Missions at Brookings FUMC

09/01/2026

Long before the convenience of modern smartphone navigation, a brilliant mathematician named Gladys West was quietly mapping the foundation for the technology we rely on every single day.

Through her groundbreaking work, West utilized complex algorithms to create extremely accurate models of the Earth’s surface and gravitational fields, a mathematical shape known as the geoid.

Her extensive research on radar altimetry projects, including Seasat and GEOSAT, allowed scientists to track satellite positions with pinpoint precision. While the United States Department of Defense developed the overall Global Positioning System, it was her highly precise geodetic models that were absolutely essential to calibrating the system and making modern GPS navigation a reality.

💬 How often do you rely on GPS technology to navigate your daily life?

Sources: U.S. Air Force historical records, scientific archives.

09/01/2026

pictures from Past Turkey Dinners put on by Mission Committee of Brookings First UMC!

The Date: Sept 20!

09/01/2026

Turkey Dinner time is upon us! Drive through pickup meals available for Sept 20th! You can sign up to help with preparation, baking pies, making salads, serving or cleanup spots here:
https://www.brookingsmethodist.org/turkey-dinner.html

stay tuned for more information on this luscious meal whose proceeds go to missions of the UMC!

Brookings First United Methodist Church is holding a Drive-Up/Take-Out Turkey Dinner at the Community Life Center. Serving from 11:30am to 1:00pm

07/28/2026

Brookings Backpack request for August is APPLESAUCE / FRUIT Cups! This is our congregation's contribution to this great community project! Thank you!

07/25/2026

Aug 5 , 10:30 in CLC for corn prep for turkey dinner! please come if you can help!
(from a past corn event)

07/25/2026

from Laron Deboer re: Starting prep for the annual turkey dinner! "After talking with Vonda this morning we reserved the CLC for Wednesday August 5. I will gather a group of 5 people to pick the corn in the morning and hope to be at the CLC around 10:30 am to husk,clean, and cut the corn from the cob." Would appreciate any help! thank you!

07/13/2026

07/12/2026

Ice cold fruit slush on sale at Brookings Art Festival! stop by to refresh your mind, soul and body! all proceeds for mission projects of the UMC!

06/30/2026

sign up to work in the slush booth after service on wednesday or sunday OR on the church website: brookingsmethodist.org

06/29/2026

can you help out in the booth to serve luscious slush? sign up after service on Wednesday or Sunday! you are needed and you are appreciated! all proceeds go to Mission projects of the United Methodist Church!

pictures from 2025 mission projects!