We are so excited that you are taking the timeto learn more about MOPS of New Hope.

MOPS stands for Mothers of Preschoolers.  A ministry of New Hope Presbyterian Church, MOPS in Fort Myers is a network of women dedicated to the message that “mothering matters.”  MOPS celebrates motherhood and helps moms to be better moms through trusted resources and supportive relationships.  Because mothers of young children need support and encouragement, MOPS is designed to nurture expectant mothers and mothers with children from infancy through kindergarten.   The women are of many ages and backgrounds, but share the same desire— to be the best mothers they can be. Our vision for MOPS of New Hope  is that we will be a community of mothers drawing near to each other, to Christ, and to a church home.

In 2010, MOPS invites you to join in the learning process as together we explore Momology: The Art and Science of Mothering.

Mothering is both art and science. It combines all of who we are to shape healthy, resilient kids. Mothering is so complex it requires both sides of our brain – not to mention our hands and feet, eyes and ears, mouth and (sniff, sniff) unfortunately, sometimes even our noses!

There's the scientific side of mothering where we develop a hypothesis based on certain principles, test that hypothesis in real-time, consider the results and decide what parts worked and what parts didn't. We keep refining our hypotheses until we find what works for us.

Intertwined with the scientific, mothering requires an artistry that shades with our personality, colors with our unique gifts, and blends past and current experiences.

MOPS International has identified four essential elements for successful outcomes with our kids.

Core is about knowing and growing ourselves. Understanding and working with our unique temperament, experiences, and emotions in a way that develops resilience. Research clearly shows that a mom with a strong, resilient core is more likely to raise a child with a strong, resilient core.

Finesse is about honing practical mothering skills—intentionally carrying out our daily responsibilities in ways that encourage growth and resilience in our kids.

Circle is about building relationships with neighbors, care-givers, extended family and, most importantly, with our husbands or for single moms, with a parenting partner.

Grandscape is about engaging with God and his unique purpose for our lives. Both secular and Christian research identifies faith in God as an essential element for successful mothering.

Through Momology, as we explore together, we’ll be guided by an all-knowing, all-powerful, always-present God. Our theme verse for the year is:

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:10)

Anywhere we go, God sees, knows, and guides. So we can lead — and love — knowing God will get us through all the hard spots, all our decisions, all our roles, all our times we can’t hold open our eyelids and the times we’re bursting with joy. God’s hand guides us as we guide our children. As we study Momology together to become better moms making a better world.

We meet 1st and 3rd Tuesday of Each Month, September-May. If you would like more information about MOPS of New Hope, please visit our website at http://mops.newhopefortmyers.org. For request or more information, contact Mops of New Hope directly at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

A ministry for women touched by cancer

• Quarterly High Teas
• Reservation Only
• Volunteer oppertunities available

The purpose of the Sterling Service Tea Ministry is to serve the spiritual, social, and inspirational needs of our sisters who have been touched by cancer, either directly or indirectly through a spouse, a parent, a child, or a friend. Sterling Service Tea Ministry offers women a place to come and connect with women who are on a similar journey.

A Celebration of Tea

At Sterling Service Tea Ministry is an opportunity to retreat from the hurried pace of the world and enjoy conversation and beautifully prepared foods in a gracious setting.

These high teas are held on a quarterly basis. Each tea with our circle of friends should be a new adventure. We will create a different menu at each tea which will be served to you on silver trays and antique dishes, dressed with fresh flowers and accompanied by soothing classical music.

Each item is baked with love and served with care by a ministry volunteer.

If you would like to attend our next tea, please contact Ethel Kurtz 466-7196.This event is by reservation only. There are also opportunities to serve through this ministry, where hearts are touched by the love of Christ.

September-May

Do you want to get to know more New Hope women and develop some real friendships? Here is something designed just for you. Circles of Friendship invites you to join us for monthly meetings beginning in October for Fellowship and a Bible Study that meets in homes or at New Hope.

Three Gatherings are planned, including the annual White Breakfast, hosted by the Circles for ALL New Hope Women. Publicity will be forthcoming for each event. You won't want to miss a single Circles of Friendship offering!

You may join any time throughout the year by calling the Membership Chairman, KC Grosse at 418-1243 or Circle Leader Director, Sue Laird  at 656-0695 or any member listed below.

A Prayer Shawl Ministry

• Meets First Thursday of each month from September-May
• NEW Morning gathering: 10:00am-11:30am
• Evening gathering: 6:00pm-8:00pm

Leaders:

Jill Ritterbusch-Morning: Contact Jill at  489-0949

Patty Bremer-Evening: Contact Patty at 652.8921     

Our first meetings start on September 3!  Come and work on your prayer shawls, pray over completed shawls, and get new materials. If you are buying your own materials, please check out the shawl guidelines listed below. These shawls are given to people who are ill or grieving as well as for special celebrations, particularly for new mothers. Our New Hope MOPS new mothers are recipients of these beautiful shawls.
If you knit or crochet (or even if you don't), we need you! This ministry has provided over 100 shawls to those needing comfort over the past few months and there is more work to be done. If you would like to be a part of this ministry or learn more about it, please contact the leaders.  We also need volunteers who are willing to deliver the shawls from time to time.  If you would like to be on a list to be blessed in delivering the shawls, please let Patty or Jill know!  

Information about the shawls, including guidelines and patterns, are available here.

For more information about the Prayer Shawl Ministry, go to www.shawlministry.com .