Introduction & Purpose
Welcome to the reference tool for worship service schedules and congregational information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparent handling of data.
This application functions primarily as an informational utility for members and non-members seeking congregation addresses, worship schedules, district categorizations, and public contact information. To maintain an accurate directory worldwide, the app allows registered users to contribute community updates regarding congregations they attend or visit.
Information We Collect
We adhere to data minimization principles. We only collect information essential for authentication and directory moderation:
A. Account Information
When you register an account to submit updates, we collect your email address and generate an internal Authentication User ID (UID) via Firebase Authentication.
B. User-Generated Submissions
When you propose a congregation update, you provide: local congregation name, address, district, public contact details, worship service timings, and exterior chapel photos.
C. Device & Technical Diagnostics
We may process non-identifiable technical data such as operating system version, device model, and crash logs to troubleshoot app stability.
Information We Do Not Collect: We do not track your real-time GPS location in the background, we do not access your device contact list, microphone, or SMS, and we do not collect financial, banking, or biometric data.
How We Use Your Information
We utilize the collected information strictly for the following legitimate purposes:
- Directory Maintenance: Verifying, compiling, and presenting worship locations and schedules.
- Editorial Moderation: Reviewing user-submitted congregation details and photos to prevent incorrect schedules or inappropriate imagery.
- Cloud & Offline Synchronization: Broadcasting approved congregation updates to all user devices for offline caching.
- Account Management: Authenticating contributors and enforcing submission guidelines.
- Technical Support: Responding to user support inquiries, bug reports, and account deletion requests.
User-Generated Content & Photo Uploads
Users may upload photographs of local congregation buildings as an architectural reference. By submitting photos and information, you agree to the following standards:
- Architectural Focus: Photos must show exterior chapel facades, public house-of-worship signboards, or designated entrances.
- Privacy of Individuals: Submissions must not include recognizable faces of worshippers, identifiable minors, private residential spaces, license plates, or confidential church documents.
- Ownership & Permissions: You warrant that you took the photo or have lawful authorization to contribute it under a non-exclusive license for display in the app.
Data Storage Model: Offline-First Architecture
The application is engineered with an offline-first architecture to ensure travellers and worshippers can view schedules without cellular reception:
- Local Device Storage (SQLite): The complete verified directory is stored in a private SQLite database inside the app's local sandbox on your iOS or Android device. When you create a submission, it is initially queued in local storage until an internet connection is available to upload it.
- Cloud Storage (Firebase Realtime Database & Firebase Storage): Approved directory entries are hosted in Google Firebase Realtime Database. Uploaded congregational photos are stored securely in Google Firebase Storage buckets.
- Synchronization Mechanism: When connected online, your app queries the cloud database for newly approved congregation updates and syncs them directly into your device's local SQLite database.
Admin Review & Approval Workflow
To maintain high data integrity and prevent unauthorized modifications, the app enforces a strict verification pipeline before any submission is distributed to the public:
Only approved submissions are broadcast to other users. Unapproved or cancelled drafts are never published to the global community directory.
Data Retention & Deletion Schedule
| Data Category | Storage Location | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|
| Account Email & Auth UID | Firebase Authentication | Retained until user requests account deletion. |
| Pending / Cancelled Submissions | Staging Database | Purged or archived after review within 90 days. |
| Approved Congregation Records | Firebase Realtime DB & SQLite | Maintained in the public directory for reference utility. |
| Congregation Exterior Photos | Firebase Storage | Retained while congregation record is active. |
| Local App Cache | Device SQLite Sandbox | Cleared when user uninstalls app or clears app storage. |
Data Security Measures
We implement industry-standard administrative, physical, and technical safeguards:
- Encrypted Transmission: All communications between the app, Firebase Authentication, Firebase Realtime Database, and Firebase Storage use TLS 1.2/1.3 encryption (HTTPS).
- Access Controls: Firebase Security Rules strictly protect cloud databases. Only authenticated admin accounts can approve submissions or modify global directory tables.
- On-Device Sandboxing: SQLite database files reside within the operating system’s application sandbox, shielded from unauthorized third-party apps.
Third-Party Service Providers
We rely on trusted cloud infrastructure providers to operate the application. These providers process data according to their respective privacy policies:
- Google Firebase: Used for User Authentication, Realtime Database synchronization, and Storage of congregation photos (Firebase Privacy and Security).
- Apple App Store / Google Play Services: Used for application binary distribution, updates, and platform diagnostic telemetry.
Children's Privacy (COPPA & Worldwide)
Our application is not targeted at children under the age of 13 (or under 16 in the European Economic Area). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we discover that a minor has created an account or submitted personal data, we will take immediate steps to delete the account and associated records.
Your Privacy Rights (GDPR & CCPA/CPRA)
Depending on your location, you hold statutory rights under regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act / California Privacy Rights Act (CCPA/CPRA):
- Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal information associated with your account.
- Right to Rectification: You may request corrections to inaccurate account details.
- Right to Erasure (Right to Be Forgotten): You may request permanent deletion of your account and associated personal data.
- Right to Non-Discrimination: We do not discriminate against any user for exercising their legal privacy rights.
- No Sale or Sharing of Personal Data: We do not sell, rent, or share personal data with third-party advertisers or data brokers.
To exercise these rights, please review our Account Deletion Instructions or contact us directly via email.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect app enhancements, storage architecture refinements, or legal requirements. When updates occur, the "Effective Date" at the top of this document will be revised. Continued use of the application following notification constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
Contact Information
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy or your data, please contact the developer:
Developer: Wilfred Cruz
Email: wilfred.cruz.ph@gmail.com
Website: wilfredcruz.com