Sharon Methodist Church ("SMC") Privacy Policy/Legal
Sharon Methodist Church is deeply committed to respecting and protecting your right to privacy. We take your privacy seriously. This policy explains what information we do collect and how we use that information to continue to provide outstanding service to you.
This Privacy Policy governs the manner in which Sharon Methodist Church collects, uses, maintains and discloses information collected from users (each, a "User") of the https://sharonbythesea.com website ("Site"). This privacy policy applies to the Site and all products and services offered by Sharon Methodist Church ("SMC") on the Site.
Personal identification information
We may collect personal identification information from Users in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to, when Users visit our site, fill out a form, and in connection with other activities, services, features or resources we make available on our Site.Users may be asked for, as appropriate, name, email address, mailing address, phone number. Users may, however, visit our Site anonymously. We will collect personal identification information from Users only if they voluntarily submit such information to us. Users can always refuse to supply personally identification information, except that it may prevent them from engaging in certain Site related activities.
Non-personal identification information
We may collect non-personal identification information about Users whenever they interact with our Site. Non-personal identification information may include the browser name and IP address, the type of computer and technical information about Users means of connection to our Site, such as the operating system and the Internet service providers utilized and other similar information.
Web browser cookies
We may place a text file called a "cookie" in the browser files of your computer. The cookie itself does not contain personal information, although it will enable us to relate your use of this site to information that you have specifically and knowingly provided. The only personal information a cookie can contain is information supplied by the user such as filling out a site contact form. A cookie cannot read data from the user’s hard disk or read cookie files created by other sites. We use cookies to track user traffic patterns (as described above). SMC DOES NOT store any personal information in the cookie. A cookie in no way gives sites access to your computer hardware or software or any information about you. Our site simply creates cookies to help make our website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and the ability to use the contact forms on our site. You will not get the best experience and full use of our site if these basic essential cookies are disabled.
We collect Device Information using the following technologies:
"Cookies" are data files that are placed on your device or computer and often include an anonymous unique identifier. For more information about cookies, and how to disable cookies, visit http://www.allaboutcookies.org.
"Log files" track actions occurring on the Site, and collect data including your IP address, browser type, Internet service provider, referring/exit pages, and date/time stamps.
You can choose to have your computer warn you each time a cookie is being sent, or you can choose to turn off all cookies. You do this through your browser (like Firefox, Internet Explorer or Google Chrome) settings. Each browser is a little different, so look at your browser’s Help menu to learn the correct way to modify your cookies. You can also use the Cookie Bar at the bottom of any page to either "Accept" or disable cookies but keep in mind, if you disable the essential cookies, some features will be disabled that make your site experience more efficient and some of our services will not function properly. View our Cookie Policy.
Google Website Analytics
Google’s advertising requirements can be summed up by Google’s Advertising Principles. They are put in place to provide a positive experience for users. https://support.google.com/adwordspolicy/answer/1316548?hl=en
We have not enabled Google AdSense on our site but we may do so in the future.
We may also partner with selected third-party vendors such as Google Analytics to allow tracking technologies and re-marketing services on the Site through the use of first party cookies and third-party cookies, to, among other things, analyze and track users’ use of the Site, determine the popularity of certain content and better understand online activity. By accessing the Site and clicking "Accept" on our cookie bar, you consent to the collection and use of your information by these third-party vendors. However, you can disable this by clicking on "Settings" to make cookie changes. You are encouraged to review our Cookie Policy and their privacy policy and contact them directly for responses to your questions. We do not transfer personal information to these third-party vendors. However, if you do not want any information to be collected and used by tracking technologies, you can use the cookie bar at the bottom of our web page to opt-out, you can visit the third-party vendor or the Network Advertising Initiative Opt-Out Tool or Digital Advertising Alliance Opt-Out Tool. View our Cookie Policy.
You should be aware that getting a new computer, installing a new browser, upgrading an existing browser, or erasing or otherwise altering your browser’s cookies files may also clear certain opt-out cookies, plug-ins, or settings.
How we use collected information
SMC may collect and use Users personal information for the following purposes:
- To run and operate our Site we may need your information display content on the Site correctly.
- To send periodic emails We may use the email address to send User information and updates pertaining to their request. It may also be used to respond to their inquiries, questions, and/or other requests.
How we protect your information
Our highly secured servers use appropriate data collection, storage and processing practices and security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure or destruction of your personal information, username, password, transaction information and data entered on our Site. When personal information (such as a credit card number on our donation page) is transmitted to other Web sites, it is protected through the use of encryption, such as the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) protocol. Our site uses the https: protocol showing it is a secured site as opposed to the non-secured http: protocol.
Sharing your personal information
We do not sell, trade, or rent Users personal identification information to others. We may share generic aggregated demographic information not linked to any personal identification information regarding visitors and users with our business partners, trusted affiliates and event advertisers for the purposes outlined above. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.
Electronic newsletters
If User decides to opt-in to our mailing list, they will receive emails that may include church news, updates, related product or service information, etc. We may use third party service providers to help us operate our business and the Site or administer activities on our behalf, such as sending out newsletters or surveys. We may share your information with these third parties for those limited purposes provided that you have given us your permission.
Third party websites
Users may find advertising or other content on our Site that link to the sites and services of our partners, suppliers, advertisers, sponsors, licencors and other third parties. We do not control the content or links that appear on these sites and are not responsible for the practices employed by websites linked to or from our Site. In addition, these sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing. These sites and services may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. Browsing and interaction on any other website, including websites which have a link to our Site, is subject to that website’s own terms and policies.
Controls for DO-NOT-TRACK Features
Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems [and our mobile applications] include a Do-Not-Track ("DNT") feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference not to have data about your online browsing activities monitored and collected. No uniform technology standard for recognizing and implementing DNT signals has been finalized. As such, we do not currently respond to DNT browser signals or any other mechanism that automatically communicates your choice not to be tracked online. If a standard for online tracking is adopted that we must follow in the future, we will inform you about that practice in a revised version of this Privacy Policy./Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems [and our mobile applications] include a Do-Not-Track ("DNT") feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference not to have data about your online browsing activities monitored and collected. If you set the DNT signal on your browser, we will respond to such DNT browser signals.
Photo & Video Policy
At Sharon Methodist Church ("SMC") we value the way in which photos, videos and other media help our faith community grow and flourish. Photos and videos tell our story, provide visitors information and an idea of what to expect when they attend our worship services and events, highlight the work of those who serve, and allow us to communicate our mission as a church via our website and other digital and print media.
Accordingly, photography, videography, live streaming and other recording may be in progress at SMC’s Sunday services, ministry activities, classes, programs and other events. SMC may use the media recorded at these events in materials produced by or for the church, including but not limited to, our bulletins, posters, brochures, newsletters and other printed and electronic materials, digital media (e.g. SMC’s website, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media sites.)
By participating in SMC’s services, ministry activities, classes, programs and events: (i) you consent to be photographed, videotaped or otherwise recorded; (ii) you grant your permission for SMC to use the recordings containing your image, likeness, voice or statements, without compensation, credit or other consideration to you, for SMC’s promotional, publicity and other purposes, throughout the world and in perpetuity; and (iii) you agree to release, hold harmless and indemnify SMC from any and all liabilities and claims involving the use of your image, likeness, voice or statements.
While we reserve the right to photograph and record church events, we strive to ensure that photography and videography are used in safe and positive ways. We will not knowingly and intentionally post any photo, video or other recording that would be embarrassing, objectional or hurtful to any clearly, personally identifiable individual in the recording.
Additionally, if you see a photo on SMC’s website or social media pages that includes you or your child and would like it removed, please contact the church office at (910) 842-2929.
Changes to this privacy policy
Sharon Methodist has the discretion to update this privacy policy at any time. When we do, we will revise the updated date at the bottom of this page. We encourage Users to frequently check this page for any changes to stay informed about how we are helping to protect the personal information we collect. You acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to review this privacy policy periodically and become aware of modifications.
Your acceptance of these terms
By using this Site, you signify your acceptance of this policy. If you do not agree to this policy, please do not use our Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes to this policy will be deemed your acceptance of those changes.
Contact Us
For more information about our privacy practices, if you have questions, or if you would like to make a complaint, please contact us by e‑mail at [email protected] or by mail using the details provided below:
Sharon Methodist Church
Privacy Compliance Officer
2030 Holden Beach Rd. SW
Supply, NC 28462
United States
Phone: (910) 842-2929
This document was last revised on March 17th, 2023.