Published: August 24, 2007 12:38 pm            

Area MOPS group aims to help meet mothers’ needs

BLUEFIELD — Tiffany Johnson and her family moved from Waynesville, Ohio, to Bluefield, Va., in October of 2006. A wife and a mother to four children — Connor, 8; Denver, 4; Parker 3; and Riley Sophia, 1 — Johnson tried to settle into her new life, but longed for her family and friends she left behind.

“My heart was broken when our family left Ohio. We had just built our home, planted our roots and invested so much of ourselves in our community there. My husband and I just placed our trust in God and followed the path to Bluefield. I knew it would be hard, but I didn’t realize how hard it would be on me, personally,” Johnson said.

While shopping in a local grocery store, Johnson saw a woman who was wearing a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) shirt.

“I introduced myself and asked her about MOPS. Her name was Bethany Justice and she was just the most delightful person. She invited me to MOPS’ next meeting and lent me the newsletter,” Johnson said.

Almost a year after Johnson and her family moved to Bluefield, she has settled into her new home, made countless friends and is active in MOPS.

“MOPS has provided me support, knowledge, friendship and strength,” Johnson said. “Just as I was nearing the end of my rope, I found this group of moms that are in the same season of life as me. They come to these meetings with hope, humor and insight into our shared moments of today and our fears of tomorrow.”

MOPS is a non-profit organization that believes in working with local Christian churches and parachurches to maximize ministry opportunities. In Bluefield, a local MOPS group meets at Westminster Presbyterian Church the first and third Tuesday of each month, according to MOPS of Westminster Co-Coordinator Jackie Brown.

“MOPS is a non-denominational support group. Westminster is Bluefield’s chartering church, but mothers of preschoolers from any church, or with no church affiliation, are welcome and encouraged to join us,” Brown said. “This ministry is geared to encourage and equip all mothers of children birth through kindergarten and mothers-to-be. We believe mothering matters, and we want to help all mothers become the mom they want to be.”

This year’s MOPS theme, “the HOME factor,” explores and celebrates the home life. Some meetings scheduled this year will offer practical ideas for making fast and nutritious meals; what makes a house a home; and spring cleaning. A “Mom’s Fall Festival” of cocooning activities and an at-home, end-of-the year spa day are also planned.

During the meetings, children attend Moppets, a program that provides quality childcare during the MOPS meetings. Moppets Coordinator Geralann Lester has created a new program this year that includes crafts, music time, snacks and Bible lessons for the older children. Several women serve as Moppet volunteers; anyone who would like to volunteer can call Lester at (276) 322-0395.

The MOPS season gets underway Tuesday, Sept. 4. Registration and childcare begins at 9 a.m., and the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. The meetings take place in Westminster Presbyterian’s Fellowship Hall. Westminster is located at the corner of Washington and Albemarle Streets in Bluefield. For more information, call 325-9121.

        

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