Warning – Email Scams – September 2020

Dear Members of St Columba’s

Should you receive any emails from the church office, referring to events that are in the distant past, please ignore and delete them immediately. Don’t open or click on any links!

It seems as if someone has got hold of our email address book, and is using it to distribute malware. These emails are now being sent out to members of our congregation, as well as to the church’s email address.

FOR EXAMPLE:- The email below was sent out to members when our previous minister – Rev Douglas Bower, was Inducted.


St Columba’s Presby
U.S. Department of Commerce
Bureau of Industry and Security
Office of Export Enforcement
1200 South Avenue, Suite 104
Staten Island, NY 10314

718-370-8029 (Direct)
718-370-0826 (Fax)

Dear Members

This is a gentle reminder of the Ordination and Induction

Service which will take place on Sunday 22nd March at 13h00,

followed by a late tea and eats.

Should anyone wish to bring a plate of something sweet to

add to the eats, it will be much appreciated.

May we encourage our members to attend this very special

occasion as the Ordination of a minister is the most important day in his

life and support from his congregation would be very heart-warming to him.

Douglas encourages those who wish, to come dressed in

traditional regalia. (Our new minister will be in a KILT)

Blessings in Christ

Church Office



HERE IS ANOTHER EXAMPLE:- Email sent out by church office in 2014!!



>>> “St Columba’s Presby” admin@stcolumbashatfield.co.za> 2014/02/12 11:37 AM >>
11 February 2014



Dear Member of our Planned Giving Scheme

A very sincere acknowledgement and thank you for your regular pledges, which have again made a substantial contribution towards the needs of our Church, and provided for a comprehensive ministry of faith.

With the USA having weathered the fiscal cliff fears, and the European debt crises largely under control, there appears to be an uptick in the world economy. However, the South African economy of late has been negatively affected by the quantitative easing in the USA, a deterioration in the exchange rate, and an increase in the repo interest rate. Unemployment and GDP growth are still causing headaches in the South African economy, with the consumer still experiencing stress.

St Columba’s likewise has had challenges during the past year, and these are likely to continue in the new year especially as we determine what is the best acceptable package we can offer to any minister the congregation may wish to call. The methodology used to calculate the assessments has yet to be resolved by the UPCSA.

However, it is again through our faith and trust being centered upon Christ and His goodness toward us, that as a congregation we face the future.

May I encourage you to maintain/increase your contribution on a regular basis, and pray that the Lord will bless you for your faithfulness.

Please request your Planned Giving Envelopes from Suzanne via return email, should you prefer to place your monthly tithe in envelopes for the ensuing year.



Should you wish to switch to Electronic banking, or Stop Order, our bank details are as follows. (This would be a preferred method of payment, as it cuts down substantially on Office Admin & Stationery):



Account name: St Columba’s Presbyterian Church

Nedbank

Branch Code 160245

Account No 1602344663

Please remember to quote your PLEDGE NUMBER as a reference.

Once again my sincere thanks for your continued financial support.