blue-jay

I think what they meant with "standard of dress in that land" means what's standard in that country/land, not what a local BOE decides. For example in India, the kind of pants that the sisters wear. The announcements doesn't mean that those sisters all of a sudden have to wear skirts/dresses when having a part. Same with the shirts that brothers in some African countries wear for example. They don't all of a sudden have to wear ties when having a part. But in the US, for example, brothers wear ties and jackets and sisters wear skirts/dresses, because that's the standard of dress in that country.

Exactly. This is a good opportunity to practice obedience. For the publishers and the elders. The congregation needs to follow what the elders say even if we feel they might be wrong. Jehovah blesses obedience. But the elders have a huge responsibility shepherding the sheep. They wouldn't want to frustrate the flock or lord it over them or add on rules that miss the idea or sense of the directions. Right now it's just clothes. It's not that deep lol. But soon it will be more serious. Our very safety or lives may be involved. Being faithful in what is least and learning to listen and follow directions, even if we personally don't like it, is very important!

And how about those that might be stumbled if others don't follow along exactly with what the GB said? If some might be stumbled either way, why not just do what the GB says, instead of adding rules and risk stumbling those that would like to apply exactly what the announcement was. Some might feel discouraged and as if though the elders are lording it over them with extra rules and micromanagement.

That's a good point. By announcing these things publicly and to everyone at the same time, it can make us more united as a worldwide brotherhood.

But the GB left the meeting times, and so on, up to the local elders. When it comes to the attire situation, the GB decided, for all congregations, that it's OK to only wear ties and jacket when "having a part on the program". Are you ok with their decision or are you saying "Welll, ok, but also when conducting field service meetings". Because locally you have a higher standard. In your congregation they only let elders conduct field service meetings? Is that another local rule/arrangement?

What happens if a brother doesn't go along with your rule? You'll counsel him even though the GB says what he did is ok? I prefer unity in the whole organization, not just a local congregation...

Thank you. So "part on the program" really means: having a part on the program. Now there's no more doubt lol.

Idk. It feels like the white shirt situation to me...

The letter/announcement was so simple. I don't think there's any clarification needed. It's kinda sad that so many are trying to read things into it and are making their own rules. And since it's the BOEs, everyone else has to go along. It's frustrating. But a good exercise in being obedient. I hope the important instructions during the GT are even simpler, if that's even possible. Have any elders called Bethel before they reached their decision? I'm sure the brothers at the help desks on the phones will be able to clarify/explain.

Don't they usually feel their final sealing right before they die? Where did I hear that? 🤔 If that were the case, then a GB member probably would mention something to one of the others. And than they'll realize that they all just received their final sealing, and they'll know what's up lol

At least for a couple of meetings it will be stubble lol You can't go from smooth face to beard in a day But yeah, going to the meeting clean shaven one day and then with unshaven stubble, and then clean shaven the next time... that's not ok

Why did I think you're in New York/Brooklyn? 🤔

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67317442 So sad. The Governing Body has to keep up with all this devastation and disasters and wars!

Maybe a little bit more. He knows what's going on behind the scene. He has his spies (demons) sitting in on all the secret talks and meetings of all the world's governments and important players and he knows things that are being planned and instigated. He can see a few steps ahead and figure out what happens next.

Which publication/article is that from? It sounds familiar, I think I read that not too long ago, but now I can't find it. Here it certainly sounds like the FDS is saying that there WILL be a judgment message. We just don't know the exact contents of it....