ANNOUNCING.... the NEW MOPS Intl. Mission Statement!!

It's official!!  We have a new missions statement at MOPS:

"MOPS International 
encourages & equips moms of young children 

to realize their potential as mothers, 

women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, 

and in partnership with the local church."

There are three (3) noteworthy changes to MOPS new mission statement. 

1. The new mission statement allows MOPS to “spread a wide net” so to speak. Culture has changed and the term “mother of preschooler” now conveys the image of a mom whose children participate in a pre-school program. This might unintentionally exclude mothers of young and infant children who are our exact audience. Hence the update from mothers of preschoolers to moms of young children.
2. MOPS is a ministry of its church and it is our hope young moms will take steps toward Jesus and then bring her family and engage with the church where her MOPS group meets. We know this family will then be provided with community and opportunities to grow in their faith and serve. Hence the updated language, in partnership with the local church.
3. The third revision takes MOPS back to its CORE. Evangelism. MOPS strives to talk about faith in a way that inspires every woman toward a relationship with Jesus. Our content, materials and resources are created to support leaders in sharing their faith and inspiring every mom toward Jesus. Hence the change from in the name of Jesus to in relationship with Jesus.

Why is this news important?  A mission statement for any organization, or even an individual, is akin to a goal...a vision for why they do what they do.  When we act with a goal and purpose in mind, we are more likely to be successful because it is easier to see what needs to get done and what our attitude ought to be.  

What do you do now?  Share the news!  It may even be a good time to sit down at your next Leadership Team meeting and chat about what your MOPS group already does, then what you can start doing, to adapt these principles.  As always, let me know if you have questions!

November 2014

For YOU...a LEADER's Moment:

     This post started out as September's post, then became September & October's...and now is officially November's - ugh!!  Isn't often like this in MOPS leadership - where a balance between our mommy lives with our goals and desires for MOPS ministry becomes difficult to achieve?

    Well, the truth is that this can be frustrating... Frustrations & unmet expectations can lead to discouragement in leadership.  So, what do we do?  I've learned that keeping ourselves encouraged and built-up goes a long way!  It is my desire to do what I can to help you find resources that will help accomplish this for you.  So, here's a list of suggestions that can meet whatever moment you find free (12 minutes or hours...you choose ;-) ):

• www.mops.org - they, like me, love you all!!  Here, you will find webinars, devotionals, and articles to meet your woman & leader needs.
• Sidebar on right - a list of daily radio/online programs ranging from 12 to 25 minutes in length.
• www.fullfill.org - Elisa Morgan's (President Emeritus of MOPS Intl.) monthly digizine.
• www.JustBetweenUs.org - seasonal magazine for women in Christian leadership.

Let us know what worked for you & why!

COMMUNITY Updates:

• Stay Connected in your MOPS Community!:  I've added a list of the churches in each community (24F & 23N) to the bottom of this blog.  Check yours out!  Knowing who is in our communities makes us aware of each other, and therefore more accessible, too.  Also, you will see a link to your Community's Facebook page at the bottom of each list.  Join TODAY!!  Facebook is a fantastic way to stay abreast of announcements from your Area Coach team, as well as receive and give ideas and prayer requests from fellow MOPS Leaders in your designated areas.  Stay connected!!

• YOU are invited...Coordinator Conference Call: I have scheduled a Christmas conference call for Friday, November 14th, 2014 at 10:00 - 11:00 am for Coordinators, Co-Coordinators, and Assistant Coordinators from both Area 24F & 23N.  This is a time to get-to-know other MOPS Leaders, and share thoughts, ideas, and information.  Though an open discussion time will also be included, we will start the call with the following theme: "It's Christmas-time at MOPS".  

• "Mothering with Purpose: Personal Mission Statements": Struggling with finding a focus in your role as a mom?  Do you feel like there is so much to do and are having a hard time figuring out how to do what you're responsible for well?  It could be that you are struggling with narrowing down your God-given purpose!  I have a talk prepared entitled "Mothering with Purpose" including a group project of starting DYO mission statements.  If your group is interested, let me know!

MI (MOPS International) Updates:

• MOMcon 2014:  Did you know that YOU can also watch the general sessions we experienced at MOMcon?  They will continue to be available for a limited time!  The date noted is November 2nd, however, the link still works - so, GO...Watch today!! MOMcon 2014 ~ General Sessions  And if you couldn't make it to MOMcon this year, start saving & planning for attending in September 2015 in Indianapolis, IN.  I'm not just saying this...yes, it's a sacrifice; but you'll love it, be refreshed, encouraged, and energized for more MOPS and life!!

• **MOPS 2014-2015 Registration**: Please be sure to register your moms!!  The cost is $24.95 per person.  Registration is the vehicle MOPS International uses to step-in and help you encourage and equip your moms for their motherhood journeys!  It also helps us keep track of who we are serving in order to better provide relevant resources to all MOPS moms.  So, if you have questions or need help with the registration process, please let me know... 

• A FREE website is available for your group: A website for your group is now included in your charter!  You can find it under the resources section of your group's Dashboard.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

• "Brave Mom: Facing and overcoming your real mom fears", by: Sherry Surrat: Sherry's new book has officially been released!  If you are a Coordinator who did not attend MOMcon, a copy for your group will be sent to you as part of your Group Experience Kit.  They are due to arrive shortly!!  Copies are also available for purchase through the MOPS Shop.

• It's Christmas Prep time at MOPS on November 11th: Announcing MOPS Leaders' 2nd annual Bring-Christmas-to-your-Group Facebook party!  Mark your planners for November 11th at 9:30 pm EST.  Prizes & great ideas will be available to all who attend.  Just LIKE us at the MOPS Leaders' page then come watch at party time:http://ow.ly/i/7jHi4 

• MOPS on AmazonSmile: MOPS International is now registered with AmazonSmile!  AmazonSmile is a great program that lets anyone who shops on Amazon pick a charity in order to donate 0.5% from their purchase to that charity.  When first visiting AmazonSmile, customers are prompted to select a charitable organization from a long list of organizations.  This choice will be remembered for eligible purchases every time you shop at Amazon.  Easy-peasy!! 

• ON-going Leadership Training Opportunities: Please make sure to check the left tab of this full blog for live training events, webinars for MOPS International, etc. throughout the year.  These are excellent opportunities to grow your & your group's leadership potential!  Plus, in truth, none of us know where God will choose to use our leadership experience in, or after, MOPS ;-).

Prayer Request:

• Pam, Ministry Coach: Please continue to pray for Pam, a former member of our Area 24 MVS team.  She is continuing to undergo chemotherapy treatment for brain cancer & is doing well!  Please pray for God's hand of healing, as well as continued support & strength for Pam's husband and children.