Each member should be encouraged to contribute financially to Women’s Ministries.
Any WM group may establish a custodial account where money is directly deposited into the corps financial books.
All money received must be counted and checked by two unrelated, responsible persons, then handled according to territorial policy.
Any financial grant made to the corps funds from any WM group fund must be done in full consultation with the local officers/lay leaders of the WM group. Any transaction must be done with the consent of the officer/corps administrator and with the endorsement of the Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries.
A brief financial report should be given monthly or quarterly to each group that has an account.
An up-to-date inventory of equipment should be kept. These items are WM property and may not be borrowed without permission.
Every WM group is to participate in two annual projects: Territorial and Divisional.
The corps officer/officer-in-charge/corps administrator and leaders of the Women’s Ministries Groups(s) are together responsible to ensure that accounting for group finances is carried out in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
The Salvation Army USA Western Territory HOME LEAGUE
While Home League is a Women’s Ministries program, it is an international fellowship with specific required guidelines.
MOTTO “I will live a pure life in my house…” (Psalm 101:2b, Good News Bible).
FOUR-FOLD AIM
The four-fold aim is central to the Home League. In order to reach the objectives of the Home League program successfully, the programs must be varied and interesting, thus maintaining the attention of the members and attracting new women. To ensure balance, variety and interest, the program must include these four elements:
Worship – to encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity to receive Christ (that we might know more of God and His will concerning us)
Education – to enhance personal and family life skills, and inform of social and moral issues affecting the community, the nation, and the world (that we might improve our skills and develop our powers of thought)
Fellowship – to nurture wholesome relationships and foster meaningful fellowship (that we might share in happy Christian comradeship)
Service – to produce active participation in giving and doing for others in the corps, community, nation and the world (that we might learn to know the joy of giving and doing for others)
PURPOSE
The fundamental purpose of the Home League is:
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation, and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
HOME LEAGUE MEMBERSHIP
Person Eligible
After attending Home League meetings for a minimum of four weeks, not necessarily consecutively, women fourteen years of age and over, whether married or single, saved or unsaved, are eligible for membership in the Home League.
Recruitment of new members should be ongoing by all members of the Home League.
Membership Card & Pin
Upon enrollment each member receives a membership card and is eligible to wear either the Home League or Women’s Ministries pin, not both at the same time. Either pin should be presented to each member at the time of her enrollment. The membership card, duly signed and supplied by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, should also be given at this time. Membership cards and pins may be available from the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary office or through Tradewest.
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
Members are encouraged to attend Home League meetings and activities regularly.
A woman who attends Home League meetings in two corps should be recorded as a member of one Home league and a visitor of the other.
Men who attend Home League meetings should not be recorded on the Home League roll but their attendance may be counted.
WEEKLY DUES
Each member and prospective member is encouraged to pay weekly dues determined by the Corps Home League. This is a contribution only. When any member is unable to make the usual contribution, this must not prevent her from being welcomed at and participating in the meetings.
ROLLS
An official Home League members’ roll should be kept by the Home League Recorder, always available to the Home League Secretary and Corps Officer or other authorized person and brought up-to-date annually at a meeting of the Women’s Ministries review and revision team. Upon enrollment the names, addresses and enrollment dates of the women must be entered into the database.
It is important to have a record of the address and phone numbers of every member. Birthdates and other important data are helpful so that cards may be sent and special days acknowledged. When working with groups, it is important to have emergency contact names and numbers. Some HL groups have their members and regular attendees fill out forms requesting this information. The forms are kept in a binder and available whenever the group meets. It is updated on a yearly basis or as changes occur.
REVISIONS OF CORPS HOME LEAGUE ROLLS
The Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary, or her representative, will review the records of every Home League annually, in the presence of the corps officer/officer-in-charge/corps administrator, the Home League Secretary and other local officers as available. The Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries will ensure that this review takes place in accordance with territorial policy. (See Procedures for Removal of Home League Members under this section).
Home League Records
The official membership and visitors record book is kept by the Record Sergeant (Home League Recorder if warranted). This should include those members who are interested in the Home League but unable to attend meetings because of ill health, infirmity or personal reasons.
Home League funds are kept in the corps custodial account, in accordance with Salvation Army policy.
A minute book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Where necessary, a history book should be kept by the Record Sergeant.
Membership cards are issued by Divisional Headquarters.
An up-to-date inventory of Home League equipment should be kept.
Procedures of Removal of Home League Members
According to USA National and Territorial guidelines for the Home League, names may be removed from the Home League rolls of members who have:
Passed away
Moved away
Transferred to another League
Requested removal
Been absent for at least twelve (12) months, provided the member has been visited and every effort has been made for her return
In cases other than death or transfer, every effort must be made to contact the member being proposed for removal through one of the following ways:
Telephone call
Letter
Personal visit
HOME LEAGUE MEETINGS
Meeting Content
The Home League Secretary is responsible for meetings as planned by the Quarterly Planning Council. Meetings will include worship, education, service and fellowship, in accordance with the fundamental purpose and national objectives of Women’s Ministries. Regular meetings should include:
A devotional period
Announcements of the corps
Invitation to members and their families to attend corps activities Meetings may include:
Enrollment service
Worship programs that encourage spiritual growth and give opportunity for the women to receive Christ
Educational programs dealing with such concerns as social, moral or ethical issues; information on practical matters, such as health and family issues; crafts and home management
Fellowship programs that include informal celebrations of birthdays, holiday observances, etc.
Service programs that give members opportunity for active participation in helpful projects for the corps, community, nation and the world
Suggested meeting procedure (the format is flexible; variety is the key)
A warm welcome
Introduction of visitors
Devotions
Business
Recording of attendance and dues – weekly
Finance report – monthly or quarterly
Committee reports as necessary
Announcements
Program feature
Courtesies
Refreshments
Benediction
The format used for meetings in many leagues is to rotate the four program emphases (worship, education, fellowship, service) on a weekly basis. In other leagues the four elements are carried out in each meeting. There is no set pattern. It is important to remember that the four elements should be implemented in program planning.
DISCONTINUING A HOME LEAGUE
Discontinuation of an established Home League will need approval from THQ. Corps Officers contact the DWMS for the proper guidelines.
Rest? Who has time for rest? It seems like we have a go go go world, with a do-do-do mentality and are labeled lazy if we take any time for rest each week. Or maybe that is all in our minds. God specifically tells us to take a sabbath day and rest. And who is the best example of that, God himself. On the seventh day, he rested. Not only did he rest, but he also blessed that day and made it holy.
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works just as God did from his.” Hebrews 4:9-10.
I remember as a young girl that Sundays, Sabbath Days, were truly Sabbath days. While Mom and Dad had a lot to do at the corps, the in between was rest. We didn’t go to a restaurant. We didn’t shop at the stores, and outside of the ministry at church, we came away from things that could distract us from being focused on God. We came home, had a meal together and found time to connect as a family, share and yes, take an afternoon nap.
If this is not something that we practice regularly, what does Sabbath rest even look like? There are many ways we can observe Sabbath. For the Christian, we gather for worship with fellow believers and praise the Lord through songs, scripture and teaching. There are other ways such as prayer, solitude, journaling, reading and reflection, so many different ways to connect with the Lord.
If this is new, at least the deep, reflection and awareness that we are to truly take sabbath, then where do we begin? I would suggest prayer be your starting point. Find a place where you are not distracted by the world, set your phone and any other electronics aside, and sit and be still in the presence of the Lord. You don’t always have to speak, begin by listening. And find yourself in conversation with God. You may only have questions when you first start. That’s ok, ask Him, He is listening. There may be some days you don’t have any words at all, that is ok too. I believe in those moments God wants to speak to our hearts. As you do this more and more often, you will find that the time goes quickly and that there is never enough time to sit and be still and listen to the still small voice of God speaking to you. Sabbath.
Some of you may know that I love the ocean. Walking along the beach and listening to the waves brings me peace. Where is that for you? Perhaps it will be in the tall trees of the forest, or the garden full of blooming flowers. And for some it may be in your prayer closet. Wherever that may be for you, find it, make it a regular practice. Step away and find solitude with God. Sabbath.
If I asked for hands to be raised for our writers out there, I know there are several. Journaling may be for you. I personally have struggled to keep consistent in putting my thoughts down on paper. It rolls around in my mind but putting pen to paper has been something I have tried off and on for years. Journaling can be a wonderful way to put your prayers and concerns down for you to go back to and to see where God has been blessing.
Recently, my Mom was promoted to Glory. I have always known that she has lists of prayers that she kept in her bibles, next to her bed, where she did her devotions, etc. In going through her things, I found some of them. Our family was always on each list, with our names, the specific prayer and the date that they were answered. My heart was so full reading these. I knew this was how she prayed, but to see it on paper made my heart leap for joy. Perhaps God is calling you to write things down, to put it in pen the thoughts of your heart and the prayers of the people God has entrusted you with. You can find rest and solace in this. Sabbath.
Whatever way you feel God is calling you to Sabbath with him, do it. Lean into His presence and find true rest in God alone.
“Truly my soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.” Psalm 62:1
I pray that you take time for Sabbath. Find rest in Him and be rejuvenated and refreshed by your time away with God.
What if what we traditionally think of as a “program” is actually just a community?
Flourishing in life doesn’t always come naturally, but it has a greater chance to when a place is created for a gathering, where women come together, and find just what they need for life: connection, belonging and community.
What does gathering look like if you focus on building community around needs, interests, or seasons of life?
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/linkedin-sales-solutions-IjkIOe-2fF4-unsplash-1-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:31:282023-10-03 11:31:33Defining What We Value
A new and fresh design for a ministry to women has to begin with an assessment of what has been done in the past – whether it is working well and bearing incredible fruit for the Lord or needing a new and fresh start. We need to ask the question of what is working or not working in reaching the women in our communities.
Gather your ministry to women leaders and work through these questions together. This is a key time to assess what already exists for women in your corps and what needs a fresh and innovative approach to ministry.
Dream BIG! What does a vibrant and flourishing ministry look like to you? If you had all the resources you need, what would you do with them to attract and meet the needs of women in your communities?
What ministry does your corps offer women? Who are the women that come? What are their interests? Why are they coming? What needs do you meet for them?
Who are the women that do not come anymore? Is there anyone in the corps that is still in contact with them? Has anyone visited them or sent them an invitation to a ministry to women event or meeting?
Who are the women that come to other corps activities, but not to a ministry to women event or meeting? Be honest, why haven’t they come? What unmet needs might they have?
Who are the women who surround The Salvation Army in your communities? Is there a shelter, an apartment complex nearby with moms, or older adults? What are the unmet needs of female clients that visit our social services? Who are the moms with kids that come to youth activities? What are their unique needs?
What are the age demographics of your city? Is it primarily retirees, young people, working moms, others?
We don’t usually “ooh” and “awe” over the beautiful look of tree roots. We don’t always see them and even when we do, they’re not always beautiful but boy are they essential to growth and flourishing! Without deep roots, the plant dies. Roots need space to expand and that’s why sometimes if a plant is left in a small pot, it can get root bound. The growth is stunted, and you never see the real beauty because it’s not given room to grow. However, transplanting the plant to a larger pot can work wonders! It’s amazing the growth and beauty that can happen as a result!
As we engage in ministry to women, there is a good lesson here for us. If our ministry to women is to grow and flourish, we need our roots to go deep in Christ. Our purpose in programming, while it includes fun and fellowship, is ultimately to lead women into a deeper relationship with Christ. A program with deep roots is one with a rich spiritual focus.
As women of The Salvation Army, it is vital that we take the opportunity to assess our own emotional, physical, and spiritual health on a regular basis. Flourishing in life starts with caring for ourselves well so that we can care for others well. It is vital to assess where we are in these areas and make a reasonable plan for how to be a loving, wise, and mindful steward of ourselves and others.
Healthy Work/Life Balance:
Be honest with where you think you’re at emotionally, spiritually & physically. Are there any of these areas in need of nurturing, rethinking, and refreshing?
Do you have a healthy work & life balance? If not, how can you adjust your daily life to be more balanced?
Does your time with God feel balanced and spiritually filling for you?
Can you set (and keep) boundaries that are healthy and reasonable?
Do you have time for rest and renewal?
In what ways do you take time to refresh and restore your soul on a regular basis? Is this enough or do you need to add something else that’s life giving?
Daily time with God that isn’t rushed and feels like a relationship, not a daily duty
Spiritual retreats (one day or weekends)
Sharing a meal with family & friends
Time to journal your thoughts & feeling
Walks, hiking, the beach or being out in nature
Play music & dancing, worship
Prayer walks just with you and God
Exercising in ways that you enjoy
Down time with your spouse or close friend
Do you have a mentor or close friend to support you when:
Heavy emotions are weighing you down
Life throws you a curve ball and stress is running high
You’re losing your joy for life and ministry
You need accountability to maintain a balanced life
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jeshoots-com-2vD8lIhdnw-unsplash-scaled.jpg17072560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:29:452023-10-03 11:29:50Healthy Work/Life Balance for Soul Care
Women’s Ministries is the umbrella term that covers all ministries offered to women in The Salvation Army, which includes Home League and Women’s Ministries Outreach Groups.
Fundamental Purpose – Women’s Ministries Mission
To win women for Christ, encourage spiritual growth, and provide Christian fellowship
To promote a purposeful life
To work toward the betterment of the home, the community, the nation and the world
To recruit soldiers and link families to the fellowship of believers
Aim Women play a vital and definitive role in shaping society through their influence in the home and family. The aim of any Women’s Ministries program is to provide Christian fellowship and practical help that will benefit not only the individual and her family, but also the nation.
Programming of meetings and activities should be varied and informative and include the four-fold purpose of:
Worship Education Fellowship Service
Expectation A variety of Corps programs can be used to win women (and their families) for Christ, to minister to their needs, and to encourage their spiritual development. Among these: the Home League is unique in that common requirements must be followed to ensure its international unity and maintain the worldwide fellowship.
Minimum Standards – 24 combined Home League and Women’s Ministries meetings Observance of Women’s Sunday, Annual Meetings and World Day of Prayer Involvement – Corps, World Services, Territorial, Divisional, Corps Projects (financial/in-kind)
Where there are several women’s group leaders, one should be appointed as the corps Women’s Ministries Secretary.
Spiritual: Intimate relationship with God Sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit Jealous for God’s honor, not her own Devoted to prayer & Bible study Committed to God and His Word Committed to personal growth
Working: Regular Attendance & Support of Corps Team Player Wears Salvation Army uniform (if soldier) Faces and deals with issues Thinks before acting (…or speaking!) Serves, motivates, and can delegate to others
“Truly, the best thing any of us have to bring to leadership is our own transforming selves.” Ruth Haley Barton ~ Strengthening The Soul of Your Leadership
https://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/christina-wocintechchat-com-Q2W7KdULXaE-unsplash-scaled.jpg17092560Beth Desplanckehttps://usw-womensministries.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/uswLogo-300x75-300x75.pngBeth Desplancke2023-10-03 11:28:032023-10-03 11:28:05Qualities of a Leader
