Jack Ryan

At Warwick there is a gazebo overlooking the lake. It's a nice peaceful setting. Well someone had the bright idea they were going to propose while they were at Warwick. They see this Gazebo and walk out to. He proposes to her and they take some nice pictures there of each other to remember their engagement. Well, a few minutes later Bethels version of the secret service comes running down the hill. A bunch of these guys tell them that they can't be there, this is for the GB use only. They meet there on Wednesdays when it's nice out instead of meeting in their office. It gets even crazier! They made them delete all the photos they took at this location. They gave some weird reason that they don't want tourist coming down and taking pictures of the gazebo and idolizing it because the GB have their meetings there on Wednesday on nice days. & that they didn't want other people getting the idea that this would be a good place to get engaged at. I can confirm this story 100% down to the smallest detail. One of the weirdest things I've ever witnessed. Talk about an awkward engagement.

That's an interesting, but subtle and very specific change to the previous directions the WT have sent to congregations regarding the labelling of the contribution boxes... You do remember the March 2017 letter?? NOW - add temporary labels over 'Local Congregation Expenses' boxes PREVIOUSLY - no label changes, just send money in 'Local Congregation Expenses' to Bethel (minus any minor expenses incurred during the actual event)

October 2, 2017 TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES BRANCH TERRITORY Re: Contributions Received at the 2017 Annual Meeting

1. Ministerial Servants are not allowed to see the program for elders. (This is so important it is bold) 2. Any elders who receive the program early should not discuss the information with other elders.

October 4, 2017 TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS AND MINISTERIAL SERVANTS Re: Kingdom Ministry School for the 2018 Service Year PROGRAM FOR MINISTERIAL SERVANTS MINISTERIAL SERVANTS References needed during the Kingdom Ministry School: Ministry School book—main points will be taken from pages 118-120, 128-130 Organized book—main points will be taken from chapter 6, paragraphs 3-12 PROGRAM FOR ELDERS ELDERS References needed during the Kingdom Ministry School: Shepherding textbook—main points will be taken from chapter 3, paragraphs 1-10, 22 Ministry School book—main points will be taken from pages 118-120, 128-130 September 1, 2017, letter to all bodies of elders regarding protecting minors from abuse May 15, 2017, letter to all bodies of elders regarding regular pioneers July 13, 2014, letter to all bodies of elders regarding appointment and deletion of elders and ministerial servants

Instructions For Merging Congregations S-67-E 9/17 It appears this replaces Instructions for Dissolving Congregations S-67a-E 11/11. "Merging" sounds so much better than "dissolving".

Watchtower 12/1/1987 pages 30-31 ‘Where do such funds come from?’ is an often-asked question. Unlike the churches of Christendom, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not take up collections or send out envelopes to solicit donations. Rather, contribution boxes-like the treasury chests of Biblical times-are set up at their Kingdom Halls. Awake 9/8/1975 page 26 …is it not a comfort for them to know that in the local congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses they will never be tithed to pay out a percentage of their income? Nor will unscriptural money-raising schemes be imposed on them. It is at the Kingdom Hall that an unobtrusive contribution box is located for use by those who wish voluntarily to give money to support the work of the congregation. Donations mailed to the headquarters of the Watch Tower Society are also unsolicited and entirely voluntary. Watchtower 9/15/1974 page 559 The Kingdom Halls of this happy group are open to you and you may attend free of charge, without having to suffer embarrassment by a request for contributions or the passing of a collection plate. Watchtower 8/15/1971 page 506 The emphasis in all giving among the Witnesses is that it must be voluntary and spontaneous, from the heart. In fact, ever since the earliest days of the modern witnesses of Jehovah it has been their policy that never should there be any passing of collection plates or similar solicitations for money. Watchtower 5/1/1962 page 278 How May I Contribute? Jehovah’s witnesses have never gone begging for finances.

Tutorial for Making Donations Electronically video will be considered the week of October 16, 2017.

The family and community of a Massachusetts woman killed in Sunday's shooting rampage in Las Vegas is mourning her death. Rhonda LeRocque, 42, of Tewksbury, was among the dozens killed in the gunfire that broke out at the Route 91 Harvest Festival at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on the Las Vegas strip. LeRocque had traveled to Las Vegas with her husband Jason and their 6-year-old daughter to attend the country music festival. Her husband was not injured, and the child had left the concert with her grandfather shortly before the shooting. "Jason was right next to her when she fell, he thought she was ducking, he thought she was ducking, but she didn't get up," LeRocque's mother, Priscilla Champagne, told NBC Boston. Source: http://www.necn.com/news/new-england/Community-Mourns-Massachusetts-Resident-Killed-in-Las-Vegas-Shooting-449277193.html#ixzz4uVN4F1yN

My wife and I went to the County Agricultural Show and one of the first exhibits we stopped at was the breeding bulls. We went up to the first pen and there was a sign attached that said: THIS BULL MATED 50 TIMES LAST YEAR My wife playfully nudged me in the ribs ..... Smiled and said, "He mated 50 times last year, that's almost once a week". We walked to the second pen which had a sign attached that said: THIS BULL MATED 150 TIMES LAST YEAR My wife gave me a healthy jab and said, "WOW~~That's more than twice a week! .......... You could learn a lot from him". We walked to the third pen and it had a sign attached that said: THIS BULL MATED 365 TIMES LAST YEAR My wife was so excited that her elbow nearly broke my ribs, and said, "That's once a day .. You could REALLY learn something from this one". I looked at her and said, "Go over and ask him if it was with the same cow". My condition has been upgraded from critical to stable and the doctors say I should eventually make a full recovery.

This is what she lived through:

We cannot have Jehovah's protection while being a "part of the world". Every Jehovah's WItness knows from early youth on the dangers of attending worldly concerts and that it is a no-no for true witnesses of Jehovah. Still sad though to see her pay such a dear price. The shooter was demon possessed and under the influence of Satan.

Under the subheading, "Iron Sharpens Iron" lies this amusingly-worded gem "...one friend may succeed in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another." Thank you all for sharpening me... ;-)

Ahhh - he would be happier and have some security and satisfaction in his life!

ELDERS MEET WITH REGULAR PIONEERS, SPECIAL PIONEERS, AND FIELD MISSIONARIES PROGRAM FOR DECEMBER 2017 THROUGH JANUARY 2018 S-211-18-E 9/17

Where they get what appears like a degree in Theology signed by none other an Leon Weaver Jr. himself. @JW Insider Did the 1st century christians or apostles get degrees in the Christian ministry?

First - the background for both English and Spanish is completely the same (plant on left side is also unmoved etc) BUT they swapped over the Bibles on the right hand side - English has the new 'silver' bibles on display, but of course the Spanish don't, they get the 'old' version Second - the lighting! The English version is darker with Leon Weaver, Jr, while the Spanish version with Adrian Fernandez has noticably brighter lighting.... https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/sep/21/its-lit-how-film-finally-learned-how-to-light-black-skin

The only specific action spoken of, is what a JW should do. Keep your spiritual routine. Give emotional and spiritual support to others.

Three questions: Why would they need to "supplicate Jehovah" in behalf of someone else, isn't he aware of what's going on with his people or does he have to receive a certain amount of "supplications" or "supplications" from noteworthy individuals such as the GB memebers, before he will do anything to help ? What other kind of "supplication" is there other than one that is earnest...are their times when their "supplications" are insincere? Why would he do anything, since his (supposed) intent was that the earth be cursed and life on it be made difficult so that human kind would suffer and pay for the sins of Adam and Eve?

The original used to hang outside of the Service Department along the tour route at Patterson. Who knows where it ended up when they moved to Wallkill?

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On behalf of the United States Branch Committee it's my privilege to speak with you for a few minutes. You dear friends have been close to our minds and hearts over the past days, and we have been earnestly supplicating Jehovah in your behalf. This is especially the case since many of you are now preparing for yet another storm, Maria. As you know, over the past few weeks portions of our Branch territory have suffered greatly as a result of numerous storms. Because of this our Branch Committee has been working very closely with the Disaster Relief Desk here at the Branch to keep up-to-date on the difficult situation being faced by so many. However today, we want to talk to you who have been directly affected by Hurricane Irma. We want you to know that already your Circuit Overseers and four Disaster Relief Committees are working tirelessly, responding to your immediate needs and organizing for a long-term relief effort. It is evident that you have taken to heart Proverbs 22:3 where it states “the shrewd one sees the danger and conceals himself.” We want to some sincerely commend you dear ones for working in harmony with the organizational arrangements put in place for situations like these. Due to your excellent cooperation with the local elders and your congregation, information about your condition has been made available quickly, which greatly assist us in caring for your immediate and long-term needs. We also wish to thank those of you who, out of brotherly love, immediately made homes available to receive brothers and sisters who have been displaced, as well as those who have assisted in other practical ways. You will be pleased to know that representatives from the branch will be visiting your area this weekend and will assist your local brothers to begin laying the foundation for a successful relief effort. In addition, we have asked that they visit many of you personally, and view the extent of damage this hurricane has caused. The relief effort is sure to extend into the coming weeks and months. Therefore continue to work along with your local elders and the circuit overseer as they provide direction. As soon as possible please try to resume your theocratic routine and be alert to opportunities to provide spiritual and emotional support to others including your neighbors. In addition be assured that we are making every effort to help you. In the meantime remember that Jehovah is aware of your situation and is your fortress in times of distress as stated at Psalm 37:39. In addition please continue to take to heart these words at Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us.” It is with deep heartfelt love that our Committee sends this message to you. You friends are dear to our hearts and it is our sincere prayer that Jehovah will care for you and watch over you in the days to come.

The Branch Committee has prepared an encouraging video meant to encourage and reassure those affected by the recent storm.

April 13, 2017 TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN BRITAIN Re: Kingdom Hall Information Revision adds a paragraph about Security: Compare with Version 1: April 13, 2017 TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS Re: Kingdom Hall Information