MOPs of Shalimar

One of the wonderful ministries at Shalimar UMC is the MOPS group. The Mothers of Preschoolers group works to provide a place for moms to come, share, learn, and grow together. This year has been one of the largest groups we have hosted. In addition to the meetings together, MOPS had the idea to help a family in need this Christmas.

“What started as a small discussion in our MOPS Steering Team Meeting ended up exceeding our expectations,” said Sara Morrison. The idea was to reach out to local businesses and ask for donations of gift cards or other items to make a basket that would be auctioned off to raise funds! Sara went on to say that they raised over $1,600 from local businesses around the community! “We were absolutely blown away by the people in our community!” After arranging the basket, they took to social media and, in 4 days, sold enough tickets to total $1,930 to use for their Christmas Project! “We knew we could spread more love with the amount of money we had raised, so we did.” As a result, this group provided Christmas for a single mom and her 3 children, 10 grandparents at the nursing home received care packages, 2 middle school students, and a special family in their group!

With the help of over 30 businesses, the love and support from a wonderful community, and the idea and actions from this MOPS group, many people could have a special Christmas this year. Christmas has always been about finding those who need a little extra joy, love, hope, and peace and doing our part to help them experience it. God’s grace abounds in big ways, and we are so thankful for these wonderful moms who have helped to share the love of Christ in a tangible way!

If you are interested in being a part of MOPS or want more information about when and where they meet, please go to the Shalimar UMC website at shalimar-umc.org/young-adults#mops or Facebook at facebook.com/groups/mopsofshalimar , or feel free to contact the church office at 850-651-0721.