Privacy Policy for REFUGE Church

Effective Date: June 22, 2026
Website: www.refugecgc.com

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REFUGE Church (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of our members, visitors, donors, and website users. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, engage with our ministries online, or communicate with us digitally.

By using this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

 

1. Information We Collect

We collect information in several ways depending on how you interact with our website and ministry.

 

1.1 Information You Provide Voluntarily

You may provide personal information when you:

• Fill out contact forms

• Submit prayer requests

• Register for events or ministry programs

• Sign up for newsletters or email updates

• Make online donations or tithes

• Participate in surveys or feedback forms

• Request pastoral care or counseling

• Sign up for SMS/text message updates

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This information may include:

• Full name

• Email address

• Phone number

• Mailing address

• Payment information (processed securely through third-party providers)

• Church involvement details

• Any message content you submit (such as prayer requests)

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1.2 Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical data such as:

• IP address

• Browser type and version

• Device type and operating system

• Pages visited and time spent on pages

• Referring website or source

• General geographic location (city/state level only)

This data is used for website performance, security, and analytics.

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1.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Improve user experience

• Understand website traffic and behavior

• Store user preferences

• Enhance website functionality

You may disable cookies through your browser settings, but some features of the website may not function properly.

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2. How We Use Your Information

REFUGE Church uses collected information for ministry and operational purposes, including:

• Communicating with you about church services and events

• Sending newsletters, devotionals, and updates

• Responding to prayer requests or inquiries

• Processing donations and generating receipts

• Managing event registrations and attendance

• Providing pastoral care or follow-up communication

• Improving website performance and user experience

• Maintaining internal church records

• Ensuring website security and preventing fraud

We do not use your information for unrelated commercial advertising.

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3. Online Giving and Donations

REFUGE Church may offer online giving options through secure third-party payment processors.

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3.1 Payment Processing

All donations and financial transactions are processed through trusted third-party services (such as Stripe, PayPal, or similar platforms). REFUGE Church does not store full credit card or banking information on our servers.

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3.2 Information Used for Donations

When you give online, we may collect:

• Name

• Email address

• Billing address

• Donation amount and frequency

• Payment confirmation details

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This information is used to:

• Process your donation

• Issue receipts

• Maintain donation records for accounting and compliance

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3.3 Recurring Donations

If you choose recurring giving, your payment method will be securely stored by the payment processor and charged according to your selected schedule. You may cancel at any time by contacting us or through the giving platform.

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4. SMS/Text Messaging Policy

If you opt in to receive text messages from REFUGE Church, the following applies:

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4.1 Consent to Receive Messages

By providing your phone number and opting in, you consent to receive:

• Event reminders

• Service updates

• Emergency church notifications

• Ministry announcements

• Volunteer coordination messages

Message frequency may vary.

 

4.2 Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out at any time by replying:

• “STOP” to unsubscribe

• “HELP” for assistance

After opting out, you may receive a final confirmation message.

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4.3 Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier.

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4.4 Third-Party SMS Providers

We may use third-party services to send SMS communications. These providers are only authorized to use your information to deliver messages on behalf of Refuge Church.

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5. Email Communications

If you subscribe to email communications, we may send:

• Weekly or monthly newsletters

• Event announcements

• Sermon updates and devotionals

• Volunteer opportunities

• Donation and giving updates

You may unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in any email or by contacting us directly.

We do not sell or rent email lists to third parties.

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6. How We Share Information

REFUGE Church does not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

We may share information only in the following cases:

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6.1 Service Providers

We may share limited data with trusted third-party vendors who assist with:

• Website hosting

• Email marketing

• Payment processing

• SMS messaging

• Analytics services

These providers are required to protect your data and use it only for authorized purposes.

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6.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose information if required to:

• Comply with applicable laws or regulations

• Respond to legal requests or court orders

• Protect the rights, property, or safety of the church, users, or others

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6.3 Ministry Operations

Limited information may be shared internally among church leadership and staff for ministry coordination and pastoral care.

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7. Data Security

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information, including:

• Secure servers and encrypted connections (HTTPS)

• Restricted access to sensitive data

• Trusted third-party processors for payments and communications

However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection of your data.

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8. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for:

• Ministry operations

• Legal and accounting requirements

• Communication preferences

You may request deletion of your personal data where applicable, subject to legal obligations.

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9. Children’s Privacy

We are committed to protecting children’s privacy.

Our website is not intended for children under the age of 13 to provide personal information without parental consent. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without permission.

If we become aware that a child has submitted personal information without consent, we will delete it promptly.

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10. Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to external websites such as:

• Social media platforms

• Online giving services

• Video streaming platforms

• Event registration tools

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party websites. We encourage users to review their privacy policies.

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11. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data

• Request corrections to inaccurate information

• Request deletion of your data

• Opt out of communications

• Withdraw consent where applicable

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.

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12. California Privacy Rights (If Applicable)

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), including:

• The right to know what personal data is collected

• The right to request deletion of personal data

• The right to opt out of the sale of personal data (note: we do not sell data)

• The right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

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13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

REFUGE Church may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in operations, technology, or legal requirements.

When updates are made:

• The “Effective Date” will be revised

• Changes will be posted on this page

• Continued use of the website indicates acceptance of updates

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14. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us:

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REFUGE Church
Website:   www.refugecgc.com
Email:   admin@refugecgc.com
Phone:   (910) 259-9899

Address:   4875 Coras Grove Road  ~  Willard, NC 28478

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