Privacy Policy

Community United Methodist Church of Half Moon Bay
Last Updated: September 16, 2026

Community United Methodist Church of Half Moon Bay values your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and share personal data obtained through our website, mobile communications, giving platforms, and ministry operations in accordance with applicable California guidelines.

1. Personal Information We Collect

We collect information you provide directly to us when you engage with our church community, register for events, or subscribe to communications. This includes:

·         Contact Information:  Name, email address, physical address, and phone number.

·         Financial Giving:  Payment details, billing address, and donation history processed securely through our giving provider.

·         Church Participation:  Demographic info, prayer requests, volunteer preferences, and group attendance details.

·         Digital Data:  IP addresses, browser types, and usage patterns via standard web cookies to optimize our website experience.

2. How Personal Information Is Used

We use your collected personal information strictly to support our ministry, communicate with our community, and fulfill administrative functions. Specifically, we use it to:

·          Provide pastoral care, manage church memberships, and organize ministry groups.

·          Process financial contributions, tithes, and event registrations.

·          Send updates, church newsletters, event notifications, and relevant text messages.

·          Maintain accuracy in our church database system.

·          Improve our website navigation, user experience, and overall accessibility.

3. Who Personal Information Is Shared With

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Your data is shared only with trusted service providers essential to managing church operations, strictly under confidentiality agreements:

·         PowerChurch (Church Management Software):  All membership information, church directories, and attendance trackers are stored within our secure church management software.

·         Vanco (Online Giving Portal):  All digital tithes, recurring donations, and special offerings are handled through their secure, PCI-compliant processing platform. Your full financial details are never stored on church servers.

·         Legal Requirements:  We may release specific information if strictly required by federal or California law, or to protect the safety of individuals in our community.

4. Text Messaging and SMS Privacy and Terms and Conditions

We highly value your text messaging privacy. If you opt-in to receive SMS alerts, updates, or notifications from us, the following strict standard applies:

SMS consent and phone numbers collected for text messaging purposes are not shared with third parties or affiliates under any circumstances.

 No mobile numbers or messaging opt-in data will be transferred, sold, or shared with outside organizations, commercial vendors, or affiliate groups for marketing or any other purpose.

SMS Terms of Service
By opting into SMS from a web form or other medium, you are agreeing to receive SMS messages from Community United Methodist Church. This includes SMS messages for account notifications, marketing. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. See privacy policy at https://www.hmbcumc.org/privacy-policy. Message HELP for help. Reply STOP to any message to opt out.

5. Your Rights and Choices

As a non-profit operating in California, we respect your rights to control your data. You may contact us at any time to:

·          Request a copy of the specific personal data we hold for you.

·          Ask us to correct or update any inaccurate records.

·          Request that we permanently delete your contact information from our databases (except where records are legally required to be retained).

·          Opt out of text messaging by replying 'STOP' to any text received, or unsubscribe from emails via the provided link.

6. Contact Information

For any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please reach out to us at:

Community United Methodist Church of Half Moon Bay
777 Miramontes Street (or your current mailing address)
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Phone: 650-726-4621

Email: office@hmbcumc.org