THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, July 13, 1995 TAG: 9507120180
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TRUDY CUTHRELL, CORRESPONDENT SUFFOLK
LENGTH: Medium: 73 lines
VICKIE STEWART, who heads Open Door Church's new Tender Care Day Care Center, sees it as both ministry and community service.
``We want to be involved in the lives of families,'' she said. And part of that is providing a foundation on which children can build.
The child-care operation opened last week in classrooms of the church, at Kings Fork and Matoaka roads. ``It's a perfect location,'' Stewart said, close to U.S. Route 460 and Va. Route 10 and within driving distance of several new housing developments.
The center met requirements as a religious day-care facility, serving up to 20 children, and Stewart said steps are being taken to obtain state licensing in the future.
Openings are available for children ages two and one-half to 12. The cost is $65 per full-time child and $45 for part-time children, three full days or five half-days. The center is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Stewart and Kim Small are full-time staffers, and another worker is available on call.
``We have a big vision for this ministry,'' Stewart said, ``but we want to take our time. We don't want to get too big before we're ready.''
There's an age-appropriate learning hour each day to review ABCs, numbers, colors and shapes. Outdoor play takes place in a shaded, fenced playground. Storytime, arts and crafts, music and field trips fill other hours with structured activities and periods of free play.
Snacks and drinks are provided, but children bring their own sandwiches for lunch.
``Kim and I both have in mind to love these children the way the Lord loves us as his children,'' Stewart said. ``We feel the Lord's called us to this ministry.''
Stewart is also a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. She and her husband, day supervisor at the Nansemond-Suffolk Rescue Squad, have taught CPR classes at Open Door for nursery and day-care workers.
Pastor Tony Peaks views Tender Care as another path of growth rooted in a ``vibrant, active, family-oriented'' fellowship. In less than 15 years, the church has mushroomed from 15 to 225 active members. Within the same time, the church staff has grown from 1 to 7.
Just 11 years ago, the congregation purchased 3.6 acres of prime property on Kings Fork Road. Three buildings have now been erected on a pay-as-you-go basis. The most recent construction is an 8,000 square foot educational and administrative complex, which will also house a 500-seat sanctuary to replace the existing 300-seat facility.
The ``Power Tool Box'' is another ministry at Open Door. It's a children's program that packs the power of gospel teaching with the energy of kids to gain positive results. Ministering on the road and in the community, Open Door sponsors a clowning ministry, sign language group and a puppet ministry.
For the church family - a broad mix of ages, backgrounds and races - there are Bible studies, discipleship training and opportunities for personal spiritual growth throughout the week.
``We're growing in numbers, but also spiritually,'' Peaks said. ``We've seen some of the fruit of our work this summer with three of our teens traveling to foreign countries to do mission work with Teen Mania.''
A 10-member orchestra and a worship team led by Pastors Kathy and Tony set the stage for praise and worship for morning and evening services each Sunday. ``We're excited about the great things the Lord is doing here at Open Door,'' Peaks said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Vickie Stewart, who heads Open Door Church's Tender Care Day Care
Center, keeps an eye on Aaron Stewart, Harrison Peaks and Lacey
Howell.
by CNB