Privacy Policy

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025

1. Introduction

Welcome to Embrace Church of San Antonio. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website, https://EmbraceChurchSA.org, or interact with us in other ways.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: This includes information that can identify you, such as your name, email address, phone number, postal address, and any other information you provide when you register for events, subscribe to newsletters, donate, or contact us.
• Usage Information: We collect data about how you interact with our website, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, pages visited, and the time and date of your visit.
• Cookies and Tracking Technologies: We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience and collect information about your preferences. You can manage your cookie settings through your browser.
• Donation Information: If you make a donation, we collect payment information, such as credit card details or bank account information. This information is processed by secure third-party payment processors.
• Children’s Information: We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide and maintain our website and services.
• To communicate with you, including sending newsletters, event updates, and other information.
• To process donations and provide donation receipts.
• To respond to your inquiries and provide support.
• To improve our website and services.
• To comply with legal obligations.

4. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information with:

• Service Providers: We may share your information with third-party service providers who assist us with website hosting, payment processing, email delivery, and other services.
• Legal Compliance: We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to a valid legal request.
• With your consent: We may share your information with other third parties when you give us permission.  We will not disclose your information with other third parties for third party marketing.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction.  However, no internet transmission is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: You can request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
• Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information, subject to legal limitations.
• Opt-Out: You can opt-out of receiving marketing communications from us.
• Data Portability: You may request a copy of your data in a machine-readable format.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at Admin@EmbraceChurchSA.org.

7. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on our website.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Embrace Church of San Antonio
4515 Fredericksburg Rd, Suite 8
San Antonio, TX 78201
O:  210.647.6053
Admin@EmbraceChurchSA.org

SMS Policy

Effective Date: January 1st, 2025

1. Introduction

Embrace Church of San Antonio offers SMS messaging services to provide updates, event reminders, and other relevant information to our members and visitors. By opting in to receive SMS messages from us, you agree to the terms of this SMS Policy.

2. Opt-In Consent

• You must provide your explicit consent to receive SMS messages from us.
• Consent can be obtained through website forms, in-person sign-ups, or other clear and conspicuous methods.
• We will send a confirmation message to verify your consent.
• We will provide clear instructions on how to opt-out.

3. Message Content and Frequency

• We will send messages related to church events, updates, and other relevant information.
• Message frequency will vary depending on the services you subscribe to, but generally may be 2-3 texts per user per week.
• We will not send unsolicited promotional messages.

4. Opt-Out Information

• You can opt-out of receiving SMS messages at any time by replying “STOP” to any message.
• You will receive a confirmation message confirming your opt-out.
• Alternatively, you can contact us at Admin@EmbraceChurchSA.org or 210.647.6053 to opt-out.

5. Message and Data Rates

• Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.
• You are responsible for any charges incurred from receiving SMS messages.
• Fees may vary if the message is sent domestically or internationally.

6. Privacy

• We will not share your mobile number with third parties for marketing purposes.
• We will protect your mobile number and other personal information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

7. Changes to This Policy

• We may update this SMS Policy from time to time.
• We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on our website or through SMS.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or need HELP about this SMS Policy, please text HELP or contact us at:

Embrace Church of San Antonio
4515 Fredericksburg Rd, Suite 8
San Antonio, TX 78201
O:  210.647.6053
Admin@EmbraceChurchSA.org

Child Safety Policy

Purpose: To provide a safe and secure environment for all minors participating in church activities.

Screening: All staff and volunteers working with children or youth must undergo a formal background check and a personal interview.

Supervision: A “Two-Adult Rule” shall be maintained at all times; no minor should be left alone with a single adult in any church-sponsored setting.

Inclusion: In alignment with our Statement of Faith, all children and their families—regardless of gender identity or family structure—are entitled to a safe and affirming environment.

Harassment Policy

Purpose: To maintain a ministry environment free from harassment and discrimination.

Prohibitions: The Church strictly prohibits sexual harassment and any form of harassment based on age, sex, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status.

Conduct: This policy applies to all employees, Board members, and volunteers.

Reporting: Any individual who experiences or witnesses harassment is encouraged to report the incident immediately to the Senior Pastor or a member of the Board of Directors.

Financial Controls Policy

Purpose: To ensure the highest level of integrity and transparency in the management of church funds.

Expenditure Authority: Disbursements under $3,500 require a single authorized signature.

Disbursements exceeding $3,500 require two authorized signatures or documented Board approvals.

Restrictions: No individual may sign a check or authorize a payment made payable to themselves.

Whistleblower Protection Policy

Purpose: To encourage the reporting of unethical or illegal conduct within the organization.

Safe Reporting: Any member or employee may report concerns regarding financial malfeasance, safety violations, or other illegal activity without fear of retaliation.

Confidentiality: Reports will be investigated with the highest degree of confidentiality possible, overseen by the Board of Directors.

Protection: The Church will not tolerate any form of professional or ecclesiastical retaliation against an individual who makes a good-faith report.

Document Retention Policy

Purpose: To ensure that official records are maintained for legal compliance and historical integrity.

Maintenance: Permanent records (such as these Bylaws, meeting minutes, and property deeds) shall be stored securely in the principal office or online database owned, controlled, and managed by the church.

Destruction: Financial records and personnel files shall be maintained according to timelines established by Texas law and IRS regulations, after which they must be destroyed via secure shredding.

Gift Acceptance Policy

Purpose: To govern the receipt of non-cash contributions to ensure they align with the church’s mission.

Non-Cash Gifts: The Board of Directors must review and approve the acceptance of non-cash gifts, including real estate, vehicles, or securities.

Liability: The Church reserves the right to refuse any gift that carries undue liability, significant maintenance costs, or conditions that conflict with the Church’s inclusive mission.