MOPS: Moms, this one is for you
By Kayleigh Rahn
Motherhood is beautiful.
And between those perfect maternal moments it’s difficult, exhausting, and yet the most fulfilling job most will come across.
And since 1997, Tuscola Mothers of Preschoolers (Tuscola MOPS) has served as a resource for stay-at-home moms, working moms, and every mom in between through the typical, tough, and beautiful moments of motherhood. The local group is a ministry of the Tuscola United Methodist Church where the mothers meet at 9 a.m. on the second Thursday of every month for fellowship and a lesson while church volunteers provide free daycare.
MOPS is an international, 40-year-old ministry with more than 1,500 groups worldwide. The original Tuscola club included five women, but more than a decade later it has grown into a network for dozens of women with an average of 35 moms from around the county and beyond attending the monthly meetings.
This year’s leadership team includes: Kendra Buchanan, coordinator; Heidi Kleiss, co-coordinator; Toni Jones and Liz Koehne, hospitality: Heather Lake, publicity; Erica Mentock, prayer and caring: Kristen Craig, fundraising; Morgan McCumber, treasurer; Sonya Williams and Renea King, MOPS Kids; and Susan Patterson, Mentor Mom, who work within the current biannual theme “Free Indeed.”
While MOPS is geared toward mothers of preschoolers–any child under 5 years old, Tuscola MomsNext welcomes mothers of older children.
The self-proclaimed “best mom club on the planet” is made up of three parts: the kit, the encouragement, and the community.
“In our opinion, becoming a member is what gives you access to the best mom club on the planet–a community filled with gutsy women ready to pick you up when you’re down and be your biggest cheerleaders while celebrating your wins,” the club statement reads. In addition to the monthly meetings, the club organizes local moms night out and kids day out events and issues weekly emails touching on topics exclusively for moms.
“With help from the Lord and support from our charter church, Tuscola United Methodist Church, Tuscola MOPS has grown into a powerful ministry that reaches out to moms all over Douglas County,” the organizations mission reads.
The group’s basic principles include: welcome all mothers, mentor, leadership development, honest conversation, relevant teaching, creative activities, and childcare.
Looking ahead, check The Tuscola Journal for upcoming events and meeting information. For more information find the group on Facebook by searching for Tuscola MOPS Moms.