Harvest MOPS Not Meeting 2011-2012

Dear Friends,

During the 2011-2012 school year Harvest Presbyterian Church will not be hosting a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) program. It is has not been an easy decision, and we did not make it lightly.   However, we believe that it is more valuable to take a year off to evaluate how the ministry at HPC can better meet the needs of moms in the Medina area.

To our former members we do want to especially thank you for your participation and communicate to you our sadness that we cannot provide this outlet for you at this time. We have loved getting to know you, and hope that our friendships will continue even if not in this particular venue. You will be receiving an email about the other Mom's groups in the area so that you know what options are available to you. I believe you will find that there are many options in Medina!

Regardless of whether you are a former MOPS mom or a new mom seeking community we pray that you will find a place to grow in relationship with Christ and love of your family.  Over the course of this year we hope to announce an exciting new ministry for moms and dads. In the meantime, let us know if there is anything we can do to make life in Medina more welcoming for you! Please know that you are always welcome at Harvest Church! Services on Sundays are at 8:15am and 11:00am. Childcare is available at both services.

Thank you for your patience and understanding,

Harvest MOPS Leadership

Fall Foliage Festival

Today three of us from Harvest MOPS met at Mapleside Farms in Brunswick to enjoy the smells and sights of fall. By the end of the day our family left with apple cider donuts, 1/2 peck of assorted apples, lots of vitamin D, and a little more confidence. Noah, my 2 1/2 year old, saw the horse drawn wagon and declared "all done horses!" Walking onto the wagon I was calculating how long we would have to turn around and get off, wondering if I was pushing him too hard. I whipped out a graham cracker, spoke tenderly, and tried to understand his nervousness. As the wagon started down its path through the orchards, I abandoned my uncertainty, and Noah's fear gradually turned to curiosity. By the end of the trip he was sitting on his own bale of hay! Moments like that are priceless to me. I never tire of watching my kids learn something new, and it amazes me how often I discover that I am learning as well.

The desire to learn how to "be the best moms we can be" is one of the things I most appreciate about being in MOPS. I care deeply about parenting well, but I often feel so ill-equipped for this job. I find myself beating back the lie that every other woman was born with a magical parenting skill that I never got. God has to constantly remind me that He gave me these children. He didn't give them to another mom. He gave them to me, and He WILL equip me to raise them!! I am grateful that one of the ways God is equipping me is through the friendships and discussions of this MOPS group.

Last year this group was my life line. I moved to Ohio with two kids under two, no connections, and my husband working in a job that requires a lot of travel. Except for the hope and support that I found at MOPS it was a rough winter. This year I can feel God planting my feet a little deeper. Medina has become more our home. My prayer for this group is that every mom will feel met in their place in life, encouraged, and renewed. If you have any suggestions or concerns please let us know. In the meantime, if you need a friend or a good cup of coffee never hesitate to give me a call!

Blessings to you and your families!

~Heidi Graham, Events Coordinator

Heidi Graham with Noah (2 1/2) and Abby (16 months)

Abbie Foster is due in December!

Connie Peterson jumping with her daughter in the fun inflatable!

Hay rides through the orchard. 4000 trees are picked by only 2 men!

Welcome to MOPS

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers. MOPS is a non-denominational Christian organization that seeks to make a difference in the lives of families. MOPS groups offer:

• An opportunity to make friends with other mothers and receive encouragement
• A community that celebrates motherhood and wants to help you be the best mom you can be
• Teaching based on biblical values addressing the home, mothering, womanhood and relationships
• Discussion groups in which moms can express their thoughts and feelings in an accepting atmosphere
• And more!

Your steering team works together to make "sure" that everything runs smoothly. We are always available to answer questions.

• Publicity and Special Events: 330-321-4803 Heidi Graham has a heart for community. She reaches out to as many women as she can with information about our group, and also plans extra fun events for moms and MOPS families throughout the year.
• Finances: 330-273-4529 Layne Hedden keeps our books balanced and works out the financial implications of our service projects and special activities. She’s the one to see if you need a scholarship for anything.
• Co coordinators: Sandy Noall 330-721-0125 and Abbie Foster 440-774-9151 are liasons between MOPS International and Harvest MOPS. Sandy greets you at the door with your name tag, keeps our roster up to date, and helps coordinate MOPPETS classrooms. Abbie coordinates speakers for the year.
• Mentor Mom: Dana Upson is past the preschool years! She is available to listen to your struggles, offer encouragement and understanding, and celebrate the joys of mothering with us all.
• MOPPETS: Kim Bachman organizes the childcare during our morning meetings. She tries to create the safest, most fun environment for your children and give us all a little break.

Welcome to Moppetts!

We are a group of experienced moms who are here to take care of your children. We provide a quality program in which your little ones are cared for and loved. If they are old enough, they are presented with a curriculum which includes Bible stories, crafts, songs, snack time and free play.

As you get your child ready for MOPPETS, here are some things to keep in mind:

- Classrooms open at 9:15, giving children time to settle in before our meeting begins.

- Label Diaper bags and sippy cups.

- We will provide toys and activities. Please pack only the toys that your child needs to feel comfortable, i.e., their favorite blanket or stuffed animal.

- Put your child's name tags on him/her.

- If your child cries when they are dropped off, it is okay. Please give the teacher at least 20 minutes to settle him/her. We will come and get you if they need you.

- Make sure we know of any allergies your child has. We do not want to accidentally serve peanut butter to a child with nut allergies!

- If your child is potty training, you may want to have a pull up on in case the teacher can't get your child to the potty in time. Please pack a spare change of clothing.

- Please do not bring toddlers into the MOPS meeting if at all possible. We try to protect this "break time" for moms during meetings. Nursing babies are welcome!

- If your moppet has a fever and anything other than clear nasal drainage, we ask you to arrange alternate childcare for that meeting, and notify Kim Bachman that your child will not be coming that day.

- Please do not move your child up a class during the year (i.e. if he/she is in the 3 year old class and turns 4 in January, he/she must remain in the 3 year old class.) We want the stability and security of a consistent classroom for the moppets.

- In case of evacuation of the building, please exit the nearest door. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GET YOUR CHILDREN. Their teacher will be responsible for getting them out of the building safely. Our meeting place is the west parking area.

2010-2011 MOPS Registration is Open!

Dear Friends of MOPS,

Welcome to a new MOPS season!  We hope your summer has been wonderful and that we will all be able to continue enjoying great weather into the school year.  Your steering team has been working hard to get ready for this coming year, and we are excited about how things are shaping up!

This year our group is returning to a morning schedule.  We will meet on the first Wednesday morning of every month for a classic MOPS meeting with fellowship, a speaker, discussion groups and child care.  On the third Wednesday evening of the month we will have a mom’s night out, with a different activity every month.  We will also have family events every month or two.  We are once again hosted by Harvest Presbyterian Church, and our first morning meeting this year will be September 1st from 9:30-11:30am.  The Moppets classrooms will be open at 9:15 so that you can settle your little ones before our meeting starts.  The classrooms are organized by age, and are structured with appropriate curriculum and activities.

We are not certain if moms will need to help cover childcare for a MOPS meeting.  Currently we are trying to find volunteer moppets workers for all of our morning meetings.  However, there is a possibility that in order for us to have complete childcare coverage we will need to help out and work possibly one meeting.  If it becomes necessary to have everybody help, we will create a schedule that will be available September 1st, at our first meeting.  If you cannot help on the day assigned, it will be your responsibility to find another mom to trade with or contact the moppet Coordinator, Kim Bachman. For her contact information ask any member of steering team or call Harvest at 330-723-0770.

We are once again trying to keep fees for the year as low as possible. A breakdown of fees is available under the registration page, along with the registration form.  As always, scholarships are available for any or all of the expenses, and are kept confidential.  For more information about the scholarships or to apply for one, contact Layne Hedden at 330-273-4529.

All women will be assigned to a Discussion Group so you will be able to socialize and give each other feedback about the speaker topic.  It’s another great way to get to know a fellow mom.  Look for a letter/note from your Discussion Group Leader early fall.

Looking forward to seeing you in September!! 

God bless you and your family,

Abbie Foster and Sandy Noall,

Harvest MOPS Coordinators