March News

Hi Everyone!

You will now have received your Walkathon email and Power Point Presentation. I am sure that Mothers On The March has been the most challenging venture I have ever taken on. I had not anticipated the hoops I would need to jump through and hurdles that would need to be crossed, nor had I realised how many others I would need to drag through the maze of bureaucracy and red tape to get Mothers on the March walking. Every day has meant a new obstacle, but each success is all the more rewarding!

I am sure as leaders you know what I am talking about. Leadership is challenging and to remain relevant and effective we need to develop certain characteristics. Coupled with humility, we need an unwavering resolve and determination to make sure that things happen in the face of opposition. On my desk I have an acrylic frame that holds a card with a quote from Winston Churchill that says “Never, Never Quit”. Why is it there you may ask? Because there have been many times in my years in different leadership roles when I have found the fight too hard, the pressure too great and the rewards too little. These tests and trials refine us so that our lives are an acceptable offering to God. If we quit in the face of adversity we will be afraid to try again. The old saying, “quit while you are ahead” makes for a much greater self-esteem and more positive organisations.

Mothers On The March Walkathon

While Juelz will be keeping you up-to-date with all the exciting news, developments and the how-tos, I just want to remind you why we are having the Walkathon:

• It is primarily to raise the awareness of MOPS in Australia, to open the eyes of churches to see what MOPS is about and encourage them to start a group.
• To inform mums that may never have heard of MOPS, and communicate that we are there for them.
• To alert corporations through Vibe Village of MOPS as a growing and effective organisation. 

Financial Support 

We have just completed a revision of the complete set of MOPS Handbooks and they are hot off the press.  Every group that walks will get a new set free, plus an outdoor, heavy duty, all weather banner with eyelets and ropes. It will have the MOPS logo and the individual meeting times of your group professionally printed. This will also be a gift to every group that walks. I understand that you will still have many unanswered questions related to the Walk, but all will be revealed next week.

Conference Dates

Mark these in your diaries and start preparations to get your entire team to attend.

Queensland August 13-15

Tasmania August 26-27

Victoria September 2-3

NSW September 9-10

SA September 16-17

WA September 23-24

MOPS Australia Website

The website is currently undergoing a facelift, so pay it a visit in the next week!  Once the new look has been rolled out, share your thoughts on our facebook page, or write your comments on the forum. We truly appreciate the work of Damon and Cath Oehlman, and Ben Sanders who have spent many hours working on different aspects of the site.

Some Housekeeping Issues

Team Data:This was sent out as a hardcopy with your Charter Renewals and again in February via email. We really need these back ASAP with the up-to-date names addresses etc.

This is required for:

· calculating Conference budget

· Selection of Elective Speakers

· Number of leaders we may reasonably expect to attend the Conference

· Accurate dissemination of information.

· Group Networking

·Regional Coordinator follow-up with groups

Charter Renewals: Thank you to all those that have paid their charter renewals, and we would appreciate a speedy reconciliation of those still outstanding.

Mums Participation Fees: These are due in soon. Thank you to those who have attended to this already - your prompt attention is appreciated.

First term is almost over for the Northern Territory, and then all the states follow close behind one another.

I pray that each of you will have a refreshing break. Keep the emails flowing to your team during the break. Remember it is the Coordinators responsibility to remind the rest of her team to visit the blog weekly on Monday mornings

Warm Regards

Margaret Sanders

National Director