Pioneer and Field Missionaries Meeting with the Elders

[jwhess]

Ours is scheduled for Jan 1st.  I get to give part of the 1 hour presentation.

[Landon1285]

1 hour ago, TheKid23 said:

Has anyone had thier meeting yet? 

Yeah we had ours today-

 

The main takeaways from the meeting were:

 

1. Jehovah deeply cares for us and wants to help us carry our burdens, as he delights in our love and obedience, appreciates our efforts in preaching, and values our endurance through trials.

 

2. Taking care of our physical health is crucial, and the meeting provided practical tips on getting enough rest, eating healthy, staying active, seeking medical attention, and managing stress.

 

3. It's important to be reasonable in our expectations and priorities, balancing our responsibilities rather than trying to do too much. Applying Bible principles can help us maintain a healthy work-life balance.

 

Very loving

 

[Bamahrt]

On 11/22/2024 at 10:17 PM, TheKid23 said:

We’re informed last night that our meeting is 27th January, and will be at the Kingdom Hall this year instead of one of our homes

Ours will be this Sat at a Bro and Sis's house.    All are contributing to the food, we're doing a "yankee swap" (which the gifts have already been provided, Hmmmmm 💭) and we did get a couple of little things for a little gift bag for the pioneers, but we also splurged on a gift for our elders.  Whom we really do appreciate for all their hard work.   Next to find something for the MS.   Ohhh and they call it the "Pioneer Pig Out"  🤣

 which this year is Mexican Food.        Since I love everyone there I will not be cooking... I'm bringing the paper plates.   🤣

[DarinS]

We had our meeting two weeks ago ( we have the meeting with CO -post assembly in this case-in 3-4 weeks 

At 30+ Pioneers - cost can get prohibitive

The elders had some food from a Hawaiian food truck delivered to the Hall

We had a sticky white rice, teriyaki beef, teriyaki chicken, pasta salad, and some desserts

Three sisters and one elder set up and served the food in the atrium

 

Someone asked about gifts… not this year, but in the past, we have received an insulated lunch bag, a pen and pencil set, a printed card - reminding us of the love and appreciation from the body of elders, and one year we all received a small cactus—-(mine lasted the longest in our family….lol) extra quirky but cute

 

[Tortuga]

4 minutes ago, DarinS said:

The elders had some food from a Hawaiian food truck delivered to the Hall

I like that idea...

[TheKid23]

1 hour ago, Bamahrt said:

Ours will be this Sat at a Bro and Sis's house.    All are contributing to the food, we're doing a "yankee swap" (which the gifts have already been provided, Hmmmmm 💭) and we did get a couple of little things for a little gift bag for the pioneers, but we also splurged on a gift for our elders.  Whom we really do appreciate for all their hard work.   Next to find something for the MS.   Ohhh and they call it the "Pioneer Pig Out"  🤣

 which this year is Mexican Food.        Since I love everyone there I will not be cooking... I'm bringing the paper plates.   🤣

 

56 minutes ago, DarinS said:

We had our meeting two weeks ago ( we have the meeting with CO -post assembly in this case-in 3-4 weeks 

At 30+ Pioneers - cost can get prohibitive

The elders had some food from a Hawaiian food truck delivered to the Hall

We had a sticky white rice, teriyaki beef, teriyaki chicken, pasta salad, and some desserts

Three sisters and one elder set up and served the food in the atrium

 

Someone asked about gifts… not this year, but in the past, we have received an insulated lunch bag, a pen and pencil set, a printed card - reminding us of the love and appreciation from the body of elders, and one year we all received a small cactus—-(mine lasted the longest in our family….lol) extra quirky but cute

 

Wow our elders need to step up their game, we don’t get any meals or gifts from them- never have 😂. 
 

we’re working on trying to get the elders to come to the meeting as usually it’s only the ones assigned to take it plus 1 elder who’s our Sign Language translator for a deaf sister. Trying to get the others to come is proving to be hard work. 

[booboo]

We had our meeting this month. So different from years past.  (15 years/pioneer meetings).  I fully expected the program to be focused on loving instruction to better help us accomplish our ministry. But, As Brother Landon summarized, the  program was full of Jehovahs love and appreciation in a much different way.  I am still in awe of the loving  kindness of our great God Jehovah and his King Jesus Christ.  
 

We have 34 regular pioneers. Our congregation is larger at  170. Our Servant body is 20 elders and 6 ministerial servants.  (A number who are pioneer couples and pioneer families!) The congregation is warm, very generous and enthusiastic.  Our delicious dinner was hosted at the home of an elder and wife, that was only to be outdone by the loving association with our brothers and sisters (included were families and spouses of pioneers) We also received gift bags with practical gifts.  
All thanks to Jehovah
 

 

 

[Brother NM]

On 12/21/2024 at 7:18 PM, TheKid23 said:

Has anyone had thier meeting yet? 

We set ours for 25th January. Circuit assembly and Disaster relief in town took up the entirety of December. 

[Brother NM]

3 hours ago, TheKid23 said:

 

Wow our elders need to step up their game, we don’t get any meals or gifts from them- never have 😂. 
 

we’re working on trying to get the elders to come to the meeting as usually it’s only the ones assigned to take it plus 1 elder who’s our Sign Language translator for a deaf sister. Trying to get the others to come is proving to be hard work. 

When I moved here in 2012 it was a huge but lovely surprise to see the gifting of money, food aplenty and all elders in attendance at the annual pioneer meeting and association afterwards at a local venue. It’s a poor town in an impoverished state but what’s most appreciated is the full attendance, the gratitude and the interest displayed in each pioneer and their family.

Edited December 31, 2024 by Brother NM

[computerwiz]

On 12/31/2024 at 11:19 AM, TheKid23 said:

 

Wow our elders need to step up their game, we don’t get any meals or gifts from them- never have 😂. 
 

we’re working on trying to get the elders to come to the meeting as usually it’s only the ones assigned to take it plus 1 elder who’s our Sign Language translator for a deaf sister. Trying to get the others to come is proving to be hard work. 

 

I think a lot of us, even elders, are in a "funk"....just holding our breaths waiting for the end to come.  

 

I have decided a few months ago that I'm not holding my breath anymore.  I'm getting out of my funk and doing more and more.  And, as it turns out, I really enjoy cooking, and am making time for it so it is a regular thing I do now.  So for our pioneer meeting, I made gumbo for everyone!  I had 1 pot with shrimp and 1 pot without, in case any couldn't have shrimp.  And then I bought some potato salad from Walmart....I haven't learned how to make that yet.

[ChrisW]

18 minutes ago, computerwiz said:

....I haven't learned how to make that yet.

I'm the potato said maker in the congregation.  I got my recipe from my dad.  I'll share it with you if you want my brother.  🙂💜

[DarinS]

1 hour ago, computerwiz said:

 

I think a lot of us, even elders, are in a "funk"....just holding our breaths waiting for the end to come.  

 

I have decided a few months ago that I'm not holding my breath anymore.  I'm getting out of my funk and doing more and more.  And, as it turns out, I really enjoy cooking, and am making time for it so it is a regular thing I do now.  So for our pioneer meeting, I made gumbo for everyone!  I had 1 pot with shrimp and 1 pot without, in case any couldn't have shrimp.  And then I bought some potato salad from Walmart....I haven't learned how to make that yet.

I feel you……. Had the same epiphany.

How do you get out of the dorms?…… for me to get off my butt and do something for others.

At minimum it helps you forget about your drama

 

And Brother ….. comfort food is awesome…. Potato salad is so much easier than making a Roux from scratch… keep it simple

 

I absolutely love to make a chicken shrimp and Dewey gumbo….. I made it for the CEO and his wife.

Put the okra on the side….. It was a hit……. They took all the leftovers home.

 

Sometimes I forget— what we consider little things —like a meal

can go a long way in promoting love and unity in the congregation with the pioneers publishers everybody

[computerwiz]

1 hour ago, ChrisW said:

I'm the potato said maker in the congregation.  I got my recipe from my dad.  I'll share it with you if you want my brother.  🙂💜

 

PM me.  I'm up for it if it's simple.  That's what kept me from cooking regularly....I hate following recipes like I'm a scientist.  I rather go by feel.  AI is helping me with that.  

[TheKid23]

6 hours ago, computerwiz said:

 

I think a lot of us, even elders, are in a "funk"....just holding our breaths waiting for the end to come.  

 

I have decided a few months ago that I'm not holding my breath anymore.  I'm getting out of my funk and doing more and more.  And, as it turns out, I really enjoy cooking, and am making time for it so it is a regular thing I do now.  So for our pioneer meeting, I made gumbo for everyone!  I had 1 pot with shrimp and 1 pot without, in case any couldn't have shrimp.  And then I bought some potato salad from Walmart....I haven't learned how to make that yet.

Do you think there’s anything I, or the other pioneers can do to help our elders? 

Edited January 3 by TheKid23
Spelling🤦‍♀️

[BLEmom]

Another sister and I are getting into sourdough. We all need productive distractions to make it through this system. So now I’ve made bread, focaccia and granola. My friend is making sourdough dumplings for chicken soup today. 

[computerwiz]

1 hour ago, TheKid23 said:

Do you think there’s anything I, or the other pioneers can do to help our elders? 

 

I would venture to guess your elders are busier than ever, like us. Which probably contributes to them being in a "funk". When enough weight is lifted off a person's shoulders, they have a chance to get out of the funk. But they need to use their newfound free time to meditate on their situation. And not fill it with worthless entertainment...

 

The more you do to touch their hearts and inspire gratitude (for your assistance and volunteer spirit), the greater that chance becomes. 

 

Here's what I'd recommend, based on our territory. Your elders & their situation may differ.

 

1. Give a gift that keeps on giving. 

 

Here's a pen we all received, and no joke, it's me and my father-in-law's favorite pen.

 

 

 

2. Inspire others to join you in door to door. 

 

While we no longer have the arrangement to take someone under your wings for service, we would really appreciate it you still did.

 

Offer to take every single door, if that's what it takes. Get others comfortable with the door to door ministry again.

 

I wish I could do more with that, but it seems every other weekend I'm cutting the KH lawn or doing convention related stuff or fixing KH tech or etc etc etc. 

 

Our door to door ministry is very week on Saturdays. We could use our pioneers reaching out to those missing and encouraging them to come out. Say "I'd really like to work with you" or "I have a call I'd like to take you on". Something that isn't pushy but makes it a friendly request. 

 

 

3. Arrange a simple gathering.

 

Our congregation is all business, unless someone is graduating or has an anniversary. Even so, those always involve work or financial cost.

 

It would be nice to have a gathering where there's nothing to worry about except for showing up, eating, and chatting. I think that would do a lot for the spirit of a congregation. 

 

I will try to do something myself like that for our congregation...it's hard when most as financially struggling. But I think a little gathering where all can bring a dish to share would be awesome!

 

Again, your congregation might be different, but I know for ours, these things would be a major boost to morale. 

[Golfguy74]

We are having ours on the 18th of January.  Look forward to it. 

 

I find some of the comments on gifts and meals interesting. I like having a meal with the pioneers and elders, including their wives. Experience has been both good and bad. Some expect special treatment, and others are happy with the association.  I prefer supporting pioneers year-round, something special about having them over as individuals instead of a routine meal after a meeting once a year. 

[Bamahrt]

On 1/3/2025 at 6:30 PM, computerwiz said:

 

 

Our door to door ministry is very week on Saturdays. We could use our pioneers reaching out to those missing and encouraging them to come out. Say "I'd really like to work with you" or "I have a call I'd like to take you on". Something that isn't pushy but makes it a friendly request. 

 

It would be nice to have a gathering where there's nothing to worry about except for showing up, eating, and chatting. I think that would do a lot for the spirit of a congregation. 

 

 

Our meeting was yesterday.       It was called "Pioneer Pig Out'    6 of our elders were there, with their wifes, 3 were not feeling well.   Our spouses or room mates came, for the Pig Out.   The focus of our meeting was Our Health, Balanced in our responsibility, and focusing on Jehovah and our ministry.   

 One brother brought out that if each of us, the 9 elders,  the  ?? MS and everyone's wife asked just one person a month to go out in the ministry with us that would be a total of 81 people and we have 82 or 83 publishers.  A few brought little gifts, and of course the "Yankee Swap" was a success.   Elders received two cups.   

   We had a great time and it was FUN, just to get together and laugh.  The food was AWESOME.   Lots were left over so my lunch today is Mexican Salad.  

 

 

[Andre77]

Hi dear friends😊 

Ours was marvellous too!

It’s so cute to feel Jehovah’s loving care in every single way.

Our elders wrote a lovely personal letter to each of us. Caring sisters prepared some cute and useful gifts for us.. Ohh and the pizza was really yummy!!

💜 

 

 

 

[McLaren F1]

That's so lovely to hear Andre 💕. We had our Pioneers meeting yesterday afternoon and it was all about looking after our health. Because we don't want to burn out!! And we know time is short and we may grab a chocolate bar here or a biscuits there, but that won't sustain us.  So it's important to prepare healthy nutritious food not necessarily meat but vegetables, which can be done on a budget and be made tasty too😋

[Andre77]

3 hours ago, McLaren F1 said:

That's so lovely to hear Andre 💕. We had our Pioneers meeting yesterday afternoon and it was all about looking after our health. Because we don't want to burn out!! And we know time is short and we may grab a chocolate bar here or a biscuits there, but that won't sustain us.  So it's important to prepare healthy nutritious food not necessarily meat but vegetables, which can be done on a budget and be made tasty too😋

Too right Jennifer🥰

Fascinating to hear about all of you☺️

Edited January 6 by Andre77

[Adam!]

On 1/3/2025 at 10:09 PM, TheKid23 said:

Do you think there’s anything I, or the other pioneers can do to help our elders? 

Even though a majority of pionners aren't elders where I am, we as elders care about the flock - all the flock and that includes our regular pioneers.

They spearhead the ministry in terms of their visibility in the territory, know what's working and what's not working and how best to tailor our conversations to reach the hearts of the interested ones. In turn, we as shepherds can convey feedback to all publishers in our field service group so as to help all to improve their ministry. 

 

We may say we care and love our pioneers and yes we are busy as elders. However, actions always speak louder than words.

[blue-jay]

Why is it called "... with the elders"?

Could all elders attend if they wanted to? 🤔

Or is it called that because two elders instead of the circuit overseer give the talks/discussions?

[Tortuga]

1 hour ago, blue-jay said:

Could all elders attend if they wanted to?

Yes

[jwhess]

1 hour ago, blue-jay said:

Why is it called "... with the elders"?

Could all elders attend if they wanted to? 🤔

Or is it called that because two elders instead of the circuit overseer give the talks/discussions?

All elders are invited (whether they are Pioneers or not).