GIRLS IN ACTION

Why? Christ’s Command-Missions Matthew 28:19-20 “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

WMU’s Vision Statement Woman’s Missionary Union challenges Christian believers to understand and be radically involved in the mission of God. Change the spacing so the words don’t run into the picture.

WMU Organizations Mission Friends Children in Action Girls in Action Royal Ambassadors Youth on Mission Acteens Challengers myMISSION Adults on Mission Women on Mission

What is GA? Girls in Action is a dynamic WMU missions organization for girls in grades 1-6. GA helps girls grow in their spiritual development as they learn the biblical basis of missions and discover their part in God’s plan. In GA, girls learn A biblical worldview Ways to demonstrate Christ’s love to others How God is working around the world Their part of God’s plan

What? Missions Discipleship- The WMU Objectives GAs will be challenged to: Pray for Missions Engage in Mission Action and Witnessing Learn about Missions Support Missions Develop Spiritually toward a Missions Lifestyle Participate in the Work of the Church and Denomination Engage --- more specific than not Christians – not related to a local church

Girls in Action study… International Missions North American Missions Contemporary Missions Historical Missions Biblical Basis of Missions History of WMU Cooperative Program

GA Scripture Verse & Lifestyle verse: “Give thanks to the Lord. Worship Him. Tell the nations what He has done. Announce how honored He is” (Isa. 12:4 NIvV). “The Lord has shown you what is good. He has told you what He requires of you. You must treat people fairly. You must love others faithfully. And you must be very careful to live the way your God wants you to” (Mic. 6:8 NIrV).

GA Motto & Song Go Forward! The words to “Girls in Action” can be found at wmu.com/GA. The sheet music is available for download at www.wmustore.com.

GA Pledge: As a GA, I will do my best to live a missions lifestyle that honors God by learning about missions, praying for missions, giving to missions, doing missions, and participating in the work of the church.

How to Start a GA group Pray for guidance and direction Go to www.wmu.com and get information on starting Girls in Action Meet with your WMU director and/or pastor Enlist leaders Order and study the materials Schedule a meeting Personally invite all girls grades 1-6 Publicize the meeting, plan your meeting & enjoy!

GA Groupings A group for girls in grades 1-6 A group for younger girls in grades 1- 3 and group for older girls in grades 4-6 A group for grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 A separate group for each grade level

Primary Resources GA Guide for Leaders GA Leader & GA World (4 quarterly issues)

GA Leader Kit Posters, games, activities, and full-color photographs of missionaries and missions work will draw your GAs into weekly missions experiences. (4 quarterly issues)

When and Where? One individual or one leader can start Girls in Action Determine meetings at times and locations convenient to the members, prospects and leaders When and Where? Wednesday night at church Saturday mornings After school Sunday afternoon or evening Whenever and wherever you can get together….

What happens at meetings? Opening – Guide girls to participate in the activity together. Story – Choose the story and activity for your girls’ grade: younger (grades 1-3) or older (grades 4-6). If your group includes girls from a broader combination of grades (3-5), (1-6), divide into younger and older groups or use the story that best suits your group. Missions Activities – Select one or more activities. Girls may complete activities in one large group or several small groups. Closing – Guide girls to participate in the activity together.

Just for… Prereaders – If you have a group of first- through second-graders, use the Just for Prereaders options as suggested. Preteens- If you have a group of fifth-through sixth-graders, use the Just for Preteens options as suggested.

GA Leader Responsibilities: Working with assistant leader(s) to set goals and action plans Leading missions experiences for members Incorporating the plan of salvation into learning experiences Providing for children’s safety and security Involving members in inviting other girls and contacting absentees Work with assistants to plan, make assignments for missions experiences, maintain contact with parents, caregivers, prospects and absentees, and provide resources Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the GA planning team or WMU leadership team

Who Leads WMU? WMU Leadership Team WMU Director Women on Mission Facilitator myMISSION Leader Acteens Leader GA Coordinator Mission Friends Leader Assistant WMU Director WMU Leadership Team

Each group needs leadership, and if there is more than one group you need a GA Coordinator.

GA Coordinators Job: Leading planning team to set goals and action plans Enlisting leaders and assistants following church guidelines Training and nurturing leaders and assistants Providing for children's safety and security Coordinating enlistment activities Coordinating GA work with other church organizations and ministries Providing resources Preparing and maintaining a budget for GA Maintaining records and reporting accomplishments Serving on the WMU leadership team

When there is more than one group, the leaders serve with the Coordinator on the Girls in Action Planning Team. The Coordinator represents Girls in Action on the WMU Leadership Team.

Girls in Action Planning Team Coordinator Leader

Steps to Planning for the Year Pray Gather information and resources Set a date and time for planning Plan for the year Devotional & prayer Review WMU vision statement & objectives Set goals for the year: SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) Decide on action plans Plan calendar Keep written records & give out copies of the information

Extra Options… GA Journey: Individual Achievement Plan Earn awards & recognition for each grade level (includes Bible learning, journaling, and bonus activities).

Children’s Missions Day Imagine the children of your church serving your community through acts of compassion. Multiply this by thousands of children, and you see the scope of Children's Ministry Day. It is held on a Saturday in February. Visit www.wmu.com/cmd to learn more and plan for Children’s Ministry Day.

Children’s Badges A few examples of badges children can earn

Christmas in August Every year in August, children’s missions groups collect gifts for a select group of North American missionaries. These items help missionaries replenish ministry supplies, purchase items for ministry centers, and minister to people who need to hear about Jesus.

GA Camps GA Mother-Daughter Camps GA Week Camps GA Mini-Camps GA Leader Track

Find out more at… www.wmustore.com 1.800.968.7301 (WMU) www.wmu.com www.scwmu.org www.camplavida.org www.worldcrafts.com www.imb.org www.namb.net

Questions? Contact: Cindy Skelton at SC WMU cindyskelton@scbaptist.org 803.227.6208 800.723.7242, ext. 8521 www.scwmu.org