In-person meetings to start for Central Florida Jehovah’s Witnesses next month
Ahead of a worldwide celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal, Jehovah’s Witnesses plan to return to in-person meetings around April 1.
For more than two years, the witnesses — known for their public ministry — have been meeting twice-weekly virtually and conducting their preaching through letters and phone calls.
Jehovah’s Witnesses stopped the public ministry in March 2020 in response to the global pandemic.
“While we have prospered in many ways as individuals and congregations using technology to bring us together, nothing can adequately replace being together in person. We have longed for this moment for the better part of two years,” said Robert Hendriks, the organization’s U.S. spokesperson, in a statement.
Technology allowed an average meeting attendance of 1.5 million in the U.S. In Central Florida, about 25,440 men, women and children are baptized witnesses. In the U.S., about 1.3 million people call themselves witnesses.
“Our congregation meetings have always been like a spiritual oasis for us,” said Rebeca Sanchez, a congregant living in Duval County. “I’ve missed being able to attend and worship in person because the meetings are a place where we feel peace and calm in the embrace of others.”
Kingdom Halls, as their buildings for worship are called, have been closed due to the risks associated with the virus, COVID19, which has killed more than 6 million, including 973,000 in the U.S. alone, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The start of in-person meetings dovetails with a special lecture scheduled in most congregations the week of April 4, entitled, “Where Can You Find Real Hope?” And, the annual Memorial service of the death of Jesus Christ will be held worldwide April 15. The events are free and no money is collected, organizers said.
“The timing of resuming in-person meetings could not be better,” said Hendriks. “Bringing everyone back together for these special events will have a powerful effect on the worldwide congregation.”
The organization will still continue videoconferencing meetings, organizers said. The organization has been testing meetings with in-person and remote attendees. Mask-wearing is “highly recommended” at in-person meetings.
Jehovah’s Witnesses have no plans to resume their public ministry, though their members will continue to show interest in their neighbors, organizers said.
From the start of the pandemic
through November 2021 in the U.S., Jehovah’s Witnesses spent more than 400 million hours in virtual Bible studies, writing letters and making phone calls.
To advance their ministry, the organization released 77 new language translations of the Bible and held two global virtual conventions, which were presented in
more than 500 languages.
“No time was wasted in the past two years,” said Hendriks. “Our congregants have been busy and productive helping each other and their neighbors through this most challenging time. That’s what love and unity are all about.”
To find out details about how to attend a meeting, go to jw.org.