Marvin MOPS

Friday, September 14, 2012

A New Beginning... LOVING Other Mothers Right Where They Are...

Hello Sweet Moms,

Our new year started with lots of conversational buzz of reconnecting, making new connections, and confirming how thankful we are to be back together again as a group. We missed each of you yesterday, and we hope to see you at our next MOPS event (Playdate on September 21^st) or meeting on September 27^th.

The standard fare for the first meeting took place with introductions to our leadership, steering committee, our MOPPETS coordinator to review childcare guidelines and our Mentor moms. There are so many women who are joyfully working together and behind the scenes to make this commitment and service spiritually fulfilling and nurturing for you as a mother! We look forward to getting to know each of you on this journey.

Sherry Trump (Co-Coordinator) beautifully summarized this year’s MOPS theme and how we can apply this objective in getting the most out of our MOPS experience and in our day to day lives. I have provided Sherry’s discussion below:

"Plunge" - Love as if your life depended on it.

1 Peter 4:8-11 (The Message)
"Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless - cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be Gods hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything - encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!

1 Peter 4:8-11 (NIV)
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

To sum these scriptures up...

God has called us to love extravagantly.
God can use my love to fill in the gaps.
We can share what God has given us.

We do it for God.

God calls us to love and puts such an emphasis on love in his word. According to Google, the NIV Bible mentions the word love 697 times.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7, 13

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

As a real life self reflection to practice the love that God has called us to show; insert your name in place of the word Love.
(ex. Sherry is patient, Sherry is kind...)

Galatians 5:13-14
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command" Love your neighbor as yourself."

Love other mothers right where they are. We are all at a different place in our journey of motherhood.

What if Christ was as critical/judgmental of us the way we are of ourselves and others. Would you want to serve a God like this? Even more, if this is what other mothers see in you (critical/judgmental), would they want to serve the God you claim to serve? Meaning, are you showing others the love that Christ shows you?

Love the way Christ loves you

Bless others the way Christ blesses you
Show grace the way it is shown to you
Forgive the way Christ forgives you

Use the gifts God has blessed you with to bless others. We all have a gift, some big, some small. All of them important!

We can ALL show love through kindness and a simple Smile! A smile can break down walls and barriers that we have built around us.

MOPS Faith Position Statement:

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.

To break this down, this year MOPS is here to:

Encourage: To inspire with courage and hope
Equip: To supply with needed resources
Develop: To bring out all the possibilities
Every: Every one and every kind
Mother of preschoolers: Mother of children from infancy through kindergarten
Realize: To be aware of, to understand, to accomplish
Potential: Something that can develop or become actual

Woman, Mother and Leader: The three distinct roles of a mother of preschoolers:

Woman: As a female, daughter and possibly wife
Mother: As the mother of her children, natural, adopted and blended in a relationship with their father
Leader: As an influence over others

In the name of Jesus Christ: To the honor of Jesus for his purposes

MOPS exists for every mom - urban, suburban, and rural moms, stay-at-home and working moms, teen, single and married moms - moms with different lifestyles who all share a similar desire to be the very best moms they can be!

This room is made up of a very diverse group of women who come from all different walks of life. Its not important where you attend church, what preschool your kids go to, who does your hair or where you live. What is important is that we are a group of women who ALL have one thing in common, we are mothers. We all have something to give to this group and we can all learn something from one another. Throughout this year, we are going to laugh together, learn together and even make new friends together!

Only you can determine what you get out of MOPS this year. A theory behind relationships and friendships is you get out of them what you put into them. I urge you to take a step outside of your comfort zone and form some new friendships, take Judy's devotions and apply them to your everyday walk with Christ, take a piece of advice from a guest speaker and use it in your parenting, let the common bond you share with other moms fill you with hope and joy, and enjoy fellowship at play dates and moms nights out.

This year, challenge yourself to take the "plunge" and love others the way Christ loves you!

We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Thursday, September 27^th. Our featured speaker will be Kristin Jones presenting “Training the Heart of a Child.”

Other Items of interest:

- Our first MOPS playdate is next Friday, September 21^st at Faulkner Spray Park, 10 a.m.-noon. If the weather is cool, we will still meet and play at the adjoining playground. If it is raining, an email will be sent out that morning alerting us to the playdate status.

- Our first MNO (Mom’s Night Out) is Friday, September 28 at Don Juan’s on the Square, 6:30 p.m.

- Collection of dues is ongoing until the end of October.

- Please email a family picture to Amber Reinhardt (amber.reinhardt@gmail.com) for our MOPS picture board!

- The MENTORS will provide food for the next meeting

- An ecopy of our first MOPS newsletter is attached. There will be a newsletter generated at each meeting.

Hope to see you all of you at our next meeting on September 27^th!

Have a wonderful weekend,
Debra Bochow
Discussion Group Coordinator

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Take the PLUNGE at our First Marvin MOPS Meeting 2012-2013

Hello and welcome back wonderful moms!

We are about to begin another brand new MOPS adventure together. The first meeting of the year is this THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 10 a.m.- Noon in ROOM 235- The Seekers Classroom (across the hall and down from our previous meeting room) on the 2^nd floor. For the first meeting, there will be signs and greeters to meet and direct you.

We are so fortunate to have Sarah Burkett and Sherry Trump return as our Co-Coordinators this year. We are also blessed to have Judy Carter continue as our Lead Mentor. These dedicated women and the rest of the Steering Team have thoughtfully planned our group’s activities and are ready to help support you in your role as mom this year.

In addition to email, text and personal calls, we will continue to utilize our Facebook page- Marvin UMC MOPS, and our blog: www.marvinmops.blogspot.com to enhance our support, connection and communication with one another. Please join our Facebook group and follow our blog to get up to the minute information on upcoming meetings/events or be part of a “mom moment” conversation. You will each be contacted prior to our first meeting by your Table Leader, who will notify you to which table you have been assigned, along with other first meeting reminders.

This year’s theme is PLUNGE- Love as if your life depended on it. The emphasis is relationships and hope. Taking the plunge in relationships is being authentic and going deeper. All facets of relationships can be strengthened through taking risks, going deeper and showing authentic love- neighborhood, friendships, marriages, extended families, and ultimately relationship with God.

If you will be using childcare, also known as our MOPPETS program, you may bring your children to the childcare rooms which are located on the first floor. There will be a sign to direct you. If your children are not coming, and you are signed up for childcare, it is important that you contact Stephanie Lamb, our MOPPETS Coordinator, to let her know: Steph.lamb@sbcglobal.net, or 903-363-7447. This affects how many volunteers/workers/rooms we need.

Some additional important reminders about our MOPPETS program:

· Please LABEL ALL of your child’s belongings (sippy cups, pacifiers,etc.)

· Please DO NOT bring your child if he/she shows ANY signs of illness. Please refer to the “Moppets Guidelines” for further instruction

· Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. before the meeting. Please pick up your children promptly by noon to be courteous of the MOPPETS staff

Other First Meeting Reminders:

Please bring a picture of your immediate family to be displayed on a board so we can learn each other’s families. You may bring an actual hard copy photograph or email your picture to Amber Reinhardt (Hospitality Coordinator) at amber.reinhardt@gmail.com
First Semester Dues are due: $40 if you are using childcare/ $24 if you are not using childcare. If you have not paid the $25 MOPS International (once a year) dues, then these are also due. Checks made payable to “Marvin MOPS.” Cash is also accepted. Dues go to Heather Parker, our Financial Coordinator.
Financial assistance is available in the form of scholarships or payment plans. Please see Heather Parker for additional information.
Members of the Steering Committee will provide food for our first meeting.

We are so excited to welcome our many new and returning moms to a new MOPS year!

See you on Thursday!

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Thursday, May 10, 2012

In Closing...Last Marvin MOPS Meeting 5/10/12

Ladies,

We missed each of you this morning, and hope that you all will join us this summer at the various play dates and Mom’s Night Out(s) planned. I have attached a copy of this summer’s activities schedule. Please mark your calendars now and hope to see you at the various get togethers scheduled.

What a year! We have immensely enjoyed meeting, making new friends, and strengthening established friendships over crafts, speaker discussions, prayer requests and good food. Today was no different. In a slight change of direction, Sherry opened the meeting with a beautiful devotional that really underscores why MOPS is so important to each of us. We are all in this together with God, and with that comes a genuine bond and connection we have with one other. Our MOPS friendships come with an understanding of where we all are in our lives. Please read the beautiful and poignant devotional that I have attached to this email. It sums up this idea perfectly!

Judy and Mary Ann lead a beautiful prayer circle for our dear mentor, Natalie Box, and her precious granddaughter, Nixon, and Brittany, Natalie’s daughter, and Nixon’s mother. Our room full of moms joined together in a determined and focused force of prayer for Nixon’s recovery, continued strength for Natalie and Brittany, and protection for Brittany’s baby boy. What a moment to share and experience.

Our “dinner project” was a homemade pizza pie! Finally, a project that I could actually execute and have it look as it should J (just kidding).

In closing, we all hope that you have enjoyed MOPS this year as much as the leaders and steering team have! We hope it has met your needs as well as helped you gain strength, perspective and faith in all that you are doing as a mother of young children. Thank you for making this year so wonderful!

Please don’t forget, our LAST MOPS Playdate is at the home of Jordan Delaney on Tuesday, May 15 at 10 a.m. Jordan’s address is 2110 Dueling Oaks, Tyler 75701. 210-355-7309.

I am also attaching today’s newsletter with additional information.

Have a wonderful and safe summer!

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Last Marvin MOPS Meeting of 2011-2012 Year

Ladies,
Our wonderful year is sadly coming to an end. Please join us at our LAST meeting this Thursday, May 10^th at 10 a.m. This year we will celebrate our final get together with a “Mother’s Day Brunch” in honor of all of us who are moms! No need to prepare dinner or set the crockpot before our meeting. Each mom will go home with a family dinner for Thursday evening (yay!). Come dressed in casual clothes for a wonderful morning of fellowship and to celebrate our MOPS year together. Also, bring your apron if you think about it.

Thank you all for your enthusiasm and support of this wonderful organization!

THURSDAY MEETING REMINDERS:

- Please DO NOT bring your child(ren) if he/she shows ANY signs of illness. Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. Please pick up your children promptly by 12 noon.

- Our wonderful MENTORS will be providing food.

- Registration for the 2012-2013 Marvin MOPS year has begun! Registration forms will be made available during our meeting. Please complete the form and a $25 annual registration fee will also be collected. Please complete your registration soon to reserve your place and childcare for this next year!

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

· The Last MOPS Play Date at Jordan Delaney’s Home (2110 Dueling Oaks, Tyler 75703 210-355-7309) on Tuesday, May 15th at 10 a.m.

If you are UNABLE to attend this Thursday’s MOPS meeting, please notify your Table Leader. If your children are not coming, and are signed up for childcare, please also notify Stephanie Lamb (MOPPETS Coordinator) at steph.lamb@sbcglobal.netor 903-363-7447.

Lastly, please continue to keep Natalie Box’s granddaughter, Nixon, in your prayers. Mary Ann and Judy are traveling to Tulsa tomorrow to provide support to the family. Please also pray for their safe journey. We will provide updates as they are known.

I hope to see you all this Thursday.

Have a wonderful and blessed week,

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Friday, May 4, 2012

"Live Compassionately, Love Deeply..."

Hello Ladies,

These last few weeks leading up to the end of the school and MOPS year are quite busy, but exciting. Our meeting yesterday was indicative of that end of year “buzz;” lots of communicating amongst ourselves about the upcoming summer, busy vacation schedules, and looking forward to closing a year of achievement and accomplishment. We missed each of you, and I do hope that ALL of you will attend our LAST meeting of the year this Thursday, May 10 at 10 a.m. It will be a time to reflect and look forward as we all continue on this journey called motherhood together.

Judy’s devotional opened up with a recommendation on a website she was directed towards by our own Amber Reinhardt called “The Power of Moms.” She highly recommends that we read the blog that is found within the website titled “Your Children Want You.”

Comparisons. Aren’t we all guilty of “comparing” ourselves to someone at some point in our lives? At first, we probably have compared ourselves to a family member (sibling, cousin), and then as we get older, our comparisons are made with our peers (friends). As we journey through life, get married, and then have a child(ren), it is inevitable that we now compare ourselves with other moms. And perhaps we also compare ourselves with other Christians. As women, we seem to be CONSTANTLY comparing ourselves. The danger is that this exercise can lead to jealousy and envy and God does not like these qualities. The lesson is to be our very best as God has made us to be. Do not try to be someone that we are not.

Our featured speaker was Katie Butts. She is a fellow MOPS mom who has two beautiful children (Will 4 ½ and Ellie 1 ½ ) each with their own unique physical conditions and special needs. In a very short period of time, she has experienced and learned about how differently (and sometimes hurtful) children and adults interact with her children and even herself. This encompasses everything from gestures, questionable verbal interactions, and questions. From her own point of view and others that she has consulted with from her journey (parents of children who face difficult physical and mental challenges), Katie has compiled a wonderful reference tool for adults and children in how we can sensitively and successfully integrate other children/adults who are visibly “different” into a world of inclusion and friendship. In addition, Katie has also compiled a resource list of media, and books that can introduce your children to characters/individuals who look different, but are really just like all of us! I have attached these documents to this email.

Following Katie's wonderful presentation, each table had discussion questions that continued the dialogue about raising sensitive and compassionate children. We all learned and gained specific skills and vocabulary that will make a positive difference!

I have also attached this week’s newsletter with additional information on our last few activities:

- Last MOPS Playdate is Tuesday, May 15 at the home of Jordan Delaney (10-12 noon).

- Next and FINAL meeting of the year is this Thursday, May 10^th at 10 a.m. The Mentors will bring food.

I hope you all have a relaxing and wonderful weekend with your families!

See you all next Thursday!

Debra Bochow

Discussion Group Coordinator

Sunday, April 29, 2012

It's Marvin MOPS Week (5/3/12)!

Hello Ladies,

The countdown to the end of our MOPS year has begun. Just two meetings left and we have saved the best for our last few meetings! We hope you will all join us this Thursday, May 3^rd at 10 a.m. to hear our own fellow MOPS mom, Katie Butts, speak about raising “sense”-itive children. She lives and brings forth a powerful and personal testimony that we all can learn from (and not just our own children)!

As we wind down the year, our leaders Sarah and Sherry are already planning for next year; who, alongside our steering committee help create and run our wonderful program. There are open steering positions for next year. If you are interested we'll have Steering "Interest Forms" at our next meeting to complete or visit with Sherry or Sarah.

THURSDAY MEETING REMINDERS:

- Please DO NOT bring your child(ren) if he/she shows ANY signs of illness. Drop off time is 9:50-10:00 a.m. Please pick up your children promptly by 12 noon.

- The STEERING COMMITTEE will be providing food.

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

· Our LAST meeting will be next Thursday, May 10^th in our annual “Tea and Treasures” finale. We plan to celebrate this past year, reflect on the wonderful friendships and memories made. Dress up and bring your favorite tea cup or mug as we close in our last fellowship of the year.

· Last MOPS Play Date at Jordan Delaney’s Home (2110 Dueling Oaks, Tyler 75703 210-355-7309) on Tuesday, May 15th at 10 a.m.

I hope to see you all this Thursday!

Have a wonderful week,

Debra Bochow
Discussion Group Coordinator

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Mommy Feud and The Price Is Right...

What a fun morning of fellowship and laughter! In keeping with our game theme for the 2011-2012 MOPS year, we thought some "mom" games were appropriate for our meeting this morning. The Yellow Table knew the prices at Wal-Mart on household cleaning supplies, claiming a victory! Then Team Pink/Purple/Blue won "Mommy Feud" with the winning pacifier nickname. Everyone took home outdoor Summer goodies for their kiddos to enjoy!