Holy Apostles Orthodox Christian Church | Sandpoint, Idaho

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint

Effective Date: September 1, 2025

Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint (“Church,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our parishioners, visitors, and community members. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (holyapostlessandpoint.org or any affiliated sites), attend events, or interact with our services. By providing your information or using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.

We comply with applicable U.S. federal laws, including the CAN-SPAM Act for email communications and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) for text messages. As a non-profit religious organization, we do not engage in commercial activities, but we respect your privacy rights under state laws, such as those in Idaho where our Church is located.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, such as:

  • Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number (including mobile), mailing address, and other contact details when you sign up for events, newsletters, or parish activities via forms on our website, in-person registrations, or email inquiries.
  • Event and Participation Data: Details about your attendance at services, classes, or community events, including dietary preferences or emergency contacts if relevant.
  • Donation Information: If you contribute financially (e.g., via online forms), we may collect payment details processed by third-party providers (we do not store full credit card information).
  • Website Usage Data: Automatically collected information like IP address, browser type, pages visited, and time spent on our site (using cookies or similar technologies—see Section 5).

We do not collect sensitive information such as racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs (beyond your voluntary affiliation with our Church), health data, or biometric data unless explicitly provided for event accommodations.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Facilitate parish communications, such as event announcements, bulletins, and spiritual updates.
  • Manage registrations for services, sacraments, classes, and community activities.
  • Send newsletters, emails, or text messages about upcoming events (only with your consent—see Section 6).
  • Process donations and provide receipts.
  • Improve our website and services based on usage patterns.
  • Contact you for pastoral care or administrative purposes.

We will not use your information for marketing or solicitation beyond church-related activities.

3. Sharing Your Information

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

  • With Parish Volunteers or Staff: To organize events or provide services (e.g., sharing contact lists for group communications with your consent).
  • Service Providers: Third parties who assist us, such as email platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), payment processors (e.g., PayPal), or website hosts. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and use it only for our purposes.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as in response to a subpoena, or to protect our rights, safety, or property.
  • Anonymized Data: Aggregated or de-identified data may be used for internal reports or public summaries (e.g., attendance statistics).

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

4. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, such as secure servers, encryption for sensitive data, and access controls. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security. If you have reason to believe your information has been compromised, contact us immediately (see Section 9).

5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies (small files stored on your device) to enhance user experience, remember preferences, and analyze site traffic. Cookies are not used to track personally identifiable information across sites. You can manage cookies through your browser settings:

  • Most browsers allow you to refuse cookies or delete them.
  • Disabling cookies may limit site functionality.

We do not use third-party trackers for advertising.

6. Communications and Opt-In/Opt-Out

Emails and Texts: Under the CAN-SPAM Act and TCPA, we obtain your explicit prior consent before sending non-emergency emails or texts. When you opt in (e.g., via a form or verbal agreement), you consent to receive communications about parish events.

  • Opt-Out: Every email includes an unsubscribe link. For texts, reply “STOP” to opt out. You can also contact us to revoke consent at any time. Opting out will not affect past communications or emergency alerts (e.g., service cancellations).
  • Frequency: We send communications sparingly, typically 1-4 per month for events.
  • Physical Address: All emails include our Church address: [Insert Address], Sandpoint, ID [ZIP].

We honor opt-outs within 10 business days and do not add you to lists without consent.

If you provide your information without opting in, we will not send automated communications.

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). If we learn we have collected such information, we will delete it promptly. Parents can contact us to review or delete their child’s data.

8. Your Rights and Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your personal information by contacting us.
  • Withdraw consent for communications or data processing.
  • Request information about third-party sharing.

We respond to such requests within 30 days. Note that retention periods vary: contact data is kept as long as needed for parish purposes (e.g., indefinitely for active members) but deleted upon request if no ongoing relationship exists.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on our website with the updated effective date. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

10. Contact Us

For questions about this policy or your data, contact:

  • Email: contact@sandpoint.church
  • Phone: +1 208 610 8400
  • Mail: Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint, 1815 N Boyer Avenue, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Terms & Conditions for Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint

Effective Date: September 7, 2025

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the website of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint (“Church,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), including holyapostlessandpoint.org and any affiliated digital platforms, as well as participation in our in-person or virtual events and services. By using our website, attending events, or providing information, you agree to these Terms. If you do not agree, please do not use our services.

As a non-profit religious organization under U.S. law, these Terms are intended to promote a respectful community while complying with applicable federal and state laws, including those related to communications (CAN-SPAM Act and TCPA).

1. Acceptance of Terms

Your use of our website and services constitutes acceptance of these Terms and our Privacy Policy (incorporated herein by reference). We may update these Terms at any time; changes will be posted online with the effective date. Continued use after updates means acceptance.

2. Use of the Website and Services

  • Permitted Use: You may access our site for personal, non-commercial use to learn about our Church, register for events, or donate. You agree not to:
    • Use the site for unlawful purposes or in violation of any applicable law.
    • Post harmful, offensive, or infringing content (if user-generated content is allowed).
    • Attempt to interfere with site security or functionality (e.g., hacking, viruses).
    • Collect or harvest data without permission.
  • Age Restriction: You must be at least 13 years old to use our site independently. Users under 18 require parental consent.
  • Event Participation: Attendance at services or events is at your own risk. Follow all guidelines for safety and respect. We reserve the right to refuse entry or participation for disruptive behavior.

3. Communications Consent

By providing your email or phone number (e.g., via forms or sign-ups), you explicitly consent to receive communications from us as described in our Privacy Policy. This includes:

  • Emails and texts about parish events, under CAN-SPAM and TCPA requirements.
  • Opt-out instructions: Unsubscribe from emails via link; text “STOP” for texts.
  • No consent is required for transactional messages (e.g., donation confirmations).

Revoke consent anytime by contacting us; we honor requests promptly.

4. Intellectual Property

All content on our website—including text, images, logos, sermons, and materials—is owned by the Church or licensed to us and protected by U.S. copyright, trademark, and other laws. You may view and print content for personal use but may not reproduce, distribute, or modify it without written permission. For permissions, contact us.

5. Donations and Transactions

Donations are voluntary and irrevocable once processed. We use third-party processors; you agree to their terms. All donations support our non-profit mission and are tax-deductible where applicable (consult a tax advisor).

6. Disclaimers and Limitation of Liability

  • No Warranties: Our website and services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including accuracy, availability, or fitness for a particular purpose.
  • Limitation of Liability: To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Church shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your use of our site or services, even if advised of the possibility. Our total liability shall not exceed $100.
  • Indemnification: You agree to indemnify us against claims arising from your misuse of our services.

These limitations apply to all claims, including contract, tort, or strict liability.

7. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Idaho and U.S. federal law, without regard to conflict of laws principles. Any disputes shall be resolved exclusively in the state or federal courts in Bonner County, Idaho. We encourage informal resolution first; contact us before legal action.

8. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to our services at any time for violation of these Terms, without notice or liability.

9. Miscellaneous

  • Entire Agreement: These Terms, with the Privacy Policy, constitute the full agreement.
  • Severability: If any provision is invalid, the rest remain enforceable.
  • No Waiver: Our failure to enforce any right does not waive it.
  • Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters).

10. Contact Us

For questions about these Terms, contact:

  • Email: contact@sandpoint.church
  • Phone: +1 208 610 8400
  • Mail: Holy Apostles Orthodox Church Sandpoint, 1815 N Boyer Avenue, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Thank you for being part of our community. May God bless you.

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