MOPS Convention

Hello!

Well, I made it back home safe from Convention on Sunday evening. Got in around 5 pm and spent some quality time with my family and then, before I knew what was happening, my husband and oldest son, Chris, packed up the car and left at 7 pm to go spend the night in a hotel (4-5 hour drive away) for a college visit the next morning.
STOP!
Wait, I just got home...can't life just stop or at least slow down to let me catch up...NO WAY, not on Planet Mom. I am sure you all know what that is like. I know from talking to other leaders at Convention that there were a multitude of things that we were all going home to that day. Unfortunately, on Monday morning (as Kendall so rightly phrased it in our General Session) Matt Redman was not knocking on my door that morning to sing worship songs with me. aw, shucks (snap my fingers)

Our Zone had about 77 moms attend this year's Convention and it was a pleasure to connect with some of you during our First Link Cafe time on Friday. If I didn't get a chance to say "hi!" I apologize. So much to do in so little time...how often do we feel like that too? Convention was a whirlwind of inspiring music, touching talks, incredible speakers, lots of new friends and connections, and, of course, good times with friends.

I will have some stories about Convention that I want to share with you over the next week and I am HOPING and PRAYING that you will share your stories with us here too. If you have a Convention story or lesson learned that you want to share, email it to me and I will post it or you can put it in the Comments. (where are the comments...is anyone else out there...hello, hello???!!) Also, if you did not attend Convention, but want to share your MOPS story with us, please do so.

Before I sign off, I wanted to let everyone know that the MOPS Leadership for Life Summit is scheduled for April 17, 2010 (save the date now & let your Steering Team know) and is titled "PASSION: Simple Courage in the Everyday". We are hoping to have several locations host this event within our Zone. If your church has CCN, please prayerfully consider being a host. We will be giving you more information in the coming weeks.

Next year's MOPS International Convention is scheduled for August 5-7 and it is back in Nashville! How exciting that MOPS leaders now have an opportunity to attend Convention and take back what you have learned and apply it to your MOPS meetings before the year has started!

Mark your calendars!

Hope to hear from you,
Christy

ATTENTION: Convention Attendees

WHO: Any or all MOPS leaders

WHY: To share craft projects, publicity samples, etc., any ideas that make MOPS easier – better – more fun

WHEN: Thursday/Friday/Saturday of Convention. Drop off items anytime on Thursday; pick up anytime after 3:00 Saturday.

WHERE: In the First Link Café

The Show ‘n Tell Tables will be along the rear wall of the First Link Café.
Leaders, you can bring multiple copies of your ideas for people to take or just one sample for display. It’s a good idea to have e-mail addresses on the samples so others can contact you easily.


Need more information? Contact Elizabeth Bollinger, violawind@bluemarble.net or Michelle Flaherty, michelleflaherty@comcast.net

WE NEED PICTURES!!

Hello!

This year's MOPS theme verse is from Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them." For the MOPS Convention our Zone, Zone 22, will have a table available for us in the First Link Cafe, which will be located in the Resource Area of the Convention Center. The Field Leaders in Zone 22, including me, are putting together a personalized Zone centerpiece and we could really use your help. If you have pictures of your MOPS group that can be emailed, please choose 1-5 and email them to me at pamopscm@aol.com no later than Wednesday, September 16th. Then you will have to be sure to stop at our First Link Cafe Zone 22 table on Friday, September 25 from 3:45 - 4:30 pm and see what we have created just for you. If you are not going to Convention this year, please send pictures and we will be sure to take pictures of our Zone 22 centerpiece and share them with the Zone right here on our blog!

Thank you,
Christy

MOPS CONVENTION

Well, the MOPS Convention is only days away....are you going? If yes, are you excited? The Field Leaders in Zone 22 want to know if you are going to the MOPS Convention. Please be sure to let your Council Coordinator (CC) or our Area Coordinator (AC), Nichole Bethel, know that you will be there.
MOPS International is doing something a little different this year. They will have an area called First Link Cafe in the Resource Hall at Convention. There will be tables and chairs and our Zone will have an area just for us!
We are all scheduled to meet at the First Link Cafe on Friday from 3:45 - 4:30 pm. PLEASE put that on your schedule and be sure to stop by and see us! This time is for us to connect as a Zone and (I am pretty sure) we will have some goodies for anyone who comes!

I hope and pray that your first MOPS meeting goes well for you, your Steering Team, and your moms! Let us know if you have any questions or concerns.

Hope to see YOU in Nashville,

Christy

Community

Community... What does that mean to you? How are you using the idea of community within your Steering Team and within your MOPS group this year. Please share...

I found this in an article in the August/September issue of Catalyst Leadership digital magazine.(from ChristianityToday.com) The article was titled Growth in the Gutter: Cultivating Spiritual Formation in a Community of Addicts by John Burke under the header Rigorous Honesty:
"The only thing we must do is stay connected. But we don't do this naturally, so creating the right environment, where we can best stay connected to God's spirit is critical. It starts with grace-filled, authentic relationships that make it okay to admit struggles, failure, and sin. James tells us God uses this kind of confessing, praying culture to heal us (James 5:16).

To read the article in its entirety, go to Catalyst Leadership http://www.catalystleadershipdigital.com/
The article is on page 14.

From Juicebox to Jesus ~ Taking Discussions to a Spiritual Level

Hi!
How is your summer going? I know for one thing it is going...We are at the end of July already. If you missed our Dual Training Conference Call on July 14th, you can call in and listen to the recording. Here is the information. If you listened or do listen, please share any thoughts or comments here with us...if there is anyone out there...

From Juicebox to Jesus - Taking Discussions to a Spiritual Level
Leader: Tina Skiles, Council Coordinator Zone 14
Playback number is (712) 432-1080
Access code is 313034#

Encouragement

My oldest son, Chris, is about to turn 17 and has his driver's permit and will be a senior in high school. He is a quiet young man and it takes some time and concentrated work to have a meaningful conversation with him. Luckily, we have had a couple while in the car together. He has been playing the trumpet since 4th grade and is in the high school marching band, concert band, and orchestra. Together we went to his Music Banquet at the end of the school year. While there two other trumpet players told Chris that he should apply for the Section Leader position. I asked him about it and wondered if he was going to apply. He said that he thought about it, but probably wouldn't do it. I wanted to know why he wouldn't especially since two trumpet players thought he would do a good job. I told him he shouldn't focus on "what if I don't get it" and focus more on "how can I be a good Section Leader". I thought the main reason he didn't apply was that he was afraid that he would "fail" and not get it. There were 5 people applying for the 2 positions, so 3 people were going to be disappointed. He did apply and was interviewed. Would he have if I hadn't encouraged him? I am not sure.

Well, he did not get the position. Ugh! It is so much easier when my child succeeds because I can be genuinely happy and give all kinds of encouraging words. It is more work to deal with the failures, but when I look at those failures I try to help him focus on what he has learned and how he has grown from the experience. I hope and pray that maybe next time he won't need my encouragement to try for something he wants and go for it. I am not sure.

Guess what? Right after he didn't get the section leader position, I found out that a position that I had applied for was given to someone else. I knew EXACTLY how Chris was feeling. There is a wave of emotions that go through you when you feel you have "failed". It is much easier to say all the "hope you feel better" cliches to my son then to swallow them myself. "You are qualified for the postion, there must have been another reason you didn't get it", "God has a plan for you and you have to have faith in him and it", and "Just because you didn't get this doesn't mean you should give up". Suddenly, all my "words of wisdom" sounded so hollow to me. What a wake up call.

I sat down with him and I apologized to him. I told him I was so sorry that he didn't get the position and that I knew how he felt. I told him what happened to me. I asked if he was angry, and he admitted he was a little angry. I asked if he was wondering if there was something wrong with him, and he admitted he did lose some of his self-confidence. I asked him if he would continue to go after what he wanted, and he admitted he wasn't sure. I told him we both needed to pray. After we prayed together, I told him that I hoped that he would still be willing to go after something that he wanted regardless of whether he would succeed or fail. I am not so sure. I do know this though, I will always be there to encourage him, pray for him and with him, and to love him whether he succeeds or fails.

He just got home from a Mission Trip with my husband and our church to the Dominican Republic. Our Associate Pastor asked him to give his testimony on their last day there at the church service. He wrote 3 pages in his notebook talking about how much his experiences in the Dominican Republic have helped him grow in his relationship with God. I had tears in my eyes when he let me read it. The verse that he focused on is from Jeremiah 29:11 (New Living Translation) For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

God is so amazing!

Hope you are having a good summer!
Christy

Dual Zone Training Conference Call Date Set

Our next Dual Zone Training Conference Call date has been set. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

Call Date: Monday, July 20, 2009
Call Time: 8:30 - 9:15 PM
Call-In Number: 712-432-0750
Participant Access: 313034#

TOPIC: "From Juicebox to Jesus" - Taking Discussions to a Spiritual Level
Leader: Tina Skiles, Council Coordinator Zone 14

All Coordinators, DGLs, and MOPS Mentors are strongly encouraged to participate. All other steering positions are welcome too!

Lesson in Trust

My 11-year-old son, Justin, has been having sporadic stomach issues over the last several weeks and it has caused some concern for us. I had been meaning to make a doctor's appointment, but the month of May is such a busy month. Finally, on Monday, June 1st, he wasn't feeling well or eating and I kept him out of school and made an appointment. Not surprising the doctor ordered some blood work to be done so they could check a couple of things.
Apparently, Justin doesn't remember ever having a blood test. I felt lucky that the lab was in the same building as the doctor's office and the tech was free when we walked over to her. Justin started to ask me a lot of questions about blood tests. Are they like shots? How much does it hurt? Did I remember the last time he got a blood test? (Time to be authentic with all of you...I am a scaredy cat when it comes to blood tests and needles. Yes, I gave birth naturally to three children, but somehow that does not stop my hands from sweating at the thought of a needle and blood test. It is a true phobia of mine that I have yet to conquer.) So, here I am putting on a brave face in the office with Justin and telling him it will be ok and that it really doesn't hurt. All honest things to say because I know that it really doesn't hurt, what I struggle with is the whole idea. On top of that, we have Danielle, my lively 2 1/2 year old, with us too. She was excited about the visit. She sat down in the chair right next to Justin and was ready to watch it all. Rosie, the BEST lab tech ever, found a vein and had the needle prepped. She told Justin to be sure he kept his arm still, when it happened.
He pulled his arm away and said no he was not going to get a blood test today. No way, no how. Now, I know how the fear can eat at you and start to control you, and I told him in my best mom-is-the-boss voice that he was getting a blood test done and to put his arm back out right now. No, was his reply. Then came the shaky voice, the uncertain look on his face, and the watery eyes. Moments like this in my life remind me that mothering can be one of the hardest jobs ever. In moments like this, I truly believe that if I had to apply for the position and prove that I am prepared for any and all situations, that I would be found very wanting. He was adament in his refusal. I tried compassion. I told him that it would be a pinch, but that it would be over quickly and he would feel so much better. I started to pray. Danielle then joined in on the crying. Yes, her little adventure to the doctor's office was now souring and she was ready to leave. She ran for the door. Rosie went and got a nurse from the doctor's office. In between controlling Danielle and trying to give Justin a lesson in trusting mom and God, I was at the end of my rope. Keeping in mind that I do have this phobia, I know the fear, and I was quite clear that I would not let Justin leave the building without getting the test done. I told him that we could not let the fear win. In desperation, I called my mom. Imagine how relieved I was when she answered the phone and then told me she was with her prayer group and they would all pray for Justin. She also spoke to him and tried to convince him to cooperate.
So, two hours, YES, two hours later, I was ready to waffle. Originally, I told him we would not leave, but now it is close to 2 pm and none of us had eaten since breakfast. Justin was crying and shaking and very emotional for most of the time. Danielle was crying and occasionally trying to escape the office. I said a prayer and I gave up. (Guess what, I can't do this, but I can give it to God...)
A rather shocking turn of events for Justin. I told him I was done that Danielle and I were hungry and ready to go home to eat lunch. I also informed him that if he did not get a blood test TODAY that he would lose all computer and video game privileges for a month. (Yes, it is rather extreme, but I was concerned that he was allowing his fear of the unknown to win. He wasn't trusting me or God.) Actually, as I said it I wondered why I hadn't just done that earlier. Now, he doesn't want to leave the office, but he also doesn't want to get the blood test. Finally, we reached a consensus. We would go get lunch and he could calm down and we could come back to the lab and he would get the blood test.
We went and ate lunch and drove back to the lab. I told him that this opportunity was his last chance to get the blood test. I really didn't want him to go home and have to think about it all night. We went in and the nurse came over again to assist Rosie. Justin asked me to come into the room with him. While we were at lunch I told him that he should try to think about what he will be doing after the blood test is over. It even helps if you sing a song in your head to distract yourself. He asked me to sing him a song. Ok, so I am the only one in our family that doesn't sing in key. Now he wanted me to sing in front of him and others without music. Wonderful! The Children's Choir at church (Justin is a member) had recently sung the song "I am a Promise" and that was the first song that came to my mind. I sang it through once and he was done! Alleluiah! Rosie asked him if it was as bad as he thought it was going to be and, of course, he says no. (though I am sure my singing was as bad as I think it was!LOL!)
Recently, I had a friend recommend getting Steve Green's cd "Hide 'em in your Heart". Basically, he takes a Bible verse and turns it into a catchy tune with the help of kids. We had been listening to it in the car. On the way home, I found #5 on the cd titled "When I am Afraid" based on Psalm 56:3-4. When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust: I will not be afraid.
I encouraged Justin as we drove home that the next time he is afraid that he should turn to God and trust him.
This story doesn't really fit into that neat box with the pretty bow on top. I am sure there will be other times when Justin is afraid. It is my hope and my prayer that my son will remember this experience and remember that I may not be there to sing him a song, but God's word is there for him. God is always there with him and can be trusted.

I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Christy

Charter Renewal Reminder

Reminder that the lowest prices for Charter Renewal ($159 and 1 free membership for every 10) will be going up after May 29, the price of renewal goes to $179 and the membership deal is 1 for 20.

Charter Renewal includes valuable resources for every group to ensure a consistent, excellent MOPS experience! You will receive everything you need to get started, lead and promote your group!

Charter Renewal includes:
Leader’s Library DVD Set
2009 Theme Planning
LIFT Leadership Training
Together on Planet Mom Curriculum
Publicity Templates
Publicity Tool Kit

25 Invite-a-Mom cards
5 MOPS logo pens
2 MOPS bumper stickers
2 MOPS decals
1 “Join Us” poster

Go to http://www.mops.org/leaders/page.php?pageid=1691&srctype=body&src=/leaders/ for more information and to renew today!

Moms of School-Age Kids Group Needs a Name

Moms of School-age Kids. What should we be called?

MOPS International has received tremendous interest in our new groups for moms of school-age kids. Leaders and moms are excited about this ministry and we are chartering new groups. We initially launched this program under the name “momfluence” after having done due diligence on that name and extensive legal work. We since learned of usage of that name and we have decided to select a new name.



Share your best ideas for a new name today!

Go to this site to particpate: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=h1nouLVIWuK_2fCpMstpYjtg_3d_3d

Inspirational MOPS Group Video

Hi, I am so excited about this video that I just had to share it with all of you. Tracy Snyder, Coordinator Ebenezer Bible Fellowship MOPS Group in Bethlehem (my MOPS Group), put together this year-end video of our MOPS Group. When she sent it to me...I was inspired! I asked her if it was ok to post to our Zone blog and she gave me permission. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Remember as you wrap up your MOPS year that MOPS International exists to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ.





Thank you for all you do,
Christy

Zone Leadership Training Conference Call

Hi!

I just wanted to remind you that your Zone Field Leaders along with Zone 14 (Western PA & WV) Field Leaders will be hosting our second Zone Leadership Training Conference Call this Thursday, May 14, 2009 from 8:30 - 9:30 pm. It will be on Choosing Leaders for Next Year. Please plan to join us for an interactive discussion. If you have any questions now, please send them. All Steering Team members are invited.

Call # (218) 339-2500
Access Code: 122231#

To prepare for the call, please read and reflect on Matthew 6:25-34. Focus will be put on Matthew 6:33.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well.

Thank you for all you do,

Christy

Manor Brethren, Lancaster Summit Site

Summit site: Willowdale Chapel, Kennett Square, PA

Here is a picture of the MOPS leaders who attended Summit at Willowdale Chapel in Kennett Square, PA. We had a blessed time together learning how to lead authentically.

If you attended Summit, please share your greatest take home message or what impacted you most. For me, I loved what Margaret Feinberg shared about combining the public me and the private me into one and trusting God with taking the risk of being that authentic. YIKES...it was a very compelling challenge. I try to live authentically, but that would really be a leap of faith to walk around like an orange with its skin peeled off for all to see my impurities. I'm going to put forth a great effort to live this authentically because I realized people will determine what my impurities are whether I display them or not. I trust I will encounter Jesus on a deeper level...that enough is worth it for me. What about you?

Blessings,

Nichole, your AC

Sayre, PA Summit Site

Hi, ladies! Did you get to attend Summit 2009? Here's a photo from our site in Sayre, PA. We were pleased to have 55 moms attend our site this year!

Susan Entingh
CC Zone 22
North Central PA

Moms of School-Age Kids

At MOPS International we believe Better Moms Make a Better World. This is true during the preschool years and beyond. As mothers enter the school years, new challenges and issues arise, but the need for community and hope remains. We initially launched this program under the name “momfluence” and we were in the legal process of trade marking when we learned of usage of that name ahead of us in the process. Watch for a new name soon -- and continue to make plans for chartering a new group for moms of school-age kids.

For thirty-six years MOPS International has been reaching out to mothers of preschoolers to encourage, equip and develop them to be better moms. Now this group format will encourage, equip and develop moms in the next phase of mothering. All of the excellent MOPS leadership resources will be available to group leaders as they start groups around the world.

A mother’s influence is great during the school years. Join us as we launch this ministry to reach more mothers with community and hope that is life-changing.

For more information or to start a group for mothers of school-age kids, call 1-888-910-6677 or email charters@MOPS.org.

Go to the Mothers of School-Age Kids Home page at http://www.mops.org/page.php?pageid=2507&srctype=linklist&src=2507 for more details.

Connecting with Zephaniah

There are times in my life when I go through the motions just to get through the current moment. I nod my head when it is appropriate and I try to contribute a comment when necessary. Yet, the week that Zephaniah kept appearing in front of me, I was awakened. I stopped going through the motions and started living for God's purpose.

It all began a couple of weeks ago, when I ordered the MOPS DVD Lift: Elevate Your Leadership and sat down and watched it. In the second section, Liz Selzer speaks about our strengths and uses several scripture references. One of them was for Zephaniah 3:17.

"The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." (NIV)

I remember thinking that I don't often hear people quote from Zephaniah.

Oh, if I only knew.

I was sitting in my Women's Bible Study some days after watching the DVD. We are studying Cynthia Heald's Becoming a Woman of Purpose and we were in Chapter 4 "God's Purpose: To Establish His Kingdom". Question 4 of Chapter 4 references Zephaniah 3:8-9. As we opened our Bibles and read the passages, I commented that I hardly hear about Zephaniah and we ended up reading more of Chapter 3 together.

Zephaniah is a short book, 3 chapters, in the Old Testament after Habakkuk and before Haggai. According to my NIV Study Bible, Zephaniah was a prophet of considerable social standing in Judah and was probably related to the royal line. His intent was to announce to Judah God's approaching judgment and his main theme is the coming of the day of the Lord.

Anyway, as we read through Chapter 3, Rachel, a woman in my Bible study, commented that she really liked the song "Mighty to Save" and was glad to now know where that phrase had originated. She said that when she first heard the song, she had a difficult time figuring out what they were singing. She sang a short verse for us. As our Bible Study leader attempted to get us back on track, it suddenly connected in my head. I happily announced to everyone that Kim Hill sings that song and that I knew it as well.

That song was in my head for the rest of the day. I went home and got out the 3 Kim Hill cds that I have, but couldn't find the song "Mighty to Save" on any of them. Technology is so helpful in these types of situations. I did a search for "Kim Hill Mighty to Save" on Youtube and came up empty, but there was a group called Hillsong that had a video called "Mighty to Save". I listened to it on Youtube (here's the url for anyone curious http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08YZF87OBQ&feature=related)and suddenly it connects again.

Oh, Kim Hill led us with praise music at this year's MOPS Convention and this was one of the songs. Cool. Then I look at my Kim Hill cds a little closer. She also led praise music at the 2005 MOPS Convention and I stood in line to have her sign my copy of her "Surrounded by Mercy" cd and, guess what she wrote on it?, Zeph. 3:17.

There are times in my life when I go through the motions just to get through the current moment. I nod my head when it is appropriate and I try to contribute a comment when necessary. Yet, the week that Zephaniah kept appearing in front of me, I was awakened. I stopped going through the motions and started living for God's purpose. I read through the book of Zephaniah. I sent an email to everyone in my Monday Women's Bible Study about the connection because I had to share. I sat down and watched the MOPS "Lift: Elevate Your Leadership" DVD again. I encouraged my husband to sit down with me and listen to the "Mighty to Save" song.

Have you had any moments, days, or weeks like that where things start to connect and you see God's purpose working for you? Please share them here with us.

Thank you for all you do,
Christy

Zone Conference Call

Our first Zone Training Conference call went well on Monday, March 16th. We had a nice group of leaders join us from our Zone, Zone 22, and Zone 14. If you or your MOPS Steering Team leaders were unable to listen in live on the call, the call was recorded. You can listen to the recording by dialing:

Zone 14 and 22 Training Conference Call
Playback number # (218) 339-2599
Access Code: 122231#

Please let us know your thoughts on the Conference call & be sure to take the survey for what night is best for you for the next call.

Thanks,
Christy

REMINDER Conference Call Tonight at 8:30

Please call in for our first ever Zone Conference call tonight from 8:30 - 9:15 pm.
ALL Steering Team Members are invited

Dial in #: (218) 339-2500
Access code: 122231#

The call will be hosted by our AC, Nichole Bethel, and Gayle Stahlman, AC for Zone 14(Western Pa and WV) It will be an introduction to doing a dual Zone conference call and the topic will be Called to Lead.
The agenda will be as follows:
· Welcome (2min)
· Open with Prayer (2min)
· Introduction (5min)
· Training (15min)
· Q&A (20min)
· Closing Prayer (1min)