2021 Governing Body Update #6

[➕👇 ꓤꓱꓷꓠꓵ🎵Tone]

Not sure about the UK.
Australia Branch has ceased/ suspended ALL construction at the Zouch Rd site till the end of this month.

Old (Downunder) Tone

[Sofia]

44 minutes ago, ➕👇 ꓤꓱꓷꓠꓵ🎵Tone said:

Not sure about the UK.
Australia Branch has ceased/ suspended ALL construction at the Zouch Rd site till the end of this month.

Old (Downunder) Tone
 

I guess filming the “Jesus” saga is suspended also …. 😢

[runner92]

The Bethelites being able to sit together is not shocking. In fact, I will have to be honest in saying that I was shocked they were locked down like they were to begin with due to the fact they had no contact with the outside world. This doesn't have much to do with vaccines to me, but maybe I'm missing something. 

 

 

We are still in an experimental stage with this shot. Plus, everything is wildcard right now with this new varient. I'm still going to wait. 

 

On 7/16/2021 at 12:25 PM, Bob said:

Well, the point of vaccination is that after you’ve had the shot, it doesn’t matter if the other person is vaccinated or not because it’s designed to protect you from infection form carriers of the virus. 
 

So if you’re vaccinated, you’re protected from infection. And that’s why the mask and distancing mandates were dropped country wide essentially after enough people got the shot. 
 

Doesn’t mean the pandemic is over of course, it just means you’re protected. 

 

But this is the problem. You CAN still get the virus. You CAN still spread the virus. Supposedly, it's supposed to keep you from experiencing the worst symptoms, but it's not foolproof. They don't even really know how long immunity lasts. They're still talking about boosters. 

Edited July 17, 2021 by runner92

[James the Less]

3 hours ago, Sofia said:

I guess filming the “Jesus” saga is suspended also …. 😢

Well, filming has not yet begun, so nothing yet to suspend  but depending how long this hard lockdown continues, it may affect the project schedule.

 

The restrictions that come into effect from Monday at the Australasia branch are quite severe; for the first time since the project began, construction for the film project will be halted. Many brothers and sisters at the branch will not be able to do their work assignments for at least two whole weeks. Lovingly, the Branch Committee have assured these ones that they should not feel guilty about using this time to spend more time with their congregation, caring for personal matters, and getting more rest and looking after their physical and mental health. Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers, they appreciate it very much.

 

Amidst this, though, there is good news. The branch has made arrangements with a local clinic to get all who so desire in the Australasia Bethel family vaccinated. Not only that, but due to a series of events that could only be attributed to Jehovah’s blessing, most will be able to get the vaccine administered by one of the capable nurses who work at the branch, eliminating the need to go out of the branch and quarantine upon return. The Kingdom Hall auditorium on-site at the branch is being converted into a temporary vaccination clinic this weekend. It is hoped that within the next six weeks 97% of the family will be vaccinated.

[outwalkin]

2 hours ago, runner92 said:

The Bethelites being able to sit together is not shocking. In fact, I will have to be honest in saying that I was shocked they were locked down like they were to begin with due to the fact they had no contact with the outside world. This doesn't have much to do with vaccines to me, but maybe I'm missing something. 

 

 

When I posted that Bethel is a closed environment I was referring to currently. That was not the case when this pandemic began. Bethels were buzzing with activities - tours, visitors, ones coming and going from assignments, temporary workers coming in, Bethelites attending their respective congregation meetings and field service activities and more. Just like the rest of us.

The decision to go into lockdown came just before congregation elders decided to cancel meetings and field service. Then the governments (New York became a hot spot) started putting up restrictions like limiting gathering in person to 10 people or less. Then the Governing Body made universal decisions for the worldwide brotherhood.

The lockdown has hopefully kept the Bethel families, as well as other special full-time servants, safe. Lifting of government restrictions, especially for the vaccinated, is what is allowing them to meet in larger groups. 

[Witness1970]

I was happy to hear this update.  I sent out e-mails to several in our congregation.

[Bob]

3 hours ago, runner92 said:

 

But this is the problem. You CAN still get the virus. You CAN still spread the virus. Supposedly, it's supposed to keep you from experiencing the worst symptoms, but it's not foolproof. They don't even really know how long immunity lasts. They're still talking about boosters. 

Nothing is 100 percent. Not even seatbelts. But that doesn't stop you from driving or riding in a car does it?

[runner92]

30 minutes ago, Bob said:

Nothing is 100 percent. Not even seatbelts. But that doesn't stop you from driving or riding in a car does it?

 

 

No. And I really don't think this is a fair comparison. There aren't any side effects from wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts have been around for decades and have been undoubtedly proven to reduce significant injury with no side effect.

 

You're comparing seatbelts to something injected into the body that has not been fully tested. I feel that it's still valid to be cautious if one chooses. We don't have to rush out to get this shot.

[On the huh]

As with a previous update, Bro Herd choose his words and expressions carefully.  He emphasised once again that vaccinations are a personal choice, while at the same time, he highlighted the benefits of it.  And though it is good to see bethelites being able to meet together in person, his first words "the pandemic is not over" still sends a clear message to us.  And to continue obeying government guidelines, whether that means a bit more freedom - like they do in New York and so more freedom for bethelites, or more lockdowns and staying at home.

[Dhanyel]

Once again "Each one will carry their own burden of responsibility" out of respect for life and my brothers, out of respect the authorities, we take our vaccine, without guilt and without resentment! Each one will choose what to do with their lives. 

[pnutts]

On 7/16/2021 at 10:10 AM, WilliamChew said:

01:29 Governing body having an in-person meeting

 

01:40 So nice to see the bethel family eating together and having WatchTower study together.

 

All this because they are vaccinated

One point to remember. Bethels are basically a closed system thus very few ways for the virus to get in, although it can happen. 98% vaccinated in a closed system is fairly safe to meet together.

We are far from that state outside of Bethel.

[Bob]

1 hour ago, runner92 said:

 

 

No. And I really don't think this is a fair comparison. There aren't any side effects from wearing seatbelts. Seatbelts have been around for decades and have been undoubtedly proven to reduce significant injury with no side effect.

 

You're comparing seatbelts to something injected into the body that has not been fully tested. I feel that it's still valid to be cautious if one chooses. We don't have to rush out to get this shot.

Well, the point is that tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Yet we do what we have to do anyway. The vaccine has been fully tested or there is no way all the GB members and 98 percent of bethelites would have taken it. 

 

If you choose not to take it I am fine with it as its YOUR choice. But its simply false to claim it hasn't been tested. Its false. 

[jwhess]

The difference in allowing vaccinated publishers to do more under theocratic direction is growing.  The LDC /DRC has provisions for "some" activities where needed and there is specific direction to use "fully vaccinated" workers (if possible).  So the preference is definitely swung toward those who accept the vaccination.

[Qapla]

Think about this ... the Update said that in-person meetings were allowed with those fully vaccinated and they showed a picture of the entire GB meeting together around a table - that would seem to indicate the 100% of the GB are vaccinated

 

 

Edited July 20, 2021 by Dismal_Bliss
removed formatting

[jwhess]

The printed directives (rules) for Special Full-Time Servants only allow indoor gatherings without facemasks and social distancing by "Fully vaccinated" servants.  So If the Bethel rules were applied (and I assume they were, then everyone at that in person Watchtower Study were 100% vaccinated as well.  Also the dining room.

 

Unvaccinated servants can only meet in groups of 6 or less and it must be outside with masks and 6 feet apart.

[Witness1970]

On 7/16/2021 at 10:46 AM, trottigy said:

Things I learned:

 

1. Vaccines DO slow down the spread

2. THIS is NOT over

3. IF we are vaccinated we CAN assemble again (but we have not been given the OK at the halls - yet!), but they are meeting together again at Bethel

4. Bro Herd is almost 87 years old

5. Jehovah LOVES older ones and isn't discarding them (Ps 71:9)

6. The Chariot has not stopped

 

 

 

4 hours ago, Witness1970 said:

I was happy to hear this update.  I sent out e-mails to several in our congregation.

I added this to my e-mail I sent out.  Copied from Trottigy.

 

Things I learned:

 

Things I learned:

 

1. Vaccines DO slow down the spread

2. THIS is NOT over

3. Governing body (all vaccinated) met together face to face

4. Bro Herd is almost 87 years old

5. In-person Watchtower study conducted for vaccinated ones

6. The Chariot has not stopped

7. 98% vaccinated in Warwick,  50% in all Bethels...

 

 

Of course I did not mean Warwick, but it was early when I wrote the e-mail.

[Sofia]

10 hours ago, jscotchie said:

construction for the film project will be halted.

 

10 hours ago, jscotchie said:

Please keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers, they appreciate it very much.

Prayers on the way... lately my prayers are taking longer than usual....

 

10 hours ago, jscotchie said:

The Kingdom Hall auditorium on-site at the branch is being converted into a temporary vaccination clinic this weekend. It is hoped that within the next six weeks 97% of the family will be vaccinated.

great news!!  

[Leslie.m]

The New York State guidelines quoted being followed were not issued for “closed systems”. In person gatherings of fully vaccinated individuals are allowed no matter how many other people they are interacting with.

 

How would an in person Congregation Meeting of fully vaccinated individuals differ, in terms of risk, from a pre-pandemic meeting during flu season?

 

People contract flu and die every year. Some would have inadvertently picked it up at a Congregation Meeting.

 

A person can die from a bad cold.

 

The chance of a fully vaccinated person dying from Covid is actually far far less than the above two scenarios.

 

Even now, fully vaccinated individuals are gathering in person for socialising and letter writing, etc. Why couldn’t this easily be extended to meetings?

 

Those who choose to not vaccinate would join online, just like those less than 2% of US Bethel Family members have to basically stay in their rooms, or only meet outside with masks…

 

Actions (or the lack thereof) have consequences…

 

As for inviting the public, it’s simple, in most places, in person gatherings would have the public health recommendation of proof of vaccination. Since public health represents the government, we would just follow their recommendation…

 

---

 

Any idea as to why Bro. Heard didn’t have a fifth reason - vaccinations significantly reduce the likelihood of a person either spreading Covid, or contributing to another, deadlier, variant?

[Qapla]

Perhaps because he didn't think any more reasons were needed.

 

He didn't mention that 100% of the GB are fully vaccinated either ... but, viewing the picture of them meeting in-person says it without him having to say it.

 

 

[Leslie.m]

1 minute ago, Qapla said:

Perhaps because he didn't think any more reasons were needed.

 

He didn't mention that 100% of the GB are fully vaccinated either ... but, viewing the picture of them meeting in-person says it without him having to say it.

 

 

True… but as witnesses, doesn’t Love of Neighbour also come into play when considering vaccination?

[Girl81]

Does it show a lack of faith if we haven't chosen to get the vaccine?  I am beginning to feel guilty of not going along with the flock.

 

Edited July 18, 2021 by Michelle81

[Dhanyel]

I'm imagining in an emergency situation and we need to stay in a basement during the great tribulation, then half will be vaccinated and the other half will not, have you thought about that situation? a contamination arises....How to rescue these people and hide at the same time? 

[Tortuga]

2 hours ago, Michelle81 said:

Does it show a lack of faith if we haven't chosen to get the vaccine?  I am beginning to feel guilty of not going along with the flock.

 

I think that if someone prays to Jehovah and clearly explains to Him why they are not taking the vaccine, then they shouldn't feel guilty for not going along with the flock.

 

If Jehovah agreed with your decision then there is nothing to worry about.

Edited July 18, 2021 by Tortuga

[Shawnster]

1 hour ago, zauser said:

The New York State guidelines quoted being followed were not issued for “closed systems”. In person gatherings of fully vaccinated individuals are allowed no matter how many other people they are interacting with.

 

How would an in person Congregation Meeting of fully vaccinated individuals differ, in terms of risk, from a pre-pandemic meeting during flu season?

 

People contract flu and die every year. Some would have inadvertently picked it up at a Congregation Meeting.

 

A person can die from a bad cold.

 

The chance of a fully vaccinated person dying from Covid is actually far far less than the above two scenarios.

 

Even now, fully vaccinated individuals are gathering in person for socialising and letter writing, etc. Why couldn’t this easily be extended to meetings?

 

Those who choose to not vaccinate would join online, just like those less than 2% of US Bethel Family members have to basically stay in their rooms, or only meet outside with masks…

 

Actions (or the lack thereof) have consequences…

 

As for inviting the public, it’s simple, in most places, in person gatherings would have the public health recommendation of proof of vaccination. Since public health represents the government, we would just follow their recommendation…

These might be points the Governing Body reviews next month. 

 

Our direction on resuming in-person meetings will come from the Slave.  The direction may very well be on a branch by branch basis. 

 

Im sure the decision made will be both faithful and discreet.  Some possibilities that might seem logical or reasonable to us may turn out to be inappropriate when reviewed.  There are factors we might not consider. 

[Poly Ester]

It was a great update.. just one small sentence given to 'its a personal' decision,  to me the rest of the update when not talking about our wonderful elderly ones was practically saying,  unless you have a very good medical reason to not accept the vaccine then get it. 

 

So far in my congregation we have 100% take up... we all know that if we ever get back to being allowed to meet together for assemblies,  conventions and meetings then we will need to be vaccinated.  

 

It was made very plain without saying the actual words that the whole of the GB has accepted the shot..... 

 

Overall it was a really encouraging update, but very sad to hear that over 19,000 off our spiritual family have now died because of COVID-19