Category Archives: activities

Time to think about next year! Prayerfully consider a role serving fellow moms at MOPS as a table leader or steering team member. Here is some more information about what each role involves.

Table Leader

• Reads the Mops Handbook to fully understand the scope and vision of the organization’s mission
• Attends Table Leader Orientation/Luncheon in the fall before the first meeting in September
• Relays information to Table Members via email for the upcoming meetings during the calendar year
• Promotes confidentiality and sensitivity within individual groups, recognizing the need to refer to a more experienced person for counseling when appropriate summarizing pertinent information and relaying to the DGL (Discussion Group Leader)
• Attends 2 general Table Leader meetings in both the Fall and Spring to offer feedback and awareness of how things are going during the year
• Encourages Table Members through regular phone calls and/or personal notes
• Coordinates monthly outings/socials for Table Members outside of regular meetings
• Communicates with Mentor Mom any relevant needs the Table Members might have
• Identifies training opportunities and relays information to the DGL (Discussion Group Leader) mentor to meet those needs

Discussion Group Leader (DGL)

• Seeks Table Leaders during the summer months for the following year – asks Steering Team for input at/before retreat
• Leads Table Leader Orientation/Luncheon with Mentor Mom before first meeting – updates and distributes table leader handbook
• Relays information to Table Leaders via email for the upcoming meetings
• May substitute for Table Leaders who are absent
• Promotes confidentiality and sensitivity within individual groups, recognizing the need to refer to a more experienced person for counseling when appropriate summarizing pertinent information received from each the Steering Team Meeting
• Holds 2 general Table Leader meetings in both the Fall and Spring to gain feedback and awareness of how things are going during the year
• Encourages Table Leaders through regular phone calls and/or personal notes
• Identifies training opportunities and seeks to meet those needs
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Creative Activities Leader

• Guides her team with each bi-monthly, Creative Activity or Service Opportunity selection and preparation for that project
• Organizes materials, instructions, demonstrators, and samples of each Creative Activity or Service Opportunity before the MOPS meeting. She plans within the time and budget limits of her group and understands the needed skills for each activity
• Researches different charities or organizations where the MOPS group could serve and finds out what projects would benefit the organization
• Recognizes women who enjoy Creative Activities and provides opportunities for their growth in a volunteer capacity
• Effectively communicates with childhood coordinator for ARBC to see what MOPS group could help prepare for Sunday morning
• Appropriately utilizes the ideas and abilities of each team member, wisely delegating responsibility
• Teaches skills and activities effectively, inspiring women to develop their skills in creative projects and encouraging women who not feel particularly successful in this area
• Reads the MOPS Handbook and Creative Activities Handbook and understand the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Hospitality Team Leader

• Utilizing the MOPS yearly theme, she creates centerpieces and other decorations to use for the tables which must remain in tact/usable for the entire calendar year; she also understands and respects budgetary constraints
• Communicates with the Creative Activities Leader to create corresponding nametags for the year that coordinate with centerpieces
• Creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere for each meeting and works with Speaker Coordinator to select appropriate music upon entry
• Arranges set-up and takedown at all MOPS meetings and secures team volunteers who can arrive early or stay late to assist in the process
• Coordinates with the ARBC church resource to make sure the tables and chairs are set up properly in advance.
• Assigns Breakfast Duty – two tables per meeting for breakfast to ensure enough food; passes out sign up sheets to the appropriate tables 2 meetings in advance
• Oversees breakfast set up on MOPS meeting mornings and secures volunteers to assist in the process
• Keeps track of kitchen supplies (plates, napkins, utensils, coffee condiments, mints, pens and paper pads for tables) and lets the church know if supplies are low
• Selects and purchases birthday gifts for all MOPS women for the year, while following budgetary guidelines, including appropriate display and distribution
• Communicates with Finance Leader in keeping the birthday list current
• Gathers creative Early Bird prizes to be valued at $50 or more from Steering Team for the raffle
• Sends Early Bird prize information to Publicity coordinator a week in advance for newsletter
• Hands out Early Bird prize Tickets from 9:00-9:30am in the Lobby and greet moms as they come in the door to make each woman feel welcome; she announces and hands out the prize to the winner at the end of the meeting
• Enlists an additional Steering Team Member to help greet as moms come in the door for each meeting.
• Works with the Discussion Group Leader as she will provide new baby information; orders monogrammed burp cloths for new babies and hands out wrapped gift during meeting.
• Asks for New Pregnancy & Adoption Announcements at each meeting and hands out chosen baby gift.
• Relays New Baby information to Georgi in the Quilt Ministry of ARBC throughout year
• Purchases flowers and balloons to pass out at the graduating ceremony for the MOMS and Moppets who will be going into Kindergarten.
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

MOPPETs Coordinator 

• Works with the Chartering Ministry and Steering Team to establish policies and procedures for the MOPPETS program
• Communicates with MOPS moms who leave their children in her care
• Selects appropriate curriculum materials and develops programs and lessons for each class
• Reads the MOPS Handbook and the MOPPETS Handbook, and understands the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group
• Disciples her team members and encourages each member to grow in her relationship to Christ
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Publicity Team Leader

• Constructs bi-monthly newsletter for each MOPS meeting
• Inputs information gathered at Steering Team meetings for newsletter
• Locates and inserts a “main topic story” for 1^st page of newsletter
• Creates graphics that correspond to each newsletter item
• Corresponds with each Steering Team member during meeting week to update/add/delete any info prior to print
• Make copies of newsletter at the church (usually on Wednesday-the day prior to meetings) and any handouts that the Speaker Coordinator needs printed
• Creates calendar for the 1^st meeting of each month detailing the events/classes/holidays/etc. around the Austin area
• Researches all entries by viewing several different websites and then verifies each
• Prints Calendar alongside newsletter
• Designs and uses creativity in integrating other publicity-type deliverables, including, but not limited to: posters, flyers and other handouts
• Works closely with Website/Blog Team Leader to make sure information is consistently delivered
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Website/Blog Team Leader

• Manages and updates www.theridgemops.org including annual server fees and keeping the site current
• Has an understanding of basic web site design and/or works with a volunteer to maintain information
• Makes additions to the web site including: Steering Team Highlights/ photo spot/better registration system, etc.
• Works with Registrar (i.e. Co-Coordinator) to create a secure, online way to register for each semester
• Creates vision for and effectively executes a new blog spot through word press and connects it to the MOPS web site
• Photographs each meeting and or films speakers if permission is secured to do so
• Creates a form that grants MOPS leadership permission from each member to display photos or taped meeting segments for MOPS usage
• Writes Bi-Monthly Blogs to encourage those who missed meetings and create a place where leadership can gain instant feedback from slated speakers with interactive dialogue
• Works closely with Publicity Team Leader to make sure information is consistently delivered.
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Fundraising Team Leader

• Orchestrates one or two fundraising events per semester
• Fosters new ideas or effectively reinvents events that have been successful in the past
• Effectively assists in generating income through events in order help ARBC off set the cost of childcare
•  Expresses ideas and has the ability to form committees to help implement ideas and details
• Regularly communicates with Finance Team Leader to make sure monies are accounted for
• Delegates tasks and enjoys working with others
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Finance Team Leader 

• Manages the group’s finances and budget as well as completing fall and spring registration*.
• Helps set a budget for the MOPS year based on known costs, anticipated expenditures, and expected income.
• Deposits money, makes payments when necessary, keeps accurate records, and assists her team with fundraising.
• Educates Steering Team members in the reimbursement process and assists them if needed; checks records with those counterparts of ARBC each month to eliminate any errors in record keeping
• Reports throughout the year to the Steering Team on the financial status of the group to help keep everyone informed on the various surpluses or shortages that might exist
• Encourages the other Team Leaders to be accountable in spending for their area
• Initiates the transfer of funds from the MOPS account to ARBC at year’s end
•  Shows sensitivity to the financial needs of each MOPS mom, warmly setting a welcome tone and being on the lookout for those that might need financial help
• Explores the possibility of scholarships for women who might otherwise not be able to attend
• Seeks to meet all financial obligations to MOPS International, including charter renewal and MOPS International membership registrations
• May Identify and help with Fundraising when necessary
• Reads the MOPS Handbook and Finance Handbook and understand the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group.
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Speaker Coordinator

• Fully understands “the pulse” of the ARBC MOPS group and effectively communicates its vision with potential speakers
• Identifies and secures speakers for each semester during the summer months prior to the MOPS calendar year
• Organizes a spreadsheet designating those speakers/ dates and points of contact
• Communicates with each speaker utilizing the suggested time line for efficiency including the standard Introductory letter and MOPS guide
• Keeps Steering Team of any pertinent changes to the schedule or needs the Speaker has
• Attends technical training and understands how to run sound and basic visual aids for each presenter
• Secures handouts, audio –visual needs, and discussion group questions from each speaker at last two weeks prior to each event
• Assists each speaker in clearly understanding the MOPS vision and local audience at ARBC and purpose for their visit
• Confidently introduces each speaker and closes each session with acknowledgement and a word of thanks and a simply gift
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Co-Coordinator /Membership Team Leader

• Seeks to fully understand the roles of each Steering Team member in preparation for Coordinator Position
• Serves as the Coordinator’s chief support
• Considers herself a “Floater” to assist any Steering Team member in a time of need
• Willingly steps into any designated position if any Steering Team member must leave their role in a given calendar year
• Serves as Membership for the year including the following:
• • Edits and prints brochures over the summer; organizes mailing addresses and sends out brochures and emails for registration
  • Collects incoming registrations and build a database with registrant’s info
  • Keeps up with incoming email inquiries regarding registration
  • Keep in close contact with the MOPPETS coordinator, sending her names and info of MOPPETS and keeping tabs on which age group classes might be closed (which affects some moms inquiring about registration)
• Brings all necessary lists, index cards, bags for slotting meeting to set tables
• Organizes necessary lists and name tags for the first MOPS meeting as well as sits at front to register moms the first day
• Is responsible for lists throughout the year (that constantly change and need updating) for tables, registrant info, birthdays, pregnancies, etc.
• Keeps up with the MOPS email account, and maintains a record of those requesting information so we can get them on our registration email list for the next semester
• Works alongside Website/Blog Team Leader to manage registrations
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Coordinator

• Encourages other members of Steering in their responsibilities, delegating appropriately, and assisting as needed
• Sets the tone for the MOPS meetings, often by welcoming moms, sharing announcements, and handling other organizational needs
• Disciples the Steering Team, encouraging each member to grow in her relationship with Christ
• Leads Steering meetings, preparing an agenda that encourages the contribution of every Steering Team member
• Identifies training needs for Steering Team members and finds opportunities to meet these needs
• Serves as the liaison between MOPS International, the Chartering Ministry, and the MOPS group
• Reads the MOPS Handbook, the Coordinator’s Handbook, and the other Positional Handbooks, and understands the vision of MOPS and her relationship to the MOPS group and the Chartering Ministry
• Serves on Steering Team and attends bi-monthly meetings

Let’s look ahead to some great activities coming up in Austin!

I think we can all agree that Austin is an amazing place to live.

There is so much beauty, great outdoor activities and friendly people.

I also love to think about getting out and about in Austin and explore new places.

Here are some wonderful things coming up in Austin and surrounding areas that you will love!

This is brand new this year…if you love Country Living Magazine like I do then you won’t want to miss this:

 April 27th-29th at the Travis County Exp Center

click here to buy tickets starting January 15th: Country Living

Round Top

WINTER ANTIQUES SHOW
January 14, 15, 2012
Big Red Barn
9AM to 5PM Saturday
10AM 4PM Sunday
Admission $5 Good for all days

&

44th ANNUAL SPRING ANTIQUES FAIR
April 4, 5, 6 & 7, 2012
Big Red Barn & Tent, Continental Tent
Carmine Dance Hall
Admission $10 Good for all days
and all locations

Zilker Park Kite Festival

March 4th

Sweet Berry Farm

Mid March- Strawberry picking time!

If you know of anything coming up that we can share on the website…please email me: theridgemops@gmail.com

See you girls on Thursday!!!