GFS Membership

GFS Branches
GFS Branches are groups of girls, lead by a Leader-in-Charge and her team, who meet weekly at a local church. Each branch runs a variety of activities suitable for the age and interests of the girls and includes Christian teaching.

Within a branch/group, membership may include:

  • Teddy Bears (years K – 2)
  • Juniors (years 3 – 6)
  • Intermediates (years 7 – 9)
  • Seniors (years 10 -12)
  • Cadet Leaders (age 16+)
  • Leaders in Training (age 18+)
  • Leaders (age 18+)
  • Townsend Members (age 18+)
  • Life Members (awarded)

New members may be welcomed to the organisation using an approved GFS Sydney order of service at a branch/group meeting or church service.

Affiliated Groups
Other groups which are not identified as GFS branches can also be linked to GFS Sydney. These groups may include both boys and girls. Suitable age appropriate activities are provided which also include Christian teaching.
These groups may be known as:

  • Playgroup
  • Kids Plus
  • Kids Club
  • Other groups with different names may also be affiliated.

Townsend Fellowship
The Townsend Fellowship consists of Townsend Members. The Townsend Fellowship meets on special occasions for fellowship, worship and social events.
Townsend Members can meet for:

  • fellowship and social activities,
  • worship and prayer support,
  • practical assistance for GFS Sydney.

This assistance may be to:

  • organise fund-raising events for GFS and for missions
  • prepare items suitable for sale
  • visit those who are not able to attend gatherings
  • assist in the running of GFS Sydney events

GFS Sydney Membership
GFS members and 18+ years are eligible to join GFS Sydney. GFS Sydney membership fees are determined by GFS Sydney and are payable annually.
Generally adults members are known as Townsend Members.

GFS Sydney members receive:

  • quarterly GFS Sydney Newsletter and prayer diary which keeps you up to date
  • caring pastoral care team
  • friendship
  • opportunities to help others
  • voting rights at GFS Sydney meetings
  • access to programs and resource material from website
  • access to the GFS Sydney facebook group where members share ideas
  • invitations to GFS Sydney activities
  • leader training
  • prayer support from membership

Life Membership
Life membership can be awarded to GFS Sydney members for outstanding service to GFS Sydney.

GFS Australia Membership
GFS Diocesan members can apply for membership of GFS Australia. GFS Australia membership fees are determined by GFS Australia and are payable annually. GFS Australia members are eligible to attend GFS Australia events and the Australian Council. Those in attendance can vote at GFS Australia meetings.

GFS Australia members receive:

  • Australian and World GFS Newsletters
  • GFS newsletters from other Dioceses
  • voting rights for Australian Council

GFS World
Each GFS member country may send a Senior Delegate and a Junior Delegate to each World Council. The National Chairman of GFS Australia is the Senior Delegate. The Junior Delegate is normally chosen from members between 16 – 30 years of age. Other GFS members may attend as observers.

World Link Countries
The countries which make up the World Council of GFS are linked together in groups. The groupings are revised at each World Council. The aim of linking countries is to offer prayer support, exchange ideas and share resources where possible.
Australia is currently linked with:
NEW ZEALAND, PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND SOLOMON ISLANDS

More information can be found in the GFS Sydney Constitution, Policies and Procedures found on our GFS Administrative Documents page

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