Question for Jehovah's Witnesses regarding birthday party/family reunion...?

Question

Okay, here's the story: I'm having an 80th b-day surprise party for my grandma. A portion of her closest family members are Witnesses. They have verbally agreed to attend the party and calling it a family reunion, because we are bringing together family from all over the country. Now I am about to print invitations and would like to know what I should put on the invitations to them? Should I just send the same invitations as I send to everyone else? Or, should I send them invitations saying something like this: ".....invited to a family reunion for the family and friends of Mrs._____ on the day before her 80th year of life." Or, something else entirely? It will not cost extra to have two sets printed and I don't wish to offend or deter anyone.

Answer 1

Let'em call it what they want but aren't you giving your grandmother a birthday party and they know it? Is your grandmother a Jehovah's witness? If not, let her have her birthday party!! If the rest of the folks don't like it then they shouldn't come!

Answer 2

It would seem that this questioner and certain relatives have made a commitment regarding a family reunion. Thus, it seems odd that the questioner feels no obligation to maintain her end of that commitment.

If the questioner now insists on referring to the gathering as a "birthday celebration", she should understand if some guests (especially Jehovah's Witnesses) will not attend. The vast majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are not interested in playing semantic games to avoid some human discipline by their congregation; instead Jehovah's Witnesses live their lives to avoid offending God and Christ.

If there is a single gathering, then the Witnesses should be made to understand that, so that they can make a conscientious decision about attending. What others have done, however, it to have two gatherings, each with clearly defined start and end times. The invitation might be written thusly:

Family reunion: 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Birthday celebration 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

There seems little reason to print separate invitations, as though that were needed to deceive anyone about the true nature of the event(s).

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20050101a/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_11.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20001215/article_01.htm

Answer 3

Seems allot of people have 80 year old grandmas on here:D

If they agreed to come to a family reunion, then they are coming for that, and should be invited to that.

Answer 4

I think it would be considerate of you to send the second invitations to the Witness relations. You are more apt to have them attend because the other would fly in the face of their convictions. If it wont cost extra than that shows you care about them and trully want them to attend. Also, your grandmother would surely want them present so it seems your thinking of them would be a gift to her as well.

Answer 5

People have a misconception of birthday parties and the reason to celebrate. If they are to honor a person for nothing, then we don't celebrate. But if they are celebrated as Phil Vassar wrote in his song "The Next 30 years",

"I think I'll take a moment to celebrate my age; The ending of an era and the turning of a page; Now it's time to focus in on where I go from here;"


The ending of an era and the turning of a page. Nothing wrong with noting that.


But birthday parties just for the sake of birthday parties are useless.

Answer 6

If you have to make two sets to keep them happy, that's the same as them trying to enforce their beliefs on you and your family.

If it doesn't cost extra though, just send two different invites and keep the peace to avoid hard feelings on your grandma's special day.

Answer 7

if the witness relatives agreed to a family reunion then state their invitations as that a family reunion.

Answer 8

Here, read their "Rules": 1. You cannot celebrate holidays such as Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Father’s day or national holidays. (Awake 11/22 p. 8-10; WT 1997 12/15 p. 5-6; Knowledge 1995 p. 49-50, 126 Yearbook 1975 p. 147) 2. You must NOT take an oath of allegiance to your country, join the military, vote, or support any political party. (WT 1997 8/1 p. 12-13; WT 1990 8/15 p. 13-15; WT 1987 6/1 p. 21) 3. You can if you wish collect unemployment or welfare benefits. This is encouraged if possible because you will have more time to go door-to-door with the Society's magazines. (WT 1983 4/1 p. 8-9; WT 1966 2/1 p. 96) 4. You cannot celebrate birthdays. (WT 1998 12/15 p. 30; WT 1995 5/15 p. 8,19) 5. You cannot clink glasses together. (WT 1968 1/1 p. 31) 6. You cannot throw rice or confetti at weddings. (Awake 1973 3/8 p. 5; Yearbook 1986 p. 77; WT 1986 7/1 p. 4) 7. Large gatherings are frowned upon by the Watchtower Society unless organized by them for Bible studies. [Usually the Bible is not used much, their other books are claimed to be "better] (WT 1999 4/1 p31 + 9/1 p. 9,15; WT1992 8/15 p. 15-19; WT 1994 1/15 p. 17; WT 1981 8/15 p. 28-29; WT 1981 12/1 p. 27) 8. You must not associate socially with anyone not a Witness except to conduct a Bible (book) study. (WT 1957 4/15 p. 244; WT 1979 6/1 p. 13-14; WT 12979 5/1 p. 4; WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1980 6/15 p. 8; Insight 1988 vol.1 p. 200) 9. Your children must not associate with other children unless they are Witnesses. (WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1998 2/15 p. 12; WT 1996 8/1 p. 18; WT 1993 8/1 p. 20; WT 1995 5/1 p. 27) 10. Your children cannot join organizations such as the Boy Scouts & Girl Guides clubs, Red Cross, S.P.C.A, Boys or Girls clubs, teem sports at school or elsewhere. Time is considered better spent distributing the Society's magazines and books. (WT 1997 6/1 p. 4; WT 1992 8/15 p.18; WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1979 1/1 p. 31; WT 1973 2/1 p. 73; WT 1966 7/15 p. 421) 11. Adults may not join groups such as volunteer fire brigades, the YMCA etc. or service, secret or sports clubs, in order to avoid "worldly associations." (WT 1992 12/15 p. 16; WT 1997 6/1 p. 4; WT 1996 2/1 p.25 + 2/15 p .4) 12. A minimum of 10 hours a month is encouraged for door-to-door selling of the Society's books and magazines on contribution basis. Monthly reports must be filled in (Jehovah will apparently consult these to see if you are worthy to survive Armageddon). (WT 1963 3/15 p.190; WT 1992 6/15 p. 25; WT 1990 4/15 p. 25; WT 1986 1/1 p. 19; WT 1982 3/1 p.18; WT 1971 1/1 p25 + 6/1 p. 336; WT 1998 4/1 p. 21) 13. On public holidays you must still attend meetings and sell literature where possible. (Kingdom Min.1971 8/71 p.4; WT 1998 9/1 p.21) 14. You must not read literature published by Christian churches or other religious organizations. These are claimed to be from Satan. (WT 1996 1/15 p.17; WT 1994 8/15 p. 30; WT 1987 2/1 p. 5; WT 1986 3/15 p.12; WT1984 5/1 p. 31) 15. You must not acknowledge the Cross as a Christian symbol. It is considered to be of pagan origin.(WT 1996 4/1 p.4; WT 1996 4/1 p. 24 + 6/1 p.18; WT 1995 5/15 p. 20) [But what about stakes/polls? 1 Kg.14:22-24 WT 1997 3/15 p. 29 You Can Live Forever.; WTS 1982 p.45-46] 16. Jehovah Witnesses provide no Sunday school for your children. You must provide four hours per month studying with them from the Watchtower Society's publications.(WT 1999 11/15 p. 32; WT 1990 8/1 p. 3; WT 1983 3/15 p. 15; WT 1994 12/15 p. 30) 17. You must make sure you have time off from your job to attend all the Watchtower conventions, held three times a year. If you miss them, it's frowned upon. (WT 1995 1/1 p. 17; WT 1989 1/1 p.8 + 3/1 p. 7-10, 14, 19) 18. There are certain rules of conduct to follow in your bedroom. You may check with the elders for more information. If you disobey you may be disfellowshipped (expelled). (Awake 1995 1/8 p. 28; Awake 1993 2/22 p. 9; Awake 1975 1/8 p. 75; WT 1999 1/15 p. 14; WT 1998 2/1 p. 30; WT 1991 6/15 p. 20) 19. Certain forms of birth control are unacceptable . This is not your decision, check with the elders first. (WT 1999 6/15 p. 27; WT 1969 12/15 p. 765; Awake 1996 10/8 p. 14; Awake 1993 2/22 p. 8) 20. Beards are frowned on as they reflect a rebellious and independent attitude. Moustaches are acceptable. (WT 1975 8/15 p. 501) 21. If your family members are not J.W.'s you must have little to do with them. Those expelled, have NOTHING to do with them or you will be shunned too. (WT 1995 7/15 p. 27; WT 1998 9/15 p. 25; WT 1988 4/15 p. 29) 22. Make sure all your magazine and book studies are done each week. (WT 1954 2/15 p.102; WT 1995 5/1 p. 19; WT 1964 1/1 p. 27; WT 1959 1/1 p. 3; WT 1954 1/15 p. 50) You cannot understand the bible without them. (WT 1981 2/15 p.19 last sentence) 23. All meetings must be attended. There are only five per week, on three different days. If you don't attend you must have good reason. Sickness is NOT always a good reason. (WT 1971 3/1 p. 149; WT 1998 10/1 p. 30; WT 1995 1/1 p. 8, p. 17; WT 1993 iv. p. 292, 18; WT 1998 6/15 p. 21) 24. You must view all people who are not J.W's as 'worldly’ and part of Satan's organization. They will all perish at Armageddon and only JW's will be saved, so why bother associating with them? (WT 1992 5/1 p. 15 + 11/15 p. 6; WT 1995 1/15 p. 28; WT 1958 1/1 p. 13; You Can Live Forever, WTS 1982 p.188, p. 202) 25. You must not attend any 'Christian' church. All churches are considered evil and corrupt. (WT 1994 3/1 p. 9-11; WT 1991 6/1 p. 19-20; WT 1995 12/1 p. 5; WT 1983 6/15 p. 26 + 9/15 p. 10-15; WT 1958 1/1 p. 13) 26. If you join and ever decide to leave, all your new 'friends' will shun you, even if you are not "disfellowshipped". You might get frequent calls of “encouragement” if you attend a Christian church for any reason (including family weddings, funerals, etc.) you will be automatically disfellowshipped. (WT 1988 4/15 p. 26; WT 1986 3/15 p. 18) 27. You must NEVER disagree with the Society or it will be said that you are disagreeing with God. (WT 1983 1/15 p. 98; WT 1986 3/15 p. 18; United Worship 1983 p. 11; WT 1955 6/1 p. 351; Proclaimers 1993 28 p. 628) [The Watchtower Society claims to be the ONLY organization on earth that has been chosen by Him to guide his people. The Society president has claimed more power to speak for God than the Pope.] 28. You will not have the free choice of conscience. You give up that right when you become a Witness. The Society will make almost all decisions for you. (WT 1983 1/15 p. 98; WT 1994 7/1 p. 23; WT 1958 4/1 p. 217; United Worship 1983 p. 10; Year Book 1988 p. 127) 29. You will be forbidden to give or take a blood transfusion or blood products. You must not even store your own blood for a transfusion, it's said that belongs to God. If your child requires a transfusion, your duty is to try to prevent doctors from transfusing, even if stealing the child from hospital to die. (WT 1998 12/1 p. 14; WT 1970 9/12 p. 249) 30. You may not partake of the bread and the wine during communion (or Eucharist), unless you are one of the 144,000 who are the only ones who may go to heaven. (WT 1998 2/15 p. 20; WT 1997 1/1 p. 10) 31. All above rules are subject to change without notice and without recourse. Be in constant expectation of "New light" which could reverse everything. (WT 1964 5/1 p. 278; WT 1955 5/15, p. 313; WT 1954 9/15 p. 552). [There were about 148 changes to official WT doctrine from 1917 to 1928. How do you know what's declared true today won't be denied tomorrow?] 32. If you disobey any of the above rules, and refuse to turn around from your rebellious course, you will be disfellowshipped, and an announcement will be made to the whole congregation. All members worldwide will shun you even family members, so expect no invitations to family weddings, funerals or reunions etc. (WT 1956 4/15, p. 242; WT 1988 4/15, p. 26; WT 1986 3/15, p. 18; Awake1987 8/12, p. 13) 33. If you wish to be reinstated, you must do as the elders say: attend all meetings, coming in after the opening song and prayer, sitting at the back of the hall talk to no one, have no participation, leave before the final song and prayer and have no contact with other members. You may have no part in field ministry until reinstated. Depending on your offence the time of punishment may last up to a year or more. (WT 1998 10/1 p. 17-18; WT 1991 4/15, p. 23) 34. You must not pray for disfellowshipped ones. They are dead in God's eyes. (WT 1983 1/1, p. 31; WT 1979 10/15, p. 31) 35. The WatchTower Society can tell lies. It's acceptable to lie to those who are not entitled to know the truth. Elder's of the local Kingdom Hall and the hierarchy of the 'Society' will lie to the police about child sexual abuse to protect an elder who committed abuse. It's called "justified lying". The 'Society' can also lie to members. (WT 1960 6/1 p. 352; WT 1997 1/1 p. 29)