A group for mothers, activities for families, Bible studies for adults and programs for children and teens are all being offered at the Birdsboro campus of Moving Communities to Christ (MCC) Church. All events are free and open to the community.

Family Nights, which are themed "Eat, Pray, Learn and Play!" and started on Sept. 10, are held every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Each session begins with dinner from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. "Each week it is something different, and the dinner is by donation," said Lynnette Hess, MCC Birdsboro campus director and relationship/events coordinator. Past dinners have included pulled pork sandwiches and baked spaghetti.

All attendees enjoy dinner together, after which separate programs are offered for different age groups. There is a nursery area for infants up to age 2, a preschool program for children ages 3 to 5 and elementary groups for students in kindergarten through grade six.

"The 3- to 5-year-olds are working on a curriculum. It's learning Bible stories and Bible songs. It is playtime with learning mixed in," Hess stated. "Grades kindergarten through six also have a curriculum. There are lessons, games, (a time to) play and snacks. They have the whole upstairs sanctuary and (rotate) between different stations."

Programs for adults are also offered during Family Nights. "For this semester, we have two adult groups. (One is) a coed group that (is studying) the basics of the Bible. There are also fun games (and) icebreakers," Hess pointed out. "The other group is called Operation Unshackled. That's an educational group on human trafficking - how to recognize it and report it."

Also offered is a teen lounge for teens to hang out and socialize.

In addition, Mom Co., which stands for Moms in Community, meets at the church on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Formerly known as MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Mom Co. is a community of mothers who share ideas and support one another in raising children.

According to http://www.themom.co, the organization rebranded from MOPS to Mom Co. in 2023. The new name was chosen to be more inclusive, reflecting the group's mission to help moms with children of all ages, including expectant mothers.

TCYM (Totally Committed Youth Ministry) is a ministry for teenagers in grades seven to 12 that meets at the church on the first and third Fridays of each month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. "It provides many opportunities for our teens to grow in their faith while forming lifelong friendships," said Hess, noting that food, lessons and games are part of each meeting. "It's usually high energy like most youth groups."

MCC Birdsboro is currently preparing for its fourth annual Light the Night event on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. The community will be able to stop at the church and take a break from trick-or-treating to enjoy a free warm meal.

The MCC campus is located at 144 S. Walnut St., Birdsboro. Sunday services are held at 4:30 p.m. For more information about church activities, visit www.facebook.com/MCtoChrist or www.wearethatchurch.org.