It's 'Partaker Watch' Season; the Jehovah's Witnesses Memorial, Passover and More!

It's Memorial season for Jehovah's Witnesses. Time to pile back into Kingdom Halls, pass the plate of crackers; the glass of wine ... and keep a keen eye on everyone: who is the next person to be on the Fast Pass to heavenly life? Plus: Memorial memories, let's review Passover and other fun memories from 'spiritual paradise'

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[jwallaby]

I remember when I was recently reinstated at age 25 (2016) one night of the memorial, before the whole family left to attend, I had this strange case of anxiety overcome me. I just didn't feel welcome back at all. I was still being shunned by everyone. Though I looked forward to worshiping Jehovah, I wasn't feeling good about going to put on the heirs and pretend like it was the greatest night of all time. Got a strange case of the runs, sweats, panic attacks and decided not to go. My dad yelled at me for not coming as I was already preparing my own unleavened bread and wine for my own personal memorial service. I cried that night, and almost broke down because I knew my body was trying to tell me something. The anxiety I had felt since being reinstated was a sign that something was very wrong. I was 25 at the time. It would be another 4 1/2 years, (and 3 more years of being DF'd again) before I finally woke up to the nightmare I'd been living all along. Thankfully the nightmare is over.

[calmerthanyou]

Oh Man! I remember it well. I had moved to a new congregation in 97 and saw my 1 and only partaker! I was 17 and mowed her lawn at a discount. Figured it couldn't hurt. Thanks again Stacy! Gold!

[gisella]

What a HOOT, thank you. My father was a heavy wine drinker. As a child, (girl), I always used to watch his face as the glass of wine was placed into his hands at the Hall to pass along the rows. He never partook, but he got stuck in as soon as we got home, and the next day, and the next. Every day was his Passover at our home. JW's information for us is self serving, something you would put in a trap, for prey. We are the prey in their eyes. Don't get caught, stay happy.

[Eric_]

Many years ago, while I was still in, I happened to be out in service with an "anointed brother" that was the overseer elder at our hall. I'm sure I've jacked up whatever his title was, aka big cheese. Funny, we didn't have to strain our necks very hard because he always gave the memorial talk and always partook while on the platform. Anyway, some conversation was going on about how he deems people still having the right heart condition even if they've become inactive. He said if someone doesn't make any other meeting but attends the memorial, then their heart still has something left in it. After I left, I kept on recalling that conversation and I attended three more memorials after I'd quit. The first one I actually missed, the first in 35 years at that point, I was a little haunted by it. I'm so embarrassed about that now. But, it is strong evidence of which little tidbits stick in your brain and have the most impact. Not necessarily from a lesson or the bible, but just a piece of a conversation. Of course, the sister memory to that was another conversation his wife shared with a car group that this brother suffered depression constantly because of his "calling". He did not look forward to his going to heaven and leaving behind his wife, three grown children and grandchildren to be stuck here on Earth without him. I always found that interesting.

[cman]

❤this is the best. Humor, seriousness, heartbreak and love.. all in an hour 😊

[migdaliafuentes]

My experience as a woman back in the 80s and 90s my children were small and the hectic time of searching in malls for a dress for my daughters and mostly for myself! I didn’t mind if I saw a sister with the same dress- and if I bumped into her I would just say: you have a great sense of taste for dresses! 😂. But the fashion show drove me crazy!

I wasn’t that into pay attention who would partake but looking to see for those expelled or that were “spiritually away” come over to the memorial!
And later hear the sisters gossip if they looked worldly or they would be coming back!

Today I am so happy for this freedom away from this cult!

Thanks for your experience- made me really LOL😂!!

[angelc]

I remember at one memorial a “sister” sitting next to us partook of the wine and bread. I’m certain my jaw hit the floor. I looked to my mom, who had seen it also, and leaned in to her ear to screech, “Mom! She’s one of the 144, 000?” My mother replied, “No, she’s not. She’s got problems.” Mkay..more confusion piled up in my young brain..

[lovelifesmile]

Can't get enough of your podcasts. Keep em coming please

[morganrickards]

27:27 🎵 🎶 Spill the Wine!!! DIG THAT GIRL!! 🎶🎵

😅

[axz]

Just found your podcast, I can feel a binge coming on.

[anthonyamare]

In my congregation our PO/COBE would let the kids eat the unleavened bread afterwards. I was laughing to myself when some of the parents complained to me but wouldn’t dare say anything to him.

[timedwards]

Maan! Bringing back memories! Hilarious 😂

[elainebraindrain]

My ex husband proclaimed and began partaking after he abandoned our marriage. He was a porn addict and chronic liar.
27 year marriage destroyed.

[jan]

Was a symbol drama foreshadowing Christ's sacrifice as the lamb of God.

[fLUKEYdNb]

The non-partaking two class memorial event is one of the most unscriptural practices they have IMO, certainly makes my top ten.

Disfellowshiping
Shunning
No birthdays
No blood transfusions
Memorial (black mass)
No masturbation
No further education
Only charity for jws
Faithful Slave prophecy
Armageddon
2 class Hope
etc..

[lizzidpeepole]

Partaker Watch. I love it. Fun story Mark Sanderson was the Partaker of my youth. He would stay at my house when visiting. Was pretty wild when I found out the GB became men and he was one of the newest members.

[dantoinettetaylor]

You didn’t mention the Bible readings leading up to the Day. Each year I was very uncomfortable with the readings as it was so clear that there were not an “unworthy” class that the Watchtower talked about. The scriptures are clear that each potential partaker should examine themselves whether they were practising any sins in secret and did not repent before partaking of the emblems those were the ones doing so unworthily as well as those who saw the meal as literally a meal and greedily partook instead of eating at home before the meeting —- which made far more sense and is the way how the other churches in Christianity practise to do. But JWs just want to be different and in doing so they made us REJECT the fundamental meaning of being a Christian

[jennydarling]

Well guy, As you can guess, starting from the beginning's of your pod casts. You are raising interesting questions. Yes, thought of the questions you are presenting as the years went by. Now letting myself revisit.
Started talking to special pioneers in 1970 while my ex husband was in Germany. Got baptized in 1974. It is easy to 🤔 of all the changes that have taken place. Actually it hasn't changed. Reading the literature it never made sense. I for one, just passed over what I didn't understand. It was the friends that drew me.
I had 6 children, happy to say 5 today are trying to make it out. Friends and family holding most of us from just moving on. Sad 😢

[jan]

Blood on doorways was symbolic of the need to accept God's arrangement of life via blood.
Not about angels knowing which house.

[aloramermaidful]

My mom's bestie (an elder's wife) passed away last year. I made the mistake of telling my brother (still an active JW) that mom & her are up in Heaven having a blast together 😊 Luckily he didn't decide to shun me right then & there. (Kinda was hoping his hypocritical wife would though...😂)