THE GIRLS’ FRIENDLY SOCIETY IN IRELAND LEADERS HANDBOOK

The GFS (Oak) House, 36 Upper Leeson Street Dublin 4. Central Office Tel/Fax No: +353 (0)1 6603754

PATRONS The Archbishops of Armagh and Dublin

MOTTO BEAR YE ONE ANOTHER’S BURDENS, AND SO FULFIL THE LAW OF CHRIST’ - Galatians 6.2.

‘The purpose of the Society’ To unite for the glory of God in one fellowship of prayer and service, girls and women throughout the world, to promote friendship, and to uphold purity in thought, word and deed.

Prayer of the Society O God our Father, we beseech thee to bless us and all who belong to the Girls’ Friendly Society. Help us to bear one another’s burdens, to live not for ourselves but for others, as members of one family in Jesus Christ; cleanse us from our sins, make us pure and holy by the indwelling of thy spirit, and bring us all to the joy of thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord Amen.

GFS World Prayer O God our Father, we thank you for your goodness, love and mercy to all who belong to the Girls’ Friendly Society world wide. Help us to bear one another’s burdens, as members of one family in Jesus Christ. We ask for your blessings on our members, that we may grow in grace through your spirit. Help us to know in our lives, the joy of your everlasting love through Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord. Amen

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

ORGANISATION ......................................................................... 2

UNIFORM .................................................................................... 2

THE DIOCESE ............................................................................ 2

ALL IRELAND CENTRAL COUNCIL ........................................... 2

OVERSEAS ................................................................................ 2

THE WORLD COUNCIL .............................................................. 2

WORLD PROJECT ...................................................................... 2

LEADER TRAINING .................................................................... 2 Page 1

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

LANDMARKS IN GFS HISTORY ................................................ 2

COMMISSIONING SERVICES ................................................... 2

HYMNS ....................................................................................... 2

PRAYERS AND SERVICES ........................................................ 2

PAST CENTRAL PRESIDENTS ..................................................2

BADGES ..................................................................................... 2

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

ORGANISATION The Branch Branches may be Parochial or Diocesan. a. Parochial Branches can be established only with the approval of the Diocesan President and the Rector of the Parish, who is Patron of the Branch. Central Office provides a small start up grant for Branches. b. Diocesan Branches may provide for senior members when there is no Branch in their own Parish. BRANCH PRESIDENT: • Recommended by Branch Leaders and approved by the Rector. • Must be or become an enrolled member of the GFS. • Must be commissioned as Branch President. • Need not be a leader. • Attends to the general well being of the branch. • Acts as chairman at meetings. • Can attend and vote at Diocesan Council meetings. • In her absence the Branch Secretary takes over the role. BRANCH SECRETARY: • Takes on the role of Branch Treasurer if none appointed. • Appointed at Branch Leaders meeting • Takes over the role of Branch President if none appointed. • Receives and replies to correspondence and passes on articles for GFS Newsletter to the Diocesan Secretary / PRO Officer. • Informs President and all other leaders of all correspondence. • Completes badge forms and requests badges, enrolment cards etc from Diocesan Badge & Literature Secretary. • Notifies Diocesan Secretary in writing re: outings for insurance purposes. • Keeps attendance book which should be retained for 20 years. • Keeps incident book - all leaders should know where this is kept. BRANCH TREASURER: • Appointed at Branch Leaders meeting. Page 3

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

• Keeps financial records. • Pay accounts including Branch President/Secretary/ Treasurer expenses. • Return Annual Forms to Diocesan Secretary/Treasurer which should include each members name, address and section. In all cases bank or other financial institution statements should be in the name of the GFS branch, with three signatures, two of which are necessary to authorise payment. LEADERS: Leaders must be communicant members of the Church of Ireland or of a church in communion therewith. The Bishop/Rectors advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter. Leaders are appointed with the approval of the Rector of the parish. Leaders must be communicant members of the Church of Ireland or of a Church in communion therewith. The Bishop/ Rector’s advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter. • Leaders should be commissioned at a branch church service where they receive a Leaders’ card. • Enrolment services can take place at diocesan or branch level after completion of the induction course. • The Diocesan President must sign all leaders’ cards issued in her diocese prior to their enrolment. • Leaders need to be re-commissioned as they advance through the grades of leadership. All new Leaders are required to have GFS Training. (See section on Training) RECTOR: • Patron of the Branch. • Must grant permission for the removal of a Banner from the Parish Church. • Takes annual Enrolment Service. • Approves Branch President, Leaders, helpers etc. • Ensures all leaders have undergone training in Safeguarding Trust. MEMBERSHIP: The Society consists of the following sections: Page 4

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Junior Candidates 3-5 years Candidates 5-7 years Junior Members 7-11 years Members 11-15 years Senior Members 15-21 years Townsend Members over 21 years. (This section of the society, known as the Townsend Members Fellowship, is named after our founder, Mrs Mary Elizabeth Townsend). The enrolment of a member into each section will be determined by their age on 1st July preceding year of attendance. • • • • • •

G.F.S. PROMISES (1) JUNIOR CANDIDIATE, CANDIDATE AND JUNIOR MEMBER PROMISE ‘I promise, with God’s help, to learn to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and to help other people’. (2) MEMBER AND SENIOR MEMBER AND LEADER PROMISE I ..............(Christian name) promise with God’s help to grow in the knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to be regular in public and private prayer, and to promote friendship and purity of life. BRANCH RECORDS (1) ATTENDANCE REGISTER A Branch Records Book must be obtained from the Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary and must be completed and kept up to date. Records should be kept of each Member and prospective Member giving name, address, date of birth, date of admission to the Society, date(s) moved on to the next section of the Branch, personal details e.g. any medical conditions and a list of adults who have permission to collect a child and space for further information. This register should also note dates of fire drills. This register will also include subscriptions received and must be marked at each meeting even if the attendance is casual. These details will be required when sending dues to the Diocesan Treasurer each year and a photocopy must be forwarded with Annual Dues. It is important that accurate records and registers are kept. (2) ANNUAL RETURNS Once a year the Branch Treasurer will receive from the Page 5

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Diocesan Treasurer, ‘Annual Return’ forms, the completion of which should present no problem if registers are up-todate. The numbers asked for on these returns are required by the Diocesan Treasurer, so that she in turn can complete a form to be returned to the Central Office. The Central Office require statistics from all branches, and it is vital, especially when application for grant is made, that they are presented with as complete a picture as possible of the work being carried out. The Annual Returns also include a section on subscriptions to be paid to Central and Diocesan Funds which include Insurance. A copy of the Attendance Register is to be forwarded to the Diocesan Treasurer with Annual Dues. SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions to Central Funds include Insurance and are determined by Central Council and those to Diocesan Funds by Diocesan Councils. The Branch Treasurer will be kept informed of the amount of the subscriptions in each case. In addition, Leaders will need to estimate the amount of money required to run the Branch, and to calculate the subscription to be paid by each Member and the method of collection. METAL BADGE After enrolment all members of the society are entitled to wear the G.F.S. metal badge. BANNER A Branch may have a GFS Banner. Designs must be submitted to Diocesan Council for approval. All Banners must be dedicated at a GFS Service. As a dedicated gift a banner may not removed from the Church without the Rectors prior consent. LEADERS’ HANDBOOK Each Leader must have a copy of the Leaders’ Handbook and a folder in which to keep the different leaflets which are issued from time to time.

UNIFORM Uniform is worn by all GFS Members including the Branch President and should be worn at all Diocesan Events. Uniform is optional for Townsend Members. The uniform consists of a: Page 6

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

LEADERS Formal:

Navy Suit or blazer/fleece and skirt White shirt with navy tie Flesh coloured tights Navy/Black shoes Hats may be worn by leaders with formal uniform (Navy suit or blazer and skirt) but hats must not be worn with fleeces. Decision as to whether or not hats are worn is made at Diocesan level for Diocesan events and in Central Office for All Ireland events. Casual (Optional):

White polo shirt with GFS logo Navy fleece Navy skirt Navy/Black shoes No hats at any time with casual uniform GIRLS Formal:

Navy fleece White shirt with navy tie Navy skirt Navy/Black shoes White socks or flesh coloured tights Casual (Optional):

Navy fleece White polo shirt with GFS logo No hats for girls at any time. A navy ribbon is worn double and pinned to the top of the left shirt sleeve or fleece if wearing. Cloth Badges which have been awarded are sewn on ribbon. On a tie a 7/21/50 year star is pinned at the top followed by the GFS enrolment badge followed by the GFS Leader badge, or Townsend Badge. An Gaisce / Duke of Edinburgh award badges may be worn at the bottom of the tie. Helpers and Leaders wear appropriate lanyards on the left shoulder of blouse (see below). Central and Diocesan Presidents/Secretaries/Treasurers may wear a badge of office, available through Central Office, on lapel of Jacket / Blazer.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

LANYARDS Helper - Yellow Lanyard and yellow felt on hat Junior Leader - Red Lanyard and red felt on hat Leader - Blue Lanyard and blue felt on hat All Ireland Trained Leader - Green Lanyard, Flash on left sleeve and green felt on hat. Diocesan President - Pale Blue felt on hat Central President - White felt on hat Membership Cards, Badges and lanyards can be obtained only from the Diocesan Secretary or Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary, except where special arrangements are made for them to be supplied from the Central Office. This rule is made to avoid their sale to unauthorised persons. All orders must be paid for on order or before collection.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

THE DIOCESE THE DIOCESAN COUNCIL Diocesan Councils shall consist of: • A President • Vice Presidents • Life Members • Diocesan Secretary • Diocesan Treasurer • Diocesan Missionary Secretary • Heads of Departments as deemed necessary • Branch Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers or their deputies. • Representatives from each branch (the number being decided by the Diocese) • Wife of the Bishop if not included in the above The elections are arranged by the Diocesan Council. Membership of the Council should include Senior Members and Townsend Members. The Diocesan Council is responsible for the formation of any necessary sub-committees. In the event of a vacancy occurring during the term of a Diocesan Secretary/Official, an extra-ordinary meeting of Diocesan Council shall be called and the vacancy filled. In the case of the President, the vacancy shall be filled from list of Vice-Presidents. THE DIOCESAN PRESIDENT The Diocesan President is elected by the Diocesan Council, the outgoing Diocesan President having previously submitted the nominations for the Bishops approval. Her term of office will commence immediately after the triennial elections are declared. Elections to take place in line with Central Elections. Role of the Diocesan President: The President should be a member of the Church of Ireland or of a church in communion therewith and be or be prepared to become a member of G.F.S. The Bishop/Rectors’ advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter. She must be commissioned at a Diocesan Church Service. Page 9

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

• She is entitled to vote at all Diocesan meetings she attends, even if not in the chair. • She has a casting vote at all Diocesan meetings, if necessary. • She may delegate to Vice Presidents or others. • Her expenses are to be met from Diocesan Funds. • She may invite persons not on Diocesan council to attend meetings of that Council, or any other committee or subcommittee meetings. • Member of Central Council in addition to Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer. • Oversee organisation of Diocesan events. • Promote work of GFS. • Visit and speak at branch meetings. • In the absence of the Diocesan President a Vice-President takes over the role of Diocesan President. • Is responsible for seeing Leader induction is carried out. DIOCESAN VICE-PRESIDENTS (4) Role of the Diocesan Vice-President: • Assist and accompany Diocesan President and deputise when required. • Chair meetings or represent President as required in any of her duties. • Have a vote at Diocesan Council Meetings. LIFE MEMBERS Life members on Diocesan Council are: • Former Diocesan Presidents • Other members who are elected by Diocesan Council. • All life members have voting rights on Diocesan Council. THE DIOCESAN SECRETARY Each Diocese has a Diocesan Secretary who is responsible for the keeping of records as well as being Secretary to the Diocesan Council and Committees. In most Diocese the secretarial work is combined with organising, i.e. helping the Branches in the Dioceses, encouraging the formation of new ones and arranging Leadership Training. The Diocesan Secretary supports the Diocesan President and consults with her and Diocesan Council on all matters.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Role • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

of the Diocesan Secretary: Calls Diocesan meetings. Deals with correspondence. Records minutes. Notifies members of services and events etc. in the absence of other Departmental Secretary Sends out Bible papers, syllabus, materials from Central Office in the absence of a Bible Study Secretary. Arranges articles for Diocesan Magazine, GFS Newsletter and publicises events in the absence of a PRO Officer or Press and Publicity Officer. Member of Central and Diocesan Council. Notifies Central Office of all new leaders - information to be supplied by Branch Secretary Notifies the Central Office in writing of all outings within the Dioceses for insurance purposes Submits annual report to Diocesan Council. Takes the role of the Diocesan Treasurer if none appointed. Takes the role of the Diocesan Literature Secretary if none appointed. Arranges Leadership Training in absence of Training Secretary. Arranges Branch Examiners in absence of other arrangements.

DIOCESAN TREASURER Each Diocese has a Diocesan Treasurer who is responsible for all the financial records. Role of the Diocesan Treasurer: • Collects dues and relevant forms from Branch Secretary/ Treaurer and forward to Central Office by 31st May each year. • Collect dues for World Council, travel, fees etc. • Pay accounts including expenses for Diocesan President, Secretary and Treasurer. • Be in attendance at diocesan events and pay travel/speaker expenses etc. • Submit annual financial report to Diocesan Council. • Member of Central and Diocesan Council.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

In all cases bank or other financial institution statements should be in the name of the GFS branch or Diocese, with three signatures, two of which are necessary to authorise payment DIOCESAN BADGE AND LITERATURE SECRETARY Role of the Diocesan Badge and Literature Secretary: • Responsible for obtaining and selling badges, cards, literature etc from Central Office and distributing throughout the Diocese. DIOCESAN TRAINING SECRETARY Role of the Diocesan Training Secretary: • Arranges Diocesan Training in consultation with Diocesan President • Completes and retains Training Register. DIOCESAN CHAPLAIN Role of the Diocesan Chaplain: • Appointed by Bishop or Archbishop. • May mark or assist in the marking of Diocesan Bible Study Papers. • Assists or leads Festival Service, Carol Service, World Day of Prayer and Diocesan Services as required. • Sets Diocesan order of service as necessary. • Dioceses without a Diocesan Chaplain may nominate their Presidents rector as Chaplain. • Invited to attend Diocesan Council. • May Commission or present for commissioning Diocesan Office Holders. DIOCESAN P.R.O. or PUBLICITY OFFICERS • Promotes work of GFS within the Dioceses. • Arranges publicity.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

ALL IRELAND CENTRAL COUNCIL STRUCTURE Central Council shall consist of the following members with power to vote: (1) The Central President and six elected Vice Presidents. (2) Life Members are those nominated by Central Council together with all past Senior and Junior Delegates who represented Ireland at World Council Meetings. If Life Members do not attend Central Council meetings for a 3 year period their name will be removed from the list of office holders. (3) Heads of Departments GFS Missions GFS Project GFS Hous Sick and Convalescent GFS Oversees (4) GFS Diocesan Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers or their deputies with power to vote. (5) Representatives from the Dioceses on the basis of one for every five Branches (or part of five). Branches having over 25 Members shall count as two Branches. (6) Hon. Treasurer (7) Wives of the Archbishops and Bishops currently in office Also the following ex-officio NON VOTING members if not included above: (1) The Central Secretary (2) Central Chaplain (3) The Central Trustees THE CENTRAL PRESIDENT The Central President should guide the work of all departments of the society in Ireland and chair meetings of Central Council and other committees and working parties as required. This is largely a representative position - attending events and services to represent G.F.S., and may involve liaison with CIYD, Youthnet, and other groups. Oversee, guide and monitor secretarial support. In the event of the Central President role becoming vacant, the vacancy shall be filled by a Central Vice-President by postal vote Page 13

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Authority: • The Central President must be a member of the Church of Ireland or a church in communion therewith and be or be prepared to become a member of GFS. The Archbishop/ Bishops advice may be sought where queries arise on this matter. • She must be commissioned at an All Ireland church service by the Central Chaplain. • She can delegate where she feels it is appropriate to do so. • She is entitled to vote at all meetings she attends, even if not in the chair. • She has a casting vote at all meetings, if necessary. • She may delegate to Vice Presidents or others. • Her expenses are to be met from Central Funds. • She may call special meetings as outlined in the GFS Constitution. • She may invite persons not on Central council to attend meeting of that Council, or any other meetings. • She must retire triennially, with an option to serve a second and final term. Unlike other office holders, she may not retire for a three year period and then resume the same position. Main duties: • Visiting Dioceses and Branches throughout Ireland. • Chairing meetings. • Overseeing financial decisions. • Visiting Church of Ireland Training College and other meetings and services to represent GFS. • World Council: Attend triennially, sit on panel to select Junior Delegate, bring reports and greetings, gifts etc. • Attend training days, prize-givings, parents nights etc. Central Vice Presidents (6) Role of the Central Vice Presidents: • Assist Central President and deputise when required. • Chair meetings or represent President as required in any of her duties. • Be elected triennially, with an option to serve one consecutive term. • Have voting rights at Central Council meetings. Page 14

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Life Members Life members on Central Council are: • Central Presidents. • All past Senior and Junior Delegates to World Council provided they remain members of G.F.S. and active members of G.F.S. Central Council. • Other members who are elected by Central Council. • All Life Members have voting rights on Central Council. Central Chaplain Role of the Central Chaplain: • Be invited, not elected, as Central Chaplain but approved by Central Council and the Patrons. • Be invited to all meetings of Central Council. • Take one service of Holy Communion each year at Central Council. • Commission Central President. • Commission All Ireland Leaders and delegates for World Council, as appropriate • Advise on RE in branches and at services and events. • Oversee setting and marking of bible papers. • Contribute to GFS News from time to time. • Pastoral responsibility to visit the girls in Oak House. Central and Financial Secretary: This position is in line with the job description set out by Central Council and is reviewed every three years. Honorary Treasurer: Role of the Honorary Treasurer: • Consult and meet on a regular basis with the Central Secretary to oversee GFS finances. • To make recommendations to Central Council about all matters of income and expenditure. • To seek advice on financial matters as directed by the G.F.S. Central Council in respect of G.F.S. investments. CENTRAL COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENTS The composition, powers and duties of the Council and Departments are set out in the Constitution and Bye-Laws of the Society which may be obtained from the Central Office. Page 15

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

THE OAK HOUSE The Central Office of the Society, is within the house known as the “Oak House” which is at 36 Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4. Members and friends are welcome in the Office during opening hours. The Central Office is responsible for the Central administration of the Society and its finances, the production of its publications, the organisation of All Ireland events, and helps to maintain the Society’s contact with other organisations.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

OVERSEAS The GFS is at work in the following countries: Austrailia, Barbados, Cameroun, England, Gambia, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Korea, Lesotho, Liberia, Newfoundland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Papua New Guinea, The Phillippines, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sri Lanka, USA, Wales and Zambia. The Overseas Department of Central Council consists of all Senior Delegates, normally the Central President, and Junior Delegates provided they remain members of G.F.S. and active members of GFS Central Council. Junior Delegate - Every three years a Junior Delegate attends World Council, along with the Senior Delegate. Central Office will request each Diocese to put forward one G.F.S. member to apply for this position. The Junior Delegates role during this 3 year period will be to: • Coordinate with head of World Project and Central Office in respect of monies received for World Project. • To communicate with the Link Countries • Report yearly to Central Council • Visit Dioceses / Branches and give reports on World Council and World Project during the year following their attendance at World Council.

THE WORLD COUNCIL The World Council of the GFS exists to promote fellowship between Members of the Society throughout the world, by the exchange of ideas and information. World assemblies, camps, exchange visits and correspondence between Members are encouraged. The Council meets every three years when each country is represented by two Members, one of them preferably between 16 and 25 years.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

WORLD PROJECT A World Project is decided at World Council and all Dioceses are encouraged to support the project in prayer and financially. World Projects so far have been: 1958 – 1959 The starting of Branches in Mombasa Diocese 1959 - 1962

Training African Leaders

1962 – 1965

GFS Work in British Guinea (now Guyana)

1965 - 1968

GFS Work in Korea

1969 - 1972

GFS Work in the Philippines

1972 - 1975

Training a Youth Leader in Lesotho, South Africa

1976 - 1981

Training in West Africa - Miss Eva Hales

1981 - 1984

Transkei Project

1985

Owerri Weaving Project

1986 - 1987

GFS Work in West Indies

1987 - 1990

GFS Work in Barbados

1990 - 1993

GFS Training in The Philippines

1993 – 1999

Building a residential unit in Nigeria

1999 – 2002

GFS Training in Papua New Guinea

2002 – 2005

Building a room in the GFS Centre for the activities of GFS in Kenya

THE WORLD DAY OF PRAYER The GFS World Day of Prayer on September 29th, St. Michael and All Angels, is the occasion when all Branches may be linked in prayer.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

A special form of service, for use by branches and Dioceses is produced by a different country each year - this is decided by World Council. Copies may be obtained from the Central Office. The collection at all Branch World Day of Prayer Services should be given to the World Project. WORLD DAY OF PRAYER SERVICE 29TH SEPTEMBER If the special leaflet for this is not used, e.g. if the day is observed at one of the Services on the nearest Sunday, as sometimes is more suitable in parishes, then the Rector should be consulted and asked to relate hymns, lessons, prayers and sermon to the Theme of the Year, allied to the special worldwide significance of the day. It is generally accepted that Members (or Junior Members) read the lessons and take up the collection on that day. At least part of the collection is usually given to the World Project.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

LEADER TRAINING Becoming a Leader One should: • Take the diocesan induction course as soon as possible and have the certificate of completion signed. • Be enrolled at the next branch or diocesan enrolment service and receive a card signed by the Diocesan President. • Have undergone training in Safeguarding Trust. OVERVIEW OF LANYARD SCHEME Yellow lanyard: Enrolled Young Helper. Numbers as deemed necessary by each Branch President/Secretary and approved by the Rector. Aged 14/16 years Red lanyard:

Commissioned leader without training aged 16 or over. Under 18’s not to be left in charge.

Blue lanyard:

Commissioned leader who has attended three full Diocesan training days. (1day = minimum 6hrs)

Green lanyard: Commissioned leader must be nominated by her Diocese, be in possession of a blue lanyard for 3 years and subsequently attended one allIreland week-end training and 1day training. (1day = min 6 hours) It is the responsibility of the diocese to keep a register of leaders and helpers and a record of leaders attendance at training days. CASUAL HELPER • Does not have to be enrolled member. • Should not be left in charge YOUNG HELPER - YELLOW LANYARD (14-16 YEARS) Requirements for commissioning: • Must have acquired at least the Members GFS Knowledge Badge. • Must have basic training with an All Ireland Leader, after which a Certificate of Completion will be signed. Page 20

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Yellow lanyard and young helper badge can be issued at enrolment service. The role of helper is of assistant only. She must never be left in charge. RED LANYARD LEADERS Leaders to be enrolled after completion of induction course, receiving a leader card which is signed by the Diocesan President. Red lanyard and leader badge can be issued at enrolment service. Requirements for commissioning: • Must be at least 16 years - Under 18’s not to be left in charge • Attend branch meetings and help in general duties • Permission of Rector must be sought • Must have acquired at least the Senior Member’s GFS Knowledge Badge • Have basic training with an All Ireland Leader. BLUE LANYARD LEADERS Leaders to be enrolled after completion of trainings receive a Leader card which is signed by the Diocesan President. Blue lanyard and leader badge can then be issued at enrolment service. Requirements for commissioning: • Have completed red leadership training • Attend three Diocesan training days (1 day = minimum of 6 hrs) • To maintain a blue lanyard a leader must attend 3 out of 5 subsequent Diocesan or All Ireland Trainings. GREEN LANYARD LEADERS Leaders to be commissioned after completion of All Ireland trainings received a leader card which is signed by the Central President. Green Lanyard, Flash and leader badge can be issued at commissioning service. Requirements for commissioning: Page 21

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

• Candidates for All Ireland Leaders must be nominated by their Diocese and must already be a blue lanyard leader for a minimum of 3 years. • Must attend one all-Ireland Training week-end and one day training (1day = minimum 6 hrs). • To maintain your green lanyard you must attend 3 out of 5 subsequent Diocesan or All Ireland Training Days. • To assist as required in training of young helpers and leaders.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

LANDMARKS IN GFS HISTORY The Girls' Friendly Society was founded in London in 1875 by an Irishwoman - Mrs Elizabeth Townsend to help lonely girls who came from the country to work in the city. It was the first girls' or women's organisation in the Church of England. It was a society for friendship and recreation in which all girls might share, bound together in a fellowship of Christian love and service. The movement spread rapidly all over England and came to Ireland in 1877 and also to America and Australia about the same time. Now our Society is alive and serving girls and women in all those countries of the world where our Church is to be found. The motto, purpose and prayer have not changed down the years but one generation after another has found fresh inspiration in them. 1877

First meeting in Ireland to make plans to form a GFS here, meeting held in Bray with the Rector and his wife, Archdeacon and Mrs Scott, Countess of Meath, Mrs Alexander (author of many well known hymns, 'There is a Green Hill'. etc.) and Miss La Touche.

1878

First office opened with Miss La Touche as Registrar or Secretary- girls helped to find suitable jobs here.

1880

First GFS hostel and recreational centre opened Molesworth Street, Dublin and later Frederick Street.

1884

Queen Victoria became Patron - sent £50.

1884

Ireland gave lead in starting Candidates.

1885

Emigration Department opened to help girls going to Canada and USA

1900

Queen Victoria visited Dublin and a new GFS Hostel in Rostrevor named after her as a memorial of her visit.

1905

First hostel opened in Belfast.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

1908

Queen Mary became our Patron.

1910

Larger hostel opened in Upper Merrion Street.

1914

Various War work undertaken, Savings Group, Club for War nurses (Q.M.A.A.C.) 'Vigilance' work started. Hospital beds endowed, etc.

1919

Victory Fete held in Mansion House -£1,000 raised to repair Rostrevor Hostel.

1927

Jubilee year, many celebrations to raise money to buy new GFS House. Money presented at a Pageant using 'Oak leaf' symbols. Jubilee Banner of St Brigid presented to St Patrick's Cathedral.

1929

'Oak House' purchased at 34 St Stephen's Green and the organisation moved in there in 1930. GFS had been spreading through the World wherever the Anglican Church was to be found.

1937

Queen Elizabeth became Patron of G.F.S.

1955

England's 80th Birthday there was an International Conference on Isle of Wight and here the 1st World Council was formed and 29th Sept - Feast of St Michael and All Angels - set aside as our annual day of Prayer.

1956

Second World Council held in Les Diablerets. Switzerland (5 Irish Delegates).

1958

Lambeth Conference - GFS World Wide Conference also (3 Irish Delegates).

1959

World Council in Australia. Decision to send GFS Worker to Kenya. This to be World Project until next World Council. Ireland represented in Australia by Ivy Kerr, Kilkenny, Ossory Diocese.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

1962

World Council in Ireland (Dublin) Theme 'Peace through Friendship'. World project British Guiana.

1964

Decision to have training week-ends to enable girls to become All-Ireland Leaders.

1965

World Council in Japan - Beth Irwin. St Barnabas' Branch, Connor Diocese, our representative. World Project - Japan.

1972

World Council in Melbourne, Australia. Our representatives were - Naomi McKinley, St Barnabas' Branch. Connor Diocese, and Kathleen Linnegan, Diocesan Secretary, Derry Diocese. World Project - Lesotho.

1972

Oak House sold and new house bought in Orwell Road, Rathgar.

1973

May - World Chairman and English GFS President Mrs C J Mandleberg addresses Central Council - first time for an English President to do so.

1973

Opening of new Oak House in Orwell Road – Mrs Mandleberg present.

1973

July - A party of Irish GFS, three from each Diocese went to Blacon, Cheshire, for holiday as guests of English GFS.

1975

World Council in London, England. Irish delegates: Hilary Johnston, Harmony Branch, Connor Diocese and Jean Lindsay, Kilmore Cathedral Branch.

1977

Centenary of GFS in Ireland. Opening of GFS Oak House, 36 Upper Leeson Street.

1977

Centenary of GFS in Scotland.

1978

Centenary of GFS in USA. World Council held in Los Angeles – Mrs Beth Mayes appointed World

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Chairman. Helen Trimble, Donaghmore Branch, Armagh Diocese Junior Delegate. 1979

Eva Hales project in Sierra Leone, Gambia and Liberia.

1980

First Leaders' Conference in Greystones, Co Wicklow.

1980

Party of girls from Armagh visit Dublin and Glendalough over Easter weekend.

1981

World Council in Ireland (Coleraine). Theme: 'Go Forward with Love'. Mrs Iwai of Japan appointed World Chairman.

1981

Irish GFS Members at Holiday Camp in Wales.

1982

Leaders Conference held in Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

1984

World Council held in Japan. Our representatives were Mrs. Mary Hinchliff, Central President and Patricia Matthews, Geashill & Killeigh Branch, Meath & Kildare Diocese. Mrs. Dilys Fowler of Wales appointed World Chairman.

1985

GFS supported the Owerri Weaving Project.

1986

All Ireland Conference held in the Theological College. Mrs. Dilys Fowler, World President attended.

1987

World Council in Wales. Our representatives were Mrs. Mary Hinchliff, Central President and Lorna Beattie, Magheralin Branch, Connor Diocese. Mrs. Subuola Thompson of Sierra Leone appointed World Chairman.

1988

All Ireland Training Week-ends in Carrig Eden, Greystones and The Theological College. Ireland published the World Day of Prayer Service.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

1989

All Ireland Camp in Villiers School, Limerick. Members from England and Wales attended. England also hosted a Camp which Irish members attended.

1990

World Council in Sierra Leone. Our representatives were Mrs. Olein Gyles, Central President and Hazel Codd, Tullow Branch, Cashel & Ossory Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Joy Parkin of New Zealand appointed World Chairman.

1991

All Ireland Camp held in Rathdown School.

1992

Live Broadcast of Holy Communion from RTE on Sunday 26th April.

1993

World Council in New Zealand. Our representatives were Mrs. Olein Gyles, Central President and Alison Burnside, Donaghmore Branch, Armagh Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Joy Epton from England appointed World Chairman.

1996

World Council in England. Our representatives were Mrs. Maeve Hannon, Central President and Tanya Woods, Billis Branch, Kilmore Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. Nobantu Makunga of South Africa appointed World Chairman.

1998

World Day of Prayer service sheet produced by Ireland.

1999

World Council in South Africa. Our representatives were Mrs. Maeve Hannon, Central President and Anne Healy, Cloughjordan Branch, Killaloe Diocese, Junior Delegate. Mrs. June Hillier from Australia appointed World Chairman.

2000

Millennium Services held throughout the country. An All-Ireland Service of Thanksgiving held in St. Patricks Cathedral, Dublin on 7th May.

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2001

All-Ireland Conference for Diocesan Presidents, Secretaries, and Treasurers in the Theological College – 23rd-25th Feb.

2002

125th Birthday Celebrations : All- Ireland Camp in Kilkenny College from 4th to 7th April; 9th May – 12 GFS members visit the President of Ireland, Mrs Mary McAleese at Aras An Uachtarain; 19th May – A Service of Celebration was held in St. Patricks Cathedral; 23rd June -Live televised service from RTE

2002

World Council in Australia. Our representatives were Mrs Emila Corrigan, (Central President) and Junior Delegate, Suzanne Henry, Christ Church, Lisburn, Connor. Mrs Adele Ray, USA appointed World Chairman

2003

All Ireland Conference in the Theological College, Dublin, 20- 22 June.

2003

All Ireland Training Day in Emmaus Centre, Swords, 17-19 October

2004

All Ireland Training Day in Castleknock Parish Centre, 20th March

2004

All-Ireland Camp – Wesley College, Dublin – 15-18 May

2005

World Council in Pennsylvania, USA. Our representatives were Mrs Emila Corrigan, (Central President) and Junior Delegate, Elaine Grothier, Tullow branch, Cashel & Ossory. Ruth Choi, Korea appointed World Chairman

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

COMMISSIONING SERVICES SERVICE OF COMMISSIONING OF DIOCESAN PRESIDENT, BRANCH PRESIDENT OR GFS LEADER Prior of commissioning as Diocesan President, Branch President, or GFS Leader person who has not already been enrolled as member must do so before being commissioned. This should be used in conjunction with a GFS Service. The Rector shall say: You have been called to be President/Leader of the Girls’ Friendly Society in this Diocese (Branch), will you try to uphold the Christian standards of this world-wide Society, and to extend God’s Kingdom? Response: I will try to do so, the Lord being my helper. Rector: In the name of Christ we welcome you to serve in the Church as President / Leader of this Diocese (Branch). May the Lord preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth for evermore. Amen. Let us pray: Remember, O Lord, what you have wrought in us, and not what we deserve; and as you have called us to your service, make us worthy of our calling; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FORM OF ADMISSION FOR SENIOR MEMBERS OR MEMBERS To be used during a Church Service At the appointed time, the Leader brings those to be admitted to stand in a row at the Chancel Steps. Then the Rector shall say: Rector: Do you wish to become a Member of the Girls’ Friendly Society?’ Answer: I do.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Rector: Have you considered that in doing so you are pledging yourself anew, to the Christian way of life, of worship and service within The Church? Answer: I have. Rector: I call upon you now to make your promise. (The promise shall be made individually.) Member: I .......(Christian name) promise with God’s help to grow in the knowledge and love of Our Lord Jesus Christ, to be regular in public and private prayer and to promote friendship and purity of life. Rector: (Handing her card of Membership) I welcome you as a Member of our Society. This card is a token of your Membership. May God bless you in your life and in your work. Then the GFS Prayer shall be said. FORM OF ADMISSION OF JUNIOR CANDIDATES, CANDIDATES AND JUNIOR MEMBERS This should take place during a Church Service. At the appointed time the Leader brings those to be admitted to stand in a row at the chancel steps. Then the Rector shall say: Rector: Do you wish to become a Junior Candidate/Candidate/ Junior Member in the Girls Friendly Society? Answer: I do. Rector:

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

Will you try to keep the promise you are going to make? Answer: I will. Rector: (to each individual) Will you now make your promise? Each girl (in turn): I promise, with God’s help, to learn to love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ, and to help other people. Rector: (giving her card of membership to each child) I welcome you as a Junior Candidate/Candidate/Junior Member of our Society. This card is a token of your admission. May God help you to keep your promise. Then the Lord’s prayer is said, followed by the Grace, all together. The above short forms of admission should be part of a service in which the psalms, lessons, hymns and prayers have been carefully chosen to suit the occasion in consultation with the Rector.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

HYMNS MEMBERS’ HYMN Jesus calls us! O’er the tumult of our life’s wild restless sea day by day his sweet voice is sounding saying, ‘Christian, follow me’: as of old, apostles heard it by the Galilean lake, turned from home and toil and kindred, leaving all for his dear sake. Jesus calls us from the worship Of the vain world’s golden store, from each idol that would keep us, saying, ‘Christian, love me more’. In our joys and in our sorrows, day of toil and hours of ease, still he calls, in cares and pleasures, ‘Christian, love me more than these’. Jesus call us! By your mercies, Saviour, may we hear thy call, give to you our hearts obedience, serve and love you best of all. Amen. JUNIOR MEMBER’S HYMN Jesus, Friend of little children, be a friend to me; take my hand, and ever keep me close to thee. Teach me how to grow in goodness, daily as I grow; thou hast been a child, and surely thou dost know. Step by step, O lead me onward, upward into youth; wiser, stronger, still increasing Page 32

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

in thy truth. Never leave me nor forsake me, ever be my friend; for I need thee, from life’s dawning To its end. CANDIDATES’ HYMN Jesus show us how to serve thee, Make us good and pure and true, Make us kind to one another, Show us loving things to do. Keep our lives from sin and danger, May we choose the heavenly way, Looking up to God our Father, Praying to him every day. Thou wilt bless and help thy children, As we learn to fight with wrong, For we serve beneath thy banner, And thy love shall be our song. MISSIONARY HYMN In Christ there is no east or west, in him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love, throughout the whole wide earth. In him shall true hearts everywhere, their high communion find, his service is the golden cord, close-binding all mankind. Join hands then, brothers of the faith, whate’er your race may be! Who serves my Father as a son, is surely kin to me. In Christ now meet both east and west, in him meet south and north, all Christly souls are one in him, throughout the whole wide earth. Page 33

The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

SERVICE FOR THE DEDICATION OF A BANNER A Hymn The Banner shall be carried into the Chancel while the Rector reads these sentences: O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. He brought me into the banqueting house, and His Banner over me was Love We will rejoice in His salvation: and in the name of our God we will set up our Banners. Those who carry and accompany the Banner shall say: We ask that our Banner may be received as a token of our love and loyalty to Christ. We ask that it may stand in His House as a token of our desire to worship and serve Him. We offer Him this Banner, which has been made beautiful for Him, and we pray that He will inspire us to make beautiful things for His Glory. The Rector shall receive the Banner and say: In Christ’s Name I receive this Banner of the Girls’ Friendly Society. Be sure that He welcomes all that is sincere and beautiful in your offering, that He accepts your worship and service, and that He will use your love and loyalty in His cause. Keep faithfully in mind that you have been signed with the sign of the Cross in token that you shall not be ashamed to fight manfully under his Banner against sin, the world and the devil. The rector turns to the Communion Table Receive this Banner, O Lord, which Thy servants here bring to Thee, to be dedicated in Thy Name; and pour forth Thy blessing

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

on the Girls’ Friendly Society, that its Members be, in very truth, united for Thy Glory. The Banner is placed in the Chancel Psalm 96 The Banner bearers return to their places The Lord’s Prayer The G.F.S. Prayer Let us pray for Courage, Goodness and Love O Christ our Lord, under Whose Banner we are pledged to fight against the world, the flesh and the devil, grant to us, and to Thy whole Church, courage to overcome evil with good, darkness with light, hatred with love so that Thy kingdom may come, when Thou, O Christ, shall triumph over all. We ask it for Thy love’s sake, Amen. God, the source of all beautiful things, we thank you for our Banner, and we pray you to give us such vision and skill that we may be able to make things beautiful and acceptable for your honour and glory, for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen Hymn The Grace As a dedicated gift a banner may not be removed from the church without the Rector’s consent. Insure proper insurance is in place for your banner.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

PRAYERS AND SERVICES SUGGESTED FORM OF PRAYER FOR A SENIOR MEMBERS’ OR MEMBERS’ MEETING Leader: We have been thinking about ..... at our meeting tonight. There is a passage in St. Luke’s Gospel that tells us something about this. Let’s listen to it now. Bible Reading. Leader: Hymn number ..... talks about this too. We’ll sing verses ... Leader: We try to remember now that we are in God’s presence. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth. or Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. or Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise his Holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Prayers related to the theme ... by the Leader. GFS Prayer ... all together. The Lord’s Prayer ... all together. The Grace ... all together.

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

A SUGGESTED FORM OF PRAYER FOR A JUNIOR CANDIDATES’, CANDIDATES’, OR JUNIOR MEMBERS’ MEETING Leader (with children in a circle) - We will stand very quietly now for a moment. (Pause) Jesus, high in glory, Lend a listening ear, When we bow before thee, Children’s praises hear. or Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. or Every day I will give thanks to you, O God, and praise your name for ever and ever. Today we will think of all the good thinks God gives us (or sick people, or holidays, or our parents, etc., etc.). Hymn number ... is a thank-you hymn to God. We will sing verses ... Now I will read some verses from the Bible about thanking God. They are from one of the great songs of the Bible called Psalms. We sing (or say) one of these psalms in Church every Sunday. This is from Psalm number … (e.g. Psalm 147 verses 7,8,9). Now we will say a thank-you prayer to God (e.g. Hymn 629 ...) We will say our GFS Prayer together ... The Prayer which Jesus taught us ... The Grace ...

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

PAST CENTRAL PRESIDENTS 1878 – 1891



Countess of Meath

1895 – 1926



Baroness Holm Patrick

1926 – 1933



Hon Gorgiana Dillon

1934





Mrs. Gregg

1935 – 1944



Miss Florence Ross Todd

1945 – 1949



Miss Arnold Harvey

1950 – 1957



Mrs. Phyllis Bewley

1957 – 1963



Mrs. Mercy Simms

1963 – 1968



Mrs. Joan Pike

1969 – 1975



Mrs. Audrey Buchanan

1976 – 1981



Mrs. Beth Mayes

1982 – 1987



Mrs. Mary Hinchliffe

1988 – 1993



Mrs. Olein Gyles

1994 – 1999



Mrs. Maeve Hannon

2000 – 2005



Mrs. Emila Corrigan

1892 - 1894

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The Girls’ Friendly Society in Ireland Leaders Handbook

BADGES

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