MOPS

No, no...not this kind of mop...

This kind of MOP(S)...

The fall semester of MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) began this morning at Fellowship Dallas.  This is my first full year even though I attended a few meetings in the spring with Kali before & after Carter was born.  I am really looking forward to all that is in store for us over the next few months!  My discussion group leader, Ashley Gillard, is so sweet & welcoming...and she is the sister-in-law of one of my Tri Delta sorority sisters from A&M (Blaire Livingston, who was a few years older than me).  What a small world!  There are quite a few girls at our table with babies around Carter's age, which is great so that we can share our similar experiences, questions, etc.

For those of you who are not familar with MOPS, below is a description from their website:


You are invited to a place designed specifically for you, a mother 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 International Values

The MOPS International Purpose Statement is reflected in the following values and should be observable in the MOPS organization, ministry and communications.

Organizational Values:

• Excellence: The achievement of organizational excellence by conducting all the affairs of the ministry in accordance with biblical principles, sound management, personal and organizational integrity, financial stewardship, and empowerment of the staff to accomplish organizational outcomes.
• Heritage: The historical MOPS group structure serves as a model for ministry.
• Faith Position Statement: A commitment to the MOPS International Faith Position Statement.
• Partnerships/Alliances: Partnership/Alliances where individual strengths are shared for a common purpose.
• Local Church: A relationship with the local church, embracing a spectrum of diverse denominations, which are in agreement with our Faith Position Statement.
• Governance: The building of the board to model good governance, ensure the election of qualified and committed directors, constantly refine the Standing Policies Manual, and inform board members of major developments.

Ministry Values:

• Dignity: The dignity of each human life and of each individual mother of preschoolers, no matter where she has been, what she has done or how she is choosing to live her life today, embracing both believers and nonbelievers and all ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Women: The equipping of women to become all that God has designed them to be.
• Mothering: The value of mothering for its contribution to individuals, children, society at large, future generations and eternity.
• Relationships: Relationships including the male/female marital relationship, the parent/child relationship, and the ultimate fulfillment of all needs through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Lifestyle Evangelism: Lifestyle evangelism as expressed through Christ-like relationships in an environment for growth and spiritual development as faith shared through actions and words.
• Leadership Development: The equipping of women to gain confidence in their leadership skills and guide others through lifestyle evangelism.

Below is a picture of our table taken this morning:

I believe there are 100 ladies signed up this year.  Here's to a great semester of fun, fellowship and mentoring!