January 2015January 2015January 2015January 2015

Conflict, Complaints and Conversations Conflict, Complaints and Conversations Conflict, Complaints and Conversations Conflict, Complaints and Conversations Pastor Brian A Thorstad Conflict happens! Life involves situations in which we find ourselves with clashing interests and

viewpoints. Being part of the universal body of Christ as well as the same local church doesn’t make

us immune to conflict. We also inadvertently hurt each other, not by being mean, but many times, just

by being “klutzy.” I remember chatting with some older men in the church where I was a young single

guy. Trying to talk “tool talk,” – which is “cool talk” for men - I mouthed off passionately about the importance of buying good tools and not wasting your money on trashy tools that fall apart, right

when you really need them. I found out later that one of the men I was talking to was a regional

salesman for a distributor of those tools you find in the 99 cent tool bins! Open mouth; insert foot.

Conflict happens! Our Leadership Training Group was talking this morning about how even the

most exciting new church or Christian campus group is sooner-or-later going to have problems and

difficulties, just because we are all human. There’s no way around it. The excitement of the explosive

Acts chapter two church inevitably gives way to the reality of the Acts chapter six church, in which accidental neglect led to grumbling, a couple of church meetings, and, eventually, a great solution

that made the whole church better and stronger.

Conflict happens! It can turn out poorly if we handle it according to the inclinations of our hearts or the ways of the world. Or, it can turn out great if we do it God’s way. At BEFC we know there are

going to be conflicts between church attenders and other church attenders, between church

attenders and church leaders, and even between church leaders and other church leaders. We

want to handle these inevitable challenges in ways that give God glory and make our church better.

It is for that reason - NOT because there’s any sort of “kurfuffel” currently under way – that we (your elders) have written a set of guiding principles for how to handle conflict and resolution within our wonderful church. The guidelines cover:

● How to handle conflicts with fellow church members ● How to handle frustrations with church leaders ● Other occasions when God may want you to “go to your brother,” and ● How to “go to your brother” successfully

As your elders, we want to encourage you to pick up a copy of the guidelines, read it carefully and

follow it prayerfully. We have committed ourselves to following it, as we are confident that it is based squarely on Biblical principles and that, therefore, it will help us to deal with our difficulties

with extraordinarily good results. The guidelines are available in the church office any time the

doors are open. I (Pastor Brian) will be teaching about the guidelines in a special sermon on January 11th. Any of us as your elders would be happy to field your questions and comments about the

guidelines. Our names and phone numbers are on the back of the bulletin each week.

the connector a newsletter from Buffalo Evangelical Free Church

this this this this

issueissueissueissue ● Conflict, Complaints and Conversations ● EFCA NCD Changes

● Missions Recap

● Small Groups

● Women’s Ministry

● Celebrate

● Online Giving

● Library Corner

● Calendar of Events

● Contact Us

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Missionaries supported by BEFC in 2014Missionaries supported by BEFC in 2014Missionaries supported by BEFC in 2014Missionaries supported by BEFC in 2014----15:15:15:15: Matt and Jaci Hutchcraft, SEND Int’l, Russia Cris Rhyner, Partners in Hope, India and other countries Paul and Michelle Weaver, WEC International, west Asia Jackson and Reinell Helstad, International Messengers, Pine Ridge, South Dakota Paul and Leanne Miller, Timber Bay Youth Ministry, Minnesota Rob and Jackie Passer, EFCA Reach Global Crisis Response Christian Recovery Counseling, St Paul, Golden Valley, Rockford, Minnesota Participation in shortParticipation in shortParticipation in shortParticipation in short----term missions trips to these countries, by folks at BEFC :term missions trips to these countries, by folks at BEFC :term missions trips to these countries, by folks at BEFC :term missions trips to these countries, by folks at BEFC : Ethiopia Dominican Republic Guatemala East Asia Pine Ridge, South Dakota Opportunities we hope to further pursue in 2015:Opportunities we hope to further pursue in 2015:Opportunities we hope to further pursue in 2015:Opportunities we hope to further pursue in 2015: EFCA Reach Global Crisis Response Partners in Hope, India YWAM and outreach to Spanish speakers Members of our missions team, whom you can contact for further information or to join the team:Members of our missions team, whom you can contact for further information or to join the team:Members of our missions team, whom you can contact for further information or to join the team:Members of our missions team, whom you can contact for further information or to join the team: Harry Maravelas, chair hmaravelas@gmail.com Gene Persian gapersian@yahoo.com Fred Anderson & Cindy Anderson fcanderson@tds.net

Our church recently received a mailing from

our regional Evangelical Free Church

leadership, the board of the North Central District (NCD). Our district covers most of

the state of Minnesota and embraces 150

churches. In the letter, the NCD board

explained their strong preference for having an intentional succession plan as a “worthy way of conducting a leadership

transition.” Tom Mouw has served ably as

our District Superintendent and church

health specialist since 2002. Dave Linde has worked

with Tom, shouldering the responsibility for providing

resources to the churches, providing help with pastoral

placement (he has been the “go to guy” for our Call Committee) and has been the point person in charge of credentialing (ordination).

Essentially, the board is proposing that a “job swap” take

place in the Spring of 2016. Dave would become the

District Superintendent and Tom would take

on a position as General Ministry Director.

The board shared the following three

reasons for their recommendation:

“1. We believe the present direction and

culture of our district is worth preserving.

2. We believe Dave is qualified to serve as Superintendent and, in that role, he would

preserve the district culture and direction

which we value.

3. We believe a stop-start approach to selecting a new

superintendent at the end of Tom’s term would almost

certainly result in changes to that culture and direction.”

Please contact Heather at the church office or see

Pastor Brian if you would like a copy of the complete mailing we received from the District Board. As always,

your comments are welcome, and will be passed on by

Pastor Brian to the District Board.

missions recap

Changes are coming to the North Central District officeChanges are coming to the North Central District officeChanges are coming to the North Central District officeChanges are coming to the North Central District office

Small Groups have been quietly doing Kingdom building work this fall.

Each group has met weekly to dig into God’s Word and share the im-

portant journey of life together. You may not have heard much about

our Small Groups lately because these are held during the week in

members’ homes all around Buffalo, but big things are happening! We

are emphasizing community outreach activities to find ways to meet

needs, build relationships, and share Christ in Buffalo. You will have the You will have the You will have the You will have the

chance to join a group at our second semester Small Group sign up chance to join a group at our second semester Small Group sign up chance to join a group at our second semester Small Group sign up chance to join a group at our second semester Small Group sign up

February1st.February1st.February1st.February1st.

In leading up to the sign up, an informational meeting of those interested an informational meeting of those interested an informational meeting of those interested an informational meeting of those interested

in finding out more about Small Groups will be held on January 11th, at in finding out more about Small Groups will be held on January 11th, at in finding out more about Small Groups will be held on January 11th, at in finding out more about Small Groups will be held on January 11th, at

11:00 am (Sunday School time) in the Worship Center. 11:00 am (Sunday School time) in the Worship Center. 11:00 am (Sunday School time) in the Worship Center. 11:00 am (Sunday School time) in the Worship Center. We will give you a preview as what the groups are going to study, introduce the leaders,

and give you time and place information.

In addition to this, everyone, whether in a Small Group or not, is invited

to our annual Dog Dayz celebration on Saturday, January 31st at 6:00

pm. This chili potluck dinner is a good time to get together, and you will

have an opportunity to cast your ballot for your favorite chili. If you are

unable to bring chili for the dinner, COME ANYWAY! A family game

night will follow dinner. Bring your favorite board game to share.

So here are the scheduled events to put on your calendar: So here are the scheduled events to put on your calendar: So here are the scheduled events to put on your calendar: So here are the scheduled events to put on your calendar:

● Small Group informational meeting January 11thJanuary 11thJanuary 11thJanuary 11th, during Sunday

School in the Worship Center.

● Dog Dayz dinner and game night, 6:00 pm on January 31stJanuary 31stJanuary 31stJanuary 31st.

● Small Group sign up February 1stFebruary 1stFebruary 1stFebruary 1st, before and after church.

I look forward to seeing YOU in the coming Small Group events in Janu-

ary! Be a part of a life-changing, Kingdom-building work.

Brad Robinson BEFC Small Group Ministry Leader

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More big things happening with small groups coming up!

Happy New Year from Women’s Ministry This is the time of year when everyone is

talking about New Year’s resolutions. Rather

than setting the typical goals of exercising more

and eating less chocolate, what if you spent

some time with God and asked Him to show you

what he has planned for you in the new year?

In his year end giving update, Steve Huston

challenged us to ask God how he wants us to

give and serve in the coming year. Pastor Brian

recently reminded us that our belief and trust in

God allows us to love Him, which leads us to

worship, and to service. If you aren’t involved in

a ministry at BEFC, please know there is a place

for you, and if you are female, that place in-

cludes Women’s Ministry!

One of the most important things you can do to

help grow your faith and know God better is to

read His word, the Bible. Some of us like to use

other resources in our learning too, so here are a

few new opportunities and tools you might want

to consider:

Monday night Bible study for women: Beth Monday night Bible study for women: Beth Monday night Bible study for women: Beth Monday night Bible study for women: Beth

Moore, Moore, Moore, Moore, Children of the DayChildren of the DayChildren of the DayChildren of the Day-- Beth Moore’s

newest study, based on 1st and 2nd

Thessalonians. This group will begin in early

January, and will be led by Diane Huston and

Cathy Hutchcraft. You’ll find more information

and sign up details in the Commons at church.

Ongoing opportunities for study, prayer, and Ongoing opportunities for study, prayer, and Ongoing opportunities for study, prayer, and Ongoing opportunities for study, prayer, and

fellowship include:fellowship include:fellowship include:fellowship include:

~~~~Monday night prayer group for moms of teen

and adult children, led by Kali Pelham

~College Moms Prayer and Care group, meets

monthly to pray for college kids and send care

packages, led by Elaine Marple

~Sunday morning GIRLS group, led by Jenny

Robinson and Jeanette Vought

There are new materials making their way into

the BEFC library as well. Our library ministry

leaders will be visiting the GIRLS group in

January to highlight some of the special things

our library has to offer. Here’s a preview of

some of the newest resources:

You’re Already AmazingYou’re Already AmazingYou’re Already AmazingYou’re Already Amazing, Holley Gerth, Holley Gerth, Holley Gerth, Holley Gerth—With her

message from the heart, Ms. Gerth helps

readers separate God’s truth from the false

expectations of the world. This book will remind

you that God has big plans for your life, and

that he loves you more than you can imagine.

Am I Messing Up My Kids?, Am I Messing Up My Kids?, Am I Messing Up My Kids?, Am I Messing Up My Kids?, Lysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurst—

Whether you are pushing a stroller with a tod-

dler wiggling in it, or pushing your foot through

the floorboard while your teen learns to drive,

this book will give you practical parenting ideas,

encouragement from God’s word, and plenty of

empathy from one mom to another.

Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Choose Joy, Because Happiness Isn’t Enough, Kay Kay Kay Kay

WarrenWarrenWarrenWarren married to Pastor Rick Warren of

Saddleback Church, Kay Warren writes about

how to find joy no matter your circumstances.

Personal experiences, scripture, and prayers fill

each chapter of this encouraging book.

The Best Yes, The Best Yes, The Best Yes, The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurstLysa TerKeurst—Author of other

BEFC women’s favorites, Made to Crave and

Unglued, Lysa TerKeurst helps readers

understand the difference between saying yes to

everyone and saying yes to God. This book

helps with wisdom-based decision making, so

that we are free to discover God’s best for our

lives.

For more information about any of these new

opportunities, resources, or to learn more about

getting connected through Women’s Ministry at

BEFC, contact me anytime! I can’t wait to see

the wonderful things God has planned for us in

2015!

You are a blessing!

Jenny Robinson, Director of

Women’s Ministry, BEFC

www.thank-god-for-girlfriends.blogspot.com

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Buffalo Evangelical Free ChurchBuffalo Evangelical Free ChurchBuffalo Evangelical Free ChurchBuffalo Evangelical Free Church 2051 50th Street NE, Buffalo, MN 55313 Phone: 763-682-6846 Fax: 763-682-6834

info@buffalofree.org www.buffalofree.org

Your BEFC Staff:Your BEFC Staff:Your BEFC Staff:Your BEFC Staff: Brian Thorstad - Interim Lead Pastor c: 651-319-1953 churchwhisperer@gmail.com Bracston Siemens - Interim Youth Director c: 605-868-3652 bracston@buffalofree.org Heather Thornton - Office Administrator M-F 8:30-5:00 c: 763-443-1272 heather@buffalofree.org Dennis Eiklenborg - Custodian c: 612-424-3130 dennis@buffalofree.org

January BirthdaysJanuary BirthdaysJanuary BirthdaysJanuary Birthdays

Molly Schmutzer 2

Dane Simonson 2

Cathy Hutchcraft 5

Dave Compton 8

Bev Rempel 8

Kathy Rodelius 10

Cindy Anderson 15

Marj Porter 15

John Walker 18

Sam Palmer 24

Rana Schmidt 24

Mark Sletten 25

Joan Olson 27

Jenny Robinson 27

Tanner Harlow 28

January AnniversariesJanuary AnniversariesJanuary AnniversariesJanuary Anniversaries

Tim & Rachel Gallagher 2

Mark & Kali Pelham 2

Jeremy & Tammi Dorion 30

January 1st: New Year’s Day. The church office is closed

January 7th: AWANA theme is Pajama Night/Bring a Friend Night

January 10th: Membership Class from 8:30am-4:30pm

January 18th: Semi-Annual congregational meeting, immediately after the worship service

January 31st: 4th Annual Dog Dayz Chili Cook-Off & Game Night

February 1st: Second semester Small Group sign-up time before and after the worship service in the Commons

February 28th-March 1st: Men’s Winter Advance at Camp Shamineau

Some of you may not know that we have

the option to participate in giving online. If

you go to our church website,

www.buffalofree.org and click on “Give”, it

will take you to a page where you can set

up an account. From there, you can choose

the amount you’d like to give as well as the

frequency of which it is given. The process is

simple and safe. If you would like more

information on how the process works,

please contact Dan Rodelius at

612-875-4004 or Heather, in the office. Online Giving

Celebrate with each other!

Upcoming Calendar of Events

Stop in at the Reading Corner of BEFC’s

Library and check out our new books and

DVDs today! If you have questions on the

materials or need help, contact Joan Olson at

612-760-6687 or Lori Trogstad at

612-419-0231.