What's MOPS?
What's MOPS?
By: Laura Lum
Topics: free, family, Activities, parenting, mothers, clubs, children. babies, religion
Posted by lewlum Tue Jul 22, 2008 10:36:00 PDT
Viewed 143 times
0 responses 2 comments Location: 12225 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93314
Six years ago, when I was pregnant with my first child, I remember my sister asking me if I had ever heard about MOPS. What? Of course I mop. Does she not think I won’t sanitize my house with a brand new baby?? “NO, MOPS, as in ‘Mothers of Preschoolers’” Oh, MOPS. No, what is it?? She told me it was a special group for Moms. But I had an infant, not a preschooler, so I didn’t research it much further until I moved to Bakersfield 3 years ago and wanted to meet some new people.
But what exactly is it?? Well, in a nutshell—It’s a place to just hang out with other mommies. We meet every month, have our kids hang out with each other in supervised childcare while we get to listen to a great speaker, eat a nice warm home made meal, and get a chance to just chat or make a small craft. We also have special events throughout the month—play dates with our kids or just a mommies night out. But mostly—it’s a place to bond with other women who are in the same hair raising experience as you….from BIRTH (sleepless nights) to Kindergarten (getting them to sleep) and all the in-between. And we try to be there for each other—through whatever challenges God allows for in our path whether it be an addition to the family or a loss of a loved one.
And you know what I found out—it’s more than what I thought it was, much more….kind of wishing I joined in 6 years ago. And yes...you don’t have to wait until your child is a preschooler to be a part of MOPS.
It’s not just me either, here’s what another mommy has to say about the group. “I was 42 years old when I had my first (and last!) child. I was terrified! I knew absolutely nothing about raising a child. Knowing firsthand the power of prayer, I prayed to God to guide me and stay especially close. I began reading parenting books. They all said different things- I began to freak! What was right and what was wrong? I had no idea. I was always asking for advice from moms I knew. I read an article in The Northwest Voice describing how MOPS had helped one of the members through a difficult time. I thought this group sounded like the support I needed. It would be a chance for me to overcome my shyness and meet other mothers, and for my child to learn how to interact with other children. Well, trust my instincts I did! This has been our first year in MOPS and I can’t tell you how it has helped us both! Everyone in the group has been so caring and helpful and understanding and welcoming. My son has grown tremendously and has adjusted well with the other kids. MOPS was definitely just what I had prayed for to guide me during the beginning of this scary journey of parenthood!”
Come check us out—we are the Bridge Bible Church MOPS group. We will be kicking off our year with an open house event at the Bridge Bible Church on October 2nd from 9AM to 11AM We will have some kiddie games, snacks, and an info table. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Sun Sep 14, 2008 21:05:17 PDT
I am really interested in joining (is that the right word) MOPS. I have been looking for a group like this for a while.
I just wanted to ask a few questions: Is the Bridge the church on Stockdale and Allen? Are there any fees? Is there a waiting list? I was told that I could get on the waiting list at another church, so I gave up! When do you have your monthly get togethers?
I have a 17 month old and we're hoping to have another sometime soon. I really want Nathan to have time where he can be with kids his age. We're in China right now (until Oct or Nov) and he hasn't had much play time with other kids here and that makes me sad. And,I don't have any friends in the same place in life (well, not in Bakersfield). It would be great to meet other mommies, and make some friends.
Sun Sep 21, 2008 18:42:03 PDT
Hi! Thanks for asking about MOPS - we'd love for you to come check us out. Yes - we are located on Stockdale and Allen. Our new church building just opened. We start off the year on October 2nd with an open house event. We will then be meeting every 3rd Thursday for our general meeting and usually the 1st Thursday for an outing with our kids. The annual cost if you want to join is $80 - to help cover childcare costs, crafts, and MOPS international fees - which gets you some great resources, weekly e-mails and a monthly newsletter. If you need more info - contact Rhonda Reeves at 661-665-1939. Looking forward to meeting you!!
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