Did you arrive/leave the meetings early/late?

by JH 10 Replies latest jw friends

  • JH
    JH

    I used to get to the meetings about half an hour before it started, and I used to leave the moment it ended.

    I was just anxious to get it over with.

  • whyamihere
    whyamihere

    I would get in late....running in and still getting dressed(putting my shoes on or tucking in my top). I was the entertainment with out trying to be.

    Sometimes, I tried to leave early depending on what family members were there. However, as soon as *amen* was said I was trying to get out. I was often stopped by the elders, as they would ask why I was late. I would often reply with a sarcastic comment. Mainly, I would say ..."Just be happy I actually came".

    Brooke

  • fleaman uk
    fleaman uk

    I would often reply with a sarcastic comment. Mainly, I would say ..."Just be happy I actually came".

    hmmm yes i remember hearing much the same thing as i was planning my exit.."why were you late again then?".Most of them always said it in such an accusing way too!Why couldnt they be encouraging?No wonder many drop out...

  • gumby
    gumby

    Elders and servants were supposed to be at the Hall 20 minutes before the meeting started.....so I was always early. After the meeting, I was usually one of the last ones to leave as I always had stuff to do. As a dub, I had waaaaay to much of a "cabana boy" attitude.

    Gumby

  • stillajwexelder
    stillajwexelder

    always arrived early (20 minutes usually) and left late - at least 30 minutes after meeting was over

  • Dismembered
    Dismembered

    Most of the years me & my family went we were there approx 1/2 hour early, and, being an MS stayed late. I used to get home from work, wolf down supper, and drag the family with me. As the years passed and began to see the hypocracy of it all, we got there late, and I'd all but sprint out the door after the long-winded arduous prayer.

    Dismembered

  • luna2
    luna2

    Sometimes I wouldn't even go in if I was late...didn't want the attention you'd get from the brothers in the lobby or people turning to look at you while you sat down. I usually tried to get there 10 to 15 minutes before the meeting started and out of there immediately...at least in the later years. In the beginning I'd get there a bit earlier and stick around afterwards to talk.

  • JH
    JH

    I arrived early because I gave a lift to someone who wanted to be there early, and also because I often had to work in the parking lot....telling cars where to park.... Gee that was a stupid job. As if brothers and sisters can't park their car right....

    What a privilige that was....being outside in all kids of weather telling brother x that he should advance 3 more inches and telling sister x not to open her door on brother Y's brand new Acura.

  • blondie
    blondie

    We always got there 20 minutes early, for hubbie's chores and left 20 minutes after. Accounts servants have to stay at least 20 minutes later...but try and find a brother to help count and sign off on the receipt.

    We were in one congregation where all the elders got there just as the meeting started, including the school overseer.

    Toward the end, I just sat in the car until the meeting started and then afterwards did the same waiting for hubbie. Eventually, I saw the wisdom in not going at all.

    Blondie

  • Purza
    Purza

    As a child we ALWAYS left the house at 7 p.m. because my dad was an elder. When I got older, I would leave at 7 and get there by 7:10 and twiddle my thumbs for about 20 minutes. Sometimes there was just no one to talk too. I finally figured it out and let go of the "I have to leave by 7 or I will turn into a pillar of salt" mentality. I used to be able to time it to walk in about 3 minutes before it started and I generally left right afterwards.

    Purza

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