The 2010 National MOPS Conference

Wow, what an amazing Australasian conference! From the 22-24 October almost 200 women came together from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to celebrate the 10^th birthday of MOPS Australia, and to look at the 2011 MOPS theme - Mumology: The Art and Science of Mothering.

Here are some thoughts about the conference from a couple of Queensland delegates: 

“Our two wonderful international guest speakers were from the US – Shelly Radic, the author of next year’s theme book, ‘Momology: A Moms Guide To Shaping Great Kids’, and Liz Selzer. Both inspired and challenged me, personally, very much.”

“Liz Selzer and Shelly Radic were the keynote speakers for the weekend and they were phenomenal.  I walked away believing motherhood is a glorious calling that performs God's work every single day just by loving, understanding and listening to my children and giving them the respect that every human being deserves.  I love what Shelly wrote in my Momology book, ‘God shaped you to mother your children.’  Out of everyone in the world I was chosen to be the mother of my boys, and even through the bad times God has ‘got my back’ so to speak”.

“Psalm 139 verse 10 says ‘Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.’  That was the theme bible verse of the weekend and it speaks volumes to me. It tells me God will always be there to help me and that he won’t let go, that he will hold me fast.  Whether I am judged, or in those times that I do fail or when I get rejected He is always there for me. He won’t let me go.”

“The conference was not all about listening to brilliant people talk, it was also about getting to talk and engage with other MOPS mums.   I found that over the three days we spent together I got to know the rest of the leadership team from my own group better too, through worshiping together and even dressing up on Saturday night!”   

As Co-Convenor of the conference I have been busy reading and collating all the evaluation forms.  Thank you for the feedback you have given, both negative and positive, as it helps to make our conferences even better than they are already.  Three things stood out in your feedback:

·       Time and again leaders are amazed by how big MOPS is.  "I now realise how my little country town's MOPS group is a part of something much bigger!"  "I get the feeling that what I do for MOPS is huge but… WOW look how huge MOPS is!"

·       Leaders are inspired not only by the wonderful speakers and workshops but also by each other.  Delegates appreciate connecting with leaders from other groups serving in the same position. "I loved chatting over meals – asking questions about others’ groups."  “Inspiring, fun and great to meet other leaders from different states and countries."  "Overall I am thankful I was able to come and I have been inspired to take my passion back to my team."  "Very encouraging in providing the big picture and motivation to grow MOPS."

·       Leaders often really feel God’s presence at our conferences and appreciate the opportunity to worship God without little people tugging at them.  "Had a great weekend – God really spoke to me."  “It was inspiring!  I laughed, cried and felt God move!"  "It was nice to get the opportunity to worship unencumbered by kids."

A fabulous time was had by all.  I hope you will be able to participate in your state conference in 2011! 

 Jillian Ross, 

National Conference Co-Convenor

What an exciting vision...

... our National Director, Margaret Sanders shared with us last week - growing MOPS to 200 groups by the end of 2013!  Just think how many more mums will have an opportunity to experience MOPS.  How many more mums will have an opportunity to be supported and encouraged, to have some time out  - and have the opportunity to move one step closer to Jesus. 

As I shared last week, as Field Staff we want to support YOU as a MOPS leader, and to help you fulfil the dreams God has placed in your heart to make a difference in your generation.

This week it is my great pleasure to introduce you to some wonderful women who, like you, want to make a difference.  They are our Field Staff - Regional Coordinators and Area Coordinators.  I want to see every MOPS group supported by a Regional Coordinator, and every Regional Coordinator supported by an Area Coordinator – so everyone is supported and connected.

I hope you enjoy reading through the direction of Field Staff below - particularly in your own region.  As your Regional Coordinator supports you, what can you do to support her?  Please pray for your Regional Coordinator, support Training Days and Conferences, be willing to help when asked - and stay in touch with her.  You'll make her day if you give her a call or drop her an email just to let her know you appreciate her.  Our heart is to serve you!

This is such an exciting time to be part of MOPS Australia.  May God bless you and your team abundantly as you serve him in your own community.

Donna Hill, 

National Field Staff Leader

WA and NT Area Coordinator

The purpose statement of ‘no mum alone’ has been making me think lately. My vision for our MOPS groups in WA and the NT is that we would do our part in making that a reality; that no mum would face the isolation and loneliness of the early days of motherhood without the support and wisdom found in a MOPS group.  My vision is also that no MOPS team has to do MOPS alone but with the help of field staff and sister MOPS groups.

It has been wonderful to welcome Sara David from Riverton MOPS on to the team as a Regional Coordinator responsible for the South Eastern suburbs of Perth. As a team of field staff we are now praying fortnightly (via skype) that God would grow MOPS in WA and the NT and for the prayer needs of our MOPS groups. We believe that God will direct us to churches to approach to start MOPS groups and we hope to encourage our current MOPS groups with prayer support.

Our aim is that our current groups would grow in connection with each other. We are planning a Regional Training Day on April 9 and our state conference on the 28/29 October; we would love to see as many team leaders as possible at these events to learn from each other and to support each other in making a difference in our communities. For those country groups not able to travel to training days we will be putting together an RTD in a box for them to complete at a team retreat.

I would also like to introduce a ‘sister’ MOPS group partnership between groups in our states; where we link groups so that they can pray for each other, send emails and encouraging notes to each other and get to know each other more so that when they meet at RTD’s or conference there is greater fellowship between groups and a greater understanding that we face common battles and can really be a help and support to each other.

Ultimately it is my heart’s desire that we reach out to as many mums as possible with the message that God loves them and see families and communities changed for the better.

Cherie Macchiusi

South East Perth Metro Region

I feel very privileged to be able to be a regional coordinator and I hope that I can support and encourage each one of you and your groups as you serve our wonderful God through the ministry of MOPS. It's so exciting to welcome Ellenbrook MOPS who will be starting in 2011, and of course Carey who started this term.

Cherie Macchiusi, Bec Gibbons and I have pledged to pray fortnightly via skype. We believe that prayer is the answer to all things, so please contact me with any prayer requests.

I would like to see a greater connectedness between the groups; regularly sharing ideas, successes and failures. Sometimes in our different roles we can feel lonely and isolated so please keep in fellowship, offer support and share each others burdens so we might grow together.

I would like to end with a verse that I read when starting the Riverton group. It's from The Message 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 : "Who do you think Paul is anyway? Or Apollos for that matter? Servants, both of us - servants who waited on you as you gradually learned to entrust your lives to our mutual Master. We each carried out our servant assignment. I planted the seed, Apollos watered the plants, but God made you grow. It's not the one who plants, or the one who waters who is at the centre of this process, but God who makes things grow. Planting and watering are menial servant jobs at minimum wages. What makes them worth doing is the God we are serving. You happen to be God's field in which we are working".

We have grown by two groups since Conference but If you know a church which may be interested in starting a MOPS group or would like to hear more about MOPS please do not hesitate to contact me. The more MOPS groups the more mums we can reach.

Sara David

Western Australia Country Region

I'm really looking forward to seeing what God will do with MOPS in Country WA in 2011.  MOPS is especially relevant to country women who are often without family support and access to the same facilities as their city counterparts.  MOPS has the potential to unite Christians across denominational lines, showing a unity to members of our communities and touching the lives of many women.

Country groups have struggled to get to Perth to attend training days because of the vast distances, so I hope to help country leaders by packaging up RTD materials and a DVD of the keynote talk to send off to groups. My plan is to get to personally know more of you amazing MOPS leaders.  I love to hear about your groups and I would like to encourage you all to share ideas about what has and hasn't worked for you. 

Cherie, Sara and I have been, and will continue to meet every second week over Skype to pray for groups in our regions. So if you have any prayer requests, please pass them on. I pray that each country group and each leader may be blessed so that everyone looking on will see God’s fingerprint on MOPS.

Bec Gibbons

South Australia Area Coordinator

I am excited to be part of God’s plan for SA MOPS in 2011. Over the past two years MOPS in SA has grown from four groups to eleven. While I have a vision for another six new groups in 2011, I also have a vision to see all current groups nurtured so they will be better equipped to grow numerically and spiritually. To that end the Regional Training Day will focus on “The Physical and Sociological Barriers to the Growth of a MOPS Group” and “The 5 S’s for Sharing your Faith”. I also have a vision for all groups to be actively networking and sharing ideas throughout the year. As a result, by the end of 2011 we will produce an informative, user friendly ‘Creative Activities for Millennium MOPS’ booklet.

Erma Mayes

Melbourne North Eastern Metro Region

Can I encourage all the groups to attend our Regional Training Day in the new year to explore the theme “Mumology: the Art and Science of Mothering” and also to take the opportunity offered for networking, and encouraging one another.

As we work and grow together we will raise the level of connectedness and awareness of MOPS in our community.  My heart and goal is to see more MOPS groups start in Melbourne’s north eastern suburbs, so if you have mums in your groups from other churches, encourage them to start a group and assist them by shouldering with them through the start up period.

Melbourne has a new Conference venue for 2011 - Lake Dewar YMCA campsite at Myrniong. This is an accessible and lovely venue, so pray for good weather so can enjoy all it has to offer.

Rochelle Spargo

South East Melbourne - Gippsland Region

What an encouragement Psalm 139 has been to me - and our special verse for next year: “Even there Your hand shall lead me . . . and your right hand shall hold me fast.” vs. 10

2011 will bring many changes for me as I will no longer be mentor in my church group nor trying to find carers each MOPS day. I pray I will be there for you more in my region, to encourage, support, get alongside, meet with your teams or speak in your group.

I will be preparing for a Regional Training Day looking at the theme for 2011, Mumology: the Art and Science of Mothering, including teaching  like, “The Physical and Sociological Barriers to the Growth of a MOPS group” and other aspects of the theme.  I would like to include our MOPPETS Carers in some training as well.

Blessings and love at Christmas, have a great break. If I can help in any way with your planning for 2011 please contact me.

Barbara Rice

Tasmania

2011 is going to be a fun filled, exciting year for MOPS in Tasmania!  Our goal is to increase our group numbers from our current 10 to 12 groups, giving more mums the opportunity to experience MOPS and experience God's love!  Please pray with me for new groups in our state.

What would a year be without a Regional Training Day?  Our theme next year is "The Art and Science of Growing".  Come and join with us for an interactive training day and be inspired!  What a year it's going to be ... Mum's on the March Walkathon, Regional Training Day, State Conference at Camp Clayton!!  I can't wait!

Donna Hill

Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Region

“See No Mum Alone” has been replaying in my head every time I pray for MOPS.  What can I do? Again I find myself pressing in to the Lord, seeking direction. MOPS is such a gift, such a blessing, such an opportunity to practically minister to other mothers. My friend Donna Hill says “MOPS is God’s Gift to me”. That’s how I feel too. Many times I’ve heard “if the Lord calls you to it, He will equip you for it!”.  

The reality is Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is in my rear-view mirror. I am constantly travelling, visiting other MOPS groups rather than those in my Region. My heart is a little torn. I want to encourage these inspiring girls, by providing training and support for them. I want to “See No MOPS Leader Alone”, that’s my heart. I can only do what I can... I can coordinate with Jillian Ross to organise a combined North Brisbane/Sunshine Coast Regional Training day for mid January.

I’m just an email/sms/facebook/mobile phone call away. And I can pray! We need more groups on the Sunshine Coast! There are more Mums just like you and I out there, hurting and lonely, seeking relationship with the one true God! This is our Mission Field....this is God’s gift. I invite you to do what you can to share the gift of MOPS, to “See No Mum Alone”.... I’m praying for you...Even there, His hand will guide you, his right hand will hold you fast . . .

Karen Askey-Doran

North Brisbane Region

After splitting my Region last year with Alison Harbottle, we are currently Australia’s smallest with only one group.  In 2011 I would love to see that grow to three groups.  How do I plan to achieve this you might ask?  I think the best way might be by intentionally inviting mums from other churches into our MOPS group for six months to let them experience what MOPS could do for their mums and church, then sending them back to start their own MOPS group.  This way they will have a good understanding of how a MOPS group runs and the group they have been part of can walk alongside them as they begin their own group.

Since we are such a small region, we are planning to combine with the Sunshine Coast region for a Regional Training Seminar in mid-January.  If you are in either of these regions you will receive more details shortly.  We are considering inviting local pastors to a session during this day so that they can really catch the vision of MOPS as well.

Jillian Ross

Queensland Central Coast Region

I trust you have finished your year with a bang and you are looking forward to bigger and better things next year. The 2011 theme, ‘Mumology the Art and Science of Mothering’ should be an awesome tool in impacting your Mums for Jesus. 

God bless you as you reach and teach mums and remember everything you do for them is ministry. We may not carry great titles but we can all share in ministry:

• whether it be getting a glass of water for a tired mum or
• taking care of her baby while she experiences time-out. 

Girls I just wanted to share my vision for our region. I would like to see our groups increase from four to six by the end of 2011 by contacting more churches in this region to tell them of MOPS; letting the pastors know what a huge outreach opportunity the ministry presents.

Have a great and blessed Christmastime with your family and friends.

Heather Mortensen

Merrily Mopping for Jesus!!!!!

North Queensland Region

Greetings from tropical North Qld: Most of us up here know rain, especially coming into summer, our 'wet' season. The grass is lush and green, the humidity is stifling and there is a familiar sound of precipitation pounding on the roof. 

MOPS is a bit like rain.  For those who regularly attend it's something familiar, expected and comforting - bringing nourishment and hope in their mothering journey.  BUT there are many mums who don't know MOPS or can't attend a group because there isn't one in their town or city - a drought. 

North Qld is a big area with lots of potential for the growth (downpour) of MOPS and I'd love to see the number of groups double, from two to four next year. Not such a big ask really - communities suffer many years of drought and hardship only to finally receive rain (MOPS) and celebrate in the bounty it brings. 

I look forward to meeting all the team members from Mackay and Townsville this coming year at the Regional Training Day in Bowen (date yet TBA approx May). 

I'll leave you all with this thought - remember to celebrate and enjoy the rain, even when the washing is piled up and the dryer simply can't cope and maybe neither can you?  Go out and jump in puddles and let the drops fall on your face - enjoy it like a child.

Kathy Reid

NSW Area Coordinator

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to the next year in MOPS. We now have over 100 groups with NSW being among the fastest growing states. Starting more MOPS groups in NSW is certainly one of my main goals, which means we need two more Regional Coordinators in place to better support both the existing groups and also new groups that start.

I have been involved in convening State Conferences for many years now, but they have not always been well attended. I would like to find out why people don’t come to conference and what your expectations are and how conference could be more beneficial to you.

While I enjoyed the Australasian Conference this year I came away feeling disappointed that there was not enough time for me to spend with you individually, the leaders whom I serve. I plan to have a Regional Training Day where we can spend more time together sharing, learning and encouraging each other on our MOPS journeys.  For some of you, distance is a real issue and I hope to utilise some new methods such as skype to assist you in feeling more connected.

 As always I value your ideas and I am happy to hear any issues that you have and assist you to work through them.

Michelle Parker

NSW Inner West Region

In 2011 I want to visit all of you to build and grow our relationship and have you feel a part of our team.

Our first Regional Training Day will focus on 'Getting back to Basics', but at the same time, I am keen to find out what your team could really gain from specific training. 

A big part of our MOPS year is of course, the NSW State Conference.  Michelle Parker and I have already started planning and we would appreciate your valued contribution, so let us know what you would like us to include, in your Conference.

Part of my goal next year is to see at least two more groups Charter in our Region. There are so many mums who need MOPS and so many areas without a group.

So as you finish up your MOPS groups for the year and you ponder and plan for next years theme: "Mumology - The Art & Science of Mothering", please also remember, you are in my Prayers and I am only a phone call, e-mail, text message or Facebook post away! 

You are all a Blessing and God will continue to Bless you as you serve Him in MOPS!! 

Psalm 139: v10  “Even there your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast."

Always in my Heart 

Kylie McMahon

ACT (Canberra) Region

As the new "gal" on Field Staff, I have so much to learn, but I am a willing learner!  One thing I do know is that MOPS is a huge investment in the life of a young mum!  I am thrilled to be a part of the MOPS team and in particular MOPS ACT!! 

As 2011 looms closer than we might like to think, so do the dreams and prayers for the next chapter of MOPS in Canberra.  With two MOPS groups in Canberra there is so much potential for God to add to His Kingdom through thriving new groups.  I believe that MOPS touches lives for eternity and with great excitement we will reach other MUMS by starting other MOPS groups in the Region.

Linda Perkins

"Times they are a changing"

These are the words of a once popular song.  It is the constant challenge of every organisation to keep abreast with the changes and nuances in a society, where the speed of life and technology is increasing and gratification is required to be instant.

My vision and desire is for MOPS to grow to 200 groups in Australia by the end of 2013. In order for this to be accomplished I am in the process of establishing a strong and effective Leadership Team equipped and empowered to run their areas.

This will require greater use of technology and a strategy that will ensure that we are poised for growth by:-

• raising our profile in the community
• raising the level of connectedness amongst the groups
• raising the level of awareness of what MOPS is and how MOPS benefits churches and individuals.

To accomplish this we will need to raise the level of financial support.

These four points will be the focus of my leadership and all decisions will be evaluated against these objectives.

Online ‘Connections’ is the starting point; instead of a quarterly newsletter you will now receive regular blogs on “MOPS Mondays” during the School terms.  During the initial teething period these may not be weekly, but that is the aim.

It will contain:

·       Teaching-based feature articles

·       Reviews on Leadership books

·       Testimonies

·       Interesting and inspiring group features and photos

·       Encouragement

·       Updates from MOPS Australia

I have lots of ideas; some building on the solid foundation that has already been laid and some new. The National “Building the Future” Walkathon is an exciting new initiative which I hope everyone will embrace.  You will be hearing lots about this over the coming months.  Juelz will be keeping you constantly updated on developments.

Donna Hill, National Field Staff Leader and the Regional Coordinators will keep you updated on Field issues, Regional Training Days, topics, dates and venues. Jillian Ross, National Conference Convenor will share updates and developments.

The ‘blog’ will give you an opportunity to interact; ask questions and supply feedback.

I am excited to be in this role and I am thankful to God for the many skills and passions he has placed within our MOPS leaders. They have the capacity to change lives, build strong friendships, and enable us to pass on the vision and therefore grow MOPS. May we all be able to fulfil the vision and purpose of MOPS to: “encourage, equip and develop every mother of  preschoolers to realise her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ”

Margaret Sanders, National Director, MOPS Australia

NEWS from the Office of MOPS Australia

Normally Charter Renewals would be posted out around the 1^st of November, but with the changeover of personnel that will not happen until after January 1^st, with the appointment of our new Finance Officer, Diane Miller.

The cost of Renewals will be $225.  Those who chartered after July will have theirs adjusted pro-rata and will be billed accordingly.

Mumology Curriculum is available from the MOPShop (Notes, Leaders Library - 4 set DVD, and the Momology book).  These will assist you in planning your year and offer good training and teaching materials for your group.

New Initiative:

The Board has agreed to waive the charter for second or subsequent groups.  This means that if your church wishes to start a:

·       MOPSnext (soon to have a name change),  

·       Teen MOPS,  

·       MOPS @

·       or a second MOPS,

you can now do so free of the charter and annual renewal fee.  

So if you have a waiting list or are unable to connect with working mums, or graduating mums then you can now experiment with an alternative MOPS to meet those needs.

Our new National Field Staff Leader

"I have a dream ...".  These immortal words of Martin Luther King Jnr rang out from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28th, 1963.  In  one of recent  history's most renowned speeches, he   called for racial equality and an end to discrimination. God used Martin Luther King Jnr to make a difference in his generation.

What drew you to MOPS?  Our answers would  be varied... perhaps it was  your own need for nurture and support,  or you could see the potential of MOPS to reach mums in your community, or maybe it was the leadership opportunities MOPS offers.  The simple answer is that God uses MOPS to make a difference.

I am very excited about my recent appointment to National Field Staff Leader.  Why?   Because I get to help YOU fulfill your dream to make a difference in this generation.

I want to make sure you have:

• The support you need to be a great MOPS leader.
• To have someone you can call with your questions, concerns, or just want to talk to. 
• Have access to training and encouragement. 
• Be able to connect with other groups and leaders.
• Share resources and ideas and be inspired.
• Have someone you can pray with, or send prayer requests to.
• Know that you have someone in our MOPS organisation who cares for you and is praying for you.

These things don't just happen - they take someone to make it happen. Next Monday I will introduce you to some wonderful women who, like you, want to make a difference.  They are our Field Staff - Regional Coordinators and Area Coordinators.

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds".   

Heb 10:24

Donna Hill

National Field Staff Leader 

National Conference Convenor

Hi, I’m Jillian Ross, the new National MOPS Conference Convenor.  This simply means that I will be supporting the State conference Convenors as they plan and organise conferences in their particular state. 

I attended my first state MOPS conference in 1999 after hearing an interview on my local Christian radio station about their upcoming conference year old and wanted to know more.  Since our group chartered in 2001, I have attended every Queensland or National conference and a few in other states as well.  I first assisted with the organisation of a conference in 2005 and have been Qld Conference Convenor every year since. 

 As you may gather I am passionate about MOPS Conferences and believe they have helped me to be a better leader in my local MOPS group.  I can remember that feeling of wow, we are part of something much bigger than our local group.  I always came home bursting with new ideas and renewed energy to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschooler to help her to realise her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. 

One of the goals set out in the new MOPS vision is to “raise the level of connectedness” among groups.  I believe that conferences are one of the best places to achieve this and we can “raise the profile” of MOPS by striving for excellent conferences. 

Just as our MOPS groups require a team of people with varied skills and talents, so we need a team to operate the Conferences.   If you would like to help in any way large or small with your State Conference in 2011, please talk to me or your State Conference Convenor. 

We need Conference Convenors in Queensland and Tasmania.  If you have organisational skills and would like to know more please contact me.

Conferences are for your benefit, so if you have any great ideas or suggestions that would improve or enhance our conferences please let me know. 

Together with the State Conference Convenors we have been booking in conference dates for next year.  Western Australian leaders you get the chance to live-in at conference for the first time. 

Mark your Conference dates in your diary and talk with your church about the benefits and how they can encourage all your leaders to attend in 2011. 

We are still firming up a few dates but here are the dates as they stand at the moment:

State             Dates                        Venue                                                     Convenor

QLD              12-14 Aug 2011         Alex Park                                                 vacant

TAS               26-27 Aug 2011        Camp Clayton                                          vacant

VIC                                                                                                                      Rochelle Spargo

NSW/ACT   9-10 Sep 2011            The Tops                                                  Michelle Parker

SA                 16-17 Sep 2011          Seaton Christian Family Centre           Erma Mayes

WA/NT                                                                                                               Cherie Macchuisi

"Mothers on the March" – The MOPS Walk-a-thon

We gave you a "taste" at conference of what was to come......now it's time to get excited! MOPS will be holding its first annual national "Mothers on the March" event in 2011.

What is it?

Women all over Australia.... walking for MOPS.

Why are we doing it?

-  To raise the profile of MOPS in our communities

-  To raise the level of connectedness within our groups

-  To raise the awareness of what MOPS is and benefits for individuals and communities

-  To raise financial support

How do we do it?

It is so easy to be involved. You will register to be a part of this amazing event, then simply raise money and walk! We will have big groups walking together in some areas (a coordinated effort), people walking just with a small group, or even just a friend or two. All over Australia, on one day, thousands of people will be walking for MOPS! What fun! What an opportunity!

There will be lots of giveaways, and prizes (for individuals, groups, regions, states!). Lots of media and publicity. Lots of fun, frivolity and funds!

So,

You can BE a MOP walking, or you can walk for MOPS. 

You can walk alone, or walk with friends. 

You can walk 2km or 20km (or anywhere in between!)

You can raise $50 or $500. 

You can be in it or you can wish you did. 

Get excited girls.....this is going to be fabulous!

So stay tuned for more information coming soon.