Which meeting do you like the most/the least?

[Nightflyer]

I think public talk might be the best if the speaker is good and the theme is something basic - not about dates or such but about christian qualities or something similar.

The Wt study is the most boring because all the paragraphs are read aloud (why, oh why?) and there are no surprises. They call it a discussion but its not. Everyone just reads what is printed in the magazine. Yawn. And its too long.

Everything else is in between. Book study is like the Wt but shorter. Bible highlights can be interesting and there you can freely pick the verse you want to comment on. Q&A parts in service meeting can be unbelievable naive but fortunately these parts are very short nowadays, usually only 10 minutes.

What do you think?

[shikinah]

My favourite was the group study, which has since been dissolved such a shame. The next would be the public talk, but it would be better if each talk was shorter, but it went on longer with more speakers participating.:)

[James]

Hi Nightflyer,

I agree with your assessment. The reason the public talk is most stimulating?
Because it is geared to the non JW public. It is designed to explain our faith and exhort interested ones to embrace biblical truths.

This past Sundays' talk was excellent, because the brother has the 'gift' of public speaking. He is from a nearby cong., so I have heard him speak many times and he can impart wisdom and insight in any talk.

agape,
James

[TheMdC]

James, I can see the "wisdom" and "insight" in your post. ;)

My favorite meeting of the week is Family Worship. Just finished a little while ago. Tonight's topic was based on the following scriptures:

Galatians 5:22,23
Colossians 3:12,13
Matthew 25:31-40
James 1:27 (we didn't get to this one...maybe next time)

The theme was kindness, how God feels about our exercising it, and what it means for us to exercise it. Great meeting tonight.

My second favorite would be the public talk, too.
Least favorite is the Service Meeting. Always a snoozefest.

[imjustaskin]

Favorite was the book study. Everyone's comments were heartfelt and meaningful. Loved it! Miss it....

Favorite now is the public talk, sometimes we get such good reminders about how to treat each other and how to stay faithful in this old system.

Least fave - Service meeting hands down.

[arimatthewdavies]

honest i like public talks but not the watchtower study unless the circuit overseer comes i like the instruction talks i dont like the service meeting my favorite meeting is christmas service and eggnog after the meeting! l.ol. no really it has to be the asembly bible dramas!

[Eyes & Ears]

honest i like public talks but not the watchtower study unless the circuit overseer comes i like the instruction talks i dont like the service meeting my favorite meeting is christmas service and eggnog after the meeting! l.ol. no really it has to be the asembly bible dramas!


Ari you are so bad:p:rofl:. Thanks for your wacky sense of humor.

E & E

[SWORDOFJAH]

My favorite is the Watchtower study. Why??

Vital truths have been brought
to the attention of Jehovah’s people
through this study.

[Utuna]

Dear all,

For my part, I'd say that we can have the best and the worst in each meeting.

My favorite are the book study and the highlights (and the TMS as a whole because 5 mn talks given by spiritual b/s can be very interesting).

A highlights talk can be as soporific as one can be one week and be a delight the next week. It all depends on who gives the talk and, above all, how the talk was prepared. Mere quotations of WT articles are boring whereas thoughtful and good spiritual reasonings can "work spiritual wonders", so to speak. When a brother knows the Bible and handles it skilfully... WOW!

Unfortunately, the general level of biblical knowledge during meetings (especially public talks or WT articles and comments in it) is rather low or not so high as it used to be. It's true that there are newcomers or children and that they can't grasp everything. But, we mustn't mix "simple" with "simplistic". A well-prepared talk can be easy to understand and neverthless have several levels of understanding, enabling everyone to being upbuilt spiritually. Granted, such talks need time and "capacities" to be prepared in such ways and both might be lacking somehow or other.

Nevertheless, we're all different and don't have the same spiritual needs or expectations. We must also try to give as much as we receive. If we want better meetings, we shouldn't just be seat-warmers but, above all, try "to be the change we want to see". The first improvement in the meetings should be the one we took the initiative to do... (the same reasoning can be applied to this DB too...)

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

[shikinah]

So very true Utuna, there are times when we can get an excellent spiritual banquet from all areas of the meeting, like you said it also depends on how a talk is given, it can have you yawning or on the edge of your seat. And i agree the content of information seems somewhat quite basic, or does it seem that way because we have broken out beyond watchtower boundaries and now the mind and soul find it difficult to be content with what once was sustainable milk and food?.
For now we need the deeper nutritional benefits like vit A helps us see more clearly, perhaps lifting the veil to reveal evermore truths within Gods word the bible;)

Shikinah

[Eyes & Ears]

There is something that I find I can take away from all the meetings. however, it is becoming increasingly difficult for me to sit there listening for it, but it does come.:)

The reason I find it difficult is because (imo only) there is not much room for real expression. It is all based on an outline or Watchtower-isms (don't mean to be disrespectful with that so called word, not trying to be witty.)

A couple weeks ago during Service meeting it was addressed not to get too involved with ILLUSTRATIONS. We want the audience to go away with the purpose of our talk, etc. and not just remember the illustration.

Yes, the counsel was OKEY DOKEY, nothing wrong with it on the surface. But it again squashed out our really using the relative freedom we have here on this board. (that's what I mean). I understand some b/s will always get a little unbalanced, but sometimes it becomes so orderly and organized it squeezes any creativity there is from the b/s right out of them.

That is why perhaps sometimes the meetings can be a little dry. Not to mention now it is a total repeat of the same things each and every single week. (MY OPINION)

I also understand we are to focus on being fed and learning to help others, etc. as we worship our heavenly father. That's the real point. But it does tend to get
a little difficult week after week eating the same dishes, but serving it with a change of gravy and other dressings.

I enjoy the before and after associating with the b/s. I do have a very loving congregation as I have said. But attendance is very very low and decreases each week.


There is also a small crying out of one member of the BOE.
and a little sighing of another. So we do have our congregational issues just as many others in this wicked system, but Revelation Chapter 2 tells us all that.


E & E

[shikinah]

Thank you for your input E&E, you made a very significant point.

"I do have a very loving congregation as I have said. But attendance is very very low and decreases each week."

What does this tell us, I usually complain that there isn't enough love shown, but i guess this depends on the congregation and political status ie conservative attitude the majority had before becoming JW's, this is what I experienced with my congregation a bit what you'd call "snobbery"

But E&E tells a different story, one where the congregation is VERY LOVING,
yet the attendance is decreasing every week. Now this to me is very worrying, it means something vital is missing:(
Something which should make them hungry for the truth and eager to bring in others to this warm and loving arrangement. But they dont and why is that, because they them selves are weak for the lack of spiritual food, tired of the same dry toast, tasted it before sometimes with jam, sometimes with a bit of peanut butter and if your in the states you'll have them both at the same time:D
The problem is the witnesses have played the same tune for over 100 years, actually it was a brilliant tune back then, no dry toast but real caviar. People were excited, marching the streets with billboards, mega phones..people were on fire with the spirit. Its as if someone has used a gigantic fireman's hose and put out that fire of the spirit and all that is left is the smoldering of it.
Jehovah seems to be allowing this for a reason, that's the only answer, this will eventually have a knock on effect if the spiritual food isn't providing them with what they need.

Thank you E&E

Shikinah

[Jahsdisciple]

The book study without a doubt ! I have been in many differant ones and all of them i have great memories from.We were like a small family and because of this,we would say things that all of us were often surprised to hear. People would open up. Some took time to feel free to comment,but when they did it was worth the wait !

There was one where the 'elder' taking the group was a "by the book man". It took a while for him to warm up,but even he mellowed because of the book study.

People who NEVER said anything to others at the sunday meetings did so here. Its was great. once a month we had supper night and we would stay back for a 'cuppa' and supper. Often a full hour later after the group had finnished,even though people had young families and jobs to go to. And sometimes, other nights when a conversation started,we had more 'tea'.

To me,it was like a real family. We call each other "B&S" but it was here that it felt like it the most ! i miss that meeting.

[imjustaskin]

The book study without a doubt ! I have been in many differant ones and all of them i have great memories from.We were like a small family and because of this,we would say things that all of us were often surprised to hear. People would open up. Some took time to feel free to comment,but when they did it was worth the wait !

There was one where the 'elder' taking the group was a "by the book man". It took a while for him to warm up,but even he mellowed because of the book study.

People who NEVER said anything to others at the sunday meetings did so here. Its was great. once a month we had supper night and we would stay back for a 'cuppa' and supper. Often a full hour later after the group had finnished,even though people had young families and jobs to go to. And sometimes, other nights when a conversation started,we had more 'tea'.

To me,it was like a real family. We call each other "B&S" but it was here that it felt like it the most ! i miss that meeting.

I feel exactly the same! What is really odd too, is that the summer before they did away with the book study, we had a circuit assm with a part about "stay close to your bookstudy group", about how it would be so important in the end...and then, less than a year later they got rid of it! It was odd...it almost seemed like it was a relatively sudden thing. I still don't understand the motivation.

To me, it was the meeting that was most like the early Christians. It's been hard for me to do without it.

[arimatthewdavies]

i saw the posts and ive got to lend an encouregment ,back in our earley days the fields were fresh and new and exitement was in the air as we gathered the lush new harvast.
well guess what? about the end of any picking season weeds and sod apple,[thornbush] pops up everywere and picking is tough and painfull its real tempting to just leave those last few pieces of fruit hanging,no one wants to pull weeds, and workers avoid the weeded areas!
Now the encourgeing part! them fields are full of weeds, yaaaa!that means its spirtualy late fall! soon will come a short cold winter. them thorney weeds will be gone then the spring will come[gods new order] dont get discouraged or bored the farmers is gona invent some ways to dressup the leftovers but the masters real close now, soon comes a big cleanup[armagedon] then the searvents get a big party and pay check..

[shikinah]

Ari i love the way you describe with humour but also with a deep message within, yes there is a great reaping beneath those thorns, there's plenty of work ahead.


Shikinah

[FutureMan]

Ari i love the way you describe with humour but also with a deep message within, yes there is a great reaping beneath those thorns, there's plenty of work ahead.


Shikinah

You are correct Shikinah, there are still a lot of people who are opened to the truth, but not from Jehovah's Witnesses.

There are people that are crying out for spiritual relief as well as relief from the pressures of this old system of things.

People are really now starting to see the dark side of this world and are hungering for the light.

Even in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses there are many sincere witnesses that are hungering for the real spiritual food that has meat.

What they are being served up now from the publications and the meetings, conventions etc, I'm afraid is mostly organizational propaganda.

[Eyes & Ears]

You are correct Shikinah, there are still a lot of people who are opened to the truth, but not from Jehovah's Witnesses.

There are people that are crying out for spiritual relief as well as relief from the pressures of this old system of things.

People are really now starting to see the dark side of this world and are hungering for the light.

Even in the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses there are many sincere witnesses that are hungering for the real spiritual food that has meat.

What they are being served up now from the publications and the meetings, conventions etc, I'm afraid is mostly organizational propaganda.


This is so true Shikinah and FM,

There seems to be an awakening from a deep sleep (my opinion) There are those sighing over the detestable things of this system who genuinely and honestly want spiritual relief; and there are those who will contine to moan and groan for relief but look to man to bring them comfort. Seems like major separation work being done here (just my observation).

Just like inside Jehovah's household. Many are sadden by the current goings on, but will they listen as Jehovah extends help to them and without a doubt makes things perfectly clear to what they should do, or will they continue to look to the leaders instead of Jehovah as many are doing now.

I totally agree with the food now being served. In my opinion only, I can see what I perceive as a big struggle among the wheat and weeds in the articles. I just skim through them now. I won't be dissecting them any longer and getting upset about the mixed messages because I finally understand why these things are happening, and why Jehovah is allowing them.

Sure are interesting times aren't they, as well as challenging and very critical.

Jehovah help us all.

E & E

[panda]

This is so true Shikinah and FM,

There seems to be an awakening from a deep sleep (my opinion) There are those sighing over the detestable things of this system who genuinely and honestly want spiritual relief; and there are those who will contine to moan and groan for relief but look to man to bring them comfort. Seems like major separation work being done here (just my observation).

Just like inside Jehovah's household. Many are sadden by the current goings on, but will they listen as Jehovah extends help to them and without a doubt makes things perfectly clear to what they should do, or will they continue to look to the leaders instead of Jehovah as many are doing now.

I totally agree with the food now being served. In my opinion only, I can see what I perceive as a big struggle among the wheat and weeds in the articles. I just skim through them now. I won't be dissecting them any longer and getting upset about the mixed messages because I finally understand why these things are happening, and why Jehovah is allowing them.

Sure are interesting times aren't they, as well as challenging and very critical.

Jehovah help us all.

E & Ehi everyone, I so appreciate all the work b/s on this forum do, has helped me so much. I too get so confused at times, like with what you say sister E @ E, when I read some articles I just put them down as they are total WT propaganda, others make me feel like I'm an apostate for even thinking wrong of the GB/FDS/WTS da da da.

I can't wait until Jehovah has had enough and helps us all, and cleans out the weeds, one gets so frustrated and over flow of food, back and forth.

But understanding what is truly going on has helped me to keep hanging in there, and completely trust in Jehovah.

love to you all
panda:DXXXXXXXX;)

PS. I prefer the TMS, more open.

[shikinah]

What you said is so true Panda,
I personally feel the frustration from brothers and sisters when they describe events and situation, and they wonder why i am so calm. Jehovah's words "know the truth and the truth shall set you free" is so empowering. Because instead of panicking in a state of confusion, we are able to appreciate and meditate on the truth with a deeper understanding. The Holy Spirit Jehovah gives is so wonderful, when were bogged down with man made rules and scriptures which are used to play on our worthlessness how can we feel worthy of Christs undeserved kindness. We should be made to feel enlightened and filled with love and joy at this wonderful gift of Ever Lasting Life. I love you Panda and everyone else who is struggling in this battle for righteousness.

[panda]

What you said is so true Panda,
I personally feel the frustration from brothers and sisters when they describe events and situation, and they wonder why i am so calm. Jehovah's words "know the truth and the truth shall set you free" is so empowering. Because instead of panicking in a state of confusion, we are able to appreciate and meditate on the truth with a deeper understanding. The Holy Spirit Jehovah gives is so wonderful, when were bogged down with man made rules and scriptures which are used to play on our worthlessness how can we feel worthy of Christs undeserved kindness. We should be made to feel enlightened and filled with love and joy at this wonderful gift of Ever Lasting Life. I love you Panda and everyone else who is struggling in this battle for righteousness.I truly love you to Shikinah and have been praying for you to get better, I know that you have been very sick with phenomena, Jehovah's spirit is with you and obviously has helped you, I have noticed so much the past month or so how much more you are getting things together, your faith in Jehovah and his word the scriptures you post and your thirst for truth from Gods word is so encouraging, but most of all your beautiful personality and the way you help us and show you care.

Love
panda

[arimatthewdavies]

it is surely seperation of wheat and weeds that going on, and as i wrote friday a time not to sorrow because of the weeds,but looking on the bright side instead knowing that full grown weeds in the field prove that its late fall spiritualy,soon the harvest will conclude with a gathering of the weeds and casting them into the fire!
what is going to set wheat apart from weeds is not how much service we have done, but how we react to any given situation.
i firmly beleive that our lives are just practice school and one day when you least expect it,the censor angel will pass through marking you as either good fruit, or bad. i base that on eziekial , what a shame it would be for a doer of rightousnes to be doing wicked and have all his good deeds forgoten...
and how joyful for the wicked man who just turned to rightousness to have all his wickedness forgoten.
that says alot about the scripture that says lord,lord,did we not do this? or that? in your name? and they get sent away in disgrace.
why? because they did lots of fine works but it was because they had done them to meet the churchs quota,and satisfy their expected due.
and the widow women that gave a penny, that story was about joe who bought the street corner homless man a meal and said this is from jesus.and about tom who skiped the sunday meeting to drive his elderly neighbor to walmart for his meds and box of depends. thats were we find out if we are christiens or programed robots.
thats were we find out if we love jehovah or are we just doing the routine because thats what we are supposed to do.

[shikinah]

I truly love you to Shikinah and have been praying for you to get better, I know that you have been very sick with phenomena, Jehovah's spirit is with you and obviously has helped you, I have noticed so much the past month or so how much more you are getting things together, your faith in Jehovah and his word the scriptures you post and your thirst for truth from Gods word is so encouraging, but most of all your beautiful personality and the way you help us and show you care.

Love
panda

Awww Panda dont start me off getting all teary eyed, thank you for your kind words, I have also noticed your perception and passion for the truth has also grown immensely.
But doesn't it show you what love can do, when its not stifled and allowed to flourish in its natural environment.

Isaiah 61 The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones. He has sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to those taken captive and the wide opening of the eyes even to the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and the day of vengence on the part of our God, to comfort all those mourning ones.

Jehovah is answering our prayers in more ways than we could ever imagine:)

Sisterly Love
Shikinah x

[arimatthewdavies]

the one were they cut out another meeting nooo cant say that! seriously my favorite is once a year the memorial were sometimes you can actully feel the holy spirit as it moves through the room.shikinah i did not know you were feeling poorly may jehovah rapha come upon you now in the name of jesus christ

[shikinah]

the one were they cut out another meeting nooo cant say that! seriously my favorite is once a year the memorial were sometimes you can actully feel the holy spirit as it moves through the room.shikinah i did not know you were feeling poorly may jehovah rapha come upon you now in the name of jesus christ

Ari i really apreciate you caring about me being ill, and i am on the mend. But i would prefer if you dont send a prayer in that manner to come upon me in the form of healing, im very sensitive to anything like this due to past experiences.

I dont believe in praying for healing and it should only be a prayer through Jesus Christ, i know what im talking about and i know how it feels.

[arimatthewdavies]

shikinah im sorry you dont acept prayers for healing in the name of jesus christ as i wrote. you are free to refuse gods holy spirit when he comes .but as a christien man i am free to pray for whomever i feel led to by jehovah i apolgize to you for butting into you conversation i wont do it again.

[arimatthewdavies]

i again apologize to shikina for my statement of may jehovah rapha come upon you now in the name of jesus christ...i did not mean my statement to sound like an incantation of witch craft i should have simply said i hope you feel better.

[shikinah]

Ari lets move on from this, as far as i am concerned its over, im sure the board would like to hear more upbuilding things, apology accepted.

[arimatthewdavies]

i agree shikinah thank you.... my new coment on meeting, is the meeting of brothers and sisters in uinited worship before jehovah.