Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for St. Paul United Methodist Church 

Effective Date: January 5, 2026

St. Paul United Methodist Church (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, safeguard, and disclose information when you visit our website.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information you voluntarily provide, including:

• Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address, Prayer requests or pastoral care submissions, Event registrations, newsletter sign-ups, or form submissions, and donation information processed through third-party payment platforms (we do not directly store financial data) 

We may also collect non-personal information automatically, such as:

• IP address, Browser type, and device information, Usage data via cookies or analytics tools 

How We Use Your Information

We may use collected information to:

• Communication about ministry events, services, and programs, respond to prayer or care requests, improve website functionality and content, Support church administration, outreach, and discipleship efforts, send newsletters or updates if you have opted in, Process donations securely through external vendors. 

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You may adjust your browser settings to decline cookies, though some features may not function as intended.

Third-Party Services

We may use trusted third-party service providers for:

• Donation processing (e.g., payment gateways), Email communication platforms, Analytics tools (e.g., traffic and engagement insights), and Form hosting and event registration services. 

These providers may collect and process data under their own privacy terms. We do not sell or share your personal information for commercial marketing.

SMS (Text Message) Communications and Consent
By opting in to receive SMS (text) messages from St. Paul United Methodist Church, users agree to the following:

• Purpose of messages: Communications may include worship reminders, ministry updates, event notifications, prayer follow-ups, volunteer coordination, and other church-related information.
• Message frequency: Message volume will vary based on church programming, seasonal communications, and individual engagement (such as event registration or prayer responses). You will not receive automated marketing messages unrelated to church ministry.
• No purchase requirement: Consent to receive SMS messages is not required to give donations, register for events, or participate in church activities.
• Data handling: Phone numbers collected for SMS communications are stored securely and are not sold, rented, or shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. We may share numbers only with trusted communication service providers used to deliver church messages.
• Carrier and messaging costs: Standard message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.
• Content expectations: Messages may contain links to church resources, schedules, or forms. We will not request sensitive financial information through SMS.

Opt-Out (Unsubscribe) Instructions
Users may opt out of SMS messages at any time by:

• Replying STOP to any message received from the church
• Contacting the church office directly and requesting removal from the SMS list
• Using opt-out options provided in specific ministry sign-up forms when applicable

Once you opt out, you will no longer receive SMS messages unless you opt in again.

SECURITY 

St. Paul United Methodist Church takes precautions to protect your Personal Information. However, we cannot guarantee that hackers or unauthorized personnel will not gain access to your Personal Information despite our efforts. You should note that when using the Service, your information may travel through third-party infrastructure that is not under our control (such as a third-party SMS delivery platform or your carrier network). 

We cannot protect, nor does this Policy apply to, any information that you transmit to other users. You should never transmit personal or identifying information to other users. 

Your Choices

You may request:

• What personal data we have collected about you, Correction or deletion of submitted information, Removal from communications lists. 

To make a request, contact us through the church office or website contact form.

Links to External Websites

Our website may include links to other organizations, ministries, or partners. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy periodically. The revised version will be posted with a new effective date. Continued use of the website indicates acceptance of updates.

Contact

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact the church office through established church communication channels.