How do you encourage your MOPS members to take ownership of your group? Is your Steering getting burnt out because they do everything? How can you find new leaders if no one is stepping up to help?
MOPS is a place for moms to be nutured but it is also a place for them to use their gifts and skills and grow. The Steering Team is not hosting a party but providing opportunities.
Here's how a group in Texas tackled the problem...by having every mom assigned to a committee when she joins. Below is what they include with every registration. Interesting idea to try ....
Volunteer Sign-Up
In order for all aspects of MOPS to run smoothly and efficiently, we are asking EVERY member to serve in some capacity. If you are serving as a steering team member, discussion group leader, or mentor mom, you are not required to serve on a team.
We will strive to place you in your top choice. However, in order for all teams to be equal, please rank your top three choices by placing a “1” in the blank beside your first choice, a “2” beside your second choice, and a “3” beside your third choice.
*Prayer & Care Team: Assist Prayer & Care leader in her responsibilities which may include praying for specific prayer requests of the MOPS group, preparing for birthday, anniversary, & pregnancy recognitions, and reaching out to moms in need.
*Hospitality Team: Assist Hospitality leader in her responsibilities which may include decorating for MOPS meetings, greeting moms at meetings, welcoming visitors, & planning icebreakers.
*Creative Activities Team: Assist Creative Activities leader in her responsibilities which may include assisting MOPS members with their craft and assembling craft kits.
*Service Project Team: Assist Steering Team by delivering donated items to the Mid-Cities Crisis Pregnancy Center each month and/or helping with large annual service project.
*Finance Team: Assist Finance leader in her responsibilities which may include collecting meeting fees from members, registering new members, and taking attendance.
_________________
Area Coordinator's (AC's) Corner
Nichole Bethel, Zone 22 AC
MOPS Convention ~ August 5-7, 2010
Registration for Convention is open on Monday, May 17th! Click on the picture.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Saturday, February 24, 2007
How to Identify Future Leaders - Some advice from Christianity Today
I found this great article at Christianity Today's website on how to identify a future leader.....
Spotting a New Leader - Ten ways to identify a promising person to take on guidance of small group ministry.
by Fred Smith
The most gifted athletes rarely make good coaches. The best violinist will not necessarily make the best conductor. Nor will the best teacher necessarily make the best head of the department.
So it's critical to distinguish between the skill of performance and the skill of leading the performance, two entirely different skills.
It's also important to determine whether a person is capable of learning leadership. The natural leader will stand out. The trick is identifying those who are capable of learning leadership over time.
Here are several traits to help identify whether someone is capable of learning to lead.
To finish this great article go to http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/spottingaleader.html
Planning New MOPS Year and New Steering Team Members
As we look at our Steering Teams for next year here is one group's guide-lines for helping them stay on course the entire year. It also helps new Steering Team Member see the time committment that will be expected of them. Each group is individual but sharing ideas always helps. Why reinvent the wheel?
Don't Lose Your Course
Planning a Great MOPS Year
Jan./Feb. - Begin recruiting Steering Members
· Hold an open house for prospective leaders
· Begin talking with prospects
· MOPS should be #1 priority with husband's support
· Prospects should be presented with expectations of responsibilities
· Coordinator must state ahead of time the dates of retreats and Steering meetings
· Steering members must agree to attend all events
March - Have Steering team set so all can attend Spring Council or Leadership for Life Summit and new leaders can “shadow” and train with current leaders.
May - Open Registration for general members
· Hold this at your church on a first come basis
· Let existing members, church members, and waiting list know of the time and date, then open to the public over the summer.
· Pass the torch meeting. Members rolling off pass their stuff to new members coming on.
· Convention Meeting. Hold a meeting to see who can attend convention and how to raise the money to go.
June - Planning Retreat
· Book a hotel or open your home up for the night
· Evaluate the evaluations
· Coordinator comes with a blank outline of the year and some kind of Steering Development Training (Nine needs, goals,etc.)
· Speaker person comes with a list of ideas
1. Brainstorm ideas keeping in mind your topics should start out light at the beginning of the year and get heavier as the year goes on.
· Craft person comes with craft examples/ideas including pictures
· Hospitality person comes with ideas on theme days, brunch ideas, decorations for the tables, etc.
· Finance person comes with a list of the moms who have already registered.
1. Might have a few ideas for fundraisers
2. Might have an idea on creative ways to collect money
· Mentor moms come with devotionals for Friday night and Saturday morning
· Moppets person comes with info regarding childcare needs or issues. Also brings ideas for any extra events or special celebrations for the kids.
· DG person comes with ideas for names of the groups, special events, etc.
· Publicity person comes with ideas for notebooks for the moms, ways to advertise to the public, and ideas for newsletters.
Summer - Everyone takes time to complete tasks
· You may want to hold one meeting in July just to touch base
· Meet together for play time with kids and take time to form some bonds
August - Mini Retreat 6pm - 12pm on a Fri. night
· Everyone gives an individual report on the work they did over the summer
· Take time to tweak or change any ideas
· Year is planned written and confirmed.
· Time is spent in prayer for the moms and goals for the year.
· Coordinator conducts a mini training time using the video provided by home office.
Your year should now be set and you should be ready to put all your plans into action preparing decorations, craft examples, notebooks, etc.
1 or 2 times a month - your General MOPS Meetings then:
Every other week or once a month - Steering Meetings
· One and one half hour in duration
· Prayer and devotional time or mini bible study (Since plans have already been made ahead of time, most of your meeting can be spent in prayer needs of your moms and spiritual development. Then you can spend a little time making sure plans are good for the next meeting.)
· Try to arrange childcare during Steering meetings. This should be a priority!!!Your meeting time and place should be consistent all year
Don't Lose Your Course
Planning a Great MOPS Year
Jan./Feb. - Begin recruiting Steering Members
· Hold an open house for prospective leaders
· Begin talking with prospects
· MOPS should be #1 priority with husband's support
· Prospects should be presented with expectations of responsibilities
· Coordinator must state ahead of time the dates of retreats and Steering meetings
· Steering members must agree to attend all events
March - Have Steering team set so all can attend Spring Council or Leadership for Life Summit and new leaders can “shadow” and train with current leaders.
May - Open Registration for general members
· Hold this at your church on a first come basis
· Let existing members, church members, and waiting list know of the time and date, then open to the public over the summer.
· Pass the torch meeting. Members rolling off pass their stuff to new members coming on.
· Convention Meeting. Hold a meeting to see who can attend convention and how to raise the money to go.
June - Planning Retreat
· Book a hotel or open your home up for the night
· Evaluate the evaluations
· Coordinator comes with a blank outline of the year and some kind of Steering Development Training (Nine needs, goals,etc.)
· Speaker person comes with a list of ideas
1. Brainstorm ideas keeping in mind your topics should start out light at the beginning of the year and get heavier as the year goes on.
· Craft person comes with craft examples/ideas including pictures
· Hospitality person comes with ideas on theme days, brunch ideas, decorations for the tables, etc.
· Finance person comes with a list of the moms who have already registered.
1. Might have a few ideas for fundraisers
2. Might have an idea on creative ways to collect money
· Mentor moms come with devotionals for Friday night and Saturday morning
· Moppets person comes with info regarding childcare needs or issues. Also brings ideas for any extra events or special celebrations for the kids.
· DG person comes with ideas for names of the groups, special events, etc.
· Publicity person comes with ideas for notebooks for the moms, ways to advertise to the public, and ideas for newsletters.
Summer - Everyone takes time to complete tasks
· You may want to hold one meeting in July just to touch base
· Meet together for play time with kids and take time to form some bonds
August - Mini Retreat 6pm - 12pm on a Fri. night
· Everyone gives an individual report on the work they did over the summer
· Take time to tweak or change any ideas
· Year is planned written and confirmed.
· Time is spent in prayer for the moms and goals for the year.
· Coordinator conducts a mini training time using the video provided by home office.
Your year should now be set and you should be ready to put all your plans into action preparing decorations, craft examples, notebooks, etc.
1 or 2 times a month - your General MOPS Meetings then:
Every other week or once a month - Steering Meetings
· One and one half hour in duration
· Prayer and devotional time or mini bible study (Since plans have already been made ahead of time, most of your meeting can be spent in prayer needs of your moms and spiritual development. Then you can spend a little time making sure plans are good for the next meeting.)
· Try to arrange childcare during Steering meetings. This should be a priority!!!Your meeting time and place should be consistent all year
Have started Recruiting for next year's Steering?
The best way to assure the future of your MOPS group is to always be in prayer for new leaders. Any time of year is a good time to be asking God to show you who will be the future leaders of your group. Now is an especially good time because you can bring your next year's Steering Team members to the MOPS Leadership for Life Summit on March 24th 2007. Let your Field Leadership Team and MOPS International help train the ladies God is calling to lead your MOPS group next year.
Here are some interesting and helpful articles on recruiting Steering Team Members. Please take the time to contact your CC or leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to leadership recruitment. We'd also love to hear how you find new leaders and your praises of how God is working things out in your group.
Steering Team Selection Tips
Here are some suggestions:
The coordinator asks the present steering team to pray as to whether they sense God’s calling them to continue in their present position for another year (MOPS International encourages two-year commitments). She needs to give them a deadline of one to two weeks away.
During this same time the Coordinator gathers together her Steering Selection Committee. This committee is made up of the Coordinator, Mentor, Discussion Group team Leader and two to four (depending on the size of your group) other women NOT on the present steering team. These non=steering women will provide the needed objective view; they can be MOPS moms, church members, or recent MOPS alum. These women should be prayer warriors, submitted to the Lord, and know most of the women in the group. If a Coordinator decides not to use a specific Steering Selection committee, the current steering team can assume this role.
When the Coordinator has her list of steering positions open for next year, she then will let the Steering Team and Discussion Group Team Leader know what positions need to be filled for the next year. The Discussion Group Team Leader (DGTL) then lets the Group Leaders know the openings. The Steering Team and DGTL then pray, and confidentially and anonymously turn in to the Coordinator their nominations for each position. The nominations should be anonymous, on a sheet of paper with the following; Name of the nominee, positions she is being nominated for and why this individual is being nominated (gifts, walk with Christ, etc.) A steering member or group leader may nominate herself for a position.
The Steering Selection Committee then begins a series of meetings to go over the names and positions. They will pray over each nominee and each position. There is no one way this is to be done; however, you want to keep this process as much in God’s hands and as little in your hands as possible! Perhaps during the first meeting the committee can go over all the names and positions, then break for a week or so to pray over them. Then, when they come back together, they can see where they are. This may take several meetings. The Coordinator should spell out the way the committee will approach the selection process during the first meeting.
Unanimous agreement on a nominee is very important. If one person is in disagreement, it is worth revisiting, or moving on to another person. His is why prayer is so important. A unanimous decision is the best way we know how to trust that God is making the choice, not us. Even if the position is not filled right away, it is better not to fill it, then to fill it with the wrong person.
Once the Committee has come to a unanimous decision on an individual for a certain position, then the Coordinator calls her, and gives her the job responsibilities, Leadership questionnaire, and anything else she might need in order to make the decision. The Coordinator should ask the woman not to answer right away, but spend some time in prayer, and talk to her husband, getting back to the Coordinator by a certain date. Stress the importance of confidentiality while she considers this. That is to avoid hurt feelings if the woman says no and someone else is asked next.
Some additional pointers:
Ø The method described is not the only way steering selection is to be accomplished, it is recommended because it has worked. The whole object of this process is to give God the greatest opportunity to guide the choices. It is important that everyone involved desire God’s choice above all.
Ø If necessary, have a Steering Open House or a Steering Information Tea that will give all MOPS women a chance to see and hear what positions are available. Provide written job descriptions. In your final selection, remember how important it is that the woman you ask to fill Leadership positions have a personal, active relationship with Christ.
Ø We need to be careful not to make the decision for someone else. We pray for God to guide us to the best possible choice for a position; without looking at how busy she is, how quiet she is, etc. We don’t know what God’s plan is. Sometimes He is working to accomplish purposes higher than we can see.
Ø Do not just get a “warm body” to fill the position. That is a huge mistake! If God does not provide someone right away, keep working on it. He may wait and bring someone after you start the year, or He may not. Yes, it can be difficult. Yes, we must be creative.
Ø The Groups Leaders and Steering Team should be trained in August to be on the lookout for potential leadership starting with the first meeting, and going on all first semester. They should know each woman very well by January.
Ø If your group is very small, you may have to be creative with steering positions. You may have to go “beyond the box” and create your morning around the gifts and talents of your leadership making sure to fulfill the mops purpose statement, of course!
Ø This steering selection process can, and should be used for choosing Group Leaders, too. The Group Leaders are so important to your ministry. Make sure that you have God’s best!
Ø Confidentiality is stressed in this process for several reasons:
o To avoid hurt feelings
o To reduce “human” involvement and increase God’s involvement
o It is more “professional”
o It allows for the woman being chosen to the position to sense the importance and the privilege of serving God in this ministry. It allows her to sense that God is involved in her being asked – she is not just being asked on her merit or popularity, but by God’s guidance.
Ø Most of these ideas have come straight from the MOPS Handbook (page 33) and the Coordinator’s Handbook (page 16).
Here are some interesting and helpful articles on recruiting Steering Team Members. Please take the time to contact your CC or leave a comment below if you have any questions or concerns when it comes to leadership recruitment. We'd also love to hear how you find new leaders and your praises of how God is working things out in your group.
Steering Team Selection Tips
Here are some suggestions:
The coordinator asks the present steering team to pray as to whether they sense God’s calling them to continue in their present position for another year (MOPS International encourages two-year commitments). She needs to give them a deadline of one to two weeks away.
During this same time the Coordinator gathers together her Steering Selection Committee. This committee is made up of the Coordinator, Mentor, Discussion Group team Leader and two to four (depending on the size of your group) other women NOT on the present steering team. These non=steering women will provide the needed objective view; they can be MOPS moms, church members, or recent MOPS alum. These women should be prayer warriors, submitted to the Lord, and know most of the women in the group. If a Coordinator decides not to use a specific Steering Selection committee, the current steering team can assume this role.
When the Coordinator has her list of steering positions open for next year, she then will let the Steering Team and Discussion Group Team Leader know what positions need to be filled for the next year. The Discussion Group Team Leader (DGTL) then lets the Group Leaders know the openings. The Steering Team and DGTL then pray, and confidentially and anonymously turn in to the Coordinator their nominations for each position. The nominations should be anonymous, on a sheet of paper with the following; Name of the nominee, positions she is being nominated for and why this individual is being nominated (gifts, walk with Christ, etc.) A steering member or group leader may nominate herself for a position.
The Steering Selection Committee then begins a series of meetings to go over the names and positions. They will pray over each nominee and each position. There is no one way this is to be done; however, you want to keep this process as much in God’s hands and as little in your hands as possible! Perhaps during the first meeting the committee can go over all the names and positions, then break for a week or so to pray over them. Then, when they come back together, they can see where they are. This may take several meetings. The Coordinator should spell out the way the committee will approach the selection process during the first meeting.
Unanimous agreement on a nominee is very important. If one person is in disagreement, it is worth revisiting, or moving on to another person. His is why prayer is so important. A unanimous decision is the best way we know how to trust that God is making the choice, not us. Even if the position is not filled right away, it is better not to fill it, then to fill it with the wrong person.
Once the Committee has come to a unanimous decision on an individual for a certain position, then the Coordinator calls her, and gives her the job responsibilities, Leadership questionnaire, and anything else she might need in order to make the decision. The Coordinator should ask the woman not to answer right away, but spend some time in prayer, and talk to her husband, getting back to the Coordinator by a certain date. Stress the importance of confidentiality while she considers this. That is to avoid hurt feelings if the woman says no and someone else is asked next.
Some additional pointers:
Ø The method described is not the only way steering selection is to be accomplished, it is recommended because it has worked. The whole object of this process is to give God the greatest opportunity to guide the choices. It is important that everyone involved desire God’s choice above all.
Ø If necessary, have a Steering Open House or a Steering Information Tea that will give all MOPS women a chance to see and hear what positions are available. Provide written job descriptions. In your final selection, remember how important it is that the woman you ask to fill Leadership positions have a personal, active relationship with Christ.
Ø We need to be careful not to make the decision for someone else. We pray for God to guide us to the best possible choice for a position; without looking at how busy she is, how quiet she is, etc. We don’t know what God’s plan is. Sometimes He is working to accomplish purposes higher than we can see.
Ø Do not just get a “warm body” to fill the position. That is a huge mistake! If God does not provide someone right away, keep working on it. He may wait and bring someone after you start the year, or He may not. Yes, it can be difficult. Yes, we must be creative.
Ø The Groups Leaders and Steering Team should be trained in August to be on the lookout for potential leadership starting with the first meeting, and going on all first semester. They should know each woman very well by January.
Ø If your group is very small, you may have to be creative with steering positions. You may have to go “beyond the box” and create your morning around the gifts and talents of your leadership making sure to fulfill the mops purpose statement, of course!
Ø This steering selection process can, and should be used for choosing Group Leaders, too. The Group Leaders are so important to your ministry. Make sure that you have God’s best!
Ø Confidentiality is stressed in this process for several reasons:
o To avoid hurt feelings
o To reduce “human” involvement and increase God’s involvement
o It is more “professional”
o It allows for the woman being chosen to the position to sense the importance and the privilege of serving God in this ministry. It allows her to sense that God is involved in her being asked – she is not just being asked on her merit or popularity, but by God’s guidance.
Ø Most of these ideas have come straight from the MOPS Handbook (page 33) and the Coordinator’s Handbook (page 16).
Monday, February 19, 2007
Scrip Fundraising - an easy way to raise $ for your group
If you are looking for an easy way to raise funds for your group why not try Scrip?
What is Scrip?
Scrip is “substitute money”.
When consumers purchase scrip, they receive negotiable certificates or cards that can be used like cash to purchase products or services from merchants who have issued them.
Scrip can be used to purchase anything from groceries, fuel, clothing, toys, and cosmetics to entertainment, electronics, home improvement, or household services.
Offering freedom of choice and versatility, scrip is also a great gift idea for anyone and any occasion.
Nevertheless, What makes scrip a valuable and effective fundraising tool for your organization is that as your members use it to buy their favorite products and services, they generate all or a portion of the much needed funds for your cause, projects, or programs. Go here for more info....
http://www.scrip.com/about.html
Most grocery stores have their own version of Scrip. I love the idea. If I spend $100 a week on groceries, I just trade my cash for grocery coupons at my MOPS meeting. The MOPS group gets %5 of what I spend and I don't have to spend anythinng extra.
The following is a current list of Merchants you can use Scrip with but check your local grocerys to find out if they have a program. I know Weiss does.:
A&W
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Acme;
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Albertsons
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Applebees
Applebees gift card redeemable at all locations
Arco
Arco card is redeemable on gasoline only at all locations
ARS Service Express
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Babies R Us
Toys R Us gift card (also redeemable at Kids R Us and Toys R Us)
Bahama Breeze
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Beauty Express
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Bennigan's
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Best Cuts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Best Western
Travel card good at all Best Western locations. Go to www.travelcard.bestwestern.com for additional information.
Bonanza
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
BoRics
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Burger King
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Carl's Jr.
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Carlton Hair Intl.
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Carnival Cruise
Certificate used to pay for cruise through 1-800-CARNIVAL
Carrows Restaurant
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Carrs
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Champs Sports
FootLocker gift card (See Foot Locker for all participating vendors)
Chevron
Chevron gift card is also redeemable at Texaco stations with Techron logo
Chilis
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Claim Jumper
Gift card redeemable at all locations
Coco's Bakery Restaurant
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Corner Bakery
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Courtyard Marriott
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Del Taco
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Disney
Can be used at all Disney locations: Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, All disney stores and online at disneyshopping.com. Also redeemable for Disney Cruise Line vacation packages and for payment toward on-ship purchases. See www.disneygiftc
Dominick's
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Eddie Bauer
Gift card redeemable at all locations
Fairfield Inn
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Famous-Barr
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Famous Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Filene's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
First Choice Haircutters
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Foley's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Foot Action USA
Foot Locker gift card (See Foot Locker for all participating vendors)
Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card redeemable at Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports and FootAction USA
Furniture Medic
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Genuardi's
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Hair by Stewarts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hair Plus
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
HairMasters
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
HeadStart Hair Care
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hecht's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Heidi's Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hold Everything (Pottery Barn)
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Holiday Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Home Depot Floor Store
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Expo and Landscape Supply)
Home Depot
Home Depot gift card is also redeemable at Home Depot Floor Store, Expo, and Landscape Supply
Home Depot Expo Design Center
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Floor Store and Landscape Supply)
Home Depot Landscape Supply
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Floor Store and Expo)
HomeGoods
Paper certificate (also redeemable at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls)
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box gift card
Jean Louis David
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Jewel - Osco
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
JW Marriott
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Kaufmann's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
KB Toys
KB Toys gift card is also redeemable at KB Toyworks and KB Toy Outlets
KB Toyworks
Gift card also redeemable at KB Toys and KB Toy Outlets
KB Toy Outlets
Gift card also redeemable at KB Toys and KB Toyworks
Kid's Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card (See FootLocker for all participating vendors)
Kids R Us
Toys R Us gift card (also redeemable at Babies R Us and Toys R Us)
Kmart
Good at all Kmart locations in the US. Cannot be used for charge account payments
L.S. Ayres
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Lady Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card (See FootLocker for all participating vendors)
Linens N Things
Linens N Things gift card redeemable at all locations
Macaroni Grill
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Macy's
Macy's gift card also redeemable at Famous-Barr, Filene's, Foley's, Hecht's, Kaufmann's, L.S. Ayres, Marshall Field's, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May, Strawbridge's and The Jones Store
Maggianos
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Marriott
Marriott gift card also redeemable at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, JW Marriott, Marriott Vacation Club, Renaissance Hotels, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and Towneplace Suites
Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Marshall Field's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Marshalls
Paper certificate also redeemable at T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods
MasterCuts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Meier & Frank
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
MerryMaids
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Mia & Maxx
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
O'Charley's Restaurants
O'Charley's card redeemable at all locations
Olive Garden
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
On the Border
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
OSH - Orchard Hardware
The Sears card accepted at over 2000 locations Nationwide including all Sears stores, OSH -Orchard Hardware and Sears Essential Stores
P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang's card is also redeemable at Pei Wei's
Panera Bread
Panera Bread gift card
Panopoulos Hair Salons
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Pavilions
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Pei Wei Asian Diner
Pei Wei card is also redeemable at P.F. Chang's
Plano Tavern
A gift card redeemable at any Bennigan's, Ponderosa, Bonanza,Plano Tavern, Southlake Tavern or Steak and Ale restaurant in the U.S. Please refer to the backside of the gift card for Terms and Conditions.
Ponderosa
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn certificate is also redeemable at Hold Everything, Pottery Barn Teen, Pottery Barn for Kids and West Elm
Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Pottery Barn Teen
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Quizno's
Quizno's certificate redeemable at all locations
Randalls
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Red Lobster
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Regis Salons
Regis Salons card redeemable at the following locations: Beauty Express, Best Cuts, BoRics, Carlton Hair International, Hair by Stewarts, HairMasters, Hair Plus Salon, HeadStart Hair Care Salons, Heidi's Salon, Holiday Hair, Jean Louis David, MasterCuts,
Regis Signature Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Rennaissance Hotels & Resorts
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Rescue Rooter
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Residence Inn
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Robinsons-May
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Safeway
Safeway card redeemable at the following locations: Carrs, Dominick's, Genuardi's, Pak'n Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Tom Thumb and Vons.
Saturday's Hair Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
7%
$25.00
Sav-On
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Sears
The Sears card accepted at over 2000 locations Nationwide including all Sears stores, OSH -Orchard Hardware and Sears Essential Stores
Sephora
Sephora gift card redeemable at all locations
ServiceMaster
ServiceMaster certificate is also redeemable at ARS Service Express, Furniture Medic, MerryMaids, Rescue Rooter, ServiceMaster, ServiceMaster Clean, TruGreen Chemlawn and Terminix.
ServiceMaster Clean
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Shell
Shell card can be used for gasoline and merchandise and is redeemable at all locations
2%
$25.00
SmartStyle Family Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Smokey Bones
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Southlake Tavern
A gift card redeemable at any Bennigan's, Ponderosa, Bonanza,Plano Tavern, Southlake Tavern or Steak and Ale restaurant in the U.S. Please refer to the backside of the gift card for Terms and Conditions.
SpringHill Suites
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Staples
Staples gift card redeemable at all locations
Starbucks
Starbucks gift card redeemable at all locations
Steak and Ale
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Strawbridge's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Style America
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Texaco
Chevron gift card also redeemable at Texaco stations with Techron logo
T.J.Maxx
Paper certificate is also redeemable at HomeGoods and Marshalls
Terminix
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
TGF Hair Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
T-Mobile
T-Mobile card for existing T-Mobile EasySpeak customers
The Jones Store
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Tom Thumb
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Towneplace Suites
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Toys R Us
Toys R Us gift card is also redeemable at Babies R Us and Kids R Us
TruGreen ChemLawn
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Vons
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
West Elm (Pottery Barn)
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie gift card redeemable at all locations
What is Scrip?
Scrip is “substitute money”.
When consumers purchase scrip, they receive negotiable certificates or cards that can be used like cash to purchase products or services from merchants who have issued them.
Scrip can be used to purchase anything from groceries, fuel, clothing, toys, and cosmetics to entertainment, electronics, home improvement, or household services.
Offering freedom of choice and versatility, scrip is also a great gift idea for anyone and any occasion.
Nevertheless, What makes scrip a valuable and effective fundraising tool for your organization is that as your members use it to buy their favorite products and services, they generate all or a portion of the much needed funds for your cause, projects, or programs. Go here for more info....
http://www.scrip.com/about.html
Most grocery stores have their own version of Scrip. I love the idea. If I spend $100 a week on groceries, I just trade my cash for grocery coupons at my MOPS meeting. The MOPS group gets %5 of what I spend and I don't have to spend anythinng extra.
The following is a current list of Merchants you can use Scrip with but check your local grocerys to find out if they have a program. I know Weiss does.:
A&W
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Acme;
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Albertsons
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Applebees
Applebees gift card redeemable at all locations
Arco
Arco card is redeemable on gasoline only at all locations
ARS Service Express
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Babies R Us
Toys R Us gift card (also redeemable at Kids R Us and Toys R Us)
Bahama Breeze
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Beauty Express
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Bennigan's
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Best Cuts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Best Western
Travel card good at all Best Western locations. Go to www.travelcard.bestwestern.com for additional information.
Bonanza
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
BoRics
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Burger King
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Carl's Jr.
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Carlton Hair Intl.
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Carnival Cruise
Certificate used to pay for cruise through 1-800-CARNIVAL
Carrows Restaurant
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Carrs
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Champs Sports
FootLocker gift card (See Foot Locker for all participating vendors)
Chevron
Chevron gift card is also redeemable at Texaco stations with Techron logo
Chilis
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Claim Jumper
Gift card redeemable at all locations
Coco's Bakery Restaurant
Paper certificate redeemable at all locations
Corner Bakery
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Courtyard Marriott
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Del Taco
Paper book of five $1.00 certificates
Disney
Can be used at all Disney locations: Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, All disney stores and online at disneyshopping.com. Also redeemable for Disney Cruise Line vacation packages and for payment toward on-ship purchases. See www.disneygiftc
Dominick's
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Eddie Bauer
Gift card redeemable at all locations
Fairfield Inn
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Famous-Barr
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Famous Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Filene's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
First Choice Haircutters
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Foley's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Foot Action USA
Foot Locker gift card (See Foot Locker for all participating vendors)
Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card redeemable at Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports and FootAction USA
Furniture Medic
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Genuardi's
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Hair by Stewarts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hair Plus
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
HairMasters
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
HeadStart Hair Care
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hecht's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Heidi's Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Hold Everything (Pottery Barn)
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Holiday Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Home Depot Floor Store
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Expo and Landscape Supply)
Home Depot
Home Depot gift card is also redeemable at Home Depot Floor Store, Expo, and Landscape Supply
Home Depot Expo Design Center
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Floor Store and Landscape Supply)
Home Depot Landscape Supply
Home Depot gift card (also redeemable at Home Depot, Floor Store and Expo)
HomeGoods
Paper certificate (also redeemable at T.J.Maxx and Marshalls)
Jack in the Box
Jack in the Box gift card
Jean Louis David
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Jewel - Osco
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
JW Marriott
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Kaufmann's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
KB Toys
KB Toys gift card is also redeemable at KB Toyworks and KB Toy Outlets
KB Toyworks
Gift card also redeemable at KB Toys and KB Toy Outlets
KB Toy Outlets
Gift card also redeemable at KB Toys and KB Toyworks
Kid's Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card (See FootLocker for all participating vendors)
Kids R Us
Toys R Us gift card (also redeemable at Babies R Us and Toys R Us)
Kmart
Good at all Kmart locations in the US. Cannot be used for charge account payments
L.S. Ayres
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Lady Foot Locker
Foot Locker gift card (See FootLocker for all participating vendors)
Linens N Things
Linens N Things gift card redeemable at all locations
Macaroni Grill
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Macy's
Macy's gift card also redeemable at Famous-Barr, Filene's, Foley's, Hecht's, Kaufmann's, L.S. Ayres, Marshall Field's, Meier & Frank, Robinsons-May, Strawbridge's and The Jones Store
Maggianos
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
Marriott
Marriott gift card also redeemable at Courtyard, Fairfield Inn, JW Marriott, Marriott Vacation Club, Renaissance Hotels, Residence Inn, SpringHill Suites and Towneplace Suites
Marriott Vacation Club
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Marshall Field's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Marshalls
Paper certificate also redeemable at T.J.Maxx and HomeGoods
MasterCuts
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Meier & Frank
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
MerryMaids
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Mia & Maxx
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
O'Charley's Restaurants
O'Charley's card redeemable at all locations
Olive Garden
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
On the Border
An excellent choice for dining the $25.00 card is redeemable at Chilis, Macaroni Grill, On the Border, Maggianos and Corner Bakery
OSH - Orchard Hardware
The Sears card accepted at over 2000 locations Nationwide including all Sears stores, OSH -Orchard Hardware and Sears Essential Stores
P.F. Chang's
P.F. Chang's card is also redeemable at Pei Wei's
Panera Bread
Panera Bread gift card
Panopoulos Hair Salons
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Pavilions
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Pei Wei Asian Diner
Pei Wei card is also redeemable at P.F. Chang's
Plano Tavern
A gift card redeemable at any Bennigan's, Ponderosa, Bonanza,Plano Tavern, Southlake Tavern or Steak and Ale restaurant in the U.S. Please refer to the backside of the gift card for Terms and Conditions.
Ponderosa
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn certificate is also redeemable at Hold Everything, Pottery Barn Teen, Pottery Barn for Kids and West Elm
Pottery Barn Kids
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Pottery Barn Teen
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Quizno's
Quizno's certificate redeemable at all locations
Randalls
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Red Lobster
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Regis Salons
Regis Salons card redeemable at the following locations: Beauty Express, Best Cuts, BoRics, Carlton Hair International, Hair by Stewarts, HairMasters, Hair Plus Salon, HeadStart Hair Care Salons, Heidi's Salon, Holiday Hair, Jean Louis David, MasterCuts,
Regis Signature Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Rennaissance Hotels & Resorts
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Rescue Rooter
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Residence Inn
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Robinsons-May
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Safeway
Safeway card redeemable at the following locations: Carrs, Dominick's, Genuardi's, Pak'n Save, Pavilions, Randalls, Safeway, Tom Thumb and Vons.
Saturday's Hair Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
7%
$25.00
Sav-On
A multi-use card good at all locations listed: Albertsons, Acme Markets,Jewel-Osco & Sav-on
Sears
The Sears card accepted at over 2000 locations Nationwide including all Sears stores, OSH -Orchard Hardware and Sears Essential Stores
Sephora
Sephora gift card redeemable at all locations
ServiceMaster
ServiceMaster certificate is also redeemable at ARS Service Express, Furniture Medic, MerryMaids, Rescue Rooter, ServiceMaster, ServiceMaster Clean, TruGreen Chemlawn and Terminix.
ServiceMaster Clean
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Shell
Shell card can be used for gasoline and merchandise and is redeemable at all locations
2%
$25.00
SmartStyle Family Hair
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Smokey Bones
A card redeemable at Bahama Breeze, Olive Garden, Red Lobster and Smokey Bones
Southlake Tavern
A gift card redeemable at any Bennigan's, Ponderosa, Bonanza,Plano Tavern, Southlake Tavern or Steak and Ale restaurant in the U.S. Please refer to the backside of the gift card for Terms and Conditions.
SpringHill Suites
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Staples
Staples gift card redeemable at all locations
Starbucks
Starbucks gift card redeemable at all locations
Steak and Ale
A card redeemable at Ponderosa, Bennigan's, Bonanza, and Steak and Ale restaurants.
Strawbridge's
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Style America
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
Texaco
Chevron gift card also redeemable at Texaco stations with Techron logo
T.J.Maxx
Paper certificate is also redeemable at HomeGoods and Marshalls
Terminix
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
TGF Hair Salon
Regis Salons card (See Regis for all participating vendors)
T-Mobile
T-Mobile card for existing T-Mobile EasySpeak customers
The Jones Store
Macy's gift card (See Macy's for all participating vendors)
Tom Thumb
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
Towneplace Suites
Marriott gift card (See Marriott for all participating vendors)
Toys R Us
Toys R Us gift card is also redeemable at Babies R Us and Kids R Us
TruGreen ChemLawn
Servicemaster certificate (See ServiceMaster for all participating vendors
Vons
Safeway card (See Safeway for all participating vendors)
West Elm (Pottery Barn)
Pottery Barn certificate (See Pottery Barn for all participating vendors)
Z Gallerie
Z Gallerie gift card redeemable at all locations
Friday, February 16, 2007
Ideas that make Discussion Groups a Hit!
Here are some DGL ideas from the mopleaders forum.....
One thing that really helps bond the women in the discussion groups together is getting together outside of the regualr MOPS meetings. The Discussion Group leaders can plan (with their table members) playdates or nights out at a restaurant. Their have been complaints that these are not well attended, but if several are offered throughout the year and only a few women attend, it can make a real difference. Those women who are seeking friendships desperately will often go that extra mile to be with the MOPS ladies. The other thing that comes to mind is to really train the DGL's to reach out to EVERY woman at the table and to encourage the other table members to do the same. My first year as DGTL, I did a little visual exercise in a DGL training session. It was four cartoon pictures of women. One was young and fit and trim, one looked like she just rolled out of bed, one looked very professional and put together, and one was kinda the hippie/granola mom. I showed the pictures and then asked what does a MOPS mom look like? I asked each DGL to look at the pictures and pick which one they least likely strike up a conversation with or relate to and why. After they had all given their answers, I told them that their best strategy would be to ON PURPOSE reach out to that mom. I told them that if they felt uneasy about approaching her, others may also. And if they didn't reach out to her, possibly no one would.
This year steering team made a list of all the ladies new and old and divided everyone into four categories. 1. Steering team 2. Veterans (make almost every meeting/event) 3. Regulars (member that show up frequently) 4. New MOPS moms. Then they sorted into the DG some from each list so that you have die hards mixed with newbies and each DG has at least one from steering also. It splits up some of the cliques (don't mean this in a bad way) of moms who know each other really well and spreads everyone out so that the newer mom don't get all huddled together.
I really think that the DGL is the key to success. Her role is to set the tone and to make sure every mom feels welcome and included. Sometimes this position is a little overlooked because they aren't on the core of the steering team, but this is where the moms are going to connect. It's like a small group. I remember one DGL who brought just a little something -- chocolate, a coffee mug from the dollar store -- just something that made the women feel special. Also, as time allows, they can plan off-meeting get togethers: playtime at the park or McDonalds or a ladies' night out.
Two years ago our group did a year long scavenger hunt. The moms in each discussion group really bonded together doing this. And moms love competition.
What does your group do to make your Discussion Groups special? Share your best ideas.... the first three replies will win a MOPS prize.....
One thing that really helps bond the women in the discussion groups together is getting together outside of the regualr MOPS meetings. The Discussion Group leaders can plan (with their table members) playdates or nights out at a restaurant. Their have been complaints that these are not well attended, but if several are offered throughout the year and only a few women attend, it can make a real difference. Those women who are seeking friendships desperately will often go that extra mile to be with the MOPS ladies. The other thing that comes to mind is to really train the DGL's to reach out to EVERY woman at the table and to encourage the other table members to do the same. My first year as DGTL, I did a little visual exercise in a DGL training session. It was four cartoon pictures of women. One was young and fit and trim, one looked like she just rolled out of bed, one looked very professional and put together, and one was kinda the hippie/granola mom. I showed the pictures and then asked what does a MOPS mom look like? I asked each DGL to look at the pictures and pick which one they least likely strike up a conversation with or relate to and why. After they had all given their answers, I told them that their best strategy would be to ON PURPOSE reach out to that mom. I told them that if they felt uneasy about approaching her, others may also. And if they didn't reach out to her, possibly no one would.
This year steering team made a list of all the ladies new and old and divided everyone into four categories. 1. Steering team 2. Veterans (make almost every meeting/event) 3. Regulars (member that show up frequently) 4. New MOPS moms. Then they sorted into the DG some from each list so that you have die hards mixed with newbies and each DG has at least one from steering also. It splits up some of the cliques (don't mean this in a bad way) of moms who know each other really well and spreads everyone out so that the newer mom don't get all huddled together.
I really think that the DGL is the key to success. Her role is to set the tone and to make sure every mom feels welcome and included. Sometimes this position is a little overlooked because they aren't on the core of the steering team, but this is where the moms are going to connect. It's like a small group. I remember one DGL who brought just a little something -- chocolate, a coffee mug from the dollar store -- just something that made the women feel special. Also, as time allows, they can plan off-meeting get togethers: playtime at the park or McDonalds or a ladies' night out.
Two years ago our group did a year long scavenger hunt. The moms in each discussion group really bonded together doing this. And moms love competition.
What does your group do to make your Discussion Groups special? Share your best ideas.... the first three replies will win a MOPS prize.....
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Some great publicity ideas
Want to get the word out about your MOPS group? Here are some tried and true ideas from MOPS groups around the country.
Growth Ideas
Our local hospital lets us put fliers about our MOPS group in the bag of freebies that they give to new moms.
MOPS of Spotswood Baptist Church, Fredricksburg, VA
We put “Please Join Us” signs in fast food restaurants with indoor play areas.
Our nearby grocery store let us tape our MOPS fliers on diaper packages.
Nearby churches without a group have our fliers available to their moms.
MOPS of Eastpointe Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
Our local real estate agents have included a flier about MOPS in their relocation packets.
MOPS of First Baptist Church, DeRidder, LA
Open House to Promote Group
We hosted a Mommy and Me Open House for moms to find out about MOPS and what it has to offer them and their children. We had simple activities (coloring, play dough) for the children while the moms mingled, talked and had snacks. Our childcare area was open for them to see where the children would be also. It was a great time for moms to come and meet other moms. The event was also a wonderful opportunity for MOPS members to invite friends without the commitment of attending a MOPS meeting.
MOPS of N. Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ
TEAM = Tell Everyone About MOPS
We encourage all Steering Team members and MOPS moms to be constantly publicizing our activities and promoting MOPS. We all carry business cards with meeting dates and telephone numbers for contact information.
We watch the newspaper for “new arrivals” and add the moms to our newsletter mailing list for the year.
We put a Mommy Dreams book and MOPS brochure in the hospital goodie bags.
MOPS of First Baptist Church, Athens, TN
Community Fairs
The MOPS group in Harlingen, TX (St. Albans Episcopal) met moms in their community by providing a Diaper Changing Station at a local festival. Volunteers worked a two-hour shift to distribute information to interested moms and keep the area clean. I would suggest having a rocking chair, some water bottles in a screened in area for nursing moms. Don't let any moms leave your booth with a MOPS flyer or card.
The MOPS group in Sonoma Valley, CA, (St. Andrew’s Presbyterian) had an “Old Woman and the Shoe” float to promote their MOPS group in the local parade!
Share what's worked for your group.
Growth Ideas
Our local hospital lets us put fliers about our MOPS group in the bag of freebies that they give to new moms.
MOPS of Spotswood Baptist Church, Fredricksburg, VA
We put “Please Join Us” signs in fast food restaurants with indoor play areas.
Our nearby grocery store let us tape our MOPS fliers on diaper packages.
Nearby churches without a group have our fliers available to their moms.
MOPS of Eastpointe Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL
Our local real estate agents have included a flier about MOPS in their relocation packets.
MOPS of First Baptist Church, DeRidder, LA
Open House to Promote Group
We hosted a Mommy and Me Open House for moms to find out about MOPS and what it has to offer them and their children. We had simple activities (coloring, play dough) for the children while the moms mingled, talked and had snacks. Our childcare area was open for them to see where the children would be also. It was a great time for moms to come and meet other moms. The event was also a wonderful opportunity for MOPS members to invite friends without the commitment of attending a MOPS meeting.
MOPS of N. Phoenix Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ
TEAM = Tell Everyone About MOPS
We encourage all Steering Team members and MOPS moms to be constantly publicizing our activities and promoting MOPS. We all carry business cards with meeting dates and telephone numbers for contact information.
We watch the newspaper for “new arrivals” and add the moms to our newsletter mailing list for the year.
We put a Mommy Dreams book and MOPS brochure in the hospital goodie bags.
MOPS of First Baptist Church, Athens, TN
Community Fairs
The MOPS group in Harlingen, TX (St. Albans Episcopal) met moms in their community by providing a Diaper Changing Station at a local festival. Volunteers worked a two-hour shift to distribute information to interested moms and keep the area clean. I would suggest having a rocking chair, some water bottles in a screened in area for nursing moms. Don't let any moms leave your booth with a MOPS flyer or card.
The MOPS group in Sonoma Valley, CA, (St. Andrew’s Presbyterian) had an “Old Woman and the Shoe” float to promote their MOPS group in the local parade!
Share what's worked for your group.
How do you honor your volunteers?
It so important that we honor the wonderful volunteers that make MOPS a reality. How does your group thank and honor your MOPPETS workers and any other volunteers?
One suggestion is to take advantage of local newspapers and radios that honor volunteer efforts.
I found this link to honor vol
unteers in the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton area
unteers in the Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton areaTo Nominate a WAEB/Gebhardt's “Someone Special" Volunteer http://www.volunteerlv.org/special.html
I'll be on the lookout for opportunities in other Councils...share what you find.
Does your group have a MOPPETS policy for moms? I got this off the MOPPETS forum at the MOPS website. It's from the Washington PA group.
Please share how your group handles MOPPETS by clicking on the comments button.
Thanks,
Barb
We hope you enjoy your MOPS morning. We can assure you the children are being nurtured and cared for in a very special way. It is the goal of our MOPPETS volunteers to provide a pleasant experience for your children while they are here.
Please ask a steering member if you need help locating your child’s room. Children are placed appropriately by age and developmental skills. If there is a question concerning the placement of your child, please see the MOPPETS Coordinator.
For the safety and comfort of your children and the children of others, we ask that you comply with these policies. The MOPPETS caregivers have been given the same guidelines during their orientation training and are asked to comply fully as well.
Ø Children should be brought to and picked up from the MOPPETS classrooms by the parent only and not by older siblings.
Ø For the first meeting, your child will receive a name tag. After this, it is expected that the children will wear their MOPPETS t-shirts to each meeting so that caregivers can call them by name. T-shirts can be left in the classroom each week and worn over top of another shirt if you choose.
Ø Please dress your children in “play clothes” as they will be participating in arts/crafts on during the meetings. The 2-year-old to 5-year-old classrooms may go outside, weather permitting, so please also dress them according to the weather. Label jackets and coats.
Ø Our MOPPETS volunteers begin their shift at 9:07 AM. Please drop your children off after that, but before the mom’s fellowship time is over and the meeting is ready to begin. Children should be picked up from MOPPETS immediately following the close of each meeting unless the teacher is notified beforehand. Sometimes even the most well adjusted child will become fearful or anxious if he/she is left after the other children have gone.
Ø Children, who show signs of illness, such as high temperatures, mucus cough, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash, or infectious disease, cannot be accepted into the MOPPETS classrooms. The MOPPETS caregiver will notify the MOPPETS Coordinator if a child becomes ill while at MOPS. The MOPPETS Coordinator will notify the mom who will be asked to pick up the child immediately. Please notify us if your child has been exposed to any infectious disease and has attended a MOPS meeting prior to the realization of the exposure (i.e. chicken pox).
Ø NO medications of any kind – not even Tylenol – will be given by any MOPPETS worker. If a child must have medication, such as allergy medicine, it must be kept with the parent until needed, and then administered by the parent at the appropriate time.
Ø All bottles, blankets, sippy cups, diaper bags, coats, etc. must be clearly labeled. It is especially important that the bottles and cups be clearly marked since many look alike.
Ø Bring only plastic feeding bottles, cups, and other containers. No squeezable juice boxes and no dark red or purple liquids in non-spill proof containers.
Ø Please use only disposable diapers when your child is in the MOPS nursery. Because of the prevalence of viruses, etc., and the need to eliminate the handling of diapers by the workers, disposable diapers are a necessity. If this is impossible for your child, please let the MOPPETS Coordinator know.
Ø Bring a sufficient number of diapers, remembering that some days are wetter than others. If the child is in training pants, a complete change of clothing is helpful.
Ø Mothers should refrain from checking on their children during the meetings. Say “goodbye” and leave immediately, even if your child is crying. It upsets the youngsters to see people come and go from the rooms. The crying usually stops quickly. When you return for your child after MOPS, your child will learn that you keep your promise to come back each time. Mothers will be notified immediately if they are needed.
Ø We ask that only babies younger than 6 months be brought into the mother’s meeting room during any portion of the MOPS morning. Nursing children of any age may be released from their classroom for a short period of time to eat. It is important that crawlers, walkers, and vocalizers NOT attend the meeting, except for the nursing period. MOPS is a special time for moms to have a break from the responsibilities of being a mom for just a brief time. Children in the meeting are distracting to their own mom, to other moms, and to our speakers. We have also found that children who participate fully in the MOPPETS program learn to love MOPS and call it their own.
Ø Please do not move your child to a different room without prior permission from the MOPPETS Coordinator. Numbers of children per room have been previously calculated to help accommodate your child’s safety.
Ø The MOPPETS rooms for infants through 24 months will provide auditory as well as visual stimulation, but most of all, a loving, caring atmosphere where the infants/children will feel safe and secure and learn about the love of Jesus.
Ø The MOPPETS program will provide a structured lesson for the other classes, including story time, craft time, music, and recreation, free time and snacks. PLEASE LET THE MOPPETS COORDINATOR AND YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER KNOW OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE. If you have a young child who is not yet drinking from a cup, it would be helpful to bring a labeled sippy cup for him/her.
IF, AT ANY TIME, YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR
CHILD OR THE MOPPETS PROGRAM, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE
TO CONTACT OUR MOPPETS COORDINATOR, GAYLE STAHLMAN OR
ONE OF THE MOPS COORDINATORS.
MOPPETS DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is important to have a policy in effect, although we trust we will not have to resort to insisting a child leave the MOPPETS program. The policy is “Three Strikes, You’re Out.” It will be enforced when a child is in danger of hurting himself, other children, or the teacher at any time during the MOPS morning.
1) First Strike: If a child is exhibiting a behavior that is putting anyone in danger of being hurt, the first strike will come as a warning. The child will be warned of the consequence of his/her behavior. For example: If Timmy throws a block across the room, the teacher will warn him that this is unacceptable behavior because the block could hurt someone.
2) Second Strike: If the child continues on with this behavior, the teacher will talk to the child once again, stating that this is unacceptable behavior, and the child will be moved away from the area. Ex: Timmy throws another block, the teacher talks with Timmy and he is moved away from the blocks and is not allowed to play with them again that day.
3) Third Strike: If the child defies the teacher for a third time, his behavior will once again be brought to his attention by the teacher, and Mom will be brought in and will have to remove the child from the class for the remainder of that day. Ex: Timmy will have to leave the class with Mom but will be warmly invited back by his teacher at the next meeting.
Again, this policy is put into place to protect all involved in the classroom setting. Teachers will be responsible for general discipline and may from time to time need to speak with a mom after class about specific behaviors that do not pose any danger to anyone in the classroom setting but may cause distractions to the teacher or children.
We want to make our classrooms a safe, warm and inviting place where moms and children feel comfortable and will want to return. Thank you for your cooperation!
Please share how your group handles MOPPETS by clicking on the comments button.
Thanks,
Barb
We hope you enjoy your MOPS morning. We can assure you the children are being nurtured and cared for in a very special way. It is the goal of our MOPPETS volunteers to provide a pleasant experience for your children while they are here.
Please ask a steering member if you need help locating your child’s room. Children are placed appropriately by age and developmental skills. If there is a question concerning the placement of your child, please see the MOPPETS Coordinator.
For the safety and comfort of your children and the children of others, we ask that you comply with these policies. The MOPPETS caregivers have been given the same guidelines during their orientation training and are asked to comply fully as well.
Ø Children should be brought to and picked up from the MOPPETS classrooms by the parent only and not by older siblings.
Ø For the first meeting, your child will receive a name tag. After this, it is expected that the children will wear their MOPPETS t-shirts to each meeting so that caregivers can call them by name. T-shirts can be left in the classroom each week and worn over top of another shirt if you choose.
Ø Please dress your children in “play clothes” as they will be participating in arts/crafts on during the meetings. The 2-year-old to 5-year-old classrooms may go outside, weather permitting, so please also dress them according to the weather. Label jackets and coats.
Ø Our MOPPETS volunteers begin their shift at 9:07 AM. Please drop your children off after that, but before the mom’s fellowship time is over and the meeting is ready to begin. Children should be picked up from MOPPETS immediately following the close of each meeting unless the teacher is notified beforehand. Sometimes even the most well adjusted child will become fearful or anxious if he/she is left after the other children have gone.
Ø Children, who show signs of illness, such as high temperatures, mucus cough, diarrhea, undiagnosed rash, or infectious disease, cannot be accepted into the MOPPETS classrooms. The MOPPETS caregiver will notify the MOPPETS Coordinator if a child becomes ill while at MOPS. The MOPPETS Coordinator will notify the mom who will be asked to pick up the child immediately. Please notify us if your child has been exposed to any infectious disease and has attended a MOPS meeting prior to the realization of the exposure (i.e. chicken pox).
Ø NO medications of any kind – not even Tylenol – will be given by any MOPPETS worker. If a child must have medication, such as allergy medicine, it must be kept with the parent until needed, and then administered by the parent at the appropriate time.
Ø All bottles, blankets, sippy cups, diaper bags, coats, etc. must be clearly labeled. It is especially important that the bottles and cups be clearly marked since many look alike.
Ø Bring only plastic feeding bottles, cups, and other containers. No squeezable juice boxes and no dark red or purple liquids in non-spill proof containers.
Ø Please use only disposable diapers when your child is in the MOPS nursery. Because of the prevalence of viruses, etc., and the need to eliminate the handling of diapers by the workers, disposable diapers are a necessity. If this is impossible for your child, please let the MOPPETS Coordinator know.
Ø Bring a sufficient number of diapers, remembering that some days are wetter than others. If the child is in training pants, a complete change of clothing is helpful.
Ø Mothers should refrain from checking on their children during the meetings. Say “goodbye” and leave immediately, even if your child is crying. It upsets the youngsters to see people come and go from the rooms. The crying usually stops quickly. When you return for your child after MOPS, your child will learn that you keep your promise to come back each time. Mothers will be notified immediately if they are needed.
Ø We ask that only babies younger than 6 months be brought into the mother’s meeting room during any portion of the MOPS morning. Nursing children of any age may be released from their classroom for a short period of time to eat. It is important that crawlers, walkers, and vocalizers NOT attend the meeting, except for the nursing period. MOPS is a special time for moms to have a break from the responsibilities of being a mom for just a brief time. Children in the meeting are distracting to their own mom, to other moms, and to our speakers. We have also found that children who participate fully in the MOPPETS program learn to love MOPS and call it their own.
Ø Please do not move your child to a different room without prior permission from the MOPPETS Coordinator. Numbers of children per room have been previously calculated to help accommodate your child’s safety.
Ø The MOPPETS rooms for infants through 24 months will provide auditory as well as visual stimulation, but most of all, a loving, caring atmosphere where the infants/children will feel safe and secure and learn about the love of Jesus.
Ø The MOPPETS program will provide a structured lesson for the other classes, including story time, craft time, music, and recreation, free time and snacks. PLEASE LET THE MOPPETS COORDINATOR AND YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER KNOW OF ANY FOOD ALLERGIES YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE. If you have a young child who is not yet drinking from a cup, it would be helpful to bring a labeled sippy cup for him/her.
IF, AT ANY TIME, YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT YOUR
CHILD OR THE MOPPETS PROGRAM, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE
TO CONTACT OUR MOPPETS COORDINATOR, GAYLE STAHLMAN OR
ONE OF THE MOPS COORDINATORS.
MOPPETS DISCIPLINE POLICY
It is important to have a policy in effect, although we trust we will not have to resort to insisting a child leave the MOPPETS program. The policy is “Three Strikes, You’re Out.” It will be enforced when a child is in danger of hurting himself, other children, or the teacher at any time during the MOPS morning.
1) First Strike: If a child is exhibiting a behavior that is putting anyone in danger of being hurt, the first strike will come as a warning. The child will be warned of the consequence of his/her behavior. For example: If Timmy throws a block across the room, the teacher will warn him that this is unacceptable behavior because the block could hurt someone.
2) Second Strike: If the child continues on with this behavior, the teacher will talk to the child once again, stating that this is unacceptable behavior, and the child will be moved away from the area. Ex: Timmy throws another block, the teacher talks with Timmy and he is moved away from the blocks and is not allowed to play with them again that day.
3) Third Strike: If the child defies the teacher for a third time, his behavior will once again be brought to his attention by the teacher, and Mom will be brought in and will have to remove the child from the class for the remainder of that day. Ex: Timmy will have to leave the class with Mom but will be warmly invited back by his teacher at the next meeting.
Again, this policy is put into place to protect all involved in the classroom setting. Teachers will be responsible for general discipline and may from time to time need to speak with a mom after class about specific behaviors that do not pose any danger to anyone in the classroom setting but may cause distractions to the teacher or children.
We want to make our classrooms a safe, warm and inviting place where moms and children feel comfortable and will want to return. Thank you for your cooperation!
Recruiting
The following article is located at:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/recruitingteachers.html I thought it might be helpful to apply these techniques to recruiting MOPPETS workers, committee members and future Steering Team Leaders.
Recruiting and Keeping Teachers
Recruiting is the holy act of helping others discover their leadership gifts.
by Roberta Hestenes
Some years ago I was responsible for recruiting someone to oversee a pastoral care program involving over 200 adults. It was a big job, and I was looking for a couple who could commit a great deal of time and energy to the program.
I prayed about this problem literally for months, wondering who would be willing and able to take on such a challenge. Eventually I sensed the Lord pointing me to Bill and Terri, a couple in their late 30s. I stopped them in the hall at church one Wednesday evening and said, "I have a new opportunity for ministry in mind for you. Would you be willing to meet and discuss it?"
The following week, they and I sat down together in my living room, and I laid out my proposal. I spelled out the importance of the program to the life of the church and told them all the reasons I felt they were the right couple for this ministry.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat this job," I added. "It's going to be tough." And I carefully sketched in all the downsides I could think of. The church staff was already stretched too thin, so they wouldn't get much in the way of help or additional resources. The hours would be long, and the job largely thankless. Yet the opportunity was significant.
I was beginning to think I had oversold the downside when Bill and Terri looked each other and then at me and grinned.
"In the car on the way over here," Bill said, "we were wondering what sort of job you had in mind. And we said to ourselves, 'If this is another one of those Mickey Mouse church jobs, we don't want it.' But you've given us something that really counts! We'll do it."
"Well, wait a minute!" I cautioned. "Don't say yes so fast! Pray about it, think about, then get back to me."
"All right," said Tern, "we'll pray about it—but the answer will still be yes!"
And it was. In fact, this couple invested a total of 14 years in that position, and the program was enormously successful under their leadership.
That to me is the prototype of recruiting, and it's the type of conversation and long-term success I want to have when recruiting workers for the educational ministries of the church.
It doesn't always end up successfully, of course. There will always be challenges in recruiting. But over the years I've found a number of practices that help make recruiting less of a chore and more of a ministry, and a successful one at that.
Finding a Ministry, Not Just Doing a Job
People get excited about ministry; they get scared off by jobs. So I don't recruit to jobs; I recruit to ministries.
Although we are tempted to fall back on "duty" to motivate when recruiting, duty is a very poor motivator compared with the adventure of ministry. Consider this recruiting appeal: "I'm asking you to take this teaching job because we need somebody in the classroom every week." Now compare that with this: "We're looking for someone to lay a lasting foundation of faith in the life of young Christians." Which would you find more persuasive?
Recruiting Is Relationships
All recruiting amounts to matching people to needs: you have a class that has certain goals and you find a person who will be able to fulfill those goals.
In order to find a good match, however, the recruiter needs to know the people in the church. It cannot be done in an institutional way. It can only be done in a relational way. We have to know what makes people tick, what gets them excited and enthused, how they enjoy spending their time, and what their passions and motivations are.
For example, let's say I've noticed a young mother who's been attending church for some time. I may be tempted to ask her to baby-sit in the nursery. But when I get to know her, I discover that she is gifted in relationship skills and has a desire to evangelize. So, instead I might ask her to design a meaningful outreach program for young mothers.
I believe in using the small-group programs in helping me recruit. If I need a certain kind of teacher for a certain class, I sometimes will call up a small-group leader, describe the need, and ask if she knows anyone who can fill the bill. Small groups can be an effective avenue for uncovering and unleashing hidden potential in the church.
The Recruiting Team
I find that the most effective approach to recruiting—particularly in a large church—is a team approach. Hierarchical relationships cannot supply the broad network of relationships, the pool of ideas and imagination, or the depth of mutual support that team relationships provide. Moreover, teamwork—that is, community—is the biblical model for almost all Christian ministry.
The best recruiter for a ministry is the person who is closest to that ministry, the person who is the most excited about it. So the person who is enthusiastic about working with second graders is a better recruiter for second grade teachers than even the pastor of the church. With a team approach, individuals can be delegated to contact prospective teachers for the areas where they have the most interest and enthusiasm.
The Recruiting Conversation
A lot of people seem to prefer Sunday mornings as their recruiting time. I think this is a mistake. If I'm recruiting teachers for a two-year commitment to a class, I don't want to catch someone on the run in the hall on Sunday morning. I want a quiet, unhurried environment.
I try to schedule recruiting conversations well in advance. For most people, teaching is not just an add-on; it's a major rearrangement of their lives. So in April I'm already looking at my needs for September and beyond so I can give prospective teachers the time they need to plan, to pray, and to prioritize.
I try to recruit people for two-year commitments, with time off during that term so they're not working every week for two solid years. I often tell people, "During the first year, you're learning the job. During the second year, you should be training your successor." Teachers sustain two year-commitments fairly well. Some last much longer, especially if we are careful to schedule breaks, breathers, and vacations.
I try to give the prospective teacher room to sense the authentic guidance of the Holy Spirit. The danger of recruiting is that we can easily become manipulative. We can become so convinced of the rightness and importance of our agenda that we try to bend the will of another person to the needs of our program.
I believe some of the most important time I spend in the recruiting conversation is not the time I spend talking, but the time I spend listening. I listen to the prospective teacher's questions, fears, and apprehensions. I listen for signs of excitement and enthusiasm. And when there is reluctance on the part of the prospective teacher, I listen to discern the difference between reasons and excuses.
Reasons and Excuses
Dealing with excuses is one of the most delicate aspects of recruiting. For one thing, "excuses" are sometimes valid reasons. Learning to tell a reason from an excuse is part of the discernment that goes with recruiting.
If a prospective teacher says to me, "Gee, I'd really love to teach a class, but I'm president of the PTA this year, and I just can't take on another duty right now," my reply would be, "President of the PTA is a strategic position, and I want to support your commitment. Perhaps when your term is up, we can take another look at the possibility of teaching." Then I would stay in touch and show a genuine interest in that person's duties with the PTA.
If someone just doesn't want to get involved, anything can be an excuse: "My mother comes to town every other weekend" or "Our family likes to go hiking and I just couldn't make a commitment." Those are excuses, pure and simple. If a person really believed the class was worthwhile, such activities would soon take second place.
The Inadequacy Excuse
One response that requires some special attention is "the inadequacy excuse," which says, "I don't have the gifts, experience, or knowledge to teach this class."
When you consider it, the inadequacy excuse is actually a good place to begin. People should be intimidated by the job of teaching, whether it is teaching children, youth, or adults. It's a profound responsibility. We can often answer the inadequacy excuse by offering help, training, prayer support, and resources to the prospective teacher.
One of the most common inadequacy excuses is "I don't know enough to teach this subject." In that case, I might ask, "Would you feel more confident if I helped you learn the subject?" or "How about if I give you some excellent resources?" or "Would a co-teacher help?" Then I listen carefully to the answers so that I can determine if that person just needs help and encouragement in order to say yes—or if I need to find another teacher.
Another factor that sometimes elicits "the inadequacy excuse" is the language used when we recruit. If I paint too grandiose a picture of the eternal significance of teaching college students, my prospective teacher is likely to respond, "I'm not a good enough Christian to have that kind of impact!" Instead of inspiring and motivating, I've scared that teacher away!
The language of vision and ministry should be appropriate to the level of the person we're talking to, and appropriate to the level of the teaching task.
Don't Take Yes for an Answer
Another principle I always follow in recruiting: Never let people respond in the initial conversation. My job is not to rope people into my program but to help them discern the will of God. The question is always, "Is God truly calling you to this ministry?" If God has not called that person, I don't want that person to teach. So I always close with words to the effect, "Let's pray and think about this possibility for the next few days."
The Elijah Syndrome
Teaching is draining. After a class, many teachers fall into "the Elijah syndrome"—a sense of energy depletion, dissatisfaction, and malaise, often accompanied by spiritual attack in the form of self-doubt and doubting God. We look back on our class time and think, "Who am I kidding? They're not getting anything out of this class. I'm a failure."
I always try to warn new teachers about "the Elijah syndrome," and I suggest ways to counter it. Adult education teachers, for instance, can ask for feedback from their classes. I suggest that teachers pass out a response card with a few simple questions such as, "What is one thing you learned that has helped your relationship with Christ?"
Another way to protect teachers against "the Elijah syndrome" is to make sure they have an emotional lifeline securely plugged into the recruiting team, asking about their needs, helping them with problems, offering encouragement, and help with any particularly difficult issues.
Particularly in the case of new courses or new teachers, I believe in putting a friendly person in the classroom as a support person. This way I can get an independent report on how the class is going, but more importantly, that person can support the teacher by affirming what's going well.
Another way to keep in contact with teachers and fend off "the Elijah syndrome" is by sending teachers encouraging notes. I once had a woman on the recruiting team who said, "I can't stand up and teach, but I can write notes to the teachers." That became her ministry.
I also believe in rewarding teachers, buying them books or other small gifts, especially gifts that will help prepare them to teach the next class. I like to acknowledge teachers in public by bringing them before the congregation and by printing their names in the bulletin.
Watch Out for De-motivators
I have seen teachers threaten to quit over de-motivators that could have easily been solved. For example:
• Week after week, an adult education teacher enters the room to find it set up for children. Every Sunday she has to wrestle with furniture in order to create an environment for adults.
• A teacher complains (to no avail) that audiovisual equipment doesn't work or isn't available, that the bulbs in the light fixtures are burnt out and never replaced, that there is never any chalk for the blackboard.
• A teacher is discouraged because her class is tucked away in some invisible location in the church, and there are no signs to help people find the room.
I believe it's the teacher's job to teach, and it's the recruiter's job to make sure that the mechanics are taken care of. A teacher should not have to do janitorial and maintenance work in addition to the task of teaching.
Another serious de-motivator arises, particularly in adult education, when the teacher is faced with a class member who has overwhelming emotional or psychological problems. The average teacher just doesn't know what to do in such cases, so the recruiting team must become a backup system to help the teacher deal with those with extraordinary problems.
What If You Can't Find Anyone to Teach?
During one summer Sunday school session, we couldn't find a teacher for the children's program. People wanted a summer program for their children, yet most of our teachers had left town for the month of August, and we had no volunteers. So we put a notice in the church bulletin and announced that there would be no children's classes in August.
The worship services were altered to be less formal and to better meet the interests of children. Parents took their children with them to worship, and many people thought having the children in the worship service for a few weeks was a benefit rather than a hardship.
The Ministry of Recruiting
There are two passions that motivate people to teach. One is a love for the subject. The other is a love for people. The satisfaction of the recruiting ministry comes from finding people who exhibit this twofold love and from putting their passions to good use.
The recruiter's focus is not just on the task but also on the person. We are not just running a program; we are building people. We are recruiting for the sake of the teacher as well as for the sake of the church. It's an exciting privilege to be used by God as his instrument to call others into ministry.
From the book Mastering Teaching, Copyright © 1991 by Christianity Today, Inc.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/smallgroups/articles/recruitingteachers.html I thought it might be helpful to apply these techniques to recruiting MOPPETS workers, committee members and future Steering Team Leaders.
Recruiting and Keeping Teachers
Recruiting is the holy act of helping others discover their leadership gifts.
by Roberta Hestenes
Some years ago I was responsible for recruiting someone to oversee a pastoral care program involving over 200 adults. It was a big job, and I was looking for a couple who could commit a great deal of time and energy to the program.
I prayed about this problem literally for months, wondering who would be willing and able to take on such a challenge. Eventually I sensed the Lord pointing me to Bill and Terri, a couple in their late 30s. I stopped them in the hall at church one Wednesday evening and said, "I have a new opportunity for ministry in mind for you. Would you be willing to meet and discuss it?"
The following week, they and I sat down together in my living room, and I laid out my proposal. I spelled out the importance of the program to the life of the church and told them all the reasons I felt they were the right couple for this ministry.
"I'm not going to sugarcoat this job," I added. "It's going to be tough." And I carefully sketched in all the downsides I could think of. The church staff was already stretched too thin, so they wouldn't get much in the way of help or additional resources. The hours would be long, and the job largely thankless. Yet the opportunity was significant.
I was beginning to think I had oversold the downside when Bill and Terri looked each other and then at me and grinned.
"In the car on the way over here," Bill said, "we were wondering what sort of job you had in mind. And we said to ourselves, 'If this is another one of those Mickey Mouse church jobs, we don't want it.' But you've given us something that really counts! We'll do it."
"Well, wait a minute!" I cautioned. "Don't say yes so fast! Pray about it, think about, then get back to me."
"All right," said Tern, "we'll pray about it—but the answer will still be yes!"
And it was. In fact, this couple invested a total of 14 years in that position, and the program was enormously successful under their leadership.
That to me is the prototype of recruiting, and it's the type of conversation and long-term success I want to have when recruiting workers for the educational ministries of the church.
It doesn't always end up successfully, of course. There will always be challenges in recruiting. But over the years I've found a number of practices that help make recruiting less of a chore and more of a ministry, and a successful one at that.
Finding a Ministry, Not Just Doing a Job
People get excited about ministry; they get scared off by jobs. So I don't recruit to jobs; I recruit to ministries.
Although we are tempted to fall back on "duty" to motivate when recruiting, duty is a very poor motivator compared with the adventure of ministry. Consider this recruiting appeal: "I'm asking you to take this teaching job because we need somebody in the classroom every week." Now compare that with this: "We're looking for someone to lay a lasting foundation of faith in the life of young Christians." Which would you find more persuasive?
Recruiting Is Relationships
All recruiting amounts to matching people to needs: you have a class that has certain goals and you find a person who will be able to fulfill those goals.
In order to find a good match, however, the recruiter needs to know the people in the church. It cannot be done in an institutional way. It can only be done in a relational way. We have to know what makes people tick, what gets them excited and enthused, how they enjoy spending their time, and what their passions and motivations are.
For example, let's say I've noticed a young mother who's been attending church for some time. I may be tempted to ask her to baby-sit in the nursery. But when I get to know her, I discover that she is gifted in relationship skills and has a desire to evangelize. So, instead I might ask her to design a meaningful outreach program for young mothers.
I believe in using the small-group programs in helping me recruit. If I need a certain kind of teacher for a certain class, I sometimes will call up a small-group leader, describe the need, and ask if she knows anyone who can fill the bill. Small groups can be an effective avenue for uncovering and unleashing hidden potential in the church.
The Recruiting Team
I find that the most effective approach to recruiting—particularly in a large church—is a team approach. Hierarchical relationships cannot supply the broad network of relationships, the pool of ideas and imagination, or the depth of mutual support that team relationships provide. Moreover, teamwork—that is, community—is the biblical model for almost all Christian ministry.
The best recruiter for a ministry is the person who is closest to that ministry, the person who is the most excited about it. So the person who is enthusiastic about working with second graders is a better recruiter for second grade teachers than even the pastor of the church. With a team approach, individuals can be delegated to contact prospective teachers for the areas where they have the most interest and enthusiasm.
The Recruiting Conversation
A lot of people seem to prefer Sunday mornings as their recruiting time. I think this is a mistake. If I'm recruiting teachers for a two-year commitment to a class, I don't want to catch someone on the run in the hall on Sunday morning. I want a quiet, unhurried environment.
I try to schedule recruiting conversations well in advance. For most people, teaching is not just an add-on; it's a major rearrangement of their lives. So in April I'm already looking at my needs for September and beyond so I can give prospective teachers the time they need to plan, to pray, and to prioritize.
I try to recruit people for two-year commitments, with time off during that term so they're not working every week for two solid years. I often tell people, "During the first year, you're learning the job. During the second year, you should be training your successor." Teachers sustain two year-commitments fairly well. Some last much longer, especially if we are careful to schedule breaks, breathers, and vacations.
I try to give the prospective teacher room to sense the authentic guidance of the Holy Spirit. The danger of recruiting is that we can easily become manipulative. We can become so convinced of the rightness and importance of our agenda that we try to bend the will of another person to the needs of our program.
I believe some of the most important time I spend in the recruiting conversation is not the time I spend talking, but the time I spend listening. I listen to the prospective teacher's questions, fears, and apprehensions. I listen for signs of excitement and enthusiasm. And when there is reluctance on the part of the prospective teacher, I listen to discern the difference between reasons and excuses.
Reasons and Excuses
Dealing with excuses is one of the most delicate aspects of recruiting. For one thing, "excuses" are sometimes valid reasons. Learning to tell a reason from an excuse is part of the discernment that goes with recruiting.
If a prospective teacher says to me, "Gee, I'd really love to teach a class, but I'm president of the PTA this year, and I just can't take on another duty right now," my reply would be, "President of the PTA is a strategic position, and I want to support your commitment. Perhaps when your term is up, we can take another look at the possibility of teaching." Then I would stay in touch and show a genuine interest in that person's duties with the PTA.
If someone just doesn't want to get involved, anything can be an excuse: "My mother comes to town every other weekend" or "Our family likes to go hiking and I just couldn't make a commitment." Those are excuses, pure and simple. If a person really believed the class was worthwhile, such activities would soon take second place.
The Inadequacy Excuse
One response that requires some special attention is "the inadequacy excuse," which says, "I don't have the gifts, experience, or knowledge to teach this class."
When you consider it, the inadequacy excuse is actually a good place to begin. People should be intimidated by the job of teaching, whether it is teaching children, youth, or adults. It's a profound responsibility. We can often answer the inadequacy excuse by offering help, training, prayer support, and resources to the prospective teacher.
One of the most common inadequacy excuses is "I don't know enough to teach this subject." In that case, I might ask, "Would you feel more confident if I helped you learn the subject?" or "How about if I give you some excellent resources?" or "Would a co-teacher help?" Then I listen carefully to the answers so that I can determine if that person just needs help and encouragement in order to say yes—or if I need to find another teacher.
Another factor that sometimes elicits "the inadequacy excuse" is the language used when we recruit. If I paint too grandiose a picture of the eternal significance of teaching college students, my prospective teacher is likely to respond, "I'm not a good enough Christian to have that kind of impact!" Instead of inspiring and motivating, I've scared that teacher away!
The language of vision and ministry should be appropriate to the level of the person we're talking to, and appropriate to the level of the teaching task.
Don't Take Yes for an Answer
Another principle I always follow in recruiting: Never let people respond in the initial conversation. My job is not to rope people into my program but to help them discern the will of God. The question is always, "Is God truly calling you to this ministry?" If God has not called that person, I don't want that person to teach. So I always close with words to the effect, "Let's pray and think about this possibility for the next few days."
The Elijah Syndrome
Teaching is draining. After a class, many teachers fall into "the Elijah syndrome"—a sense of energy depletion, dissatisfaction, and malaise, often accompanied by spiritual attack in the form of self-doubt and doubting God. We look back on our class time and think, "Who am I kidding? They're not getting anything out of this class. I'm a failure."
I always try to warn new teachers about "the Elijah syndrome," and I suggest ways to counter it. Adult education teachers, for instance, can ask for feedback from their classes. I suggest that teachers pass out a response card with a few simple questions such as, "What is one thing you learned that has helped your relationship with Christ?"
Another way to protect teachers against "the Elijah syndrome" is to make sure they have an emotional lifeline securely plugged into the recruiting team, asking about their needs, helping them with problems, offering encouragement, and help with any particularly difficult issues.
Particularly in the case of new courses or new teachers, I believe in putting a friendly person in the classroom as a support person. This way I can get an independent report on how the class is going, but more importantly, that person can support the teacher by affirming what's going well.
Another way to keep in contact with teachers and fend off "the Elijah syndrome" is by sending teachers encouraging notes. I once had a woman on the recruiting team who said, "I can't stand up and teach, but I can write notes to the teachers." That became her ministry.
I also believe in rewarding teachers, buying them books or other small gifts, especially gifts that will help prepare them to teach the next class. I like to acknowledge teachers in public by bringing them before the congregation and by printing their names in the bulletin.
Watch Out for De-motivators
I have seen teachers threaten to quit over de-motivators that could have easily been solved. For example:
• Week after week, an adult education teacher enters the room to find it set up for children. Every Sunday she has to wrestle with furniture in order to create an environment for adults.
• A teacher complains (to no avail) that audiovisual equipment doesn't work or isn't available, that the bulbs in the light fixtures are burnt out and never replaced, that there is never any chalk for the blackboard.
• A teacher is discouraged because her class is tucked away in some invisible location in the church, and there are no signs to help people find the room.
I believe it's the teacher's job to teach, and it's the recruiter's job to make sure that the mechanics are taken care of. A teacher should not have to do janitorial and maintenance work in addition to the task of teaching.
Another serious de-motivator arises, particularly in adult education, when the teacher is faced with a class member who has overwhelming emotional or psychological problems. The average teacher just doesn't know what to do in such cases, so the recruiting team must become a backup system to help the teacher deal with those with extraordinary problems.
What If You Can't Find Anyone to Teach?
During one summer Sunday school session, we couldn't find a teacher for the children's program. People wanted a summer program for their children, yet most of our teachers had left town for the month of August, and we had no volunteers. So we put a notice in the church bulletin and announced that there would be no children's classes in August.
The worship services were altered to be less formal and to better meet the interests of children. Parents took their children with them to worship, and many people thought having the children in the worship service for a few weeks was a benefit rather than a hardship.
The Ministry of Recruiting
There are two passions that motivate people to teach. One is a love for the subject. The other is a love for people. The satisfaction of the recruiting ministry comes from finding people who exhibit this twofold love and from putting their passions to good use.
The recruiter's focus is not just on the task but also on the person. We are not just running a program; we are building people. We are recruiting for the sake of the teacher as well as for the sake of the church. It's an exciting privilege to be used by God as his instrument to call others into ministry.
From the book Mastering Teaching, Copyright © 1991 by Christianity Today, Inc.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Take & Bake Creative Activity
A very popular creative activity is a meal which the moms will assemble at MOPS and be able to bake it for supper. Here are two recipes that worked really well.
Baked Ziti
1/2 box ziti or penne pasta
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey (ground turkey is cheaper than beef)
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper,
chopped OR small can mushrooms
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup mozzerella cheese,
grated olive oil
Prep work before meeting:
Cook pasta until just barely tender, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water. Toss with small amount of olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. Brown grd. beef and onion, drain.
At the meeting:
In a gallon size ziploc bag- mix pasta, ground beef, pepper (OR mushrooms), sauce and cheese. Toss gently.
At this point you can send them home with it in the baggie or you can pour it into a well sprayed disposable 9x9 tin.
At home directions:
Spread into well sprayed 9x9 pan (if it's sent home in baggie). Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350F, or until bubbly on the edges and hot in the middle. Remove foil and bake five more minutes.
This can also be frozen in either the baggie or disposable tin.
Thaw in fridge 24 hours before baking it.
************************************ Calzones
Frozen bread dough (one loaf makes 5 calzones)
Pizza or spaghetti sauce
Pizza toppings
Cornmeal
Prep work before meeting:
Thaw dough and let rise according to directions on package. Cut up any pizza toppings.
At the meeting:
Divide each loaf into five sections. Flatten into about 8"rounds. Put filling on to one half of a round and fold in half. Pinch edges to seal. Prick tops several times with fork.
You would need to send them home on cardboard covered with foil or buy disposable tins.
Send each mom with a small baggie of cornmeal for home.
At home directions:
Sprinkle corn meal on baking sheet, bake calzones at 425F for 18-20 minutes.
These may also be cooled, wrapped indivually and frozen.
Thaw in fridge and microwave or reheat in oven.
These are taken (and modified) from the book Frozen Assets: how to cook for a day and eat for a month by Deborah Taylor-Hough
Baked Ziti
1/2 box ziti or penne pasta
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey (ground turkey is cheaper than beef)
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/2 cup green pepper,
chopped OR small can mushrooms
1 jar spaghetti sauce
1 cup mozzerella cheese,
grated olive oil
Prep work before meeting:
Cook pasta until just barely tender, drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water. Toss with small amount of olive oil to prevent noodles from sticking together. Brown grd. beef and onion, drain.
At the meeting:
In a gallon size ziploc bag- mix pasta, ground beef, pepper (OR mushrooms), sauce and cheese. Toss gently.
At this point you can send them home with it in the baggie or you can pour it into a well sprayed disposable 9x9 tin.
At home directions:
Spread into well sprayed 9x9 pan (if it's sent home in baggie). Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 350F, or until bubbly on the edges and hot in the middle. Remove foil and bake five more minutes.
This can also be frozen in either the baggie or disposable tin.
Thaw in fridge 24 hours before baking it.
************************************ Calzones
Frozen bread dough (one loaf makes 5 calzones)
Pizza or spaghetti sauce
Pizza toppings
Cornmeal
Prep work before meeting:
Thaw dough and let rise according to directions on package. Cut up any pizza toppings.
At the meeting:
Divide each loaf into five sections. Flatten into about 8"rounds. Put filling on to one half of a round and fold in half. Pinch edges to seal. Prick tops several times with fork.
You would need to send them home on cardboard covered with foil or buy disposable tins.
Send each mom with a small baggie of cornmeal for home.
At home directions:
Sprinkle corn meal on baking sheet, bake calzones at 425F for 18-20 minutes.
These may also be cooled, wrapped indivually and frozen.
Thaw in fridge and microwave or reheat in oven.
These are taken (and modified) from the book Frozen Assets: how to cook for a day and eat for a month by Deborah Taylor-Hough
First Aid Kit Craft
For our HELP month and we made Mommy First Aid Kits for the car. We purchased small vinyl bags (make-up bags) online for $.50 each! And then with a TON of phone work got donations from local business to fill them up. The local hospitals donated band-aids, antiseptic wipes, rubber gloves, emergency number magnets and hand cleanser packets. One of the local hotels donated small sewing/mending kits. An insurance agency donated pens. A dentist office donated floss. Tiny flashlights from the electric company, and we're waiting on a reply from Wal-Mart and our other local grocery store to see if they'll donate lip balm / tissue packets or tylenol packets. I was so amazed at how willing companies were to donate. It does take a lot of time to make all of those phone calls but we're doing a really useful easy craft for almost FREE!!! Try the marketing departments or managers of hospitals, stores, doctors offices or dentists.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
What to do about Home Businesses
I have heard from quite a few Coordinators who are concerned over MOPS moms being overwhelmed by home businesses asking to promote their service/project to the group. Here are some suggestions on how other groups have handled the situation....
Our Coordinator was getting so many requests from small businesses and home based businesses that wanted to talk to our group. This is what we started two years ago. In Oct. our MOPS group hosts a "Family Expo vender fair". Our MOPS moms who have home based businesses get spots first and then it's open to anyone else to be in. Only one from each business is allowed (so we don't end up with 5 Pampered Chef people). The Expo is free to the venders...they just need to donate a gift worth $25 for door prizes. The Expo is also free to all who attend. Our MOPS group does a bake sale--donations only. This year we had 35-40 venders and it was so fun! We also just started providing a table at our MOPS meetings for moms to put their home based business info on. They are responsible for putting it there and picking it up at the end of the meeting. This is a "silent advertising"...we do not allow anyone to go table to table advertising or announce it to the group.
Set up: -No tables will be provided--please bring whatever you need to set up your area
Space is limited and subject to approval by Harvest MOPS & Harvest Church -
Definite details will be sent the week prior/booth location & other particulars
Booth sizes should be approx. 7'X7' (with exceptions as necessary)
Advertising: -Each vendor will be given some advertising brochures -Word of mouth is vital! Please spread the word
Miscellaneous: -No fee for booth space ($25 value door prize requested) -We will do door prize giveaways--they will not be done at individual tables -You are permitted to have voluntary sign ups at your table(for more giveaways/info) -
We will not duplicate specific vendors and will try to avoid similar vendors
Beginning with our first MOPS meeting in Sept. we start mentioning the Expo fair and have sign up sheets for our registered MOPS moms. Our moms get first dibs at a spot. Even if some moms don't have a home based business, they know someone who does. Moms can take vender registrations to those moms. We also have a person that contacts the hospital to come for a car seat check, the police station for child ID kits, YMCA, etc. We allow some services like these to come, but really want to focus on home based businesses.
We have our Expo in place of our MOPS meeting. Childcare that week is for Registered MOPS moms (another motivation to get their registration in ) who are helping with the Expo.
We have a bake sale, that is donations only, and set up a table with info about our MOPS group and the two other groups in town.
Advertising is expensive so we really focus on word of mouth. We also put up flyers at different businesses around town.
The first year the Expo was attended mainly by MOPS moms, this year it was bigger. Word does get around. Our Coordinator already has people requesting to be in the Expo next year.
Another group handles home businesses by allowing them to advertise in the MOPS group's newsletter. Here are their guide lines
Policy for Advertising in the Newsletter
Messiah MOPS exists to serve mothers in all their endeavors. All MOPS moms are invited to advertise for personal business in the newsletter provided they meet certain specifications:
1. The advertisement is only to be for the mom herself -- not a spouse, sister, friend, etc.
2. It must be a personal business and not an ad for her employer (e.g. Pampered Chef, Creative Memories, etc. are acceptable; not Wells Fargo, Target, etc.)
3. The same ad cannot appear in the newsletter more than two times a year. This will prevent “overkill” by any one person.
4. Advertising is open to everyone in MOPS, so competing businesses have equal chances to advertise.
5. Space provided for the ads is limited to the size of a given newsletter and will be determined by the newsletter editors. First come, first served.
6. Newsletter editors have discretion as to whether or not ad content is appropriate for the MOPS newsletter (questionable business ads will not be allowed J ).
7. For sale, free items, want ads, and job queries are allowed.All advertising should be kept in the newsletter and not interfere in any way with the monthly meetings.
more suggestions....
In the past we've done a business directory. Any mom who wishes can have her name and contact information listed, along with the business name. We would publish one in the fall and an update in the spring. Our publicity person would do it. It lets them advertise for free, and encourages the other moms to "shop" with and support other MOPS moms.
We also just started providing a table at our MOPS meetings for moms to put their home based business info on. They are responsible for putting it there and picking it up at the end of the meeting. This is a "silent advertising"...we do not allow anyone to go table to table advertising or announce it to the group.
Leave a comment and let us know how your group handles this situation.
Thanks,
Barb
Zone 22 Area Coordinator
Our Coordinator was getting so many requests from small businesses and home based businesses that wanted to talk to our group. This is what we started two years ago. In Oct. our MOPS group hosts a "Family Expo vender fair". Our MOPS moms who have home based businesses get spots first and then it's open to anyone else to be in. Only one from each business is allowed (so we don't end up with 5 Pampered Chef people). The Expo is free to the venders...they just need to donate a gift worth $25 for door prizes. The Expo is also free to all who attend. Our MOPS group does a bake sale--donations only. This year we had 35-40 venders and it was so fun! We also just started providing a table at our MOPS meetings for moms to put their home based business info on. They are responsible for putting it there and picking it up at the end of the meeting. This is a "silent advertising"...we do not allow anyone to go table to table advertising or announce it to the group.
Set up: -No tables will be provided--please bring whatever you need to set up your area
Space is limited and subject to approval by Harvest MOPS & Harvest Church -
Definite details will be sent the week prior/booth location & other particulars
Booth sizes should be approx. 7'X7' (with exceptions as necessary)
Advertising: -Each vendor will be given some advertising brochures -Word of mouth is vital! Please spread the word
Miscellaneous: -No fee for booth space ($25 value door prize requested) -We will do door prize giveaways--they will not be done at individual tables -You are permitted to have voluntary sign ups at your table(for more giveaways/info) -
We will not duplicate specific vendors and will try to avoid similar vendors
Beginning with our first MOPS meeting in Sept. we start mentioning the Expo fair and have sign up sheets for our registered MOPS moms. Our moms get first dibs at a spot. Even if some moms don't have a home based business, they know someone who does. Moms can take vender registrations to those moms. We also have a person that contacts the hospital to come for a car seat check, the police station for child ID kits, YMCA, etc. We allow some services like these to come, but really want to focus on home based businesses.
We have our Expo in place of our MOPS meeting. Childcare that week is for Registered MOPS moms (another motivation to get their registration in ) who are helping with the Expo.
We have a bake sale, that is donations only, and set up a table with info about our MOPS group and the two other groups in town.
Advertising is expensive so we really focus on word of mouth. We also put up flyers at different businesses around town.
The first year the Expo was attended mainly by MOPS moms, this year it was bigger. Word does get around. Our Coordinator already has people requesting to be in the Expo next year.
Another group handles home businesses by allowing them to advertise in the MOPS group's newsletter. Here are their guide lines
Policy for Advertising in the Newsletter
Messiah MOPS exists to serve mothers in all their endeavors. All MOPS moms are invited to advertise for personal business in the newsletter provided they meet certain specifications:
1. The advertisement is only to be for the mom herself -- not a spouse, sister, friend, etc.
2. It must be a personal business and not an ad for her employer (e.g. Pampered Chef, Creative Memories, etc. are acceptable; not Wells Fargo, Target, etc.)
3. The same ad cannot appear in the newsletter more than two times a year. This will prevent “overkill” by any one person.
4. Advertising is open to everyone in MOPS, so competing businesses have equal chances to advertise.
5. Space provided for the ads is limited to the size of a given newsletter and will be determined by the newsletter editors. First come, first served.
6. Newsletter editors have discretion as to whether or not ad content is appropriate for the MOPS newsletter (questionable business ads will not be allowed J ).
7. For sale, free items, want ads, and job queries are allowed.All advertising should be kept in the newsletter and not interfere in any way with the monthly meetings.
more suggestions....
In the past we've done a business directory. Any mom who wishes can have her name and contact information listed, along with the business name. We would publish one in the fall and an update in the spring. Our publicity person would do it. It lets them advertise for free, and encourages the other moms to "shop" with and support other MOPS moms.
We also just started providing a table at our MOPS meetings for moms to put their home based business info on. They are responsible for putting it there and picking it up at the end of the meeting. This is a "silent advertising"...we do not allow anyone to go table to table advertising or announce it to the group.
Leave a comment and let us know how your group handles this situation.
Thanks,
Barb
Zone 22 Area Coordinator
Ideas for Steering Team Training/Retreat
Hi Coordinators,
Has your group had a Steering Retreat? What do you do to training, motivate and nuture your Steering Team? I thought I'd start sharing some ideas for you to use.
One of my favorite activities is making and sharing life maps. (The handout is copied below.) I've done this in a retreat setting so we take an hour or so to make our life maps and then the next 2-4 hours to share. However, you could spend one meeting making them and then have a couple people share at each meeting for the next few months until everyone has shared.
Life Map
How can I see God’s hand in my life?
Here are some Scriptures to think about before you begin your life map:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.Proverbs 16:9
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Psalm 139:16
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.Esther 4:14b
Getting Started:
· Make a list of the major events in your life from birth to the present.
· Think specifically about lessons that you learned and times when you saw God’s hand at work in your life or family.
· Think about the “peaks” and “valleys” and what your relationship with God was like during those times.
Get busy!
· Using the list you’ve made as a guide, draw your life map on the paper provided. This is a map of journey up to this point in time.
· Use words, symbols, illustrations and/or stickers to denote the major events.
· Mark peaks & valleys with up and down arrows.
· Make a list of lessons learned and times that you saw God working in your life. This should be a great tool for helping you to share your story with others.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
Special thanks to Vickie Musni, from NV who shared this idea on the MOPS Leaders Coordinators forum.
Has your group had a Steering Retreat? What do you do to training, motivate and nuture your Steering Team? I thought I'd start sharing some ideas for you to use.
One of my favorite activities is making and sharing life maps. (The handout is copied below.) I've done this in a retreat setting so we take an hour or so to make our life maps and then the next 2-4 hours to share. However, you could spend one meeting making them and then have a couple people share at each meeting for the next few months until everyone has shared.
Life Map
How can I see God’s hand in my life?
Here are some Scriptures to think about before you begin your life map:
In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.Proverbs 16:9
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.Psalm 139:16
And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this.Esther 4:14b
Getting Started:
· Make a list of the major events in your life from birth to the present.
· Think specifically about lessons that you learned and times when you saw God’s hand at work in your life or family.
· Think about the “peaks” and “valleys” and what your relationship with God was like during those times.
Get busy!
· Using the list you’ve made as a guide, draw your life map on the paper provided. This is a map of journey up to this point in time.
· Use words, symbols, illustrations and/or stickers to denote the major events.
· Mark peaks & valleys with up and down arrows.
· Make a list of lessons learned and times that you saw God working in your life. This should be a great tool for helping you to share your story with others.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who
called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
Special thanks to Vickie Musni, from NV who shared this idea on the MOPS Leaders Coordinators forum.
Donations Letter
Hi ladies,
I know many of you could use some donations for your give-aways or to help with the refreshements at your MOPS meetings. I found this example on the MOPS forums and thought I would share it with you.
Dear Friend,
This letter is to request a donation on behalf of your business. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is an international organization whose mission is to meet the needs of mothers of young children. The foundational aspects of the MOPS program include:
© Teaching: Presentations from MOPS Mentors and outside speakers offer information that is relevant to the life of a mother. Topics may explore a mom's emotional needs, practical instruction, and special times of celebrating motherhood.
© Mentoring: MOPS Mentors are experienced mothers who help new moms grow personally and as parents. Through the relationships built in MOPS groups, mentors share wisdom from their own experience and practical and meaningful ways to fulfill the varied roles of mother, woman, and wife.
© Discussion Groups: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
© Creative Activities: Moms are also given the opportunity to express themselves creatively during MOPS meetings. Through craft projects and life skills presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
© MOPPETS: Children are cared for during MOPS meetings in a parallel program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.
© Leadership Development: Moms also gain confidence in their leadership skills through training and experience they receive from MOPS. Not only are MOPS groups specifically for mothers of preschoolers, meetings are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, who often move into other areas of leadership in their church or community after graduating from MOPS.
The MOPS chapter at Southern Church in Homeslad, MD meets twice a month to minister to local mothers of preschoolers. I am asking area businesses to donate refreshments or items to give away as door prizes. Your contribution is a good advertising opportunity, tax deductible, and an excellent way for your business to be involved in the community. As the Coordinator for the Southern MOPS, I would like to thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting this life-changing organization.
Sincerely,
Mary Doe
Coordinator
I know many of you could use some donations for your give-aways or to help with the refreshements at your MOPS meetings. I found this example on the MOPS forums and thought I would share it with you.
Dear Friend,
This letter is to request a donation on behalf of your business. MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is an international organization whose mission is to meet the needs of mothers of young children. The foundational aspects of the MOPS program include:
© Teaching: Presentations from MOPS Mentors and outside speakers offer information that is relevant to the life of a mother. Topics may explore a mom's emotional needs, practical instruction, and special times of celebrating motherhood.
© Mentoring: MOPS Mentors are experienced mothers who help new moms grow personally and as parents. Through the relationships built in MOPS groups, mentors share wisdom from their own experience and practical and meaningful ways to fulfill the varied roles of mother, woman, and wife.
© Discussion Groups: The intimate and accepting atmosphere of a small group offers moms a chance to share their successes, questions, and concerns. It is during these times that a mom realizes that she is not alone, and lifelong friendships are formed.
© Creative Activities: Moms are also given the opportunity to express themselves creatively during MOPS meetings. Through craft projects and life skills presentations, women are encouraged to experience the sense of accomplishment that comes with trying and finishing new things.
© MOPPETS: Children are cared for during MOPS meetings in a parallel program called MOPPETS, where they experience love in a preschool-like setting.
© Leadership Development: Moms also gain confidence in their leadership skills through training and experience they receive from MOPS. Not only are MOPS groups specifically for mothers of preschoolers, meetings are organized and run by mothers of preschoolers, who often move into other areas of leadership in their church or community after graduating from MOPS.
The MOPS chapter at Southern Church in Homeslad, MD meets twice a month to minister to local mothers of preschoolers. I am asking area businesses to donate refreshments or items to give away as door prizes. Your contribution is a good advertising opportunity, tax deductible, and an excellent way for your business to be involved in the community. As the Coordinator for the Southern MOPS, I would like to thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity in supporting this life-changing organization.
Sincerely,
Mary Doe
Coordinator
Friday, February 09, 2007
Welcome New MOPS blog members
Hi MOPS leaders,
I want to welcome you to our Zone 22 MOPS blog. I've sent out lots of invitations so I hope this will become a well visited place for you to share ideas, get encouraged and make friends. Please be assured that this is a completely private blog. Unless you've been invited you cannot gain access.
You can leave me messages using our chat box or by clicking on the comment button below. I sooo want to hear from you. What help do you need to make your MOPS group the best it can be? Treat this blog like you would a Council Meeting. Network and share ideas. Check out our sidebar for great MOPS reads, website links, info on Field Leadership, Upcoming MOPS Training opportunities and a chance to contribute articles.
Serving moms with you,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS Zone 22 Area Coordinator
I want to welcome you to our Zone 22 MOPS blog. I've sent out lots of invitations so I hope this will become a well visited place for you to share ideas, get encouraged and make friends. Please be assured that this is a completely private blog. Unless you've been invited you cannot gain access.
You can leave me messages using our chat box or by clicking on the comment button below. I sooo want to hear from you. What help do you need to make your MOPS group the best it can be? Treat this blog like you would a Council Meeting. Network and share ideas. Check out our sidebar for great MOPS reads, website links, info on Field Leadership, Upcoming MOPS Training opportunities and a chance to contribute articles.
Serving moms with you,
Barb Vogelgesang
MOPS Zone 22 Area Coordinator
MOPS Mom Survivors Kit
What a cute idea to share with new moms in your group. Do you have any suggestion to add?
MOPS Survivors Kit
Chocolate Hugs and Kisses:
Don’t forget that your children need hugs and kisses everyday. I John 4:7
Toothpick:
Remind yourself to pick out the good qualities in your children. Matthew 7:1
Marbles:
To replace the ones that you might have lost. Colossians 3:2
Rubber Band:
Remember to be flexible. Things may not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28
Chewing Gum:
Stick with it...you can accomplish anything. Phillippians 4:13
Band-Aid:
Remember to heal the hurt feelings of your children, as well as yours. Colossians 3:12-14
Button:
Button your lips and count to 10 when angry. James 1:19
Snicker:
To remind you to see the funny side...there usually is one! I Thessalonians 5:16
Eraser:
Remember that everyone makes mistakes. Genesis 50:15-21
Eyes:
Those extra eyes for the back of your head. Matthew 10:30
An old and new Penny:
To encourage you to share your thoughts with a friend, old and new. John 15:12-13
A Candle:
To give you light when you feel burned out. Matthew 11:28
Hot Cocoa:
Warm and comforting...remember to take a quiet break each day; go over what God has blessed you with. I Thessalonians 5:18
MOPS Survivors Kit
Chocolate Hugs and Kisses:
Don’t forget that your children need hugs and kisses everyday. I John 4:7
Toothpick:
Remind yourself to pick out the good qualities in your children. Matthew 7:1
Marbles:
To replace the ones that you might have lost. Colossians 3:2
Rubber Band:
Remember to be flexible. Things may not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28
Chewing Gum:
Stick with it...you can accomplish anything. Phillippians 4:13
Band-Aid:
Remember to heal the hurt feelings of your children, as well as yours. Colossians 3:12-14
Button:
Button your lips and count to 10 when angry. James 1:19
Snicker:
To remind you to see the funny side...there usually is one! I Thessalonians 5:16
Eraser:
Remember that everyone makes mistakes. Genesis 50:15-21
Eyes:
Those extra eyes for the back of your head. Matthew 10:30
An old and new Penny:
To encourage you to share your thoughts with a friend, old and new. John 15:12-13
A Candle:
To give you light when you feel burned out. Matthew 11:28
Hot Cocoa:
Warm and comforting...remember to take a quiet break each day; go over what God has blessed you with. I Thessalonians 5:18
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Invite More Friends to MOPS!Over 3,300 NEW moms have been invited to MOPS with the MOM-E-Invite. Do you have a friend who still needs to be invited to MOPS - a place where she will be encouraged and make new friends?
Why not invite your friend to your MOPS group?
MOPS International has provided a way to help you make a difference in your friends' lives and to help you grow your MOPS group. Print a special invitation that you can hand out to all your friends or send your invitation electronically with our MOM-E-Invite at http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=1831&srctype=email&src=1322.
And, if that friend is registered for the MOPS International Membership with your group by Feb. 28, you will receive a free--Buy One, Get One Free--coupon for the Mom's Devotional Bible from the MOPShop! Plus, the group that has the most new registrations* between January 15th and February 28th will win 8 FREE REGISTRATIONS (for MOPS Leaders or MOPS moms!) to the 2007 MOPS International Convention in Orlando, Florida!
Click Here for more information on this contest, to download an invitation or to send a MOM-E-Invite.
*Grand prize winner must have over 20 new registrants to win the free registrations to the 2007 MOPS International Convention.
This message was sent to: joyousheart@enter.net by MOPS International because you asked to receive updates by email about MOPS. This is a recurring e-mail; if you no longer wish to receive these updates please use this link .
MOPS is a registered trademark of MOPS International, Inc. http://www.mops.org/ Copyright © 2006 by MOPS International, Inc.
MOPS International, Inc. · 2370 S. Trenton Way · Denver, CO 80231-3822
Invite More Friends to MOPS!Over 3,300 NEW moms have been invited to MOPS with the MOM-E-Invite. Do you have a friend who still needs to be invited to MOPS - a place where she will be encouraged and make new friends?
Why not invite your friend to your MOPS group?
MOPS International has provided a way to help you make a difference in your friends' lives and to help you grow your MOPS group. Print a special invitation that you can hand out to all your friends or send your invitation electronically with our MOM-E-Invite at http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=1831&srctype=email&src=1322.
And, if that friend is registered for the MOPS International Membership with your group by Feb. 28, you will receive a free--Buy One, Get One Free--coupon for the Mom's Devotional Bible from the MOPShop! Plus, the group that has the most new registrations* between January 15th and February 28th will win 8 FREE REGISTRATIONS (for MOPS Leaders or MOPS moms!) to the 2007 MOPS International Convention in Orlando, Florida!
Click Here for more information on this contest, to download an invitation or to send a MOM-E-Invite.
*Grand prize winner must have over 20 new registrants to win the free registrations to the 2007 MOPS International Convention.
This message was sent to: joyousheart@enter.net by MOPS International because you asked to receive updates by email about MOPS. This is a recurring e-mail; if you no longer wish to receive these updates please use this link .
MOPS is a registered trademark of MOPS International, Inc. http://www.mops.org/ Copyright © 2006 by MOPS International, Inc.
MOPS International, Inc. · 2370 S. Trenton Way · Denver, CO 80231-3822
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