End of the MOPS Year

Dear MOPS Moms,

I can’t believe that MOPS is over for the year! On Tuesday I had my last MOPS meeting; it was a great meeting. We had three women share their testimony. They were so good! We laughed and cried; I was inspired. It made me think about my own testimony and walk with the Lord. With the summer coming, I know that my walk will be hard. I won’t have my regular Bible study or MOPS group helping me and supporting me during those tough times, I kind of have to do it on my own. Not really; I do have the Lord by my side, but I don’t have the reminders that He is by my side supporting me and being there for me. So this summer I am going to try and not do it alone but with the Lord by my side. I am going to try and read my Bible every day (or once a week will be good too) and just be in the word as much as possible and just pray a little every day. I do wish that I could attend a Bible study this summer or maybe the Lord is calling me to start one. Is there a summer Bible study that you can get involved with or is the Lord calling you to start one? I need to pray about it and so should you.
I hope that your final meetings are going well and that you all think about maybe trying to get together with your moms over the summer for a play date or maybe just a night out with the girls, a play date just for mom. I know those are my favorite type of play dates. With so much gong on I hope that you were all able to renew your charter and update your steering rosters. I also hope that you had some time to visit the MOPS website and think about maybe coming to convention in September. I know that it is hard to get a way even for an evening with your husband. To try and get away for a few days and nights is impossible you say. But it is well worth it! I have been to the convention twice and have had a wonderful time and gotten some great ideas to bring back to my MOPS group and have come home well rested and ready to be a mom again. I know you are saying "but who will watch my children and won’t everything fall apart if I am not there?" No, everything will be fine, but yes they may not be as clean as you would like them and the house isn’t going to be as neat as you would have it. I feel as long as my children are happy and safe, I am ok. It is also a time for your children to be with their father and spend a little one on one time with them and for him to live in your shoes. Think and pray about maybe coming. If not, don’t worry. I am planning on holding a council meeting on October 14 so we can all try to get together and meet each other face to face. More info will follow at the end of the summer.
Well, that is all for now. I hope you all have a great summer and stay safe. Enjoy some time with your family and try to enjoy your children and this time of innocence and care free days. I will continue to pray for all of you, and if you need anything, just drop me a line. I will be checking my email regularly. Don’t forget to mark October 14 on your calendar. May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Blessings Denise Kother
Council coordinator NE New Jersey
Zone 22

Some of you emailed me to find out where to get Tony's DeOliveira's artwork.  It seems many of you really liked the gift we gave Amy our Summit host.  You can see all of Tony's work at www.olivearts.com and your purchase will support a MOPS family.  Tony is the creative husband of Emily, the Coordinator at the Kutztown MOPS groups.  They have three great kids and love MOPS.

 

Blessings,

Barb

E-mail blast for Summit

MOPS LEADERSHIP FOR LIFE SUMMIT
Seasons of Life and Leadership
Live Via Satellite In 47 Cities Nationwide
April 1, 2006
9:00 - 2:00 PM*

The Zone 22 (NJ, PA and DE) event will be held at

Hempfield UMC
3050 Marietta Ave
Lancaster, PA 17601
(717) 285-5156
www.humc.ws

Join with thousands of moms gathered around the nation via satellite for an iron sharpens iron experience!

MOPS International President/CEO Elisa Morgan and the MOPS International team will empower and equip mothers to

• Develop New Leadership Abilities
• Discover How to Use Your God-Given Gifts
• Gain Confidence in How You Can Impact Others

Being a good leader isn't a matter of luck. It"s a matter of networking, training and development. This is the perfect event to receive all three!

Register Now!

www.mops.org

Price: $25.00 (Online registration open 01/14/2006 - 03/18/2006)

Lunch will be available for an additional fee. To order lunch please contact Amy Frey at amys2peanuts@comcast.net
You may also bring your own lunch if you wish. We will be doing networking over lunch.

Our tenative schedule for the day is as follows:
9-11 Seasons of Leadership - live, local workshops
11-12 Working lunch
12-2 Live from Denver - national simulcast

We have reserved hotels rooms for traveling Steering Teams to use...

Sleep Inn

Phone: 285-0444

Location: Just off of Stony Battery Rd. in Mountville

Contact: Robyn

Special group rate: $83 + tax for double. $89 + tax for triple. $95 + tax for quad. (11% tax) Must speak with Robyn to get this rate for 3 or 4 people.

Continental breakfast included.

Minimum of 10 rooms for a block.

Will hold until 1 months prior. Anything not booked by then will be released.

In the event these rooms are filled and you and your team still need a place to stay you can contact...

Comfort Inn

Phone: 898-2431

Location: Route 30 & Centerville Rd.

I Stand by the Door

Dear Sisters,

I wanted to share this poem with you. Elisa read it to us at our Field Leader training in Dallas and I thought it was really meaningful. It took me awhile to find a copy of it, but here it is. Please share it with your Steering Team Leaders and DGLs. Thank you for all you do standing at the door so mothers can find the entrance to the glorious house of God. This Thanksgiving I am thanking God for you, the door keepers, and praying that He will bless you abundantly.

Joyfully,

Barb

I Stand by the Door by Sam Shoemaker

I stand by the door. I neither go too far in, nor stay too far out, The door is the most important door in the world- It is the door through which people walk when they find God. There's no use my going way inside, and staying there, When so many are still outside and they, as much as I, Crave to know where the door is. And all that so many ever find Is only the wall where a door ought to be. They creep along the wall like blind people, With outstretched, groping hands. Feeling for a door, knowing there must be a door, Yet they never find it ... So I stand by the door. The most tremendous thing in the world Is for people to find that door--the door to God. The most important thing any person can do Is to take hold of one of those blind, groping hands, And put it on the latch--the latch that only clicks And opens to the person's own touch. People die outside that door, as starving beggars die On cold nights in cruel cities in the dead of winter— Die for want of what is within their grasp. They live, on the other side of it--live because they have not found it. Nothing else matters compared to helping them find it, And open it, and walk in, and find Him ... So I stand by the door. Go in, great saints, go all the way in-- Go way down into the cavernous cellars, And way up into the spacious attics-- It is a vast roomy house, this house where God is. Go into the deepest of hidden casements, Of withdrawal, of silence, of sainthood. Some must inhabit those inner rooms. And know the depths and heights of God, And call outside to the rest of us how wonderful it is. Sometimes I take a deeper look in, Sometimes venture in a little farther; But my place seems closer to the opening ... So I stand by the door. There is another reason why I stand there. Some people get part way in and become afraid Lest God and the zeal of His house devour them For God is so very great, and asks all of us. And these people feel a cosmic claustrophobia, And want to get out. "Let me out!" they cry, And the people way inside only terrify, them more. Somebody must be by the door to tell them that they are spoiled For the old life, they have seen too much: Once taste God, and nothing but God will do any more. Somebody must be watching for the frightened Who seek to sneak out just where they came in, To tell them how much better it is inside. The people too far in do not see how near these are To leaving--preoccupied with the wonder of it all. Somebody must watch for those who have entered the door, But would like to run away. So for them, too, I stand by the door. I admire the people who go way in. But I wish they would not forget how it was Before they got in. Then they would be able to help The people who have not, yet even found the door, Or the people who want to run away again from God, You can go in too deeply, and stay in too long, And forget the people outside the door. As for me, I shall take my old accustomed place, Near enough to God to hear Him, and know He is there, But not so far from people as not to hear them, And remember they are there, too. Where? Outside the door-- Thousands of them, millions of them. But--more important for me-- One of them, two of them, ten of them, Whose hands I am intended to put on the latch. So I shall stand by the door and wait For those who seek it. "I had rather be a door-keeper ..." So I stand by the door. Sam Shoemaker, founder of Faith At Work at Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City, in 1926, was also one of the spiritual leaders who helped draft the 12 Steps of A.A.

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Duplication of articles is permissible, provided credit is given to the author and Faith At Work.
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Faith at Work™ and Faith@Work™ are registered trademarks of Faith at Work, Inc.

MOPS International's MOM-E-Mail, October 10, 2005

Mothering Maxim 'Walk the walk' matters. Children learn what they live. They learn from what they see and hear their parents do - how parents make things work, how they solve problems, what behavior is acceptable or not, what types of cues and words win positive responses. Parents can and do mentor through their everyday actions and words. (Craig & Sharon Ramey) Mom Moment Mom Influence By Barb Vogelgesang, Area Coordinator I don't know how other moms look at their children, but I was still seeing mine as a bunch of exuberant, silly little kids until recently. My oldest son, who is now 13, has begun working on his Eagle award for Boy Scouts. I got to spend some time with him at a scout event and saw how the younger boys looked to him for approval and direction. The older scouts respected his opinion and easily gave him responsibility. He knew when to seek counsel on decisions and which incidents he could just deal with. It dawned on me that this "boy/man" with a sometimes squeaky, sometimes deep voice is a leader. Wow! As I watched him direct a small army of boys setting up camp I wondered what influenced his development from the little guy who loved to give his mom sticky kisses and needed the light on to sleep, to the young man I see before me. When I asked him how he learned to be a leader he said, "By watching the woman who's led me all my life...you!" I had never really thought about mothering as a leadership position. A leader is someone who has influence over others. A mom definitely fits that definition. That revelation has made me more aware of how I lead my children. I still have many years to continue teaching him and his sisters and brother. It has also made me realize that I was chosen by God to lead these children, and I need to depend on his direction in order for me to do a good job. Oh, and by the way, my son doesn't need the night light any more, but I still make sure I get the kisses. Prayer From a Mother's Heart Dear God, help me to be an influence for you in the lives of my children, a beacon pointing them to your saving grace. Thank you to Antiquities for sponsoring this MOM-E-Mail. Each year, Antiquities photography studios capture thousands of young smiles and bright eyes. Offering families a chance at a creative and unique old-fashioned portrait complete with props and clothing, the Antiquities trend continues to gain momentum. Another benefit of the Antiquities program is the fundraising opportunity it offers the sponsoring organization. For more information about Antiquities, call 1-888-525-4453 or visit their Web site at www.antiquities-studios.com. Copyright © 2005 by MOPS International, Inc. This message was sent to: joyousheart@enter.net This is a recurring e-mail; MOM-E-Mail is a benefit of the MOPStoMom Connection. If you would prefer not to receive future MOM-E-Mail messages, or would like to change your email address please use this link . Click here to contact us. MOPS and MOM-E-Mail are registered trademarks of MOPS International, Inc. http://www.mops.org/ MOPS International, Inc. · 2370 S. Trenton Way · Denver, CO 80231-3822

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Small MOPS Groups Prayer References

Hello, All,

I helped Barb Vogelgesang with the Small MOPS Groups Seminar at the MOPS Convention and had some additional resources that I wanted to share.

First, I would like to recap for anyone not able to attend the Seminar. The Seminar was titled "Small Groups Can Make a Big Impact When You Have a Laser Beam Approach".

L ook at relationships, not numbers

A cknowledge leaders by nurturing and developing their gifts

S eek out a relationship with your Chartering Ministry

E ncourage moms to take ownership of MOPS group

R ealistic goals help you shine

B e prayerful

E very group makes a difference in a mom's life

A void "have to do it all" syndrome

M ake it fun

I spoke on "Seek out a relationship with your Chartering Ministry" and "Be Prayful". The references that I would like to share are related to Be Prayful.

"Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Have trouble sitting down and giving God at least 15 minutes of yourself each day? Find a book, the Bible works best, and pray! Making time for God will help you get through your day.

Some books that are available through MOPS include:

(this year with your MOPS to Mom Connection membership you will receive a book) "Just Give Me a Little Piece of Quiet: 60 Mini Retreats for a Mom's Soul" by Lorilee Craker,

"Promises for Moms from the New International Version",

"God's Words of Life for Moms from the New International Version",

and "Women in Leadership: Ninety Daily Devotions by Leading Christian Women".

I find these books are helpful when I need a devotional and many of the topics are applicable to our Steering Team Leaders' lives. They are also good if you need to sit down and focus your mind on God. Sometimes if I don't have something written in front of me, my mind starts to wander.

If anyone would like additional information about the seminar, please let us know. If you have any prayer requests, please share them.

God Bless,

Christy Molnar

Zone 22 Council Coordinator

What's on Your Schedule This Year?

Hi Ladies,

Could you share with us what your MOPS group is doing this year? What speakers, crafts, MOPS/POPS, fundraisers, and other neat stuff will your group be doing? We have several new groups in our Zone and these new leaders will benefit greatly from your ideas.

Blessings,
Barb

Convention Highlights

Hi Ladies,

Well, I'm finally recovering from the MOPS Convention in Dallas. What a great, inspiring time. It was wonderful to be able to meet 72 leaders from Zone 22. Please post your top 10 Convention highlights to share with other leaders.

Joyfully,
Barb

What's happening at your MOPS Group this year?

Ah, the start of a new MOPS year...or is it really? As Steering Team Leaders you've probably been doing MOPS or at least thinking about MOPS all summer. Here's a partial new year prep checklist....

Be sure to register all your moms for the MOPS to MOM connection
Update your Steering Team with MOPS International
Create a schedule of meeting for the year
Have some great girlfriend time
Pack for Convention


What would you add to my list? Can you share your favorite twinkle ideas with other Steering Teams by clicking on comments? You don't have to register, but I would appreciate knowing which group you are with. What topics, speakers, crafts, special MOPS/POPS, MOPPETS crafts, hospitality gifts etc. can you brag about or suggest?

Let's help out our new groups by spreading the creativity around.

Love ya,
Barb

Recruiting MOPPETS helpers

Hi Leaders,

One of the biggest challenges I have faced in my MOPS groups is recruiting MOPPETS helpers. Sometimes we need to change the way we ask for help. I've used the flyer below with different churches and it brought fruit. We need to present MOPPETS as the ministry opportunity it truly is. Where else can local men and women be missionaries without leaving home. The love, care and message of Christ will be forming how these young children will view the church. I am praying that you will be blessed to have a fully staffed MOPPETS program for this coming year.

Please share your success at recruit MOPPETS workers with us by clicking on comments. You don't need to log-in, you can leave your idea as an anonymous user. For our purposes, please let us know which MOPS group you are from.

Blessings,
Joyfully,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS AC
Zone 22
NJ, PA, and DE

Is God calling you to bring His Message of Salvation to the next generation?

Do you like cuddling cute babies?

Reading stories to little ones?

Singing songs and playing games?

Do you take to heart Jesus’ call to "let the little children come to me."

Then perhaps you are called to service God through the ministry of

MOPS .

MOPS needs dedicated volunteers who are passionate about bring the message of Christ to preschoolers and their moms. Is God calling you?

For more info contact:

Hi Steering Team Leaders!

Welcome to our great experiment in using new technology to help you meet every mom's needs to the glory of Jesus Christ. Think of this as your on-line Council Meeting. Feel free to leave your great ideas, anything you need help with, prayer requests and praises. Your Field Leaders will be checking in to help you on in your ministry, encourage you and inspire you.

I know it's summer and most of you are not holding regular meetings, but as a past-co-ordinator I know lots of planning and brainstorming is going on. I am so excited about our new TWINKLE theme. Are you getting ready to sparkle? Maybe you need some inspiration.

Here is a neat ice breaker for your first meeting or a steering get together....

Getting to Know You Star Questions....

1. What is one thing that you are a "star" at?

2. What is one thing that you were a "star" at (or wanted to be) when you were a kid?

3. What is your best "start" meal?

4. What is something you want to work to be a "star" at?

5. What is your "star" spiritual gift that God has blessed you with?

6. What you definitely not a "star" at but enjoy doing?

7. Imagine you are a "star" like Oprah; what is one of your favorite things?

8. What would your husband say your "star" quality is?

9. What would your kids say is the "star" quality they love most about you?

10. If there was an article written about the last year of your life with "Star" in the title, what would the headline be?


Well, that's all for tonight. Check back often for more....

Joyfully His,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS Area Coordinator
Zone 22 - New Jersey, Delaware and Eastern Pennsylvania