Effective from: 1st April 2025
At Riverwoods Church, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you interact with our website, attend our services, or participate in our ministries. You agree to the terms outlined in this policy when using our services.
Information We Collect
We collect information to provide meaningful experiences and improve our services. The types of information we collect include:
Personal Information
- Contact Details:Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address.
- Demographic Information:Age, gender, and family details (e.g., children’s names and ages for ministry purposes).
- Financial Information:Donation details, payment information, and transaction history (processed securely through third-party platforms).
- Spiritual Information:Prayer requests, baptism records, and participation in ministries or events.
Non-Personal Information
- Technical Data:IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing behavior on our website.
- Cookies:We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website, track usage patterns, and personalize content.
Children’s Information
With parental consent, we collect limited information for children participating in our ministries (e.g., Splash), such as name, age, and emergency contact details.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide Services:Facilitate your participation in church activities, ministries, and events.
- Communicate:Send updates, newsletters, event invitations, and spiritual resources.
- Process Donations:Manage contributions and provide tax receipts.
- Improve Services:Analyze website usage and feedback to enhance user experience.
- Ensure Safety:Protect the well-being of our congregation, especially children and vulnerable individuals.
- Fulfill Legal Obligations:Comply with applicable laws and regulations.
How We Protect Your Information
We take the security of your information seriously. Measures include:
- Encryption:Sensitive data (e.g., financial information) is encrypted during transmission and storage.
- Access Controls:Only authorized personnel have access to your information.
- Third-Party Vendors:We partner with trusted providers who adhere to strict privacy standards.
- Regular Audits:We conduct periodic reviews to ensure compliance with privacy best practices.
Sharing Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. However, we may share information in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: For example, when you sign up for an event hosted by a partner organization.
- For Legal Reasons: To comply with legal requests and court orders or to protect our rights and safety.
- With Service Providers: To facilitate donations, event registrations, or communications (e.g., email platforms).
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to:
- Access and Update: Request a copy of your personal information or update inaccuracies.
- Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from communications or withdraw consent for data processing.
- Delete Data:Request the deletion of your information, subject to legal and operational requirements.
To exercise these rights, contact us at info@riverwoodschurch.com
Children’s Privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. Parents or guardians must provide consent for children under 13 to participate in our ministries. Parents can review, update, or request to delete their child’s information anytime.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party sites (e.g., donation platforms or event registrations). These sites have privacy policies, and we are not responsible for their practices.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The revised policy will be posted on our website with the effective date.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: info@riverwoodschurch.com
Mailing Address: [Insert Church Address]
Acknowledgment and Consent
By using our website or participating in our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and consent to collecting, using, and sharing your information as described herein.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy unless a more extended retention period is required or permitted by law. For example:
- Donation Records:Kept for financial reporting and tax purposes.
- Ministry Participation:Retained to provide continuity in spiritual care and ministry involvement.
- Website Analytics:Stored in an aggregated and anonymized form for analysis and improvement.
Once the retention period expires, we securely delete or anonymize your data.
International Data Transfers
If you are accessing our website or services from outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in the United States, where our servers are located. You consent to this transfer, storage, and processing by using our services.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. These technologies help us:
- Personalize Content:Tailor content and resources to your interests.
- Analyze Usage:Understand how our website is used and improve its functionality.
- Remember Preferences:Save your preferences for future visits.
You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.
Data Breach Notification
In the unlikely event of a data breach, we will promptly notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required. Our response will include:
- Identification:Determining the scope and impact of the breach.
- Containment:Taking immediate steps to secure affected systems.
- Communication:Informing you of the breach, the data involved, and steps you can take to protect yourself.
Your Spiritual Privacy
At Riverwoods Church, we deeply respect the spiritual nature of your information, such as prayer requests or personal testimonies. This information is treated with the utmost confidentiality and is only shared with staff or volunteers directly involved in spiritual care unless you explicitly consent to its broader use.
Donor Privacy
We are committed to respecting the privacy of our donors. Donor information is used solely to process contributions, provide tax receipts, and communicate about church activities. We do not sell, trade, or share donor information with third parties for fundraising or marketing purposes.
Social Media and Public Content
When you engage with us on social media or participate in public events (e.g., sharing testimonies or photos), your content may be visible to others. By participating, you consent to the public nature of these platforms. If you wish to remove or restrict such content, please contact us.
Questions or Concerns
Your trust is important to us. If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please do not hesitate to reach out:
We will respond to your inquiries promptly and work to address any concerns you may have.
Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the state of [Insert State], United States. Any disputes arising from using our services or this policy will be resolved per these laws.
At Riverwoods Church, we believe that your privacy is a sacred trust. We are committed to protecting and using your information responsibly to further our mission of reaching people far from God and making passionate followers of Jesus. Thank you for entrusting us with your personal and spiritual journey.
