Children Sing in Church Our 2nd-6th grade children

will sing late in the 8:15 worship service and early in the 10:30 worship service on Sunday, November 13. Third graders also receive their new Bibles that day, so we hope your children will be here to share with the congregation and our third graders on this special day.

“Signs of Christmas” Program Children should know their Christmas

program parts by November 6. If not, ask Maryann Barfknecht any questions you have.

All children will sing in the choirs, and the they are already learning the songs during SS music time, so we hope you’ll try to have them here on Sundays as much as possible this month. Our first rehearsal is Saturday, December 3 at 9:00 am for 2nd – 6th graders. The final rehearsal is on Saturday, December 10 at 9:00 for all children. The program is Sunday, December 11 at 1:00 pm.

Sunday School Calendar Nov. 6 Faith Stepping Stone class during SS

Hour – 3rd Grade Nov. 6 Character Rehearsal @10:20 am Nov. 6 Jesus Rocks Rehearsal @ 10:20 Nov. 13 SS Mission Party – pack OCC

shoeboxes during SS hour! Nov. 13 Faith Stepping Stone Blessing – 3rd

Grade in Worship Nov. 13 Children Sing in Church 2nd – 6th Grade Nov. 13 Character Rehearsal @ 10:20 Nov. 20 Jesus Rocks Rehearsal @ 10:20

Families & Faith By Lydea Laudenbach

Children & Family Ministries Director

Great Children’s Bibles

With the school year underway and Christmas (dare, I say it) around the corner, now is a great time to invest in a Children’s Bible. Children are generally more excited about reading when school begins and I will always give my nephews, and hopefully my own children, books for Christmas. BUMC does a great job of equipping young people with Bibles. I’d like to give you some ideas for where to start when purchasing that first or second Bible for your future disciple.

Pray and Play Bible for Young Children:

This Bible story and activity book is certain to become a classic! Fourteen favorite Bible stories are beautifully bound in a large 9×12 hardcover complete with four-color artwork throughout. What I like about this Bible is the fact it is also an activity book, and gets the reader to engage with the text in more than one way. It may not have all the stories I want, but the thought of children wanting to bring the Bible to play with, makes me pretty happy. Great for classrooms! Ages 2 to 5.

Minecrafters Bible:

An NIrV translation Bible that draws on the popularity of online video games to capture the interest of young gamers who like to see their favorite Bible stories come alive in images that reflect their favorite video game. My nephews are going

to flip over this! A few years ago I bought The Brick Bible, which was a cartoon of Lego men telling stories from the Bible, and they loved it. As avid Minecraft fans and readers they are going to be able to re-engage with God using something they truly understand better than I. Ages 6 to 12

Shine On: A Story Bible

This Bible is for children who are reading on their own, but might not be ready for their own Bible. Each story in Shine On is beautifully crafted, maintaining the spirit and poetry of the biblical text in

language that is fresh and engaging for children. Reaching children where they can read is really important in keeping them focused and engaged. This Bible keeps the language simple and allows for children to have reading success. Ages 8 to 12.

There are a lot more options to choose from but these are my favorites. When picking out a Bible, consider gender, age and reading level. If your kids struggle to read it, they won’t. Think about how the Bible will be used and decide on a translation. Translation can really change the readability of the text. Shop options; don’t just pick up the first one you see. Read it, read part of at least, so you know what your child is getting and how to help them navigate once they have it. There are a lot of Bibles out there, make sure you have the right one for your kids. You’ll be really happy with a well thought out investment and the time you can spend together in devotion.

I will study your teachings and follow your footsteps. -- Psalm 119:15

Based on an article from Children’s Ministry magazine entitled: Children’s Ministry Magazine’s 2016 Children’s Bible Review. For more help finding the right Bible go to childrensministry.com.

Lydea Laudenbach, Family Ministries Director Contact me at 763-682-3538 or

[email protected]

Confirmation

Confirmation Schedule Wednesdays from 6:00-7:30 pm unless indicated Nov. 2 Focus Night – Remember the Sabbath Nov. 4-6 “The Event” statewide conference at

Brainerd, Fri– Sun Nov. 9 Focus Night – Honoring Parents Nov. 16 Faith Night with Partners Nov. 23 Community Thanksgiving Service at

Zion Lutheran, 7:30 pm (required)

Ministry Team Reports

Finance Team Update By Jim Tool, Finance Committee Member

The process for the development of the 2017 BUMC budget has begun. A part of the process is that the various groups and committees request the financial support that they feel is needed. Much of this support is for church staff members.

We are very fortunate to have church staff members who perform their jobs at very high levels. The effectiveness of church staff allows us to reach out to many different missions and to deliver support to members of the church.

Another part of the budgeting process involves projecting the financing available to pay for church programs. The church congregation provides the funding. Each individual or family is requested to examine their own stewardship.

The stewardship campaign is about to begin and is a time for each of us to consider our support for the church in the new year. Our congregation has provided generous support for church programs in the past. I have faith that we can continue to move forward in our ability to love kindness and walk humbly with God.

Consecration Sunday is November 20 You will soon receive your estimate of giving cards to make your financial commitment to the church for 2017. Your completed pledge cards will be received in worship on November 20, or may be mailed to the church. Please prayerfully consider the commitment you will make.

Charge Conference Sunday, Nov. 20 The church’s annual charge conference to vote on the pastor’s compensation package, 2017 budget, membership report, ministry team members, and other church business will take place on Sunday, November 20 at 11:35 pm. All members of Buffalo UMC are welcome to come and vote.

Our Church Family

Are You Southward Bound? If you head south for the winter, don’t forget

to let our church office know your temporary address and the dates you will be gone by email at [email protected] or by phone.

Prayer Matters… • Bertha Jones is now in hospice care. • Continued prayers for Bob & Diana Maass and as

Bob has entered hospice. • Continue to pray for those dealing with cancer:

Kaye Pramann; Kris Uter; Joe Kalway; Nancy Menting’s daughter, Heather; Marjorie Zacharda’s sister, Mary; Kris Dirks; Amy Fouquette et al.

• Pray for Nickie, Odie and Mia Juarez as they move to Alabama. (Lester Hamann’s daughter)

Celebrations: • Celebration for the 3rd Grade Stepping Stone

students who will be blessed on the 13th. • Celebration for the September baptism of Hannah

Vicki Ristow and her parents, Joshua and Beth.

Thank You from: • Ruth Kalway: “…Joe & I are on the road to

recovery. I had an easier time of it than Joe did. He was in the hospital 3 times in 2 weeks and so we were able to spend the same day in the hospital. That is all behind us now and we thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.”

• Angie, Mason & Hunter Beussman, Dave & Robin Anderson, Ed & Melissa Arens, Ezra, Elsa & Ella Emons: “Our heartfelt appreciation to all who kept us in your prayers (and continue to) during the unexpected loss of a husband, father, son-in-law, brother-in-law & uncle, Matthew Beussman. Your generous gifts were greatly appreciated to survive/cope each day. May our God bless you for your compassion and caring.”

Preschool Staff: Melissa Ungaro, director Christine Hartke, 3-year-old & 4/5 teacher Dustine Jerde, teaching assistant

The October weather allowed our

preschoolers to be outside on some of the beautiful days and to admire the trees here in our own backyard was truly outstanding, as well as enjoy the newly constructed playground, which the children find exhilarating! Our all-school field trip to Fall Harvest Apple Orchard in Delano was a delightful experience for the 3, 4 and 5’s---as well as many wonderful parent/grandparent volunteer chaperones. The gusty wind and cloudy sky did not dampen the spirits of our preschoolers, who came back laden with apples and gourds, and filled with joy after riding the hayride AND the school bus!

Our Preschool Chapel volunteer Dianne McLain came in for her first visit of the year, taking us into the sanctuary for a wonderful lesson. She includes some good movin’ and groovin’ music, so we look forward to her monthly visits! Halloween parties are at the end of October made for a most fun-filled, interesting, busy and diverse month! Now as we head into November, we must appreciate a new feel to the season as the wind, rain and occasional snow showers teach our young ones about God’s ever changing wonderful world.

We will have school pictures taken at the beginning of the month, and parents and teachers will meet for conferences mid-month. Both provide meaningful growth markers for each child.

Enrollment numbers are good this year as

we have 15 in our 3-day class for 4/5 year olds, and 9 of the 16 slots are filled with 3-year-olds in the two-day class. We are currently helping one family with tuition, and they are all so appreciative that their children can attend. We see growth in these children already, so the preschool is very thankful for your ongoing congregational support.

Looking for a way to help the preschool? We are looking for cardstock. In getting prepared with our new curriculum we are in need of much cardstock to prepare and implement many activities for now and the future. Please note that any additional donations continue to provide for our scholarship families and are greatly appreciated.

As we give thanks to God for our many blessings, we include thanks for the youngsters we have in our care. We feel most blessed to be helping to shape the future of these young lives---our wonderful preschool and fine teachers are a blessing to many!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Riding on the wagon at Fall Harvest Apple Orchard

Connection Points

Ministries and fellowship opportunities meeting at regularly scheduled times

United Methodist Women Every 2nd Thursday of the month All women are invited to join in the fellowship hall monthly to spend time in fellowship and devotions, and to learn more about the missions supported by the UMW. This Month: Thursday, November 9 at 1:00 pm Devotions: Paulette Moore Bring: Thank offering, Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes and items

United Methodist Men’s Fellowship Every 3rd 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: November 19 at 7:30am

Prayer Shawl Ministry Every 4th Monday Gather at Arlene Nelson’s home at Park Terrace at1:00 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 763-682-2260 with questions.

This month: Monday, November 28 at 1:00 pm

Thursday Gatherings Every 1st 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 763-477-6221 if you have questions.

This month: Thursday, November 3 at 1:00 pm

Diners Out Fellowship Gathering Every 4th 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 682-4964 if questions.

This month: On hiatus until May

November Schedules

Information

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.

Prayer Circle Please call the church office at 763-682-3538 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,

e-mail 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.

Looking Ahead… Items to Put on Your Calendar

December 4 Hanging of the Greens

December 8 UMW Christmas Brunch

December 11 Sunday School Christmas Program

December 21 Longest Night Service

December 24 Christmas Eve Services

December 25 Christmas Day Service/Dinner

December 31 Wesley Meal

January 22 1st Grade Faith Stepping Stone

January 28 Confirmation Retreat

Scripture Reader Schedule Traditional Celebration Service 10:30

November 6 Marlys Frederiksen November 13 Confirmation Student Needed November 20 Sara Gaeth November 27 Suzy Smith

Coffee Server Schedule November 6 UEC – Ken Weese & Mary Johnson November 13 Kevin & Cindy Heap November 20 Georgia Pollock & Mary Johnson November 27 Martyn & Alison Dibben

Usher Schedule 8:15 am

November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27

10:30 am November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27

Tim & Kathy Maiden Drew & Mike Knutson Mike & Barb Sande Loren & Jane Van Dorp Ivan Erickson & Lester Hamann Confirmation Student Needed Linda Bostic & Jeremy Carlson Jim & Donna Lanie

November 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 10:30 am AA 6:30 pm Weight

Watchers 7:00 pm Property

Meeting 7:00 pm Preschool

Board Meeting 7:30 pm AA

2 8:15 am Weight

Watchers 6:00 pm Confirmation –

Focus Night 6:00 pm Sr. High Youth 6:30 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Joyful Praise

3 1:00 pm Thursday’s

Gathering 6:30 pm Women’s

AA Group 6:30 pm Bible study

at Paulette’s

4 8:00 pm AA 3:30 pm Confirmation

youth leave for “The Event”

5 “The Event” -Confirmation 7:30 am Worship Design

Team 9:00 am AA 9:00 Prayer Initiative Mtg. 7:00 pm Saturday

Awakenings – Randy Sabien

6

Daylight Saving Time Ends Holy Communion All Saints Sunday 9:20 am 3rd Grade FSS Class 10:20 am Jesus Rocks Rehearsal 11:30 pm Christmas Dinner Mtg 2:00 pm Parkview Service 7:30 pm AA in FH Youth return from “The Event”

7 9:00 am Commodity

Distribution 10:00 am AA 7:30 pm AA

8 10:30 am AA 6:30 pm Weight

Watchers 7:00 pm Leadership

Meeting 7:30 pm AA

9 8:15 am Weight

Watchers 1:00 pm UMW 6:00 pm Sr. High Youth 6:00 pm Confirmation –

Focus Night 6:30 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Joyful Praise

10 10:30 am UMW

Brunch 6:30 pm Women’s

AA Group 6:30 pm Bible study

at Paulette’s

11 No Preschool Veterans Day 5-9 pm Private rental

sanctuary & FH 8:00 pm AA

12 9:00 am AA 9:00 am New Member Class

13 FSS 3rd Grade Blessing 2nd-6th Gr sing in Worship 9:20 am SS Mission Party 2:00 pm Growing Generous

Givers Workshop (Off Site) 7:30 pm AA in FH

14 10:00 am AA 6:30 BeFrienders 7:30 pm AA

15 10:30 am AA 6:30 pm Weight

Watchers 7:00 pm SPRC

Meeting 7:30 pm AA

16 8:15 am Weight

Watchers 6:00 pm Sr. High Youth 6:00 pm Confirmation –

Faith Night 6:30 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Joyful Praise

17 Newsletter Deadline 6:30 pm Women’s

AA Group 6:30 pm Bible study

at Paulette’s

18 5:00 Daleiden Wedding

Rehearsal 8:00 pm AA

19 7:30 am UMM 9:00 am AA Daleiden Wedding pm

20 Consecration Sunday New Member Sunday 9:20 CrossTraining SS 10:20 am Jesus Rocks Rehearsal 11:30 am Charge Conference 7:30 pm AA

21 10:00 am AA

2:30 MS Society Support Group - FH 7:30 pm AA

22 10:30 am AA 6:30 pm Weight

Watchers 7:30 pm AA

23 8:15 am Weight

Watchers 5:30 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Community

Thanksgiving Worship at Zion Lutheran

No Youth Activities

24 No Preschool Office Closed Thanksgiving 6:30 pm Women’s

AA Group

25 No Preschool Office Closed 8:00 pm AA

26 9:00 am AA

27 1st Sunday in Advent UM Student Day Offering 7:30 pm AA

28 10:00 am AA 1:00 Prayer Shawl

Ministry 7:30 pm AA

29

10:30 am AA 6:30 pm Weight

Watchers 7:00 pm Finance Team

Meeting 7:30 pm AA

30 8:15 am Weight

Watchers 6:00 pm Sr. High Youth 6:00 pm Confirmation –

Focus Night 6:30 pm Handbells 7:30 pm Joyful Praise

Sunday Schedule 8:15 am Joyful Praise Worship 9:20-10:20 am Fellowship & Education 10:30 am Traditional Worship

Buffalo United Methodist Church 609 8th Street Northwest Buffalo, MN 55313 763-682-3538 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Be here for…

Consecration

Sunday

Sunday, November 20

Celebrating our commitments of time, talents and treasures!

Please bring your 2017 estimate of giving cards

The Joy Connection is a monthly publication of The Buffalo United Methodist Church. Submission deadline is the third Thursday of every month.

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

PAID Buffalo, MN 55313

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

Phone and Fax:

763-682-3538

E-Mail: [email protected]

Website

www.BuffaloUMC.org

Find us on Facebook