Mothers of PreSchoolers= MOPS
Are you a mother of a child from birth to kindergarten? Are you looking for other moms in your stage of life to share with, fellowship with, and develop friendship? Need somewhere for your kids to be nurtured while you have a hot breakfast, listen to informative speakers, and have some "me time"? Then MOPS is the place for you! Our traditional MOPS (Mothers of preschoolers) group is a special place where you can meet other mothers passing through this unique stage of life.
MOPS is a place to make new friends, discover a wealth of helpful hints and smarter strategies when dealing with the challenges of motherhood. Our program offers a morning of food, fun, creative activities, guest speakers on relevant topics such as parenting, relationships, marriage, and more! Plus attending children are cared for in our quality MOPPETS program! Our MOPS group meets for two sessions yearly - Fall and Spring.
Just what is MOPS? Here's the history:
Eight women. The number was small, but the need was great. The first MOPS meeting took place in February 1973 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For two hours, while their children received care, these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that "mothering matters." Today, the same needs for significance are met in much the same way in MOPS groups across the United States and around the world.
From the beginning, women in MOPS were not content to be spectators. Through MOPS, they found an opportunity to discover and cultivate their leadership gifts. As women moved around the country, they took the concept of MOPS with them, and new groups formed. Growth began as word spread in churches, conventions, and magazine articles that explained this unique new program. Inquiries and requests for information became more frequent, and a handbook was printed. Office space moved from a desk in a family room to a rented office.
In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. As interest mushroomed, leadership training began. One hundred fifty women from five states gathered in 1982 for the first all-day MOPS leadership seminar.
In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. The Board hired Elisa Morgan as the first president of the organization in 1989.
MOPS reached out to moms through the MOMSense newsletter (now MomSense magazine) beginning in 1993. The newsletter joined the existing MOMSense radio program to help MOPS nurture every mother of preschoolers, whether or not she attended a MOPS group.
In 1995, MOPS formed a partnership with Zondervan Publishing House, further expanding its outreach to mothers through books. Also that year, MOPS established Teen MOPS groups for teenage mothers. MOPS became even more available to moms when it went online in 1997, and in 2000 when it created the MOPS © to © Mom Connection (now MOPS International Membership) to bring additional resources directly to a mom's home. In 2004, MOPS International entered into a publishing relationship with Revell of Baker Publishing Group. MOPS has come a long way over the years, and continues to adapt to meet the various needs of moms today.
MOPS Groups Today
For over thirty years, MOPS International has existed to nurture mothers of preschoolers by meeting their distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ. MOPS believe that mothering matters. By helping a mom be as effective as she can be during the critical foundational years of a child’s life, we can help her raise a better child, ultimately leading go a better world.
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.
Each MOPS group adapts to fit the size and "personality" of the group's population. For example…
· MOPS groups may vary in size from 10 to 200 women.
· MOPS groups meet as often as once a week, and as infrequently as once a month; groups meet during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends. Most groups meet during the school year, while some meet year-round.
· MOPS groups meet in small and large buildings, using the space and resources that are available. 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.
The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:
· Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
· Teaching: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.
· Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
*If your children are no longer pre-schoolers or you are looking for more of a bible study, we recommend a Women's Bible Study or Small Group. Presbyterian Church of the Master and Village Presbyterian both have bible studies that are on-going. Please visit their websites here or contact them directly for more info.
MOPS is a place to make new friends, discover a wealth of helpful hints and smarter strategies when dealing with the challenges of motherhood. Our program offers a morning of food, fun, creative activities, guest speakers on relevant topics such as parenting, relationships, marriage, and more! Plus attending children are cared for in our quality MOPPETS program! Our MOPS group meets for two sessions yearly - Fall and Spring.
Just what is MOPS? Here's the history:
Eight women. The number was small, but the need was great. The first MOPS meeting took place in February 1973 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For two hours, while their children received care, these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that "mothering matters." Today, the same needs for significance are met in much the same way in MOPS groups across the United States and around the world.
From the beginning, women in MOPS were not content to be spectators. Through MOPS, they found an opportunity to discover and cultivate their leadership gifts. As women moved around the country, they took the concept of MOPS with them, and new groups formed. Growth began as word spread in churches, conventions, and magazine articles that explained this unique new program. Inquiries and requests for information became more frequent, and a handbook was printed. Office space moved from a desk in a family room to a rented office.
In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. As interest mushroomed, leadership training began. One hundred fifty women from five states gathered in 1982 for the first all-day MOPS leadership seminar.
In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. The Board hired Elisa Morgan as the first president of the organization in 1989.
MOPS reached out to moms through the MOMSense newsletter (now MomSense magazine) beginning in 1993. The newsletter joined the existing MOMSense radio program to help MOPS nurture every mother of preschoolers, whether or not she attended a MOPS group.
In 1995, MOPS formed a partnership with Zondervan Publishing House, further expanding its outreach to mothers through books. Also that year, MOPS established Teen MOPS groups for teenage mothers. MOPS became even more available to moms when it went online in 1997, and in 2000 when it created the MOPS © to © Mom Connection (now MOPS International Membership) to bring additional resources directly to a mom's home. In 2004, MOPS International entered into a publishing relationship with Revell of Baker Publishing Group. MOPS has come a long way over the years, and continues to adapt to meet the various needs of moms today.
MOPS Groups Today
For over thirty years, MOPS International has existed to nurture mothers of preschoolers by meeting their distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ. MOPS believe that mothering matters. By helping a mom be as effective as she can be during the critical foundational years of a child’s life, we can help her raise a better child, ultimately leading go a better world.
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.
Each MOPS group adapts to fit the size and "personality" of the group's population. For example…
· MOPS groups may vary in size from 10 to 200 women.
· MOPS groups meet as often as once a week, and as infrequently as once a month; groups meet during the day, in the evenings, or on weekends. Most groups meet during the school year, while some meet year-round.
· MOPS groups meet in small and large buildings, using the space and resources that are available. 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.
The above principles can be carried out through different aspects of a MOPS group:
· Discussion: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, failures, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
· Teaching: Topics presented at MOPS meetings celebrate motherhood and meet a mom's unique needs during this season of life.
· Creative Activities: Through creative projects and presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
*If your children are no longer pre-schoolers or you are looking for more of a bible study, we recommend a Women's Bible Study or Small Group. Presbyterian Church of the Master and Village Presbyterian both have bible studies that are on-going. Please visit their websites here or contact them directly for more info.
