Slideshow image

It is not often I get a chance to do this, but it is time for an update from me. It’s been crazy working with the new renovations all over the building, especially when we get to add some new technology. I have been working with some volunteers upgrading our network to make it more secure and some other upgrades are coming soon. I cannot wait to see how this is used to help spread the word of the gospel in the future. 

A little life update from me as well, I will be getting hand surgery on December 11th. It will be challenging to work one handed for a while, but I will power through it. I will also be wrapping up a year of college in December. It was tough balancing school and working full time at first, but I have found the balance. I actually just wrapped up with my business law class and that was quite interesting. At ShopRite we are getting ready for the holiday season in the retail world and even though I am working in the training side of HR, I am still there to help our associates get through the challenges of the season. I have also had the opportunity to work with some amazing individuals on the ANE District Live Stream Team. We help those that have issues or need insight on their live stream. Whether they are just getting started or just struggling with some issues, we are there for them. Read more about the team here. 

Speaking of the holiday season just around the corner, I’d like to remind you of some ways to stay safe online. Rhonda and I had the opportunity to attend the “Secure your Church’s Information” at the Parish Resource Center about two weeks ago, and we learned some tools to share with you regarding scams. 

Let’s look at some common types of scams: 

  • Imposter scam 
    • This has become the most common scam. They claim to be someone you know and the more personal they can make it, the better! 
    • An example would be: “This is Pastor John. Can you do me a favor quickly? I’m in a meeting so please don’t call me.” If you were to respond to this, they would ask for either an account login or gift cards. 
    • If this happens to you, please contact the individual contacting you. Chances are that the message you originally received is not from them. 
  • IRS/tax/government scams 
    • A phone call, text, or email telling you that you owe money 
    • May ask you to give your personal information to verify your identity before they can tell you more 
    • Government agencies normally initiate contact in writing 
  • Fake online listings 
    • Scammers will list furniture, apartments, electronics, etc. online. 
    • Often priced low with a reason for why they need a quick sale. Moving and must go! 
    • They may then ask for payment upfront. Or ask for your personal information 
  • Fake charitable giving 
    • Scammers usually use names very similar to real charities to confuse you 
    •  Donating to a fake charity can mean you lose the initial money, but can also provide the information needed to steal your identity as well 
    • Ask for the charity’s name, website, and mailing address and look them up to make sure they are a legitimate charity (https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations) 
    • If they are legitimate and you decide to donate, go through the organization’s listed information, not the information given to you by the potential scammer. 
    • Legitimate charities most often ask for checks or online credit card donations. Scammers more often ask for cash, wire transfers, gift cards, and cryptocurrency. 

Receive something that seems suspicious? You have every right to be question it! If for some reason you are unsure about an email or a text you received, ask someone. You can reach out to me if you have reason to believe you have received something sketchy.  

Friendly reminder about the Thanksgiving Eve service this Wednesday November 27th at 7:00pm. You can join in-person or online, a link will be sent Wednesday. We hope to see you there as we worship, hear testimony, and fellowship together. 

Here as always to help you embrace technology by becoming adaptive, innovative, and fearless through Christ. 

Ed Heidinger II