Covenant News

MOPS Program Fosters Spirit of Renewal

MURPHYS, CA (October 12, 2005) - A Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) chapter has contributed to the renewal of Sierra Bible Church, the Evangelical Covenant Church in this community.

Although the ministry began seven years ago, the effects became obvious this year for the congregation with an average attendance of around 60 individuals. The congregation's fall kickoff was held recently with 20 moms and 29 children participating.

The children's ministry takes place at the church, while the moms gather at the Old Schoolhouse across the street. As the number of families participating has increased, ministry space at the church has become a wonderful problem. Pastor Russ and Carol Ogren helped with a solution to the problem by moving out of the parsonage September 1 into a house across town - the parsonage has since been converted to Christian education space. The pastor says he has been encouraged to see the people from the church get involved in the reconstruction work on the parsonage.

The presence of these young families and children has had a positive effect on Sunday morning worship attendance and the general life of the church, the pastor says, and has greatly contributed to the church's future. Ogren credited the success of the program to Alice Branstrom, who founded the chapter and is the longtime Christian education coordinator.

To learn more about the program, call 209-728-3021 or email the pastor at sierrabible@goldrush.com.

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