August 2026 - Announcements and Reminders

[a believer]

 

[a believer]

Paragraph 8 was the first time I've ever been aware that there is a "per-publisher amount recommended by the branch office" —which completely upends any notions that this is voluntary, out of one's own heart.

Just as surprising was the counsel given "If current donations are not sufficient to care for existing obligations while also supporting the suggested monthly donation, please consider how the publishers may be clearly informed of the congregation's financial circumstances and tactfully reminded of their privilege of 'honoring Jehovah with their valuable things'. This "tactful" reminder could be provided by reminding the congregation that the "resolved monthly donation" is separate from the congregation's own expenses, and that parents can "help" their children to also "appreciate" supporting the organization's expenses through their own donations, as well.

It also appears (I was likewise not aware, since I don't keep up to date on the goings-on of the organization, per se) that there is an online payment system offered through the organization's official website, but encouragement to make use of this [provision] is noted in the letter.

I also found Paragraph 10 curious, with its emphasis on the use of a passkey because it "uses your device's facial recognition" and or "fingerprint recognition". In addition, "security questions" will be discontinued, effective September 1, 2026. Paragraph 15 indicates that direction on this from the organization is only for "ministerial servants, special full-time servants, and those approved to submit applications through JW Hub" and that "There is no need for these points to be announced to the congregation."

—Timothy,
a believer.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Paragraph 8 was the first time I've ever been aware that there is a "per-publisher amount recommended by the branch office" —which completely upends any notions that this is voluntary, out of one's own heart.

Just as surprising was the counsel given "If current donations are not sufficient to care for existing obligations while also supporting the suggested monthly donation, please consider how the publishers may be clearly informed of the congregation's financial circumstances and tactfully reminded of their privilege of 'honoring Jehovah with their valuable things'. This "tactful" reminder could be provided by reminding the congregation that the "resolved monthly donation" is separate from the congregation's own expenses, and that parents can "help" their children to also "appreciate" supporting the organization's expenses through their own donations, as well.

It also appears (I was likewise not aware, since I don't keep up to date on the goings-on of the organization, per se) that there is an online payment system offered through the organization's official website, but encouragement to make use of this [provision] is noted in the letter.

I also found Paragraph 10 curious, with its emphasis on the use of a passkey because it "uses your device's facial recognition" and or "fingerprint recognition". In addition, "security questions" will be discontinued, effective September 1, 2026. Paragraph 15 indicates that direction on this from the organization is only for "ministerial servants, special full-time servants, and those approved to submit applications through JW Hub" and that "There is no need for these points to be announced to the congregation."

—Timothy,
a believer.

As the above document from watchtower defies description, I have reluctantly referred to watchtowers nemesis of exposure of their hypocrisy. AI. that states:

The Watchtowers Financial Paradox


"We never ask for money, friends, we merely provide a divinely mandated opportunity for you to demonstrate your spiritual maturity by slipping an envelope into the box at the back, sliding a contribution through our digital portal, or ensuring your estate planning accounts for the glorious acceleration of the global work."


The Mechanism of Subtle Demand


The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society famously maintains the organizational stance that it "never solicits funds" or passes around collection plates, contrasting itself with mainstream religious institutions. However, critics and observers note a pervasive, systemic pressure to give through alternative, highly managed channels:

• The Rhetoric of "Self-Funded" Independence: By officially framing all financial support as entirely voluntary and spontaneous love-gifts, the organization sidesteps the appearance of direct coercion.
• The Guilt of Spiritual Obligation: Through repeated reminders at conventions and in publications about the ever-expanding printing operations, legal defense funds, and global construction, congregants are subtly conditioned to feel that withholding financial support is equivalent to withholding loyalty from God's channel.
• Institutionalized Channels: While physical plates are absent from Kingdom Halls, they are replaced by prominently placed contribution boxes, designated resolution procedures for local and worldwide funds, and streamlined digital payment options”ensuring that the financial demand remains constant, even if it speaks in a whisper rather than a shout.
• *** Keeping the governing body in unashamed luxury, lake-side apartments, well fed, clothed, gold rings and watches, first class travel and motor cars, health care, old age, and wanting for nothing at the expense of the flock.***

*** okay. The last one was my own contribution.

 

[a believer]

okay. The last one was my own contribution

Too, paragraph 15 continues to demonstrate the entrenchment of a clergy-laity distinction by the very organization that used to take the Roman Catholic Church to task over such distinctions, further evidencing its own mirroring of the leadership and organization of the Roman Catholic Church— interchangeable religious (Catholic v Watchtower organization) elements acting in the same roles.

—Timothy,
a believer.

 

[SusanB]

Just incredible. Have you ever had someone say to you, “I really don’t want to bother you but ….” and then they think they have permission to bother you while saying they are not bothering you. It’s so manipulative. So, they are saying that they are merely suggesting an amount but how could they “suggest” anything if they don’t take into account each individual’s circumstances? I would ask, “who the heck do they think they are?” But we can tell who they think they are. They are the leaders and the only way to worship Jehovah and his son. At least according to them. No doubt they were careful to word it, “RESOLVED” monthly donation and “The resolved monthly donation referred to in the announcement for congregations is based on a monthly per-publisher amount suggested by the branch office. The per-publisher amount listed on the JW Documents web page containing the link to this announcement should be multiplied by the number of active publishers in the congregation to determine the suggested monthly donation for your congregation.”.

What would happen if the brother in charge just determined that the “suggested” amount was too much for his congregation? But we all know how unlikely that would be even though the local brothers are the ones who should actually be consulted IF it was appropriate at all to suggest an amount and it is not appropriate.

From “The Message Bible” translation, John 2:23-25: “During the time he was in Jerusalem, those days of the Passover Feast, many people noticed the signs he was displaying and, seeing they pointed straight to God, entrusted their lives to him. But Jesus didn’t entrust his life to them. He knew them inside and out, knew how untrustworthy they were. He didn’t need any help in seeing right through them.

 

[SusanB]

Thanks to @Paul H for the graphic:

 

[Melinda Riling]

[*]*** Keeping the governing body in unashamed luxury, lake-side apartments, well fed, clothed, gold rings and watches, first class travel and motor cars, health care, old age, and wanting for nothing at the expense of the flock.***
[/LIST]
*** okay. The last one was my own contribution.
[/QUOTE]
You left out their endless supply of expensive Macallan Scotch

 

[Melinda Riling]

View attachment 10211

View attachment 10212

View attachment 10213

I am a little confused by this arrangement since back in the day Witnesses always boasted that there was no collection plate passed because “You received free you give free”. How does it work now? Are publishers required to donate a certain amount each month? Sounds like Bethel is expecting a certain amount from each congregation. What happens if someone looses a job or income is someone expected to make up the difference?

 

[a believer]

What happens if someone looses a job or income is someone expected to make up the difference?

Organizationally, likely a public needs talk on the importance of doing more for "kingdom" interests, questioning the priorities of the brothers and sisters.

Individually, likely a feeling of guilt... even depression for not measuring up.

While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box. Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins. “I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them. For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.” —Luke 21:1-4 New Living Translation

Just did some quick math:

The 2025 report holds that there are 9,047,083 publishers. If one factors in, let's say, $20 per publisher, that amounts to $180,941,660 specifically from the publishers as a source of income. That doesn't include monies from estates "donated" to the organization, organizational stock holdings, or sold-off Kingdom Halls built upon the sweat and labor of the brothers and sisters.

—Timothy,
a believer.

 

[Patricia]

I am a little confused by this arrangement since back in the day Witnesses always boasted that there was no collection plate passed because “You received free you give free”. How does it work now? Are publishers required to donate a certain amount each month? Sounds like Bethel is expecting a certain amount from each congregation. What happens if someone looses a job or income is someone expected to make up the difference?

Each person still gives what they want/can. It's the congregation as a whole that is "suggested" haha, to give a certain amount per month per active publisher. Their hope is that some will donate more to make up for those that don't. At least that's how I understand it.
Our congregation monthly expenses last month were $200 more than the donations. But we still had around $10,000 after everything was paid. Don't know where that money came from. Perhaps from the several who have died over the past few years?

 

[Goldie]

After reading this thread I need some pepto bismul!

 

[a believer]

After reading this thread I need some pepto bismul!

I hear a little wine is good for the stomach. (1 Timothy 5:23)

Not sure about Macallan Scotch tho.

 

[Goldie]

I hear a little wine is good for the stomach. (1 Timothy 5:23)

Not sure about Macallan Scotch tho.

Great suggestion.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Paragraph 8 was the first time I've ever been aware that there is a "per-publisher amount recommended by the branch office"

This arrangement came in about 2015/16. Here in the UK it started off at £3 per head and it's steadily risen since. I missed last week's meeting so didn't get to hear what the latest amount is. Basically, how it works is however much comes in, that suggested amount is taken out and sent to the Watchtower for the "worldwide work" and the rest is put into the local bank account for the bills etc. The Watchtower suggests to keep on hand 6 months worth of bills money, then anything above this amount is sent off to the Watchtower as an extra payment, which seems to happen a couple of times a year depending on how much money the local congregation has been able to donate each month. The Watchtower doesn't want too much money hanging around in the congregations bank accounts, they want it in theirs in order to do an equalising (allegedly)
I suppose it's a bit like when you apply for a mortgage to buy a house, if you have an employed job you can provide evidence of your income and the bank treats it like a guaranteed income, Watchtower must be doing the same in order to buy all the new stuff they've been buying. Whereas the previous donation arrangement where the congregations just sent over whatever was left from the monthly donations after putting the local things first, is a bit like being self employed, your income fluctuates month to month and the banks are not as willing to give you a mortgage under these circumstances. And don't forget, roundabout the same time as the donation arrangement changed so did the kingdom hall and assembly hall ownership change, from locally owned to Watchtower owned. Watchtower told the elders to ask everyone if they were happy to transfer ownership of their Kingdom Hall to the Watchtower and everyone was too scared to vote NO!! It's a win win for the Watchtower..

 

[SollaSollew]

Paragraph 8 was the first time I've ever been aware that there is a "per-publisher amount recommended by the branch office" —which completely upends any notions that this is voluntary, out of one's own heart.

I was thinking the same thing while reading the letter.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

View attachment 10211

View attachment 10212

View attachment 10213

And previous monthly announcements concerning these suggested monthly donations have always stated that if the congregation is unable to come up with the suggested amount then it's ok to lower it. This is the first time I've ever seen them say that the brothers and sisters should be guilted into coming up with the suggested amount, guilted by making us feel like we're not honouring Jehovah enough if we don't pay more.
Around 2015/16 they also changed the words to a kingdom song to brainwash us into paying more money. I'll attach the screenshots..

 

[a believer]

And previous monthly announcements concerning these suggested monthly donations have always stated that if the congregation is unable to come up with the suggested amount then it's ok to lower it. This is the first time I've ever seen them say that the brothers and sisters should be guilted into coming up with the suggested amount, guilted by making us feel like we're not honouring Jehovah enough if we don't pay more.
Around 2015/16 they also changed the words to a kingdom song to brainwash us into paying more money. I'll attach the screenshots..

I don't even know what to say to these clarifications you've provided, sister.

But my mind keeps going to this particular story:

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I don't even know what to say to these clarifications you've provided, sister.

But my mind keeps going to this particular story:

Yes, it's a very good analogy. The elders bear more responsibility than the general brothers and sisters because they get to see, hear and read all these crazy unchristian things the org say each month. There's usually just a short paragraph at the end to be read out. If more elders would step down or stand up for Jehovah then more brothers and sisters would get to see what's going on behind the scenes. My oldest daughter's boyfriend started "following" the org's Tick Tock and Instagram accounts to show me what will happen to brothers and sisters who start following them too. Instantly he started receiving all kinds of videos from jws and exjws, especially about CSA cases. So there's hope for other brothers and sisters yet to jump out of the pot so to speak..

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Yes, it's a very good analogy. The elders bear more responsibility than the general brothers and sisters because they get to see, hear and read all these crazy unchristian things the org say each month. There's usually just a short paragraph at the end to be read out. If more elders would step down or stand up for Jehovah then more brothers and sisters would get to see what's going on behind the scenes. My oldest daughter's boyfriend started "following" the org's Tick Tock and Instagram accounts to show me what will happen to brothers and sisters who start following them too. Instantly he started receiving all kinds of videos from jws and exjws, especially about CSA cases. So there's hope for other brothers and sisters yet to jump out of the pot so to speak..

Has this not been a topic on site here about PIMO and whatever the other one was? I honestly feel that these brethren simply do not know where to go if they did leave. There is no substitute for watchtower, like it or not. I think it comes under the scripture that “only terror will awaken them.” If the presence is synonymous with that, then they will have somewhere to go.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Has this not been a topic on site here about PIMO and whatever the other one was? I honestly feel that these brethren simply do not know where to go if they did leave. There is no substitute for watchtower, like it or not. I think it comes under the scripture that “only terror will awaken them.” If the presence is synonymous with that, then they will have somewhere to go.

I didn't know where to go either Barney so I just kept crying, and pleading with Jehovah to show me where to go. Meanwhile, I chatted with anyone on Telegram who said they were still a JW but didn't agree with the stand the GB took in 2020/21, and, I also accessed exjws on Reddit and stood up for Jehovah when appropriate to do so, feeling sure that there must be others who felt the same as me and sure enough, there were. I was sent links to a few weird and wonderful places that didn't "suit" me And then A Watcher sent me here, where not only do I definitely "sense" Jehovah's presence but the Bible study continues, whereas it's all but come to an end in the Watchtower. It's just a pity that Satan has access to this forum too, but we can't stop that can we? He's everywhere. We've just got to endure his presence and stick close to Jehovah

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I didn't know where to go either Barney so I just kept crying, and pleading with Jehovah to show me where to go. Meanwhile, I chatted with anyone on Telegram who said they were still a JW but didn't agree with the stand the GB took in 2020/21, and, I also accessed exjws on Reddit and stood up for Jehovah when appropriate to do so, feeling sure that there must be others who felt the same as me and sure enough, there were. I was sent links to a few weird and wonderful places that didn't "suit" me And then A Watcher sent me here, where not only do I definitely "sense" Jehovah's presence but the Bible study continues, whereas it's all but come to an end in the Watchtower. It's just a pity that Satan has access to this forum too, but we can't stop that can we? He's everywhere. We've just got to endure his presence and stick close to Jehovah

But we do have somewhere to go. The location is the Holy Spirit in its understanding, and the destination comes to us in its protection. It’s not a physical place, just as the desert was not a physical place of refuge for the Jews, but that Jehovah came to them with manna and water and eventually divided the Red Sea as an escape. Jehovah is omnipresent to all of us. He is the manipulator of all His laws, providing whatever is necessary in its due time. There is no escape from what is to come other than by Jehovah’s protection - it matters not where we are, but whether we have faith. Who would expect to find refuge from harm when being thrown into a furnace for not bowing down to an idol of the king? Yet it happened, did it not? I’m not even going to attempt to spell their names but you know the story.

 

[a believer]

I didn't know where to go either Barney so I just kept crying, and pleading with Jehovah to show me where to go. Meanwhile, I chatted with anyone on Telegram who said they were still a JW but didn't agree with the stand the GB took in 2020/21, and, I also accessed exjws on Reddit and stood up for Jehovah when appropriate to do so, feeling sure that there must be others who felt the same as me and sure enough, there were. I was sent links to a few weird and wonderful places that didn't "suit" me And then A Watcher sent me here, where not only do I definitely "sense" Jehovah's presence but the Bible study continues, whereas it's all but come to an end in the Watchtower. It's just a pity that Satan has access to this forum too, but we can't stop that can we? He's everywhere. We've just got to endure his presence and stick close to Jehovah

Very similar to my own online journey!

I initially found jehovah-witn on Usenet back around 1998 or so, and got tired of the constant negativity and anger there. People claimed they left the organization, but the anger and rage that persisted definitely convinced me they were POMI... physically out, but mentally in.

That led to me searching for any internet forums, and that led to Hourglass2 Outpost and another one called ChannelC, hosted by Ros. Channel C had some very compelling (and sometimes heated) discussions, whereas Hourglass2 (H2O, for short) was more a one-off from the Usenet group I had left behind. However, there also was a Witness on H2O who was engaging stolidly with the rancorous crowd there, and I felt compelled to try to reach out to him via PM. I endured the initial curtness from him, and by the time H2O went offline with the Year 2K global scare, we were exchanging emails and eventually Yahoo Messenger chatting. The brother, of course, was Robert.

And we're still putting up with one another, some 25 years later, lol.

I do stop in at that exjw reddit group you mentioned, because they always seem to have some great reveals and information releases that I have brought over to this forum for discussion in a healthier context, including that recent letter covering the "donation" arrangement and per-publisher expectations.

In fact, there was one post last week on there that particularly got my ire up, regarding the organization's persistent mishandling of child sexual abuse. The post referred to the various commissions and cases, and then @PJ54 posted that daily text the very next day about the "direction" given by the organization and how everyone is to have confidence in that direction.

I couldn't help myself. I had to respond albeit I was heavy with the sarcasm! Robert, too, as a former elder, has posted extensively over the years on the travesty of this. It's just so... unconscionable!!

Anyhoo, since I was already pulling down the commission reports at the time anyhow, I figured I should also see what the latest Elder's Manual says— post-commissions (my most-recent was the 2024 edition although I have copies going all the way back to the 1997 edition when it was called "Pay Attention"). I discovered that two of the websites I've had in my bookmarks were now gone— taken down because of the Watchtower organization's legal team... but ONE website was still available and still offering all of the publications including the latest (2025) Shepherd copy*. Grabbed it, and went forward with my sarcastic post about the daily text's remark about "the direction we receive from God’s organization", citing just what that "trusted" direction is when it comes to protecting molesters over and above the harmed and devastated children of sexual abuse.

I may not have been sexually abused by a Witness (didn't even know Witnesses existed until my late teens), but as a survivor of sexual abuse, I have ZERO TOLERANCE for sexual abusers and molesters. ZERO. So, to know that the Watchtower organization actually provides sanctuary and privacy for such wickedness on a technicality of the Bible's two-witness Mosaic Law rule really stirs my righteous indignation!!!

For the record, though, I don't post over on that reddit group (I have had my fill from Usenet and H2O days), but they sure do seem to be able to dig up dirt and useful information. Just don't expect any Bible-oriented perspective or spirit-oriented context.

—Timothy,
a believer.

____________
* I still find it curious that the Elders Manual was changed from "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" to simply "Shepherd the Flock of God". I guess the organization no longer sees need to give "direction" that elders are to pay attention to themselves. <sarcasm mode still on>

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Very similar to my own online journey!

I initially found jehovah-witn on Usenet back around 1998 or so, and got tired of the constant negativity and anger there. People claimed they left the organization, but the anger and rage that persisted definitely convinced me they were POMI... physically out, but mentally in.

That led to me searching for any internet forums, and that led to Hourglass2 Outpost and another one called ChannelC, hosted by Ros. Channel C had some very compelling (and sometimes heated) discussions, whereas Hourglass2 (H2O, for short) was more a one-off from the Usenet group I had left behind. However, there also was a Witness on H2O who was engaging stolidly with the rancorous crowd there, and I felt compelled to try to reach out to him via PM. I endured the initial curtness from him, and by the time H2O went offline with the Year 2K global scare, we were exchanging emails and eventually Yahoo Messenger chatting. The brother, of course, was Robert.

And we're still putting up with one another, some 25 years later, lol.

I do stop in at that exjw reddit group you mentioned, because they always seem to have some great reveals and information releases that I have brought over to this forum for discussion in a healthier context, including that recent letter covering the "donation" arrangement and per-publisher expectations.

In fact, there was one post last week on there that particularly got my ire up, regarding the organization's persistent mishandling of child sexual abuse. The post referred to the various commissions and cases, and then @PJ54 posted that daily text the very next day about the "direction" given by the organization and how everyone is to have confidence in that direction.

I couldn't help myself. I had to respond albeit I was heavy with the sarcasm! Robert, too, as a former elder, has posted extensively over the years on the travesty of this. It's just so... unconscionable!!

Anyhoo, since I was already pulling down the commission reports at the time anyhow, I figured I should also see what the latest Elder's Manual says— post-commissions (my most-recent was the 2024 edition although I have copies going all the way back to the 1997 edition when it was called "Pay Attention"). I discovered that two of the websites I've had in my bookmarks were now gone— taken down because of the Watchtower organization's legal team... but ONE website was still available and still offering all of the publications including the latest (2025) Shepherd copy*. Grabbed it, and went forward with my sarcastic post about the daily text's remark about "the direction we receive from God’s organization", citing just what that "trusted" direction is when it comes to protecting molesters over and above the harmed and devastated children of sexual abuse.

I may not have been sexually abused by a Witness (didn't even know Witnesses existed until my late teens), but as a survivor of sexual abuse, I have ZERO TOLERANCE for sexual abusers and molesters. ZERO. So, to know that the Watchtower organization actually provides sanctuary and privacy for such wickedness on a technicality of the Bible's two-witness Mosaic Law rule really stirs my righteous indignation!!!

For the record, though, I don't post over on that reddit group (I have had my fill from Usenet and H2O days), but they sure do seem to be able to dig up dirt and useful information. Just don't expect any Bible-oriented perspective or spirit-oriented context.

—Timothy,
a believer.

____________
* I still find it curious that the Elders Manual was changed from "Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock" to simply "Shepherd the Flock of God". I guess the organization no longer sees need to give "direction" that elders are to pay attention to themselves. <sarcasm mode still on>

What really angers me is that in that elders book it actually says that from a congregation standpoint, watching CSA is NOT considered actual CSA and that the person watching it should be counselled, or even strongly counselled depending on how often they watch it!! I mean, oh my goodness, how is this ideology even allowed to exist?? The authorities know it exists as the book is often brought out into court cases. They are obviously just allowing it to exist, for some reason, what reason though? All very nefarious if you ask me

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

But we do have somewhere to go. The location is the Holy Spirit in its understanding, and the destination comes to us in its protection. It’s not a physical place, just as the desert was not a physical place of refuge for the Jews, but that Jehovah came to them with manna and water and eventually divided the Red Sea as an escape. Jehovah is omnipresent to all of us. He is the manipulator of all His laws, providing whatever is necessary in its due time. There is no escape from what is to come other than by Jehovah’s protection - it matters not where we are, but whether we have faith. Who would expect to find refuge from harm when being thrown into a furnace for not bowing down to an idol of the king? Yet it happened, did it not? I’m not even going to attempt to spell their names but you know the story.

I agree with all that you said Barney but I only really learned that from being in this forum, and actual place where Jehovah directed me to in order to continue my learning. I would never have learned these things from the Watchtower, so I definitely had to "leave somewhere (the Watchtower) and go to another place (this forum) in order to learn that we don't really have to go anywhere
By the way, they were Shadrach, Meshach and Tobedwego

 

[a believer]

What really angers me is that in that elders book it actually says that from a congregation standpoint, watching CSA is NOT considered actual CSA and that the person watching it should be counselled, or even strongly counselled depending on how often they watch it!! I mean, oh my goodness, how is this ideology even allowed to exist?? The authorities know it exists as the book is often brought out into court cases. They are obviously just allowing it to exist, for some reason, what reason though? All very nefarious if you ask me

I know... !!!

Doesn't make sense? That's OK, just follow the direction.