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  1. It is with a heavy heart we must announce the loss of our dear friend Chuck / Musky - one of our longtime moderators. He lost his battle with Parkinson's on Thursday March 21st. We are certain, his assistance with all sorts of computer related questions and his quick witt will be missed by all. We look forward to seeing him in the New World full of life and ready to help any who ask. Our prayers go out to his lovely wife and family who will no doubt miss him even more. This is a good reminder for each of us to try, as he did, and make a good name with all of you and especially with our loving God Jehovah.
    61 points
  2. Our Body of Elders met (as instructed) and one of the points we discussed was the dress for congregation assignments or duties. In the end our COBE summarized the differences between having "meeting parts" from the stage or platform and having "meeting assignments or duties" in support of the program. We agreed on microphone attendants. A/V personnell, Zoom attendants, Entry or door greeters and the congregation attendants. It took a few minutes of discussion to analyze the platform or stage attendant since he was going to be "on stage" for part of his assignment. In the end, our COBE asked us to consider the outcome that would allow us to be unaminous in our decision. he wanted to be sure that whenever anyone in the hall asked for direction in application of the new understanding of our "dress-code", that we would all give the same, considered and unanimous decision. So we agreed that unless the person had a part "on stage" teaching, demonstrating, reading or counseling (regular meeting parts), he or she could wear the modified dress outlined in the update. We decided not to try to add any anything additional to the list given by the GB. We decided not to 'stretch' the instructions to cover any duty not specifically mentioned. We have the the Circuit Assembly in 3 weeks and the visit of the CO in 4 weeks. If anything needs adjusting we will be instructed soon.
    32 points
  3. What would be feeling be if this was the first century and the GB had just announced “no circumsisions required” and the local bodies were saying: yes, but in these and these and these instances they’re still required? The GB has just announced, to everyone, worldwide (not in a letter to the bodies only, not in a congregation announcement only, not even in a video to be shown only in the midweek meeting) that jackets and ties are not required unless you have a part on the program (ie actively giving a talk, doing a demonstration, reading, etc on the stage or platform). What “part on the program” meant was never in question up until the day of the announcement. It still isn’t. What local bodies are doing is in effect saying: The GB doesn’t know best / didn’t think this through completely. Jackets and ties are therefore still required for these and these and these instances. Opinions of bodies are differing not just across different areas or countries, but also for different congs meeting at the same hall. All bodies have good intentions; hopefully they all see the need to “relax” their own rules though…
    24 points
  4. Welcome Sammy to the Beard Club
    23 points
  5. How would we have felt if the governing body stopped all advancements a year or so ago (ramapo, building projects, Jesus movie) because they felt the GT is close? That wouldn’t be very ‘discreet’. We will keep on planning, as an organisation, until the very end. And we will possibly use these new buildings, and movies many years into the new system. That gives me faith we have the true religion. That is so interesting about IS. It is a common enemy, and it’s all to do with religion. Could be the straw that breaks the camels back. We will watch and see. Enjoy your memorials everyone! Hopefully it’ll be the last one.
    22 points
  6. When customs in a cultural society change or are modified, we are informed at the proper time. To push ahead to promote a local modification is ambitious at best and a "running ahead" of the chariot at worst. Patience is the key. We are not in the fashion buisness. We are in the preaching and teaching business. Coming across as a little more formal or a little more polite than the worldly people in your neighborhood is not as bad as coming across as slovenly or disheveled. An old addage said...never be the first to embrace a fad, nor be last one to leave it...💗
    22 points
  7. It's time to get out of Jerusalem while you still have time.... A sister that used to work with my wife and has been inactive for 10 years reached out to my wife last week and said it's time to come back. Please study with me. You never pushed me. You never made me feel bad. You always showed love. I need to study now. They studied last night and she wants to study again Saturday. So you're right and some are taking notice something isn't right.
    21 points
  8. Br. Geoffrey Jackson or Br. Robert Luccione so we can see their beards...💗
    19 points
  9. We will all miss him…. He had such a wonderful sense of humour and was so very kind to everyone let’s hope it’s just a short sleep
    19 points
  10. The Photo Drama of Creation was filmed in 1914 and contains the Passover celebration, the capture, trial, sentence and execution of Jesus. The ancient films from the Drama have been preserved and restored as much as possible. Brother George Couch from Bethel, used the films when he visited many congregations and narrated and explained many of the little known work that went into the it's creation. This 17 minute clip has been extracted from that presentation. Enjoy! Imagine what the new Jesus video's will be like after watching how innovative and professional they were when making this film. DOWNLOAD: https://mega.nz/file/KABTXZhR#1VoAovXkO_YRLguuEteILPl4K9oONlKKEHQWn9PBzuE
    19 points
  11. Brothers who may have to do a replacement at the last minute may want to have a tie in their pocket just in case. Anyway, when the video was out, my wife and I went preaching and to the meeting with no tie/jacket and her with slacks so the friends would feel at ease about this new "freedom", seeing an elder and his wife like that.
    19 points
  12. We got additional information regarding disfellowshipping, very specific and loving instructions indeed.
    18 points
  13. If I did not have a part on the program I would not wear a jacket or tie. Why? The Memorial is often when those who do not attend or have never been to a meeting before. I would therefore dress nicely just no tie or jacket to help those attending feel more comfortable. And again it comes down to the custom in your area. The most important thing is what Jesus stated "Keep doing this in remembrance of me"- 1 Corinthians 11:24. I am having health problems that will not allow me to attend the memorial in person. How will I dress? I will be wearing nice pants and a nice shirt. No jacket or tie. Yes, the Memorial is a special occasion. It's a dignified occasion. But, I will be blunt. I have seen it turn into a fashion show. Some in the past have not shown modesty in their dress. That being said, the majority keep it modest and dignified. I was thinking of my first Bible reading at the Kingdom Hall almost 60 years ago. My parents did not have the money for a full suit. I gave my Bible reading in a simple dress shirt, tie and slacks. Was Jehovah disappointed with my clothing. Or did he value the reading? Value your Memorial in your area. Think deeply about the events that surrounded that night.
    17 points
  14. "Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion". (2 Corinthians 9:7) Commentary on this verse in the Study Bible: 1. has resolved in his heart: In discussing the relief effort to help the needy Christians in Judea, Paul was confident that the Christians in Corinth desired to contribute to the effort. (2Co 8:4, 6, 10; 9:1, 2) Now the Corinthians needed to turn their willingness and zeal into action. (2Co 9:3-5) Paul did not want to pressure them, for a person can hardly be “a cheerful giver” when he or she is coerced. Paul trusted that they had already resolved to give. The Greek word rendered “resolved” in this verse means “to decide beforehand; to determine ahead of time.” So Paul points out that a genuine Christian gives after he has considered ahead of time the needs of fellow believers and how he can contribute toward filling those needs. 2. grudgingly: Or “reluctantly.” The Greek expression rendered “grudgingly” literally means “out of sadness (grief).” 3. under compulsion: The Greek expression for “under compulsion” means “from necessity” or “under pressure.” Giving cannot result in real happiness to the giver if it is forced, causing one to feel pressured to give. Thus, Paul indicates that in the early Christian congregation, making contributions was to be completely voluntary.—Compare De 15:10. 4. for God loves a cheerful giver: God is very pleased with a Christian who gives with the right motive to support true worship or to assist fellow believers. “A cheerful giver” is truly happy because he or she is able to give. Throughout history, God’s people have received joy from giving of themselves and their resources to support Jehovah’s worship. "Now Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) We can be assured, however, that bringing our thinking into harmony with Jehovah’s does not mean giving up all individual thought or expression. As stated at 2 Corinthians 3:17, “where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” We are free to develop our own distinct personalities. We can have our personal preferences and choose our fields of interest. Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible. (Isa. 48:17, 18) He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others. In such matters he invites us to cultivate his very way of thinking and to share his values. Far from constraining us, this enhances, elevates, and expands our thinking ability. (Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9) It helps us make choices that lead to happiness while still allowing us to blossom as individuals. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Yes, thinking like Jehovah is beneficial and desirable! (w18 November p. 19-20, paragraph 6-8, https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018642) In considering these thoughts, everyone must decide for themselves what attire to wear to meetings and occasions, whether it be Memorials or Congresses. This is a personal matter for each of us present, according to the guidelines made in 2024 Governing Body Update #2. God’s holy spirit also promotes true freedom by producing within Christians the qualities that are essential to freedom.—Ga 5:22, 23. (2 Corinthians 3:17, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)) Allow brothers and sisters to express their individuality and enjoy the joy of worshipping Jehovah!
    17 points
  15. I can see people who realise we are not ever going to “return to normal” losing all hope. The desperation is already here, with no affordable housing, food prices skyrocketing, medical costs no longer being subsidised so much more to pay out of pocket. This is in Australia, “the lucky country” as we once were. These ones we are trying to appeal to with our new way of witnessing. They are like stunned mullets. If they turn to Jehovah and “repent… so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself”, he will help them, even without much preparation (thinking of the great mixed crowd out of Egypt). However, for those who just are wallowing, not wanting to listen because they are truly blinded, they will soon be taking things into their own hands to find relief. I always remember how vicious things got in the supermarkets over the toilet paper shortage. It was scary to see. No zombie or apocalyptic movie can capture the desperation and degrading survival instinct that will be motivating them pre Armageddon. We will only survive because we have Jehovah’s protection.
    16 points
  16. Leslie, I don't think that comment is fair. You understand that "a part in the program" means only having a part on the platform. But others understand the Governing Body includes in that expression the brothers assigned to scene, audio/video, mics... They don't think they know better than the GB, they think they are applying the instructions from the GB. Maybe you are right, but maybe they are right. Maybe we will get further clarifications, or maybe not. I'm happy to be corrected, John, and everything you say here is right. But those elders are also trying to follow the instructions, even if some understand some details differently than others. As an individual, you report directly to Jesus, so you can dress as you wish. You can go to the KH without a tie, or in jeans, or in pajamas. If the elders consider your attire is not appropriate for certain responsibilities, you won't have those responsibilities, but of course you will be able to attend the meetings anyway.
    16 points
  17. Not with me [emoji1] I’m going to continue warring tie to the meetings or żupan in the new world https://www.strojezpasja.pl/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/zupan-z-brokatu-7-of-9.jpg Wysłane z iPhone za pomocą Tapatalk
    16 points
  18. I don't think it's complicated or distracting. The elders are in charge of the congregation. If they give instructions, follow the instructions. If they don't, do as you feel is better. Things only become complicated when we disagree with the instructions and try to argue with the elders. If someone calls Bethel the brothers won't give any explanation. They will only tell us to watch the update again, apply Bible principles and follow the instructions by the elders. Every body of elders knows what is the feeling of the local congregation.
    15 points
  19. I can't remember which picture it was, but when we came across a picture of a congregation scene I asked my Bible student if she could figure out which of the men were the elders. After giving it a good scan for a minute she couldn't come up with anything. "Exactly, because they don't dress any differently".
    15 points
  20. My two cents: Does it seem likely that the GB made a rule that says you don't need to wear a tie in the field ministry...except if you lead the group going out in the ministry ...but, only if the group meets at the KH...unless the sound system isn't utilized? That would be a Pharisaic-style law that lacks all reason. Killing a fly is not hunting, and leading the FS group is not a "part on the program".
    14 points
  21. The Update said that any platform assignments should be formally dressed. That's very clear and plain to me. In our congregation, neither the service groups, elders meetings, nor committees, et. al. are conducted from the platform. Even when the CO is having the field service meetings, he's on the floor - not the platform. I don't see what the difficulty is.
    14 points
  22. My goodness - "why keep it simple if "complicated" is also possible?" (a saying here in Germany: "Warum einfach, wenn´s auch kompliziert geht?")
    14 points
  23. Well at mine there were absolutely no invited neighbors at ours. No random people off the street. I was the only way in as I was the door attendant and questioned anyone unfamiliar. Everyone belonged to someone otherwise I had to rely it to the others and I didn't have to. Disfellowshipped, inactive, or unbelieving family/friends/coworker is all I saw. Off-topic sorry: Honestly to see those disfellowshipped ones and be able to take advantage of the update at the Memorial and be the door man and show love and fellow feeling. "Welcome! Good to see you!" and giving a real smile for a disfellowshipped one felt so good for my heart and their faces looked sad to beams of light. Even a hug to the inactive ones I was close with, felt good for my heart and you could see their faces light up. I know when I was inactive I felt I might as well be DF'd coming back but I remembered how I felt and the love friends showed me at last years Memorial. Blessing and a privilege from Jehovah that I got to be the door attendant and give back and show love.
    14 points
  24. I feel t something different about this memorial. This may be the last. Who feels the same?
    14 points
  25. We don't need to cover all aspects of the fruitage of the spirit as convention themes before the end comes. If it's any consolation, we did that in a recent series of articles in the Study Edition WT. Let us not forget that the Bible doesn't center around our organization. Rather, our organization centers around the Bible.
    14 points
  26. All building projects are designed so that they can be resumed after Armageddon. When I worked on a kingdom hall, they told us that during the first safety meeting.
    14 points
  27. True. Plus it’s not as if audience members are going to be super casual, we will ALL look smart and modest, whether we’re wearing skirt or trousers, or brothers no tie or jacket. Compared to worldly standard it’s super formal still.
    14 points
  28. I'm contemplating whether to go with a jacket and no tie or a tie and no jacket. @video_smeshnye2.mp4
    14 points
  29. The memorial celebration is the most formal of all of our meetings, with its unique procedures. All of the brothers and sisters will no doubt prayerfully consider what they might wear in order to respectfully remember the occasion
    14 points
  30. In my hall, brothers doing mics, A/V, attendants, zoom attendant… etc. can do so with no tie or jacket. Unless you will be on the stage, no jacket or tie is required. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    13 points
  31. Gosh, I don't see the confusion. If someone asked me if I had a part on the program and I didn't have a scheduled part (talk or demonstration) my answer would be no.
    13 points
  32. If you and your wife have family worship evening and you say a prayer, do you put on a jacket and tie to say the prayer? If you are in service and need God's help, do you hold off on saying a praer because you don't have a tie on? The list goes on. In noe of those cases were you on the platform or stage.
    13 points
  33. I have been checking that too. It's just a matter of time before everyone gets on the same page.
    13 points
  34. Here is a clip of the brother in that JW Stream meeting.
    13 points
  35. It seems that all the way back in 1985 Phil Collins already knew the change for not having to wear a suit jacket would come! [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
    13 points
  36. I don't think so. Especially if it's explained that platform work is more representative of Jehovah’s Organization and should be more formal. It's not unusual for people who are representing their company or employer to dress more formally than they would if they were just in the audience, right? It's not like those on the platform are wearing particular uniforms or special garb. Simply more formal dress. I don't think it will be a big deal.
    13 points
  37. They are not typically shown to publishers. But if you ask one of the elders probably he will tell you what he remembers from it. Introductory letters are usually very positive. The elders try hard to express all the good things about the publisher. If there is an aspect the publisher needs help with, it's loving to mention it too, so that the need can be covered.
    13 points
  38. We would point out that although the Roman army didn't return for four years, that didn't mean there was four years to leave. Because the rival factions inside Jerusalem prevented anyone from leaving. If the Christians didn't respond to what Jesus said promptly, they got trapped. Now, however, we understand that even during the GT there will still be opportunity to take sides with Jehovah. Jehovah doesn't want any to be destroyed.
    12 points
  39. On the USA English jw stream of the midweek meeting, the stage brother wore no tie but suit with jacket and dress shirt. 👍
    12 points
  40. Our BOE had a meeting on the GB Update and discussed the part on disfellowshipping, as directed, but didn't talk about the dressing part and let the brothers decide from their understanding of the update. However, other BOE's discussed about what is allowed and what's not and have gone ahead and made some rules on the matter. Some of it may seem "out of place" according to the update. I have been there and sometimes the BOE may make decisions based on their understanding of the update, how things have transpired in the past regarding dressing and grooming, and what the local CO's say about the matter. Each elder and BOE feels the weight of their assignment and makes decisions to ensure they are following the directions of the GB. I understood this weight when I became an elder and have been doing this faithfully for the past 10 years, and its a blessing when the congregation supports us, even when our decisions weren't right. In fact, we laugh out about it with our friends later on when more clarifications come. Whatever the decision, Jehovah expects us to loyally conform to the decisions of the BOE, and if necessary, Jehovah will correct matters in his own time. I guess let's give a break to our elders, this year is not going to be easy for them.:)
    12 points
  41. Happy resurrection to a friend musky when he’s back.
    12 points
  42. That's very sad I can't wait for paradise and the resurrection.
    12 points
  43. 12 points
  44. No doubt, there will be some females wearing slacks tonight, visitors and maybe sisters. My intended choice is not trousers. Of course, fashion or style is not out main focus, but we still notice a bit. As per the update, many will enjoy greeting or being greeted at the meeting. We are thankful for the privelege and that we have sustenance and covering to get us through this day.
    12 points
  45. I've heard from brothers from the branch here: don't expect any further instructions from the branch when it comes to the announcement about clothes. The update said it all. So... I think that's the only thing we will get haha[emoji28] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk
    12 points
  46. I am doing a Metro shift tomorrow and I’m going to wear slacks if the weather is similar to today which is cool. ATM I only have 1 pair of slacks suitable for service/meetings. Last week I bought myself another pair for winter and I look forward to wearing them when it is cold.
    12 points
  47. When a sister has a part on the program, she should wear a skirt or a dress if that is the standard of dress in that land." Where does the standard of platform=ties/dresses even come from? How do we know that dresses and ties are a standard in our land?
    12 points
  48. The elders still won't be able to be identified by how they are dressed - since any brother, appointed or not, who is giving a part on the platform will be wearing a coat and tie ... and any brother who isn't on the platform may not have a tie/coat on, including elders.
    12 points
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