Anika Engelkemier – Parker, Colorado …  Known as “Mothers of Preschoolers,” MOPS is a group of women who LOVE moms. Newday Adventist Church is launching a MOPS group and expanding the group to include moms of all ages and in all seasons of life–from expecting mamas to empty-nesters! We exist to resource, empower, and equip moms in our community to do the good and hard work of motherhood. Through community, prayer, and good food, the hope is that moms will leave each MOPS meeting feeling refueled and ready to go.

Newday Adventist Church is excited to reach out to moms in the Parker community and surrounding areas. We are coming out of a long season of loneliness and are ready to offer a safe space to develop true friendships and community.

Søren Kierkegaard, a 19th-century theologian and poet, wrote “People settle for a level of despair they can tolerate and call it happiness.” This is the year we no longer settle for tolerable despair, but instead, dream bigger, risk greater and love better. And the way we’re going to do that is through the company we keep. We’re here to remind you that having your people by your side is not a perk of living a giant, beautiful, juicy life; it’s a prerequisite.

It’s time to toss out any notion that we must do any of this alone, that it’s “too late” to create an abundantly rich group of girlfriends or that the pace of life leaves no room for meaningful connection. Instead, we’ll take in something new, something God is always using to reach out to us–deep relationships.

Having a genuine, supportive, honest group of female friends in your circle is one of the biggest life upgrades. If you desperately want this kind of friendship, but it feels hard to come by, you’re not alone. Community is such a cliché concept, but the truth is, we are all pretty desperate for it. We know it will make our lives better, and yet finding friends as adults can feel intimidating. Despite our best efforts, we seem to be in the midst of a loneliness epidemic.

At Newday MOPS, we will pursue friendships where we aggressively believe in each other, pray for each other, and believe the other deserves the world. If you’re ready for a community like this, then you belong here. Your best days are ahead of you. We are going to be here cheering you on. Kids pastor at Parker, Anika Engelkemier, says, “What you can’t do alone, we can and will do together.”

Organizers say there is space for moms in all seasons of life, from expecting to empty nesters. Beginning with January 19, 2023, meetings are scheduled on the 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings at Newday Adventist Church (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) with dinner provided for moms as well as childcare. To register, link https://forms.gle/YmjVxodVnjpXtS3f9

–Anika Engelkemier is Parker Adventist Church Kids Pastor.