“MOPS International encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders, in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church.”

– Mops mission/vision statement

In response to suggestions from a couple of our NUMC young moms to facilitate some regular mom connection and fellowship time, a MOPS membership was initiated. During our meetings we have a devotional time and watch a video featuring a speaker presenting on topics relevant to every mom. We then have opportunity to engage in conversation revolving around questions pertaining to the presentation. This wonderful program is meaningful to the moms and relates to everyone in some way. We welcome any mom looking to belong and fellowship with other moms. We even have a couple of mentor moms that help lead the meetings. Volunteer babysitters help provide childcare without whom we would not be able run this program.

“MOPS has been a fantastic experience for me. After our gatherings I feel so empowered and uplifted. It means so much to me to have a great group of ladies to share and converse about our stage of life as Moms. It has been so great to be able to develop friendships through this group at our church. I am so grateful for the leadership and also sincerely appreciative of the helpers in the nursery who care for our children while we have some time as moms to stop, have a cup of coffee, and really connect to God through conversation and prayer.”

A bit from the MOPS Website:

At MOPS, we gather and support moms. We believe in the simple but revolutionary idea that remarkable things happen when moms come together, face to face. That’s why we rally women to come together in their own neighborhoods and help each other through this thing called motherhood, one gathering at a time.

Our acronym stands for “Mothers of Preschoolers” because we began in 1973 when a group of moms of young children banded together to share their lives and parenting journeys. The first MOPS meeting took place in February in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. For two hours, while their children received care, these mothers talked, laughed, ate, passed a basket for childcare expenses, had a craft demonstration and ended with a short devotional. In this humble beginning, the seeds of the MOPS concept and format were planted. Through friendship, creative outlets, and instruction, the women began to understand that “mothering matters.”

In 1981, MOPS established a Board of Directors and incorporated first as MOPS Outreach, and later as MOPS, Inc. In 1988, MOPS expanded beyond US borders and was renamed MOPS International, Inc. to reflect the international impact of the ministry. As MOPS grew, so did the need for a chartering process, additional resource materials, and a paid staff. Over the past forty-five years, MOPS has expanded our reach to include moms with older kids, partnering with churches and organizations worldwide to equip and encourage moms in more than 60 countries.