Privacy Policy

Introduction

Church of South Texas ("we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website churchofstx.com or use our services, including the Seek First mobile application.

Information We Collect

Information You Provide

• Contact Form: Name, email address, and message content when you submit our contact form
• Calendar Events: Information about church events you view through our integrated Google Calendar
• Seek First App: Account information and usage data if you use our mobile application

Information Collected Automatically

• Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, browser type, and device information
• Analytics: We use Vercel Analytics to understand how visitors use our site (anonymized data)
• Cookies: Essential cookies for site functionality and preference storage

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Respond to your inquiries and provide information about our church
• Send ministry updates and event notifications (only if you opt in)
• Improve our website and services based on usage patterns
• Promote our Seek First app to people searching for Christian resources
• Maintain the security and functionality of our website
• Comply with legal obligations

Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share information only in these limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: We use third-party services including:
  • Vercel (website hosting and analytics)
  • Resend (email delivery for contact form)
  • Google Calendar API (event information display)
  • Google Ads (promotional advertising)
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights
• Church Ministry: With church leadership for legitimate ministry purposes

Third-Party Services

Google Services

We use several Google services:

• Google Calendar API: To display church events on our website
• Google Ads: To promote our Seek First app to people searching for Christian resources
• Google Analytics: Through Vercel Analytics for anonymized usage statistics

These services are governed by Google's Privacy Policy:https://policies.google.com/privacy

Vercel

Our website is hosted on Vercel, which may collect technical information for hosting and analytics purposes. View Vercel's Privacy Policy:https://vercel.com/legal/privacy-policy

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information. Our website uses HTTPS encryption, and all data is transmitted securely. However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time
• Data Portability: Request your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at: shanson@churchofstx.com

Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences (e.g., light/dark mode)
• Understand how you use our website
• Improve website performance and user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Seek First Mobile App

If you use our Seek First mobile application, additional terms may apply. The app collects:

• Account information for app functionality
• Bible study progress and preferences
• Prayer requests and devotional history
• Usage analytics to improve the app

All data is stored securely and used solely to provide and improve the app experience.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated effective date. Your continued use of our website after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

California Residents

If you are a California resident, you have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA):

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to know if personal information is sold or disclosed
• Right to say no to the sale of personal information
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to equal service and price

Note: We do not sell your personal information.