Purpose Statement

MOPS Purpose Statement: MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Baby News!

Claire Maxwell had a little boy, Kyler James, at 3:30am on Saturday 25th June after a tough labour.

Here is a lovely family photo provided by Claire, showing just how cute little Kyler is. Claire is looking pretty good too for only a week after giving birth!

















Congratulations Claire, husband James and brother Jayden (2yrs). We look forward to meeting Kyler at MOPS soon!

Love from the MOPS@ MBC Mums. xo
Posted by Tracey at 10:42 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 27, 2011

7 Gifts Mini Notebook - Blessing from 13th May

If you're interested in learning more about the power of gratitude and its connection to your Christian walk, check out this post by the creator of the 7 Gifts mini notebook, Ann Voskamp, at her blog "A Holy Experience"

Here is her post about raising grateful kids and research on the power of gratitude. http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/04/how-to-help-raise-grateful-kids/

Free pdf for the notebook if you'd like more for yourself or to make for friends.
http://www.aholyexperience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/7Gifts.pdf

Here is a video tutorial on folding the notebook
http://www1.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?title=How_to_make_a_mini_book&video_id=83106
Posted by Tracey at 2:26 AM 0 comments

Sho's Baby News!


Sho and Darren Best welcomed a baby boy, Mitsuru Bryce Tohara Best, into their family on Wed 4th May early in the morning. A younger brother for Somile (2yrs), Mitsuru was 3.86 kg and 50cm long.

Congratulations to Sho and Darren on behalf of the MOPS@MBC Mums. xo
Posted by Tracey at 2:05 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Develop Your Kids Educational Toys coming to MOPS on Friday 13th and 27th May









Richelle Kerr from Develop Your Kids will be bringing some educational toys along to our MOPS meeting this Friday.

Richelle is offering a 10% discount to MOPS@MBC Mums, plus 5% of all sales will be donated to our MOPS@MBC group.

Toys will be on display and available for purchase on 13th and 27th May at Maroochy Baptist MOPS.

Richelle takes Cash sales only. Please contact Richelle for further information 0406 929 358 or richelle@developyourkids.com.au

Visit the Develop Your Kids Facebook page to check out some of the toys available.
Posted by Tracey at 11:39 PM 0 comments

Sunday, April 03, 2011

MOPS Regional Training Day - Saturday 9th April

The MOPS Regional Training Day is coming up this Saturday 9th April at Capalaba in Brisbane.

It is open to any of our MOPS Mums who may be interested in finding out more about MOPS and may be interested in coming on team. If you would like to come along with some of the Steering Team members on Saturday, please let either Kylie (0414 476 960) or Tracey (5457 3722) by Wed 6th April. We will be car pooling on the Saturday to the venue.

Please see details below...

Posted by Tracey at 11:27 PM 0 comments

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - April is Autism Awareness Month

April is Autism Awareness Month and as one of our MOPS@MBC Mums, Michele, has recently been dealing with the news that her son has been diagnosed with ASD, we would like to bring you some information on the condition that affects about one in every 160 children in Australia.

Please have a read through the information provided below by the Raising Children Network and link through to read more on their website... (http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/autism_spectrum_disorder_overview.html).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term that refers to a range of conditions that share some common characteristics, including autistic disorder and Asperger’s disorder. The causes of ASD are unclear, but its characteristics include difficulties with communicating, problem-solving and social skills.

did you knowQuestion mark symbol

  • In 2007, the UN nominated 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day. The day was first observed in 2008.
  • In Australia, about one in every 160 children is diagnosed with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a brain-based condition – where the brain hasn’t developed in a typical way. Although no two children with ASD are the same, they all face challenges in interacting and communicating with others.

What causes autism spectrum disorder (ASD)?

We don’t know exactly what causes ASD. But the latest research shows that in children with ASD:

  • there’s early brain overgrowth (the brain grows faster than average)
  • different parts of the brain don’t communicate with each other in a typical way.

Evidence also strongly suggests a genetic basis to ASD – that is, the condition might come from the complex interaction of several genes involved in brain development.

Read more about what causes autism.

Posted by Tracey at 11:13 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 28, 2011

MOPS@MBC Mum's Night Out - Wednesday 13th April


Meet up with your fellow MOPS@MBC Mums on Wed 13th April at San Churro's at Sunshine Plaza for dessert and coffee from 7.30pm onwards.

Try a delicious Spanish hot chocolate or coffee and yummy churros dipped in chocolate - how can you refuse???


A chance to chat more together and enjoy each other's company. We hope to see as many of you there as possible!

The MOPS@MBC Steering Team xo
Posted by Tracey at 1:09 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

More Baby News!

Congratulations to Sarah and Terry Thomson on the safe arrival of their first child, Caitlin Rose 8lb6/3.86kg today - Tuesday 22nd March, 2011.

Looking forward to meeting little Caitlin Rose.

Love from all the MOPS@MBC mums. xo
Posted by Tracey at 11:32 PM 0 comments

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Baby News from MOPS@MBC!

Wonderful news!

Loren Pritchard, one of our MOPS@MBC team members, and her husband Ian, welcomed their third son, Yared Ian Pritchard, on 7th March. Brother to Bryce and Fraser, Yared weighed in at 3840g or 8lb 7 1/2, and both Mum and Bub are doing well.


We can't wait to meet Yared at MOPS soon.

Congratulations to all the Pritchard family from all the MOPS@MBC mums! xo
Posted by Tracey at 10:04 AM 0 comments

Saturday, March 05, 2011

Younger Parents Program

This program supports younger parents, their children and pregnant young people under the age of 25 years.

The Younger Parents Program is a great way to connect and have some fun with other young parents and their children.

The Younger Parents Program Provides:
  • Weekly Playgroups eg. art & craft activities, scrapbooking, jewellery making and photography
  • An opportunity to chat with other parents and a safe space for children and babies to play
  • Regular group outings
  • Parental support
  • A great way to link into your community and be an active member
For more information:
Contact - Carol Yates
Younger Parents Program Coordinator at United Synergies
Phone - 5442 4277

This program covers the Noosa Shire and Hinterland region.

Posted by Tracey at 11:49 PM Labels: , , 0 comments

Sunshine Coast Heath Service District - Child and Family Health Program

Understanding your Baby
  • Why your baby cries
  • How to tune into your baby’s ‘talk’
  • Gain realistic expectations for you and your baby
  • Settling your baby
Sessions for newborns to one year at all Child and Family Health Centres.
For information contact:
Caloundra - 5436 8552
Maroochydore - 5459 6901
Nambour - 5450 4750
Noosa - 5448 0044

Posted by Tracey at 11:12 PM Labels: , 0 comments

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Summary of MOPS - 4th February 2011

A great morning was had by all Mums last Friday 4th Feb for our first MOPS at MBC meeting for 2011!

Each year, MOPS International offers an annual theme, scripture, book and curriculum to explore with our mums and this year it is 'Mumology, The Art and Science of Mothering'.

This is based on the book by Shelly Radic, "Momology: A Mom's Guide to Shaping Great Kids". This book provides the framework for the essentials of mothering and gives each mum space to discover her own personal style. Mothering is part art, part science, and always a work in progress!

The theme is also related to Psalm 139:10 - "Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast". The full scripture from Psalm 139 is posted separately here on the Blog for you to read at your leisure.

More will be revealed about the theme at our next meeting on 18th February, so don't miss it!

The mums also relaxed over morning tea, catching up with everyone's news from the holidays, and we allowed some more time for chatting and sharing this week.


We also indulged in some craft...a fabric covered notebook, address book or diary glamorously embellished.

Posted by Tracey at 12:19 AM Labels: , , 2 comments

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

MOPS Theme for 2011: Mumology... the Art and Science of Mothering

Welcome to our new theme for MOPS in 2011!

The theme of 2011, "Mumology... the Art and Science of Mothering", is based on a book of the same name written by Shelly Radic, acting CEO of MOPS International.

Mothering is both art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses!

There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us.

Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences.

MOPS International has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids: Core, Finesse, Circle and Grandscape.

Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mum with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.

Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.

Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single mums, with a parenting partner.

Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.

Through Mumology, as we explore together, we’ll be guided by an all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present God. Our theme verse for the year is:

"Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." (Psalm 139:10)

Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead — and love — knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can’t hold open our eyelids and the times we’re bursting with joy. God’s hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Mumology together to become better mums making a better world.
Posted by Tracey at 2:06 AM 2 comments
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Theme Scripture

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand — when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Annual MOPS Participation Fee

The annual MOPS Participation Fee of $10 assists MOPS Australia in covering the cost of training for Regional Coordinators to help other MOPS groups to develop around Australia. It also allows more MOPS group leaders around Australia to access regional training.

This will go a long way to helping MOPS Australia bring MOPS to more Mums around Australia.

When you register for MOPS each year, you will be handed an Annual Participation Fee form, and we ask that if you are able to pay this $10 participation fee, please do so before the end of April 2011.

The payment options are...
1. Direct Debit to MOPS Australia bank account
2. Credit card
3. Cheque payable to MOPS Australia
4. Cash to MOPS@MBC front desk

Thank you, from the MOPS@MBC team.

How did MOPS begin?

It was a Tuesday morning, at about 9.30. They each had faced spilled cereal, tangled hair, and a few had even been forced to change their outfits due to a last-minute baby throw-up on a shoulder or lap. They had driven, or pushed strollers, to the church and had dropped their little ones off in the creche. They had made it!

And now they sat, knees almost touching, in the circle of children's chairs from the Sunday school room. Hands held hot cups of tea and biscuits in utter freedom because this treat did not have to be shared with a child's sticky fingers. Mouths moved in eager, uninterrupted conversation. Eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Hearts stirred with understanding. Needs were met.

That morning in 1973, was the first morning of MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers. Little was it known that from this small beginning in a church in Colorado, USA, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format had been planted. The needs of the women were met even then, through the opportunity for friendship, creative outlet and spiritual emphasis. MOPS International now charters approximately 2,500 MOPS groups in churches in the United States and 13 other countries throughout the world.

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

How did MOPS begin in Australia?

Nineteen years later and thousands of kilometres away, the same mutual need for sharing was realised by a group of mums with children under school age in Melbourne. After reading about the MOPS concept in the US, leaders introduced the program to the Clayton Church of Christ Fellowship in early 1990 and MOPS was born in Australia. From this small beginning, the seeds for future growth were planted, resulting in the formation of an affiliated body to support the ever-increasing number of Australian groups and the mums they served.

Since its formation in June 2000, MOPS Australia, Inc has grown rapidly and there are currently over 100 groups throughout Australia. In the last year alone, 35 new groups have commenced, with groups starting up regularly throughout different Christian denominations. Groups now meet in every state and territory in Australia, with an estimated ministry to approximately 2500 mums and 3000 children.

How did MOPS begin at MBC?

A Brief History of MOPS at MBC by Karen Askey-Doran (COordinator of MOPS til 2008 and currently Regional Coordinator).

In 1999, the leader of MBC’s women’s ministry caught the vision of MOPS. At that time I was a new Mum with little inclination to help; I was interested but not convicted!

Roughly a year later another meeting was held to generate interest. At this time I had another little baby girl, a 16-month-old toddler and, although I was unaware of it, Post Natal Depression. And once again people were interested but not compelled to lead.

In 2005 Holly, caught the vision of MOPS and began to sow the seeds of interest throughout the young Mums in our church. Robyn Robertson came to our first meeting and inspired us into action…the seeds Holly planted took hold!

People came slowly at first to fill the positions, it seemed there were a lot of blanks for a long time! Holly was going to be our Coordinator and when she filled out the charter she realised that a Mother of Preschoolers should really fill that role…. So she called me! Very graciously, Holly took a side step into a Mentoring role (very appropriate really).

God was moving in our midst, we had been blessed with an inspired team of 15 Mops Leaders and 9 Moppets Leaders, each one having a testimony about how God had lead them to this ministry!

I suspect that God has big plans for our group. I still feel very inadequate sometimes but I do trust God and I want to serve him and to reach out to Mums who are hurting, to support them. I want to encourage, you know, to build up… to make a difference in people’s lives, especially my children’s!

I know I’m not alone… In Romans 8:28 it says “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He planned for my girls, my twins, my battle with PND. He planned for MOPS - at this time - in our church! The door has literally been flung open!

What happens at a MOPS meeting?

When a mum enters a MOPS meeting, she is greeted by a friendly face and escorted to MOPPETS, where her children enjoy their special part of the MOPS program. In MOPPETS, children from infancy through to school age experience a caring environment while they learn, sing, play and make crafts.

Once her children are settled, the MOPS mum joins a program tailor-made to meet her needs. She can grab something to eat and not have to share it! She can finish a sentence and not have to speak in words of two syllables!

The program typically begins with a brief lesson taught by an older mum who's been through the challenging years of mothering and who can share from her experience and from the truths taught in the Bible. Then the women move into small discussion groups where there are no "wrong answers" and each mum is free to share her joys and struggles with other mums who truly understand her feelings. In these moments, long-lasting friendships are often made on the common ground of finally being understood.

From here, the women participate in a craft or other creative activity. For mums who are often frustrated by the impossibility of completing anything in their unpredictable days, this activity is deeply satisfying. It provides a sense of accomplishment and growth for many mums.

Because mums of preschoolers themselves lead MOPS, the program also offers women a chance to develop their leadership skills and other talents. It takes organisation, creativity, and management skills to run a MOPS program successfully.

By the time they finish the MOPS meeting and pick up their children, the mums feel refreshed and better able to mother. MOPS helps them recognise that mums have needs too! And when they take the time to meet those needs, they find they are more effective in meeting the needs of their families.

Meeting the needs of Mothers of Preschoolers

The MOPS program is dedicated to meeting the needs of mothers of preschoolers. These needs have been identified by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall in their book, What Every Mum Needs:


The need for Identity: Sometimes I'm not sure who I am

The need for Growth: Sometimes I long to develop who I am

The need for Relationship: Sometimes I long to be understood

The need for Help: Sometimes I need to share the load

The need for Perspective: Sometimes I lose my focus

The need for Hope: Sometimes I wonder if there's more to life


Here's How Some Mums Describe MOPS

"MOPS means that I am able to share the joys and frustrations and insecurities of being a mum. Our meetings provide the opportunity to hear someone else say, "I was up all night," or "They're driving me crazy!"

MOPS mum, Perth

"As a single mum, this is the first group I've felt accepted in for who I am."

MOPS mum, Canberra

'On my first day at MOPS, I knew my life had changed forever! The women made me feel so relaxed. I had a peace I hadn't felt for a long time. They were so caring, pleasant, helpful…the list goes on! I just want to say, "Thank you MOPS!" If it weren't for MOPS, I wouldn't be where I am today.'

MOPS mum, Melbourne

'When I first started MOPS, I was very, very lonely. MOPS gave me a chance to get out of the house which I was grateful for. The talks were very informative. I found out a lot through these talks. My problems seemed to become smaller. When I first started at MOPS, I thought I was a Christian. I wasn't. Through MOPS I can now say, 'I am a Christian.' MOPS to me is not only Mothers of Pre Schoolers, but My Own Private Salvation!'

MOPS mum, Canberra