Junior Home League Guidelines

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The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE PROGRAM

Junior Home League is a self-esteem development program for girls, ages 11-15 years old. It provides insight to personal improvement and skill building.

WHERE DID JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE BEGIN?

It all commenced in 1967 when a concerned Officer’s wife had the interests and needs of young girls in her Corps at heart. Would a Junior Home League be the answer? This exciting idea was presented to the Territorial President of Women’s Organizations in Canada (at that time Mrs. Commissioner C. Wiseman), who readily accepted the suggestion – and thus the Junior Home League was born in the Canadian Territory and it spread like a flame throughout the Territory.

MEMBERSHIP

When a prospective member is ready for entry into full membership a special ceremony should be held when the Member receives her Pledge Card and makes her promise. The whole aim and purpose of the group is to provide a link to full acceptance as a Home League Member. The Junior Home League member can, if desired, become a Home League Member when she reaches the age of 14 years. If so, then Membership can automatically be transferred. The Junior Home League member can, however, defer her transfer until a later date if desired.

ROLLS

A separate Register should be secured for the Junior Home League group. Cash records should be kept separate, but, with agreement of the Corps Officer, the Home League Treasurer could be responsible for making bank deposits or withdrawals.

LOCAL OFFICERS

Local Officers for Junior Home League, such as a Junior Home League Secretary and Junior Home League Secretary is encouraged. Other positions can be commissioned/warranted as necessary.

MEETINGS
These can be held weekly, bi-weekly or monthly according to need and local circumstances. The day and time should be planned to suit the majority of prospective members.

Meetings ought to provide FAITH … FUN … FELLOWSHIP … FOOD. In addition, there should be an opportunity for growing – some learning experience, personal improvement, self-development, that challenge as well as stimulate interest.

ENROLLMENT

A special ceremony is suggested for the enrollment of Junior Home League Members. The Junior Home League members have their own Pledge Card – and it brings its own peculiar thrill to stand before an earnest group of young girls, some of who have never had any connection with a church before, look into their fresh, sincere faces reflecting the glow of the candles nervously in their hands and hear them repeat their pledge and then pray … “God … give me strength and guidance that I may carry out this pledge.”

JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE ENROLLMENT SERVICE

A table is set up with a beautiful cloth, an open Bible (modern translation) a Home League flag and a Salvation Army flag, and a large white candle. Sufficient candles for the new members are supplied. The large candle is lit at the commencement of the enrollment.

(Supply young people with details of portions to be read in unison)

As the names of the young people are read, they take their places at the front, standing in a semi- circle around the table. Their leader and the Officer stand at the opposite ends of the semi-circle.

(The Officer conducts the enrollment. This enrollment may also be conducted in a Senior Home League Meeting).

OFFICER:
The Salvation Army Home League is one of the largest women’s organizations in the entire world, and it is a privilege to welcome girls into this fellowship. They are the Home-makers of the future and we believe they appreciate the Christian emphasis in the home and will endeavor to practice Christian precepts in their daily living.

The Jr. Home League Motto is “With goodwill, doing service.”

The Home League Program is four-fold and these young people before us will tell us what this program means to them. –

(Young people read in unison)
WORSHIP: In Worship we will seek the guidance of God, our Heavenly Father, in all the decisions we shall have to make in the days that lie ahead, and we will attend a place of worship whenever it is possible.

FELLOWSHIP: We believe in Fellowship well planned; in social life, good entertainment and an out-stretched hand to all, no matter what their race, color or creed.

EDUCATION: Education is wide in its scope and involves not only the gathering of facts in order to pass an examination, not only acquiring skills and crafts but should direct our whole attitude to life and people.

SERVICE: We are called upon to serve wherever there is a need; in our home, in our Church, in our community and faraway places of the world. We give practical aid to the poor, the lonely and the discouraged, and we engage in Missionary and local projects for the good of others.

CHARGE: As Jr. Home League members I charge you to uphold the ideals of the Four-fold program of the Home League and support the Seniors and share fellowship with them.

YOUNG PEOPLE: We light a candle signifying that we believe in Jesus the Light of the world who gave Himself to disperse the darkness of sin and bring peace to every heart.

(The girls light candles and then repeat the Pledge from their cards) (Leader hands out Pledge Cards)

JUNIOR HOME LEAGUE PLEDGE

As a member of the Jr. Home League, I promise to the best of my ability to promote its four-fold purpose.

WORSHIP: I will seek to honor God daily

FRIENDSHIP: I will seek to be kind and understanding at all times

EDUCATON: I will seek to “think” beyond the confines of my own life and circumstances

SERVICE: I will endeavor, in some small way, to be of service to others

I now ask God to give me strength and guidance that I may carry out this pledge.

Suitable Song and prayer by Corps Officer or Home League Secretary

Junior-Home-League-Womens-MinistriesDownload

Women’s Ministries Special Events

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The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
MINISTRIES TO WOMEN SPECIAL EVENTS

WOMEN’S SUNDAY
It is encouraged that every corps feature Women’s Ministries Sunday within a program year (October-September). The purpose of the day is to inspire and celebrate the women of your women’s ministries groups and recognize the various women’s ministries groups.

a. This annual event may be extended to include:

  • a rally to which representatives of other women’s groups (Army and non-Army) may be invited
  • other special programs, such as music, drama, film
  • a celebration of family

b. Women’s Sunday also provides an opportunity for women who belong to Women Ministries groups but who do not normally attend Sunday worship to hear and respond to the message of salvation.

Plans for the observance should be made at the planning meeting. Home League members and Women’s Ministries group participants should be used in the meeting(s).

A narrative report of special activities is included in the Quarterly Narrative Report. In recording statistics, it is to be noted that Women’s Sunday attendance should be recorded as senior corps activities and are not to be entered as Women’s Ministries statistics.

DIVISIONAL EVENTS
All divisions must hold at least one camp, conference, retreat, or rally per year focused on the specific needs of women. Home League local officers and members and Women’s Ministries Group participants should be encouraged to attend these events. The programs are designed to be beneficial spiritually, mentally, and socially.

LEADERSHIP INSTITUTES
Leadership institutes sponsored by the division will be planned by the Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary annually or bi-annually or according to the needs of the division. Corps-sponsored leadership training sessions are also encouraged. It is expected that all local officers, leaders and potential local officers and leaders be encouraged to attend to take advantage of these opportunities.

Special-Events-for-Womens-MinistriesDownload

Women’s Ministries Financial Guidelines

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The Salvation Army USA Western Territory
FINANCE

  1. Each member should be encouraged to contribute financially to Women’s Ministries.
  2. Any WM group may establish a custodial account where money is directly deposited into the corps financial books.
  3. All money received must be counted and checked by two unrelated, responsible persons, then handled according to territorial policy.
  4. 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.
  5. A brief financial report should be given monthly or quarterly to each group that has an account.
  6. An up-to-date inventory of equipment should be kept. These items are WM property and may not be borrowed without permission.
  7. 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.

Finance-InformationDownload

Home League Guidelines

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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.

Home-League-Womens-MinistriesDownload

Defining What We Value

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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?

Adult Literacy

Baby Care

Bible Journaling

Bible Study/Mentoring

Book Club

Budgeting for Home

Coffee & Canvas

Coffee & Conversation

Cooking

Crafting

DYI Saturdays

Exercise

Foodies

Gardening

Healthy Living

Ladies Night Out

Literature & Lattes

Mom’s & Tots

Movie Night

Pinterest Party

Quilting Club

Recovery or Support Groups

Single Moms Club

Spiritual Gifts Assessment

Strength’s Finder

Supper Club

Vocational Training

Walking/Hiking Club

Defining-What-We-ValueDownload

A Fresh Assessment

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Are we flourishing in our ministry to women?

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?
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A-Fresh-AssessmentDownload

Your Roots, Your Strength

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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.

PLANTING IT DEEP IN CHRIST:

Bible Studies

Spiritual Gifts Survey

Enneagram Study

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality

Lectio Divina

Contemplative Prayer

Journaling Class

Spiritual Reflection Exercises

Spiritual Formation Podcasts

ADDING BRANCHES:

Caring for Caretakers

Women with All Abilities

Widows/Widowers

Young Girls (BRAVE)

Strengths Finder Class

Working Women (Ladies Night Out)

Mom’s with Young Children (Baby Song)

Your-Roots-Your-StrengthDownload

Healthy Work/Life Balance for Soul Care

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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

Restorative Resources:

  • Personal Devotions podcasts, books & apps
  • Day, weekend or week-long retreats
  • Boundaries books by Cloud & Townsend
  • Arrow Leadership resources
  • Prayer Walks
  • Healthy Living websites
Healthy-Work-Life-Balance-for-Soul-CareDownload

Our Fundamental Purpose

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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.

Our-Fundamental-PurposeDownload

Qualities of a Leader

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Personal:
Integrity & courage
Emotional maturity
Vision & creativity
Positive self-Image
Teachable spirit
Servant heart
Welcoming nature
Compassionate, gracious & caring

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

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