MOPS IS A PLACE THAT "GETS" MOMS
You don’t have to do mothering alone. Whether you need a friend to compare stories with, a shoulder to lean on, or ideas to help you be better mom- Mops is just the place. Mops is a support group for moms with children birth through kindergarten, focusing on the unique needs of moms in the phase of life. Experience warmth and shared wisdom from other moms, not all the same age, lifestyles or backgrounds, but all with the shared desire to be the best mothers they can be.
WHEN AND WHERE?
1ST AND 3RD Thursday September - May
9:00 am – 11:45 am
First Baptist Church in Deridder- You do not need to be a FBC church member to attend.
It is open to all members of the community who have children 0-5 and pregnant women.
WHAT DO WE DO?
We start out with food at our meetings. Moms enjoy a chance to socialize with other moms. We have a short time for announcements, followed by a short devotion. Then we either have a speaker (on topics that moms would be interested in), or some sort of fun craft. We also have a small group discussion that allows us to get to know other moms more closely. In addition to meetings, we plan special events whether with our kids and /or families, or as “moms only” nights.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDCARE?
Yes- we provide fun, nurturing environment for your children to play and learn while you take a well deserved break. During our MOPS meetings, your children will be cared for in a program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.
You can be certain that your children are being cared for and safe. We also issue each parent a tag corresponding with one given to your child, so you can be sure your child will not be leaving with anyone else. This is just further assurance that your child is protected and nurtured at mops.
HOW WE HELP THE COMMUNITY
Crisis Pregnancy Center - This center offers alternatives and resources to women who are pregnant or think they are (often unexpectly).
We support them with an annual babyshower given by the moms with new or like new items they donate as well as a donation from the MOPS
group itself of brand new carseats. Click here to visit site.
June Jenkins Women’s Shelter - This shelter provides a shelter and assistance for women and children during instances of domestic violence. We sponsor a room there by providing towels, sheets, curtains, and any other items that make the place feel like home for the women who find themselves staying there. During Christmas we have a birthday party for Jesus in which our children bring gifts of toiletry items to stock that room with. Click here to visit site.
Beauregard Nursing Home - Each Valentines day, we bring valentines to the nursing home residence made and delivered by our children. See the appreciative faces of these residents as they light up with joy is all the thanks we need. In addition, we often sponsor a couple's costs to live there.
Operation Christmas Child - During the month of November, we gather items that children in third-world countries could appreciate and use. This includes toys, toothbrushes, soaps, coloring books, etc. We use one of our meetings in November to pack plastic shoeboxes full for children. MOPs pays for the shipping and shoeboxes. Items are donated by moms and members of First Baptist Church (or anyone else who wants to contribue). Click here to visit site.
HOW DO I JOIN?
If you’re interested in joining this incredible support network of women, there are a few things to take note:
Your first meeting is free. Just show up on any day we are having a meeting (see calendar) or contact us first if you would rather. Your first meeting is free to check out, we hope you come and enjoy yourself.
An annual $25 registration fee is required that goes to Mops International. This secures your membership and entitles you to a one-year subscription to MomSense bimonthly magazine, a practical book that we use in our small group discussion, and weekly email from Mops international. We also have a fee of $5 per meeting to cover childcare, crafts, etc. Scholarships are available for Mops International, so don’t let the cost hinder you from participating. We exist for the community of moms around us, and we want to include everyone we can.
