Mamas show up to MOPS for a variety of reasons, but they stick around because friendships are formed, and fast. How do we manage to connect with other moms so fast?

When you come through our doors this week, look around and truly see how different we all are – some moms are put together and others barely made it out the door dressed with maybe spit-up all over them. But look deeper! Look into their eyes, and you’ll see that each of these moms, regardless of their outer appearance, have their own stories, some with current struggles and some with new victories.

Each year, we survey for feedback. We want to build an environment that you crave! …you asked for more time to mingle, and you’re gonna get it. But it doesn’t stop there! We’re committed to relationship building activities that will help us build friendships as a whole and within our small groups. That’s right, you don’t have to be a small fish in a big pond.

This week, you can expect to meet your small group for the year, and it’s going to be so much fun! The walls will come in around you, and the overwhelming feeling will instantly change as you have fun naming your group, and even laugh or cry over our topic for the week… Loving The Life You Didn’t Choose. As Melanie Dale, the hilarious and brilliant author (Women are Scary and It’s Not Fair) and *speaker, comes to us (sorry, but only in video format this week) to share Five Daily Practices that help her love her very unexpected life.

We are also ready to kick-off our first fundraiser, and there are two aspects you need to consider.

First, will you consider volunteering for our Fundraising Committee? Before you say, no way!, let me be clear about something… all members will participate in MOPS Fundraisers, but we need a committee to manage the fundraisers. It might be encouraging to know that a lot of brainstorming has already taken place and several small and a few significant fundraisers are practically ready to go, so there won’t be a ton of work to do. Did I mention, we already have 2-3 members who have graciously volunteered to participate in this committee, and have hit the ground running? So thank you! And second, begin thinking about your first or second level connections who might be business owners in the area. We have a great opportunity for our local business owners to partner with us, and we want YOU to connect us.

UPDATE: Click here to read our letter to the community listing the many ways to offer support.

Membership and MOPS Kids Update :: We are excited to share that our Caregiver roster has grown. We’re equipped to handle all your children, safely. And we have room for growth!! So, if you know a mom or two who were worried about being put on a wait list, tell them to just come… this week… because now is the time for them to get REGISTERED. Here’s the form!

Also, please remember to be considerate of the MOPS Kids program, caregivers and leaders! Childcare is NOT available until 9:15 am. If you arrive early, please take advantage of a few extra minutes in the car before beginning the journey to drop-off -OR- feel free to utilize the playground on the back-side of the parking lot – directly across the street from the Preschool Entrance on Madison Street.

Don’t think we’ve forgotten about our monthly shoutouts! If you’ve got a birthday or anniversary this month – Live It Up!

September Birthdays:

Heather Walker

Caitlin Chambers

Jacqueline Warren

Kaitlin Wren

September Anniversaries:

Kelly Presnal

Andrea Reese

Priscilla Coffey

Vanessa Erikson

*Listen into Melanie’s podcast for some great tips on how to Lighten Up.