Mothers on MOPS
Meet Yvette Pascoe, Leader of MOPS:
I am thirty-two years old, married to Tim, with two cheeky cherubs, William, four and a half years old, and Ruby three years old. My main job is being a mum but I also work in our business, Tim Pascoe Photography, doing accounts two days a week while the kids are at kindy. I didn’t come from a Christian family, but became a Christian at the age of nine through a couple of teachers who ran Inter-School Christian Fellowship (I.S.C.F) at my school.
What is MOPS?
MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers catering for children aged nought to five years old. It is a world wide program aimed at providing time out for mums to have teaching and discussion on issues relating to mothering, marriage and being a woman. They participate in creative activities and develop friendships, while the children are cared for in MOPPETS. It is held fortnightly on Thursday mornings at Pittwater Uniting Chuch (PUC).
What inspired you to start MOPS?
Late in 2007 Steve Everist sent me an email about MOPS and something stirred in me. I thought it sounded fantastic and it was something that I would love to go to myself. In January 2008 I visited Colorado for ten days. The highlight of the trip was when I went along to the local church on Sunday. I had a revelation that night. It was like I’d flown half way across the world to hear this sermon alone. It was Matthew 11:28; “Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest”.
Of course I had heard this verse many times before, but it nearly knocked me over with the impact it had on me that night. I was in a period of my life where I was feeling totally overwhelmed, exhausted and sometimes anxious with two small children, running our own business and little parental support. That night I felt the hope and peace of God, and was reminded that I don’t have to do this alone!
When I returned, Marion Powell and I went to Sutherland to experience a mock MOPS session. It was great. The concept included combining talks about the issues we face at this stage of life as women and mothers and the opportunity to share the hope that Christ can bring into our lives. I still wasn’t convinced that I was the person to coordinate MOPS but sensed that God wanted me to attend Leadership Development School (LDS).
Part of the LDS course was reading Bill Hybel’s book ‘Courageous Leadership’. In the book he talks about the local church being the hope to the world. This really stirred in me a conviction that we as a church have been given the good news and love of Christ to share with our community and MOPS was a way to bridge into our local community of mums. I felt convicted that this was what God wanted me to step forward into which I did very hesitantly. But I totally trusted and knew that only God could make this happen.
How have you felt God's guiding in the ministry so far?
In the initial stages of setting up MOPS it all just seemed so daunting, but God has just provided all the way of course.
Firstly, with the amazing group of women who have stepped up to the leadership team:
- Mentor: Gill Wood
- Discussion Groups: Karin Witanowski
- Finance: Simone Yakich
- Hospitality: Mel Bray
- MOPPETS: Lisa Jackson
- Publicity: Debra Phillips
Then there was answered prayer with the MOPPETS carers who have faithfully gone on rosters to mind the children. God then provided over twenty mums who actually want to come along, phew.
When I start to get stressed or take it onto my shoulders, Gill is there to encourage and gently remind me to hand it to God because this is His ministry, Amen.
What do the mums think of MOPS?
It really is such a blessing to the mums who come along. One of the women, Kim, enjoys MOPS because;
“All the mum’s are in the same situation so we can share stories and experiences, everyone is very supportive and it is so nurturing for the mums, particularly for those who don’t have much family support. The kids absolutely love it too.”
How can we as a church help the MOPS ministry?
There are so many different ways you can help;
1. As a MOPPETS Carer, regularly or occasionally; two hours a fortnight. We currently have a waitlist of mums who are keen to come along but are unable to as we need extra carers.
2. As the Creative Activities Leader or Service Team Leader
3. Prayer support is always welcome.
Just contact me on 9999 2922 or yvette@timpascoe.com.au. I would love to hear from any women who would like to be part of building the kingdom of God through MOPS.
