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Direction Related to COVID-19 Pandemic
for Bodies of Elders
June, 2021 Table of Contents 1 General Precautions 2 Congregation 3 Field Ministry 4 Conventions and Assemblies 5 Theocratic Schools This document contains instructions related to the COVID-19 pandemic for elders in the Spain Branch territory ONLY and is an update to all previous guidelines received. This is confidential and should not be distributed to others. ̶ Titus 1:
General Precautions Chapter 1
CHAPTER 1 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Maintaining Precautions During the Pandemic 1 - 13 Social Gatherings 14 Easing of Governmental COVID-19 Restrictions 15 - 16 Weddings and funerals 17 Hospitalizations for COVID- 19 18 COVID-19 Vaccine Information 19 - 20 MAINTAINING PRECAUTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC
- We commend you for your faithful adherence to the adjusted theocratic arrangements during this pandemic. Although we miss attending meetings with our congregation in person and en- gaging in the field ministry as we would like, we realize that these adjustments help to keep Jehovah’s name free from reproach and help to protect our health and that of our brothers.
- Nevertheless, the pandemic has taken a serious toll on our worldwide brotherhood. Thus far, over 130,000 of our brothers and sisters have been infected with the virus. While many have re- covered, we are deeply saddened to inform you that worldwide over 5,000 of our brothers and sisters have died from the virus. It is for this reason that the Governing Body has directed all branch offices and special full-time servants to maintain various safe- ty precautions. In most cases, this means that Bethel facilities are remaining on lockdown and special full-time servants are sheltering in place at least until February 1, 2021. These precautions are vital to protecting the Kingdom work. We appreciate the support and encouragement that you give these brothers and sisters, as it helps them loyally follow the direction they have received. Please continue to pray for the worldwide Bethel family and or the special full-time servants in the field. We are confident that Jehovah values their obedience.
- In some parts of the world, COVID-19 is resurging. Additionally, the longer the pandemic contin- ues, the more of a toll it exacts emotionally, mentally, and physically. However, now is not the time to let down our guard. To that end, you may find it beneficial to review the three key principles highlighted in the 2020 Governing Body Update #4 as part of your family worship.
- Each family head must prayerfully decide the wisest and safest course for his household during this pandemic. When considering the physical and emotional needs of his family, he should continue to evaluate the risk of possible exposure to the virus. This includes such factors as the following: (1) Does the nature of the secular employment of anyone in the household increase his risk of exposure to the virus? (2) Are any members of the household elderly, or do they have underlying health condi- tions? (3) How rapidly is the virus spreading in the community? (4) What are the government directives for the area?
- Whether you are at your place of employment, at school, or at medical appointments or going food shopping or caring for other essential personal matters that require you to come in contact with the public, we encourage you to maintain your vigilance in taking safety precautions. These include wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing, and washing hands regularly. If you experience cold or flulike symptoms, it would be best for you to stay home and notify your health-care provider.
General Precautions Chapter 1 ommend extreme caution, and as far as possible, that this contact be limited to what is absolutely necessary for dealing with emergencies or other needs. We should remember that there are many important factors involved: our respect for life, caring for our personal health, that of our families, and that of others. We want to set a good example for others, and for everything we do to bring glory and praise to Jehovah.–Ps 36:9; Ps 145:1-3; Phil 2:4; 1 Pet 2:12. EASING OF GOVERNMENTAL COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS
- When the authorities remove restrictions on certain activities, you will need to consider prayer- fully how this will affect your daily life. Generally, we should be more cautious than the secular authorities and our neighbors, who are often eager to resume activities for economic reasons. (Eccl. 7:12) Each family head must decide the wisest course for his household. (Gal. 6:5) Personal cir- cumstances vary. Therefore, what may be a prudent decision for one family may be unwise for another. What may be safe in one area may be unsafe in another. To the extent possible, it may be best to stay at home. However, if you must leave your home, please continue applying the basic principles of health and safety, such as frequent handwashing, physical distancing, wearing a face covering, and limiting physical contact with older and high-risk persons. If you experience cold or flulike symptoms, it would be best to stay home and notify your health-care provider.
- Many governmental public health authorities have stated that fully vaccinated people may have greater flexibility in their activities. These activities might include association with others, travel, and assembling for events. It is wise to keep updated on the local govern- mental requirements and to respect them. WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
- Even though these cannot be celebrated in the Kingdom Halls, it is important to use good judgment both regarding the number of people attending (keeping them in small groups) and regarding safety measures. The law might allow for a larger capacity in purpose de- signed venues. However, we need to remember that we bear Jehovah’s name and would never want to be a cause for “stumbling”, or give bad testimony to “outsiders”.— Isa. 43:10; 2 Cor. 6:3; 1 Tim. 3: 7. HOSPITALIZATIONS FOR COVID- 19
- Due to the overcrowding in many hospitals and the potential medical complications that may arise, we recommend that brothers and sisters that are hospitalized for Covid-19 make known their position on the use of blood to healthcare personnel as soon as possible and let them know if they have an Advance Healthcare Directive (Documento de Voluntades Anticipadas) on file. If there are any in your congregation to whom this applies, please share this information with them. COVID-19 VACCINE
- In some parts of the world, governments have begun to make COVID-19 vaccines avail- able to the public. Whether someone chooses to be vaccinated is a personal decision. (Gal. 6:5) Thus, it would be loving to respect the personal decision that each individual makes based on his Bible-trained conscience, instead of pressuring someone to make the same choice that we made.
General Precautions Chapter 1 Vaccine Manufacturer and Product Contains Blood Fractions Pfizer y BioNTech (COVID-19 mRNA Vacuna BNT162b2) No Moderna (mRNA-1273) No Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine (ChAdOx1-S [re- combinant], Covishield o AZD1222) No Janssen Vaccines & Prevention/Janssen Pharmaceuticals / Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S; also known as JNJ- 78436735 o VAC31518) No
- As mentioned in the video 2021 Governing Body Update #4 , Jehovah’s Witnesses are not against vaccination. We view it as a personal decision for each Christian to make. In cooperation with recommendations from public health officials, many in our Bethel families have already chosen to be vaccinated. Medical studies have shown that those who are fully vaccinated have added protection against the virus. A person becomes “fully vaccinated” two weeks after receiving all required doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Medical studies have also shown that those who choose not to be vaccinated should remain more cautious, since they are far more susceptible to the virus. All of you are to be warmly commended as you continue to show good judgment and act in a way that demonstrates your respect for life.
Cash deposits mad directly by donors into the congregation’s bank account 55. Monthly Congregation Accounts Announcement 56 Reduction in the cost of electricity 57 Circuit Overseer’s Expenses 58 Disaster relief committees. Assistance to brothers in need (COVID-19) 59 - 62 Construction and maintenance 63 - 64 Design and Construction Program during the COVID-19 pandemic 63 On-going Projects 63. Assembly Halls 63. Construction Volunteers and Servants 63 .3- 63. Kingdom Hall Maintenance 64 Visits to Bethel and the Mataró Remote Translation Office 65 - 66 Cancellation of Bethel visits 65 Cancellation of visits to the Remote Translation Office in Mataró 66 Bethel Service 67 CARE FOR THE CONGREGATION
- Care for yourself and family: We encourage you to continue giving attention to your spirituality. Paul encouraged the Ephesian elders to first pay attention to themselves and then to the flock. (Acts 20:28) By making time for daily Bible reading and heartfelt prayer, you will be in a better position to impart courage, strength, and comfort to your family and the congregation. Also, please take practical measures to protect your health and that of your family. —Joshua 1:7, 8; 1 Timothy 4:14- 16.
- Care for the elderly: During this time period, elderly ones feel especially vulnerable and in need of spiritual and emotional support. Please maintain regular contact with them, whether by telephone or videoconference, and encourage other publishers to be attentive to their needs. (James 1:27) If you have not already done so, check with the elderly to see how they are obtaining food and other necessities. Some may have children or family members to assist them with these things. However, if they do not have anyone to help them, the body of elders should consider with the elderly publisher the possibility of someone purchasing necessary items for them via the Internet and having it sent to their home. Another option would be to have a younger member of the congregation obtain what they need and deliver it to their home. Any younger publisher who helps in this way should be careful to exercise proper hygiene, perhaps even leaving the items in front of the door.—Galatians 6:2.
- Support for special full-time servants: Since the beginning of this pandemic, the brothers in special full-time service have remained in confinement. Their obedience to the instructions received is truly praiseworthy. We are also grateful for the support of their families who have been willing to forego being with them in person during many months. (Mark 10:28-30) We also want to thank the congregations that are providing support to the families of these brothers, as this allows them to continue caring for their assignments which benefit us so much.
- Channel for Communication with the Branch Office: We are very grateful for the work you are doing by punctually sending your weekly COVID-19 reports to the circuit overseer regarding the condition of the brothers in your congregations. This real, up-to- date, detailed information about the different circumstances the brothers in your congregations are going through is of great assis- tance in allowing the branch office to have the full picture regarding their condition, and it helps in making the best decisions that will protect them from potential danger. (Pro. 11:14; 15:22; 21:5a; 22:3) Until other direction is given, this remains the valid channel for communi- cating with the branch office as it is very useful. Therefore, we urge you to continue, as you
have been doing, to send this report to your circuit overseer, being specific in the details and circumstances, expressing your concerns, your insights, reporting on the current situations that your congregation, or a particular brother, is experiencing along with any recommenda- tions you feel are appropriate. These are very welcome and are analyzed every week by the branch office in order to decide on a plan of action.
- There is a channel of communication between the elders, the circuit overseers, and the branch office. In this connection, the body of elders should arrange for each group overseer to contact the members of his group once a week, on Friday or Saturday, for example. The group overseer may do this by a brief telephone or video call, or a text message. He will inquire as to the welfare of each publisher, making sure they are cared for spiritually and determining discreetly whether they have any material needs. Afterward, the group overseer will share any specific needs or concerns to the coordinator. The coordinator will provide a summary of the condi- tion of the congregation and outline specific needs to the circuit overseer. On Sunday, the circuit overseer will send a report to the branch office.
- The congregations will report the number of confirmed infected (and deceased, if applicable) only to the circuit overseer. The circuit overseer will then send a weekly report to the branch and indicate the totals (infected and deceased) for each of the congregations in their circuit, not just the total amount.
- Serving in a distant congregation using virtual means. Since congregations are using videoconferencing for meetings and field service, some publishers have asked if it would be appro- priate to support a distant congregation, perhaps even in another country or branch territory, without physically moving to that congregation’s territory. While we appreciate that some may consider this an opportunity to help where there is a greater need, there is no arrangement for a pub- lisher to serve virtually in this way. Thus, unless a publisher has plans to physically move to a distant congregation in the near future, the Congregation’s Publisher Records (S-21) should not be transferred. ( od chap. 8 par. 30; sfl chap. 22 par. 5) If you believe that an exception is warranted, please contact the Service Department for assistance.
- Special Effort to Assist Inactive Ones: We have been very encouraged to learn that many inactive brothers and sisters have recently resumed attending meetings. Bible proph- ecy and world events help us to see clearly that the “great tribulation” will commence in the very near future. (Matt. 24:21) It is urgent that elders seek to encourage and strengthen those who are spiritually weak, in imitation of the fine shepherd, Jesus Christ. (Isa. 35:3, 4; John 10:14) To prepare for this year’s special effort to assist inactive ones to return to Je- hovah, all elders should carefully and prayerfully review the Shepherd book, chapter 25, paragraphs 3 and 12- 18.
- For this year, the Congregation Service Committee should soon meet to confirm which elders are in the best position to contact inactive ones living in the congregation’s territory. The effort should be well-organized so that no inactive one is overlooked.
- In view of the pandemic, it would be best for contact to be made by videoconference, telephone, letter, or other appropriate means. It is usually best for two elders or an elder and a qualified ministerial servant to work together.
- If an inactive one has made it clear that he does not want to be contacted by the con- gregation, his wishes should be respected.
- Before contacting an inactive one, pray for Jehovah’s guidance and give advance thought to the Scriptural encouragement that will be shared. Such encouragement could
- (Isaiah 35:5, 6) “At that time the eyes of the blind will be opened, And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped. […] For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert plain.” o w91 10/1 13- 18 Make Jehovah´s Everlasting Arms Your support. o w03 9/1 13- 19 Trust in Jehovah Completely in Times of Distress. o w08 9/15 5 ¶13 Jehovah – “Provider of Escape” in Bible Times. o w15 12/15 23- 27 Jehovah Will Sustain You. o w20.01 11 ¶12 You Can Be “a Source of Great Comfort.” o w20.01 pp. 15- 17 “Jehovah Your God Values You!” o w20.01 pp. 15-16 pars. 9- 12 “When Dealing With Illness.” o Video: Dealing With Anxiety One Day at a Time (jw.org). ANXIETY
- (2 Chronicles 15:5, 7) “Be strong and do not become discouraged, for your activity will be rewarded.”
- (Psalm 3:4, 5) “I will call aloud to Jehovah, And he will answer me.”
- (Psalm 34:4) “I inquired of Jehovah, and he answered me. He rescued me from all my fears.”
- (Psalm 34:6) “This lowly one called, and Jehovah heard. He saved him from all his dis- tresses.”
- (Psalm 34:18) “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
- (Psalm 43:5) “Why am I in despair? Why is this turmoil within me? Wait for God, For I will yet praise him as my Grand Savior and my God.”
- (Psalm 56:8) “You keep track of my wandering. Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book?”
- (Psalm 102:17) “He will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.”
- (Psalm 109:22-24, 28) “For I am helpless and my heart has been pierced […]. I am passing away […]. My knees give way […]. My body is thin and I am wasting away.”
- (Psalm 142:1, 2) “With my voice I call to Jehovah for help; With my voice I plead with Je- hovah for favor. Before him I pour out my concern; Before him I tell about my dis- tress.”
- (Psalm 145:18) “Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, To all who call on him in truth.”
- (Proverbs 10:29) “The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one.” (Prov- erbs 15:15) “The one with a cheerful heart has a continual feast.”
- (Isaiah 26:3) “You will safeguard those who fully lean on you […], Because it is in you that they trust.”
- (Isaiah 41:13) “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One say- ing to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you’.”
- (Isaiah 43:4a, 13) “For you became precious in my eyes […], I have loved you. “I am always the same One.”
- (Romans 15:13) “May the God who gives hope fill you with all joy and peace by your trust- ing in him, so that you may abound in hope with power of holy spirit.”
- (Philippians 4:6, 7) “Do not be anxious over anything, […] let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”
- (Colossians 1:11) “So that you may endure fully with patience and joy.”
- (Hebrews 13:5) “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”
- (1 Peter 1:6) “Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been distressed by various trials.”
- (1 Peter 5:7) “While you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” o w94 11/15 21 Throw All Your Anxiety Upon Jehovah. o w13 1/15 27 Christian Elders - ´Fellow Workers for Our Joy o w13 6/15 30 Elders – Will You Refresh “the Tired Soul”? o w16.12 pp. 19-23 “Throw All Your Anxiety on Jehovah.” o w19.01 4 ¶10, 11 “Do Not Be Anxious, for I Am Your God.” o w19.06 14 Rely on Jehovah When Under Stress. o w20.02 20 Let Jehovah Soothe You. o w20.04 p. 31 par. 20 “Run the Race to the Finish.” POSITIVE ATTITUDE
- (Joshua 1:7) “Only be courageous and very strong, and observe carefully the entire Law that Moses my servant commanded you. […], so that you may act wisely wherever you go.”
- (1 Chronicles 16:10) “Boast about his holy name. Let the hearts of those seeking Jehovah rejoice.”
- (Psalm 62:8) “Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us.”
- (Psalm 100:3) “Know that Jehovah is God. He is the one who made us, and we belong to him. We are his people and the sheep of his pasture.”
- (Psalm 112:7) “He will not fear bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in Jehovah.”
- (Psalm 116:12) “With what will I repay Jehovah For all the good he has done for me?” (Proverbs 15:13) “A joyful heart makes for a cheerful countenance, But heartache crushes the spirit.”
- (Proverbs 17:22) “A joyful heart is good medicine, But a crushed spirit saps one´s strength.”
- (Jeremiah 9:24) “But let the one boasting boast about this: That he has insight and knowledge of me, That I am Jehovah, the One showing loyal love, justice, and righteous-
- (2 Chronicles 20:17) “Do not be afraid or be terrified. [...] Jehovah will be with you.”
- (Psalm 3:3) “But you, O Jehovah, are a shield around me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”
- (Psalm 4:3) “Know that Jehovah will treat his loyal one in a special way; Jehovah will hear when I call to him.”
- (Psalm 5:3) “O Jehovah, you will hear my voice in the morning; In the morning I will ex- press my concern to you and wait expectantly.”
- (Psalm 6:8, 9) “For Jehovah will hear the sound of my weeping. Jehovah will hear my re- quest for favor; Jehovah will accept my prayer.”
- (Psalm 9:10) “Those knowing your name will trust in you.”
- (Psalm 23:4) “Though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear no harm, For you are with me; Your rod and your staff reassure me.”
- (Psalm 27:1) "Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Whom shall I dread?"
- (Psalm 34:8) “Taste and see that Jehovah is good; Happy is the man who takes refuge in him.”
- (Psalm 46:1) “God is our refuge and strength, A help that is readily found in times of dis- tress.”
- (Psalm 125:2) “Just as mountains surround Jerusalem, So Jehovah surrounds his people From now on and forever.”
- (Psalm 127:1) "Unless Jehovah builds the house, it is in vain that its builders work hard on it. Unless Jehovah guards the city, It is in vain that the guard stays awake."
- (Jeremiah 20:11) “But Jehovah was with me like a fearsome warrior. That is why those persecuting me will stumble and will not prevail. They will be put to great shame, for they will not succeed. Their everlasting humiliation will not be forgotten.”
- (Haggai 2:4) “And be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares Jehovah, ‘and work.’ “‘For I am with you’.”
- (Matthew 6:8) “So do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.”
- (John 1:16) “For we all received from his fullness, even undeserved kindness upon unde- served kindness.”
- (2 Corinthians 4:7) "So that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us."
- (Hebrews 5:7, 8) "During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications and also peti- tions, with strong outcries and tears, to the One who was able to save him out of death, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered."
- (Hebrews 13:6) “So that we may be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’.” o w11 3/15 12-15 Trust in Jehovah as the End Draws Near. o w13 9/15 13-16 Make Jehovah´s Reminders the Exultation of Your Heart. ZEAL IN THE MINISTRY
- (Psalm 145:10) “All your works will glorify you, O Jehovah, And your loyal ones will praise you.”
- (John 15:11) “So that my joy may be in you and your joy may be made full.”
- (1 Corinthians 2:4, 5) “I preached […], so that your faith might be […] in God´s power.”
- (1 Corinthians 3:9) “For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.”
- (1 Corinthians 15:58) “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always having plenty to do in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in connection with the Lord.”
- (Ephesians 3:8) “This undeserved kindness was given, so that I should declare to the na- tions the good news.”
- (1 Thessalonians 2:2) “We mustered up boldness by means of our God to tell you the good news of God in the face of much opposition.”
- (2 Timothy 4:7) “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have ob- served the faith.” o w05 1/1 12-15 Trained to Give a Thorough Witness. o w09 7/15 15-19 Imitate Jesus – Teach With Love. o w12 1/15 pp. 9-13 Learn Watchfulness From Jesus’ Apostles. o w13 5/15 pp. 8-9 Are You “Zealous for Fine Works.” o w18.05 17 - 19 Why We “Keep Bearing Much Fruit.” PUBLICATIONS
- Adjustments to the Amount of Requested Publications: Adjustments have been made to all requests for public magazines, reducing them by 50%. This will not affect the congregations that adjusted their standing requests after July 1st. If the amount requested is under 20 issues, there will be no adjustment. Some congregations may need more than 50% of their regular standing re- quest. If so, they should increase this amount before September 13th. Requests adjusted after that date may not be included in the printing of The Watchtower No. 1, 2021 (public edition). Once we resume our regular preaching activity, each congregation will again need to in- crease their standing requests for public magazines.
- 2 021 Memorial and Special Talk Invitations: In preparation for the possible distribution of printed invitations for the 2021 Memorial and special public talk, each congregation will au- tomatically be consigned a quantity of 50 copies per publisher (this includes pioneers) in the language of the congregation. This quantity will appear as “pending”. You may re- duce or increase the amount at jw.org before Friday, September 11, 2020, using the item number 7959. If you are sponsoring a foreign-language group, please request invitations in the language needed. In the event that conditions will not permit distribution of a printed invitation, your request will be canceled. See chap. 3 Field Ministry: Special Talk and Me- morial Invitation Campaign.
- Literature Inventory: In view of the COVID- 19 pandemic, the semiannual congregation litera- ture inventory will be delayed until further notice.
- Collection and Delivery of Publications. See 24 .3.
MEETINGS
- Transitioning to use of Kingdom Halls: The branch office will inform you when you will be able to resume theocratic activities. Because we highly value life over material things, although the government may resume certain activities, we will continue to take a measured approach based on the facts.
- Renewal of theocratic activities: The fact that the government is lifting restrictions does not have an automatic impact on theocratic activities. The branch will inform the congregations as to when they may resume the theocratic activities that were the norm before COVID- 19 (including street witnessing, public witnessing, preaching from house to house, and any use of the Kingdom Hall). There is no need to call and ask. The congregations will be informed when the time arrives.
- Publicizing Congregation Meetings: We would like interested persons in the commu- nity to know how to attend congregation meetings while Kingdom Halls are not in use. Thus, a notice should be affixed to the Kingdom Hall meeting times sign to indicate that meetings are being held by videoconference or other means. The notice should include a telephone number for interested persons to call. No details on how to connect to meetings should appear on the sign or be provided in a recorded message heard when the contact telephone number is called. If an individual expresses genuine interest in attending congregation meet- ings, the details he needs to connect to the program can then be provided to him. A prompt response should be given to any messages received.
- Student Assignments and Other Meeting Parts: In view of the current restrictions affecting our preaching work, the Life and Ministry Meeting overseer may suggest that those handling student assignments demonstrate how publishers currently handle initial calls, re- turn visits, and Bible studies, whether by telephone, letter writing, videoconference, or other appropriate means. Brothers assigned parts in the Living as Christians section of the mid- week meeting should likewise adjust their parts as needed. Similarly, when appropriate, the Watchtower Study conductor may remind the audience that published comments about the house-to-house ministry and public witnessing will apply when the branch office informs congregations that it is safe for publishers to resume these activities.
- Use of Messaging Apps to Share Video Files: Some publishers and interested ones have difficulty downloading or streaming audio and video files from jw.org (including JW Broadcasting) and downloading or streaming congregation meetings and circuit assemblies from JW Stream due to the large size of some files, the high cost of Internet service, or poor Internet connections. Con- gregations facing these challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic may assign an elder or a minis- terial servant to download these files and then distribute them to individuals, either directly or through field service group overseers, using messaging apps, such as WhatsApp. Such messaging apps compress files to a smaller size so that they are less expensive to send and download to a mobile device. This may be particularly helpful in viewing the six sessions of the 2020 regional convention.
- Modest Use of Electronic Tools: In many lands, elders are using videoconferencing tools effectively to hold weekly meetings, to arrange for field service, and to shepherd publishers. As a kind reminder, elders should take care not to promote electronic tools in ways that go beyond what has been directed by the organization. (1 Cor. 4:6; w17.1 p. 18 pp. 4-5) We commend you for your hard work in caring for the publishers entrusted to your care.
- Disfellowshipped or Disassociated Persons Joining Meetings by Videoconference: When holding congregation meetings by means of videoconferencing tools, such as Zoom, use good judgment in determining whether to permit a disfellowshipped or disassociated person to connect
to the meetings. If needed, the elders should remind him of when it would be appropriate to join and to leave such meetings.
- Audio/Video Guidelines for Those Giving Public Talks via Videoconference (S-178). Poor audio quality, distracting backgrounds, and improper video framing can de- tract from the presentation of Bible truths and make public talks less effective. (1 Cor. 14:8) To assist public speakers in this area, a document entitled Audio/Video Guidelines for Those Giving Public Talks via Videoconference will soon be posted on jw.org for viewing by all elders and ministerial servants. While those who are approved to give public talks should carefully review this document, the principles will benefit all brothers assigned to present parts at the meetings.
- Videoconferencing Systems for Meetings: A new document entitled Videoconferenc- ing Systems for Meetings (S-179) is now available to elders and ministerial servants on jw.org. This new document provides general theocratic guidelines on the use of videocon- ferencing systems for meetings and replaces all previous direction on the subject. Addition- ally, please note that Zoom Online Videoconferencing and Meeting Instructions (zoominst), which provided detailed instructions on the use of Zoom, has been renamed Zoom Online Videoconferencing Instructions and has been significantly revised.
- Congregations may use videoconferencing systems, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, to benefit those who are unable to attend local congregation meetings in person during the COVID- 19 pandemic. These systems allow brothers and sisters to see each other, offer comments, and present their meeting parts. In this way, they can ‘encourage one another.’ (Heb. 10:24, 25) The body of elders decides what technology the congregation will use. To the extent possible, meetings held by videoconference should closely follow the established arrangements and format for meetings held at the Kingdom Hall and be in accord with Vid- eoconferencing Systems for Meetings.
- The body of elders should select a capable elder (or ministerial servant under the direc- tion of the coordinator of the body of elders) to serve as the videoconference organizer. He will oversee the technical aspects of the meeting, including playing media, creating smaller groups for association, managing the settings and security for the videoconference account, and so forth. As needed, he ensures that appropriate reminders are provided to individual meeting attenders to minimize disruptions and improve the quality of the meetings. He co- ordinates the training of brothers who serve as audio/video support and attendants during the videoconference. If the congregation is using Zoom, he should be familiar with the latest version of Zoom Online Videoconferencing Instructions.
- The videoconference organizer should provide a copy of Videoconferencing Systems for Meetings and the revised Zoom Online Videoconferencing Instructions to those caring for audio/video support and attendant responsibilities who do not have access to the docu- ments on jw.org.
- Announcement before and after each meeting. At the start of each meeting, the chairman should make the following announcement: “Please do not take pictures of the screen while the meeting is in progress. Any type of recording of the meeting should not be made”. At the conclusion of the meeting, the following announcement should be made: “If you decide to take a picture of the screen, please inform the group before doing so”.
- Zoom Business account. Many bodies of elders have chosen to use Zoom to hold congre- gation meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of this interest, the organization has
participating in such meetings likely are well-intentioned, there is no provision for such ar- rangements.
- Jehovah’s people receive ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congrega- tion meetings, assemblies, and conventions as well as through JW Broadcasting and our publications. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed through the faithful and discreet slave. Care should be taken not to organize or promote meetings for spiritual feeding beyond what has been pro- vided by the organization. Such meetings could detract from what Jesus Christ is accom- plishing through his congregation on earth today. Adhering to this direction will help all of God’s people to “be completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” and to remain “stabilized in the faith.”— 1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7. CONGREGATION EXPENSES
- How to reduce expenses. The body of elders (or the Kingdom Hall Operating Commit- tee if more than one congregation uses the Kingdom Hall) should determine if any Kingdom Hall ex- penses could be reduced during the COVID-19 outbreak, especially if the Kingdom Hall is not cur- rently being used for congregation meetings. If more than one congregation uses the Kingdom Hall, the operating committee may be able to recommend a lower monthly contribution amount to the congregations. The body of elders in each congregation should review the congregation’s expenses and the donations that are being received. If needed, monthly resolved donations, such as those in support of Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide or the Global Assistance Arrangement, may be suspended. If despite all efforts, the publishers cannot support the remaining expenses, please contact the Service Department for direction and assistance.—See the subheading “Insufficient Funds” in Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S-27).
- Donations to Support Theocratic Activities: Thank you for your continued financial support of the Kingdom work locally and worldwide. As a result of the COVID- 19 outbreak, many Kingdom Halls cannot be used for meetings, which limits opportunities to donate using the contribution boxes. However, we commend your desire to continue providing financial support for the worldwide work, for your congregation, and for your circuit by using credit and debit cards, electronic funds transfers, mobile money accounts, or other electronic donation methods found on do- nate.jw.org, if these are available. This shows your commendable spirit of generosity in the face of difficulties, restrictions, and economic hardships. Even if your personal circum- stances will temporarily not allow you to donate as much as you have in the past, remember that Jehovah notices even the smallest of donations. (Luke 21:2-4) He will bless your efforts to show appreciation for the support and direction he is providing through his organization. Feel free to contact the elders or the branch office if you need assistance with any of the electronic donation methods. Economic uncertainties will continue to plague us as we move deeper into the last days. (2 Tim. 3:1) Your generous spirit reflects your confidence in Jeho- vah’s promise found at Hebrews 13:5, where he says: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.”
- Financial issues: Please keep in mind the following information:
- How to care for the basic needs of the publishers. Analyze whether the basic needs can be met in the following manner: 1) Help from relatives, 2) Government assistance, and 3) Help from other publishers (Acts 4:32; od 12, ¶13-14). It is best to provide families with the supplies they need, instead of giving them cash. You can request direction from the circuit overseer if any questions in this regard should arise.
- How to proceed if congregation funds are running out. The following steps may be taken:1) Assist the publishers that are in a position to make donations, to do so using do- nate.jw.org, instead of saving their contributions until the Kingdom Halls are opened again.
- Consider the possibility of reducing or eliminating some of the expenses related to King- dom Hall maintenance. Where several congregations use the same Kingdom Hall, the King- dom Hall Maintenance Committee, could perhaps reduce or suspend the monthly contribution from the congregations for a few months, especially if the maintenance account has sufficient funds. 3) Reduce or suspend the monthly contribution by the congregation to the worldwide Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall Construction Fund. If necessary, and as an exception, you may close off all of the contribution boxes in the Kingdom Hall except for the box for congregation needs. If, after taking these steps, there are insufficient funds to cover the Kingdom Hall expenses, or to cover the basic needs of the publishers, inform the branch of the existing need.
- Donations for Local Congregation Expenses by Bank Transfer. Please consider the fol- lowing information and make sure it is received by the accounts servant:
- How to record in the Accounts Sheet donations for the local congregation expenses received by bank transfer. In the application, use the tab Contributions>Contribu- tions by Transfer : Congregations in Gibraltar should follow the Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S- 27b), paragraphs 19 and 39.
- Transfers received in the congregation’s bank account indicating that the do- nation is for a purpose other than “Local Congregation Expenses”. Transfers to the congrega- tion’s bank account should be made only for “Local Congregation Expenses”. If someone sends a transfer indicating that the amount donated or part of it is for another purpose (Worldwide Work or Branch Construction), the donor should be notified that this method should not be used for that type of donation. Donations for the “Worldwide Work” or for the “Branch Construction” should be done as indicated in the appropriate option on donate.jw.org. If, as an exception, the congregation receives a donation in their bank account indicating that the amount or part of it is a donation for the “Worldwide Work” or for the “Branch Construction”, this should be recorded in Accounts Sheet using the tab Contributions >Collecting Contributions :
