MOPS GROUP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(MOM-RELATED)
MOPS International was founded in 1973 and has grown to thousands of chapters all over the world. Its stated mission is "to nurture every mother of preschoolers according to her distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ." It is a non-denominational Christian organization, but all mothers of preschoolers are welcome, regardless of religious beliefs.
What about Fairfax Community Church MOPS?
The mom’s group at Fairfax Community Church (FCC) was started by Barbara Orrell-Jones and Kathleen Otchy in September 2001. Our numbers continued to grow year after year, and in March 2003, we were chartered by MOPS International.
Why would I want to come to FCC MOPS?
Because it's fun!!! FCC MOPS gives you the chance to socialize with other women in similar situations. We offer refreshments as well as a guest speaker and discussion time afterwards. In addition, your child receives socialization plus a Biblically based curriculum specific to his or her age. We organize occasional special events such as a date night with your spouse, Easter activities and casual summer park gatherings. Many moms really connect with one another and socialize outside of regular meetings. Our goal is to make your MOPS experience encouraging and refreshing so that you return energized and renewed to your important calling as a mother.
How do I sign up for FCC MOPS?
Pick up a FCC MOPS registration packet, which gives you additional information and the necessary paperwork to complete. These are available at meetings from our Registration Steering Team member or from the FCC office at 703.323.0110. Please note that we need you to register every year so that we can be sure to have up-to-date information. Space is limited so please try to sign up during the regular summer registration period. We gladly invite moms to join us at any time during our year if we have available spots. Occasionally we do have a waiting list due to physical space limitations so please call ahead.
When and where does FCC MOPS meet?
MOPS meets at FCC from 9:30am-11:30am on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from September through May. Some meetings may occasionally be rescheduled due to holidays or school vacations. Listen for announcements at our meetings and/or check our website. We try to start on time at 9:30am so we can fit everything in. It can be disruptive to the children who have settled down to have new MOPPETS being dropped off in the room. However, we do understand the lives of busy mothers, so you may come in late if necessary. There's plenty of food, so if you don't have time for breakfast, don't worry about it! (You will want to feed your children beforehand.)
What happens when I arrive at MOPS?
You will drop off your child(ren) at MOPPETS childcare (see FAQ's--Kids for more information on MOPPETS). After a quick goodbye, you will move to the meeting space. After you drop off your kids, it’s YOUR time! Gather with the other moms as you enjoy light refreshments. Our meetings generally begin with this fellowship, followed by an official welcome and sharing time. We then get our creative juices flowing with ‘team building’ activities, which help us get to know each other (and ourselves!) better. Following announcements is a guest speaker. We wrap up each meeting with discussion time, typically in small groups. Sometimes the speaker’s topic lends itself to larger group discussions.
MOPS is funded with donations from participating mothers and a budget allocation from our chartering ministry (FCC). Regular participants pay $19.95 per year in dues to MOPS International. These dues not only get you connected to MOPS, but also give you MOMSense Magazine, encouraging MOM-E-Mails, a wholesome children’s video and mother books (see www.MOPS.org for specifics). We encourage you to try us out to see if we are right for you! We just ask that by your third meeting you make a financial commitment, or allow other mothers to participate. Once each semester, we also collect dues in the amount of $4 per mom per meeting to help offset our costs. Scholarships are available for those with financial hardships and are handled in the strictest confidentiality. Contact either our coordinator or finance coordinator for assistance.
What about the steering team?
MOPS is run by and for mothers. There is a steering team of approximately 8-10 women, who plan the meetings and make policies specific to our group. This includes Mentor Moms, women with older children who have "been there, done that." They provide priceless guidance for the steering team and occasionally speak at the MOPS meetings. Moms typically are invited to serve as DGFs or in leadership roles. If you are interested, please let someone on the steering team know! Please keep in mind that it is important that the moms who fill these roles have a real, growing relationship with Jesus Christ. The positions on steering include:
* Coordinator or Co-Coordinators - Directs steering team & meetings
* Mentor(s)- Provide guidance to steering team and moms; speaks at some meetings
* Finance - Collects money at meetings; maintains the MOPS finances
* Discussion Group Team Leader - Coordinates the Discussion Groups
* Hospitality - Coordinates details for each meeting; plans special events
* MOPPETS - Oversees the MOPPETS childcare program
* Publicity – Publicizes and advertises MOPS within the group & community
* Registration – Coordinates registration paperwork and details
* Speakers/Topics - Coordinates and arranges guest speakers and meeting topics
Where else can I get information on MOPS?
For up-to-date information on our next activity or activity, either listen for announcements at meetings, watch for weekly e-mail reminders (another reason we need your current info!) or check our website at http://www.oocities.org/fccmomsgroup/. If you call the church office at 703.323.0110, someone will be happy to refer you to a steering team member who can answer your questions. For information on MOPS International, go to www.MOPS.org. And of course, always feel free to call a member of the steering team!
What about the weeks when MOPS doesn’t meet?
If the women in your group don't plan a get-together, why not suggest one? Or check the FCC website for information about the FOCUS Bible Studies or other small groups that meet.
What about bad weather?
In the event of bad weather, we follow the Fairfax County Schools' decision regarding school closings. If the schools are open, we will meet. If they are either delayed or closed, we will cancel our meeting. We don’t want moms with little ones out driving unnecessarily.