MOPS Ministry Has Banner Return Year
- Aug 16, 2009
- Series: Newsletter Vol. 2 Num. 2
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to thank you for your prayers, physical help, financial support and encouragement for chartering, once again, a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group here at St. Timothy’s. With fear and trepidation, we moved out in faith to offer members of our congregation and our surrounding communities the opportunity for mothers of preschoolers to come together. We wanted to encourage, equip, develop and help each mom realize their potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus.
At left: MOPS mom Trish Buben with her baby, Mabel, listen to a talk during a Wednesday morning MOPS session.
Many of the moms who joined us this past September were new to MOPS as well as to motherhood. Many came just to check us out and wound up becoming integral parts of our group, catching the vision of MOPS and sharing it with their friends. We averaged 12 moms for both the fall and spring sessions. Our MOPPETS program averaged 12 children.
Throughout the year, MOPS offered a variety of guest speakers who addressed topics relevant to women and young moms. At one of our meetings, after a guest speaker gave a talk entitled “Grieving and Loss,” the Holy Spirit moved among us in a very powerful way. During the discussion time afterward, several women who had experienced loss but had never had the opportunity to grieve - or had not felt safe enough to do so - experienced healing!
Crafts, some of which taught a new life skill and others that were just plain fun, allowed our creative juices to flow. It also afforded the opportunity to talk and develop meaningful relationships.
There is always a need for caregivers (women or men) for our MOPPET program and for Mentor Moms. Our MOPS program is limited only by the number of caregivers for the children. Mentor Moms add another positive dimension to MOPS. The younger moms value the experience and wise counsel of older women who have “been there, done that.”
This year’s theme for MOPS is: “Together on Planet Mom.” The theme is geared to help moms develop a sense of community, of being “together on planet mom,” as they face the everyday challenges of being a mom. Many of the returning moms have been willing to step into leadership roles; this is very exciting and encouraging.
We enjoyed our small, intimate MOPS group this past year. However, we recognize that there are many other moms out there who would benefit from being involved with MOPS. Our belief, along with MOPS International, is that “better moms make a better world.” We pray that MOPS at St. Tim’s, which is scheduled to start up again September 16, 2009, will continue to be about God’s business and that He will give the increase!
In Christ, Becky Valentine - MOPS Visionary Coordinator.
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