Terms of Service — SMS Messaging Program

Effective Date: May 17, 2026
Last Updated: May 17, 2026

These Terms of Service govern your participation in the SMS text messaging program operated by the Midwest Episcopal District AME Zion Church (“we,” “us,” “the Church”). By providing your mobile phone number and consenting to receive messages, you agree to these terms.

1. Nature of the service

This is a one-way, informational SMS service. We use it to share:

• Service announcements and bulletins
• Event reminders and registration information
• Pastoral communications relevant to your congregation
• Conference and district-wide notices

This service is transactional and relational, not marketing or promotional. You will not receive commercial advertisements through this channel.

1.1 Who operates the service

The SMS messaging platform is operated by Technology In Ministry LLC under contractual agreement with the Church. Technology In Ministry LLC is a software services company that builds and maintains the technology infrastructure for this messaging program. The Church remains responsible for message content, member relationships, and consent management. Technology In Ministry LLC is responsible for the technical operation of the platform, including SMS delivery and compliance with carrier requirements.

2. Message frequency

You may receive:

• Up to 4 broadcast messages per month under normal operations
• An optional weekly bulletin if you have opted in to that specific list
• Occasional time-sensitive notifications (weather cancellations, urgent pastoral updates)

Actual frequency varies by season and church activity. We do not guarantee a minimum or maximum number of messages.

3. Message and data rates

Standard message and data rates from your mobile carrier may apply. The Church does not charge you for receiving these messages, but your carrier may charge you according to your plan.

4. Carrier disclaimer

Wireless carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. We rely on Azure Communication Services and the major U.S. carriers for delivery. While we work to ensure reliable delivery, we cannot guarantee that every message will reach you.

5. STOP and HELP keywords

You can manage your participation directly from your phone:

• STOP — Reply STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, CANCEL, QUIT, or END to any message to opt out. You will receive one final confirmation message and then no further texts from this number. Carriers process this immediately and permanently.
• HELP — Reply HELP or INFO to receive contact information and program details.

You may also opt out by contacting us at the information in §12 below.

6. Eligible recipients

This service is available to:

• Adults (18 and older) who provide express consent
• Minors only with the express written consent of a parent or legal guardian

If you provide a phone number for someone other than yourself, you affirm that you have authorization to do so on their behalf.

7. Supported regions

This service supports SMS delivery to U.S., Canadian, and Puerto Rican mobile carriers. Members with phone numbers in Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean territories will continue to receive Church communications via email rather than SMS, due to carrier limitations of our toll-free number.

8. Acceptable use

You agree not to:

• Provide false, misleading, or unauthorized phone numbers
• Use this service to harass, defraud, or impersonate the Church or any member
• Attempt to interfere with the technical operation of the service

9. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Church is not liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising from your participation in or inability to receive messages from this service. The Church's total liability for any claim related to this service is limited to the amount you have paid us for the service, which is zero.

10. Changes to these terms

We may update these Terms of Service as needed. Material changes will be communicated to active recipients via SMS or email. Continued participation after a change constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.

11. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Indiana, without regard to its conflict-of-law principles. Any dispute will be resolved in the state or federal courts located in Marion County, Indiana.

12. Contact us