Join MOPS, experience 'Adventures in Mothering'

(Photo by Kris Todd) Andrea Crew, left, and Cassie McCreary, co-coordinators of the Spencer MOPS group, shared a laugh as they worked to prepare for Monday evening's fall and winter clothing swap held at Hope Reformed Church. Approximately 60 families benefited. [Order this photo]

The Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group is ready to address all of them.

The MOPS concept and format were planted in February 1973 by eight Wheat Ridge, Colo. women. As their children received care, they talked, laughed, ate, had a craft demonstration and ended with a short devotional. The same needs -- as well as the belief that "better moms make a better world" -- are still being met today, but on the international level.

While each MOPS delegation is unique, the program is built on several foundational principles: Community, mentoring, practical instruction and leadership development.

Just as every other MOPS chapter throughout the country does, Spencer's, which was initiated by Sandy Van Wettering in 1996, recognizes that the years from infancy to kindergarten are fundamental in a mother-child relationship and are filled with unique needs. The group attempts to help women through relationships established within the local group, providing a caring atmosphere for today's mother of young children.

Cassie McCreary and Andrea Crew are co-coordinators of the local non-profit organization this year.

Other steering team members include: Nicole Steele, Kris McDermott and Gayle Conover, discussion group leaders; Nesha Thompson, crafts; Bridgette Visser, April Lewis, Jill Haisman and Cheryl Vanderah, Moppets nursery; Treva Graves and Carolina Green, hospitality; Kristi Heisinger and Tina Hoben, finance; Kari Stave and Marcy Nelson, special events; Courtney Carmichael-Schwartz and Lindsay Peterson, publicity.

Barb Johnson, Judy Taylor and Shelly Robison serve as mentors to the women participants.

The Spencer MOPS group meets from 9 - 11 a.m. the first and third Thursday of each month from October through May. Childcare is offered, beginning at 8:45 a.m., during meetings.

The local group draws mothers from Spencer, Emmetsburg, Hartley, Graettinger, Sioux Rapids, Peterson, Dickens and the Iowa Great Lakes area.

"We're just looking to help moms be better moms," McCreary said.

"We're non-denominational Christian friends and we celebrate that," added Crew. "We're trying to build friend families, strong families and better moms."

This year's theme, "Adventures in Mothering," will mark the focal point of all activities.

A portion of the Thursday morning meetings this upcoming year will also focus on "The Mommy Diaries: Finding Yourself in the Daily Adventure." This collection of true stories from moms offers women the opportunity to catch a fresh glimpse of who they are, as well as how they can grow in the midst of the mothering process.

Area steering team members Nesha Thompson, Bridgette Visser, Treva Graves, Carolina Green, April Lewis, Courtney Carmichael-Schwartz and McCreary attended the international MOPS convention held Oct. 2-4 in Dallas.

"We really bonded as a group and it gave us all kinds of ideas for things we can do in our group, as well as ways we can reach out to the community," Thompson, Spencer's craft representative, said. "I think each of us individually were very inspired by all of the events and the speakers just to be better moms and to be better members of our community."

"It made you stop and really take stock of what you have to be thankful for," McCreary added.

The two local co-coordinators also want to stress that women may remain members of the group until their child, or children, graduates from kindergarten.

McCreary and Crew also note the MOPS organization caters to every type of mother, not solely those classified as "stay-at-home" parents.

"We have a lot of stay-at-home moms. But we do have working moms as well whose schedule is flexible enough that allows them to come," McCreary said. "If there are moms out there that think they might be able to convince their boss to let them be flexible, go ahead and ask. The worst they can do is say no."

"We would welcome new members at any time," Spencer's co-coordinator added with a smile.

* For more information about MOPS, contact Hope Reformed Church at 262-3016 or Spencer MOPS co-coordinators Cassie McCreary at 262-1025 or Andrea Crew at 262-4391.

Upcoming MOPS Meetings

* Nov. 6 -- Discuss Chapter 1 of "The Mommy Diaries"

* Nov. 20 -- Guest Speaker Amy Kueper to discuss "Love and Logic Parenting"

* Dec. 4 -- Discuss Chapter 2 of "The Mommy Diaries"

* Dec. 18 -- Christmas Brunch and Silent Auction

* Questions? Contact MOPS co-coordinators Andrea Crew, at 262-4391, or Cassie McCreary, at 262-1025.