Avoid Text Scams
February 4, 2025

You may have received text messages about paying overdue toll charges. It most likely is a scam.
To avoid a text scam like this:
- Don’t click on any links in, or respond to, unexpected texts. Scammers want you to react quickly, but it’s best to stop and check it out.
- Check to see if the text is legit. Reach out to the state’s tolling agency using a phone number or website you know is real — not the info from the text.
- Report and delete unwanted text messages. Use your phone’s “report junk” option to report unwanted texts to your messaging app or forward them to 7726 (SPAM). Once you’ve checked it out and reported it, delete the text.
Learn more about spotting and avoiding text scams at ftc.gov/textscams
Senator Alsobrooks has shared resources for Maryland residents. Dear Maryland Residents, I have dedicated my efforts to serving you with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. In response to the challenges many of you have faced due to various executive orders from the current administration, I am releasing this resource catalogue designed specifically for Maryland residents affected by these changes. In these trying times, it is essential that we come together as a community to support one another. We also understand that access to the right information empowers our neighbors, our friends, our families, and ourselves to tread the difficult terrain that we are all traveling together. This document serves as a guide, providing valuable resources and links to assist you in navigating issues related to unemployment, immigration, workforce development, healthcare, relief and assistance for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities, and more. I want you to know that you are not alone; I remain committed to advocating for your rights and addressing your concerns. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive Maryland for all. Thank you for your determination and resilience. Let us continue to stand united as we work through these challenges together. Access the Resource Guide HERE .

The DC Metro HBCU Alliance 5K Registration is open! The Race will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The Race will be held in Washington, DC; the location is to be announced. Virtual and in-person options are available for adults and children. Each registration will benefit our church's final revenue sharing payout at the end of the year, so feel free to invite family members and friends to join us as we run/walk to raise money to support young scholars who choose to attend our beloved HBCUs. The cost is $50 + 3.92 in fees, but the cost goes up to $55 plus fees on April 1. To register, click https://dchbcu.org/, select "Join a Team", select "HEMINGWAY MEMORIAL AME CHURCH" from the drop down box, and proceed with following the prompts to complete your registration! It is important that you select "HEMINGWAY MEMORIAL AME CHURCH" so that our church gets credit for the registration. Thanks in advance!
Hemingway answered Bishop Reginald Jackson's call to converge to Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC for a Press Conference on February 17, 2025. During the gathering, we were reminded of the strength of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and our people in times of hardships and struggle. Dr. Barbara Skinner said, "God still Reigns!". The initial purpose of the press conference was to celebrate the victory of Metropolitan AME Church (under the leadership of Pastor William Lamar), against the Proud Boys who attacked the church's Black Lives Matter sign during the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Read More ---> Proud Boys ordered to Pay Black Church Read More ---> Black Church taking over Proud Boys IP Stay tuned for more details on the Target Boycott presented by our Bishop that will start on March 5th, (Ash Wednesday). Speakers: Bishop Reginald Jackson, 2nd Episcopal District Rev. William Lamar, IV, Senior Pastor of Metropolitan AME Sherrilyn Ifill, President and Director - Counsel Emeritus Dr. Barbara Williams Skinner, CEO of Skinner Leadership Institute To see the recap of Hemingway attending this event, view the video below. Directly underneath the Hemingway video is the full press conference held at Metropolitan. Meeting starts at minute 17:18

Have you received a text message, email or letter alerting you to send in your personal information fora $1,400 tax rebate? The program is real but scammers are trying to trick you into giving them money. The IRS is automatically sending $1,400 rebate checks to eligible taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. Scammers are targeting taxpayers with fake text messages claiming they must provide personal details to receive their payment. The IRS has confirmed that it does not request sensitive information via text, email, or social media. Visit the IRS website here to read more on how to check to make sure you are not being scammed. CLICK HERE TO GO THE IRS WEBSITE Here’s what to look for: A big payday — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is Threats or urgent requests to pay right now or else, or to pay in a specific way Misspellings and grammatical errors Links, attachments or odd URLs — all trusted IRS links go to irs.gov

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. Tips for maintaining a healthy heart: Get your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Checked Choose Heart Healthy foods Aim for a health weight Get Regular Physical Activity Manage Stress Quit Smoking Get Enough Quality Sleep Source: What Is Heart Healthy Living? We invite you to join us at the virtual "Think Health, Think Heart" event on ZOOM. This is hosted by the Millennium Seat Pleasant Club and the Black Physicians & Healthcare Network

What are Class Leaders? Class Leaders are assigned a small group of the congregation. Leaders are responsible for contacting each person within their group for any needs (i.e. pastoral counseling, updates for the church, etc.) Ultimately, it is the way we ensure that everyone is connected, loved and cared for. If you have a heart to connect with people, please consider serving as a Class Leader. Please contact us at HERE .