This Week @ MOPS 11.25.14

This morning one of our very own MOPS moms, Brittani Harnden, shared her experiences with missions and how to include children in missions and everyday outreach.

Through the various missions and outreach she has done both here and abroad, Brittani has enjoyed seeing how kids get to be part of something big God is doing. She encouraged us to help kids be fascinated with God by including them in outreach.

Outreach with children can be done anywhere, not just through Missions. Ideas include praying for those around you, participating in giving activities such as Operation Christmas Child (children can help pack boxes of food or gifts), handing out candy canes and saying Merry Christmas to people, saying 'thank you' to workers you come in contact with, etc. Whatever you choose to do, have proper expectations and have grace for yourself.

Brittani shared these tips for doing outreach with kids:

Start S.M.A.L.L.
S: Simple activities.
M: Model it. Your kids watch how you do things.
A: Allow kids to help out (even when it's not the most efficient way to handle a task).
L: Love the person in front of you.
L: Learn. Take note of what works and what doesn't work. Be constantly learning.

For additional ideas to spread kindness, Brittani suggests visiting this blog to view "Light 'Em Up 2014- Top 10 Ideas."
http://courtneydefeo.com/light-em-2014-top-10-ideas/

  

 

Thanks to April for organizing a fun craft!

We made these festive votive holders using decorative washi tape, ribbon, and embellishments.

Many thanks to one of our own MOPS moms Andrea Rollandini Self for sponsoring our meeting!

Mary & Martha has high quality inspirational products with a Christ centered theme. There really is a little bit of Mary and a little bit of Martha in all of us. This Christmas we want to entertain beautifully but focus on what is most important and that is the relationships with those around us. Let Mary & Martha inspire you to have Meaningful Entertaining Made Simple!http://www.mymaryandmartha.com/shop/catalog.aspx…

Next Meeting: Dec. 9th 

We will wrap up the semester with our annual Tea & Testimony. Allison and Erin's groups will be providing brunch. This will be the last MOPS meeting of the year--next meeting is Jan. 13th.

• Yankee Candles should arrive in time for this meeting. If you placed an order but cannot attend the meeting, please arrange to have someone else from your small group pick up your order.
  
• Please remember to bring gifts for your child's childcare workers. See your small group leader if you have questions.

Upcoming Dates:

December 2nd - Small Group Play Dates

December 9th - Tea and Testimony (Last meeting of the semester)

December 16th - Small Group Play Dates

January 6th - Small Group Play Dates

January 13th - Preschool Panel

January 20th - Small Group Play Dates

January 27th - Jenny McClendon - Balance and Taking Care of Yourself

From all of us at Crossroads MOPS,

we hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!