“Mothers of Preschoolers,” MOPS, is not letting social distancing and stay-at-home orders keep mothers from rallying together and supporting each other as they have been doing for the past forty-five years.

Two meetings remain, found on the MOPS of LaBelle Facebook Page. Message “MOPS of LaBelle” for the link to the online meetings. Social-distancing topics covered so far included “Tech-wise Family” and “Have More Fun.”

The virtual meetings held on a video conferencing platform are Tuesday, May 5 and Tuesday, May 19. Meetings begin at 9:30 am with a coffee chat. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, log on, and catch up with other moms. At 10:00 am there is a break to watch a video and get children settled. The meeting resumes at 10:30 am and features a discussion around the video.

Sarah Charles, MOPS of LaBelle Co-Coordinator, recognized the virtual meetings as a, “sweet opportunity to catch up, support each other, laugh, and stay connected with real conversation,”

“It is a much-needed respite after days on end at home with the little ones,” Sarah said.

Patricia Lawlor, MOPS of LaBelle Discussion Group Leader, appreciated the virtual meetings.

“It is a time to connect with everyone,” Patricia said.

MOPS of LaBelle will return as a ministry, at First Christian Church, for a fourth year. Meetings for the 2020/2021 MOPS year will begin in September 2020. A decision about hosting in-person or virtual meetings will be decided at the end of August.

Throughout the viral outbreak, MOPS and its members continue to share their lives and parenting journeys to encourage mothers via Zoom, Facebook, Marco Polo, and more.

MOPS members around the world participated in the first ever virtual MOPS Meeting on April 7. MOPS hosted the live meeting, “In This Together: The Biggest Mops Meeting Ever,” on its MOPS International Facebook Page.

Emma Turnbull, Director of Creative Strategy for MOPS International said they featured special guests and “living-room worship.”

“The current plan is to continue the virtual meetings into the beginning of May,” said Jennifer Iverson, MOPS Leader Content Coordinator, “How long will be determined based on engagement.”