Hi
It has been our local circuit's two day assembly this weekend.
It takes place at Bristol Assembly Hall. From what I recall seating capacity is about 1200.
Attendance about 3-4 years ago was between 900-1000.
Attendance this Saturday was just under 700 and on Sunday it was just above 700. That is a very big drop. In fact the side seating columns were red taped off.
There were 5 baptized (2m +3f )
The 'brothers' were reminded at each of the three song breaks not to forget that they can now give donations by credit card. 3 times in one day!
District Overseer was stressing that we mustn't get down thinking all the increase (what increase?) was only coming from the foreign language work. There is also increase in the English speaking field.
District Overseer also stressed that we need to follow. We are followers. He didn't say who the leader was though.
District Overseer also said that there is no heirarchy in London Bethel. If anything it's a lowerarchy.
More 'brothers' are deciding to eat lunch in their cars in the car park and not enjoying fellowship in the specially assigned eating area, which you can imagine was about half empty.
Thanks
Thomas Covenant