WTBTS guidance on SMALL social gatherings. (page 2)

diamondblue1974

Gill I think your taking the mickey....come on fess up, that isnt real is it?

Gary

funkyderek

'Many hosts have faced the issue of whether to serve alcoholic beverages. Such are not needed for a gathering to be upbuilding. Recall that Jesus provided a meal for a sizable group that came to him - he multiplied bread and fish. The account does not say that he miraculously provided wine, although we know that he was able to do so.

When Jesus provided bread and fish, that was on an occasion when people had come to listen to him preach, and had become hungry. It was not a social gathering.

When Jesus was at a social gathering - a wedding - and the wine had run dry, he produced around 150 gallons extra for guests who were already intoxicated (John 2:1-10)

playing 'Kingdom Melodies' or even singing such songs together [...] Christians may talk about various subjects, read some material aloud, or related interesting experiences. [...] perhaps drawing out the young ones or introducing a subject that invites varied comments.

It sounds like one of their meetings, not a party.

sir82

At a social gathering,Christians may talk about various subjects

Why just last week I was at a ~~get-together~~, whoops, old light, a social gathering, and all 12 of us spent 4 hours sitting around staring at our shoes. Then we went home.

Well, praise Jah for this latest Wathctower, I now know that next time we can talk about various subjects! Hallelujah!

Gill

I kid you NOT, you doubting Thomases!

You need to get your apostate mits on the October 15th Watchtower of 2006!

Then you need to read the 'encouraging articles' on 'Weddings that are Honorable in the Sight of God and Man' and 'Prove Your Faith By your Life Course'.

One more interesting nibble on the latter article:

'Christian couples want to be both realistic and reasonable, and the Bible cn help them. Significant as the wedding day is, they know tht it is just the beginning of the married life of two Christians who have everlasting life ahead of them. They are not obligated to have a large wedding feast. If they do choose to have a gathering, they will want to calculate the expense of the gathering and consider its nature. So the groom is primarily responsible for the wedding reception. Of course, he will lovingly consult with his wife to be on such matters as whom they want to or are able to invite to the wedding feast. It may not be possible or practical to invite all their friends and relatives; hence some decisions may have to be made with modesty. The couple should be able to trust that if they cannot invite some fellow Christians, these will be understanding and will not be offended.'

I wondered why it would not be possible to invite some relatives to a wedding. Could they have been, gasp in horror, Disfellowshipped?

Mysterious

When witness kids wanted to talk about "theocratic" things at so called "parties" it made me want to gag.

Gill

How about this in paragraph 12:

In line with what was discussed in paragraph 5, some couples choose to exclude alcoholic beverages from the wedding feast lest the abuse of such mar the happiness and success of the occassion.'

I kid you not but the minute details of the 'wedding feast' is to be controlled by the 'director of the feast'.

Paragraph 14

'Yes, a well arranged wedding can be fondly remembered. Adam and Edyta who have been married for 30 years, commented on one wedding: "You could really feel the Christian atmosphere. There were songs praising Jehovah but also some other fine entertainment. Dnacing and music were of secondary importance. It was pleasant and upbuilding, and everything was in harmony with Bible principles.''

luna2

he will lovingly consult with his wife to be on such matters

Awww, ain't that sweet? He's large and in charge but he will (if he feels like it) "lovingly" consult with the bride to be. What consideration! Aren't these Jehoho's Witnesses amazing? Where can I sign up?

Gill

And one more thing!

Fine direction from the FDS here.

ALL WEDDING PRESENTS ARE TO BE GIVEN ANNONYMOUSLY LEST THEY STIR UP COMPETITION!

Paragraph 15:

Many christians who give a wedding present would want to remain anonymous rather than attract the undue attention to themselves.

Identifying the givers of gifts could lead to 'stirring up competition' as to which is the better or the more costly gft. Thus wise Christian newlyweds will refrain from publicly announcing the names of gift givers. Announcing the names of givers might embarrass others who were perhaps unable to afford to give a gift.'Granted, it is not wrong for the bride and groom to know who gave a certain gift. They could possibly learn that from an appropriate card that accompanies the present but is not read publicly. When buying, giving and receiving wedding gifts, we all have a chance to prove that even in such a private matter, our faith is affecting our actions.'

What double speak!

What total BS!!

blondie

Translation for this article:

The WTS is dealing with more and more problems with weddings and parties being "too" big, "too" expensive (money that could be best given to the WTS), "too" showy, problems with alcohol, etc.

Or worse, some JWs (usually elders) are getting away with this and the peons/rank and file are being jumped on.

I remember one sister spent $5,000 on her dress...imagine that...and not giving $5,000 to the WTS.

Blondie

Gill

I agree with you Blondie. It seems that JWs cannot be trusted in large group without plenty of attendants/control freaks to control the cult members.

Too much money is being spent that could be put in the WTBTS bank account!

Stop! You bad publishers!

WTBTS guidance on SMALL social gatherings.

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