Thursday, December 11, 2008

December 5 Meeting

We had a great meeting last week. Christmas was definitely in the air as we had Pastor Stan come and speak to us about how we can teach the true meaning of Christmas to our kids. Here are a few quick notes:
*Wise people worship and give to Jesus.
*God so loved the world, that he gave! (John 3:16)
*When we give we become more like Christ.
*Giving is the highest form of living.

These were notes we got from a handout that Stan gave to us. If you would like a copy, let me know at the next meeting.
We also heard a song about how a baby changed everything for Mary when she gave birth to our savior. Discussion groups talked about how it must have been for her as well as how our own lives changed when we had our own babies.

Here are a few announcements....

Don't forget to bring a $5 gift if you wish to participate in the gift exchange next week.

Mom's Nite Out has been moved UP to this Monday December 15 @7p.m. at the Starbucks inside Glenbrook mall. Come do some shopping and then stop in for a coffee.

A big thank you to all of you that participated in the Christmas project this year. I know our family will be blessed this holiday season! Thank you for giving from your heart.

Have a great day and we'll see you at the next meeting which will be our Christmas party next Thursday December 18th! Take care!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

November 20th Meeting Announcements and Notes

We had a great meeting today! For those of you who missed it, here are some notes....

Our speaker was Mary K. Petty and she spoke on the Five Love Languages. What a blessing it was to receive her words. She spoke from Gary Chapman's book, "The Five Love Languages." If you haven't read it, I highly recommend it. I had to read it for one of my classes in college and it is phenominal. Here are some things that are on the handout she gave us.

The five languages are: Acts of Service, Gifts, Quality Time, Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch. Mary K. talked about how we each have a "love tank" and how we need to have our tanks filled. She geared most of her speech toward our children and what we can do to fill their love tanks. For example:

If your child's tank gets filled through acts of service, you may wake up a half hour early to make a special breakfast for them or, instead of telling your child to go to bed, go upstairs with them and tuck them into bed. Talk about their day with them and pray with them. It will help to build lasting memories for both of you to cherish.

If your child's love language is gifts, keep a small collection of inexpensive gifts packed away for your child. Then give them one at a time as you sense there is a need. When away from home, mail a small package to your child with their name on it.

Let's say your child's language is quality time...stop what you are doing to make eye contact with your child as they tell you something important, get down on their eye level when talking to them. Cook something together for a snack and share more meals together.

Affirmation....make up a song about them, make it a habit to say "I love you" when putting them to bed or parting for the day. Create a special name of affection for your child that is only used between the two of you.

Physical touch....when you greet or say goodbye to your child, gather them into your arms and hold them. Kneel down for small children. If your child is under stress, gently stroke their head to relax them.

Here are some discussion questions to discuss with a friend, family member or your spouse or child:

1. Can you identify YOUR love language?
2. Can you identify the love languages of your spouse and children?
3. Can you see why it takes a concerted effort to speak someone's love language that's different than yours?
4. Can you think of something specific you could do for each of your family members in order to speak their particular love languages?

For more ideas, pick up a copy of the handout at the next meeting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

A big thank you to those of you that have volunteered to help our steering members with various things. Your name has been given to them and you should be receiving a call soon.

Thank you also to those of you that volunteered to help with Parent's Nite Out. Someone will be contacting you soon!

Fundraiser forms are due in the church office by 10a.m. tomorrow, November 21st. If they are not in the office by then, please get them to me by Monday November 24th. December 18th is our Christmas Party. If you wish to participate in our gift exchange, please bring a $5 gift.

We have adopted a couple from the Christmas Bureau to make the holidays a little brighter for them. We only have two more items from their list that were not picked up. If you are interested in contributing, please contact Myah.

Just a reminder that Mom's Nite Out meets this coming Monday at 7p.m. @ Starbucks on Coliseum across from the mall. Come grab a cup of coffee and enjoy chatting with the moms.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and be safe if you are travelling! We'll see you all on December 4th as we start preparing our hearts for the celebration of Christ's birth!

Monday, November 17, 2008

School delays and cancellations

Keep in mind with the snow starting to fall that if Southwest Allen County Schools are on a delay or cancellation we will NOT meet that day. Thanks!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Custom Made Christmas Cards

If you missed the meeting last week, Sara Norwood donated a set of holiday cards that she makes herself. She has several styles you can choose from and have them made just to your liking. If you're interested, check out her site at www.norwoodarts.com

Thursday, November 6, 2008

MOPS Update

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile but there hasn't been much to report with the long break in between meetings. Today we talked about being grateful. Several moms shared stories of times in their lives when something happened, what the outcome was and how it moved them to be grateful in that situation. We also talked about Thanksgiving and the different traditions that different families carry. It was a good time and hopefully it helped some of the moms that may have been looking for a new tradition to start within their own families.

Here are some announcements for you!

We kicked off our fundraiser today. We have flyers for Avon products as well as Home Interiors. It is a very simple layout that is easy to follow and the prices are sure to suit any budget. If you missed the meeting or forgot to pick up a form and would like to participate, post a comment on the site or email me at bizzybeemom@hotmail.com and I'll get the forms to you. We appreciate all of you that are participating in this!

We are now taking volunteers for the Parent's Nite Out on December 5. Email Stacy (same address above) for more info.

Mom's Nite Out last month was a hit so I have scheduled another one for Monday November 24th. We will meet at the Starbucks on Coliseum again @ 7p.m. Come for your favorite cup or coffee or cider!

We are going to be talking about Christmas Traditions at our December 4 meeting. If you have a family tradition that you would like to share with the group. please email it to Stacy and it will be printed for everyone to take home.

Do you ever need groceries but aren't sure how you're going to stretch your dollars??? Well, Angel Food Ministries offers a large box of food each month for $30. Check out their website at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/ for menus and a pick up site near you!

Our next meeting will be November 20. We will have a speaker there to talk about "The Five Love Languages" don't miss it!

Have a great week and stay tuned for updates!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Chicago Trip Cancelled

Just wanted to let you know that the bus trip to Chicago has been cancelled due to low turnout. I regret that we will not be going but hopefully this still gives you enough time to make other arrangements. Hope you all have a great weekend!

Monday, October 20, 2008

Bus Trip

We still have plenty of spots left for the trip to Chicago. If you are planning to go, please sign up at the church. There is a sign up sheet as well as an envelope for you to leave your money in at the office. If we don't get enough people to go, we'll have to cancel so please, if you're planning on going, get your name on the list so we can get plans made. Thank you!

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Free Kitten

I have a cousin who had a kitten dropped off at her house but she is allergic and looking for a good home. Apparently someone went around the neighborhood and dropped off a whole litter to several different houses. She said this kitten is approx. 12 weeks old and is very tame. Walks in the house like she owns the place and loves attention. If you are interested, please leave a comment on this post. Thanks!

Longaberger

Are you in need of something from Longaberger but don't know a consultant. Well, Abbie Louvar is currently a consultant but is going to be closing out soon so contact her at alouvar@comcast.net or call her at 399-6404.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Chicago Update

We officially have a driver for November 1. Ticket prices for the bus are $15 per person and are on sale. You must be paid to reserve your spot and tickets will be available beginning October 16 at our meeting. If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Beeman @ 338-2175 or Courtney Dressler @ 459-0414. Thanks!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Off to Chicago

The bus trip date has been set (pending finding a driver) for November 1. We plan to depart from the church at 7:00 a.m. Mark your calendars and watch for more info. to come early in the week!

Thursday, October 2, 2008

How many hats do you wear?

Do you ever feel like you've got way too many hats on your head? You know, the mommy hat, the chef hat, the career hat, the wife hat. I'm sure if we all had a hat to symbolize all the "things" we take care of in a day, we would see that we just can't physically handle or wear all of them at one time. Take time to reflect on all that goes on in a day in YOUR life. We all wear a lot of hats, it's how we wear them that matters! Journal about it and try to think about ways you can reduce some stress.

If you missed our October 2 meeting, we talked about the hats we wear in life. We discussed which ones we enjoy wearing and the ones we'd rather trade in for a better or newer hat. It was great to hear from other moms that also feel like the stack of hats gets higher and higher and how we can learn to take our hats off from time to time and just relax.

Don't miss out on our next meeting on October 16. We're going to have a spa day! There will be a chocolate fountain, catered breakfast and lots of time to pamper yourself. We'll also have a massage therapist on hand. If you'd like a 10 minute chair massage, please contact Myah St. John for more info. and to reserve a spot. There are only a few left!

Also, our craft will be bath salts, something you can take to make spa day last a little longer in your own home. Bring a small to medium sized jar with a lid so you can create your own salts with your own scents.

Don't forget if you'd like to get in on the babysitting co-op, contact Courtney Dressler.

Our first Mom's Night Out will be held Oct. 20. Meet us at Starbucks on Coliseum for a mocha and some girl time....the fun starts at 7p.m.

If you're not sure where your contact list is, please leave a comment on this site and I'll get in touch with you! Have a great weekend and stay tuned for more MOPS news!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Calling all Toys!

After our meeting last week, it was discussed that we don't have many toys furnished in the 2's and 3's room so we're going to provide a tote bin and are asking that anyone that may have toys they would like to donate, please email Tobie at tobieholmes@yahoo.com and let her know. Thanks so much!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Matilda Jane Trunk Show

Just wanted to invite you all to a Matilda Jane Trunk show at Gretchen Carrel's house on October 10th, starting at 7:00 p.m. The clothes are super cute and you can view them by going to www.matildajaneclothing.com. Be sure to let Gretchen know if you're coming by calling her at 609-8687. Thanks!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Prayer Request

Hey Ladies!

Just wanted to put a prayer request out there. Heather Saddington had a young nephew that fell into some water on Sunday and is now on a respirator. The parent's have been told that Owen's survival is not very likely and that it would take a miracle. Please pray that God would wrap his arms around this family and perform the miracle that is needed to bring this boy back. At such a young age, he has his whole life ahead of him.

Thank you for your prayers and I'll update as I get more info.

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Our MOPS year has now begun...

This morning our MOPS year officially started. I'll be the first to admit it was CRAZY but give us a little time and we'll have all the kinks worked out. We didn't have any speakers scheduled so that we could have more time to get to know each other as we have several new moms in the group this year. We played a game to encourage more chatter with one another. Our two Mentor Moms, Diane and Sheri got up and shared some thoughts on "Adventures in Mothering" and we received journals and made cute little pens to go with them. If you missed today's meeting or you were tending to children, please see Cari at the next meeting and she will get you some supplies so that you can have a journal and a pen for the year. Be sure to do this as there will be opportunities throughout the year for you to journal and you'll want to have it with you.

A few announcements!!!

We are trying to get a Babysitting Co-op up and running. If you are interested, you won't want to miss the next meeting (if you missed today) as Courtney will be explaining the process and get everyone signed up and sticks handed out.

Congratulations to Belinda Wallace, on the birth of her newborn son.

We will be hosting a fundraiser at the church on December 5. This will be a "Parent's Nite Out" and we provide the childcare. Mark your calendars and get more details later.

Want a night out with the girls??? Then you'll want to join us on October 20 at Starbucks on Coliseum at 7:00 p.m. Come enjoy some time away from the kids over your favorite cup of java!

Our number of kids is outgrowing our helpers. If you have a mom, aunt, friend, etc. that you know would be willing to help us out, please contact Tobie Holmes or Danielle Emenhiser (numbers are found on your team contact list in your red folder). Even if you have someone that could fill in from time to time, we can use the help!

October 16 will be Spa Day at MOPS! We'll have a massage therapist on hand so stay tuned to find out how you can benefit from it!

That's it for now....see you October 2. Same place, same time!

Saturday, August 23, 2008

First Meeting

Just wanted to let you all know that our first meeting of the year will be held on September 18. We are starting a little earlier this year so you will need to have your kids checked in by 9a.m. so you can come in, get your breakfast and be ready for announcements at 9:15. If you are not registered yet, please email Stacy at bizzybeemom@hotmail.com

Looking forward to seeing you on the 18th!

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Welcome!

Welcome to the Sonrise UMC MOPS blog site! When you visit, you will find the latest news and announcements about our group as well as any tips on mothering or life in general that may be helpful to a mommy. If you've never heard of MOPS, click here.

Enjoy!

Stacy Beeman
Coordinator for Sonrise MOPS in Fort Wayne, IN