2023-August-S-147-Announcements And Reminders!

by Atlantis 34 Replies latest jw friends

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  Atlantis

  2023-August-S-147-Announcements And Reminders.

  
  

  Page 1. https://imgbox.com/32tnfnEl

  
  

  Page 2. https://imgbox.com/F8JH7e0m

  
  

  Page 3. https://imgbox.com/cHjmR4kM

  
  

  Atlantis!
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  enoughisenough

  thank you for posting
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  Atlantis

  enoughisenough:

  Your welcome!

  Atlantis!
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  ExBethelitenowPIMA

  Interesting bit about if the monthly donations are a struggle then what to do about it.

  The global financial crisis is picking up speed and everyone is struggling with the run away inflation
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  Atlantis

  ExBethelitenowPIMA:

  Your not kidding! Food prices seem to be going through the roof and people everywhere are struggling to make ends meet. People are never able to save any money for emergencies.

  Atlantis!
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  NotFormer

  What are these donation resolutions? Are they a pledge to give a certain amount? Are they individual pledges, or is it at the congregational level. Is the amount really decided by the elders as to how much they can shake-down the congregation for, or does Bethel decide how much they expect each congregation to cough up, while pretending that it is the elders' decision?

  My understanding was that donations were tied to the literature. That each JW was expected to take and distribute a certain amount of literature and were expected to "donate' a certain amount for it. Now that they're not printing hard copies of the magazines (or even issuing the magazines on a fortnightly basis anymore) how are they maintaining the donation levels?

  Will the GB ever decide to announce the "new light" of tithing?
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  jonahstourguide

  Thanks as always Atlantis.

  Interestingly, the rank and file are not made aware that it is in fact a surreptitious tithe.

  jtg
  
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  FedUpJW

  Does Bethel decide how much they expect each congregation to cough up, while pretending that it is the elders' decision?

  The "Branch" decides how much they want for the year, then "suggests" what the per publisher tithe contribution should be. The elders then read that letter, present a resolution to the congregation to pay the amount reached by multiplying the number of publishers by the "suggested" amount. No matter how the votes for/against/abstain are counted the resolution always show FOR: All and AGAINST: None. Then each month that the accounts falls short they "thank" the publishers for remembering to contribute so we do not fall short of our "vow".

  So glad to be out of that hamster wheel!
  
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  Journeyman

  Are they individual pledges, or is it at the congregational level.

  Congregational. The 'suggested' donation amount for the whole congregation per month (based on headcount) is put to a resolution of all baptised Witnesses each year. Of course, as we know with such votes, there is significant peer pressure to go along with the proposal. Anyone voting "No" can expect to be having a word with the elders in the back room afterwards...
  

  Is the amount really decided by the elders as to how much they can shake-down the congregation for, or does Bethel decide how much they expect each congregation to cough up, while pretending that it is the elders' decision?

  Good question. I believe it is down to the local elders, but the branch has 'recommendations' regarding the amount per publisher that they should consider. But maybe someone on here who has recent experience of being an elder might know for certain? Can a local BoE set a different amount, and if so, can it only be above the 'recommended' donation per publisher (ie: choosing to give more)?

  My understanding was that donations were tied to the literature.

  To my knowledge, that's not been the case for many years. Donations for literature were effectively ended in the 1990s, when it was all made voluntary.

  It's probably part of the reason why the org was facing alleged 'financial problems' a few years ago, when Lett made the now-infamous begging video.

  While a few wealthier congregations might donate more than they 'cost' in literature and KH expenses, many others are probably in technical 'deficit'. But of course, there's now no way for anyone on a local level to know, because the money raised by every congregation is now grabbed by 'donated' directly to the organisation, above a certain basic balance allowed.
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  Newly Enlightened