And what I realized about the deficit was that the donations to the WTS had already been figured in. It is not a matter of paying the bills, setting aside money for the next assembly (???is that necessary any more without food), and then donating what is left, no the WTS gets their money upfront.
I always wondered why a nice little report detailing the expenses wasn't read like it is at the KH? Many congregations post the report on the information board (not all as I found out the hard way by asking where it was as I wanted to look at it).
The fact is that it is all pre-arranged and even the elders have nothing to say about it
But it explains why the big donators (who have to get a letter so it is not anonymous to the collectors) get so much attention and perks from the COs and DOs. Without the money from selling food, the WTS has to rely on the publishers' donations. Since donating is anonymous, who knows have you give (unless it is over $250). The elders are voting for the "congregation" not as individuals.
Has anyone every had their congregation make a resolution to take congregation money to send to the circuit to make up a deficit?
Blondie