MOPS FAQ

• What is MOPS?
• When does MOPS meet?
• What happens at a MOPS Meeting?
• Will our MOPS meetings ever be canceled?
• How do I register for MOPS?
• Is there a fee to join?
• What is the MOPS International Fee?
• What if I am running late?
• Story of MOPS

What is MOPS?

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. Here you’ll experience authentic community, mothering support, personal growth and spiritual hope, all to help you be the best mom possible. MOPS is dedicated to the message that "Better Moms Make a Better World." MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy to kindergarten are foundational in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. It is a non-denominational Christian organization, but all mothers of preschoolers are welcome regardless of religious beliefs. You also do not have to be a member of St.Luke’s to attend our chapter.

When does MOPS meet?

We meet the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month, September – May from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m in the Attic of building C. The two meetings are identical and you need to only come to one a month as the topics are the same. When you register with our chapter, you will be assigned to either the 2nd or 4th Wed. MOPS group. We follow the calendar for the Orange County Public School System. Here are the dates for our 2009-2010 meetings:

What happens at a MOPS Meeting?

Our meetings are designed to be a time of refueling & refreshment for you. A place where you can be nurtured, rather than be the nurturer. A place to form new friendships, learn something new, be real about what you are going through and have some fun! Each mom is assigned to a table so that she can get to know the other moms at her table. During your morning you will have time to visit, eat, & hear a presentation that relates to life as MOPS and then meet as a small group to discuss the presentation further. Here is typical schedule for our meetings:

Will our MOPS meetings ever be canceled?

In the event of bad weather, we follow the Orange County School System’s decision regarding closing. If in doubt, please contact your table leader.

How do I register for MOPS?

Registration is free and easy! Click here then complete the registration form and you will then receive an e-mail confirming your registration.

Is there a fee to join?

Moms that are part of our MOPS program are required to register for the MOPS International membership ($23.95) and there are also the ($50) dues for our chapter. Our chapter dues cover the financial responsibility we have to MOPS International for our annual charter renewal fee. We also incur expenses to run the groups and donate a portion of our funds to our Children's Ministry which provides childcare for our MOPPETS. The 2009-2010 dues are $50.00 per mom for the year. Scholarships for both the MOPS Intl. membership and the chapter dues are available. Please contact Anne Jensen jensen-4@hotmail.com to apply.

What is the MOPS International Fee?

The MOPS International Membership fee is due yearly to MOPS International. Each mom receives these benefits regardless of her attendance to our group. So, if you are a mom with a sick child or dealing with other circumstances that prevent you from attending our group regularly, you will continue to receive these benefits directly at your home. We collect the $23.95 MOPS Intl. fee and submit the payment to MOPS on your behalf. MOPS Intl. mandates that everyone who attends MOPS meetings be a member of MOPS Intl. Here are the 2009 – 2010 membership benefits:

• MomSense Magazine
  Bi-monthly magazine for a full year of mothering expertise, parenting tips and fun things to do with your preschoolers
• Mom-E-Mail
  Weekly bursts of encouragement!
• NEW! 2009 Theme Book
  LIfe on Plante Mom: A Down-to-Earth Guide to Your Changing Relationships
  Becoming a mom affects your relationships with everyone - your spouse, your parents, your friends, and even God. During this time of life, you need to feel nurtured and loved but in the chaos of raising children, cultivating relationships can take a backseat to getting the kids fed and to school on time. Focusing on six key relationships - self, spouse, friends, family of origin, community, and God, author Lisa T. Bergren helps busy moms like you keep vital relationships vibrant during the parenting years. This book corresponds with the MOPS theme for the year: Together on Planet Mom.

What if I am running late?

We try very hard to start on time so we can fit everything we have planned for you into our morning together. We understand the lives of mothers of preschoolers and we realize there may be times when you’re running behind and want you to join us.

Story of MOPS

MOPS International was founded in 1973 and has grown to thousands of chapters around the world. It is a non-denominational Christian organization, but all mothers of preschoolers are welcome regardless of religious beliefs. More information can be found at www.mops.org or call 303-733-5353.

In the season of early motherhood, women need to know they are not alone. The common ground of developmental challenges, becoming a mother through birth or adoption, accepting the responsibility for raising a child, working out the transitions of child raising in her identity and marriage relationship, these are significant passages in a woman’s life. In an open and accepting atmosphere where every mom is welcomed, moms together find courage and skills to become better women and better moms.

The relationships offered in a MOPS group give perspective from a couple of levels. First is the level of shared perspective offered by moms who are themselves locked in the years of mothering young children where daily tasks become Herculean efforts with small children in tow. Secondly, a local MOPS groups connects each mom to the community of moms around the world who are encouraged by the ministry of a large, international nonprofit organization.

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