I might go to the memorial this year....what is it like?

by jgnat 23 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  jgnat

  Keep in mind I was never a JW. In Christendom's churches, I am used to the breaking of the bread and the wine; crackers or loaf, chalice or teeny plastic cups, grape juice or the real thing. I squeeze my eyes shut and imagine the sacrifice Jesus made for us; consider his body for a moment, both the one he sacrificed, plus my fellow church members, also part of His body. Then I swallow real quick just in case it really DOES transubstantiate.

  I have read little snippets on the board here, which give me some idea. From wasasister,

  I will walk proudly into the auditorium (being held outside the KH this year) and sit for an hour next to my daughter, hear a silly repetative lecture, pass crackers and wine without tasting either, sing along with some very lame music...

  I also seem to remember a portrait of Jesus is hung up for all to see.

  Any other nuggets to share with the uninitiated? You don't have to warn me about the lovebombing. I know about that. The big, wide smiles, "Nice to see you", pat back. "We missed you" shake hand, "Hope to see you again", pat back again.
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  gitasatsangha

  Restrained smiles before it begins, lower voices then usual, because its supposed to be a sad event. Somber solemnness during the event. Women holding their hands over babies so they wont make noise, because they need to be present and cant take them to the bathroom for the ritual sshing and spankings. Then afterwords a little louder. Regular attenders spot out the "submarines" like hawks, love bomb em, elders make out the newcomers, love bomb em. Regulars wait it out, make arrangemetns to meet together at some restaurant afterwords.
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  Scully

  Very very boring.

  I don't recall ever seeing a portrait or any other depiction of Jesus at any Memorial that I ever attended. Mind you, it's been 10 years since the last time I attended the Memorial, however, I don't think JWs would ever break one of their cardinal rules about idolatry... if they were to have an "image" of Jesus in the Kingdom Hall, someone might be tempted to direct their worship to someOne other than the WTS God.

  Oh, and aside from Circuit Assemblies and District Conventions, this is one of those Very Special Occasions?where almost every JW feels that they must have a new outfit to wear.

  Kind of like how Easter time was when everyone went out and bought a new dress and hat.

  Love, Scully
• 

  blondie

  Is the congregation sharing with another one?

  If so, there is the parking dance. If you are first, everyone must leave right away afterwards so the next one can park. That means that congregation will be encouraged to be sure to come early and "associate" with the new ones and returning ones.

  If you are last, then you play the parking dance when you get there. Officious attendants will tell you where to park.

  Brothers who haven't had the time of day will suddenly jump to great you when you come in and help you find a seat. (get there early, many come at the last minute.....) Save your seat and mingle, hahaha. You know the drill. Nosy sisters will try to find out what you don't want to tell them. There will be a table on the stage, with a nice linen tablecloth, linen napkins, several wine glasses with red wine already poured (has to breathe you know)(usually 3 to 4 depending on the seating configuration), a flower arrangement, several crystal/china plates with cracker looking bread. The elders (sometimes MS sit up in the front or side row. They will be passing the bread, wine, praying. Their wives cannot sit with them. You will find the elders more friendly and talking to new people, hand shaking, hugs, not seen at ordinary meetings.

  Once seated, song, prayer is given (sometimes by the speaker) then he drones on who can't partake, why we are here, talks a little about the bread, usually using the Corinithians account by Paul rather than a Gospel account. An elder prays over the bread. The servers grab a napkin, put it over their arm, grab a plate of bread and work in twos down a row, handing it the first person on the outer edge and the last one giving it to the second brother. Each twosome does this until their section is done. They back to the special row, passt it to each other, and one passes it to the brother on the stage.

  Repeat with the wine.

  Brief conclusion and prayer, song.

  If last congregation, some people linger. Some are quickly gone. Others go out to eat (secretly) or to someone's home for a nice meal.

  Blondie (I know I left something out. Is it when the elder's wives come dancing down the aisle after the first song? smile)
• 

  talesin

  jgnat

  It's been a very long time but as I remember ...

  They sing a song, have a prayer.

  Then a 45-minute to an hour 'talk', more boring than even the Sunday lecture (no kidding).

  After that, a ceremonial breaking of the bread and pouring of the wine into a couple of glasses.

  Next, MS will stand at either end of the rows, whilst the wine & bread is passed from person to person. They hand it back when it reaches the end of the row.

  Song, prayer, goodnite.

  Like I said, been a long time, but I don't suppose it's changed much.

  talesin

  (edit: I guess we posted at the same time, Blondie :)
• 

  jgnat

  gitashangha - I am curious about the sadness part, I will watch out for that. I would describe Christendom's passover memorial to be reverential, quieter, but not SAD exactly.

  scully - glad I got that straight - no picture! New outfit. Gotta remember that. Wouldn't want to stand out..

  Blondie - NOW I have the full picture! Almost as good as being there.

  talesin - I bet it hasn't changed much, either. Yes, there is something oddly BORING about the numbingly sameness of a WT meeting. Could it be their incredible Unity that is impressing me?

  It does seem to be a pathetic imitation of a rememberance. Such an emphasis on cannots and must nots. Look but don't touch. I get the feeling that Jesus would be the kind of parent that would LET his kids run on the grass - with no shoes on!
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  talesin

  This talk is the ultimate though, it's kinda like a wedding talk. The same speech every time, year-in, year-out.

  Also, such a solemn occasion, all levity prohibited. All eyes cast downward, striving for piety.

  We're all focussing on the 'sacrifice' that was made for us the lowly sinners who can never achieve perfection.

  God gave his only begotten SON, for US, who are NOTHING. Now that I think of it, that could be a part of the sadness you mentioned. It's just such a depressing way of looking at the only date of 'celebration' on the calendar.

  t

  (phew, for a moment I was 'back there' *SLAP, SLAP*)
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  bebu

  I don't know whether I would be able to stand attending such a thing, myself. I realize that you have a special someone to work with; I think I'd feel like I was choking.

  Hearing the description of all these nicely dressed people passing the bread and wine... I've never seen such a thing like that, with pretty much the entire congregation NOT participating. I think I would have to leave!!

  bebu
• 

  talesin

  bebu

  I think I'd feel like I was choking.

  That is exactly how I feel if I think about entering a KH again. Like I would not be able to breathe!
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  FirstInLine

  Scully,

  if they were to have an "image" of Jesus in the Kingdom Hall, someone might be tempted to direct their worship to someOne other than the WTS God.

  I am sure this isnt the first time that satire such as this has been displayed but this is the most perfect example of subtle irony I have ever seen. I laughed my ass off and I should be used to this sort of thing by now.