M2O: Refreshing Encouragement for Moms
In September 2015 my husband and I, and our two young daughters, moved to this area for my husband’s job and to be closer to our families. We started attending GFC and I joined Mom to Mom Outreach in October 2015. As a stay-at-home mom who had recently moved, I really wanted to meet and connect with other moms in a similar stage of life. M20 was the perfect fit! I knew immediately that this ministry was something special from the first meeting I attended. I was impressed with how organized M20 was and how uplifted I felt after each meeting. Having the time to actually sit down, eat breakfast, fellowship with other moms, and hear from wonderful speakers while my girls were cared for in the nursery each month was a time of refreshing encouragement for me. I began to connect and build relationships with many ladies in the group during the monthly meetings and taking my girls to M2O playdates where they could do the same with kids their own age.ms
Fast forward 2 years and I am now grateful to be on the M2O leadership team serving with a wonderful group of ladies who are passionate about this ministry. This year our theme is “Choosing the Best” based on Luke 10:42 from the story of Mary and Martha. We will be encouraged each month as we learn and discuss ways to “choose the best” in different aspects of our lives as mothers of young children in an environment of grace. M20’s overall mission is to provide members with opportunities for spiritual growth, to build relationships with women in the same life stage, as well as mentor moms in our group, and to encourage outreach and intentional relationships with moms in the community who do not have a relationship with Jesus.
Here is what Moms can expect when they register for M20: You will be assigned to a table for the monthly meetings and contacted by your table leader. Each table also has its own mentor mom to offer thoughtful advice as we discuss different topics each month or just talk about life. By sitting with the same group of ladies it’s easier to build intentional relationships and get to know one another on a deeper level. Each month different tables sign up to bring breakfast for everyone and we enjoy a time of fellowship before hearing from the monthly speaker. Afterwards, we reflect on what we have heard and also set up playdates.
The M20 leadership team plans one “large group” playdate a month such as going to Quantum Leap, meeting up at a local park, or an Easter egg hunt at the church. We already have a lot of great playdates in the works for this coming year! Also, individual tables often plan small group playdates throughout the month like meeting for lunch at Chik-fil-a or attending community activities together such as the sensory playdate at the public library.
We have full time stay-at-home moms in our group as well as part time working moms! There are lots of opportunities for fellowship and ways to connect with other mothers of children ages 0-5 years and expectant mommas as well in M20! Bottom line- we need each other, no matter what stage of life we are in! I’m so thankful for the ministry of M20 and all the friendships I – and my girls – have formed.
Laura Allman