We go to a Free Methodist church and one of the main reasons why we love it is the wonderful environment it provides for children. All the children go to a classroom that corresponds to their age and all activities/lessons/toys are suited to their age. And like others have said, all volunteers have criminal background checks done. We also have a system where you check in your child, they have a unique number assigned to them and printed on a sticky label that goes on their back, and we are given a sticky label with that number on it too. In order to pick your child up, you must have the sticker with the corresponding number and you must be the person who dropped the child off. I think there is a way to allow other people to pick up a child, but we haven't done that yet. We feel very secure in leaving her there and she has fun.
And you're right that big churches will often televise the service out in the common areas and that is a major help! Sometimes we sit in the cafe at our church, Lucy eats a muffin, I drink a mocha, and I watch the service. Not ideal because I'd rather be in the service, but better than nothing.
I also want to add that I was brought up Catholic, but found a church that felt like home to me despite not being anything like a Catholic mass. Let your heart guide you and I am sure you find just the right environment! Have fun!
