What is a MOPS Group?
quoted from MOPS International (www.mops.org)
"MOPS groups are communities that strive to meet the needs of every mom with children from birth through kindergarten. MOPS recognizes that urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single, and married moms all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be. MOPS groups can help!
There are more than 3900 MOPS groups meeting across the United States and in 35 countries around the world. MOPS groups meet regularly to celebrate the joys of motherhood and to encourage each other through the challenges.
MOPS groups are chartered through local faith-based organizations, including churches and parachurch ministries. While each group is different, the MOPS program is built on several foundational principles:
- Community: MOPS provides an open, caring, and accepting atmosphere where women can come together to share this important season of life.
- Mentoring: Mature women listen, encourage, and offer information and perspectives gained through experience.
- Practical Instruction: Teaching focuses on areas of common interest, offering inspiration and information that is relevant to the life of a mother.
- Leadership Development: MOPS groups are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, as well as for mothers of preschoolers. Women who are involved in MOPS gain confidence in their leadership skills through the training and experience they receive from MOPS. "
What is an FCF MOPS Meeting like?
First we drop kids off at their classes and get ourselves signed in & paid at the registration table - and don't forget your ticket for the door prizes! Our meetings generally begin with a time of chatting and getting food. Each lady in our group is assigned to a table and you will sit with your same table group every time, allowing you to really get to know those 7 or 8 ladies. When everyone is settled, there are announcements, door prizes, introductions of new ladies, etc. Then we usually have a speaker. The speakers will vary widely and will speak on all sorts of different mom-related topics - everything from home decorating, to relationships, to childhood nutrition, to spiritual matters, etc. After the speaker, there is usually a discussion time at each table. Following that, we have either a fun craft or a game, with an occasional hilarious skit thrown in. Add in lots of laughter, an occasional tear, and that's the general meeting format.
Each year, we have several extra fun events and activities thrown in, like a kids'-clothing exchange, a Spa Day, making boxes for Operation Christmas Child, a "No-Talent Talent Show", a Home Business Showcase, and so on. There are also multiple extra-curricular events going on year-round, from "Girl's Night Out", to Bunco nights, to play dates at the park.
If you have any questions about MOPS in general, or about our specific group, we'd love to hear from you! Please click on the "Contact Us" link at the top left of this page! Also, see the "Meeting Recap" link for specifics on past meetings.
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