GFS Worldwide: Greetings from the GFS World Team 2026 – 2029
Dear GFS Members and friends worldwide,
On behalf of all of the members of GFS Worldwide, we extend our heartfelt thanks to GFS Sri Lanka for hosting such a wonderful World Council this summer. It was truly a joy to gather once again with our GFS sisters from around the world, renew cherished friendships, and have the opportunity to make new friends. We especially treasured the time spent with the women and girls of GFS Sri Lanka, whose warmth and hospitality made us feel so welcome. We also thank our Immediate Past President, Jeanne Withanage, and her World Team, for our productive and inspiring business sessions. The time spent with our Link Country members, and the Orange Day speaker and country reports were particularly impactful. Celebrating International Day at the historic GFS Hall in Colombo was a joyful afternoon full of sharing, laughter, and dancing. We were also blessed to experience the pageantry of the cultural dance performances under the stars, and the beauty of Sri Lanka with tours of Colombo and Kandy. We are grateful for the opportunity to come together in fellowship, to celebrate our shared mission, and strengthen the bonds that unite Girls Friendly Society members around the world. Our time together strengthened the roots of our faith and continues to inspire us to reach for the stars.
As we begin the next three years together, we are excited to embrace our theme, “Together in F aith, Courage and Purpose.” In an ever-changing world, our faith unites us across nations, cultures, and generations, as we gather as one fellowship to celebrate the truth that “with God, all things are possible”. In a world marked by division, uncertainty, and injustice, we are called to walk together in faith, strengthened by courage, and renewed in purpose. As members of the Girls Friendly Society, we affirm the gifts and dignity of every girl and woman, recognizing that each person is an essential part of the Body of Christ. Guided by the Holy Spirit and grounded in the Anglican tradition of prayer, service, and community, we seek to encourage one another, deepen our discipleship, and become witnesses of hope in the world. Together, we believe God is still creating new possibilities: healing divisions, raising new leaders, nurturing friendship across borders, and calling us into lives of compassion, justice, and joyful service. May these words inspire us to grow in faith, face challenges with courage, and serve our communities with renewed purpose. Together, we can build upon the strong foundation of GFS and continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of girls and women around the world.
As we celebrate St. Michael and All Angels Day on September 29th and hold our World Day of Prayer services – let us embrace the Exceptional Women in each of us. Thank you to GFS Zambia for preparing this year’s service and choosing Esther 4:10-15 for the theme “Being An Exceptional Woman”. We also give thanks to the offertories that will be collected to support our World Project 2023-2026 by GBFS Lesotho – ” Youth Creative Studio & Design Hub”.
Please visit www.gfsworld.org for more information about the 2026-2029 World Team, our new theme, the World Day of Prayer service, the 2023-2026 World Project, and other news and events.
With gratitude, warm greetings, and every blessing,
Lois
Lois Frankforter
President of GFS Worldwide
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