HI! I wanted to tell you that my dh, Emma, and I are probably going to visit Parkview this coming Sunday at the 9:30 service. I was wondering what service you go to so maybe we could meet. I'm going to call Pastor Pruitt (by the way, what does he go by?) this morning to ask him some belief questions since we are coming from a Full Gospel church. I also was going to ask him if it would be possible for me to go check out the nursery before Sunday sometime this week just before I put her in there. You can really tell a lot about how a nursery is ran just by looking at it. I printed out a lot of info for my husband (his name is D) off of the website. I'm so excited about it. All of the activities they have for young adults and children look wonderful. I was wondering if the nursery gives you any kind of pager or other way of knowing that your child needs you. Do you know? Thanks a million. I can't wait to go and worship there and meet you too. HALLELUJAH! I wanted to tell you too that I think God really spoke to me through you, so thank you.

By Pamt on Monday, January 17, 2005 - 10:15 am:

How exciting! We go to the 9:30 service because I just love the music and the "vibe". It's also the service that most of our youth go to and most of our friends our age. The service is growing so much that there's actually a new overflow service in the gym with video feed to allow more room for visitors, so they can feel welcome without having to crawl over each other to find a seat. I can meet you there and introduce you to a few folks. There is also a GREAT (phenomenal!!) young adult Sunday school class at 11:00. It is really for 30-somethings and I notice you are 24, but it is such an awesome class that there are a lot of 20-somethings in there too. My DH's admin asst is 25 and attends with her DH as well as one of my co-workers in her mid-20s. Lots of babies and toddlers in the group too. My DH and I are probably among some of the older ones--LOL. We teach youth so we won't be there, but we do go to the monthly socials. Here's a link to that class.

I have never had any personal experience with the nursery since my youngest was 4 when we came to Parkview. I have volunteered in the nursery a long time ago (and need to get back in the rotation---that's how I get my "baby fix") and I do know that at that time everything was very hygienic. There is also a pretty high caregiver to child ratio. I don't think you get a pager, but they can call you on your cell. I do know you get a security tag when you drop your child off and you MUST have this to pick your child up.

I think you can probably check out the nursery beforehand. It is also a daycare during the week, so you would definitely see it "in action." The pastor usually goes "Brother Bill" or Bill, whichever you feel more comfortable with. I'm sure he'd be happy to talk to you about your beliefs. I'm not really sure of Full Gospel beliefs, but I think you may be KJV only? We are not. My DH and I usually use NIV and Bill typically preaches from NASB. I did see that Full Gospel is based on the Apostle's Creed and we hold to those beliefs as well. As for baptism, Holy Spirit, and those types of issues, you'll need to talk with Bill.

I will give you a little heads up (if you haven't heard already---it's quite the talk about town) that there is a little controversy about the school/church relationship going on right now, so if you hear murmurings about it. We, as a church, are trying to place the superintendent (whom I'm sure you know) on the ministerial staff as super. so that the school will be more directly considered a ministry of the church. Right now people who have some sort of problem with the school ultimately hold the church responsible and the church has no authority to intervene. This proposed change has some people (many people who attend school and not church) up in arms. I think it will be peacefully resolved by a vote in Feb., but wanted you to know the scoop firsthand.

Anyway, I'm thrilled that you are considering Parkview, but will understand if it is not a good fit, so please don't feel pressured. You need to be at a place where you, your DH, and your DD feel comfortable and ministered to. I *hope* you find that at Parkview, but certainly won't be offended if you don't for some reason. You can email me at speech-chick@cox.net and I can tell you a place to meet and what I'll be wearing so we can find each other. See you Sunday!