Our mission statement says it best:
North Mac Moms is a Christ-centered ministry of First Baptist Church of Virden focused on supporting and empowering mothers in the North Mac area through fellowship, faith, and friendship.
When the John Parrish family joined us in 2011 as a pastor with a young family, we began to be motivated in a different way. We have had a Wednesday night supper and ministry open to local area children for many years and we discussed the needs of the families tied to those children, many of which are single moms. We wanted to give those women and other local moms a resource to grow in their faith and share in the struggles they face on a day to day basis. It's been hard to find the right equation that works, so we keep trying to evolve and change. Lately we've discovered that helping at local events such as helping to bring back the Chamber's abandoned Easter Egg Hunt is a way to bring awareness to our group's efforts and goals.
What kind of support does North Mac Moms offer moms?
➥ We have a tent at local festivals that is offered free of charge for nursing moms to have a private area where they can nurse. There's a changing table and supervised toddler play area where little ones can get out of that stroller and have some fun of their own. For the last three years we have worked with the Virden Area Chamber of Commerce to organize and run two of their biggest Country Christmas events. We have sponsored women's Bible Studies complete with child care that are open to all, and even brought in special guest "mom" speakers that have faced incredible challenges and obstacles. We have all at one time or another attended together and been inspired by the women's conference "Hearts at Home" and are excited that it has made a comeback this year and will attend as a group in March.
How many women are members of the group?
➥ 10-12 active members
Is there an age range of women who are members?
➥ We have young mothers and grandmothers, single moms, and though none currently attend, we encourage any woman who has played a part in the life of a child they love (which of course is almost every adult woman) to join us as well.
When and where does the group meet?
➥ Most of our meetings are held at First Baptist Church in Virden, 157 W. Jackson---and just like a mom's schedule, we have no regularly set meeting date-just whatever works for the most of us. Some of the Bible studies are held in our homes as it makes for a more comfortable place to open up and share.
How is the group funded?
➥ We have small fundraisers, and by donations, or sometimes a special offering.
