Posts by nicolaou

2

Jools Holland

by bay64me in

.

any ukers or otherwise watching bbc2 right now?.

foo fighters live and coldplay too!!!!!!!!!!

nicolaou

I saw Jools live at the N.I.A last year, he just loves what he does.
I'd reccommend his gigs to anyone.

Nic'

9

Thinking of opening an Internet Cafe.

by nicolaou in

it's a serious idea.

my wife is fully supportive and we're making plans to get it off the ground around autumn next year.

we'll be selling a good range of quality secondhand books (no mills & boon), coffee and pastries.. as it happens i've managed something similar before but this time we want to offer broadband internet access to our customers (ten terminals).

nicolaou

Well thanks for the input.

I know that 'net access is getting cheaper (in my local library it's free) and making a profit from it won't be easy but in our case a 'profit' will be all that's needed - not a living! The main focus of the shop will be the books. This is from the Business Plan I'm working on for the bank;

Second-hand Books.
We will only be selling carefully selected books that are in excellent condition. Second-hand book sales continue to rise in the UK where book sales are the highest in Europe. We will specifically target the quality end of the market with reference works, classical literature, non-fiction and children's books from both modern and established authors. We expect customers to include students, collectors, parents and the retired.
Teas and Coffees.
The now familiar range of Latte's, Espresso's and Cappuccino's offered with a simple selection of Danish Pastries and Doughnuts. Traditional and herbal teas will also be offered. Available to enjoy on the premises or take-away we expect custom from local workers, shoppers and pedestrian traffic.

I wanted to offer 'net access as well because I think it blends so well with the theme of books. From the Plan;

The Internet, combined with a large selection of quality secondhand books for sale, creates a unique fusion of both the traditional and modern page - on paper or online it's all about 'knowledge and information'

My wife and I have managed our own successful Coffee Shop/Sandwich Bar before, this time we just wanted to try something a bit more adventurous. It'll take time to get all this sorted out but I'll let you all know when we're ready to open - hey, if the borg finally identify me (and posts like this are gonna help them) then we can even have some 'post closing time parties'!

Scully, good idea but perhaps a bit limited in public appeal. Maybe I could set up one seriously apostate terminal to help the local dubs!!

Valis, thanks for that, I'll look into it. You seem to be on the right track as we do want to encourage local professionals by offering some basic 'out of the office' services; email, fax, copying, mailing addresses etc.

Matty. "Abington Kingdom Hall!?" You mean Chestnut Road? John Hemming? Here? http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?G2M?X=477250&Y=262250&A=Y&Z=1

I just read your biog' - if you want to, drop me a line at [email protected]

Nic'

9

Thinking of opening an Internet Cafe.

by nicolaou in

it's a serious idea.

my wife is fully supportive and we're making plans to get it off the ground around autumn next year.

we'll be selling a good range of quality secondhand books (no mills & boon), coffee and pastries.. as it happens i've managed something similar before but this time we want to offer broadband internet access to our customers (ten terminals).

nicolaou

It's a serious idea. My wife is fully supportive and we're making plans to get it off the ground around autumn next year. We'll be selling a good range of quality secondhand books (no Mills & Boon), coffee and pastries.

As it happens I've managed something similar before but this time we want to offer broadband internet access to our customers (ten terminals). So I'm looking for a bit of advice before I go in to see local suppliers, I.S.P's and I.T companies. What should I be asking? What level of hardware do I really need? Do online gamers have specific technical requirements? Are B.T my best bet for reliable connections?

Please, please if any of you can give me some useful input I'd appreciate it but try to keep the technical jargon simple.

Thanks
Nic'

11

bible code

by ness21 in

jw
friends

do any of you believe in this?.

vanessa

nicolaou

no

32

For Sale - What the hell should I do with my books

by hippikon in

jw
friends

what should i do with my books .

we are in the process of buying another house and are on the move again.

packing stuff up, chucking it out, selling the surplus you know the story.

nicolaou

What have you got Hippi'?

I'm always in the market for pre-Watchtower CD publications, and don't worry, I'm definately of the 'hang 'em with the rope they sold me' class!

Nic'
;)

11

HELP! NEED INFORMATION

by SHUNNED FATHER in

jw
friends

where in the watch tower publications does it say that jw family members should not associate with a family member that has been disfellowshipped or disassociated.

i will be going to court to get access to my daughter cassandra and joint custody.

for the past several months, i have not been able to have any visits with her.

nicolaou

There's heaps of stuff, how much do you want?

The Watchtower, March 1st 1952
Propriety of disfellowshipping

14 Now meetings that are open to the public he can attend as long as he behaves himself and acts orderly. If that individual comes into a public meeting, say, a public lecture in a public auditorium, or Kingdom Hall, or city park, or a Watchtower study or a service meeting, it is public, the doors are open, and he may be admitted. If he comes into that meeting and sits down, as long as he is orderly, minds his business, we have nothing to say to him. Those who are acquainted with the situation in the congregation should never say "Hello" or "Good-by" to him. He is not welcome in our midst, we avoid him. If this one should be sitting in the Watchtower study and raise his hand, the chairman should never recognize him or allow him to make a comment. He is not one of us. He is not a recognized member in God's congregation. Those who are informed and know the individual certainly should avoid him, have nothing to say to him. He has no privileges of service in the congregation whatsoever. He could go over to the book counter and get literature at the regular public rates, but the company should never give him books or magazines at company rates, because he is not one of us. What we would do for the public, for those in the Devil's organization, we may do for that one.

*** w81 9/15 24-5 Disfellowshiping-How to View It ***
SPEAK WITH A DISFELLOWSHIPED OR DISASSOCIATED PERSON?

21 Would upholding God's righteousness and his disfellowshiping arrangement mean that a Christian should not speak at all with an expelled person, not even saying "Hello"? Some have wondered about that, in view of Jesus' advice to love our enemies and not 'greet our brothers only.'-Matt. 5:43-47.

22 Actually, in his wisdom God did not try to cover every possible situation. What we need is to get the sense of what Jehovah says about treatment of a disfellowshiped person, for then we can strive to uphold His view. Through the apostle John, God explains:

"Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God. . . . If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works."-2 John 9-11.

23 The apostle who gave that wise warning was close to Jesus and knew well what Christ had said about greeting others. He also knew that the common greeting of that time was "Peace." As distinct from some personal "enemy" or worldly man in authority who opposed Christians, a disfellowshiped or disassociated person who is trying to promote or justify his apostate thinking or is continuing in his ungodly conduct is certainly not one to whom to wish "Peace." (1 Tim. 2:1, 2) And we all know from our experience over the years that a simple "Hello" to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?

*** w77 10/1 600 The Christian Congregation and Its Operation ***if individuals seriously violate Scriptural principles and show no true repentance or inclination to turn away from a bad practice, the body of elders may act to "disfellowship" the offender. This action is a dissociation or breaking off of spiritual fellowship and social intimacy.-1 Cor.

*** w81 9/15 30-1 If a Relative Is Disfellowshiped . . . ***
SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND DISFELLOWSHIPED RELATIVES

22 Normally, relatives are often together at meals, picnics, family reunions or other social gatherings. But when someone has unrepentantly pursued sin and has had to be disfellowshiped, he may cause difficulties for his Christian relatives in regard to such gatherings. While they realize that they are still related to him, they do not want to ignore Paul's advice that faithful Christians should "quit mixing in company" with an expelled sinner.

23 There is no point in looking for some rule as to family members being at gatherings where a disfellowshiped relative might be present. This would be something for those concerned to resolve, in keeping with Paul's counsel. (1 Cor. 5:11) And yet it should be appreciated that if a disfellowshiped person is going to be at a gathering to which nonrelative Witnesses are invited, that may well affect what others do. For example, a Christian couple might be getting married at a Kingdom Hall. If a disfellowshiped relative comes to the Kingdom Hall for the wedding, obviously he could not be in the bridal party there or "give away" the bride. What, though, if there is a wedding feast or reception? This can be a happy social occasion, as it was in Cana when Jesus attended. (John 2:1, 2) But will the disfellowshiped relative be allowed to come or even be invited? If he was going to attend, many Christians, relatives or not, might conclude that they should not be there, to eat and associate with him, in view of Paul's directions at 1 Corinthians 5:11.

24 Thus, sometimes Christians may not feel able to have a disfellowshiped or disassociated relative present for a gathering that normally would include family members. Still, the Christians can enjoy the association of the loyal members of the congregation, having in mind Jesus' words: "Whoever does the will of God, this one is my brother and sister and mother."-Mark 3:35.

25 The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshiped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God; membership in the happy congregation of Christians; sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives. (1 Pet. 2:17) The pain he has caused may even survive him.

26 Should he die while disfellowshiped, arrangements for his funeral may be a problem. His Christian relatives may like to have had a talk at the Kingdom Hall, if that is the local custom. But that would not be fitting for a person expelled from the congregation. If he had been giving evidence of repentance and wanting God's forgiveness, such as by ceasing to practice sin and by attending Christian meetings, some brother's conscience might allow him to give a Bible talk at the funeral home or grave site. Such Biblical comments about the condition of the dead provide a witness to unbelievers or comfort to the relatives. However, if the disfellowshiped person had still been advocating false teachings or ungodly conduct, even such a talk would not be appropriate.-2 John 9-11.

The most relevant material on the subject is this recent article:
Our Kingdom Ministry August 2002
Display Christian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped

1. The bond between family members can be very strong. This brings a test upon a Christian when a marriage mate, a child, a parent, or another close relative is disfellowshipped or has disassociated himself from the congregation. (Matt. 10:37) How should loyal Christians treat such a relative? Does it make a difference if the person lives in your house hold? First, let us review what the Bible says on this subject, the principles of which apply equally to those who are disfellowshipped and to those who disassociate themselves.

2. How to Treat Expelled Ones: God's Word commands Christians not to keep company or fellowship with a person who has been expelled from the congregation: "Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man....Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." (1 Cor. 5:11, 13) Jesus' words recorded at Matthew 18:17 also bear on the matter: "Let [the expelled ones] be to you as a man of the nations and as a tax collector." Jesus' hearers well knew that the Jews of that day had no fraternization with Gentiles and that they shunned tax collectors as outcasts. Jesus was thus instructing his followers not to associate with expelled ones. --See The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 18-20.

3. This means that loyal Christians do not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been expelled from the congregation. But more is involved. God's Word states that we should 'not even eat with such a man.' (1 Cor. 5:11) Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. This would rule out joining him in a picnic, party, or trip to the shops or theatre or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a restaurant.

4. What about speaking with a disfellowshipped person? While the Bible does not cover every possible situation, 2 John 10 helps us to get Jehovah's view of matters: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him." Commenting on this, The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 25, says "A simple 'Hello' to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowhipped person?"

5. Indeed, it is just as page 31 of the same issue of The Watchtower states: "The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshipped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God;....sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives."

6. In the Immediate Household: Does this mean that Christians living in the same household with a disfellowshipped family member are to avoid talking to, eating with, and associating with that one as they go about their daily activities? The Watchtower of April 15, 1991, in the footnote on page 22, states: "If in a Christian's household there is a disfellowshipped relative, that one would still be part of the normal, day-to-day household dealings and activites." Thus, it would be left to members of the family to decide on the extent to which the disfellowshipped family member would be included when eating or engaging in other household activites. And yet, they would not want to give brothers with him they associate the impression that everything is the same as it was before the disfellowshipping occurred.

7. However, The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, page 28, points out regarding the disfellowshipped or disassociated person: "Former spiritual ties have been completely severed. This is true even with respect to his relatives, including those within his immediate family circle....That will mean changes in the spiritual fellowship that may have existed in the home. For example, if the husband is disfellowshipped, his wife and children will not be comfortable with him conducting a family Bible study or leading in Bible reading and prayer. If he wants to say a prayer, such as at mealtime, he has a right to do so in his own home. But they can silently offer their own prayers to God. (Prov. 28:9; Ps. 119:145,146) What if a disfellowshipped person in the home wants to be present when the family reads the Bible together or has a Bible study? The others might let him be present to listen if he will not try to teach them or share his religious ideas."

8. If a minor child living in the home is disfellowshipped, Christian parents are still responsible for his upbringing. The Watchtower of November 15, 1988, page 20, states: "Just as they will continue to provide him with food, clothing, and shelter, they need to instruct and discipline him in line with God's Word. (Proverbs 6:20-22; 29:17) Loving parents may thus arrange to have a home Bible study with him, even if he is disfellowshipped. Mabye he will derive the most corrective benefit from their studying with himalone. Or they may decide that he can continue to share in the family study arrangement."--See also The Watchtower of October 1, 2001, pages 16-17.

9. Relatives Not in the Household: "The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home," states The Watchtower of April 15, 1988, page 28. "It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if they were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum," in harmony with the divine injunction to "quit mixing in company with anyone" who is guilty of sinning unrepentantly. (1 Cor. 5:11) Loyal Christians should strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even keeping business dealings to an absolute minimum.--See also The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 29-30.

10. The Watchtower addresses another situation that can arise: "What if a close relative, such as a son or a parent who does not live in the home, is disfellowshipped and subsequently wants to move back there? The family could decide what to do depending on the situation. For example, a disfellowshipped parent may be sick or no longer able to care for himself financially or physically. The Christian children have a Scriptural and moral obligation to assist. (1 Tim. 5:8 ) .... What is done may depend on factors such as the parent's true needs, his attitude and the regard the head of the household has for the spiritual welfare of the household."--The Watchtower of September 15, 1981, pages 28-9.

11. As for a child, the same article continues: "Sometimes Christian parents have accepted back into their home for a time a disfellowshipped child who has become physically or emotionally ill. But in each case the parents can weigh the individual circumstances. Has a disfellowshipped son lived on his own, and is no unable to do so? Or does he want to move back primarily because it would be an easier life? What about his morals and attitude? Will he bring 'leaven' into the home?--Gal. 5:9."

12. Benefits fo Being Loyal to Jehovah: Cooperating with the Scriptual arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial. It preserves the cleanness of the congregation and distinguishes us as upholders of the Bible's high moral standards. (1 Pet. 1:14-16) It protects us from corrupting influences. (Gal. 5:7-9) It also affords the wrongdoer an oppotunity to benefit fully from the discipline received, which can help him to produce "peaceable fruit, namely righteousness."--Heb. 12:11.

13. After hearing a talk at a circuit assembly, a brother and his fleshly sister realized that they needed to make adjustments in the way they treated their mother, who lived elsewhere and who had been disfellowshipped for six years. Immeditately after the assembley, the man called his mother, and after assuring her of their love, he explained that they could no longer talk to her unless there were important family matters requiring contact. Shortly thereafter, his mother began attending meetings and was eventually reinstated. Also, her unbelieving husband began studying and in time was baptized.

14. Loyally upholding the disfellowshipping arrangement outlined in the Scriptures demonstrates our love for Jehovah and provides and answer to the one who is taunting Him. (Prov. 27:11) In turn, we can be assured of Jehovah's blessing, King David wrote regarding Jehovah: "As for his statutes, I shall not turn aside from them. With someone loyal you will act in loyalty."--2 Sam. 22:23, 26.

6

Scooby Doo is EVIL ! ! ! ! !

by nicolaou in

for the first time in nearly two years, we were invited out for a meal by a bunch of dubs from the cong'.

the former po, his wife and mother-in-law and a couple of single mums and their kids.

frankly i could've done without it - all the pretence etc.

nicolaou

For the first time in nearly two years, we were invited out for a meal by a bunch of dubs from the cong'. The former PO, his wife and mother-in-law and a couple of single mums and their kids. Frankly I could've done without it - all the pretence etc. Still, some of the teens are a good laugh and I know my wife has really been missing the JW social life so I went.

(I'd prefer to have been duck taped to the sofa and forced to listen to a continually looped tape of Kingdom Melodies but I love my wife and I'll still do anything for her.)

So anyway, we're at the restaurant and I'm trying to make with the small talk while tactfully sidestepping any 'theocratic conversations'. The chat gets round to movies and I ask if anyone else enjoyed the Scooby Doo movie. I thought it was hilarious - honestly!!

You could hear the grass growing. I expected to see tumbleweeds pass through the foyer.

It was one of those Matrix moments when the whole tableaux freezes and you can take in every detail around you. The looks of surprise and disappointment. The ever so slight increase in the amount of 'personal space' I was now given. How was I to know?
Yep, Scooby Doo is demonic. It's full of voodoo motifs and disembodied spirits. Other world monsters devour your souls and assume your identity and it's all run behind the scenes by the greatest Satan of them all . . . . . SCRAPPY DOO!

The whole episode spanned about 4 or 5 seconds - a 'mature' sister steered the conversation round to something more suitable. I glanced across the table to my wife who was dying from a combination of embarrasment and heavily suppressed giggles. Don't think we're gonna be asked out again for another couple of years at least!

Nic'

23

None baptized at circuit assembly in Greeley,CO.

by spanky in

jw
friends

first time i have ever seen or heard of this but no one was baptized with 800+ in attendance at our circuit assembly two weeks back!

nicolaou

Check this out: http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=3241&site=3

Nic'

21

Baptize your own kids?! Why not?

by nicolaou in

go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things i have commanded you.. .

matthew 28:19,20 nwt.

well some here might still like to see their children make a dedication to god.

nicolaou

19

Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU .

Matthew 28:19,20 NWT

Well some here might still like to see their children make a dedication to God. If so, how would you arrange for their non-denominational baptism? Frankly I don't see anything wrong with baptising them yourelf just as Jesus directed and as was the custom for family heads in the 1st Century. (Does sound a bit 'Ned Flanders' though doesn't it?)

Wonder what the Society would think if the brothers started baptising their own children! Would they accept the baptisms as valid? Would there be any censure of those who took such an 'independant' course? (independant of whom though )

Nic' ("diddly")

Edited by - nicolaou on 23 November 2002 2:12:0

5

Life is Backwards

by Satanus in

jw
friends

i found this somewhere.

it sounds like a good way to go.. --------.

you should die first and get it all over with.

nicolaou

Ever play 'Country & Western' music backwards?

The guy's wife comes back to him, his business is a success and the dog comes back to life!!

Nic'