Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy for Heyward St United Methodist Church

Last Updated: July 2nd, 2026

At Heyward St United Methodist Church, we are committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding the personal data of our congregation, website visitors, and staff. This policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, and how we protect it.

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you interact with our website. This includes:

• Contact Data: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address when filling out forms.
• Ministry & Event Data: Registration details for events, Bible studies, or volunteer opportunities.
• Sensitive Communications: Information submitted via online prayer request forms.
• Financial Data: Donation history and details required to process tithes and offerings.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information strictly to facilitate our church operations, including:

• Managing church records and event registrations.
• Sending church updates, newsletters, and event reminders.
• Processing voluntary tithes and offerings safely.
• Directing prayer requests strictly to our pastoral care and prayer teams.
• Reaching out to you regarding your inquiry if desired.

3. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with external parties for marketing or promotional purposes.

We only share data with trusted third-party service providers who facilitate our digital operations (such as our email newsletter provider and our secure online giving platform). These processors are legally restricted from using your data for any other purpose.

SMS Text Messaging Data: No mobile phone numbers or messaging consent information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes.

4. Financial Security

All online financial contributions are handled securely via our third-party payment processor (Realm – onrealm.org). We do not store or retain credit card numbers or bank account details on our local church servers.

5. Children’s Privacy

In accordance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), we do not knowingly collect or solicit personal information online from children under the age of 13 without direct parental consent. If we discover we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 13, it will be deleted immediately.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to update your personal information, please contact our church office at:

Email: heywardst@umcsc.org
Address: 2501 Heyward St. Columbia, SC 29205

Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions of Use

Last Updated: July 22, 2026

Welcome to the website of Heyward St United Methodist Church (“we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our website, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions.

1. Use of Website Content

All text, graphics, logos, images, and audio clips on this website are the property of Heyward St United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Church, or its content suppliers and are protected by copyright laws. You may view, download, and print materials for personal, non-commercial, and educational use within your spiritual community, provided all copyright notices remain intact.

2. Media and Image Release

We frequently take photographs and video recordings during public worship services and church-sponsored events to share on our website and social media channels. By attending these public gatherings, you acknowledge that your likeness may appear in our media. A notice is posted at events to notify attendees of live streaming or photography. At the event, please notify the pastor or AV team if your image is not to be featured on any social media.

If you or a legal guardian wishes to have a specific image or video featuring you or your minor child removed from our website, please notify us at heywardst@umcsc.org, and we will take it down promptly.

3. User Conduct and Submissions

If you submit text, comments, or prayer requests to our website, you agree not to submit any material that is unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, or intentionally disruptive. We reserve the absolute right to monitor, edit, or delete any user submissions that violate our community standards.

4. Third-Party Links

Our website contains links to external platforms (such as our online giving portal, denomination archives, event calendars, social media, and more). We have no control over, and assume no responsibility for, the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

5. Disclaimer of Liability

This website and its contents are provided on an “as is” basis. While we strive for accuracy, Heyward St United Methodist Church makes no warranties regarding the uninterrupted functionality of the site or the total absence of errors.

6. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of South Carolina, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any legal actions must be handled within the jurisdiction of Richland/Lexington County, South Carolina.