New Stupid Assembly Rules

by WTWizard 91 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

• 

  Crumpet

  They start with a verbal directive from hounder-hounders via hounder meetings that recommend that congregations with cleaning assignments sit in their assigned sections. This, like so many other rules, gets stricter. As of late, I have heard that there is no hard and fast rule yet, but you will be looked at as weak if you sit elsewhere.

  And the best part was getting away from the same old faces from your own congregation and sitting annonymously. You dont want your PO catching your napping, playing nintendo, writing love letters, playing with yourself, but if some stranger dub catches you and you keep your name/congo badge hidden by your hair (oh yes very practised me) then there are no repercussions.
• 

  LongHairGal

  All this would be horrible enough if the assembly hall was near you. But the idea of TRAVELING to go to one of these torture fests???

  Them days are OVER!

  LHG
• 

  undercover

  In short- You can't buy Snickers from a machine because that proves that nobody would buy hot dogs and sodas from a walking vendor.

  I heard that at one convention that myriads upon myraids of the brothers were walking across the street to a McDonald's during lunch.

  People from the company that held the concession rights to the coliseum saw the crowds of JWs in line at McDonald's and complained to the city.

  The WTS leases the venues needed without concessions by saying that foodservice would not be needed. But then literally thousands are in line at a fast food joint across the street during lunch. If I held the concession rights to the coliseum I'd be pissed too.

  That's why the hard line stance lately about not going out for lunch.

  So, using the same logic as above, bringing a peanut butter/jelly sandwich and a hot soda to the convention proves that no one would buy hot dogs and sodas from the concession stands.

  A side experience: I knew a guy who was going to open a bar/diner across the street from the coliseum in a convention city. He had gotten numbers from the city to see how many events are held at the coliseum and how many people attended the events. He mentioned that in mid-summer that there were four JW conventions that averaged 10,000 people for three days over the weekend. He thought that this would be good numbers for his business. I told him to not count on the JWs. Sure enough, the first convention after he opened, he made sure that he was open early and had plenty of wait staff on hand and was even running lunch specials. I was his only customer. Which worked for me...I was able to drink my beer in peace.
• 

  OnTheWayOut

  People from the company that held the concession rights to the coliseum saw the crowds of JWs in line at McDonald's and complained to the city.

  The WTS leases the venues needed without concessions by saying that foodservice would not be needed. But then literally thousands are in line at a fast food joint across the street during lunch. If I held the concession rights to the coliseum I'd be pissed too.

  That's why the hard line stance lately about not going out for lunch.

  You got it, UC. While there is nothing in writing, this is the unconfirmed real reason for this. Concessions would
  give too much reason for outsiders to be inside, and give too much reason for JW's to take a break from the sessions
  during the sessions. Plus the money this would allow them to spend before getting to the contribution boxes.

  I also feel that the unity thing comes up. You can't have some assemblies in venues that don't offer vendors and
  others where they are available. That would cause JW's to go to the one with vendors, and the others would be less
  attended. They work hard to try to spread them around where they want them.
• 

  brinjen

  I reckon you and I could have corrupted an entire circuit by ourselves Brinjen!

  Sigh. So many sexually repressed young men, so many hiding places. The single sisters in my congregation usually went to assemblies hoping to meet a fine upstanding brother to serve, study and attend meetings with. That's a dating ritual I could never understand. The sign they were getting serious would always be sitting next to each other in the meetings, when they held hands during prayer, the congregation would be waiting with baited breath for the wedding invitations. How that is going to happen now if you have to stick to your own congregation for whatever reason, maybe they don't want anyone comparing notes
• 

  done4good

  This is what I heard. Don't quote this rumor as gospel because it was started by a brother years
  ago - The WTS negotiates for the use of these facilities. The stadium owners want to
  sell food, but WTS insists that their people bring their own (or years back that they ate meals
  provided to them). "There's no need for opening your vendors. You wouldn't make any money."

  We all know that they would make their money, but WTS would lose some control. For no other
  reason than unity at all conventions, they can't let vendors sell at some buildings. To prove that
  vendors wouldn't make money, they put in a hard fast rule not to use vending machines. The rule
  is enforced at all conventions. I remember years back that this was in force for cold soda machines.

  In short- You can't buy Snickers from a machine because that proves that nobody would buy
  hot dogs and sodas from a walking vendor.

  OTWO, I heard the same thing.

  j
• 

  Sunspot

  This is what I heard. Don't quote this rumor as gospel because it was started by a brother years
  ago - The WTS negotiates for the use of these facilities. The stadium owners want to
  sell food, but WTS insists that their people bring their own (or years back that they ate meals
  provided to them). "There's no need for opening your vendors. You wouldn't make any money."

  We all know that they would make their money, but WTS would lose some control. For no other
  reason than unity at all conventions, they can't let vendors sell at some buildings. To prove that
  vendors wouldn't make money, they put in a hard fast rule not to use vending machines. The rule
  is enforced at all conventions. I remember years back that this was in force for cold soda machines.

  In short- You can't buy Snickers from a machine because that proves that nobody would buy
  hot dogs and sodas from a walking vendor.

  OTWO, I heard the same thing.

  I did too. The clever controlling of the JWs spending/eating habits is closely monitored----more so than we would have expected. The nonsense after that phony and contrived "Donation Arrangement from Jehovah" came in, was proof enough for ME that I wanted no part of this slimy organization.
• 

  Ring Wielder

  Here's what the KM said about clothing
  
  
  
  
  
  4 Dignified Appearance: Many expressed appreciation for the reminders in last year's district convention talk "Manifest Christian Dignity at All Times," which emphasized that God's servants should strive to manifest Christian dignity in their dress and grooming. This year we should again give this matter our serious attention. Our appearance reflects our feelings for Jehovah and for the privilege of being his Witnesses. We should always dress as those "professing to reverence God."-1 Tim. 2:9, 10.
  
  
  
  
• 

  erandir

  Straight from the KM May 1999, pages 3-6 article entitled: "1999 'God's Prophetic Word' District Conventions":

  16

  In the interests of time and simplicity, the Society has asked us to bring our own lunches to the convention each day. Most brothers have followed this direction and have found that after being dismissed for the noon break, they can sit down with their families and eat what they have brought along for the day. Many have said that the opportunity to relax during the noon break and spend additional time with their brothers and sisters has been enjoyable. This requires purchasing foodstuffs and beverages ahead of time and packing them in a small container or cooler that can fit under the seat. We request that all in attendance follow this instruction. Lately, building managers and food vendors in the facilities where our conventions are held have observed some brothers leaving the auditorium to purchase food from street vendors and fast-food establishments nearby. Some of the food vendors in the convention facilities being used are now demanding that they be allowed to open their food stands and serve the delegates attending our conventions. If this were permitted, many worldly people would be mixing in company with us during the day. Also, congestion and long lines around the concession stands would return, disturbing the relaxed atmosphere of our conventions. Therefore, we ask that each one endeavor to bring his own food and beverage to the convention each day. Interested ones accompanying you to the convention should also bring their own food. Glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the convention facilities.
  

  ---

  I remember sitting through this part (and each part over the next few years talking about convention behaviour) thinking how easy it would be to leave during lunch and go to a vendor anyway. At our venue, no one would know because it is several blocks from any restaurants. Well, only the other dubbies that broke the rule would know, anyway.

  Anyway, the above quote is the original source of the rule on bringing lunch. It is reiterated again and again in different km's over the years.

  km 4/03 pg 3:

  4

  It is requested that all bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain food during the noon break. Your cooperation with this arrangement contributes to a peaceful atmosphere and allows more time for association with fellow believers. (Ps. 133:1-3) Please bear in mind that glass containers and alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the convention facilities.

  km 4/05 pg 4-5:

  7

  It is requested that we bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain food during the noon break. It was commendable that most delegates carefully followed this direction at last year’s convention. How good it would be if all would do so this year! (Heb. 13:17) This arrangement provides a fine opportunity to enjoy upbuilding fellowship with our brothers and contributes to an atmosphere of unity and peace that brings honor to Jehovah.—Ps. 133:1.
  

  Heh, this is the most research into WT literature that I've done in a year, I think.
• 

  Sunspot

  Our appearance reflects our feelings for Jehovah and for the privilege of being his Witnesses. We should always dress as those "professing to reverence God

  Therefore, even during leisure time, such as when going out to eat after the program, we should dress as befits ministers who are in the city for the purpose of attending a Christian convention

  ~~~~~~~~~

  What total mindblowing garbage!!!

  Since WHEN does having sisters wearing "modestly arranged" slacks and blouse offend Jehovah when they are eating? Does this show a lack of reverence for God??? Are they trying to be like "the evil clergy they claim to hate " by dressing in unison as ministers.....thinking the public will KNOW they are ministers by their way of dress....it only makes sense to the "spitiual leaders" in Brooklyn. They want to show off their salesmen at every possible moment of the day.

  They make me sick.