Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information when you visit our website or interact with our church:
- Contact information — name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when voluntarily provided through contact forms or event registrations
- Usage data — pages visited, time spent on the site, and browser type collected automatically through standard web analytics tools
- Communication preferences — information about how you prefer to receive newsletters, announcements, and event notifications
- Donation information — if you give online, payment processing is handled by secure third-party providers and we do not store full payment details
How We Use Your Information
Information collected through this website is used solely to serve our congregation and community. Specifically we may use your information to:
- Respond to inquiries and prayer requests submitted through our contact form
- Send our congregational newsletter, monthly calendar, and ministry updates
- Notify you of upcoming services, events, and community programs
- Process event registrations and volunteer sign-ups
- Improve the content and functionality of our website
We will never sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties for marketing purposes. Your information is used exclusively for ministry and communication within the Zion Lutheran Church community.
Cookies and Analytics
Our website may use cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. We use standard analytics tools to understand how visitors use our site so we can improve it.
You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. Disabling cookies may affect certain features of the website but will not prevent you from accessing our content.
Email Communications
If you subscribe to our newsletter or provide your email address, you may receive periodic communications from Zion Lutheran Church including our Messenger newsletter, monthly calendar, and event announcements.
You may unsubscribe from email communications at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in any email or by contacting us directly. We will process your request promptly.
Photography and Video
Zion Lutheran Church photographs and records worship services, events, and ministry activities. These images and videos may be used on our website, social media channels, and printed materials to share the life of our congregation.
If you prefer not to appear in published photographs or videos, please speak with a member of our pastoral or administrative staff. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate your request.
Third-Party Services
Our website may link to or embed content from third-party services including:
- YouTube — for worship service and sermon videos
- ELCA.org — the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- Camp Mount Luther — for youth and family camp programs
These third-party services have their own privacy policies. We encourage you to review them. Zion Lutheran Church is not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites.
Data Security
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Our website uses standard security practices including SSL encryption for data transmission.
While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but are committed to handling your data with care and integrity.
Children’s Privacy
We are committed to protecting the privacy of children. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information, please contact us so we can address the situation appropriately.
Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your personal information
- Opt out of email communications at any time
- Ask how your information is being used
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information below.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
Terms and Conditions
This Privacy Policy should be read alongside our Terms and Conditions, which govern your use of this website.
Questions About This Policy?
If you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us here or visit us at Zion Lutheran Church, Sunbury, Pennsylvania.