Voting with their wallet (page 2)

SirNose586

SirNose,
I have not read the other comments, but want to address just your issues.
The District Conventions and Circuit assemblies have taught many local congregations a lesson- Always report a deficit to raise more money.

That was my guess. I remember the year they started fleecing the flock for more dough at the CAs--they reported assembly costs as a good couple thousand dollars more than last year. When the brother announced the "deficit," there arose an audible collective gasp from the audience. He heard it and said, "Yes, I know it's a lot more, but there were big jumps in certain expenses." I guess maybe they wanted to fly the Bethelites first class that year? The Borgtower wanted more money...? Either way, the "deficits" kept getting bigger year after year.

I really love the way he announces it too, with that slightly crestfallen voice. "At this point, we have a $4,000 deficit. We'd like to thank...all the friends for their....generous contributions. You may be seated."

Contributions to the World Wide Work are down, though, and perhaps your
congregation really is not covering local expenses like they used to.

There was a mixup on the CO fund. Lots of people in my hall put money in WWW, not local funds, and even then I know we didn't cover it all. As a result, we had to dip heavily into congregation funds. I don't know how much we recieved for the KHAA resolution, but both costs were at least $1200 (800+ for CO, 400+ for KHAA). We had around 1k, then we plummeted to 100. The numbers really don't lie, do they?

Finally-Free

Shame on everyone who refuses to donate to the Watchtower what they so richly deserve! Next time you go to an assembly, stuff an envelope full of used toilet paper and put it in a donation box.

Tell 'em what you really think.

W

SirNose586

Shame on everyone who refuses to donate to the Watchtower what they so richly deserve! Next time you go to an assembly, stuff an envelope full of used toilet paper and put it in a donation box.
Tell 'em what you really think.
W

What a stinky message that would send! No seriously, I think next DC I'm going to print out some Russel Dollars and donate them at a box where the person is talking to someone else, so they don't remember who put an envelope inside...

Doubting Bro

OTWO,

I know many brothers will break up an expense into several $400 projects that never need to get voted on.

Yeah, I've seen that suggested a few times. However, 5 of the 7 elders pitched a fit at the suggestion and the idea was never mentioned again. I was shocked that someone would even suggest such a dishonest approach. And another straw was added to the camel's back.

OnTheWayOut

Doubting Bro said:

OTWO,
I know many brothers will break up an expense into several $400 projects that never need to get voted on.
Yeah, I've seen that suggested a few times. However, 5 of the 7 elders pitched a fit at the suggestion and the idea was never mentioned again. I was shocked that someone would even suggest such a dishonest approach.

MOST bodies of elders won't do that, but MOST means "just over 50%." If you are at a KH with 3 to 8 congregations there, the odds are that some of them are doing it there. Look around to see if things are getting done inside and especially outside, that you never voted on.

blondie

There is always a built in deficit. My husband says that they when the elders meet at the CA (on Saturday) that they voted to send $5,000 to the WTS off the top of the donations. That resolution is added into the general assembly expenses. So Sunday morning when the CA administrator reads the accounts report, that includes that $5,000. I don't know if every circuit does this, but this has been a regular practice around here for years.

Blondie

OnTheWayOut

Blondie, every circuit does it.

SirNose586

There is always a built in deficit. My husband says that they when the elders meet at the CA (on Saturday) that they voted to send $5,000 to the WTS off the top of the donations. That resolution is added into the general assembly expenses. So Sunday morning when the CA administrator reads the accounts report, that includes that $5,000. I don't know if every circuit does this, but this has been a regular practice around here for years.
Blondie

Hey, you're right! They said they voted to send $2k off to the Borg for the WWW! I remember thinking that day, "If they know expenses are going to be so much, why don't they hold off giving extra to the Borg?" Now I know. And knowing is half the battle.

blondie

Then I guess every elder who has been to one of those meetings must know why a deficit is announced.

Doubting Bro

Right. That's because Bethel demands that it be done that way. Most folks aren't aware and at the very least, its misleading. No, take that back, its dishonest and greedy.

Voting with their wallet

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