I never start an email by saying “Hi.” But some of you received email or texts recently that pretended to be from me, starting with “Hi” and ending with “Blessings” (I end all my emails with “Peace” – it’s an email tic).
The emails I’m referring to are scams that target religious communities. From what we’ve been able to figure out, the scammers (probably bots?) mine the internet for info about clergy and their parishioners, and then email or text the parishioners pretending to be the clergy person.
The first communication is usually pretty generic, “I want to discuss something with you” or “Can you help me with something?” Subsequent emails ask people to purchase gift cards, often “to help someone in crisis.” The clergy person is "in a meeting so can’t talk right now,” and the parishioner is asked to email or text the codes on the gift card.
There are often lots of red flags – the language doesn’t sound quite like the pastor, the email address or phone number is not quite the one you’re used to, and why would someone in the hospital urgently need Etsy gift cards?! But it’s from your PASTOR and they NEED YOU and you just want to HELP!
These scams hit every congregation in every tradition. It’s a fishing exercise, not a hack of an email account or a virus on my computer or yours (which isn’t to say the next variation won’t come with a virus…). It could be our imagination but it seems like the scammers get better over time at mimicking the email address, pastor’s word patterns, etc.
When this first started (maybe six years ago?) we all learned we could report the email address and it would get shut down, but the scammers just created another one and nothing changed. So the most recent guidance has been just to delete – allegedly, replying (even to tell the scammer off, which some parishioners particularly enjoyed) increases the likelihood of being targeted further.
If you wonder if an email is from me, look carefully at the email address. Legit emails come from revcindyfccn@gmail.com or pastor@firstchurchnatick.org If you’re not sure, feel free to reach out to me directly. You can also send me a screen shot or forward the email to me. But like it says in the signature line of all my emails, I will never ask you for gift cards by email or text.
I apologize for the stress and inconvenience this causes. Maybe someday we’ll figure out a way to stop the bots from gathering our info. But for now we know we are particular targets in part because of our mission of compassion and care. And we aren’t going to change that for anyone.
The Outreach team is holding a yard sale! We need volunteers (adults and youth) to come out in force to assist with collecting items, selling on May 4, and clean up! Feel free to sign up for multiple time slots. Outreach Members who are organizing the Sale will be present during all shifts start to finish! This is a very fun intergenerational church event! Questions call, text or email Gail Martin 617-283-9180, pgail1975@gmail.com.
Sign up: ucc.fccnatick.org/yardsale
Opportunities and Announcements
Looking for Coffee Hour Hosts: May - June
Hosts needed for May 12, May 26, and all 5 weekends in June. Whether you're experienced or brand new we welcome you to provide light refreshments after worship during a social time. Please contact sharonkirby3@gmail.com. I'll help with any questions or assistance. Thanks!
Additional Resources
Prayer List
The prayer list is updated periodically. If you find that a name has been rotated off the list for whom you would like the continuing prayers of the community, please contact the office or Prayer List Coordinator Linda Champion. Also, if a known issue has been resolved, thank you for communicating the news to us so that the prayer list can be a current reflection of this vital ministry. Thank you to all for your care and prayers.
Mental illness affects 1 in 5 Americans every year. If you or a loved one are struggling to live a fulfilling life due to conditions such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD, know you are not alone, and help is available. See below.
Download Natick 180 Resources
Each of the below resources are now available in five different languages. Click the links to view each resource.
The UCC’s second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, “Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?” The two and a half hour summit will additionally feature a panel of grassroots leaders, the announcement of the Dollie Burwell Prophetic Action Award winner, a celebration of the UCC’s newest Creation Justice Churches, and a video showcasing the environmental ministries of our host congregation, The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College. This event will be both in-person and live streamed via Zoom. Along with The Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, cohosts include the UCC’s Council for Climate Justice, the National Setting of the UCC, and the New Hampshire Conference of the UCC. Even if one cannot make the event at its scheduled time, all those who register will receive a link to a recording of the event. Register here.
Our street/mailing address is:
First Congregational Church of Natick
2 East Central Street, Natick, MA 01760
