What is MOPS?
MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS International exists to meet the needs of every mom – urban, suburban and rural moms, stay - at - home moms 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! MOPS recognizes that the years from infancy through kindergarten are foundational in a mother – child relationship and are filled with unique needs.

MOPS International’s primary tools for encouragement are regular local meetings where moms of all ages and from all backgrounds gather to build friendships, share practical parenting strategies, and meet with mentors.

MOPS is about…
• Celebrating motherhood
• Meeting needs
• Making connections
• Experiencing God’s love
…through relationships and resources

Because Mothering Matters…
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.

What Every Mom Needs…
• Identity: I want to find “me” again
• Growth: I want space to develop “me”
• Relationship: I want someone to come close and understand me
• Help: I want some help!
• Perspective: I want to stay focused on what matters
• Hope: Sometimes I want to find a deeper meaning to life

Who May Attend MOPS?
Any and every mother with children ages birth through kindergarten.

Meeting Days and Times
Hillcrest MOPS meets the first Tuesday of the month from September through December and February through May. Meeting time is from 6:15 pm until 8:15 pm.

Sample Meeting Agenda
6:00-6:15 pm Drop children off at MOPPETS classrooms
6:15-6:30 pm Welcome / on time drawing / game / announcements
6:30-7:00pm Eat / Testimony
7:00-7:30 pm Guest Speaker
7:30-8:15 pm Discussion/craft

Fees
The cost for the fall semester (September – December) is $20. The cost for the spring semester (February – May) is $20. The meeting cost will be collect at the beginning of each semester. If you prefer, you may pay for the entire year in September. The fees go toward ongoing costs of childcare, snacks for the children, crafts for the children and moms, and other MOPS items that make the meeting possible. An additional $20 is required for MOPS International Membership. Items received in the past with this fee include a monthly magazine, weekly emails, a book for mom, and a Veggie Tales CD or DVD. The total cost for the year of MOPS is $60. We do offer scholarships, this information is kept confidential. Please contact Anita Moore (278-9209) for more information.

Invite a Friend
On her first visit, your friend can attend for free! Please be sure to call Anita Moore (278-9209) and let her know your friend will be attending so that we may plan for her children.

Weather Policy
MOPS meetings will be cancelled when North Lawrence Community schools are cancelled. Your Discussion Group Team will contact you to let you know of cancellations. Please let her know a number where you can be reached during the day.

Opening and Dismissal
All MOPS meetings will begin promptly at 6:15 pm with an on time drawing. Children should be dropped off in their MOPPET classrooms between 6 & 6:15pm. Dismissal is at 8:15pm. Please get your children NO LATER than 8:15. Our teen MOPPET workers have school the next day and we must be respectful of their schedule. You are welcome to bring your children back into the meeting room and continue discussions. We know that it can be hard to leave your little ones…we ask that you do not go check on them during the meetings. If they see you, this may cause them to become upset again, making it more difficult on yourself and the MOPPET workers. If you need to know how your child is doing, please ask someone at your table (who does not have a child in your child’s classroom) to check on him or her. You may also ask Deanna Caswell (MOPPETS leader) to check on your children. Don’t forget to label your child’s diaper bag and bottle/cup.

Cell Phone Use
Please set cell phones to vibrate or turn them off during the MOPS meetings. If you must take a call please step into the hall.

Hillcrest MOPS Steering Team 2007-2008
Coordinators
Andrea Fields 275-0872, andilfields@yahoo.com (Discussion Group Team & Publicity also)
Ame Allen 834-5683, allena_25@hotmail.com (Creative Activities also)

Hospitality
Melanie Swango 797-5939, mswango@wildblue.net

Finance
Anita Moore 278-9209, anita.moore@comcast.net

Discussion Group Team
Michelle Alcorn 277-9747, chellesgrace@gmail.com (Creative Activities also)
Amie Jahn 277-8850, jahnamie@hotmail.com

MOPPETS
Deanna Caswell 277-1564, dscaswell80@peoplepc.com

Mentors
Becki Woodsmall 275-6203, beckiwoodsmall@yahoo.com
Ricki Willoughby 279-6205

Refreshments
Refreshments are provided by the women attending MOPS and are enjoyed by all. The following is a schedule of the refreshment rotation.

2007-2008 Refreshment Schedule
September 4th - Steering Team
October 2nd- Michelle’s table: sweets, Amie’s table: non-sweets
November 6th – Amie’s table: sweets, Andrea’s table: non-sweets
December 4th – everyone
February 5th –Amie’s table: sweets, Andrea’s table: non-sweets
March 4th – Steering team: sweets, Michelle’s table: non-sweets
April 1st – Michelle’s table: sweets, Amie’s table: non-sweets
May 6th – everyone

Mom’s Night Out
Once a month we will have Mom’s Night Out. It is a time to get away from your little ones and have some time for yourself and friends. We encourage you to attend; it is a great way to get to know each other better. We will be combining Mom’s Night Out with the Daytime Free Methodist MOPS group. Feel free to invite your friends who do not attend MOPS. There is no childcare provided for Mom’s Night Out.

Alcohol Policy
Out of respect and appreciation for our Chartering Church, Hillcrest Christian Church, we will abstain from using alcohol at any MOPS function. This includes meetings, Mom’s Night Out or any other MOPS sponsored event. We greatly appreciate Hillcrest’s financial support as well as prayers and encouragement. Due to this support we chose to support the church covenant in this matter.