Memorial 2009

[James]

http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p480/Jamesx777/Memorial.jpg

[Eyes & Ears]

Thank you James for taking the time to put the invitation up.

E & E

[James]

Thank you James for taking the time to put the invitation up.

E & E[/b]

You're welcome E&E,

I hope all, regardless of status, who read this invitation, in these last days, find it in their heart to honor Jehovah's gift of life everlasting-Jesus-and attend the memorial.


agape,
James

[James]

http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p480/Jamesx777/Memorial_0001.jpg

[James]

Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ's death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebration—the Passover. God's people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus' true followers thus attend the Lord's Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I've looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we're commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James

[diamondiiz]

If I remember correctly Passover or Lord's evening meal always occurred on a full moon. Which falls on April 9 this year. If I'm wrong please correct me but I always understood that jewish calendar was based on moon cycle and the passover always fell on the full moon.

[uglyandthin]

Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ's death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebration—the Passover. God's people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus' true followers thus attend the Lord's Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I've looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we're commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]

Hi All:

They got the date correct, and I recieved my personal invitation today. Two very nice sisters from the local Kingdom Hall came to my door and invited me. Guess they did not know they were inviting an apostate. I just said "thank you very much" and they were on their way to the next door.

It was a very nice gesture though. I will not be attending and it is my guess that many more than myself will not be as well. Time will tell. I will commemorate Christ's death in my own way. If any on the board live near the Pittsburgh, PA area, feel free to contact me and perhaps we can join together in a small group. If not, that's OK too.

uglyandthin

[James]

Rosh Chodashim- Biblical New Years' Day


http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p480/Jamesx777/Nisan2-1.jpg

James

[Oakscove]

Thank you james for the info, i received my invite at the hall this morning. it is nice to see the work being done here "is" for us who follow jehovah. i will be handing out invites to who will take one as well. Thank you also for the info pertaining to the day in question. The fact that we can go to the scriptures helps us all to better understand the information. :185:


Oakscove

[Jinnvisible]

<div align="center">Flavius Josephus, </div>
<div align="center">(Jewish historian, became a Pharisee at 19, later commander, of the Jewish forces in Galilee. Captured by Romans and attached to their headquarters. Born: 34AD)</div>
<blockquote>“Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man if it be lawful to call him a man, for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many Jews, and many of the Gentiles. He was the Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first, did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians so named from him are not extinct at this day.”




</blockquote>

[Jinnvisible]

<div align="center">Desiderius Erasmus </div><div align="center">(1466-1536) Dutch humanist and theologian. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Garamond">and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade."</span>

</div>

[uglyandthin]

<div align="center">Desiderius Erasmus <div align="center">(1466-1536) Dutch humanist and theologian. </div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:Garamond">and only by that Carpenter can mankind be remade."</span>

</div>[/b][/quote]


Hi All:

When Jesus and the disciples celebrated the Passover before Jesus death they celebrated it in the traditional way with 4 cups of wine and three loaves of bread (one loaf broken into two pieces, making a total of 4 loaves or pieces). Also, they had the traditional meal of the Passover. Have we missed out on the important symbolisms here, when we don&#39;t follow thier example more closely by having a passover meal along with the different loaves and cups?, only focusing on the New Covenant that pertains to the members of Christ&#39;s Bride? Could this be a source of the frustration felt by "the many" who do not feel a part of Christ&#39;s sacrifice when attending the memorial as only "the few" actually partake of the one cup of wine and one loaf of bread? Also, since there were more than one loaf and more than one cup (if you examine the differences and nuances of the different accounts you will see this is true) it could explain why Judas was there and partook of the celebration (partially) without having to partake of the New Covenant emblems. Just a thought for discussion, look up the info on how the passover was celebrated to give yourself a perspective of what I am talking about, unless you are already familiar with this.

uglyandthin

[BrotherJay]

Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebration—the Passover. God&#39;s people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]
Passover is observed traditionally the first full moon after the spring equinox. This year, that is April 9th.

Notice on this Israel calendar that April 9th is the full moon.
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/index....&country=34 (http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/index.html?year=2009&country=34)

Also notice:
http://www.when-is.com/passover-2009.asp

Brother Jay

[James]

<div class='quotemain'>Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death


When should the Memorial be observed? Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]
Passover is observed traditionally the first full moon after the spring equinox. This year, that is April 9th.

Notice on this Israel calendar that April 9th is the full moon.
http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/index....&country=34 (http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/index.html?year=2009&country=34)

Also notice:
http://www.when-is.com/passover-2009.asp

Brother Jay
[/b][/quote]

Thanks Brotherjay,

So, if Nisan 14 begins on April 8 (after sunset) till April 9 sunset and we are observing the Memorial after sunset on April 9, that corresponds to Nisan 15.
I&#39;d like to reiterate that this quote comes directly from the Watchtower web site: "date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar."

[Jinnvisible]

<div align="center">Dr Knox Chamberlain. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Jesus On Trial </div><div align="center">
The search for the desired false evidence at first proves futile,
v. 60.

The reason, explains Mk 14:56, is that "their statements did not agree." "In capital cases condemnation required the unanimous evidence of at least two witnesses (M. Sanhedrin IV. 1), a provision firmly rooted in pentateuchal law (Deut 17:6; 19:15).... If [the witnesses&#39;] respective depositions differed one from the other even in trivial details, they were inadmissible as evidence"
(Lane, 533). </div><div align="center">
</div><div align="left">[b]Deuteronomy 19:16-21 In case a witness scheming violence should rise up against a man to bring a charge of revolt against him, the two men who have the dispute must also stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who will be acting in those days. And the judges must search thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and has brought a false charge against his brother, you must also do to him just as he had schemed to do to his brother, and you must clear away what is bad from your midst. So those who remain will hear and be afraid, and they will never again do anything bad like this in your midst. And your eye should not feel sorry: soul will be for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.</span></span></div>

[Jinnvisible]

<div align="center"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span style="font-family:Garamond"><span style="color:#006400">[b]Tiberius is mentioned by name only once, in Luke, stating that John the Baptist entered on his public ministry in the fifteenth year of his reign. Many references to Caesar (or the emperor in some other translations), without further specification, actually refer to Tiberius. Similarly, the "Tribute Penny" referred to in Matthew and Mark is popularly thought to be a silver denarius coin of Tiberius. ~ Wikipedia</span></span>
</div>

[Utuna]

Dear all,

The French version of the leaflet about the Memorial 2009 is totally different !

I&#39;ll try to post a scanned picture to show it to you but I have a problem with pictures. I never was able to post them on this forum. Don&#39;t know why...

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[Utuna]

Dear all,

Here is the front side. I hope I&#39;ll be able to post the picture.

James, how do you post pictures on this forum ! Can&#39;t do it ! Please help me !

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[FutureMan]

<div class='quotemain'>Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebration—the Passover. God&#39;s people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]

Hi All:

They got the date correct, and I recieved my personal invitation today. Two very nice sisters from the local Kingdom Hall came to my door and invited me. Guess they did not know they were inviting an apostate. I just said "thank you very much" and they were on their way to the next door.

It was a very nice gesture though. I will not be attending and it is my guess that many more than myself will not be as well. Time will tell. I will commemorate Christ&#39;s death in my own way. If any on the board live near the Pittsburgh, PA area, feel free to contact me and perhaps we can join together in a small group. If not, that&#39;s OK too.

uglyandthin
[/b][/quote]

Hello uglyandthin, I too received an invitation from two of the local elders in my congregation, or rather my wife did anyway because they would not talk to me when I answered there knock except to ask for my wife, they asked to speak to my wife and gave her the invitation.
Apparently I have leprosy or something. :192:

Anyway uglyandthin, I would love to share the memorial with you but since I live in the land down under that would make it very difficult. :(

From FutureMan.

[uglyandthin]

<div class='quotemain'><div class='quotemain'>Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebration—the Passover. God&#39;s people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]

Hi All:

They got the date correct, and I recieved my personal invitation today. Two very nice sisters from the local Kingdom Hall came to my door and invited me. Guess they did not know they were inviting an apostate. I just said "thank you very much" and they were on their way to the next door.

It was a very nice gesture though. I will not be attending and it is my guess that many more than myself will not be as well. Time will tell. I will commemorate Christ&#39;s death in my own way. If any on the board live near the Pittsburgh, PA area, feel free to contact me and perhaps we can join together in a small group. If not, that&#39;s OK too.

uglyandthin
[/b][/quote]

Hello uglyandthin, I too received an invitation from two of the local elders in my congregation, or rather my wife did anyway because they would not talk to me when I answered there knock except to ask for my wife, they asked to speak to my wife and gave her the invitation.
Apparently I have leprosy or something. :192:

Anyway uglyandthin, I would love to share the memorial with you but since I live in the land down under that would make it very difficult. :(

From FutureMan.


[/b][/quote]

Hi FutureMan:

They say it&#39;s the thought that counts. Anyway, thanks for the good thoughts. The Watchtower has never celebrated a Passover properly anyway, why start now. Their only focus is on the Bride, when that was not the case in the beginning. There were originally four cups and three loaves, with the third loaf split into two unequal parts. Only the last loaf and cup dealt with the Bride. The first three cups and loaves deal with other covenants.

uglyandthin

[Jinnvisible]

Following the Roman custom, Pilate ordered a sign posted above Jesus on the cross stating "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews" to give public notice of the legal charge against him for his crucifixion. The chief priests protested that the public charge on the sign should read that Jesus claimed to be King of the Jews. Pilate refused to change the posted charge. This may have been to emphasize Rome&#39;s supremacy in crucifying a Jewish king; it is not unlikely, though, that Pilate was quite irritated by the fact, that the Jewish leaders had used him as a marionette and thus compelled him to sentence Jesus to death contrary to his own will (according to Mathew 27:19, even Pilate&#39;s wife asked him on Jesus&#39; behalf). </span></span>



</div></span>

[Utuna]

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[James]

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton
[/b]

I&#39;m sorry, brother Utuna that my two PM&#39;s did not give you the necessary answers.
Maybe a language/translation problem? Let me know.

James
http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif
http://l.yimg.com/g/images/spaceball.gif

[James]

Jews Prepare to &#39;Bless the Sun&#39; Before Passover
Traditionalist Jews and tree-huggers alike are coming together for Birkat HaHammah, a Jewish holiday that falls only once every 28 years, marking the sun&#39;s return to its original position at creation.

This year, the celebration takes place at sunrise April 8, followed by the start of Passover at sunset. The timing is a coincidence that won&#39;t happen again until 2437; unlike major Jewish holidays, which run on a lunar cycle, the "blessing the sun" is based on the Julian calendar.

Beliefnet (http://blog.beliefnet.com/news/2009/03/jews-prepare-to-bless-the-sun.php)

[shikinah]

Isnt blessing of the sun, paganistic worship?

[James]

http://i347.photobucket.com/albums/p480/Jamesx777/Memorial_Invite.jpg

[Utuna]

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton

[James]

Dear James,

Nooooo, you did it all right ! On the contrary, your help was very helpful as your comments were confirmed to me by PMs of other members. It&#39;s just that I have to take the time to apply the advice you gave me a little bit later, surely tomorrow afternoon as my working hours are less long on Friday afternoon.

I tried to post the image contained on the site whose link I provided above. But, I was told that this image was dynamic and that I wasn&#39;t allowed to use it on this DB. What a bummer....

I&#39;ll use your B-plan tomorrow, lol

Thanks again !

------------------------------------------------------------------
"Le sectarisme des jugements pauvres lui tenait quelquefois lieu de volonté" - Hervé Bazin
"J&#39;ai pétri de la boue et j&#39;en ai fait de l&#39;or" - Charles Baudelaire
"S&#39;il m&#39;a été donné de voir un peu plus loin que les autres, c&#39;est que je me tenais sur les épaules de géants" - Isaac Newton [/b]

Dear brother,Utuna

Believe me, the solutions I offered came after much trial and error and I tried to spare you from the same grief and frustration. This was actually the first discussion board that I joined, so it&#39;s nuances were a learning experience for me.

I promise not to post the back-side of the invitation. I will leave that to you and I will applaud you on your achievement!

agape,
James

[James]

Hello all,

I thought it might be interesting to see a year to year comparison of the statistics.

2008 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 115
Number of Lands Reporting: 236
Total Congregations: 103,267
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 17,790,631
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 9,986
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 7,124,443
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,829,455
Percentage of Increase Over 2006: 2.1
Total Number Baptized: 289,678
Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 321,986
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 732,912
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,488,658,249
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 7,133,760
During the 2008 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $141 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
▪ Worldwide, a total of 19,820 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2007 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 113
Number of Lands Reporting: 236
Total Congregations: 101,376
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 17,672,443
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 9,105
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,957,854
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,691,790
Percentage of Increase Over 2006: 3.1
Total Number Baptized: 298,304
Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 312,741
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 678,638
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,431,761,554
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,561,426
During the 2007 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $121 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
▪ Worldwide, a total of 19,581 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2006 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 114
Number of Lands Reporting: 236
Total Congregations: 99,770
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,675,113
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,758
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,741,444
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,491,775
Percentage of Increase Over 2005: 1.6
Total Number Baptized: 248,327
Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 269,557
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 642,182
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,333,966,199
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,286,618
During the 2006 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $111 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
▪ Worldwide, a total of 19,328 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2005 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 112
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 98,269
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,383,333
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,524
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,613,829
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,390,016
Percentage of Increase Over 2004: 1.3
Total Number Baptized: 247,631
Average Auxiliary Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 219,926
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 623,308
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,278,201,985
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,061,546
During the 2005 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $104 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
Worldwide, a total of 20,119 ordained ministers staff the branch facilities. All are members of the Worldwide Order of Special Full-Time Servants of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2004 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 111
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 96,894
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,760,607
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,570
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,513,132
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,308,341
Percentage of Increase Over 2003: 2.0
Total Number Baptized: 262,416
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 858,461
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,282,234,887
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 6,085,387
During the 2004 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $93 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2003 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 109
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 95,919
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 16,097,622
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,565
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,429,351
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,184,046
Percentage of Increase Over 2002: 2.2
Total Number Baptized: 258,845
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 825,185
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,234,796,477
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 5,726,509
During the 2003 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $80 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2002 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 109
Number of Lands Reporting: 234
Total Congregations: 94,600
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 15,597,746
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,760
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,304,645
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 6,048,600
Percentage of Increase Over 2001: 2.8
Total Number Baptized: 265,469
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 798,938
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,202,381,302
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 5,309,289
During the 2002 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $72.4 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2001 Grand Totals

Branches of Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses: 111
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 93,154
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 15,374,986
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,730
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,117,666
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 5,881,776
Percentage of Increase Over 2000: 1.7
Total Number Baptized: 263,431
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 787,439
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,169,082,225
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 4,921,702
During the 2001 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $70.9 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Worldwide Report 2000 Grand Totals

Watch Tower Branches: 110
Number of Lands Reporting: 235
Total Congregations: 91,487
Worldwide Memorial Attendance: 14,872,086
Memorial Partakers Worldwide: 8,661
Peak of Publishers in Kingdom Service: 6,035,564
Average Publishers Preaching Each Month: 5,783,003
Percentage of Increase Over 1999: 2.3
Total Number Baptized: 288,907
Average Pioneer Publishers Each Month: 805,205
Total Hours Spent in Field: 1,171,270,425
Average Home Bible Studies Each Month: 4,766,631
During the 2000 service year, the Watch Tower Society spent over $66.3 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments




agape,
James

[shikinah]

Am i missing something here, arnt the numbers meant to be dwindling? but instead there slowly rising :Yahoo_33:
Can someone also explain to me, how can they possibly know from when the first anointed was chosen, then the ones after, inbetween and today. Its a bit confusing, can never get my head around this.

During the 2004 service year, Jehovah&#39;s Witnesses spent over $93 million in caring for special pioneers, missionaries, and traveling overseers in their field service assignments.

Thats an exceptional amount of money, i thought the pioneers were cheap to keep? i dont think this includes printing facilities either.



Elizabeth

[Jinnvisible]

Additionally, the group has developed an informative, comprehensive, easy-to-read Seamless Handbook highlighting the advantages of seamless technology. Seamless apparel producers, distributors, marketers, suppliers and retailers are encouraged to become actively involved within the Seamless Consortium</span>
</div>

[James]

Am i missing something here, arnt the numbers meant to be dwindling? but instead there slowly rising :Yahoo_33:


Elizabeth[/b]

Hi shikinah,

What is also missing from the statistics, is how many anointed went to sleep during the previous service year, which increases the number of new ones even higher than that reported.
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds

James

[Survivor]

James said:
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds[/b]

I was thinking maybe they are the 11th hour workers?

(Matt. 20:1-16)

[James]

James said:
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds[/b]

I was thinking maybe they are the 11th hour workers?

(Matt. 20:1-16)
[/b]

Good thought, Survivor

I was really wondering what the WT view was on it. Are they subtracting all the disfellowshipped anointed from the previous service year and calculating, &#39;well, we&#39;re short 881 from 144k from last year, so all you out there who think you have the calling, raise your hand.&#39;

Also, those &#39;new&#39; anointed ones are older ones,most likely with decades of service. Did they receive new light? Did they wake up one morning and say, &#39;by golly, I do think I have the heavenly calling, yes, yes, I believe I do! :imnotworthy: :imnotworthy: :imnotworthy:

[Jahsdisciple]

James said:
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds[/b]

I was thinking maybe they are the 11th hour workers?

(Matt. 20:1-16)
[/b]

Yes,that is a good thought.

My take is that if the numbers are increasing,it makes sence from the point of view that if the 144k are to help people,then wouldnt it make sence that those living in the most hard to live with time need the most help from people who have lived in this time ? as opposed to the people who lived in the 1930&#39;s or there abouts ?

How could those from that era possibly have any idea of what its like to live now and all the pain people have ?

[shikinah]

<div class='quotemain'>Am i missing something here, arnt the numbers meant to be dwindling? but instead there slowly rising :Yahoo_33:


Elizabeth[/b]

Hi shikinah,

What is also missing from the statistics, is how many anointed went to sleep during the previous service year, which increases the number of new ones even higher than that reported.
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds

James
[/b][/quote]


Hey well they need to be weeded out :186:

[Tsaphah]

Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebrationâ€â€�the Passover. God&#39;s people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]

I&#39;ve always had a problem with the date, given by the WTB&TS, to celebrate the evening meal as directed by Jesus. If the passover was celebrated on the first full moon after the spring equinox, Nisan 14, then the date of the evening meal to commemorate his death and sacrifice would be Nisan 13. Jesus and the apostles were not celebrating the passover that night. They were having an evening meal. (Jn 13:1-2) If it were the passover, Jesus wouldn&#39;t have instructed Judas to carry out the betrayal at that time. (Jn 13:26-30) And, Jesus and the apostles would not have left the room and gone out into the night. They left and crossed the Kidron to the garden. (Jn 18:1) The room was in preparation for the passover. (Mt 26:17-18) (Lk 22:7-13)

What makes it difficult to discern about this is what it says at Luke 22:14-15. That is because it says, "When it was time, he reclined at the table with the Apostles. Then he told them, "I really wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."� This was not the passover meal. The passover was the evening of the next day. That was the day he was executed. The passover began the evening after his death.

The chief priests and captains of the temple and the older men came to arrest him in the garden. (Lk 22:52-53) If it were the passover, they would have stayed in there homes until daylight. (Ex 12:22-24) That is why the priests, pharisees, and sanhedrin wanted him executed immediately. The did not want Jesus executed on the passover and the Sabbath. (Mt 26:3-5) (Lk 23:56) This was also a special passover because it also occurred on the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea requested that his body be taken down before sundown because they didn&#39;t want his body to be on the stake during the passover, and because it was a special passover that was on the sabbath. (Mk 15:42) (Mt 27:62) (Lk 23:54)

Can anyone explain this date of Nisan 14, the night of the full moon, for me. I may be mistaken about this. If you can show me from the scriptures, I would like to know them. For me, the memorial meal should be celebrated on Nisan 13, or April 8 of this year. The night before the full moon, or beginning of passover.

Agape,
Tsaphah

[shikinah]

<div class='quotemain'>Commemorating the Memorial of Jesus Christ&#39;s death

http://www.watchtower.org/images/20080401a/29.jpg

When should the Memorial be observed? The answer becomes clear when we remember that Jesus chose a particular date to institute this celebrationâ€â€�the Passover. God&#39;s people had annually been observing that date, Nisan 14 on their calendar, for over 1,500 years in order to commemorate a remarkable salvation that Jehovah performed for his people. Clearly, Jesus was directing his followers to use the same date to commemorate the far greater act of salvation that God would make possible through the death of Christ. Jesus&#39; true followers thus attend the Lord&#39;s Evening Meal every year on the date corresponding to Nisan 14 on the Hebrew calendar.

I&#39;ve looked at several Hebrew calendars- all of them say Nisan 14 falls on April 8th, 2009.
To me, it appears as if we&#39;re commemorating it on April 9/Nisan 15.

James[/b]

I&#39;ve always had a problem with the date, given by the WTB&TS, to celebrate the evening meal as directed by Jesus. If the passover was celebrated on the first full moon after the spring equinox, Nisan 14, then the date of the evening meal to commemorate his death and sacrifice would be Nisan 13. Jesus and the apostles were not celebrating the passover that night. They were having an evening meal. (Jn 13:1-2) If it were the passover, Jesus wouldn&#39;t have instructed Judas to carry out the betrayal at that time. (Jn 13:26-30) And, Jesus and the apostles would not have left the room and gone out into the night. They left and crossed the Kidron to the garden. (Jn 18:1) The room was in preparation for the passover. (Mt 26:17-18) (Lk 22:7-13)

What makes it difficult to discern about this is what it says at Luke 22:14-15. That is because it says, "When it was time, he reclined at the table with the Apostles. Then he told them, "I really wanted to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."� This was not the passover meal. The passover was the evening of the next day. That was the day he was executed. The passover began the evening after his death.

The chief priests and captains of the temple and the older men came to arrest him in the garden. (Lk 22:52-53) If it were the passover, they would have stayed in there homes until daylight. (Ex 12:22-24) That is why the priests, pharisees, and sanhedrin wanted him executed immediately. The did not want Jesus executed on the passover and the Sabbath. (Mt 26:3-5) (Lk 23:56) This was also a special passover because it also occurred on the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea requested that his body be taken down before sundown because they didn&#39;t want his body to be on the stake during the passover, and because it was a special passover that was on the sabbath. (Mk 15:42) (Mt 27:62) (Lk 23:54)

Can anyone explain this date of Nisan 14, the night of the full moon, for me. I may be mistaken about this. If you can show me from the scriptures, I would like to know them. For me, the memorial meal should be celebrated on Nisan 13, or April 8 of this year. The night before the full moon, or beginning of passover.

Agape,
Tsaphah
[/b][/quote]


Heres a link which might help, its discusses the JW Nisan 14 date.
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Jehovah-s-Witne...Date-4-11-1.htm (http://en.allexperts.com/q/Jehovah-s-Witness-1617/2008/11/Re-Date-4-11-1.htm)


Sisterly Love
Elizabeth

[Jinnvisible]

[/b]Isaiah 53:7-8 He was hard pressed, and he was letting himself be afflicted; yet he would not open his mouth. He was being brought just like a sheep to the slaughtering; and like a ewe that before her shearers has become mute, he also would not open his mouth.

Because of restraint and of judgment he was taken away; and who will concern himself even with the details of his generation?
</span>*** it-2 p. 112 Joseph ***

10. A wealthy man from the Judean city of Arimathea and a reputable member of the Jewish Sanhedrin. Although a good and righteous man who was waiting for God&#39;s Kingdom, Joseph, because of his fear of unbelieving Jews, did not openly identify himself as a disciple of Jesus Christ. However, he did not vote in support of the Sanhedrin&#39;s unjust action against Christ Jesus. Later, he courageously asked Pilate for Jesus&#39; body and, along with Nicodemus, prepared it for burial and then placed it in a new rock-cut tomb. This tomb was situated in a garden near the place of impalement and belonged to Joseph of Arimathea.—Mt 27:57-60; Mr 15:43-46; Lu 23:50-53; Joh 19:38-42.
</div></span>

[Londoner]

James said:
Given that most of those that believe they have received the heavenly calling are in their last days in the physical realm, then maybe the increase is a sign of an increase in the weeds[/b]

I was thinking maybe they are the 11th hour workers?

(Matt. 20:1-16)
[/b]


Yes, I think they are "11th hour workers", which demontrates how close we are to the end of this system of things.

The numbers are increasing because the full number of gentile anointed Christians has not come in yet. Because of this, the WT does not have a correct understanding of what is going on because Jehovah has dulled their senses. Rom 11:25 -

For I do not want YOU, brothers, to be ignorant of this sacred secret, in order for YOU not to be discreet in your own eyes: that a dulling of sensibilities has happened in part to Israel until the full number of people of the nations has come in



Londoner

[Jinnvisible]

<div align="center">Resurrection</div>
<div align="center"><span style="color:#0000ff"><span style="font-family:Arial">John 20:14-17 After saying these things, she turned back and viewed Jesus standing, but she did not discern it was Jesus. Jesus said to her: "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?" She, imagining it was the gardener, said to him: "Sir, if you have carried him off, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." Jesus said to her: "Mary!" Upon turning around, she said to him, in Hebrew: "Rab·bo´ni!" (which means "Teacher!") ⁷Jesus said to her: "Stop clinging to me. For I have not yet ascended to the Father. But be on your way to my brothers and say to them, &#39;I am ascending to my Father and your Father and to my God and your God.&#39;</span></div>

<div align="center"> </div><div align="center">"

("JoongAng Daily," December 14, 2004)

South Korea - Four members of a religious cult that believes in resurrection and eternal life are under investigation for burying their leader alive by sealing him in an underground room and pouring concrete over the entrance.

Police uncovered yesterday the decomposed body of a 54-year-old man, thought to be the head of the cult. The remains were found in the basement of a social welfare office in Yongin, Gyeonggi province.

According to Gyeonggi police, Mr. Song, the cult&#39;s leader, is thought to have died several years ago. He was found lying in bed by police. There were no external injuries, so police said they believe he died of starvation.

Mr. Song began treating people with incurable illnesses with chi, or life energy, from the late 1980s and then began to give his devotees religious training. But after Mr. Song&#39;s chi "treatments" failed to show measurable effects, his followers became upset. Police said they believe that an internal struggle involving the ownership of the cult&#39;s property led to the four members sealing Mr. Song in what became his tomb.

After uncovering the body yesterday, the police referred the case to the National Institute of Scientific Investigation for an autopsy to discover the exact cause of death.

"We received a tip that Mr. Song was confined and killed by his followers because they wanted to experience eternal life and resurrection," a police representative said. "We are investigating whether this was caused by a group of devotees who were into this new pseudo-religion."</span></div>

[Jinnvisible]

Hail Jah!</span>

<span style="color:#0000ff">Luke 22:19-20 Keep doing this in remembrance of me." Also, the cup in the same way after they had the evening meal, he saying: "This cup means the new covenant by virtue of my blood, which is to be poured out in your behalf

Matthew 6:1 "Take good care not to practice your righteousness in front of men in order to be observed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens

Matthew 6:6 You, however, when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you