Living Word Church Privacy Policy

LWLC Privacy Policy
Living Word Lutheran Church (LWLC)
Marshall, Minnesota
Effective Date: June 29, 2026

Living Word Lutheran Church (“LWLC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) values your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and disclose personal information provided by individuals through our website, online forms, communication tools, and third-party services. By using our website, submitting a form, making a donation, or otherwise providing information to us, you agree that we may collect, use, and share that information as described in this Policy, subject to applicable law.

  1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you choose to provide, such as:

  • Name.
  • Email address.
  • Mailing address.
  • Phone number.
  • Prayer requests.
  • Registration and form data.
  • Donation or event payment information.
  • Communication preferences.
  • Survey responses.
  • Ministry-related inquiries.

We may collect this information when you:

  • Fill out a form.
  • Register for an event.
  • Make a donation.
  • Subscribe to a newsletter.
  • Participate in a survey.
  • Contact the church.
  • Use our website or third-party services.

We may also collect limited technical information automatically, such as browser type, device information, IP address, pages visited, and general site usage data through cookies or similar technologies.

  1. How We Use Information

We use personal information to:

  • Communicate about church events, services, updates, and announcements.
  • Respond to prayer requests and inquiries.
  • Process donations and event registrations.
  • Deliver ministry content and opportunities.
  • Improve our website and communications.
  • Send periodic emails through Mailchimp.
  • Conduct church-related phone and text communication through Zoom Phone.
  • Maintain internal church records through Planning Center.

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Policy, to meet legal or accounting obligations, or for legitimate church operations. When information is no longer needed, we may securely delete it or anonymize it. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties.

  1. How We Protect Information

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information. These may include encrypted connections, access controls, secure third-party systems, malware scanning, and network safeguards.

No credit card information is stored on our servers. Online donations and forms are processed through third-party providers such as Planning Center, email communications are handled through Mailchimp, and voice and text communication is conducted through Zoom Phone. Each of these platforms maintains its own privacy and data protection practices.

  1. Cookies

We use cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Understand and save user preferences.
  • Track site traffic and interaction data.
  • Improve website performance and user experience.

You can disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features may not function properly if you do.

  1. Third-Party Providers

We use the following third-party services to support church operations:

We only share information with these providers as reasonably necessary for them to perform services on our behalf, subject to their own terms and privacy practices.

  1. Children’s Privacy

We care about children’s privacy. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, as required by COPPA when applicable.

Our website and services are not directed to children under 13 for independent online use. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without appropriate consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete that information from our records. Parents or guardians who believe a child has submitted information without consent should contact us.

  1. Data Breach Response

We strive to follow fair and responsible information practices. If a data incident involving personal information occurs, we will take appropriate steps under applicable law, which may include investigation, containment, remediation, and notice to affected individuals or authorities as required.

We do not store sensitive financial information on our servers. Financial transactions are handled through secure third-party systems.

  1. Do Not Track

Some browsers include a Do Not Track setting. Because browser signals are not standardized, our website may not respond to every Do Not Track request. We do not knowingly permit third-party behavioral tracking on our website.

  1. California Privacy Notice

If California privacy law applies to a user or to our operations, the following may apply:

  • Users may visit our site anonymously to the extent technically possible.
  • This Policy is available through a link on our website.
  • Changes to this Policy will be posted on this page.
  • Users may contact us to update their personal information.
  1. Email Compliance

We may collect email addresses to send requested information and church communications. To help comply with CAN-SPAM, our emails should:

  • Identify LWLC as the sender.
  • Use non-misleading subject lines.
  • Include our physical mailing address.
  • Provide an unsubscribe option.

You may unsubscribe from non-essential emails by using the link provided in the email.

  1. External Links

Our website may include links to third-party sites. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of those sites.

  1. Your Rights and Choices

You may request to:

  • Access your personal information.
  • Update your personal information.
  • Delete certain personal information, subject to legal and recordkeeping requirements.
  • Opt out of non-essential communications.
  • Ask questions about how your information is used.

Depending on applicable law, certain rights may not apply in every case. To make a request, contact us using the information below.

  1. Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technology, or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on this page with a revised effective date.

  1. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your information, contact us at:

Living Word Lutheran Church
800 E Southview Court
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 337-9673
Email: office@livingwordmarshall.org