What is The Girls Friendly Society?

                    

 

Girls Friendly Society (GFS) is an Episcopal ministry for girls, age 5 and older, that teaches girls about the Bible and Christian behavior through fellowship meetings and fun activities in a safe and positive setting.

Our ministry develops the whole girl through friendship, service, and learning activities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit. We teach Episcopal traditions and history. Regular meetings enable GFS leaders to make a true impact on our member’ growth as Christians.

We offer a four level program of study and highly encourage parish and community service. As girls progress through the program, they have opportunities to participate in national and world-wide GFS activities, earn scholarships and ultimately become devoted church women.

Our Mission

The mission of Girls Friendly Society is to provide a program to support the growth and development of girls within the Episcopal Church. Members accept the Christian faith and seek to serve God and extend his kingdom through fellowship, worship, study, service, and play .

Our Motto

Bear Ye One Another’s Burdens and so Fulfill the Law of Christ Galatians 6:2

Since 1877, members of GFS have supported each other as they grow in Christ by meeting together in God’s love, studying the Bible, and serving their church and community.

The GFS Promise

As a GFS member, I promise…

To share God’s love for all people,
To worship and serve faithfully,
To make my words true, and my actions right,
To grow strong in mind, body, and spirit,
To make the world a better place to live.

 

The GFS Prayer

O Lord, Our Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to Bless us
and all who belong to the Girls’ Friendly Society.
Strengthen and protect us by thy Fatherly love,
and vouchsafe to us the guidance of Thy Holy Spirit.
Help us all to bear one another’s burdens and to live,
not for ourselves but for others,
as members of one family in Christ.
Cleanse us from our sins,
make us holy by the indwelling of The Holy Spirit,
and bring us all at last to the joy of thy heavenly kingdom,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
AMEN

 

Friendship Circle Hymn

This song is sung at the end of every meeting. The members, leaders and parents form a circle, holding hands crossed in front of each other and sing:

Bless our friendship circle, may it grow and grow,
Blessing all within it, as we homeward go.
(Sing to tune of Hymn #42, 1982 Hymnal)