By Amy Blythe
A helpful, “Oh, I’ve got you!” rose up from amidst the happy chatter of the young moms gathered at the Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) meeting, where I bounced, twirled, and stretched in attempt to buckle my baby carrier behind my back myself.
Another mom, unthinkingly and expertly tucked my son’s legs in, fastened the buckle, and adjusted my straps. “I get it,” she offered. “I hate the ‘buckle-the-baby-dance, too. I’m Katie.”
And just like that, I was home again. Having been raised in the Ligonier Valley, I struggled to establish meaningful relationships with other women who 'got it' upon my return home from California. So many wonderful and familiar faces greeted me as I walked the streets of Ligonier, but I longed for a shrug of solidarity from a fellow mom who wrangled her own tantruming toddler, or the friendship of a mom who could carry the broken dialogue that constitutes a conversation with little ones in tow. I needed a mom who recognized the “buckle the back strap on the baby carrier” dance to come to my rescue. In the words of my new friend, MOPS “got me.” At MOPS, I found my place in the community again.
Mothers of Pre-Schoolers (MOPS) is an international organization, with members meeting in over 50 countries, dedicated to “encouraging and equipping mothers of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women, and leaders in relationship with Jesus.” The Ligonier chapter echoes the same desires for our local mothers. Melissa Jinks, co-coordinator of the organization states, “We want every mom that walks in our doors to feel like there are people that understand - people that get what it is like to be a mom of young kids. Our goal is to be a place where moms feel welcome and can be supported and encouraged.” Co-coordinator Sara Sylvester agrees, adding, “Being a mom is hard. Having people that understand you and encourage you is so important. Knowing the love that Christ has for you and the grace that is given to you every day as you parent is life-changing. I want that for every mom.”
As a 5 year MOPS member, Gretchen Miller has experienced exactly the type of support and encouragement MOPS works to provide: “MOPS has become a very important part of my life since I joined the community. I have made lifelong friendships, nurtured my relationship with God, and enjoyed the two hours of adult time knowing that my children are in good hands. I am so grateful that our little town has this group to bring mothers from all walks of life together.”
MOPS’ effort to build community, friendship, and faith for young moms is central to every gathering. While trusted young adults teach Bible lessons and make crafts with the preschool-aged children, the babies are cuddled next door by loving caregivers. The moms gather upstairs, some with babies on their laps or playing nearby. A potluck breakfast is prepared as moms enter, happily sipping hot coffee and catching up with friends. A Mentor Mom, whose grown children remind us of the joy to come, prepares to pass down their wisdom and share their faith with the group. Together we play, pray, and grow as moms and women of faith. Whether in deep conversation fostered by small group discussions or the guaranteed laughter of another round of “Minute to Win It,” MOPS builds a community of women who love God and one another.
Jordan Good, mother of two and Leadership Team member writes, “Never in my life have I experienced a community that is more life-giving. In the trenches of motherhood, Ligonier MOPS has rallied around me and many other women to encourage my heart and strengthen my faith. I know I will be met with hands to hold babies and affirming words: it’s a beautiful and evident picture of the arms of Christ.”
Originally chartered by Mrs. Cathy Cummings of Covenant Presbyterian Church, MOPS has occupied Covenant’s Fellowship Hall every other Wednesday morning for 20 years. In its tenure, Ligonier MOPS has become a staple of the community. Whether stirring up a delicious dish for Ligonier's town-wide 'Soups On' event, or creating crafts with the kids’ at the Ligonier Country Market, MOPS enjoys a wonderful relationship with the town. Look for signs for their annual 'Trunk Or Treat' soon! This fun, popular event, usually held in Holy Trinity Church's parking lot, is free to the public! Bring your costumed little ones to gather candy from all the creatively-decorated car trunks!
Melissa Jinks notes, “As a group, we desire to give back to our local community in any way that we can. It is a blessing to live here and we want our moms and kids to have the opportunity to serve. The local businesses and friends have been so supportive of us, too. They donate items to our MOPS Shop kids sale and prizes for events, permit us to hang posters and put out collection boxes, as well as attending our events.” Neighbor and friend of MOPS: we’ve got you. Thanks for having us, too.
Young mother reading this in broken fragments from your phone, as your children pull on your shirt: we’ve got you, too. Join us from 9:30am-11:30am beginning Wednesday, September 5 and every other Wednesday for the remainder of the school year. We’ll put the coffee on. We can’t wait to welcome you.
** MOPS Shop is coming back!! Come to Covenant Presbyterian Church on October 20th to score some GREAT deals on gently used toys, equipment and clothing (for babies, children, and pregnant mommas!) MOPS is also accepting donations for their sale. Details below:
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