Posts by TheListener

94

What other Shenanigans can we expect to see in the next 2 years?

by John Aquila in

its been a little over 2 years since i left the watchtower.

in that time the magazines have been cut, the birth of jwtv, jw-org.

carts for preaching, removed district overseers, cut assemblies, demand all the money from the congregations, stop construction and layoff bethelites, change the format of the tmschool .

TheListener

I really can't see them getting rid of the preaching work. I agree Old Major that it's busy work for the publishers and the WTS needs them to be busy. Publishers that sit around and do nothing can get apathetic. Busy publishers are excited about the big A.

I see the WT/AW being consolidated and the WT study articles being added to the new CLAM meeting KM thingy. I also see them requesting the publishers to print their own monthly CLAM meeting thingy. But, I see some books and the consolidated magazine still being printed so they can control the quality - such as it is.

More video parts and 2 day regional conventions.

37

On the realization you will not "live forever"

by problemaddict 2 in

something struck me last week.

i have been dealing with what i can only describe as a fear of death.

i'm not old and not in bad health.

TheListener

My wife and I are in the situation now where our parents are older and not super healthy. I realize they will one day pass away and I will miss them but I do what I can now to see and speak with them regularly; even my in-laws. My wife shows no fear that they will die because the big A is coming and they will all live through it. She is completely unprepared for the death of her parents. When it happens, and it eventually will, I don't know if it will drag her deeper into the cult or maybe wake her up. The same goes for when she finally comes face to face with her own mortality as we age and get closer to a natural ending.

I really try to enjoy my life now and show my appreciation for those around me.

17

Operation "Change meeting infrra-weekly" is a smokescreen

by LaFrancia in

the operation "change midweek meeting" probably was a move to divert attention of the brotherhood from layoffs to betel and the ranks of special pioneers, a smokescreen for the pedophilia scandal !

!operation "change meeting infrra-weekly" is a smokescreen.

what do you think ?.

TheListener

I totally agree that everytime the WTS makes a change the rank and file think the end is coming immediately. I've seen myself that the a lot of the rank and file have stepped up their activity level in the last couple months. We'll see how long this lasts before they tire out and it all becomes mundane again.

I remember something similar when the separate bookstudy night meeting was cancelled. Everyone in my area thought that big A was going to happen immediately - or at least the nearest October :)

Dubs love October

21

Do they notice who no longer gives donations?

by onightdivine in

because i haven't put in a single dime for over a year now in the box at the kh.

the usual custom is to put money in there right after the meetings.

but heck, i already spend so much in car fuel just to attend - i don't care really if the gb starves and dies.. oops.. anyway, do the elders take note who's donating and who's not?.

TheListener

Walk to the box and pretend to put something in. Do it every time you attend a meeting. I wouldn't put an empty envelope in because that will alert them that something is up. Just pretend to have some folded up cash.

65

Introducing...ME

by Heartsafire in

jw
friends

long time lurker here.

i'm a fifth gen born-in baptized jw.

to say i've been struggling with doubts is an understatement.

TheListener

Welcome Heartsafire! I am married to a witness wife and successfully faded. We were able to maintain our marriage. My wife didn't turn me into the elders when I was fading. I try to plant seeds but she sees through that so pretty much after my initial OMG DID YOU SEE THIS HONEY! moments when researching and learning we have an unspoken truce. Our marriage isn't perfect but it works for us, most of the time. My kids are free - so far.

Keep reading, posting and developing relationships on here because there will be days when you need a more personal friend to rant to. Good luck.

21

Warwick news

by Rattigan350 in

http://www.warwickadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?aid=/20151001/news01/151009998/warwick-seeks-amendment-to-town-code.

supervisor michael sweeton also sought a resolution to reduce the performance bond from pledged collateral account control agreement with the watchtower bible and tract society of new york, inc. from $22.6 million to $7.3 million and to authorize the release the difference to the organization.the watchtower bible and tract society jehovahs witnesses world headquarters is advancing in its new construction.

the 45-acre development site on the tuxedo-warwick border, in sterling forest, is set to be completed by the end of 2016.the motion passed..

TheListener

It goes without saying that if they suspend construction on Warwick I will be sooooo happy.

16

Speculation on future donation arrangements

by respectful_observer in

in the aftermath of this year's annual meeting and the recent tremors of cash shortfalls within the organization, i began thinking "what could they do next to bring in more $$$.".

many here have speculated that we're seeing incremental moves toward "tithing" (of course they would never call it that).

a recent thread (can't find it right now) highlighted that they recently raised the "suggested per publisher donation" at the circuit assembly significantly (tripled it?)..

TheListener

You're so right Petraglyph, but ice cream money is small potatoes when compared to chipotle! Anything they can do to create panic and a false sense of impending doom. Only we will be saved.

21

Were the elders informed about the construction shutdown?

by LevelThePlayingField in

anybody know?

TheListener

They are really pumping them up with spiritual caffeine over the past couple months. My wife's involvement has went up significantly over the past 2 months. I am just waiting for the pendulum to swing back the other way when they all get tired out.

16

Speculation on future donation arrangements

by respectful_observer in

in the aftermath of this year's annual meeting and the recent tremors of cash shortfalls within the organization, i began thinking "what could they do next to bring in more $$$.".

many here have speculated that we're seeing incremental moves toward "tithing" (of course they would never call it that).

a recent thread (can't find it right now) highlighted that they recently raised the "suggested per publisher donation" at the circuit assembly significantly (tripled it?)..

TheListener

That would be hard since so many dubs are financially strapped. It would also be hard for those with unbelieving mates since it's usually the unbeliever who makes most of the money.

Of course, that wouldn't stop the WTS from guilting everyone into donating their lunch, dinner and coffee break money.

I can see it now, a short video at the new meeting showing a family discussing having Chipotle for dinner and then the young kids says no mommy and daddy give it to Jehovah and let's eat peanut butter and jelly for dinner. - narrator - Are you giving Jehovah your very best.

Insert PUKE here

13

Meeting changes - just sad, pathetic

by sir82 in

jw
friends

ok, so let's say you're on the gb.

for years, you've been getting hundreds of reports from your hired ss agents, er, cos, about poor midweek meeting attendance, people not showing up for talks, crappy teaching from elders, etc.. so, you make the determination - ok!

here's a couple of choices:.

TheListener

Yeah, what was the actual reason given for making a change? The TMS was a huge point of pride with the dubs for decades.