"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