Saturday, November 8, 2008

Operation Christmas Child



Don't forget about our Mom's Night Out on Friday, November 14th. It will be at 6:30 at First Baptist Church. We will pack and wrap our Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes while enjoying fun and fellowship. Please refer to your newsletter for more details about what to bring. After the boxes are completed, we will make arrangements to get them to the nearest dropoff point (Columbia County Christian), and then they will be off on their journey to reach children in another part of the world! This is a great opportunity to teach your children about being generous towards others and being thankful for what they have!

For more information about the Operation Christmas Child Program, visit their website or look at our October or November newsletter. If you didn't get a brochure with labels for the shoeboxes, you can download them here. Our group will cover the suggested $7 shipping cost for as many boxes as possible. However, if you wish to make a donation, you can do so online rather than placing a check in your shoebox if you wish. You can go here to do so.

Also, if you'd like to print out a coloring page for your child to complete and include in your shoebox. you can do so here (click on "Coloring Pages" to download the pages).

Friday, November 7, 2008

What happens at MOPS?

At our MOPS group, you will have the chance to enjoy breakfast and socialize with other moms, hear from some great speakers, discuss important topics in mothering, participate in creative activities...and even enjoy a cup of coffee while it’s still hot!

How do I sign up for MOPS?

To sign up for MOPS, please call First Baptist Church at 570-275-1511. You will be directed to the appropriate contact person for MOPS. Please let us know in advance that you plan to attend, so we can be sure to arrange childcare for your child(ren).

You are welcome to try out your first meeting for free. After this, there is a registration fee of $23.95 per year, which registers you with MOPS International.
For our local meeting, there is a fee of $3 per mom and $1 per child (excluding babes in arms) to help defray expenses. You will receive several helpful resources, including:

-MOMSense Magazine - Bi-monthly magazine for a full year of mothering expertise, parenting tips and fun things to do with your preschoolers

-MyMOPS Online Benefits - A weekly inspirational email, and access to benefits updated each month that include things like mom and kid activities, contests, coupons, author discussions and free music downloads

An easy-read Book - The book corresponds to the year's MOPS theme, and includes reflections, perspective and inspiration to help you through your mothering journey.

Scholarships are be available if needed, and information about these can be obtained by speaking with our Finance Team Leader. All scholarship information will remain confidential.

Is childcare provided at MOPS?

We have a wonderful program for children called MOPPETS!

About "Babes in Arms": Moms with "Babes in Arms" are welcome to keep their babies with them. If your child is mobile, we strongly encourage you to place him/her in the appropriate MOPPETS room so that both you and your child can enjoy social interaction.

About MOPPETS: MOPPETS provides quality care for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Those under one year of age are cared for in a loving nursery setting. Older children are divided into age groups which allows each child to interact with children of similar levels. Their classrooms are filled with stories, games, songs, crafts, projects, playtime and a snack.

About Our MOPPETS Caregivers: We have a wonderful team of caregivers who serve in our MOPPETS classrooms. They are all highly competent volunteers who have experience with little ones (former teachers, nurses, grandparents, etc.). They are all screened by our MOPPETS Coordinator and receive training to be the best caregivers that they can be.

About Class Size: For your child's benefit, MOPPETS class sizes are limited. If our MOPPETS program is full, mothers will be required to find their own childcare. However, we will do our best to find additional caregivers so that no mother is turned away due to a lack of caregivers. If you know of a friend, family member or neighbor who might enjoy working with our MOPPETS children as a volunteer during our MOPS meetings, please let us know!

The complete listing of policies for our MOPPETS program is available in the booklet you will receive at your first meeting.

When and where does MOPS meet?

MOPS meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 9:00am-11:00am (September through May). We meet at First Baptist Church of Danville, which is located at 20 Brookside Drive (Rt 642), Danville, PA 17821. The church phone number is (570) 275-1511. Our email address is mops@danvillefirstbaptist.org.

What is MOPS?

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers and is an international organization that exists to encourage, equip, and help women become the best moms they can be! Women who are pregnant or have young children (newborn through Kindergarten) are all invited to join MOPS.

MOPS is caring through:

* A program designed for all mothers of preschoolers (birth through Kindergarten), coordinated by mothers themselves.
* An open, supportive atmosphere where specific needs of today's mothers of preschoolers are met.

MOPS is sharing in:

* Small discussion groups where women interact, encourage and learn from one another.
* A comfortable setting for social and spiritual enrichment for mother and child(ren).


MOPS is preparing through:

* Building a sense of identity and personal worth.
* Instruction relating to womanhood, childrearing, marriage and building a home based on biblical principles.
* Social and creative opportunities for the preschool child.