MOPs Groups

Rebekah - posted on 03/16/2009

I'm planning on doing an annual fundraiser through MOPS - the moms and children will all be a part of a fashion show and we'll raise funds through that, by charging admission to the show and having a snack bar.  Something fun!  Then the rest of it will be funded by the church, as well as donations.

Things I'm planning on doing are - dramatic story time for the kids, craft time, and a snack, these will be in stations, so the kids can be split up by ages.  We'll have a nursery open for those that have small babies with toys, music, and cribs.  For the moms, I plan on doing a theme for each month, and we will meet bi-weekly.  So one week we'll do a Bible study based on the theme, and the next meeting for that month will be games, review, and discussion.  I'm still in the process of coming up with more ideas - but I've thought about inviting to our "family nights" at our church where we have movie nights, game nights like Family Feud and Deal or No Deal, etc.

Claudia - posted on 03/15/2009

Quoting Gillian:

HI here from the other side of the Atlantic...i would just like to ask without seeming silly...whats a mops group.

I am always lookin for ideas for the mums in our church so my ears prick up at the mention of something for mum

M.O.P.S.  Mother's of Pre-Schoolers

http://www.mops.org

Tanna - posted on 03/15/2009

Our MOPS group is alot like the post that Paul wrote at the beginning, only we alternate weeks with craft and speakers ( ie one week craft, one week speaker)We also only meet 2 weeks a month which seems to save some of the stress in planning. We have had local police officers talk on saftey, experience mom panels where we can ask any questions we may have, or the church pastor, even an interior designer. As far as getting the word out to find new moms, other than by word of mouth, we have a float in an annual town parade, and have little cards that we can past out to people we see. I believe our meetings are also posted in the local new paper on the community meetings page. As for fundraising, we have use the Antiquities photos, as well as an annual garage sell (which is always a huge success!) All the moms round up stuff and get together to help it work, the community looks forward to it every year. :) It is tought to keep a group going at times, keep praying about it and see where the Lord leads you. He is our best resource!

Tanna - posted on 03/15/2009

Our MOPS group is alot like the post that Paul wrote at the beginning, only we alternate weeks with craft and speakers ( ie one week craft, one week speaker)We also only meet 2 weeks a month which seems to save some of the stress in planning. We have had local police officers talk on saftey, experience mom panels where we can ask any questions we may have, or the church pastor, even an interior designer. As far as getting the word out to find new moms, other than by word of mouth, we have a float in an annual town parade, and have little cards that we can past out to people we see. I believe our meetings are also posted in the local new paper on the community meetings page. As for fundraising, we have use the Antiquities photos, as well as an annual garage sell (which is always a huge success!) All the moms round up stuff and get together to help it work, the community looks forward to it every year. :) It is tought to keep a group going at times, keep praying about it and see where the Lord leads you. He is our best resource!

Gillian - posted on 03/15/2009

HI here from the other side of the Atlantic...i would just like to ask without seeming silly...whats a mops group.

I am always lookin for ideas for the mums in our church so my ears prick up at the mention of something for mum

Claudia - posted on 03/12/2009

Our church is really small and there are no MOPS groups within 40miles, so we just started our own MOMs group with similar activities.  We include mothering bible studies, have activities for the children including childcare while we do our bible study.  So if all else fails and you cant continue your "MOPS" group, you can always still have it on a smaller scale.  It just wont be funded by MOPS or the church.

Stephanie - posted on 03/11/2009

There is a MOPS Leaders website with all kinds of relevent info on mops.org Also there is a community MOPS circle that you could join for help. Real quickly, one thing our group did was distribute business cards with the MOPS info on them to area children's boutiques, paint-your-own pottery shops, restaurants, etc... places that moms would be most apt to see them. Good luck to you! MOPS is the best!

Rebekah - posted on 03/10/2009

I'm starting a MOPS at our church.  We'll be funding through donations and partially from the church budget.  I'm also planning on holding fundraisers.  What types of things are you looking to do in your group?

Paula - posted on 03/10/2009

We have at least 1 annual fundraiser that I am aware of----photos in the fall.  I believe Antiquities is the company.  We request $3 per mtg or the balance of the yr up front (then get MOPS newsletter/magazine subscription).  I don't know if we get funds from our church but I will check.  We offer childcare as well.  We did have a silent auction this year from donated items and opened the event to the public.  As far as getting the word out about MOPS for new members some suggestions from me:  annoucements in church----bulletin, in newsletters, invite new moms to come (when meals are dropped off perhaps give some info about the program), post flyers in foodstore, library, etc.  Have an open house or table set up at a church or community event (fair, rummage sale, etc.)--set up table with info to take with some freebie items (lollipops, balloons, etc). 

Deanna - posted on 03/10/2009

Thank you. It helps we do about the samething. Our whole steering team is steping down next year and if we dont get any new members it wont keep going. I was thinking of heading the team but I just needed ideas to get more moms in and keep them coming back. Also do you know how your group funds their projects? Is it through the members or your church or donations?

Paula - posted on 03/10/2009

I've only been involved for the past 7 mos. but our church hosts MOPS.  They start it off with general chit-chat with ea other and have coffee/snacks, program then begins with annoucements, craft time, a guest speaker (sometimes it's a MOPS person and other times it's an older woman that has wisom to pass along to everyone, followed by discussion questions).  We occasionally have field trips announced and go as a group (this is an add'l thing not in place of a mtg).  I am not sure exactly what you're looking for but I hope this is somewhat helpful.  Have you googled your request for suggestions?  Good luck with it and I hope it works out.  MOPS is a very good support group for woman.