Privacy Policy

Last Updated: February 2025

Our Commitment to Privacy

Nova Scotia Blooming Church ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, attend our services, or interact with our church community.

By using our website or services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with this policy, please do not use our website or services.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

  • Fill out contact forms on our website
  • Subscribe to our newsletter or email communications
  • Register for events or programs
  • Make donations to our church
  • Participate in surveys or feedback forms
  • Contact us via email or phone

This information may include:

  • Name and contact information (email address, phone number, mailing address)
  • Demographic information (age, gender, family status)
  • Donation and payment information
  • Attendance records for church services and events
  • Prayer requests and pastoral care information

Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device and browsing activity, including:

  • IP address and browser type
  • Operating system and device information
  • Pages visited and time spent on pages
  • Referring website addresses
  • Cookies and similar tracking technologies

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

  • Church Operations: To manage membership, coordinate events, and facilitate church activities
  • Communication: To send newsletters, event announcements, and important church updates
  • Pastoral Care: To provide spiritual support, prayer, and counseling services
  • Donations: To process and acknowledge charitable contributions and issue tax receipts
  • Website Improvement: To enhance user experience and optimize our website functionality
  • Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws and regulations

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

  • With Your Consent: When you have given us explicit permission to share your information
  • Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website, processing donations, or conducting church business (e.g., email service providers, payment processors)
  • Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
  • Church Directory: With other church members in our internal directory (only with your explicit consent)

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

  • Secure servers and encrypted data transmission (SSL/TLS)
  • Regular security assessments and updates
  • Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
  • Staff training on data protection and privacy practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Your Privacy Rights

Under Canadian privacy law (PIPEDA), 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 retention requirements)
  • Opt-Out: You can unsubscribe from our email communications at any time
  • Withdraw Consent: You can withdraw your consent for us to use your information for specific purposes

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us remember your preferences and understand how you use our website. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences, but disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

Children's Privacy

Our website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13 without parental consent. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Nova Scotia Blooming Church

83 MACPHEE CRES, BEAVER BANK, Nova Scotia B4G1B5

Phone: (902)210-9060

Email: NovaScotiaBloomingChurch@hotmail.com

This privacy policy demonstrates our commitment to protecting your personal information and complying with Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act).