Photo & Media Policy

Our commitment

Faith Lutheran Church and Preschool loves sharing the life of our congregation — worship, ministry, service, fellowship, and the everyday moments in between. Photos and video help our members, friends, and community see what God is doing here in Bridgeport.

At the same time, we take people's privacy seriously. This policy explains how photos, video, and other media are captured and used, what choices you have, and how to ask us to remove something.

Photos and video at worship and church events

Worship services, concerts, programs, service projects, and church events may be photographed or recorded by staff and designated volunteers. These images may be used in church communications such as:

• Our website and photo gallery
• Our Facebook pages and YouTube channel
• Worship service livestreams and posted recordings
• Newsletters, bulletins, and printed materials
• Displays in the church building

Livestream and online worship

Our Sunday and Monday worship services are streamed online and posted for later viewing on our website and YouTube channel. Cameras are generally positioned toward the chancel, lectern, altar, and musicians, but people in the seating area may occasionally appear in wide shots.

If you prefer not to appear in the livestream, please speak with an usher about seating that is outside the camera view, or contact the church office and we will help you find a comfortable place to worship.

Children and youth

The safety and privacy of children come first. We are especially careful with photos of children, including children enrolled in our Preschool and Child Care program.

• We do not publish a child's full name together with his or her photo.
• We do not publish children's last names, ages, or personal details on our website or social media.
• Photos of preschool and child care children are only published with permission from a parent or legal guardian.
• Families may decline photo permission at any time — enrollment forms and the church office can record your preference.

Who may take photos

Official photography and video for church publications and online channels is handled by church staff and volunteers who have been asked to do so by the Pastor or church office. Guests and members are welcome to take personal photos at public celebrations, but we ask everyone to be respectful: avoid photographing other people's children without a parent's knowledge, and do not take photos in a way that interrupts worship or makes others uncomfortable.

How media is used

Photos and video are used to tell the story of our congregation and its ministries. We do not sell photos, and we do not provide photos or video to outside parties for marketing purposes. Media is used only for:

• Ministry communication — sharing what is happening at Faith with our members and community
• Invitation — helping neighbors learn about our worship, preschool, and programs
• History — recording milestones in the life of the congregation

Requesting a photo or video be removed

If you would like a photo or video of yourself or your child removed from our website, Facebook page, YouTube channel, or other materials, simply contact the church office with a link or description of the item. We will remove it promptly from our website and social media — no questions asked, and no need to explain.

For materials already printed or distributed, we will remove the image from future printings and current displays.

Note that livestream archives and videos already published on YouTube may take a little longer to update, but we will work with you on every request.

Questions

Questions about this policy can be directed to the church office at (989) 777-2702 or faithluthchurch@yahoo.com, or by using the contact form on our website. You can also read our Privacy Policy for how we handle other personal information.