November Newsletter MOPS

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Page 1 Mission Control: Where Super Moms Get Their Ideas November 2009 “Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20 Being thankful on Planet Mom Being thankful on Planet Mom Being thankful on Planet Mom Being thankful on Planet Mom Diapers. Lots of dirty diapers. And, whining – about things like who gets to get into the car first and how snack was sup- posed to be brown Goldfish crackers, not orange Goldfish crackers. Messiness, the kind that requires the Costco sized box of Magic Erasers. Tantrums, public ones in which the body of the child drops to the floor and becomes completely double jointed, making picking him up without ap- pearing abusive out of the question. The grating voice of Dora as she goes shouting through the rainforest, totally uninhibited by any form of parental supervision. The in- ability to eat even the tiniest morsel of food without having to share it. Occupying a living space with unruly little beings that seem to suffer from severe CNLS (Chronic Non-Listening Syndrome). The list could go on and on. If Planet Mom had a complaint box, I am sure it would be filled with grievances such as these. Oh, there are good things as well, to be sure. But, with the demands of a home and small children bearing down on me, I often find myself feeling trapped on an un- tamed planet populated by hostile aliens ready to take me captive at any moment and make me their slave for life! With al- most all of my time, attention, and energy being consumed by life on this crazy planet, I can easily lose sight of the truth about my circumstances: they are CIRCUMSTANCES. By definition, a circumstance is a tem- porary, conditional event that changes when the surrounding conditions change. One minute, life is great; the children are all singing worship songs as they dance gaily around their makeshift Noah’s ark, fashioned out of a laundry basket and every stuffed animal they own. Within sec- onds, the circumstances can drastically change – child A almost accidentally touched the stuffed Nemo fish owned by child B, sparking a throw down of such epic proportions that the neighbor thinks that your family is being attacked by a mob of maniacs and calls the cops. No sooner does the melee begin than the children are distracted by the siren’s call of the Backyar- digans, and peace is once again restored. Yes, Planet Mom is a tempestuous place. Conditions are never predictable. What a comfort then that we have a loving Lord and protector who will never allow more into our lives than we can handle. I am convinced of this when I read 1 Thessaloni- ans 5:18: “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” You may be confused as to how this par- ticular scripture assures me that the Lord will never demand more of me than I can bear, especially given the picture I have pre- viously painted of our harsh, maternal planet. The key, for me, lays in just one, tiny little word: in. If He had said, “be thankful for all circumstances,” I might not be so certain. But, God is not asking me to be thankful for the annoyances of life. Rather, I am to be thankful, despite my ever-changing circum- stances, for those fixed truths that I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can stand firmly on in the midst of ANY storm. Here are just a few to meditate on and be thankful for: I am God’s child – John 1:12 Christ will never leave nor forsake me – Hebrews 13:5 God gives me grace and mercy in my time of need – Hebrews 4:16 I am a citizen of heaven – Philippi- ans 3:20 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13 For every one of the complaints detailed above, there are dozens of God’s precious promises for which I can be thankful. It comes down to remembering day by day, moment by moment to treasure His love for me, notwithstanding the chaotic climate of Planet Mom. Inside this Issue: Being Thankful - 1 Results Are In- 2 Space Team- 2 Classifieds - 3 Operation Christmas Child -4 MOPS Reminders -5 Kids in the Kitchen-6 Steering Spotlight-6 Mentor Mailbag -6 Space Craft -7 Branson Photo - 8 MOPS Dates - 8 $5 Childcare Night-8 Celebrations - 9 T-Shirts - 9 Rocket Science- 10 Discovery Toys - 11 Cartoon - 11 Bible Verse- 11 Remember: Next meeting is November 10th

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Branson PM MOPS Newsletter

Transcript of November Newsletter MOPS

Page 1: November Newsletter MOPS

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Mission Control: Where Super Moms Get Their Ideas November 2009

“Where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.” Matthew 18:20

Being thankful on Planet MomBeing thankful on Planet MomBeing thankful on Planet MomBeing thankful on Planet Mom

Diapers. Lots of dirty diapers. And, whining – about things like who gets to get into the car first and how snack was sup-posed to be brown Goldfish crackers, not orange Goldfish crackers. Messiness, the kind that requires the Costco sized box of Magic Erasers. Tantrums, public ones in which the body of the child drops to the floor and becomes completely double jointed, making picking him up without ap-pearing abusive out of the question. The grating voice of Dora as she goes shouting through the rainforest, totally uninhibited by any form of parental supervision. The in-ability to eat even the tiniest morsel of food without having to share it. Occupying a living space with unruly little beings that seem to suffer from severe CNLS (Chronic Non-Listening Syndrome). The list could go on and on. If Planet Mom had a complaint box, I am sure it would be filled with grievances such as these. Oh, there are good things as well, to be sure. But, with the demands of a home and small children bearing down on me, I often find myself feeling trapped on an un-tamed planet populated by hostile aliens ready to take me captive at any moment and make me their slave for life! With al-most all of my time, attention, and energy being consumed by life on this crazy planet, I can easily lose sight of the truth about my circumstances: they are CIRCUMSTANCES. By definition, a circumstance is a tem-porary, conditional event that changes when the surrounding conditions change. One minute, life is great; the children are all singing worship songs as they dance gaily around their makeshift Noah’s ark, fashioned out of a laundry basket and every stuffed animal they own. Within sec-onds, the circumstances can drastically change – child A almost accidentally touched the stuffed Nemo fish owned

by child B, sparking a throw down of such epic proportions that the neighbor thinks that your family is being attacked by a mob of maniacs and calls the cops. No sooner does the melee begin than the children are distracted by the siren’s call of the Backyar-digans, and peace is once again restored. Yes, Planet Mom is a tempestuous place. Conditions are never predictable. What a comfort then that we have a loving Lord and protector who will never allow more into our lives than we can handle. I am convinced of this when I read 1 Thessaloni-ans 5:18: “be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” You may be confused as to how this par-ticular scripture assures me that the Lord will never demand more of me than I can bear, especially given the picture I have pre-viously painted of our harsh, maternal planet. The key, for me, lays in just one, tiny little word: in. If He had said, “be thankful for all circumstances,” I might not be so certain. But, God is not asking me to be thankful for the annoyances of life. Rather, I am to be thankful, despite my ever-changing circum-stances, for those fixed truths that I, as a follower of Jesus Christ, can stand firmly on in the midst of ANY storm. Here are just a few to meditate on and be thankful for:

• I am God’s child – John 1:12 • Christ will never leave nor forsake

me – Hebrews 13:5 • God gives me grace and mercy in

my time of need – Hebrews 4:16 • I am a citizen of heaven – Philippi-

ans 3:20 • I can do all things through Christ

who strengthens me – Philippians 4:13

For every one of the complaints detailed above, there are dozens of God’s precious promises for which I can be thankful. It comes down to remembering day by day, moment by moment to treasure His love for me, notwithstanding the chaotic climate of Planet Mom.

Inside this Issue: Being Thankful - 1 Results Are In- 2 Space Team- 2 Classifieds - 3

Operation Christmas Child -4

MOPS Reminders -5 Kids in the Kitchen-6 Steering Spotlight-6 Mentor Mailbag -6 Space Craft -7

Branson Photo - 8 MOPS Dates - 8

$5 Childcare Night-8 Celebrations - 9 T-Shirts - 9

Rocket Science- 10 Discovery Toys - 11

Cartoon - 11 Bible Verse- 11

Remember: Next meeting is November 10th

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The Space Team Coordinators: Tennille Michel ~ 417.335.4807 Mary Blackwood ~ 417.335.5437 Finance: Meoldy Alms ~ 417.561.2602 Publicity: DeAnna Sheets ~ 417.880.9936 Prayer & Care: Amy Wilhoit ~ 417.336.9822 Hospitality: Jen Cooper ~ 417.496.6133 Renea Daniels ~ 417.339.3335 MOPPETS: Teresa Boyd ~ 417.634.0381 Jenine Conway ~ 417.239.0632

Service Coordinator: Teresa Boyd ~ 417.634.0381 Craft Coordinator: Hollie Holderfield ~ 417.263.0484 Small Group Coordinator: Kelly Skoglund ~ 404.819.6527 Mentors: Carolyn Loften ~ 417.336.5487 Peg Welte ~ 417.335.2525

Small Groups Leaders: Jordan Miller ~ 417.230.5072 Sarah Matthews ~ 417.334.58.12 Sara DeLawder ~ 417.230.2811 Stacy McNeill ~ 417.336.1111 Kara Swofford ~ 417.336.1937 Maryann Riveros ~ 417.336.8706 Vanessa Hogan ~ 417.335.3785 Kathy Morgan ~ 417.339.4108 Kim Matthews ~ 417.230.6409 Kami Biedenstein ~ 417.348.0695 Tami Guerin~ 417.880.7370

The Results Are In. . . . MOPS Poll 2009

Favorite Season

Fall= 56.8% Spring= 13.6% Summer= 29.% Winter= 0%

Favorite Holiday

Christmas= 81.3% Thanksgiving= 11.6% Halloween= .023% St. Patrick’s Day= .023% Easter= .023% Favorite Type of Chocolate?

Milk= 61.4% Dark= 25% White= 13.6% Favorite food at Thanksgiving?

Turkey=27.3% Stuffing=29.5% Ham= 6.8% Sweet Potatoes= 18.2% Desserts= 18.2% Free time favorites? Date Night= 81.8% Girls Night Out= 11.4% Soak in Tub= 4.5% Watch T.V.= 2.3%

Visit the Branson PM MOPS website and sign up on the side for e-mails to be noti-fied of any new postings.

www.bransonpmmops.blogspot.com

Be thinking about some-Be thinking about some-Be thinking about some-Be thinking about some-one you need to nomi-one you need to nomi-one you need to nomi-one you need to nomi-nate for a Marvelous nate for a Marvelous nate for a Marvelous nate for a Marvelous Mom Award! Mom Award! Mom Award! Mom Award!

What has someone done What has someone done What has someone done What has someone done that touched your life….that touched your life….that touched your life….that touched your life….

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I want….I Have MOPS Classified

Do you have something you don’t want anymore? Are you looking for a bargain? Send your I wants….I haves…..to DeAnna Sheets at [email protected] or fill out a card at the registration table. Do you have a need that MOPS may be able to fulfill. Fill out a confidential I want, I have, I need card and drop it off at the

registration table.

I want. . . . . . .

*Inexpensive 19” used televisions (contact Kim at 527-7770) *Dora & Diego items (contact DeAnna at 417-880-9936) *Toddler Bed (contact Renea at 339-3335) *Full Size Bed (contact Renea at 339-3335)

*Stroller for 2 toddlers (contact Peg at 339-7791) *Brand New red and white tricycle (contact Peg at 339-7791) *Magneetos 72 piece set (contact Sara at 230-2811) *Diego 123 Board Game (contact Sara at 230-2811) *Veggie Tales Play Dough (contact Sara at 230-2811) *8.5 tan/cream Jessica Simpson heels

(contact Sara at 230-2811)

I Have Continued . . . . .

*Baby Einstein Baby’s Favorite Place (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Baby Einstein On the Go (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Baby Einstein Baby McDonald (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Baby Einstein Baby Noah (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Summer/Spring Boy Clothes Up to Size 2T (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Boy Shoes Various Sizes (contact Amy at 336-9822) *Complete Nursery Set (green, blue and yel-low) (contact Peg at 339-7791 *Tony Lama’s Ostrich cowboy boots size 12 D (contact Peg at 339-7791) *Leapfrog ABC Radio (contact Sara at 230-2811) *Eddie Bauer Puppy Dog Harness Backpack

(contact Sara at 230-2811) *Navy Blue Double Recliner (contact Sara at 230-2811) *Samsung Blackjack II PDA (red) phone with

chargers (contact Sara at 230-2811)

I Have. . . . . . .

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Operation Operation Operation Operation Christmas ChilDChristmas ChilDChristmas ChilDChristmas ChilD

Instead of a craft this month we will be preparing shoeboxes and mailing them for Opera-tion Christmas Child.

Here’s How it Works:

-Decide if you want to create a shoe box for a girl or boy. -For added fun get your kids in on it also or the whole family. -Go shopping it doesn't have to be expensive in fact you could buy a lot of the items at the dollar store. We need you to have enough items to fill your box 2/3 of the way full and then MOPS can take care of the rest. Below is a list of items to include and items NOT to include, please make sure to read through before purchasing. Bring your items to MOPS and we will help get boxes packed. Special thanks to Stacy for making sure we have all the boxes we need!

**GIFT IDEAS TOYS small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky®, etc. SCHOOL SUPPLIES pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc. HYGIENE ITEMS toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, wash-cloth, etc. OTHER Hard candy and lollipops (please double bag all candy), mints, gum, T-shirts, socks, ball caps; sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries) A PERSONAL NOTE In a separate envelope, you may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.) DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans More info can be found at: http:www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

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MOPS RemindersMOPS RemindersMOPS RemindersMOPS Reminders

MOPS MOPS MOPS MOPS Christmas Christmas Christmas Christmas

Expo Expo Expo Expo Do you have items that you would like to sell at the next MOPS meeting? If so contact Melody at 417.561.2602 or [email protected] If you don’t have a table then make sure to bring the checkbook because there will be lots of goodies set up to shop around. Let’s get some Christmas shopping knocked out!

We are always collecting community cash and Harter House receipts!

Family O

rganizer

s $10

Long Sleeve $12

Short Sleeve $10

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Kids in the Kitchen

Name: Amy Wilhoit Position on Steering Team: Prayer & Care Kids Names & Ages: Graham (4), Briggs (2) What sweet treat can you not resist? Chocolate Covered Coffee Beans What did you do differently in your life before you became a mom? Fly by the seat of my pants! Dinner-out , golfing, jump in the car-road trips with my hubby, TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL.

Which celebrity or band did you have a crush on when you were young? Kirk Cameron What is relaxing to you? Full Body Massage What is something you'd like to learn how to do? Make Stained Glass and Pottery What's your favorite fruit? Blueberries What are some of your favorite mov-ies? Aladdin, Parent Trap, St. elmo’s Fire, Pretty in Pink

Spotlight on Steering

QUICK AND EASY QUICK AND EASY QUICK AND EASY QUICK AND EASY

SMOOTHIESMOOTHIESMOOTHIESMOOTHIE

Ingredients Needed: -1 Cup 100% nothing added fruit juice -1 Cup Plain, vanilla or fruited yogurt (without fruit in the bottom) Directions: Place yogurt and juice in lidded container/cup and shake until mixed very well. (You could even let your child help with the pouring and with the shaking)

Handmade Thanksgiving Turkey Treats Ingredients Needed:

3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 package (10 oz., about 40) regular marshmallows 6 cups Rice Krispies® Canned frosting or decorating gel Assorted candies Directions:

1. Trace your handprint onto cardboard. Cut out. Set aside. 2. In large saucepan melt butter over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted. Re-move from heat. 3. Add KELLOGG'S RICE KRISPIES cereal. Stir until well coated. 4. Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 15 x 10 x 1-inch pan coated with cooking spray. Cool slightly. Using knife coated with cooking spray cut around handprint pattern. Decorate with frosting and/or candies, using thumb portion of cut-out for turkey head and finger portions for turkey tail feathers. Best if served the same day.

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Space Craft

MOPS Moms, There are so many mixed feelings for me on this because I really struggled with it when my own children were small. If I could do it over again I would have stayed home with our three children and built family traditions of our own because now as adults all they remember is the tug of wars between the traveling times don't get me wrong they enjoyed their time with their cousins we just don't have memories in our own home. We would celebrate every other year with my side of the family. One Thanksgiving we would celebrate Christmas at Thanksgiving and then the next switch to Christmas so my brothers could all then go to their in-laws. Their were five of us and it worked until the oldest nieces and nephews were in high school and their sport schedules changed us to the next plan. It wasn't until my kids were in high school that I realized I wished I had stayed home with them and started our own traditions. Talk with your husbands and pray for what values and holiday traditions you want to start. You'll never regret it. -Peg Splitting Thanksgiving and Christmas with other families was a new concept for me. When my boys married, "the other People" wanted their turn for holidays. Loy and I decided to have Christmas anytime the kids could get home. That usually meant "the other people" got Christmas Day. Thanksgiving we just alternated each year. This is a special time for you and your immediate family as well. Children love tradition and you will have to have your own. You and your husband decide about your family first. It is a pain to carry all their toys and have them at someone else's house. So Christmas Eve or Christmas Day is yours. You can choose to go to one's parents, but the other family gets a shot as well. Swap Thanksgiving and Christmas with each of them every year, but not nec-essarily on the day. Brothers and Sisters can help, but don't neglect your family holiday. -Carolyn

As it comes close to the holiday season instead of getting ex-cited I start to worry about traveling and trying to split my families time between the in-laws and my family. What ad-vice can you give moms who have to split their time between families.

This section is reserved for a few craft ideas you can do with your kids at home. Most use regular household items. Do you have a great craft idea you used with your kids? E-mail DeAnna at [email protected] to share your idea with our group.

Provide a large box, then have your child place a piece of paper inside. If the box is significantly larger than the paper, tape down the edges with masking tape. Next, give your child a handful of marbles (supervise carefully if young children will be participating in the activity; Ping-Pong balls may be more appropriate). Your child cov-ers the marbles with tempera paint, then places them on the paper in the box. As he or she shakes the box, the marbles will create interest-ing swirls and patterns. Encourage experimentation: Perhaps your child might introduce one marble at a time or place the marbles in the four corners of the box be-fore beginning the shaking action.

Marble Paint

Using marbles as a painting tool can put a new twist on art projects. Materials: • Cardboard box • marbles or Ping-Pong balls • tempera paint • paper • masking tape Directions: Here's a new twist (or more accurately, shake, rattle, and roll) on painting that your child is sure to enjoy.

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MOPS FUNDRAISER with BRANSON PHOTO

Call Tennille at (417) 335-4807 to schedule your appointment today!

Possible Dates: Nov 7, 11, 12, 13, 14 Dec 10, 11, 12

Your choice of Studio & Outdoor. Studio fee is $10, Outdoor fee is $20.

*Some exclusions apply due to weather. This fee includes a free 8x10 photo of your

choice! Family & Children shots available.

**MOPS Moms have the opportunity to sell the photo setting fee and will be included in a little friendly competition to receive free photos!

(Contact Tennille if you want to sell!)

$5 ChildCARE $5 ChildCARE $5 ChildCARE $5 ChildCARE Do you need some extra time to get Christ-

mas shopping done or just need a night out

with your husband?

Well then this is the opportunity for you. The

steering team and small group leaders will be

providing childcare for your kids.

What: Childcare and Pizza for your kids while

you shop!

Where: First Baptist Church- Branson

When: December 11th from 5:30-9:00

Cost is $5 per Child Cost is $5 per Child Cost is $5 per Child Cost is $5 per Child

with a maximum of $10 with a maximum of $10 with a maximum of $10 with a maximum of $10

(3 kids is just $10)

MOPS DATES MOPS DATES MOPS DATES MOPS DATES

2009200920092009----2010201020102010

November 10th December 8th January 12th

February 9th (MOPS & POPS) February 23rd (BONUS NIGHT)

March 9th April 13th May 11th

Don’t forget to grab a magnet for your fridge and some invite a friend cards or business cards to hand out to invite

friends to MOPS.

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Birthdays:

November

5 Denise Bryan 6 Jennifer Engel 15 Cara Conway

New Arrivals:

Don’t forget to pray for all the pregnant mommies and mommies

wanting to be pregnant.

T-Shirt Orders We have not ordered t-shirts yet since we are waiting for replies from some sponsors. If you would like to order a shirt you can do it at the next meeting. Long Sleeve- $12 Short Sleeve-$10

Front Logo of Shirts

Anniversaries:

November

5 Paul & Tennille Michel 5 Greg & Autumn Moody

9 Michael & Sonia Carter

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Rocket ScienceRocket ScienceRocket ScienceRocket Science Is mothering more of a science or an art? Either way, moms have so many tricks up their sleeves that even a rocket scientist would be impressed! So let’s share our resources this year. Some areas of thoughts for tips could include: staying organized, being green, saving money, date ideas, area activities, family traditions, or how to teach your kids about Jesus in your everyday life. Whether it is parenting, cleaning, or cooking, let’s help each other out with great tips that have worked for us!!

When my daughter was 2 1/2 and still had a binky which she called her bite, we loaded up and went to build a bear to build a "Bite Bear". Yes she

placed her bites in the bear and gave it love with a few sniffles but no tears and she could still feel her bites in the bear which made her happy!

When she asked for her bite I gave her the bear. I was a very smooth transition as she still had her

bites to feel in her bear! Hollie Holderfield

You know how kids hate the crust, right? I cut the crust off and save it in a plastic baggie in the freezer. Whenever we have pasta for dinner, I take it out and pour in some garlic powder and melted butter, close the bag and shake it up. Cheap and easy breadsticks, plus you're not wasting food. -Maryann Riveros

Always order water when we go out to eat! It's a huge money-saver. I didn't used to like it, but I got used to it! -

Stacy McNeill

When my 5 yr old is playing video games with friends or with daddy, my little one wants to play so bad that he is constantly trying to grab the con-trollers, so I give him on that is not connected to the game and he thinks he is playing too. -Jenine Conway

Have a mini cleaning kit in the car in small rubbermaid tub that you can fit under the seat to al-ways have on had for car spills,

etc.

-Sara DeLawder

Get plastic hooks to put on the wall in your kiddos closet that you can hang scarves, hats etc on their level they can reach and yet still learn responsibility of putting things away

when they get home.

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Sara DeLawder Discovery Toys Educational Consultant

417-230-2811 [email protected]

Over 30 years of top of the line educational toys and games that teach and challenge your children. Chil-dren love the toys so much, they don’t even realize they are learning! Create a love for learning while playing with your kids! Great specials and hostess plan. Contact me to host a party place and order!

www.discoverytoyslink.com/saradelawder

Discovery ToysDiscovery ToysDiscovery ToysDiscovery Toys

Special thanks to Sir Speedy who takes care of all of our printing and copying needs.

Visit them online at: http://www.sirspeedy.com/

Next Next Next Next Meeting Meeting Meeting Meeting November November November November

10th 10th 10th 10th

Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus

Christ,

-Ephesians 5:20 ESV

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Branson PM MOPS

DeAnna Sheets-Publicity 640 Eiserman Street Branson, MO 65616

What to Expect at the November Meeting

• Food provided by the following groups: Sarah/Sara, Jordan, & Kathy • Small Group Discussion Time • Put together Shoeboxes (come with 2/3 of the items already in it) • Shop at our Christmas Expo • Pickup Fall Directory and Newsletter if you want a printed copy!