Just to clarify a couple of things - far from being disfellowshipped, I'm an elder who is mentally out and trying to help others secretly. Also my point was that in the past the prodigal son has always been likened to df ones. I would have expected a qualifier (as has been done in the spanish wt) to the point I quoted. The fact that there isn't suggests that it might be the first step. Or it might not - it's not like they are very good at being consistant!
Saltheart Foamfollower
JoinedPosts by Saltheart Foamfollower
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52
The beginning of the end for shunning?
by Saltheart Foamfollower inthe borg seem to prepare for changes by missing explanations out for a while then presenting a "new understanding" which doesn't contradict the most recent discussion.check out the most recent references to gog - no identification as satan.. in today's wt study, paragraph 15 concerning benefitting from the prodigal son stated "if we meet a person who has strayed from the congregation, will we offer loving and practical help to assist him to return?
" there is no footnote or other qualifier saying not to go to disfellowshipped ones (who are definitely the ones being talked about) which is still the official policy.
i know this isn't an ending to shunning, but it may signal the start of the preparation for a change.
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52
The beginning of the end for shunning?
by Saltheart Foamfollower inthe borg seem to prepare for changes by missing explanations out for a while then presenting a "new understanding" which doesn't contradict the most recent discussion.check out the most recent references to gog - no identification as satan.. in today's wt study, paragraph 15 concerning benefitting from the prodigal son stated "if we meet a person who has strayed from the congregation, will we offer loving and practical help to assist him to return?
" there is no footnote or other qualifier saying not to go to disfellowshipped ones (who are definitely the ones being talked about) which is still the official policy.
i know this isn't an ending to shunning, but it may signal the start of the preparation for a change.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
The borg seem to prepare for changes by missing explanations out for a while then presenting a "new understanding" which doesn't contradict the most recent discussion.Check out the most recent references to Gog - no identification as Satan.
In today's Wt study, paragraph 15 concerning benefitting from the prodigal son stated "If we meet a person who has strayed from the congregation, will we offer loving and practical help to assist him to return?" There is no footnote or other qualifier saying not to go to disfellowshipped ones (who are definitely the ones being talked about) which is still the official policy. I know this isn't an ending to shunning, but it may signal the start of the preparation for a change. One comment was made where I was that we shouldn't shun ones who return to the congregation. It seemed to fit in with the spirit of the study. Putting it near the end also meant that many would miss it. Any thoughts?
The (not so) Pure One
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To Blue Dot or Not to Blue Dot. That is the question ....
by Oubliette inso i've been noticing recently that some khs in the area where i live (socal) are putting up the jw.org little blue dot, but others are not.
i would think this would be a mandatory directive from hq.
does anyone here have any intel on the matter?.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
Cliff - it isn't the specification of the colour I find funny - I get it - they are establishing a brand. The funny thing is that they aren't using the colour on their own literature. The recent tracts, including one released last year (after this letter) have jw.org in white on a black background. Only exception was the tract advertising the web site.
I still find it hilarious that the trademark was rejected because it is owned by a janitorial company!
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To Blue Dot or Not to Blue Dot. That is the question ....
by Oubliette inso i've been noticing recently that some khs in the area where i live (socal) are putting up the jw.org little blue dot, but others are not.
i would think this would be a mandatory directive from hq.
does anyone here have any intel on the matter?.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
Here is a copy of the text of the letter sent out. While it isn't a directive, I think questions would be asked if no sign appeared. Incidently, it is quite funny that they are so exact about the colour of the sign when the tracts (including one released last summer) have it in black and white.
Christian Congregation
of Jehovah’s Witnesses
The Ridgeway, London, NW7 1RN Telephone: 020 8906 2211
July 2, 2014
TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS
Re: Displaying the website logo on Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls
Dear Brothers:
As shown on the attached photographs, the official logo for the jw.org website is now displayed
prominently on our buildings in New York. You will be pleased to know that the Governing Body has
approved displaying this logo on Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. The signs should match the attached
sample, which shows the official design, colour, and font. They should be displayed in an appropriate,
dignified way. Please keep the following guidelines in mind:
Quality. Be sure that the colour of the logo matches the colour that is now used in our publications.
The colour has RGB values of R:74, G:109, and B:167. The hexadecimal colour is #4a6da7. The CMYK
values are 85, 50, 5, and 5 per cent. The Pantone colour is 660. These colour specifications will result in a
darker blue than is shown in the attached photographs. The text is MEPS Knoll Medium and displays as
white knockout text.
Complying with display regulations. Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day operation
of the advertisement control system. Some areas are under “special control,” where stricter requirements for
the display of signs are enforced. Before installing a jw.org logo on a Kingdom Hall it is important to check
with the local authority to see if an application for consent is required. Alternatively, a simple option may be
to adjust the existing meeting times sign so that it includes a jw.org logo.
Material. As shown on the attached images, large fabric banners, held taut by aluminium frames,
have been installed on branch properties in the United States. Acrylic signs featuring the logo have been
installed on one of the Britain branch properties. Smaller signs, which may be of a variety of materials
depending on where they will be installed, may be more appropriate for Kingdom Hall use. Do not use lowquality
materials, such as laminated card displayed in a window. Rather, a professionally produced image on
materials designed specifically for commercial signage should be used.
Additional Reminders. The logo is a registered trademark, although you should not include the
“TM” trademark symbol when displaying the sign. Also, the logo should not be used indiscriminately on
brothers’ personal items and no modifications should be made to the design.
If a sign is to be installed at height, please ensure that safe working practices are followed and
suitable access equipment is used by competent persons.
The cost of purchasing and installing signs featuring the logo should be met from local congregation
funds.
If you have further queries about the design or installation of signs showing the official logo for the
jw.org website, please contact the Regional Building Committee.
We take this opportunity to express our warm Christian love and greetings.
Your brothers,
Attachments 2
cc: Regional Building Committees -
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New member, no longer just reader...
by freemindfade inso i joined very recently and began posting and commenting without a formal intro.
been reading for a while, decided it was time to jump in.
mentally i am completely cleansed of this thing, but still have to maintain a minimal involvement for spouse and family.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
Welcome. One of the things I do to get me through the meetings is to do things secretly - the more childish the better. So yesterday singing song 17 instead of "forward you witnesses ever strong of heart" I sing "forward you witnesses ever strong of fart". I also do a slow handclap when everyone else is applauding. Be creative but be careful as well. -
JW.ORG trademark?
by Saltheart Foamfollower inas i understand it, the borg weren't able to trademark jw.org, so can anyone shed light on why they are still printing jw.org with a tm symbol next to it?
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Outline - elders meeting with pioneers
by naeuca inif you happen to have the outline for this years annual pioneer meeting with elders can you please copy and paste to me in reply or send me the link i'm pdf please.
thank you very much know advance!
naeuca.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
Here it is - hope formatting is OK
S-211-15-E 12/14
ELDERS MEET WITH REGULAR PIONEERS, SPECIAL PIONEERS, AND FIELD MISSIONARIES
PROGRAM FOR DECEMBER 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 2015
Note to the elders:
This meeting is to be conducted in December or January by two elders selected by the body of elders. Other elders may attend. The meeting should be positive, practical, and encouraging. Al-low those in attendance to comment freely on the questions posed. Supplemental questions may be used as needed and as time allowsTheme: “Stir Up Like a Fire the Gift of God” (2Ti 1:6)
APPRECIATE AND USE YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS (5 min.)
Paul encouraged Timothy to “stir up like a fire the gift of God” that was in him [Read 2 Timothy 1:6]
The word “gift” here is translated from the Greek word kharisma. From the Scriptural stand-point, kharisma is a gift received thanks to God’s undeserved kindness (w98 2/15 24-26)
In the case of Timothy, the “gift” referred to at 2 Timothy 1:6 involved some special service in the congregation. He had to “stir up like a fire” this gift by being diligent in his assignment
You have spiritual gifts to share with others, both inside and outside the congregation. These gifts are related to your service privileges and your opportunities to help others. Appreciation for such gifts should motivate you to “stir up like a fire,” or exert yourself, to do your very best
What are some of your spiritual gifts?
“STIR UP LIKE A FIRE” THE GIFT OF FULL-TIME SERVICE (15 min.)
Your gift of full-time service should not be neglected
Cherishing this gift requires self-examination
[Read 1 Timothy 4:13, 16]
Question: In what practical ways can full-time servants apply this admonition?
[Read 2 Timothy 4:2]
Questions: Why is it important to cultivate the art of teaching? In what practical ways can full-time servants apply this admonition? (w08 1/15 8-12)
Jehovah helped Elijah “stir up like a fire” his service privileges despite discouragement
After Queen Jezebel learned of Elijah’s role in the execution of 450 Baal prophets, she threat-ened him with death (ia 101 par. 6)
When Elijah became fearful, Jehovah strengthened him (ia 103 pars. 13-14)
Today we experience difficult situations [Mention some examples that apply locally]
Prayer and meditation on God’s Word can help us “stir up like a fire,” or put our heart and ener-gy into, our ministry despite difficulties (Lu 11:9-13; ia 104 par. 16)
Question: How have you felt Jehovah’s strength in dealing with a stressful situation? (Ro 15:4)
“STIR UP LIKE A FIRE” THE PRIVILEGE TO BUILD FAITH IN OTHERS (20 min.)
Both in the congregation and in the ministry, be alert to build others’ faith
Violence, economic problems, and poor health affect many
Love for others will motivate us to encourage them
[Read Romans 1:11, 12]
Questions: What is the spiritual gift mentioned here? How can we use this spiritual gift? (w98 2/15 26-27)
S-211-15-E 12/14—Page 2
[Read Philippians 2:1-4]
Question: Why is it not helpful to compare the service of one publisher with that of another? (w13 8/15 21 par. 12)
Giving a fellow believer commendation can have a lasting, positive effect
[Relate the experiences mentioned in the August 15, 2013, issue of The Watchtower, page 21, paragraphs 10 and 11]
Questions: Have you seen the good effects of kindly encouraging others? How has their faith been built up?
It is also appropriate to encourage ones whom we meet in our ministry
The proper attitude is needed (w00 7/1 11-12 pars. 12-15)
Why do we preach?
We desire to praise Jehovah and sanctify his name (Ps 145:10-12; Mt 6:9)
We love people (Mr 6:34)
We view each fellow human as a potential brother or sister (Ac 13:48; 2Ti 2:25)
[Read 2 Timothy 1:7, 8]
Questions: To what lengths did Paul go in order to build faith in others? What do we learn from that? (w06 10/1 22 pars. 7-9)
TREASURE THE GIFT OF EVERLASTING LIFE (15 min.)
The gift of everlasting life should be treasured and shared [Read Romans 6:23]
Look for more opportunities to share the good news
Do not neglect preaching from house to house
[Read Acts 5:42]
Question: What benefits do we receive when we share in the house-to-house work?
It may be necessary to adjust the time when we engage in this activity if we are having dif-ficulty finding people at home (km 6/13 1)
Be alert to adapt your presentation according to the needs of the territory (1Co 9:20-23)
Participate in public witnessing
[Read Proverbs 1:20, 21]
Question: What opportunities are available in territories that lend themselves to public witnessing? [If the congregation has an arrangement for public witnessing, ask the au-dience to relate encouraging experiences in this activity]
Seek opportunities to witness informally
Boldness is required; prayer will help us to have such boldness (Ac 4:29, 31)
[Read John 4:6, 7, 25, 26]
Questions: What do we learn from how Jesus dealt with the Samaritan woman? How can we be prepared to witness informally?
[Ask for experiences of witnessing informally to (1) a business owner, (2) a fellow traveler, and (3) a non-Witness family member]
Since lives are involved, we should seek every opportunity to share the gift of everlasting life (1Ti 4:16)
“STIR UP LIKE A FIRE” YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS (5 min.)
Thanks to Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, we have many spiritual gifts to share with others [Sum-marize the three gifts discussed in this outline]
Having these gifts is no reason to boast (1Co 4:7)
[Read 1 Peter 4:10, 11]
Question: What responsibility do we have in connection with any spiritual gifts we have re-ceived?
In Israelite homes, fires were often just glowing coals
The coals could be stirred up to produce flames and more heat
Similarly, all of us need to put our heart and energy into our assignments, ‘stirring up like a fire’ any spiritual gifts we have received
Our example will have a positive effect on the congregation and will help others to appreciate their spiritual gifts and their spiritual need more fully (Mt 5:3; 1Th 5:11)
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More Money For JW.ORG
by The Searcher inmy apologies if this topic has previously been spotlighted.. the following is a portion of the the recent money-grabbing letter from jw.org.
it's on page 4 - one of the three pages which only the elders were allowed to read.. "surplus funds: is it necessary to save congregation funds for future construction or major renovation projects?
what should be done with excess congregation funds that are currently being held or that may accumulate in the future?
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Saltheart Foamfollower
Many of the congs in my area did this (my cong didn't) and have had to find £1000 for projection equipment. There have been lots of murmerings from elders wishing they hadn't sent all of their money and planning to keep hold of it in the future. I suspect that circuit visits will try to enforce this - I'm looking forward to a showdown if he tries it in my cong (I'm a signatory of our savings account and I wont be allowing it)
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Headquarters representatives visit to UK 2015
by Saltheart Foamfollower ina letter is to be read out at service meetings this week in the uk saying that sam herd & john larson are visiting next april.
on sat 25th there will be a 3 hour programme streamed to all congs.
the postscript (not to be read out) instructs congs that haven't already done so, to order the necessary equipment.
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Saltheart Foamfollower
A letter is to be read out at service meetings this week in the UK saying that Sam Herd & John Larson are visiting next April. On Sat 25th there will be a 3 hour programme streamed to all congs. The postscript (not to be read out) instructs congs that haven't already done so, to order the necessary equipment. Around here there is already a 2 month wait for equipment and then everyone is trying to find someone to fit it. I envision a nice bit of chaos next April.
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So its the Elders School this Weekend.......
by Slidin Fast inwhat is the focus for this one.
is it "well lads ring the legal department but if anything goes wrong, you are on your own.
the cs deals with all that".
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Saltheart Foamfollower
I was on a JC a few years ago and had the same thing - reinstated after 6 months and got letter from branch questioning us why. Funnily enough, the only bible example they can ever point to is the "df" in 1 Corinthians followed by the "reinstatement" in 2 Corinthians. Guess how long they reckon there was inbetween the two letters? 6 months or so!