Planet Mom Gives Back!

On Dec 30th, 20 "New Mom Packs" were dropped off at Laurel Regional Hospital.
These packs included a knitted hat, a ParentLife or MomSense magazine, a coupon for a free Chick-fil-a meal, a card with information about MOPS in general and our MOPS meetings in particular, and (as quantities allowed) samples of or coupons for Aveeno Baby products. Here's how you can help with this continuing effort:
- Donate gently-used medium-sized "baby" (or generic) gift bags
- Donate your MomSense (or ParentLife) magazine after you've read it (remember to take off any address labels!)
- Donate any coupons/samples you think a new mom would appreciate
- Make a knitted hat (ask Mentor Mom Vernea for instructions)
- If you frequent JoAnn's or other fabric stores, keep an eye out for fleece remnants that can be used for "no sew" fleece blankets which we'll use in place of the hats when we can
- Give us ideas of other (free/inexpensive) things we can put into these bags!

MOPS Winter Playgroup

December 29th, 2009, 11:30am
Lets meet at Fairland Sports Complex in Laurel for Open Gym. The cost is $5 per child that is walking. Adults do not have to pay. We will meet at the sports complex. We won't be staying for lunch as most people will be in a hurry to get home so their kids can get down for naps! Also they do not have any place to sit and eat. If you are able to come please rsvp to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will keep a lookout for you.

13820 and 13950 Old Gunpowder Road Laurel, MD 20707 301-362-6060 http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Sports/Fairland_Sports_and_Aquatics_Complex.htm

December MOPS Meeting

Laurel MOPS moms,
In the midst of this busy Christmas season I thought you might need a reminder that our December MOPS meeting is tomorrow! Due to a funeral in the building we will be moving to room B108 which is to the left as you enter the building. There will be signs and people to help you get your badges and find the room.
Please remember that tomorrow is also the deadline for Pampered Chef orders to be submitted. I hope that many of you collected orders to help us raise money for the MOPS National Convention in August. Whether or not you collected orders, please return all of your materials to our consultant by bringing them to the meeting tomorrow. We will make sure they are returned to Misty P.
Can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Mops Winter Playgroup

December 8th 2009
10:00am
Lets meet at the Annapolis Mall at the indoor play area outside JCPenney.- Stay and have lunch in the food court. If you are able to come please rsvp to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will keep a lookout for you.
http://westfield.com/annapolis/

MOPS Winter Playgroup

December 1st 2009
10:00am
Kathy S. has opened her home for playgroup she lives in Laurel. Kathy has a playground in the backyard incase it is a nice day!- Bring a picnic lunch.. If you are able to come please rsvp to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will keep a lookout for you.

MOPS Fall Playgroup

November 10, 2009
10:00am
Lets get together at Columbia Mall. Meet us at the indoor play area outside JCPenney. Please plan to stay and have lunch in the food court.
If you are able to come please rsvp to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will keep a lookout for you.

MOPS Fall Playgroup

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
10:00am
Misty R. has offered her home open for playgroup this week. Her house is in Catonsville. We are going to potluck for lunch: Misty R. will provide grilled cheese and tomato soup!- We need volunteers to bring sippers for the kids, some sort of drinks for the adults, and cookies or something for dessert!- Misty R. has a playground in her backyard in-case it is a nice day and we want the kids to be outside for a little while. If you are able to come please rsvp to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will respond with directions if you need them. If you are able to volunteer to bring items for the potluck please contact Kim E. so that she has an idea of who is bringing what.
See you there!

MOPS Fall Playgroup

Tuesday October 27, 2009, 10:00am
Lets meet at Fairland Sports Complex Playground, the playground is located behind the sports and aquatic center. Don't forget to pack a picnic lunch.
Rainy Day Option - Fairland Sports Complex Open Gym at 11:30am. The cost is $5 per child that is walking. Adults do not have to pay.
You are welcome to still pack a lunch but most will not be staying for lunch because open gym doesn't let out until 12:30pm and the kids usually need to get home for a nap!
13820 and 13950 Old Gunpowder Road
Laurel, MD 20707
301-362-6060 http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Sports/Fairland_Sports_and_Aquatics_Complex.htm

Precious Baby Update

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 1:36 PM, EDT
She just rolled by and is on her new bed! Eyes wide open and scanning around!
She is out! Surgeon is excited about her perfomance. We'll see how her heart does over the next few days. These will be critical as the next few days will shape her life for years to come.
Praise God for bringing our girl through this trial, praise God for his work through the surgeons and their team. Praise God for seeing this mighty work to completion. Praise God for the veritable army of believers that has been amassed to intercede for my daughter.
Pray for her continued surgery recovery. Pray that the progress seen by the surgeon will continue to compound to the point that she will be able to live a normal life. Pray that God's plan for this precious baby does not need to include a transplant in the future.

Precious Baby

MOPS Moms and Other Friends,
Just wanted to everyone know that Vernea grandchild's surgery has been moved UP to this morning at 6am. This is not due to a worsening of any condition or anything like that, but just because an OR slot opened up Please be in prayer for this precious baby (6 weeks old), the doctors and nurses, Jason and Jana (the parents) and the grandparents who have been at the babys side tirelessly throughout the last two weeks that they have been in the hospital.
If you would like to keep up with updates about the baby, please e-mail us at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will send you more information.
Blessings to you all!
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -- Ephesians 3:20-21
New International Version (NIV)

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday October 20, 2009, 10:00am
Finally no rain! We are going to Clarks Elioak Farm this week. There is a $4.50 cost per person to enter not including infants 12 months and under. Hayrides are $2.00 and pony rides are $2.00. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch! If you are interested in coming please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org
Meet at the wooden ship playground just inside the entrance.
Clarks Elioak Farm
10500 State Route 108
Ellicott City, MD 21042-6102
(410) 730-4049
http://www.clarklandfarm.com/

Rainy Day Option - Columbia Mall Indoor Play Area (10a)
Stay and have lunch at the food court.

FBCL's First Annual Clothing Swap

Friday and Saturday, October 9th & 10th
Spread the word!! Clothing is available FOR FREE to all FBCL members/regular attenders on Friday from 6-8:30 PM
and to ANYONE on Saturday from 9 AM - 3 PM.
If you're able, please bring a canned food donation in exchange, but that is by no means required!

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday October 13th
10:00 am - 12:00pm
Join us for a playdate at Lake Elkhorn in Columbia MD. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch! The path around Lake Elkhorn is two miles and features a picnic pavilion in its surrounding 23-acre park. Meet us at the park just behind the parking area. If you are interested in coming or have any questions, please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org .
Lake Elkhorn
6800 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 715-3161
Rainy Day Option - Marley Station Mall indoor play area.
Stay and have lunch at the food court.

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday October 6, 2009
10:00am -12:00pm
Lets meet at the Tire Park in Ellicott City (Hilton Area). Its supposed to be a mostly sunny day and 72 deg. so plan on bringing a picnic lunch for the kids, there are picnic tables all around the park.

Patapsco Valley State Park
8020 Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410)461-5005

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday September 29, 2009
10:00am-12:00pm
Meet us at the Airport Park by BWI Airport.
Feel free to get there early if you want to walk part of the path. The path has mile markers so walk to your hearts desire. :-)
There are no swings, but the playground is still tons of fun, and who can resist it when the kids look up and say with enthusiasm "look mom an earplane" or "a-pane a-pane". Bring a picnic lunch if you wish and don't forget a blanket to sit on in a shady spot. To RSVP or for more information e-mail mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org
Dixon Observation Park (about one mile west of I-97 Exit 15 on Dorsey Rd). If it happens to rain we will still meet at 10:00 at Marley Station Mall indoor play place, located right at the entrance of Sears on the lower level.

MOPS Convention Nashville, TN 2009


We made it and we are loving being here learning everything that we can! Our worship sessions are Amazing, listening to Mathew West, Christy Nockles, Plumb, Matt Redman, Natalie Grant and laughing our hearts out with Ken Davis. Can't wait to share our adventure with you when we get home.

Love,
Misty Mc, Amy, Cathy, Misty R, Hannah, Melissa

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday, September 22, 2009
11:30am to 12:30pm
Come out and meet us at Fairland Aquatic Center on Old Gunpowder Road in Laurel from for Open Gym. The cost is $5 per child that is walking. Adults do not have to pay.
13820 and 13950 Old Gunpowder Road
Laurel, MD 20707
301-362-6060
http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Sports/Fairland_Sports_and_Aquatics_Complex.htm
SATURDAY & SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12 & 13; 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt St. Baltimore, MD 21223 410-752-2490 www.BORAIL.org
MILKSHAKE PERFORMS EACH DAY AT 12 NOON

Discover the adventure and magic of American Railroading! This family fun weekend is devoted to: *Mile One Express Train Rides* *Kiddie Train Rides* *All Aboard Calling Contest for Kids* *Children Games, Crafts, & Activities* *Live Entertainment featuring the kids' band MILKSHAKE* *Lucky the Magical Clown* *Magician Dave Breth* *Bowie Baysox's Louie (Saturday)* *Amtrak's ARTE (Sunday)* Discounted souvenir photograph packages at Dr. Coupler's Railroad Photorium start at $12.95 ea. and much, much more! ADMISSION:$14.00 (Adults) $12.00 (Seniors 60+) $8.00 (Children 2-12) FREE(B&O Members)

Blast Off For Our 2009-2010 MOPS

MOPS Moms,
The wait is almost over, the comings and goings of summer are finished, the kids are back in school, ... can you feel the excitement? It's time to Blast Off our 2009-2010 MOPS year of Together on Planet Mom!!!
The Steering Team has been very busy this summer preparing to attend the MOPS National Convention and preparing for this new year of MOPS. We have so many exciting speakers, projects, and service opportunities planned for you and most importantly we just can't wait to get back together with you again! Our first meeting is Thursday, September 10, 2009 from 9:30-11:30am at First Baptist Church of Laurel in room A107. Directions to the church are available on the website at http://www.firstbaptistlaurel.org/. Child care will be provided again at no charge for children ages birth-5 at MOPPETS.
If you plan to bring your preschoolers, please e-mail us at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org with the names and ages of your children so we can be prepared for them. The Laurel MOPS membership fee for the Fall semester is $25 per mom. This can be paid by cash or check (made payable to First Baptist Laurel with MOPS in the memo line).
The first five moms who pay their Laurel MOPS membership fee and are current with their MOPS, International membership ($24) will be given a Bath & Body works gift! If you have any questions about the amount that you owe, please e-mail Kim at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org. Our theme verse for Together on Planet Mom is "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." -Matthew 18:20 We hope that you will come together with us for another great year of MOPS!
Serving with you!
Amy Patrick
Laurel MOPS Coordinator

MOPS Playgroup

Tuesday September 8, 2009, 10:00am
Happy day to all! Hope your Labor Day weekend finds you well! We are going to Clarks Elioak Farm this week. There is a $4.50 cost per person to enter not including infants 12 months and under. Hayrides are $2.00 and pony rides are $2.00. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch! If you are interested in coming please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org
Clarks Elioak Farm
10500 State Route 108
Ellicott City, MD 21042-6102
(410) 730-4049
www.clarklandfarm.com

MOMS Club of Odenton

Saturday, September 26, 2009 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
MOMS Club of Odenton is having its
"Fall 2009 Children & Maternity Consignment Sale"
Entry fee is $1 or a new baby pantry item. They usually sell lots of toys, clothes and various baby items.
Odenton Volunteer Fire Company
1425 Annapolis Road
Odenton, Maryland, 21113

MOPS Summer Playgroup

Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 10:00 am
We are planning a celebratory walk at Centennial Park.
We're celebrating the coming of fall and the money raised for convention!
You are invited to hike the 2.4-mile loop around the lake, enjoy the colorful natural wildflower areas, watch for a diversity of birds, waterfowl, and wildlife, play a sport, or have a picnic.
If you are interested in coming please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org
Centennial Park
Ellicott City, MD 21043
(410) 313-4454

MOPS Summer Playgroup

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 9:30am
Join us for a playdate at Patapsco Tire Park in Catonsville.
The park offers hiking trails and shaded picnic sites, along with a two-acre tire playground made from recycled tires.
Directions:
From the Beltway (I-695) take Frederick Rd. (Exit 13) through Catonsville to South Rolling Rd. Turn left and make first right onto Hilton Avenue. Bear left and follow Hilton Ave. 1.5 miles to the park entrance on right.

MOPS Summer Playgroup

Thursday, August, 13, 10:00am
Join us for a playdate at Lake Elkhorn in Columbia MD. Bring the kids and a picnic lunch!
The path around Lake Elkhorn is two miles and features a picnic pavilion in its surrounding 23-acre park. If you are interested in coming please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will respond with more detailed directions.
Lake Elkhorn
6800 Cradlerock Way
Columbia, MD 21046
(410) 715-3161
Living Proof Live 2009 on SIMULCAST!
At Grace Community Church
8200 Old Columbia Road
Fulton, MD. 20759

"On Aug. 28-29, 2009, Beth Moore is returning to her hometown of Green Bay, WI, for a very special Living Proof Live weekend. And thanks to simulcast satellite technology, Beth can spend that weekend in your hometown too, as she speaks on Coming Home to the Heart of Our Desires, from Psalm 37. Enjoy the same insightful and inspirational teaching, the same soul-stirring worship that Beth and her team bring to their live events, in your church and in real time!"
Ticket prices:
$20.00 until August 23rd
$30.00 after August 23rd
For more information and to register online visit Grace Community Church website.
For further information on Living Proof Live check out www.lifeway.com/lplsimulcast
The Laurel MOPS Steering Team will be hosting a Yard Sale! There are six ladies from our Steering Team who plan to attend the MOPS National Convention in Nashville in September. We are having this yard sale to earn money towards the cost of our trip!
Please Stop By!!
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Time: 8:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Misty R.'s House
City/Town: Catonsville, MD
If you are interested in coming please let us know by e-mail at mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org and we will respond with more detailed directions.

MOPS Backyard BBQ

Saturday July 25, 2009 10:00AM in Beltsville MD
Bring your family for a great backyard BBQ! Please bring a side dish to share and swimsuits and towels for your kids and come ready to get to know other MOPS families better and meet some new/potential MOPS moms. Feel free to invite any families of preschoolers who are not part of MOPS to join us!
If your interested in coming send e-mail to mops@firstbaptistlaurel.org with how many will be attending and we will send location details to you.

MOPS International

About MOPS International
Founded in 1973, Denver-based MOPS International is a non-profit organization that creates communities and resources to help make “better moms who make a better world.” A MOPS group is a place where moms can come—just as they are—to build friendships, receive mothering support, practical help and spiritual hope.

MOPS International serves more than 100,000 mothers of preschoolers from all walks of life. The non-profit organization exists 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 volunteer Coordinator, Christy Cowan feels her time invested in strengthening moms is worth every minute: “Our group reaches not only families across the world—through MOPS International—but moms across the street. Our local MOPS group provides authentic community and ways for moms to make friends and grow in parenting skills. In a MOPS group, we see moms get the support they need to be better moms and that makes a huge impact on their families, communities and the way they reach out to make a difference in the world.”