The Ministry of MOPS
Copyright 2001 by Michelle
Jones
What exactly is MOPS?
"Mothers Of Preschoolers... because
mothering matters, and better moms make a better world." MOPS International
is an organization committed to nurturing "every mother of preschoolers by
meeting her distinct need to the glory of Jesus Christ." MOPS have
"approximately 2,500 groups chartered in the United States, Canada and
thirteen other countries." (Quotes taken from Mom Sense magazine,
October/November 2000 issue.)
Where do they meet?
MOPS groups are usually held in a local church,
and always with an incredible group of women formed into a steering committee to
keep everything organized and fun. Each year the women usually rotate their leadership
roles so that no one gets burned out. Most groups meet in the mornings, but
some locations meet at night or even on the weekends. The morning meetings
usually last from about 9:30 a.m., to approximately 11:30 a.m., and the nightly
or weekend meetings are probably the same.
What about Childcare?
First and foremost, they provide wonderful
childcare for babies and preschoolers. If you have older home schooled children,
they are usually welcomed too, but you should call first to be sure. In the MOPS
groups that I've been a part of, the home schooled children always seem to enjoy
spending time with the preschoolers or (especially for the teenagers) helping
out in the nursery. The childcare program even has an official name, Moppets.
Isn't that adorable?
They have an organized plan for fun activities, crafts,
singing, bible stories and snacks of course. The kids always have a great time
and look forward to the next meeting. With children who have been pretty
secluded at home, it may take them a few monthly meetings to totally warm up to
the idea. But eventually your shy little one will enjoy "MOPS Day",
just as much as the other children. Be patient and encourage your child, even if
you have to say "this is Mommy's time too, we have to go." I had to do
this with my 5 year old this year, and just after the 2nd meeting he began to
ask me on a daily basis "when do we get to go back to MOPS?"
What do we do at a MOPS meeting?
At MOPS, not only do we have great fellowship
with other moms, but we have a great morning out too. I will share with you the
common meeting formats that I have experienced. The lessons or programs
provided always have something to do with being a better wife, mother or just
plain girl stuff. There will be one or two programs presented, the first type
being a presentation from an older woman (called a Titus woman) who's task is to
teach and encourage the younger women. Just as in Titus 2:3-5...
"Likewise, teach
the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or
addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the
younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and
pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so
that no one will malign the word of God."
The second type of program that may be
presented will include subjects that range anywhere from "Having Fun With
Preschoolers at Home" to "Gardening and Planting Flowers." Last
month we had a pediatrician present a "do's and don'ts" list for colds
and other common childhood illnesses. Afterwards he took a 10-minute question
and answer session that I think the moms wished could have lasted for another hour.
Needless to say, he'll be invited back again next year.
If you are really
fortunate your local MOPS group will have both programs, but usually only one of
these formats is provided each month. At the end of the program(s), the moms
usually break up into small groups to have a short discussion, time permitting.
A group discussion leader guides the group with a few preprinted topic
questions, but rarely do we get to all the questions because everyone has so
much to say already.
In addition to all of that, there are
usually small door prizes,
refreshments, group announcements, and even a cute craft at the end. The cost is
around $3, and if you can't afford it someone may be able to sponsor you, just ask
the girls at the welcome table and they will assist you.
What do I personally think about
MOPS?
I've been attending MOPS meetings off and on now
for 5 years, and I love it! But after the birth of our fourth child last year, I
only made it to one meeting. Although that may have had more to do with moving
to a new state, living on top of a mountain, being snowed in a few times, and
being just too tired to get out the door. I was disconnected and all too aware
of what I was missing.
Over the years, I have met the most wonderful women in
MOPS, and some of my best friends as well. I have seen and listened to how other
women deal with the same problems that I have in raising their children, caring
for their husbands, trying to keep their homes clean and orderly, and
desperately trying to find a few moments to themselves.
One of the greatest
benefits of attending MOPS is that we connect; we don't feel alone in this life
journey called 'motherhood.' Each month, even if just for a short two hours, we
find this time to ourselves. Time to relax and regroup, time to encourage and be
encouraged. Being able to spend that time with each other is always a wonderful
blessing, and maybe even the best part of our week.
How to find a meeting near you?
It couldn't be simpler, for more information log
onto www.MOPS.org, or call toll-free 1-888-545-4040.
Do it today, what have you got to lose, except a
few new friends? If you are not a mom of a preschooler, please pass this on to
someone who is, it might be just what they are looking for!
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