Privacy Policy

Effective Date: July 10, 2026

Bethany United Methodist Church (“Bethany UMC,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you visit bethumc.org or communicate with us through the website.

Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

Your name and email address
Information submitted through our contact form
Prayer requests or other messages you choose to share
Information submitted when signing up for our newsletter
Information provided through facility-use, preschool, registration, or other church-related forms

We may also automatically collect limited technical information when you visit the website, such as your browser type, device type, IP address, pages visited, and general website usage information. This information may be collected through cookies or similar technologies.

How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect to:

Respond to questions, prayer requests, or other inquiries
Provide information about worship services, ministries, programs, events, and preschool activities
Send church newsletters and communications you have requested
Process registrations, applications, or facility-use requests
Maintain and improve the security, functionality, and performance of our website
Comply with applicable legal obligations

Email Communications

If you subscribe to our newsletter or other email communications, we may use a third-party email service provider, such as Constant Contact, to manage and deliver those messages.

You may unsubscribe at any time by using the unsubscribe link included at the bottom of our emails.

Prayer Requests

Information submitted through a prayer-request form may be shared with appropriate church staff members or prayer ministry participants for the purpose of responding to and praying for the request.

Please do not include confidential medical, financial, legal, or other highly sensitive personal information in a prayer request submitted through the website. Although we make reasonable efforts to handle prayer requests respectfully and discreetly, information transmitted online cannot be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Cookies and Website Analytics

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, understand how visitors use the site, and improve the visitor experience.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect the operation of certain website features.

Third-Party Services and Links

Our website may contain links to or use services provided by third parties, including Constant Contact, Google, YouTube, and Facebook. These services may collect information according to their own privacy policies and practices.

We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of third-party websites or services. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing personal information.

How We Share Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information.

We may share information with trusted service providers that help us operate our website, send communications, manage forms, or provide church-related services. These providers may access information only as reasonably necessary to perform services on our behalf.

We may also disclose information when required by law or when we believe disclosure is necessary to protect the rights, safety, or property of Bethany UMC, our congregation, website visitors, or others.

Children’s Privacy

Our website includes information about church and preschool programs for children and families. The website is intended primarily for parents, guardians, and other adults.

We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 through the website without the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents and guardians should submit registrations, inquiries, and other information on behalf of their children.

If you believe a child has submitted personal information without appropriate permission, please contact us so that we can review and remove the information as appropriate.

Data Security

We use reasonable administrative and technical safeguards to protect the information submitted through our website. However, no method of online transmission or electronic storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, support church operations, maintain appropriate records, and comply with legal obligations.

Your Choices

You may contact us to:

Ask what personal information we have about you
Request a correction or deletion of your information
Withdraw consent for optional communications
Ask a question about our privacy practices

Some information may need to be retained for legitimate administrative, legal, security, or recordkeeping purposes.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any revised policy will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

Contact Us

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

Bethany United Methodist Church
100 West Main Street
PO Box 487
Purcellville, VA 20132
Phone: 540-338-7648
Email: office@bethumc.org