What to Expect (FAQ)
Q.
When I visit Park View, where should I enter the building?
A.
This is an understandable question because there are six different outside doors to our buildings. Most people enter the church through the back door under the Welcome canopy, adjacent to the parking lot. However, you are more than welcome to enter through the front doors of the church, which you can reach by climbing the set of stairs that faces Hatton Street. During the summer months, we are meeting in our Chapel, which is accessible through the door that faces Crawford Parkway.
Q.
Where should I park?
A.
Parking is available in a lot to the rear of the church and in the lot on the corner diagonal from the sanctuary. Additional parking is available along the street.
Q.
Is the church building handicap-accessible?
A.
We are proud of our beautiful sanctuary building. However, when it was designed in 1924, the builders did not have accessibility in mind! For those with trouble walking or those in wheelchairs, the easiest way to enter the building is by parking on Hatton Street in front of the church and entering though the lower left side door. A chair lift is available just through that door to help people reach the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Plans are currently underway to renovate the church building and install an elevator.
Q.
What should I wear when I visit?
A.
You will find a wide spectrum of attire at the 11:00 a.m. worship service. Many folks are comfortable in suits or dresses; many are comfortable in more casual wear. Know that you will not be singled out no matter what you choose to wear. Attire on Wednesday nights and at other church functions is usually more relaxed.
Q.
What should I bring when I visit?
A.
Most importantly, bring yourself and your family or friends! It may also be beneficial to bring a Bible if you have one available to you. You should be aware that an offering is collected as part of every worship service. You are certainly more than welcome to bring your contribution to add as part of your worship, but it is up to you if and how much you choose to give.
Q.
What is the style of worship at Park View?
A.
Our Sunday morning worship service is planned by our ministerial staff to create an atmosphere where contemplation and praise are possible. We like to describe ourselves as traditional but not stuffy. At Park View, we follow the church year and the common lectionary, which provides a natural rhythm for the seasons of our life together. We also strive to incorporate a variety of elements and backgrounds into the service to make our worship more inviting and inclusive. We are helped in this regard by our talented choir and instrumentalists who provide a meaningful music experience. At Park View, you will find that our service is not built around a need to entertain ourselves, but around our desire to glorify God.
Q.
Is there a nursery available?
A.
Yes. We have friendly volunteers who watch our babies during the 11:00 worship hour. Our nursery is located on the first floor. Any child older than 2 years old is invited to join us for worship with the rest of the congregation.
Q.
How do I get involved at Park View?
A.
It's easy. Just ask! There are no restrictions about who can or can't be involved at our church. Membership is not a prerequisite to service at Park View. If you have a passion for a particular area of church life, the chances are great that you will be able to use those gifts. There are always plenty of opportunities available--everything from teaching to greeting to building to cooking. Simply find a staff member or talk to anyone in the congregation to share your own ideas with them. We're ready to listen and we want you to be a part of what's going on!
Q.
How do I become a member of Park View?
A.
As Baptists, we believe that affiliating with our church is a public decision. That is why we always extend an invitation to those who are interested in becoming a part of our congregation during our 11:00 worship each week. You are encouraged to come forward as we sing the hymn of invitation and become a member of Park View in one of the following ways:
If you have never publicly accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and been baptized by immersion, you would join on profession of faith and baptism. Your church membership would become official following your baptism, which would be scheduled between you and the pastor for a date soon after you come.
If you have already been baptized by immersion and you are coming from another church, you would join by transfer of letter. Our church secretary would contact your former church and request that you be removed from their roll and added to ours as a member.
If you have already been baptized by immersion but have no other church home, you would join by statement. We would accept you as a member on your affirmation of your previous baptism and your desire to unite with us in fellowship.
We are always ready to embrace new brothers and sisters to join us in our ministry together!