Privacy & Legal (Heritage Congregational Church)

1) Privacy Policy

What we collect

• Information you provide: emails you send us; prayer requests; newsletter sign-ups; online giving details you enter on our payment pages; volunteer forms; event sign-ups.
• Basic technical info: browser type, pages viewed, approximate region from your IP. We do not sell personal information.
• Embedded services that may set cookies: YouTube video embeds, Google Maps, and Zoom links may collect usage data under their own policies.

How we use information

• To communicate about worship, events, prayer, and pastoral care.
• To process gifts and send acknowledgments and year-end receipts.
• To maintain website functionality and security.

Payment processing

• We use third parties (for example, PayPal and Venmo) to process gifts.
• Your payment information is handled directly by the provider and subject to that provider’s privacy policy.
• We do not store full card numbers or bank details on our website.

Email and newsletters

• You can unsubscribe from any bulk email at any time using the unsubscribe link or by emailing the office.

Children’s privacy

• We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 online.
  If you believe a child has provided personal information to us, contact the office and we will delete it.

Data sharing

• We do not sell or rent your information.
  We share information only as needed with:
  Service providers (for example, website host, payment processors) for church operations.
  Pastoral staff or lay leaders to respond to prayer requests and care needs.
  Law enforcement or as required by law.

Data retention

• We keep information only as long as necessary for ministry, recordkeeping, and legal obligations (for example, donation records).

Your choices and rights

• You may request access, correction, or deletion of your information by emailing heritageoffice@heritagemadison.org.
  We will honor reasonable requests subject to legal and recordkeeping requirements.

Cookies

• Our site uses essential cookies for basic operation.
• Embedded content (YouTube, Google Maps) may set their own cookies.
• You can control cookies through your browser settings.

Third-party links

• Links to external sites (for example, Facebook, YouTube, FindHelp, Madison Metro) have their own privacy practices.
• Review those sites for details.

2) Terms of Use

• Informational use: Website content is for general information and ministry communication.
• No professional advice: Content is not legal, medical, or counseling advice.
• Acceptable use: Do not attempt to disrupt the site, misuse contact forms, or infringe others’ rights.
• Intellectual property: Text and images are the property of Heritage or used with permission. Do not republish without consent.
• Links: External links are provided for convenience; we are not responsible for their content or practices.
• Changes: We may update this page periodically. The “Effective date” shows the current version.

3) Online Giving and Refunds

• Designated gifts: We strive to honor donor designations; if a project is fully funded or unavailable, gifts may be used for a similar purpose.
• Receipts: Annual receipts are emailed or mailed each January.
• Refunds: If you gave in error, contact the office within 14 days and we will work with you and the payment processor to resolve it.

4) Photo and Video

• We celebrate church life with photos and videos.
• We avoid posting close-up images of minors’ faces without a parent or guardian’s consent.
• Removal requests: If you wish to have a photo removed, email the office with the link and description and we will take it down.

5) Accessibility and Non-Discrimination

• Heritage welcomes all who wish to worship and work with us.
• Our meeting space offers step-free entry and accessible seating.
• If you encounter barriers on the website or in person, contact the office so we can help.

6) Contact

• Email: heritageoffice@heritagemadison.org
• Phone: (608) 509-4917
• Address: 716 S. Whitney Way, Madison, WI 53711
• Mailing: P.O. Box 46130, Madison, WI 53744