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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.

I was the first in my FSG this morning. Met several other groups out in service and they had more participants to the new dress look.

Me in trousers suit and another sister in trousers

I was the only sister at my group who took the plunge today but others said they’re going to next week. Seems nobody wanted to be the 1st, I thought someone’s gotta do it 🤷‍♀️😂

Funny experience today. We stopped at the Ford dealer to get our car looked at. While there I noticed a young man in his 40s who was bald but was rocking a nice beard. I asked him about his beard. He said I only grew it a few months ago. Then he said in the past he would wear a mustache from time to time but this was the first time growing a beard. I said when did you start growing it? He said early December. I said "are you one of Jehovah's Witnesses?" and he said "Yes!". He goes to a congregation in Longview, Washington. It was funny to identify one of our brothers by a beard!

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.

There are so many reactions from all over the world. When we preachers did not need to report. Then came one of the big ones, now brothers can have beards, just look how long that topic is 54 pages. Then came another surprise nice pants for sisters, no tie or suit jacket for brothers. What about the topics that have with now more right-minded people can join after the great tribulation, now a Christian who has a relative who is disfellowshipped or you have had a study with someone who has been disfellowshipped, invite him, her to a meeting. This new guidance that the elders will go through now in a short time and that will be read out in all the congregation that correspond to Brother Sanderson's speech. It can save more lives than beards, ties, no ties, skirts, dresses or nice pants. We don't yet know why we can dress differently now than before, we will surely find out when the time is right. What we are going through now we had in a study magazine just 2 years ago: Do You Trust in Jehovah’s Way of Doing Things? https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/watchtower/the-watchtower-2022/study-edition/february Paragraf 15: As the end of this system of things draws near, we need to trust in Jehovah’s way of doing things as never before. Why? During the great tribulation, we may receive instructions that seem strange, impractical, or illogical. Of course, Jehovah will not speak to us personally. He will likely provide direction through his appointed representatives. That will hardly be the time to second-guess the direction or to view it with skepticism, wondering, ‘Is this really coming from Jehovah, or are the responsible brothers acting on their own?’ How will you fare during that crucial time in human history? The answer might be indicated by how you view theocratic direction now. If you trust the direction we receive today and readily obey, you will likely do the same during the great tribulation.—Luke 16:10. I know it says: During the great tribulation, at the same time it says: How will you fare during that crucial time in human history? The answer might be indicated by how you view theocratic direction now. If you trust the direction we receive today and readily obey, you will likely do the same during the great tribulation. There will be situations we don't know what to do, so many questions, should brothers who bring sound, microphones, who are not up on the platform wear a tie, just an example. Until we get more guidance let's rather think, if we wonder what should we do, do something good. Again I just have to apologize that my English is not so good which unfortunately results to me being misunderstood. I promise to love you more even though I haven't seen you before (from a convention song)

Found the brother who had "a part" during A-day

Our standards where I live have reflected what the business world wear. Corporate uniforms were the norm, even for government departments. And they have become less formal too over the last 20 years of being in a government corporate workplace. So I see why our brothers, who are indeed discreet and wise, are allowing us to wear dignified clothing as reflected in the conservative business world. It’s not a lowering of standards. We are still being viewed as very appropriate for the important work we do. And I too like how we have matured as an organisation that teaches us what Jehovah requires, and trusts the sheep to be modest and discerning too. Our motive is to please Jehovah, not man. And yet, today I wore my dress pants for cart work. And I was scared and apprehensive. Why? It’s hard to change our mindset. But boy, I was really appreciating the extra warmth in the cold, blustery weather (the cart would have taken off if it wasn’t tethered), it was so windy. And I said a grateful prayer to Jehovah for the changes 🌺.

I think this topic brings up a lot of things to consider. We had our CA with Branch yesterday and a few sisters in slacks, a few brothers without ties (including me), and about 40% of the brothers had beards, including the Branch rep. I've talked to a few elders and some are taking the updates poorly. They fear we're yielding to the masses and not setting ourselves apart from the likes of Christendom. But an interesting point was made during the final talk. The speaker said that we should see these changes as coming from Jehovah, not men. So that's an interesting thing to remember when we're "afraid" to be the first to wear slacks. Who are you afraid of, sisters? Or you're "worried" about losing the tie? Who are you worried about, brothers? This is Jehovah's organization. Run with it, if you so choose! On a practical matter, I think this is a great change for many families and even our studies. I have 4 sons and it is very expensive keeping them clothed for meetings as they grow. When we first went back after Covid, I spend $1500 on new suits and alterations for myself and the kids because we had all grown or gained weight! But what about women we might study with who have never worn a skirt or dress, don't own one, don't WANT to wear one, and are hesitant to come to meetings because they know it's expected? They don't have the spiritual appreciation yet, and so this is keeping them from making progress. These women can now join us in worship, and that's a very good thing. Finally, my wife and others have suggested that part of these changes might end up being a protection during the GT as it will harder to distinguish us. Whatever the case, servants of Jehovah should anticipate change. Although Jehovah does not change, he is clearly fond of leading his people closer and closer to His truth.

I was forwarded this nice thought: “Imagine you are an Israelite woman. All your life, you lived with the Mosaic law. Now that Jesus died, it's no longer a requirement. All these people at the meeting without a blue ribbon on their clothes. Men are no longer circumcised. There's no need to go to the Temple anymore to sacrifice. Imagine how you would have felt if your daughter had a baby and she doesn't go to the Temple for the sacrifice. Doesn't even keep the time of uncleanliness. Everything you held dear your entire life and helped you decide if someone was good company or not is not there anymore. We're living in very similar times. Brothers are wearing beards, sisters are wearing pants. We're not turning in a time sheet anymore. Less literature. Fewer meetings. Like the first Christians, Jehovah is getting us ready for the end of this system of things by removing the visible traits of faith and extending mercy. For the first Christians, it wasn't long before their world ended. It won't be long for us now either. Jehovah has never been a God focused on things but always intention."

Myself and another elders wife almost chased down a df’d brother to be able to say a quick hello. We were in the hall looking for him but couldn’t find him. So we went together out the side door to see if he was in the parking lot. Still nothing. Headed back to the front door and there he was coming out. We said hello and so good to see you. He said thank you with a big smile and complimented my friend on her slacks!!! It was the best experience!!!! 🤗

Similar to your post I’ve found that someone somewhere at some point will always get offended at anything/everything. I only disclose to select ones when I go to concerts, I don’t play music when using my vehicle for service, I have stopped discussing sports at the Kingdom Hall. It’s unfortunate that it comes to that but at the end of the day it saves a lot of unneeded stress. I’ll probably take some heat for this but I’ll say it anyway: I’ve found that those that are always offended at everything have way too much time on their hands. When ones are busy with field service and theocratic activities, who has time to sit and contemplate being offended at things? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree. I know many brothers that use to serve as an MS or elder and have not served for many years. The general attitude of the BOE is that the brother isn't reaching out. But it doesn't seem that anyone is asking the brothers what they can do to help them reach out. I hope the GB addresses that type of situation more firmly..

We need to start asking ourselves if our standards are appropriate, and not if our standards make us stand out in a fallen world. We're rapidly approaching the time when we won't have to set ourselves apart because we'll be the only ones left. We won't have to try to distinguish ourselves from anyone because they will be no alternatives. I think the GB are sensing that all of these standards we've been living by don't make sense in the NS, and that's the setting we should be preparing for. Every style that currently exists was created in Satan's world; none of it is sacred, just familiar. We are free to keep or discard as we see fit, and we won't take the opinions or theoretical reactions of a godless world into account. Our standards of dress are not dignified in comparison to something else; our standards of dress are dignified. Period.

Our circuit assembly committee has advised us that there is no problem for brothers to work in any department without ties and sisters in dress pants. They said "only those who participate in teaching should use them (ties or skirts)" Our First Aid team was very happy!

It is easier to move faster with slacks, no coat or tie!

Jeff und Karen Malone https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101995686

First foray into "slacks".

Pants on rampage at the meetings in UK today🤣🤣🤣

I have found over my 65 years of being on the planet people find something to be offended about. About 25 years ago I had the last roller skating party at a local roller rink that I grew up in. It was invitation only. It was a small group of around 75 people or so. I selected all the music, the games we would play during the skating party. I bought prizes to give out. I planned every detail to the letter. I went to the Elders ahead of time and told them I was planning a roller skating party and how detailed I was. Several elders were there too. The owners of the rink who have known me since I was a kid, told me it was the most well behaved party they have ever had there. The owners wanted to give me a refund because we met the base price needed, I chose to the party go on for 30 more minutes. Everyone went home happy having a good time. Yet fault was found with it. One was by a person who did not even attend the event. I had just gone through a painful divorce and wanted to do something enjoyable that I enjoyed as a kid. Skating has always brought me peace but I was tired of going to the rink and skating with worldly people all the time. What did people find fault with? One was an Elder who did not care for me personally and said I was going against theocratic direction, which was not true. He said because of the size I was going against the direction from the 9/95 Kingdom Ministry. What was the other issue? I had a couples skate. I had not planned one as I did not feel comfortable being a newly divorced brother. A brother, an Elder whom I am friends asked if we could have a couples skate. Why? He had met his wife 20 years earlier at a skating party and wanted to create the moment! How could I say no. Only a few married couples even chose to skate. And yet a sister said I was encouraging the pairing of people and was offended. On the other hand I know I have offended people unintentionally to. Many offenses are cultural. While in New York I offended a man simply by saying hello to him. I was taken aside by my friends and said you offended him by saying hi to him. Cultural differences is the biggest reason we offend people. Many include body language. Including gestures, for example of the use of the "ok" hand gesture. You would never do that gesture in Iraq or some West African cultures. My brother who serves an Elder once had a brother take him outside during a meeting to complain about what a sister was wearing! It takes a lot to offend me personally. for example I don't care for brown dress shoes, to be honest I hate them. I don't like white dress shirts. I don't care for sisters who wear there hair very short, while on the other hand those same sisters don't like my wife's long hair. For some it's easy to be offended. Others look beyond the offense. I like what Abraham Lincoln said: " I don't like that man. I must get to know him better". I think we could use this for when we are offended. Get to know the person who was offended and why they were bothered.

Welcome Bro Heard to the Beard Club

Just came back from the meeting, carrying a mike with no tie. The COBE complimented me on my color coordination after the meeting. He knows my wife is sick and I got dressed "all by myself"😂

JWB April 2024 transcript

It's very important to take into account the conscience of others. But I think there is a difference between people in the territory and our brothers in the congregation. There is also a difference between hurting someone's conscience and doing something they dislike. If certain things offend people in our territory and prevent them from listening to our message, be it makeup, trousers, beards or something else, a mature Christian would sacrifice his right for the good of the territory. "To the weak I became weak, in order to gain the weak" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Now if some in the congregation dislike those things the Slave has said are acceptable, because they are used to the old ways, I don't think we need to please those. They need to adapt. “Stop calling defiled the things God has cleansed” (Acts 10:15). This doesn't mean we don't care about our brothers' consciences. I wouldn't drink alcohol if I am with a brother who is a former alcoholic. I wouldn't enter a church as a tourist if I go with a sister whose conscience doesn't allow her to do that. I don't want to hurt their conscience. But when we speak of details about appearance that really have no scriptural objection and the Slave has said are ok, there is no longer an issue of hurting consciences but rather of personal taste. A brother may dislike brown shoes but I don't need to yield to his likes.

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…

Sometimes I think the end is coming in a week, a month, a year, but there are days when I think it will come in about 15 or 30 years. Do you also go through this? All I want is for everything to end soon; I can't stand this depressing system anymore!

Man, when we get that "strange" direction from the GB to help us survive the GT, I hope we have time to pick it apart piece by piece like this...

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

I hope the same mercy/care is extended to those who though were not reproved/disfellowshipped lost their privileges. As an example a few years ago we moved congregations. Without going into the whys and wherefores my husband was not recommended as an elder and myself as a pioneer. 12 months later when I applied to regular pioneer the brothers took several months before they would approve basing their deliberation on my not being recommended 12 months prior. I told them I felt like they had their feet on me not allowing me to move forward. I felt if I had done something that led to reproof/disfellowship it would have been easier to move forward. The interesting thing is when we first moved we had a shepherding call from the CO. One of the things he said to us both as we were reeling from what happened, was “you have not been deleted, just not recommended, the brothers now in our new congregation will be keeping an eye on us both in the next few months and if all goes well we will in time get our privileges back”. We both just continued life as we have always done busy in the congregation, but it has really been a battle at times. Especially for my husband. After around 18 months they approved me as a pioneer but it has been much longer for my husband. He has been MS for around 18 months. The original incident happened 7 years ago. So I hope any others in a similar situation get looked after by the elders. Apart from the initial shepherding call from CO we have never received another. The goal now to lead those disfellowshipped or those who commit serious sin to repentance is beautiful but please do not forget ones that have experienced what we have.

I just got an email from our Special Metropolitan Public Witnessing (SMPW) group. It was such a loving letter about our dress and grooming during Metropolitan Witnessing. I just wanted to share a few highlights from the letter:

On ministry on Friday, so literally a day before this announcement, the sister I was working with had on a beautiful knee length skirt but it was quite flowy…and it was windy. And let’s just say she had to grab it quick at some points. I soooo appreciate now having the choice of wearing trousers, especially on windy days in the ministry, so our full attention can go to our preaching work, not making sure our skirt doesn’t flow up! (And yes I know she had a choice to wear a different kind of skirt, but to be fair to her it was so sunny when she left the house and the wind just picked up out of nowhere! That’s England for you I guess, the weather is VERY changeable).

❤️ These changes are being gradual. Why not all at once back in December? because the slave is DISCREET. Prudent. It took a few months to see how all JWs reacted to the change to beards. We have been told several times: "WE MAY RECEIVE WEIRD INSTRUCTIONS as GT aproaches fast. " The way we all deal with these changes will prepare us for the next updates. I feal that we will receive more and more instructions directly from GB in the next Updates. The faster, apropriate, and ready to obey we react, the more prepared we are for what´s comming. Holy spirit is telling GB to instruct us this way. I feel GT is so close, but so close that this could be the last memorial we attend.

Br. Geoffrey Jackson or Br. Robert Luccione so we can see their beards...💗

Can I just deal with the word 'casual' for a minute here. Casual can mean different things to different people. Ie: for someone like myself who has been brought up in the truth even dressy trousers for sisters seem casual in my eyes. But with this tweak I have to put casual into a new box and realize that when the brothers say not to be casual, this would mean for us to be careful not to let the world's view of casual creep in. It's going to take a bit for some to tweak their view. Someone also said earlier in this thread we have to follow the chariot. We do. But continuing to wear skirts and ties (not together) is still following the chariot too. With more options on the table for us all, we can adapt quickly to changing circumstances and world events around us without having to go to an elder and ask if that or this is OK, we know ahead of time now, Jehovah’s thoughts on the matter. He's dignifying us prior to any major event. Thank you Jehovah we all love you very much.

Ok, immediately it may for some be like a strong reaction, so if a brother forget to wear a tie, is it not alowed to forget? Are we elders to judge a brother for having to long beard. If someone continue, I agree, but we all are imperfect. Forgive me if I dont totally agree with you brother. Today a brother and myself visited a Dfs, she was dfs for 19 years ago, been to jail, she know acccepted a Bibelstudy , we prayed with her and she will attend the spesial meeting today. We are so happy we could use the new things from the update to show love from Jehovah.

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.

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...💗

We don't need to guess why Paul wrote that sisters are not allowed to teach in the congregation, since he explained it clearly: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but she is to remain silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve." (1 Timothy 2:12,13). So it was not because sisters at that time or in that culture were illiterate, but because Jehovah established a principle of authority from the beginning. Now since most cultures used to have (and many still do) a wrong view of women, many brothers have long misunderstood that scripture to mean that women cannot do any task in the congregation, or that they should never correct a male. Obviously that is wrong, and it's not what Paul meant. What does hosting a meeting or carrying the mics or handling the sound equipment (or taking care of territories, or accounting or literature or cleaning) have to do with teaching the congregation? Nothing at all. The only reason why brothers are preferred for those tasks is that it's a way of training them for further responsibilities. In the last years we have seen our sisters used in a lot more activities by the congregation, and I think they will be used more and more in the future. As long as it's not a teaching role, that's fine.

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-may-2024/What-Do-We-Know-About-Jehovahs-Future-Judgments/

I have meditated on these changes and in light of the season of the Memorial, so my thoughts turned to Jesus. When he was on earth, would he have had opinions on dress and would he voice his personal opinion about it? I can't imagine he would ever say anything, and I can't even imagine he would even entertain thoughts about things that are a personal choice. We know he had way more important things on his mind. I personally struggle with being judgmental in general which I constantly have to work on, so I am trying to imitate our Master and dismiss any opinionated thoughts. We're imperfect humans so we still have to deal with those thoughts, but what we do with them can make our heavenly Father happy. Jehovah loves variety and he has given us the option to choose how we dress with just a few principles. So remember having opinions is human, but it is a slippery slope to becoming judgmental of others.

Yesterday, I spoke with some elders in my congregation, and it was a very good conversation about the recent changes. We have been so used in the organization to have certain "black and white" reasoning, "allowed - not allowed," etc. But with this update, the GB is really saying: brothers and sisters, use your own conscience and sound reasoning. The elders were also very, very careful when we spoke about "correcting" brothers about their clothes. One said: am I posting my personal opinion about what I think is casual or not? My opinion is not more important or even true than the opinion of a brother or sister in the congregation. Of course, there are boundaries, but we as elders have to be even more careful now not to put our own opinion on the friends, because we were used to think in a certain way. I really loved to taste the humility of these brothers[emoji3590] Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-S911B met Tapatalk

So update 4 about New songs, update 6 about the Great Tribulation start Who is ok ?

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.

Although.... I DID just buy this suit. It will do me very well for many things 😉 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP41T1PT?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

My daughters are very happy about being able to wear slacks to the Convention since they say it can be quite hard to remain "modest" in a dress/skirt while climbing stadium stems and sitting in and standing up from stadium seats.

Needs repeating for emphasis: Governing Body Members who have appeared publicly with beards (at least 3 for now) were not afraid that they might stumble some. Thanks, Carlos. This issue of stumbling and weaker vs stronger conscience goes both ways. Some people seem to always want to look for reasons to be stumbled anyway, regardless of what you say or do not say or do. Psalm 119:165: "Abundant peace belongs to those loving your law, and for them there is no stumbling block." Romans 14;2,3; 15:7: "One man has faith to eat everything, but the man who is weak eats only vegetables. Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating, for God has welcomed him. So welcome one another, just as the Christ also welcomed you, with glory to God in view."

At my Sunday Special talk meeting, the Brothers doing the AV department were wearing jackets but no ties. Same for the microphone Brothers. The Brothers on stage were wearing ties and jackets. I live in the Greater-Vancouver area of BC, Canada. There were about 10 sisters, or more, wearing slacks. We had 159 in the hall and many Brothers in the audience have beards/goatees. Some/others without ties and some/others without jackets. One MS had a very nice button-up short sleeve white shirt with no tie or jacket. He looked very dressy and dignified (clean shaven). I truly enjoyed seeing all the friends showing their different dignified and beautiful "feather's"... 😉 💖 🐦 🦜 🦚