A Message from Pastor Pete:
updated 3/17/20
Dear members and friends of Brookings First United Methodist family:
In the interests of public health and safety we have closed our buildings until the beginning of April. Bishop Ough has requested “cancellation of all non-essential, in-person small group meetings or gatherings in our church buildings during this timeframe.” This will then be reviewed by the Bishop and the health authorities.
This offers us an amazing opportunity to serve our community here in Brookings.
First of all we will do this by staying at home on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings as we seek to keep our members and community healthy. We have moved church online. There will be an online service this Wednesday evening: join the rest of the church at 6p.m. via livestream on the following link: www.605pro.com/UMC, also found on our Worship page on the website. There will not be any services in our buildings - but do join us on the internet. We have an IT team who is installing the equipment to help us do this.
Secondly we can serve our community by cleaning our buildings of this virus while you are out of the buildings. Our cleaning staff will be attending to this.
Finally we want to reach out to those who are shut in and needing help. Please contact Brenda Hieb at 605-691-9395 who has agreed to coordinate caregivers for those in need.
What you can do: you can help us serve our community through your financial support. Because for the next few weeks we will not have the Sunday offerings, you can support us in the following ways:
You can electronically donate to FUMC using one of the following options:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Pete
Rev Dr Peter S Grassow
In the interests of public health and safety we have closed our buildings until the beginning of April. Bishop Ough has requested “cancellation of all non-essential, in-person small group meetings or gatherings in our church buildings during this timeframe.” This will then be reviewed by the Bishop and the health authorities.
This offers us an amazing opportunity to serve our community here in Brookings.
First of all we will do this by staying at home on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings as we seek to keep our members and community healthy. We have moved church online. There will be an online service this Wednesday evening: join the rest of the church at 6p.m. via livestream on the following link: www.605pro.com/UMC, also found on our Worship page on the website. There will not be any services in our buildings - but do join us on the internet. We have an IT team who is installing the equipment to help us do this.
Secondly we can serve our community by cleaning our buildings of this virus while you are out of the buildings. Our cleaning staff will be attending to this.
Finally we want to reach out to those who are shut in and needing help. Please contact Brenda Hieb at 605-691-9395 who has agreed to coordinate caregivers for those in need.
What you can do: you can help us serve our community through your financial support. Because for the next few weeks we will not have the Sunday offerings, you can support us in the following ways:
You can electronically donate to FUMC using one of the following options:
- The link below is to FUMC’s e-Giving through Vanco Payment Solutions (Vanco). FUMC has been using Vanco for a little over a year - the website is fast and easy to navigate. Donations may be made via a credit/debit card or direct bank account deduction (checking or savings account). To donate, Click Here.
- You can donate using your cell phone by downloading the Give+ app from the App Store or Google Play. Search for “Brookings,” select FUMC, and follow the directions.
- Text giving is also an option. Send a text message to 605-250-0807 with the dollar amount of the gift, and follow the directions.
- Finally, you can contact JoAnn Lee at 605-692-4345 to authorize an ACH deduction from your personal bank account.
- For those that prefer to not give electronically, you can always mail your donation check to: FUMC, 625 5th St, Brookings, SD 57006
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Pete
Rev Dr Peter S Grassow
COVID-19 Info & Health Tips
People should use social distancing (keeping a physical distance of no less than 3ft between you and other persons not in your household) now that the Governor has issued a state of emergency. Please use common sense infection control precautions when out in public –
This includes their hotline 1-800-997-2880
If you are ill and have questions please call your healthcare provider ahead of just showing up at a clinic. Make sure you tell them any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
If you are ill and the symptoms are emergent please call 911 and let them know any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
Please use reliable resources for information:
https://doh.sd.gov/news/coronavirus.aspx (DOH public COVID-19 information)
1-800-997-2880 (DOH public COVID-19 hotline)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html (CDC information)
Spread reliable information to the public:
Bunny Christie, MS
Infection Preventionist
Brookings Health System
- Consider using online grocery and supply shopping
- If you go out in public – wash or sanitize hands afterward once you are in your vehicle or when you are able to reach a sink.
- Wear a mask if you are ill and must go out.
This includes their hotline 1-800-997-2880
If you are ill and have questions please call your healthcare provider ahead of just showing up at a clinic. Make sure you tell them any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
If you are ill and the symptoms are emergent please call 911 and let them know any symptoms you are experiencing, if you have been traveling, OR if you have been in contact with a KNOWN POSITIVE COVID19 person.
- WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN – use soap and water or an alcohol based hand rub.
- Make your own if necessary sanitizer if necessary!
- 1/3 cup 60%-70% isopropyl alcohol and 2/3 aloe vera or other gel/lotion you prefer – you can add 5 drops essential oil if you like that sort of thing!
- Use appropriate respiratory and hygiene etiquette. – cover coughs, sneezes, use a tissue for a runny nose, etc.
- Wipe off high touch surface areas at home, in the car, and at work at least once during the day.
- I know the store shelves are pretty bare of disinfecting wipes. No worries! You can use household cleaners at home with a disposable paper towel (or however you typically clean). Please follow instructions on cleaning supplies as they typically need a few minutes to sit wet on a surface before wiping. You may mix a 1:10 bleach and water solution to clean with as well – TEST YOUR SURFACE FIRST so you don’t discolor anything!
- You can even use baby wipes around public places. Baby wipes are effective at removing bacteria and viruses. People think you have to use an antibacterial wipe but what you are really looking for is mechanical removal (ELBOW GREASE) and some detergent is a bonus!
- You can also make “baby wipes” at home by placing 1 Tbs coconut oil, 1 squirt of baby shampoo, 1 squirt of baby oil, 2 cups of water into a plastic container or baggie (check for leaks!) with any amount of paper towels/napkins sufficient to absorb the liquid. In fact, making your own will put less stress on parents trying to purchase them from already bare store shelves!
- Microfibre cloths are also effective at virus removal. Follow instructions from manufacturers about use.
- STAY AT HOME IF YOU ARE ILL. – If you have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, can’t manage respiratory secretions, etc. you need to stay at home! Call your provider with symptoms ahead of time to be prescreened.
Please use reliable resources for information:
https://doh.sd.gov/news/coronavirus.aspx (DOH public COVID-19 information)
1-800-997-2880 (DOH public COVID-19 hotline)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/index.html (CDC information)
Spread reliable information to the public:
- There are over 1 million COVID-19 tests distributed nationwide
- The CDC reported this morning that 2 million more tests are being distributed
- CURRENTLY IN SOUTH DAKOTA – you can’t just walk in and demand testing. Healthcare facilities are screening patients because the Department of Health does not have their total test kit supply yet.
Bunny Christie, MS
Infection Preventionist
Brookings Health System
Commission On a Way Forward Statement
Click on the file to read the statement of inclusion by members of BFUMC who attended our study and discussion on the UMC Commission On a Way Forward regarding the General Conference vote. The Traditionalist Plan was approved by the global United Methodist Church, reaffirming exclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community from ordination and same-sex marriage.
We also encourage you to contact the office if you would like to be a part of a new class to discuss these issues and our faithful response.
Click on the file to read the statement of inclusion by members of BFUMC who attended our study and discussion on the UMC Commission On a Way Forward regarding the General Conference vote. The Traditionalist Plan was approved by the global United Methodist Church, reaffirming exclusion of the LGBTQIA+ community from ordination and same-sex marriage.
We also encourage you to contact the office if you would like to be a part of a new class to discuss these issues and our faithful response.
| 2019_03_26_cowf_-_exclusive_or_inclusive.2.pdf |
Capital Campaign Survey Conclusions
Click on the file to read the congregational survey and interview conclusions and recommendations regarding our Capital Campaign study.
Click on the file to read the congregational survey and interview conclusions and recommendations regarding our Capital Campaign study.
| Capital Campaign Study & Recommendations |
| mcci_final_report___prescriptions_-_04_23_2017.pdf |