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Do I have to attend Crossroads Fellowship Church to be a part of Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext?

No! Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext is open to anyone who wants to find friendship, encouragement, and resources in their mothering journey.

 

Who can attend?

We are geared towards mothers of children ages birth thru school-age. The onsite childcare program (MOPS Kids) accommodates children ages 6 weeks and older. Infants may stay with their mothers during meetings. 

 

What does a typical meeting look like?

Brunch is always provided! Mothers sit at assigned tables with their small groups. We host speakers who speak to a variety of issues relevant and important to mothers of young children. There is time after the speaker to discuss and share with the women sitting at the table.  We also have crafts, raffles, and more!

 

Can I bring my child(ren) to the meeting?

Absolutely! Moms are encouraged to bring their newborns to the meeting; furthermore, it’s a comfortable place for breast-feeding mothers. A nursery is provided for children starting at 6 weeks of age.

 

Can I come visit before joining? 

Yes! If you want to check MOPS out and see how it runs, you get 2 free meetings with no commitment.  After that, if you decide that you love it and want to stay, we ask that you pay the dues. Please email CrossroadsRaleighMOPS@gmail.com before attending so we can make space for your children in childcare.

 

Who do I sit with?

Moms are placed at tables where they sit for the year with their small group. Small groups are assigned by location, so it's easier to meetup for playdates! These small groups enable community among moms and provide a safe place for moms to find rest, encouragement, and friendships. Small groups also have Leaders who facilitate discussion time, as well as communicate with the group outside of meetings.

 

Is MOPS/MOMSnext a Bible Study?

No, Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext is not a Bible study. We are faith-based and this belief is a part of our meetings. Our mission is aligned with that of MOPS International: to encourage, equip and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother and leader in the name of Jesus Christ. Therefore, our meeting time is spent providing respite, resources, and fellowship to mothers so that they can feel rejuvenated and prepared for the rewarding, but sometimes exhausting, work of being a mother.

For those moms wanting to go deeper and study the Bible with other moms, Crossroads Fellowship offers studies throughout the year; visit http://crossroads.org/women for more information.

 

What kinds of speakers do you have? 

We try our best to find speakers who will best address issues relevant to our moms. Past speakers have spoken on topics like marriage, parenting preschoolers, meal planning, photography, organization, schooling options, and faith formation. Each year's speakers are different and aim to reflect the needs of the group.

 

How do I register?

You can fill out a registration form at our meeting! You can also register online and you will be given information about paying dues.

 

How much does Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext cost?

See our Membership tab at the top of the page for more information. Membership includes MOPS International dues and local member dues to cover the cost of our paid childcare workers. We promise you - it's worth it, but we'll let you see for yourself!

 

Where do I park/go for MOPS/MOMSnext meetings?

Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext is currently meeting in Room 751 of Crossroads Fellowship church. There is a large parking lot in front of the entrance off Millbrook Road.  Follow the signs for the Thrift Shop around the back of the church, and enter through the Thrift Shop entrance. The room is immediately on your left and someone can help direct you to the appropriate childcare rooms from there.

 

Who brings all the food to the MOPS/MOMSnext meeting?

Each small group will be assigned to several meetings to bring food and beverages. Coffee is also provided by the church.  Sometimes we also have donations from area restaurants.  See our Brunch tab for more information.

 

My child threw up this morning, but I could really use a break. Can I still come?

We would love to have you come to the meeting, but we would ask that you find alternate childcare for your child. Although missing a meeting is not desirable, bringing a sick child to the nursery will expose many other children to your child's illness. Your consideration of other children in this scenario is appreciated.

 

Do moms come to your meetings before they have babies?

Yes, expectant moms and/or adopting moms are welcome to come to the meetings. Joining MOPS/MOMSnext is a great way to get some much needed tips before becoming a parent.

 

Would it be awkward to come without a baby?

Not at all. Most moms put their child in the nursery when they are old enough; in fact, the majority of mothers in our meetings do not have a child with them. Newborns stay with their moms in the meetings until moms feel comfortable putting them in the nursery. We have a childcare program called MOPS Kids that will provide fun Bible lessons to our little ones while we have some much needed adult time!

 

On average how many woman attend the Tuesday morning meeting?

We've had as many as 100+ moms during our busiest years, and with groups that size we try to separate out into small groups of about 10-15 moms. We reevaluate the best set-up each year depending on the number of moms who are registered.

 

Do you have any adoptive parents in your group?

Throughout our years together, we've had both biological, adoptive, and surrogate mothers join MOPS/MOMSnext. All moms are welcome!

 

About what percentage are first time moms?

You can expect to find a large number of women who are first-time mothers in our group. You will also find women who have three children (or more, in some cases)! Regardless of how many children you have, you are welcome to join us as we learn to mother these preschoolers together! 

 

Is MOPS ever cancelled because of bad weather and how will I know?

MOPS/MOMSnext is rarely cancelled because of bad weather.  If Wake County Schools are closed or delayed, then MOPS/MOMSnext will be cancelled also.  Check your e-mail and our Facebook pages for cancellation announcements.

 

Do you have a Facebook page? 

Yes, we have two.  Our public page, “Crossroads MOPS of Raleigh,” is accessible to the public with information about our group. 
We also have our closed group with the same name.  This is only for Crossroads MOPS/MOMSnext mothers who have registered with our group.  The intent of this group is to help us connect and build relationships.  Are you going to the park?  Post and see if anyone wants to join!  Looking for reliable childcare?  Ask advice here!  Want to have a Mom’s Night Out?  Invite our moms!

 

I would like to be on the Leadership Team.  How can I do that?

One of the unique aspects of MOPS/MOMSnext is the opportunity for moms to further develop their leadership skills.  There may be openings on the Leadership Team that might fit your interest areas.  Please e-mail here if you are interested in leadership positions. 

 

What if I have a personal situation I’d like to share with someone in MOPS/MOMSnext and ask for their prayer support, etc.?

The purpose of MOPS/MOMSnext is “to encourage, equip, and develop every mother of preschoolers to realize her potential as a woman, mother, and leader in the name of Jesus Christ."  MOPS/MOMSnext is the perfect place to receive that love and support you might need at a certain difficult time in your life.  Our Leadership Team is an excellent resource for prayer and support.   Please feel free to also share it with your Small Group Leader and/or Leadership Team member with whom you feel comfortable.  They will assist you in any way possible and pray for you.  If you’d like, they can notify the other Leadership Team members to be praying for your prayer request as well.  Your request will be kept confidential among the Leadership Team and not discussed with others.  We would consider it a privilege to pray for you and your family.

 

What if I have to leave MOPS during the middle of the year?

We hate for anyone to have to leave our group, but we know that life circumstances change and sometimes you just can't stay in MOPS. In order to streamline the process we have created a withdrawal form for you to fill out whenever you decide that you can no longer come to MOPS. This easily let's us know your intentions for the semester so we don't contact you about dues, and so we can open up space for moms and kids on the wait list. There's also a space for confidential feedback if needed.