Patty Miller
The Edmond Sun
EDMOND —
Edmond mothers with preschool children can sometimes find their world one of unfinished sentences and cold food that is eaten hot and hot food that is eaten cold.
For those mothers looking for a port in the storm, Edmond Mothers of Preschoolers kicked off the 2010-2011 year with MOPS registration day today.
“We are getting ready to start our MOPS year with registration from 9-11:30 a.m. today at First Presbyterian Church in Edmond,” said member Kathi Black.
MOPS is an international program that was organized in the 1970s.
Meetings are the second and fourth Fridays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian, the chartering church 13 years ago.
The preschool children, known as MOPPETS, may be dropped off at the church for child care at 9:15 a.m. and picked up at 11:45 a.m. at the church’s accredited child care facility.
Membership is for women who are pregnant or moms with children in tow up to the age of 6 years old.
“You don’t have to be a church member to join,” said Judy Anderson, mentor for the group. “Our mission statement is: To provide care and nurture for all mothers of preschoolers meeting their distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ.”
The purpose of MOPS is to make sure mothers know they are not alone.
“I was the mother of four children,” Anderson said. “When you’re up to your eyeballs with preschoolers and toddlers, you think you’re the only one who doesn’t have enough money, who’s always tired, who can’t get the brothers and sisters to get along.”
This group puts moms in touch with other women who are going through the same things.
“It’s a community outreach, because mothering matters,” Anderson said, “and it is a good way to share expertise and Jesus. Godly mothers make godly children, and will hopefully, eventually, make a better world.”
The first MOPS meeting is scheduled for Aug. 27.
This year’s theme is “Momology: Art and Science of Mothering” based on Psalm 139, Anderson said.
MOPS members pay $8 a meeting and $70 per semester with an annual registration of $23, paid to MOPS International.
With the international registration, MOPS members receive among other things “Out of the Spin Cycle: Devotions to Lighten your Load,” and Veggie Tales videos to share with their children.
“The ladies enjoy fellowship, crafts, speakers and games,” Anderson said. Along with the meetings, activities are planned throughout the school year for moms, children and families.
“This is a place where moms can find adult conversations and can finish a sentence, where hot food served hot and cold food is served cold.”
First Presbyterian Church, the chartering church and host facility for the MOPS group is at 1101 S. Rankin. Call 341-3602 for more information.
