Privacy Policy

Last updated: November 27, 2025

ELC Decatur (“we,” “us,” or “our”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit our website at https://elcdecatur.org (the “Site”) or interact with us online.

By using the Site, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Who We Are

ELC Decatur is a church community located in Decatur, Illinois. We use this Site to share information about our worship services, ministries, events, and programs, and to provide ways to connect with us.

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, you can contact us using the information provided on our Contact page.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in the following ways.

a. Information you provide directly

You may choose to give us information when you:

• Fill out a contact or prayer request form
• Register for events, classes, or programs
• Sign up for newsletters or email updates
• Submit an online giving form or make a donation
• Request information or resources
• Communicate with us by email, phone, or through the Site

This information may include:

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Any information you include in your message or form
• Amount and details related to your gifts or payments (excluding full payment card numbers, which are handled by payment processors)

b. Information collected automatically

When you visit the Site, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:

• IP address
• Browser type and version
• Device type and operating system
• The pages you visit and links you click
• Date, time, and duration of visits

This information helps us understand how people use the Site and improve it over time.

c. Information from third parties

We may receive limited information from third-party services that help us operate the Site, such as:

• Website hosting and maintenance providers
• Email and newsletter services
• Online giving or payment processors
• Analytics and security tools

These services share information with us so we can manage communication, giving records, and site performance.

3. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect for purposes such as:

1. Communication
   • Responding to your questions, requests, or messages
   • Sending updates about services, events, classes, and ministries
   • Sending administrative messages related to things you have signed up for
2. Ministry and program support
   • Processing registrations for events, classes, or programs
   • Recording and acknowledging donations and other financial contributions
   • Managing volunteer participation and follow-up
3. Site operation and improvement
   • Operating, managing, and improving the Site
   • Monitoring performance and protecting against errors and attacks
   • Analyzing how visitors use the Site so we can improve content and navigation
4. Legal and safety purposes
   • Complying with legal obligations
   • Protecting the rights, property, and safety of our church, staff, volunteers, and visitors
   • Responding to lawful requests from authorities

We do not sell your personal information.

4. Cookies And Similar Technologies

The Site may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Help certain features work correctly
• Improve performance and security
• Understand how visitors use the Site

You can usually control cookies through your browser settings. If you disable cookies, some features of the Site may not work as intended.

5. Online Giving And Payments

If you make a donation or payment through the Site:

• The transaction may be handled by a third-party payment processor.
• That provider collects and processes your payment details directly (such as credit or debit card numbers).
• We may receive limited information related to the transaction, such as your name, contact information, donation amount, and the date of your gift, for our records and acknowledgements.

Your financial data is handled according to the payment processor’s own terms and privacy practices.

6. Email Communications And Newsletters

If you sign up to receive emails, newsletters, or updates from us, we will use the contact information you provide to send the requested communications.

You may unsubscribe at any time by following the instructions in the email or by contacting us directly. Even if you opt out of general emails, we may still send you messages related to specific requests, registrations, or giving records when needed.

7. How We Share Your Information

We may share information in limited ways:

• Service providers
  With trusted companies and individuals who provide services on our behalf, such as website hosting, email delivery, payment processing, and technical support.
• Staff and volunteers
  With staff or authorized volunteers who need access to information to carry out ministries, events, or administrative tasks.
• Legal and safety reasons
  With law enforcement, government authorities, or other parties when required by law or when we believe that disclosure is necessary to protect rights, safety, or property.

We do not share your personal information with unrelated third parties for their own marketing.

8. Data Retention

We keep personal information only as long as needed to:

• Provide services you request
• Maintain giving and administrative records
• Support ministry operations
• Meet legal, accounting, or reporting requirements

When information is no longer needed, we may delete it, anonymize it, or store it securely in an archive, depending on the circumstances and applicable laws.

9. Security

We take reasonable steps to help protect your information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. These measures may include technical safeguards, secure hosting, and limited access to personal data.

No website or system can guarantee complete protection, but we aim to handle your information with care.

10. Your Choices

You have several choices regarding your information:

• Email preferences
  You can unsubscribe from non-essential emails by using the link in our messages or by contacting us.
• Updating your information
  You may contact us to request corrections or updates to your personal information, where appropriate.
• Cookies
  You can manage or delete cookies through your browser settings.

Some requests may require identity verification and may be subject to legal or recordkeeping requirements.

11. Children’s Privacy

Because we serve families and children, some of our online forms or content may relate to children’s ministries, classes, or events. Any online collection of information about children is meant to involve parents or guardians.

We do not intentionally collect personal information online from children under 13 without parental or guardian involvement. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information without consent, please contact us so we can review and address the situation.

12. Links To Other Websites

The Site may include links to other websites, such as partner ministries, resources, or social media pages.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. Once you leave our Site, their policies and practices apply.

13. Visitors From Outside The United States

The Site is intended for use by individuals in the United States. If you access the Site from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be transferred to, stored in, and processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your home country.

14. Changes To This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. In some cases, we may also provide a notice on the Site.

15. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact us using the information listed on our Contact page on the Site.