Dear Congregants,
We want to take a moment to remind everyone to stay vigilant against recent email phishing scams that have been circulating, particularly ones targeting church members. There has been a troubling scam in which someone is posing as Rev. Justine, reaching out through email and requesting gift cards to help victims of the recent LA fires.
One of our congregants nearly fell victim to this scam when they received a response from the scammer, despite initially reaching out to Rev. Justine’s official email address. The scam became clear when the scammer asked for gift cards, which is something our ministers will never request from anyone.
Key Points to Remember:

• Do not share directory information via email or use unrestricted sharing links (such as "anyone with the link" type). Always ensure you're sharing sensitive information securely.
• Our ministers will never ask for gift cards, money through PayPal, or any type of financial assistance via email or text. If you receive any cryptic or unusual messages asking for a response, please be cautious.
• If you receive a suspicious email or text, or if you think someone is posing as one of our ministers, do not open the message or continue communication.

See below for examples of recent scam and phishing emails being received by congregants and staff members:

1. Fake Request for Gift Cards: An email appeared to come from Rev. Justine asking for urgent help in the form of gift cards for victims of the LA fires. The scammer requested the congregant send gift card codes directly to an email address, which is not a legitimate request from our ministers.
   
2. Cryptic Email from 'Rev. Justine': A suspicious email with vague language and no clear subject or request other than to reply immediately. Upon responding, the scammer quickly escalated by asking for money through PayPal, which is not a method our ministers will use to ask for financial help.
   
3. Unusual Text Message: A staff member received a text message asking for a "quick favor" and to contact the sender via email. This led to an attempt to acquire money or gift cards for so-called emergency purposes, but it was not from a legitimate source.
   

Stay alert, and if you’re unsure about any message, please reach out to our office directly or contact Rev. Justine through verified channels. Your safety is our priority.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides excellent resources and materials, such as infographics, posters, and handouts, to help raise awareness about scams. For more information, visit the following FTC resources:

• Cybersecurity for Small Businesses
• Consumer Alerts and Info about Scams
• Download or order consumer publication

Let’s all stay safe and help protect one another from these harmful scams.

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2025 PSWSA Assembly
Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2025
First UU San Diego
Unitarian Universalism:
Now More Than Ever

Come join Unitarian Universalists and other like-minded individuals as we gather together this April in San Diego to explore how we can better cultivate a culture of love and put these beliefs into action.  It's going to be a weekend, full of amazing keynote speakers, informative workshops, great music and food and most of all, having time to connect with old friends and make some new ones!
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Here are just some of the highlights planned for the weekend:

• Leaders Luncheon
• Optional Walking Tours
• Registration and Social Time
• Dinner
• Welcome, Worship & Land Recognition
• Keynote Address on "Liberalism & Faith" by Peter Bolland
• Keynote on "UU Faith Moving Forward" by Rev Meg Riley
• Camp de Benneville Pines Annual Meeting
• Workshops on topics like "UU Faith Moving Forward," "Renewal in the Mountains," and "Countering Hate with Love"
• Additional workshops on "Building Homes, Not Walls," "Embodied Healing Practices," and "Current Immigration Laws"
• Social Hour
• Honors Dinner & Program
• A Concert by Karen Hart
• Morning Meditation
• Sunday Worship Service
• Closing Ceremony and Social Hour

We are also offering Youth FUUN at Assembly is for K-5th and 6-12th graders. Bring your school-aged youth to the Assembly for camp-themed activities with trained UU camp leaders. No infant or non-potty-trained childcare will be available. Parent or Guardian must be on site at Assembly. Learn more on the website.

Sign up to be a Delegate and represent your church at Camp's Annual Meeting on Saturday morning. According to Camp bylaws, every Member Church (UU Churches, UU Congregations, UU Fellowships) in the Pacific Southwest Service Area shall designate delegates from its membership and shall have the right to be represented in membership of the governance of DE BENNEVILLE PINES, INC., based upon the number of church members as certified by the Member Church to the UUA each year as follows: 

Sign up to represent your congregation when you register! If you have any questions about becoming a delegate, please contact Dale Botts, PSWSA Assembly planning co-chair and Vice President of the Board of Directors for De Benneville Pines, Inc. Dale can be reached at [email protected].
 
Camp's Board of Directors expresses its sincere thanks to outgoing board member, Paul Wallace. He has served the board for over 10 years in several capacities. The Nominating Committee is recommending Louise Klatt be approved as the seventh member of the board, serving as a member at large. This important vote will occur during Camp's Annual Meeting.

Camp de Benneville Pines Contact Information:
Camp de Benneville Pines
PO Box 82
Angelus Oaks, CA 92305-0082
(909) 794-2928 Voice Messages Only
http://www.uucamp.org