I am so excited to to introduce the very first MOMSnext group to Southern Idaho! God has placed on my heart a desire to create a group in Boise where mom's of school-aged kids can come together and support each other in this tumultuous stage of parenting. MOMSnext is a Christian mom's group that offers life applicable speakers, child developing tools and a plethora of skills to make this job of mothering as pleasant as possible. Since we are just getting started we will be molding our group around the needs of our moms and leaving our schedule open to change. As of now our plan is to meet the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the Month. The 2nd Monday will be a daytime meeting and the 4th Monday will be an evening meeting, to allow working mom's an opportunity to connect as well. I will post a schedule as we get closer but out first meeting is scheduled for September 10th. We will also alternate between meeting at Calvary Chapel Boise and meeting out in the community, maybe for a movie, or coffee, or for a service project.
A little bit about me, my name is Stephanie Hartruft and I will be coordinating this MOMSnext group. I have been married 11 1/2 years to my best friend Eric Hartruft and we have 3 beautiful children. Ethan hartruft is 9, Ashlyn Hartruft is 6 and Mikey Hartruft is 5 and just started Kindergarden. I have been in MOPS for 9 years, and this will be my 3rd year coordinating the MOPS Calvary Chapel Boise group as well.
I will be supporting these mom's with my long time MOPS friend Stefawn Wester who was our Craft Coordinator at MOPS Calvary Chapel Boise. She is happily married to Jon and also has 3 beautiful children, Faith, Ella and Joel.
I thought I should start first my answering your commonly asked questions about what is MOMSnext. This is off of the MOPS website:
What is MOMSnext?
MOMSnext is a group experience designed to encourage, equip and develop mothers of school-age kids. This is a new ministry arm of MOPS International extending the current mission statement to reach more mothers and their families for Christ. Groups will provide relevant community for mothers of school-age kids while developing leaders and sharing the hope of Christ with moms who attend.
Who attends a MOMSnext group?
Every mother of school-age kids is welcome to a MOMSnext group. Most groups will focus on a target age range i.e. elementary years, so moms may feel some groups to be more relevant to their current mothering stage than others. With the likelihood that many alumni will participate in these groups, MOMSnext leaders need to be highly mindful that groups are open to NEW moms, and are welcoming to NEW moms.
Who will lead a MOMSnext group?
Stephanie Hartruft
Mothers of school-age kids will lead the group with support of their local Chartering Ministry. All leaders must be able to sign the MOPS International Faith Position Statement to ensure unity on the leadership team. Chartering Ministries may place other requirements on leaders if desired. Every MOMSnext group is encouraged to have a coordinator and at least one MOMSnext Mentor, a mother past the school-age years of mothering to offer perspective and encouragement. Other than the Mentor, all leaders should be mothers of school-age children.
What are the requirements for a MOMSnext group?
Every MOMSnext group should reflect the community in which it is taking place. For this reason schedules and content of meetings will vary from group to group. There are four elements that will be required of every MOMSnext group. They are:
• Value on mothering during the school years
• Leadership development
• Lifestyle evangelism
• Connection to a Chartering Ministry (Calvary Chapel Boise)
• Service (highly recommended, though not required)
What does it cost to get started?
$25 for MOPS International Registration and local MOMSnext fees...not decided yetIf your Chartering Ministry already has at least one MOPS group (and renews annually), there is no cost to start any additional MOPS or MOMSnext groups. Every MOMSnext member will register for the MOMSnext Membership (Mentors will register for the MOMSnext Mentor Memberships).
Where and when should my group meet?
We will meet the 2nd & 4th Mondays of the Month.
2nd Monday will be a day meeting
4th Monday will be an evening meeting (to accommodate working moms, or those not available during the day)
What about home school moms?
All mothers of school-age children are welcome at MOMSnext regardless of their schooling approach. Like MOPS groups, MOMSnext groups will focus on mothering as the connecting factor. School related issues will certainly come up and leaders will need to be sensitive to making topics and discussions broad enough to include all schooling options. Childcare needs may be affected by home schooled kids if meetings are held on weekdays.
What kind of support will MOMSnext groups and leaders receive from MOPS International?
Ministry Service Representatives and MOMSnext Field Leaders are available to answer questions and offer general support to MOMSnext leaders. An electronic guidebook with specific MOMSnext information will be available online. MOMSnext leaders will also have the opportunity to attend training events like the MOPS International Convention and the MOPS Leadership Summit. Leaders will have access to all MOPS leadership materials including the Leaders’ website, the MOMSnext forum, leadership curriculums and Connections magazine.
Will there be workshops available at Convention for MOMSnext leaders?
There will be many workshops available that will be relevant, but not exclusive to MOMSnext leaders. A suggested MOMSnext track will be indicated on Convention registration. A MOMSnext special workshop/networking time will also be available.
Is a mom already registered for the MOPS International
Membership, required to also register for the MOMSnext Membership?
A woman will not be required to register for the MOMSnext Membership if she holds a current MOPS International Membership. However, she will not receive the MOMSnext specific benefits, including the MOMSnext E-zine, which may impact her ability to participate in group discussions.
