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https://therealdeal.com/2017/06/26/end-is-nigh-for-watchtower-sign-iconic-placard-to-come-down-after-340m-sale/ The iconic Watchtower sign, a glowing fixture over Brooklyn Heights, will soon disappear from the skyline. Earlier this month, the Jehovah’s Witnesses filed a permit application seeking to remove the 15-foot-tall letters from the roof of the organization’s now-former headquarters. The request comes nearly a year after developers Kushner Companies, CIM Group and LIVWRK Holdings purchased the building at 25-30 Columbia Heights for $340 million. The sign has hovered over Brooklyn Heights for nearly 50 years. The religious organization purchased the building in 1969 from pharmaceutical giant E.R. Squibb & Sons. At the time, Squibb had its own sign on the roof. The departure of what many have described as a Brooklyn landmark is not necessarily a surprise. When the new owners unveiled plans in May to convert the building into a 635,000-square-foot office complex — dubbed “Panorama” — renderings show some sort of sign but not the iconic letters. At the time, the Brooklyn Eagle speculated that one of the building’s new tenants would secure the rights to put their own sign in the old one’s place.

So official count in 2017 Russian RC in Helsinki last week ...,top count Sunday 5000 and 33 Baptized .

Took Ms. Charlotte to the big pool and taught her to swim in 2 days...actually it was the end of the first day because the second day she kept pushing me away and swimming on her own.

SOURCE: http://www.pulse.ng/religion/jehovahs-witness-5-interesting-ways-this-church-differs-from-others-id6902642.html The Nigerian News article mentioned these 5 points that make us different from other churches: Jehovah Witnesses believe that Jesus is not part of the Trinity This church believes that Jesus is the King of God’s Kingdom in heaven This church abstains from blood transfusions Religious titles have no place in this church Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in Hellfire The article is brief but sums us up pretty well. On a side note, referring to point 4, this is why I don't like the fact that when speakers are announced at assemblies, the chairman always says "who is serving as an elder in xxx congregation" as that makes us appear like the other churches placing emphasis on titles, but that's just my viewpoint.

I agree, when Brother Knorr gave the talk outlining the elder arrangement he said that there would be no need to announce the PT speaker as being an elder because everyone would know he was an elder. Something quickly forgotten. I feel the same about speakers we receive from Bethel, just announce them as visisting speaker from Bethel. I would rather not hear an announcement that we have one of the 'Governing Body with us today.' When I see one of the GB being mobbed after a RC part it gives me the squeems.

Whenever I watch a film that's shot around Brooklyn, I always look out for that sign!

Linda so nice to hear from you ...we know how busy you are thanks for taking the time to post. My hubby's cousin hosted two couples they had a great time despite the language barrier . Sunday night he ( cousin ) organized a huge BBQ with 150 attending that stayed in the area our family lives outside of Helsinki . What a brotherhood we have ...... beautiful example of love in action.

This morning I received the following WhatsApp message from my former circuit overseer: "This past weekend, the Finland Bethel organized a Zone Convention in Helsinki for our dear Russian brothers. The Finnish brothers opened their homes to the Russian brothers whom they didn't know personally, providing 4,500 delegates with accomodation, food and transport to the Convention for all three days. Despite the fact that most Finns don't speak a word of Russian, love helped to overcome the linguistic barriers (John 13:35). Brother Mark Sanderson, of the Governing Body, was amongst those present, having come specifically to strengthen our persecuted brothers." He also sent me a video of the baptismal candidates at this convention: https://www.dropbox.com/s/i6cr4a3e3k1bynj/VID-20170626-WA0002.mp4?dl=0

Jesus gives the angels a command. From Will You Be Marked for Survival? Try to describe this picture as much as you can. This way we can make it searchable.

Came across this article by Samie Hartley, talking about her views of people not interacting with their neighbours like they used to: http://napavalleyregister.com/lifestyles/columnists/samie_hartley/won-t-you-be-my-neighbor/article_d26e22d1-e079-5061-9ef3-00bfe054515c.html I love her sense of humour and her well-written article but especially this bit: Brilliant! That made me chuckle so I thought I'd share with you all.

While searching, I found two cool items on our website. This article: The Watchtower Sign—A Longtime Brooklyn Landmark And this video: Sign of the Times the history of the Watchtower sign, a famous New York landmark.

Never got to see it in person...

My Sister, this is a wonderful place, very well moderated. Credit to the whole hard working crew for keeping it this way. You will notice, and come to....um...appreciate the wide variety of personalities to be found here. Just like in real life, some are fast, some are slow, a bunch of us are way out in left field somewhere. We all need to keep our Kingdom Hall smiles and personalities firmly in place as best we can, sometimes the new person we are may use a character trait that we are familiar with but don't really want to use, it's a temporary hitch in the giddy up and we all want to be kind to one another. .. Love having you here, have enjoyed your threads...and you, or all y'all, can call me Tim...

I laughed when I read this bit: The cause of the tilt was not fully known. According to local tradition, the minaret bowed to the Prophet Muhammad as he passed overhead while ascending to heaven, ignoring the fact that he died centuries before it was built.

Helsinki Russian 2017

https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/united-kingdom/fire-20170627/

Thank you Wendy for the accurate figures. I am slowly learning not to pass on speculative information, but I got caught on the video of the candidates marching, marching past the camera. Too good to be true, SNAP! and I was caught.

That made me laugh as well! Thanks for posting.

An update on jw.org https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/united-kingdom/fire-20170627/ Four witnesses evacuated, 2 of which were residents of the building. They've completely lose all of their possessions and homes but at least they have their lives. Nice to know they're being looked after.

Guys, in Paradise, we will need to make a museum overthere.

Is this the first time they've depicted the bush with the angel? Johan

A Catholic man and Jewish man were arguing over whose son had achieved the highest religious recognition. The Catholic man bragged that his son was going to be a priest, however, the Jewish man was not impressed and exclaimed," Ha, that's nothing!" The Catholic man bragged that his son could become a Bishop , or a Cardinal and possibly even the future Pope. The Jewish man said, " Ha! that ain't nothing." The Catholic man questioned the Jewish man in anger, " Well what do expect him to be, Jesus Christ?" The Jewish man looked at him firmly and said,"Well one of our boys made it!"

This video purports to be from that convention in Kiev. It looks like the same place as the one Linda posted.

Got It! I am not slow, as some consider slowness.

I love it

Though this sad tragedy strikes me too, I admonish you to put it into perspective. In the past 10 days since this catastrophe, statistically, 50.000 children have died of hunger and 3.000 children by war and violence. Jehovah sees all details of everything that goes on at the moment, and he is enduring, so we do well to follow his example and be patient. The time will come to judge this wicked system

A regular little cuddlefish. And cute as can be. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you my friend I will take it on board

All ready! But I'm not going to Kiev Toronto like you might be. I'll be listening in to parts of it from Montreal though. Hey! This is getting We were talking about Russia here, weren't we?

I think we're going to keep them in one thread (if they are related - like this). If we start to see a conversation center on one - we can always split that conversation off.

I'm not even sure of how I feel about this. Not leaning on the appropriate side! Sorry if I'm a party or joke pooper. (No pun intended)

Another Honour to Jehovah's People amidst ban!!! . Jehovah's name be praised forever

As a new member perhaps our dear Sister isn't fully aware of all the ins and outs of this forum. We enjoy her posts and if we choose to respond we want to make sure that we have used enough salt..Col 4:6

Tuesday, June 27 The former things have passed away.—Rev. 21:4. Our loving God always does what is in the best interests of his faithful servants. The Bible tells us: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” What a marvelous future awaits all of us who truly appreciate Jehovah’s love and obey him as our Ruler! Jehovah’s Word tells us: “Take note of the blameless one, and keep the upright one in sight, for the future of that man will be peaceful. But all the transgressors will be destroyed.” (Ps. 37:37, 38) “The blameless one” comes to know Jehovah and his Son and obediently does God’s will. (John 17:3) Such a person takes seriously the words of 1 John 2:17: “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.” As the world’s end draws near, it is urgent that we “hope in Jehovah and follow his way.”—Ps. 37:34. w15 11/15 3:11, 12

Stoffer, Thanks is for the response, but you know these activists! Cannot what for the Paradise. p.s. Big fan of Peter Davison in All Creatures...

I was on yahoo answers and a sister originally from Africa living in Russia was on there too so I come to find the spiritual blessing of jw forum as I love learning more of Jehovah's spiritual refreshment everyday [emoji120][emoji4][emoji173]️ Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Isn't that something? Even AFTER Russia falsely and publicly accused us of being "extremists", we STILL performed community service in that country when we lost all incentive to do so. And since this is something we've been doing for years according to the article, we cannot be accused of pandering. Furthermore, this is the same city that banned us in 2016. But this shows that our works were always genuine, and not dependent on how the government there treated us. Jesus was right: "Wisdom is proved righteous by its works".

Officials in Russia Honor Jehovah’s Witnesses, Including Jailed Danish Citizen, for Outstanding Community Service https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/russia/officials-honor-jehovahs-witnesses-outstanding-community-service/ Johan

Thanks for sharing Matthew.

I lost a child at the same amount of weeks. I wan't sure what happened at the moment so I asked, 'is my baby dead'? The doctor said it was never alive, which we know is not true, but I guess he wanted to spare my feelings, or he believed it himself. I then asked was it a boy or a girl and he said they couldn't tell, again not so. In those days it was the policy of the doctor and hospital that the patients shouldn't have much information of themselves or their condition. Thankfully, this has all changed. With the wonderful hope of the resurrection, if I am privileged to be there I look forward to meeting this child because we know life begins at conception..To Jehovah he/she always was living and still is in his memory..

It's a very blase attitude and I think abortions have a role to play in this. I remember when I lost my first ... because i was 'only' about 15 - 16 weeks she was not considered old enough for a legal burial/cremation so she went out with the hospital rubbish ... I remember waking up and being quite upset (as one is ) and the male nurse told me - my goodness he said you just had a little operation, nothing to get upset about ... a femala nurse overheard and she spun around and said very curtly - She has just lost a baby she has every right to be upset. I'm telling you guys this, because miscarriages and the like are more common than you know, but from the staffing point of view it's a simple procedure with no emotional ties ... I named her Annabel Lee ... and try not to think where they took her, but Jehovah has it all sorted he really does. My mum had five!! And I know women that have had many more. I don't think people in the professional world know how much each one of those lives mean to at least two people - the parents. Abortion has a lot to answer for. It really does. The point I want to make here, is from the parents viewpoint, a miscarriage and a stillborn is essentially the same thing - a life is lost ... but a stillborn is born and can be placed in your arms, a miscarriage it's like a person who tried to be but couldn't be if you get what I mean. But they are both losses, in the heart of a mother and afather they are both a life lost.

I am not sure if I can get this to post but I'll try. My little granddaughter broke her arm falling off the slide at their neighborhood park. My son took a short video clip after they medicated her for pain and anesthia began to kick in. Watch her face when she notices the bright over head lights of the OR waiting area. It worked!!! No one is more surprise than me!

Indeed, those responsible are really blood guilty. Under the Mosaic Law your building had to be safe.... The Law of Moses made safety an official policy of God’s people. For example, an Israelite who was building a house had to install a parapet, a low wall or railing built at the edge of the roof. Because people were often up on the flat roofs of their homes, the parapets kept them from falling off. (1 Sam. 9:26; Matt. 24:17) If an accident took place because this safety law had not been observed, Jehovah held the householder responsible.—Deut. 22:8.

And it enrages me!!! Because the love of money drives it all. Putting people's lives in peril--just to line their pockets. Soothing to know that this greedy mindset will soon be a thing of the past. Soon, very very soon, we will never have to read such disturbing news again.

30 people now confirmed dead and the figure expected to rise as more than 60 missing but due to the unsafe nature of the structure it is difficult for the process of searching to take place quickly.

I watched with horror when this came on TV. Then I listened to the fire safety officers on the radio analysis. They do not know what caused the fire, and could not and would not speculate on that. However, it was obvious to any observers where the main problem occurred. The cladding on the building that was retro-fitted recently outside. This was a fibrous soft insulation with a thin skin over it - Supposed to save on heating in the winter and keep it cool in summer. The insulation fibre was the cheapest the Social Housing association could afford, not the best, and was highly flammable , but was allowed because the thin outer skin of plaster or aluminium was supposed to be fire-proof. However, the outer skin just fell off or just melted off in the heat of the fire on the insulation material. The insulation material burned very quickly and so hot with such high flames that the fire truck ladders could not get near the windows to get people out. It burned with black toxic smoke which seemed to be drawn into the stairs and rooms of the buildings and overwhelmed many people before they burned. The advice to people in there, in case of fire, was not to evacuate (except on the lowest floors), but to stay in the apartments and put wet towels to their doors and they would be rescued - presumably on the first 8 floors by the windows onto fire ladders - but they could not get near windows because of the flames and heat. A number died because like at 9/11 they jumped out of windows or threw out their children - some were caught, but the heat of the fire, and falling flaming cladding, meant that people could not get near enough to the building to hold out stuff to catch them with. Some lowered knotted sheets to climb down, but the cladding set fire to it. Reports are starting to come in from around the world - Dubai, Melbourne Australia, Singapore, Shanghai of very similar fires where outside insulation cladding for warmth in winter and keeping cool in summer had been very flammable and acted as an accelerant to the flames and the tower blocks went up like blow torches. People in the neighbourhood of the London tower block had to wear face-masks. Streets and roofs were being covered with smouldering chunks of the burning cladding as it blew onto them. Death toll will rise, because they don't give out numbers until they have positively identified as many as they can - maybe nothing left to identify. The building was still burning inside way after the fire that went on all night. They were using drones, as the upper floors of the building are too dangerous to go round. They are putting polystyrene cladding on the outside of houses around us now. We live on a Government/Council/Social Housing Estate. We bought our home because repairs were not getting done at that time and if we bought it after being in 17 years (Right-to-Buy-Scheme), we could get it half price and pay a mortgage at 1/5th the rent per week. We bought it and did repairs ourselves. So glad I am not suffering the weeks of disruption and churned up gardens having this cladding on, then worrying about it being very flammable. Also, the skin over it is so thin that if people put a ladder against the wall it cracks up/bends apart and lets water in. People can't run cables through their walls unless they have special insulation round them as the polystyrene melts normal cable insulation. Then they have to have special membranes put on their floors, etc because the insulation causes condensation/damp problems, so all their previous carpets and flooring gets ripped out. It's the Council's property and you have no say about it - Like the poor souls complaining about the fire safety in that tower block for years.

Seems they have been using non-fire resistant type of cladding that has been illegal in some countries for a few years in high buildings. This is only the tip of the iceberg.. once again it shows how greedy cooperations are cutting corners to save a few bobs. The community has been telling the housing management for years that the building requires sprinklers and a better fire policy - heads will be rolling over this.

Of course! Hence the 'self contained'.

It doesn't. When you are breathing the air in the bottle on your back, your lungs are just not exposed to the superheated air surrounding you.