What is MOPS?
MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS is a non-denominational Christian organization open to all mothers with children, infant through kindergarten. Moms with young children need encouragement, friendship and insight, and to know that they are not alone as they nurture and tend to the growth of their families!
Mothers of preschoolers are not all the same age, but they are all in the same phase of life. These are women with different lifestyles, different backgrounds and experiences, some from the church, and many who are not…but each with similar needs and a shared desire to be the best moms they can be!
The purpose of MOPS International is to nurture every mother of preschoolers by meeting her distinct needs from a Christian perspective. We attempt to fulfill this purpose by forming friendships and organizing to work with each other to support, educate, and validate each mom. Every mom is important and you needs are important to us. Please let us know how we can help you! Do not hesitate to share any special needs you have. We will do what we can to find you the help you need.
Who can attend a MOPS group?
Mothers with at least one preschool aged child, from newborn through Kindergarten are welcome. Moms pregnant with their first child are also welcome to attend MOPS.
Do I have to be a member of a church to attend?
No. MOPS is for all mothers – regardless of religious affiliation.
When are the meetings?
Our MOPS meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 9:15–11:15. Our MOPS meetings are full of activities. In order for everything to run smoothly, we need your help. Please make every effort to arrive on time to each meeting. We ask that you arrive at 9:15 for food and fellowship and be in your seats by 9:30 for the start of the meeting.
Is there a cost to joining MOPS?
When joining our group, your first meeting is always free! It is our hope that we are able to meet your needs as a mother and that you are able to make friendships in a relaxed atmosphere with women who are in similar situations.
We are a chartering ministry of MOPS International. There is an annual registration fee of $23.95 required for the Mom to Mom Connection by MOPS International. In addition, there is a fee of $5.00 per meeting to cover the cost of the operation of our Lord of Grace MOPS group. (Please note: there is an extra charge for childcare) Scholarships are available; please do not let finances keep you from attending our MOPS group. Please speak with any member of the steering team for scholarship assistance.
What is MOPPETS?
It is the goal of Moppets to provide a safe, warm and loving environment for all of our little ones. We seek to do this by providing clean, enjoyable play areas (divided up by age groups) that are staffed by caring adults and teenagers. This year we are adding a small fee for childcare so that we can compensate for our workers, snacks, and activities. More information will be coming soon.
Nursing moms and mothers of infants (6 month and younger) are welcome to bring their child into our MOPS meeting or make use of our nursery.
Things to remember, regarding MOPPETS:
- Please label all of your child’s belongings, especially diaper bags, bottles, sippy cups, snacks. (please no personal toys)
- Only newborns (ages 0-1) will be given diaper changes when needed by the Moppets team. Moms with children ages 1 and older will be notified by the Moppets team if their child needs a diaper change.
- Pick up your child’s name tag when you check in for each meeting and then escort them to their classroom.
- Snacks are provided in Moppets. If you child has allergies, please let us know!
- If you child needs you, you will be called out of the MOPS meeting. You will be notified if you child cries consistently for 10 minutes or if an injury is sustained. If you have concerns about your child during a meeting, feel free to have a member of the steering team check on him/her.
- Please pick up your child no later than 11:15 so our childcare workers can leave on time and remember to thank them. They make it possible for us to have a couple of hours to recharge our batteries!
It is very important for all of us to be considerate of each other by not exposing sick bodies to healthy ones. If you child has been ill within 24 hours of a MOPS meeting or activity, we ask that you keep your child at home. This includes any of the following symptoms:
- Any communicable disease (i.e. Measles, mumps, chicken pox, flu)
- Contagious infections (i.e. Pink eye, strep throat)
- Diarrhea
- Excessive Coughing
- Any fever
- Vomiting
- Rashes
NOTE: Children with any symptoms of illness will not be admitted into the classrooms.
If you child becomes ill while in Moppets, you will be notified immediately. If you child is under a doctor’s care and being treated with antibiotics (excluding ear infection), he/she should be on the medication for at least 48 hours before coming to Moppets.
If anyone in your family has been sick with the fly in the past 48 hours before a MOPS meeting, please refrain from attending MOPS that week.
I have a home-based business. Would it be possible to make a presentation or provide buying opportunities to other moms?
Opening the doors to any type of personal selling within the meeting runs the risk of changing the dynamics at MOPS. Therefore, it is not permitted to present or sell during a meeting. However, you can submit your business card to the Steering Team and they can publish it in our newsletter and blog.
More Questions?
If you would like additional information, please speak with any Steering Team Member.
