TUES, DEC 16 @ 7:30pm @ COS

Hi ladies! It's time for the annual MOPS Christmas Party! This week, Tues, Dec 16 @ 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Appetizers/Desserts/Drinks will be provided courtesy of your Steering Team, but please feel free to bring your favorite appetizer or dessert as well! Just a friendly reminder, there is no childcare for evening meetings.

We're planning on a "My Favorite Things" gift exchange game - please bring 3 (of the same) of your most favorite thing, each wrapped individually. You may not spend more than $10 total. It can be anything! Purchased or Homemade! Ideas: do you love all things glitter (3 jars of glitter nail polish)? are you a baker (3 cookies)? can you whip a mad stitch (3 scarves)? do you love chocolate (3 candy bars)? Have some fun and be creative!! You will end up taking home 3 different gifts! If you do not want to participate in the gift exchange, PLEASE COME ANYWAY!!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Picture pick up was delayed, but Katie will be in contact with you.
• T-shirts are in and available for pick-up @ COS!
• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

~Erica

WED, DEC 3 @ 9:30am @ COS

Hi ladies! It's time for the annual Drop & Shop! This week WED, Dec 3 @ 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Literally, drop your children off at COS for a super fun morning with MOPPETS, and spend the next few hours shopping the local merchants of Grove (or go home and take an uninterrupted nap)! 

Please understand that for the safety of everyone involved, this is available to current MOPS of Grove members only. Please do not invite friends to drop off their children. Also, please be PROMPT in picking up your children no later than 11:30am.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• Pictures are ready and available for pick-up from Katie this week - WED, DEC 3 @ COS, during the drop-off and pick-up times. If you are unable to get them that day, Katie will be in contact with you.

• T-shirts are in and available for pick-up @ COS!

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.

• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.

• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!

• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.

CALENDAR: 

• Tues, Dec 16: Christmas Party 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Appetizers/Desserts/Drinks will be provided courtesy of your Steering Team, but please feel free to bring your favorite appetizer or dessert as well! Just a friendly reminder, there is no childcare for evening meetings.
• "My Favorite Things" gift exchange game - please bring 3 (of the same) of your most favorite thing, each wrapped individually. You may not spend more than $10 total. It can be anything! Purchased or Homemade! Ideas: do you love all things glitter (3 jars of glitter nail polish)? are you a baker (3 cookies)? can you whip a mad stitch (3 scarves)? do you love chocolate (3 candy bars)? Have some fun and be creative!! You will end up taking home 3 different gifts! If you do not want to participate in the gift exchange, PLEASE COME ANYWAY!!!

See you soon!

~Erica

TUES, NOV 18 @ 7:30 @ COS

Hi ladies! What a busy fall it has been - the holidays are just around the corner!!! WAHOO!

Kick start your holiday fun with us this week, time to paaarrrr-tay in your p.j. pants! This TUES, NOV 18 join us for Courage to Raise Brave Kids: Game Night!! 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Snacks and warm drinks will be on hand. Just a friendly reminder, there is no childcare for evening meetings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• T-shirts are in! If you have not turned in payment, please do so immediately!!

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.

• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.

• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!

• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.

CALENDAR:

• WED, Dec 3: Drop & Shop! 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Literally, drop your children off at COS, and spend the next few hours shopping the local merchants of Grove (or go home and take an uninterrupted nap)! Please understand that for the safety of everyone involved, this is for current MOPS of Grove members only. Please do not invite friends to drop off their children.

• Tues, Dec 16: Christmas Party 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Appetizers/Desserts/Drinks will be provided courtesy of your Steering Team, but please feel free to bring your favorite appetizer or dessert as well! Just a friendly reminder, there is no childcare for evening meetings.
• "My Favorite Things" gift exchange game - please bring 3 (of the same) of your most favorite thing, each wrapped individually. You may not spend more than $10 total. It can be anything! Purchased or Homemade! Ideas: do you love all things glitter (3 jars of glitter nail polish)? are you a baker (3 cookies)? can you whip a mad stitch (3 scarves)? do you love chocolate (3 candy bars)? Have some fun and be creative!! You will end up taking home 3 different gifts! If you do not want to participate in the gift exchange, PLEASE COME ANYWAY!!!

We'll see you all soon!~Erica

MOPS Fundraiser

Hi ladies! We want to say a  HUGE THANK YOU to all of you that were able to be there on Wednesday and helped put together the 'soup, cookie, or drink mix in a jar'! They look amazing - check out the picture! This is such a fun and delicious gift for this Christmas! They are officially for sale inside The Rancher's Wife, located in downtown Grove! Stop by to grab one for all your friends and family, and make sure to send all your friends and family down to grab some themselves! 100% of the proceeds will go directly to MOPS of Grove!

WED, NOV 5 @ 9:30am @ COS

Hi ladies! We hope that you all have enjoyed all the great activities this month!

Join us this week WED, NOV 5 for Courage to Be Generous Craft Day 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• T-shirts have been order. If you have not turned in payment, please do so immediately!
• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.

CALENDAR:

• SUN, NOV 16th: Our very own Katie Schauf of Katie Jane Photography, has graciously offered her photography services to help raise funds for MOPS of Grove! For $30 your will receive a 15-minute Fall Photo Mini Session which includes: 1-8x10, 2-5x7's, 8-wallets, and 1-Facebook Timeline Cover. Additional prints are available for purchase. Pictures will be taken between noon - 5pm @ Lendonwood Gardens in Grove. Please contact Katie at (918) 516-8970 or katiejanephoto@gmail.com to reserve your spot! You do not need to be a MOPS member - Sessions will be booked on a first-come first-serve basis! 
• TUES, NOV 18: Courage to Raise Brave Kids Game Night! 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Friendly reminder, there is no childcare for evening meetings.

We'll see you all soon!

~Erica

TUES, OCT 21 @ 7:30pm @ COS

Hi ladies! We hope that you all have enjoyed all the great activities this month!
Join us this week TUES, OCT 21 for Courage to Be a Neighbor with a fun "Fast Friends" game! We also have special guest (and MOPS of Grove founder!) Stacy Clark leading our devotional time this week! (We will miss you Kathie!!) We'll meet @ 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Just a friendly reminder there is no childcare for evening meetings!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• T-shirt payment is DUE THIS WEEK - TUES, OCT 21. Orders will be placed immediately following the evening meeting.

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.

• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.

• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!

• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.

CALENDAR:

• SUN, NOV 2nd & 16th: Our very own Katie Schauf of Katie Jane Photography, has graciously offered her photography services to help raise funds for MOPS of Grove! For $30 your will receive a 15-minute Fall Photo Mini Session which includes: 1-8x10, 2-5x7's, 8-wallets, and 1-Facebook Timeline Cover. Additional prints are available for purchase. Pictures will be taken between noon - 5pm @ Lendonwood Gardens in Grove. Please contact Katie at (918) 516-8970 or katiejanephoto@gmail.com to reserve your spot! You do not need to be a MOPS member - Sessions will be booked on a first-come first-serve basis! 

• WED, NOV 5: Courage to Be Generous Craft Day 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).

We'll see you all soon!
~Erica

PLAYDATE - Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch!

Hi ladies! Invite your mama friends and make plans to join us for one of the most anticipated playdates of the year....

WHAT: PLAYDATE FOR ALL! (you do not have to be a MOPS member)

WHERE: Right Choices Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch, just 8.5 miles East of Grove (1161 manning road southwest city, MO 64863)

WHEN: Wednesday, October 15th - we'll meet at 9:15am in the parking lot of the Grove Christian Center located at the corner of Shundai Rd and Hwy 10 (across from the On Cue, out by the high school). Otherwise you can meet us out at the corn maze/pumpkin patch at 9:30am! You may stay as long as you like!

COST: $3 per person (except for babies who are too small to do anything). This includes the cow train, corn jump, hay ride, and other playground type stuff.

If you have never been out there before, let me assure you it is super fun and absolutely appropriate for our little people!! You can take strollers, a little difficult to maneuver in some areas, but worth it for infants! Make sure to check the weather, and pack accordingly! Sunscreen, jackets, snacks, and plenty of water! Definitely bring your camera, there is an abundance of great shots to be had! They do have an outside picnic area, and some of the moms plan to pack a lunch and head home right in time for afternoon naps!

Also, just a side note, cell phone service can be a little sketchy out there, so if you plan to go and end up running late, just let someone know before 9:30 so we can look for you!

Hope to see you all there!

~Erica

WED, OCT 1 @ 9:30am

Hi ladies! Can you believe October arrives this week?! We have lots of fun stuff in store for this month, so please read carefully!!

Join us this week WED, OCT 1 for Courage to Tell your Story with special guest speaker Cindi Hemm, a mother of 5, author, and former principal. She will share her story of how she lead her school with faith, courage, and love! Starting at @ 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) breakfast will be served for the mamas and childcare provided by MOPPETS (cost covered in your annual fees).

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.
• T-shirts are available for purchase! $15 each, adult sizes only. Order and payment must be received by OCT 21 (p.m. mtg)

CALENDAR:

• WED, OCT 8: Grove Fire Station Tour @ 9:30-10:30am. 141 E O Daniel Parkway, just to the north and east of the 4 way intersection at Main. Park in the lot to the east.
• SUN, OCT 12th & 19th: Our very own Katie Schauf of Katie Jane Photography, will offer kids photo sessions, details to follow!!
• TUES, OCT 21: Courage to Be a Neighbor Fast Friends game night 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Please note: No childcare is provided for night meetings. 
• WED, NOV 5: Courage to Be Generous Craft Day 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).

See you all soon!

~Erica

BUNKO! TUES, SEPT 16 @ 7:30pm @ COS

Hi ladies! It's time for...BUNKO! This has easily become an annual favorite! Grab a girlfriend (or ten!) and join us this week on TUESDAY, SEPT 16 @ 7:30-9:30pm @ COS! There is a $3 buy-in to play, with cash prizes to win - everyone is welcome!! We'll also have snacks and drinks, but just a friendly reminder, there is no childcare provided for our evening meetings.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• NEW MEMBERS: please read through your welcome packets, sign and turn in your registration forms!
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.
• T-shirts will be available for purchase soon!!

CALENDAR:

• WED, OCT 1: Courage to Tell your Story with Cindi Hemm, 10-11am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).
• WED, OCT 8: Grove Fire Station Tour @ 9:30-10:30am.
• SUN, OCT 12th & 19th: Our very own Katie Schauf of Katie Jane Photography, will offer kids photo sessions, details to follow!!
• TUES, OCT 21: Courage to Be a Neighbor Fast Friends game night 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Please note: No childcare is provided for night meetings. 
• WED, NOV 5: Courage to Be Generous Craft Day 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).

We'll see you all soon!

~Erica

2014-2015 KICK-OFF Meeting!

Hi ladies!! I hope that you all had a fabulous weekend with your families!

This week is our official kick-off meeting for the new MOPS year, HOORAY! So invite a friend, and join us tomorrow,WED, SEPT 3 @ 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, and childcare is provided through MOPPETS program (cost is covered in annual membership fee), and they will receive snack. Your first meeting is free, so please come visit us!

If this will be your first time joining us, here are a few helpful tips for you and your children - Plan to arrive a few minutes early so that you can get everyone signed in and to their age appropriate classrooms. Make sure all items (diaper bags, cups, etc.) are clearly labeled. Have an extra change of clothes and plenty of diapers - everyone has extra wet days. Slather on some sunscreen, the children will likely spend some playtime outside. And lastly, prepare yourselves for some great fun and look forward to an awesome nap in the afternoon when you leave us - our MOPPETS workers are the BEST!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.
• Reminder: be sure to visit us on FACEBOOK and our website:  http://mopsofgroveok.blogspot.com

CALENDAR:

• TUES, SEPT 16: BUNKO! 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). $3 buy-in with cash prizes! Please note: No childcare is provided for night meetings. 
• WED, OCT 1: Courage to Tell your Story with Cindi Hemm, 10-11am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).
• WED, OCT 8: Grove Fire Station Tour @ 9:30-10:30am.
• TUES, OCT 21: Courage to Be a Neighbor Fast Friends game night 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.) Please note: No childcare is provided for night meetings. 
• WED, NOV 5: Courage to Be Generous Craft Day 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).

We'll see you all soon!

~Erica

2014-2015 MOPS International Theme

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.  

Isaiah 43:18-19   (NIV)

 At any given moment in our lives each of us has...Conversations we've been putting off…Reasonable risks we've been avoiding…Goals we want to achieve…

Yet often times the more significant an action feels the easier it is to put it off.  We get distracted from the big decisions by the immediate needs of the day. What all of us seem to have in common is that we need a nudge, a nudge to help us get out of our ruts and routines so that we can begin risking bravely.

At MOPS International we believe that you were meant to live deeply and so we have created this year’s theme to inspire you to choose the extraordinary.

Be you, Bravely is designed to help us focus on making the choices that could create the most good in our lives, help us to step into healthy risk and to do it in the context of community where we can cheer one another on.

Sometimes, good people wait patiently for God to intervene when what he is wanting is for us to act bravely and do something. Being a follower of Jesus calls for courage. The journey feels unexpected and unconventional. It requires bravely playing hide and seek in the dark, confronting the fears that scare us and holding the hand of a redeemer-guide who calls us to courageous acts of risk and trust. It means coloring outside of the lines. Dreaming bigger than we ever have before and getting swept up into the plans of a God who leaves us breathless with wonder.

It takes courage to ask brave questions and even more courage to search for the answers. We are so excited to journey alongside you this year as we ask one another what it means to  “Be you, Bravely”.

Welcome Back!

Hi ladies!! I hope that you all had a fabulous summer! It seems to have gone by way too fast!

It's time to start a new year of MOPS, HOORAY! We've had some changes to leadership and the Steering Team, and everyone is just so excited... We have a really fun year planned for y'all!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

• NEW THIS YEAR - P.M. meetings will be held every 3rd TUESDAY of the month (Sept-May) from 7:30-9:30pm @ COS.
• 2014-2015 MOPS of Grove Annual Membership fee = $55, however your first meeting is free, so please come visit us! Scholarships (full and partial) are available and kept anonymous.
• Reminder: childcare is provided through our MOPPETS program, for A.M. meetings only, and the cost is covered in your annual membership fee.
• Reminder: be sure to visit us on FACEBOOK and our website:  http://mopsofgroveok.blogspot.com

CALENDAR:

• WED, AUG 27: OPEN HOUSE, 10-11am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.)! Stop by to say hello to old and new friends alike! Meet your Steering Team and MOPPETS childcare workers while exploring the amazing children's facilities. Membership packets will be available for pick-up.
• WED, SEPT 3: KICK-OFF Meeting! 9:30-11:30am @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). Breakfast will be served for the mamas, childcare is provided by MOPPETS (the cost is covered in your annual membership fees).
• TUES, SEPT 16: BUNKO! 7:30-9:30pm @ COS (1600 W. HarBer Rd.). $3 buy-in with cash prizes! Please note: No childcare is provided for night meetings. 

Invite your mama friends and we'll see you in a few weeks!!

~Erica

2014-2015 Publicity Coordinator

Our Founder Graduates!

A note from one mama heart to another...


Dear Stacy Clark,

The early stages of motherhood can be lonely, and when you’re in the trenches – literally knee deep in babies, diapers, sleepless nights and all the amazingly wonderful but exhausting things that go along with it, reaching out to others for support is an important, and yet humbling, experience.

Thank you for recognizing your own need to connect with other moms, and for being brave enough to step out in faith by bringing in a ministry to our community that will continue to benefit families for generations. The Lord has provided you the admirable gift of hospitality, and for 10 years you, along with your family, have lovingly dedicated your time, effort, and resources to ensuring that MOPS of Grove would meet the needs of our community. Words can not begin to express my personal gratitude for this endeavor.

We will miss you, but we look forward to your return as ‘Mentor Mom’ because you know we will ask! We pray abundant blessing upon you and your family as you transition (graduate!!) into a new phase of this ‘beautiful mess’ we call motherhood!

Love you friend,
Erica

End of the Year Activities!

Hi ladies! We have officially reached the end of our MOPS year! Please read carefully...

WED, MAY 7 (THIS WEEK) - CRAFT DAY @ 9:30-11:30am @ COS. Breakfast will be served for the mamas and childcare is provided by MOPPETS (cost is covered in your annual fees). 

THURS, MAY 15 - End of Year Family Picnic @ 5-7pm (come & go) @ the Rotary Park (next to splash pad, across from Post office). Bring a picnic dinner for your family; MOPS will provide popsicle for dessert! The splash pad may be open, so consider appropriate clothing, sunscreen, hats, towels, sunscreen, lawn chairs, etc. 

Membership Renewals - due NOW in May, and will remain at $55! Please understand you are not required to renew at this time, however, this renewal process allows us the opportunity to earn scholarships through MOPS International. MOPS of Grove is then able to provide these scholarships to those mothers who might not otherwise be able to participate. Renewing now also enables us to keep more dollars in MOPS of Grove ($21.95 of your fees goes to MOPS International, but that amount increases June 1). Please contact Melissa McMinn for any questions.

Summer Schedule - Make sure to "LIKE" us on Facebook, and visit the page often, to keep up with all the latest information throughout the summer! If you are headed to the park or pool, post to our page so friends can join you! 

**Please Note: 'liking' our page may not ensure that all activity will show up in your News Feed. You will need to visit the page directly to see what others may be posting!!

Looking forward to see you all soon!

~Erica