Jason Worilds reportedly left football for Jehovah's Witnesses

Then-Pittsburgh outside linebacker Jason Worilds rushes against Cleveland Browns tackle Mitchell Schwartz last October. (David Richard / Associated Press)

 

Former Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds is vague about why he stepped away from a likely huge payday

Jason Worilds was vague Tuesday when giving a reason for his decision to "step away from football" as a 27-year-old who presumably could have made a lot of cash on the free-agent market.

But the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Thursday that Steelers sources said their former linebacker left the game in order to work for his religion, the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The report also said Worilds informed the Steelers of his decision by phone Tuesday.

Worilds, who had 7.5 sacks while making $10 million in 2014, was considered one of the top outside linebackers available when free agency began Tuesday. That night he tweeted out a big announcement, but it had nothing to do with a new contract or a huge payday:

"I appreciate all of the interest from the organizations that have reached out to us the past few days. With that being said, after much thought & consideration I have chosen to step away from football as I have opted to pursue other interests.

"I am especially grateful of the opportunity to play before some of the greatest fans in football today. Despite any concern and speculation that may ensue, I appreciate those that are respectful of my decision."

Soon after, CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora tweeted: "Worilds had undergone a spiritual awakening and his calling is now in that domain. Wish him all the best in his new pursuits."

But Worilds appeared to shoot that down by responding to La Canfora's post on Twitter: " 'A spiritual awakening'.. Really?.."

Worilds has yet to speak publicly about his decision. He told Trib Total Media on Wednesday, “I don't know when I'll speak on it or if I will.”

 

Florida teacher suspended after forcing Jehovah’s Witness student to say Pledge of Allegiance

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/teacher-forces-jehovah-witness-recite-pledge-article-1.1508783

 

Anne Daigle-McDonald grabbed the boy's hand and placed it over his heart, allegedly saying 'If you don't want to do that, you should move out of the country.' The Hernando County school district later suspended her for violating the student's right to free exercise of religion.

'You are an American, and you are supposed to salute the flag,' Anne Daigle McDonald told her class of fourth graders at the Explorer K-8 School.

A Florida teacher told her fourth grade student to pledge allegiance to the flag...or else.

Hernando County school teacher Anne Daigle-McDonald has been suspended without pay after grabbing a student's wrist, placing it over his heart, and forcing him to recite the Pledge.

The boy, a Jehovah's Witness, reminded the teacher that his religion doesn't allow him to worship objects. He stood up out of respect for his country, but he didn't want to put his hand over his heart.

"You are an American, and you are supposed to salute the flag," Daigle-McDonald reportedly said, according to a statement the boy gave the Explorer K-8 school.

RELATED: NO PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE FOR THESE KIDS

The first incident happened on Sept. 11, the 12-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. The next day, Daigle-McDonald noticed that the boy hadn't changed his habits. That's when she decided to turn the incident into a lesson for all her young students.

She yanked the boy's hand over his heart and then told the entire class, "In my classroom, everyone will do the pledge; no religion says that you can't do the pledge."

She continued, "If you don't want to say the pledge, you still have to put your hand on your heart and if you don't want to do that, you should move out of the country."

 

 

Students pledging allegiance to the American flag with the Bellamy salute. It was replaced with today's 'hand-over-heart' salute during World War II, since it looked similar to the gesture used by Adolf Hitler's Nazis.

 

After hearing about the teacher's actions, the Hernando County School Board interviewed several of the boy's classmates, who corroborated his story.

RELATED: NBC APOLOGIZES FOR CUTTING 'ONE NATION UNDER GOD' FROM PLEDGE

Officials at the school district recently concluded that the teacher had overstepped her bounds by taking away the student's right to free speech and freedom of religion, which are both protected by the First Amendment. On top of that, Daigle-McDonald was accused of violating professional conduct protocol and state education rules.

"She touched a child and that is no-no," grandparent Donna Walker told WTSP. "She should not be teaching here. She should not be teaching children."

Daigle-McDonald was in fact removed from student contact and given an alternative school job on Sept. 12. She was also suspended for five days without pay and ordered to undergo diversity training.

During the investigation, the teacher defended herself by saying that the boy's mother had never explained that she didn't want her child to say the pledge.

RELATED: GROUP WANTS PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TOSSED FROM SCHOOLS

"His mother told me that he didn't celebrate holidays or birthdays, and I told her that was fine," the teacher said.

 

 

 

President Dwight D. Eisenhower added 'under God' to the Pledge during the anti-communist movement of the 1950s.

Instead of standing up, the boy had taken to doodling during the pledge, the teacher said. Daigle-McDonald explained that she didn't want other students to start imitating the boy, especially on Sept. 11.

"(I) just wanted all of the students to respect the day," she said. "It wasn't a holiday, so I didn't see why the whole class couldn't say the pledge."

But students' right to opt out of the pledge has been recognized as a form of free speech for decades. The Supreme Court confirmed this right back in 1943, with the case West Virginia State Board of Education vs. Barnette.

RELATED: ATHEIST FAMILY SUES TO GET 'UNDER GOD' STRIPPED FROM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was originally written in the late nineteenth century by Francis Bellamy, a pastor who was kicked out of the Baptist church for his socialist leanings. Bellamy instructed citizens to start the Pledge off with a military salute and then extend their hands outward towards the flag, NPR reports. But this gesture was discarded during World War II, since it closely resembled the Nazis' salute.

The Pledge became popular during the era of anti-communism, as a way to celebrate loyalty to the American flag and way of life.

It seems Daigle-McDonald still believes that refusing to say the pledge is like refusing to be a good citizen.

"It was directed at citizenship," Daigle-McDonald said during the investigation. "I was talking about pledging allegiance to our country, and if you don't want to pledge to our country, you should go to your home country."

 

Look video

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Jehovah's Witnesses in the Franklin county towns of Greenfield and Shelburne have completed their new Kingdom Hall.

http://www.wwlp.com/news/local/franklin/jehovahs-witnesses-new-kingdom-hall

 

GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Jehovah's Witnesses in the Franklin county towns of Greenfield and Shelburne have completed their new Kingdom Hall.

More than one thousand volunteers had to spend several weeks building their house of worship from the ground up. On Friday, they showed 22News the fruits of their labor. A fully functional Kingdom Hall they'll worship in for years to come.

Jehovah's witnesses told 22News of the satisfaction they feel having done the work themselves.

Rob Nicoll, a Jehovah’s Witness, told 22News, “There's a great sense of accomplishment and pride being able to build a beautiful center for worship, where our spiritual brothers and sisters can come together and worship our God, Jehovah.”

“A wonderful opportunity to have a share in the building process, seeing in right from the beginning one that all worked together and actually see your friends come here and be able to help us,” said Fred Wheeler, a Jehovah’s witness.

Jehovah's witnesses from all over Massachusetts came to Greenfield to work on and help complete this Kingdom Hall.

 

 

 

Look video

 

http://www.wwlp.com/news/local/franklin/jehovahs-witnesses-new-kingdom-hall

 

Supreme Court rejects appeal of Jehovah's Witnesses religious community against Azerbaijani State Committee/Corte Suprema rechaza apelación de la comunidad religiosa Testigos de Jehová contra Comité Estatal Azerbaiyán

http://en.apa.az/news/188270

 

Baku. Mubariz Aslanov – APA. The Supreme Court has considered the appeal made by the Jehovah's Witnesses religious community, as well as its members Akchurina Gulsira Gayazovna and Mammadaliyeva Kamila Shovkatovna against Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Work with Religious Associations.

 

 

APA reports that plaintiffs made appeal against the State Committee asking permission to unrestrictedly import books.

 

Baku Administrative-Economic Court #2 rejected the appeal. However, Baku Court of Appeal upheld the decision. Yesterday, the Supreme Court also considered the appeal, upheld the decision, rejected the cassation appeal of plaintiffs.

 

Earlier the Jehovah's Witnesses religious community had also sued State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations.

Apostatas preparan documental cerca de la central de Ney York.

http://gothamist.com/2013/02/19/new_documentary_aims_to_lift_vail_o.php

 

New Documentary Aims To Lift Veil On Jehovah's Witnesses

The Watchtower in Brooklyn Heights. (Photo via zokuga's flickr)

Truth Be Told is a new feature-length documentary that will have its big screen debut at Cobble Hill Cinemas on March 27th. The theater is less than a mile and a half from the headquarters and central governing body of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Brooklyn Heights, a neighborhood dominated by the religion's followers who have been making a very slow-paced mass exodus from the borough for years.

The documentary aims to "lift the veil on the seemingly benign Jehovah’s Witnesses religion to expose a profit-driven, isolationist culture characterized by fear, totalitarian corporate leadership, intellectual and spiritual intimidation, suspension of critical thinking, failed prophecies, doctrinal inconsistency and improper handling of physical and sexual abuse allegations within the church."

Former Jehovah’s Witnesses candidly discuss growing up inside the religion throughout the film, which was also recently delved into in this piece by Amber Scorah in The Believer. Scorah was raised a Witness, and eventually learned Mandarin Chinese in order to conduct missionary work in China. She writes:

"I had my first Bible student in China. Sooner or later, in our study sessions... I would get to the section in the book with the chapter on Armageddon—with its two-page centerfold illustration of fire falling from the sky and people dying, reeling into the gaping earth. As I began to explain these things, in a new tongue, in a new place, I started to hear what I was saying, for the first time... I started to feel embarrassed."

 

A Jehovah Witness protection program

Faithful at convention learn how to protect themselves in ever-threatening world.

22/7/12

WILKES-BARRE TWP. –About 4,000 gathered at the Mohegan Sun Arena this weekend to learn about how to protect themselves in an ever-threatening world.

They were there to attend the fifth annual local district convention of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This year’s theme is "Safeguard Your Heart," according to organizers.

The three day Christian religious event will repeat again next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the same location and is open to all. It is one of 385 similar gatherings in 103 cities across the United States.

John Scotidas, event overseer, said the audience represented a "cross section" of the local communities within a three hour drive of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Long time Jehovah’s Witness devotees attended, as well as those who are just beginning. People of other faiths attended, there were families with small children, single people, old and young and representatives from all ethnicities, Scotidas said.

He added he was very pleased with the attendance.

"We provide information that can help people deal with their lives. We help them find ways to find more satisfaction and we work on strengthening families," he said.

About 45 different speakers took the arena stage to talk about why it is necessary to safeguard our hearts, he said. They talked about how to be "obedient" to Bible teachings, develop a "balanced view" of themselves, how to avoid being "halfhearted," and how people are "in want of heart."

Scotidas thanked the administration of the arena for allowing them to use the facility. He said it is an excellent location, very convenient for the 50 different congregations that will be attending, he said.

Larry Andrews, media contact for group, said locally Jehovah’s Witnesses have been increasing in numbers significantly. He estimated there are about 1,500 local members, more than four times as many than 20 years ago. There are now an estimated 109,000 congregation worldwide, he added.

He attributes the local growth to the "door-to-door" ministries and to the anxiety people are feeling about the world. The shooting early Friday in Colorado serves as an example of what can happen, he said.

"It’s a sign of the times," Andrews said.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses ask people to analyze daily lives and learn to appreciate Bible teachings, Andrews said. Their message is resonating with more and more people who see a need to become more religious.

The event included "plays and demonstrations" along with motivational speeches, he said. One play showed ways married people can rectify their issues instead of giving up on their marriages, he added.

Focusing on the heart is the way to get the message through, Andrews pointed out. If someone puts their heart into a Christian life, they will be more likely to live it, he said.

Jehovah’s begin convention

The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses will be holding their annual convention at the Bell County Expo Center for the next five weeks starting on July 13.

An estimation of 6,000 people will attend the event.

This year's theme is "Safeguard Your Heart!" which comes from biblical statements that reveal how protecting one's figurative heart will enhance the qualities of your life and have a better relationship with God.

The Jehovah's Witnesses believe that drawing oneself closer to God, living by Bible principles gives purpose to life, promotes strong family ties, and develops productive and honest citizens.

With a three day "heart examination" starting on Friday morning, you can explore your figurative heart and strengthen your spirituality with a fresh and fun take on Biblical references. The event will include dramatic Bible readings and presentations, chance to examine interesting parallels between physical heart ailments and spiritual afflictions, a baptism to "Give your heart to Jehovah", live plays with real life circumstances and how to deal with them, talks on how to have lasting happiness throughout your life, and so much more.

"The baptism is something that everyone really enjoys," local media news contact David Murray said. "I think it's an important opportunity to receive the instruction and scripture that can help everyone in their daily lives. We thoroughly enjoy coming to Belton because it's a great place to gather, everyone is so kind. We appreciate all of the merchants especially the Expo Center; they always do a wonderful job."

Jehovah's Witnesses encourage everyone to attend and learn more about each of these topics.

Programs in English will be on July 13-15, July 20-22, and July 27-29. Programs in Spanish will be on Aug. 3-5, Aug. 10-12, and Aug. 17-19.

The public is invited to attend any of the programs. All morning sessions begin at 9:20 a.m. each day. Afternoon sessions on Friday will begin at 1:50 p.m., Saturday at 1:35 p.m., and on Sunday at 1:25 p.m.

Admission is free. Jehovah's Witnesses are supported entirely by donations from volunteers.

For more information contact David W. Murray by phone at (210) 602-2200

Thousands gather at Expo Center for Jehovah’s Witness Convention

BELTON — The entire Troxell family found the lessons taught to be "very practical."

"I like it because of everything we can use," said 11-year old Jake Troxell. "Everything you need at the right time. And you get to see friends you only see once a year."

For Roger Troxell, Jake's father, this weekend's Jehovah's Witness Convention at Bell County Expo Center was an escape from everyday stresses.

"I always called it a spiritual paradise," he said Sunday. "As a man, it steps up my ability to be a good father or husband."

From families to former NFL players, more than 5,000 people gathered to learn to safeguard their hearts at the convention, which was one of 385 conventions held across the country.

"People from various backgrounds, various walks of life come together to worship," said National Football League veteran Jermane Mayberry, who was attending his 11th convention.

"It's also a chance to catch up with old friends," said the former Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman.

This year's convention followed the theme "Safeguard Your Heart," highlighting biblical references to the heart, encouraging self-scrutiny and reflection, in a three-day examination of attendee's figurative hearts, according to a news release.

Sunday's "drama," an almost-hour long play, illustrated the advantages of not rushing into relationships and marriage as well as the possible problems that can arise from letting one's heart get the better of them.

Similar shorter skits were performed throughout the convention.

Family meetings to read scripture listed as the basis for discussions during the convention also made the Troxell family more excited to attend.

There will be one more English language convention July 27-29. Spanish programs take place Aug. 3-5, 10-12 and 17-19 at the Expo Center. Attendance is free and open to the public.

This year's convention also put focus on lessons attending children could relate to and use, said Roger's wife, Sheila Troxell.

"These are things that will happen in everyday life," she said, speaking of skits presented throughout the convention depicting good and bad choices regarding situations such as catching a husband flirting with another woman.Thousands gather at Expo Center for Jehovah’s Witness Convention

Jehovah's Witness Convention brings in more money and people than Water Follies!

The biggest event of the year is in full swing! No, not the water follies - the Annual Jehovah's Witness Convention! Attendance isn't the only big number: The CCJW convention is expected to generate almost 9 and a half million dollars in sales revenue for the area! Water Follies rakes in just 2.25 million. 

How much does the city actually see? Sales tax is 8.3 % but most of that goes to the state. The City of Kennewick only sees .85 percent!! So just 80,000 dollars out of 9 and half million. The BIGGEST financial impact is for our local businesses and the people they employ.

The events at the Toyota Center are free and go from about 9-5 each day. The convention will run for three more weekends -- bringing dollars and visitors each time.

Jehovah's Witness convention draws money and Hispanics

KENNEWICK, Wash.-- Over five thousand Jehovah's Witness members are meeting Friday through Sunday at the Kennewick Toyota Center for the regional convention. 

The annual convention brings in lots of money to the area and is increasingly drawing more local Hispanics. The three-day Jehovah's Witness convention fills Kennewick's Toyota Center for four weekends each summer. Members come from throughout the Northwest region giving a consistent boost the local economy.

Tri-Cities Visitors and Convention Bureau CEO, Kris Watkins, says they're glad to have the convention here. 

"It's a great piece of business that is sought after throughout the state of Washington. We continue to be able to bring this group back to the Tri-Cities each year," says Watkins.

Watkins estimates the event generates about 9.4 million dollars in visitor spending. A Jehovah's Witness spokesperson, Ben Szell, says they know that the Tri-Cities have what it takes to accommodate the twenty-one thousand people they bring in.

"The size of the facility and also the accommodations because if you don't have enough accommodations we can't assign more people than the local hotels and restaurants can handle," says Szell. 

"Our grocery stores make money while this group is in town. Our restaurants, both fast food and fine dining," says Watkins.

A growing number of local members are Hispanic. In fact, last weekend's convention was all in Spanish.

"Last weekend we had 70 newly baptized Hispanics over here in this facility. That's really good growth," says Szell.

That's triple the number of baptisms that happen during thePublicar entrada three English speaking weekends. Jehovah's witnesses also take language classes to help with their recruiting efforts.

"We make the personal effort to speak, to learn their language," says Szell.

Szell says there's an increasing number of Jehovah's Witnesses in Mexico because of the increase in immigrants joining and then returning home.

There are two more weekend conventions that will take place in Kennewick in early August and you can bet local businesses will be ready for that business.

Jehovah's Witnesses prepare for convention

WILKES-BARRE TWP. - The Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza is already well-maintained, which is a blessing for Larry Andrews and the other Jehovah's Witnesses cleaning the arena out this weekend.

Andrews, a witness from Jersey Shore and the organization's media contact for the event, remembers the old days, when his group met at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, a now-demolished building that was well described as "dilapidated" in its twilight years.

Then, the group brought plumbers. Maintenance on Saturday was much lighter, but the arena was still a flurry of activity.

The arena was filled with Jehovah's Witnesses cleaning, scrubbing, mopping and painting Saturday, all in preparation for conventions the religious group will hold there during the next two weekends.

In place of a hockey rink was the staging area for the cleanup. At one end of the arena was a stage speakers will use during the conventions. Volunteers started scrubbing the seating area at the top of the arena around 9 a.m., Andrews said, and shortly after 3 p.m., they were still cleaning up the lowest tier of seats. On the concrete floor, volunteers made their way around a collection of yellow mop buckets and brooms.

At the highest floor of the arena, in the hallway around the suites, Lambert Aie, 22, of Mount Pocono, and Lucian Reddicks, 30, of East Stroudsburg, were painting the hallways and door frames with a crew of about a dozen other painters. The project started Thursday and the group hoped to finish by that night.

"I thought you were just touching up," Andrews said.

"That's what I thought, too!" Reddicks said.

All the work helps change the arena from a hockey rink to a house of worship for the next two weekends, when between 3,500 and 4,000 people will visit for each convention, Andrews estimated.

"This becomes our place of worship, so we want it to be clean," he said. "It's part of our service, and we're here to worship. People are going to be all dressed up. We don't want them to step on chewing gum."

It also helps the organization's finances. Andrews said only the national headquarters, which organizes conventions across the country, knows the terms of the contract that rents out the arena, but he said all the work the volunteers do is "certainly taken into account."

And for a religion perhaps known best for its house calls, the cleanup and conventions give it the chance to present another image to the public.

"It is a big plus for us," Andrews said of the group cleaning the arena and going out together during its conventions. "We'll go to restaurants, and half the place is filled with us laughing. People see us having a good time."

Jehovah's Witnesses hold conventions across the world, and if you're in the area, you're definitely invited this weekend, several church members said. The organization passes out flyers to advertise the events.

In fact, said Corey Eubank, 25, who is originally from Hawaii but is volunteering at a Jehovah's Witnesses farm in Wallkill, N.Y., "Everyone in the world … is invited."

bwellock@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2051 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            570-821-2051      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Jehovah's Witnesses line up to get mop buckets filled during cleanup efforts at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township on Saturday.

Jehovah's Witnesses Dave Malosh and Dale Patnam scrub parts of Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre Township on Saturday.

Jehovah’s Witnesses invite all to attend “Safeguard Your Heart!” Convention

SANTA CLARA, CA - Jehovah’s Witnesses feel that all, including non-Witnesses, will benefit from the positive message and practical suggestions that will be highlighted at the 2012 “Safeguard Your Heart!” Tagalog District Convention to be held at Santa Clara Convention Center located at 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA.

The Witnesses’ convention program promises a fresh examination of Biblical references to the figurative heart. Through lively discourses, dramatic Bible readings and presentations, and even a live play, program parts will emphasize how protecting the figurative heart will enhance one’s spiritual well-being, family life, and happiness.

Starting this weekend, and continuing for the next couple of weeks, Jehovah’s Witnesses will put forth extra effort to extend a personal invitation to Filipinos from the Bay Area, Reno, NV, Seattle, WA, Auburn, WA, Renton, WA, Marysville, WA, Portland, OR, and Anchorage, AK to attend the convention with them. The three-day event to be held in Santa Clara, CA will begin Friday, August 3, 2012, at 9:20 a.m. The daily themes and titles of program parts are based on passages of Scripture, including 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Chronicles 28:9, and Matthew 12:34. The convention theme “Safeguard Your Heart!” is based on Proverbs 4:23. Strengthening one’s spirituality will be the focus of the program.

There is no admission fee. Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses are supported entirely by voluntary donations.

Locally, all of the area’s 17 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be supporting the activity of distributing printed invitations to the convention. An estimated 2,500 will come to Santa Clara Convention Center over the weekend for the Bible-based Tagalog programs.

Throughout the United States, there will be 385 conventions in 103 cities. Worldwide, there are over 7,600,000 Witnesses in more than 109,000 congregations.

Salón del Reino listo para los servicios

http://www.havasunews.com/articles/2012/05/03/news/doc4fa20fdae701b853493368.txt

Miércoles, 02 de mayo 2012 22:01 MST

Casi dos meses y medio después de que fuera derribado, una nueva construcción del Salón del Reino de los Testigos de Jehová está listo para sus primeros servicios de este fin de semana.

Martes, Lake Havasu City dio a los inspectores de edificios miembros de la congregación el visto bueno para ocupar el nuevo edificio en 3200 S. Blvd. Jamaica.  El edificio fue construido desde el principio sobre todo durante los fines de semana en marzo y abril.

"Estábamos justo a tiempo", dijo Proctor Calvino, un anciano de la congregación española de la iglesia.  "Todo fue muy fácil."

Si bien puede parecer extraño a los de afuera, es una práctica estándar para los miembros de la iglesia para llevar a cabo lo que ellos llaman "construye rápido" de derribar sus casas de culto y la reconstrucción en un tiempo relativamente corto.  La iglesia utiliza los Comités Regionales de construcción que se componen de los Testigos de Jehová que son profesionalmente comerciante especializado.

Regional del Comité de Creación de California 13 y los miembros locales de la congregación se presentó con más de 300 trabajadores en un momento en algunos de los fines de semana largos.

El pasado fin de semana de trabajo importante fue 13 a 15 abril, cuando las alfombras, las sillas tipo teatro y los gabinetes se pusieron en marcha, dijo Phil Boersma, un anciano de la iglesia.

Martes, aparte de una pequeña habitación de madera por adelantado saludo con algunos restos de la construcción, el edificio estaba limpio y listo para su uso.

Sustitución de los bancos de hierro de la iglesia anterior, con cómodos asientos tipo teatro fue una de las mayores mejoras, ancianos de la iglesia, dijo.  Además, la habitación principal para los servicios cuenta con cinco espacios destinados para las personas con discapacidad, Boersma señaló en un breve recorrido Martes.

Baño de las mujeres se han estaciones para cambiar al bebé que no estaban disponibles en el edificio anterior, dijo Boersma.

El nuevo edificio se suma 800 metros cuadrados en el edificio anterior, se topa con un total de 3.800 metros cuadrados.

"El trabajo era más que un montón de diversión", dijo Boersma.  "Todo el mundo estaba sonriendo todo el tiempo."

Dado que la mayoría de los miembros de la congregación ayudado durante el proceso de construcción, que han visto el producto terminado y nos complace, dijo Boersma.

El servicio de 16:00 congregación española el sábado será la primera en el nuevo edificio con dos servicios - una a las 10 horas y otro a la 1 pm - programada para el domingo.

Puede comunicarse con el reportero en gmoberly@havasunews.com .

El frente de la nueva construcción Salón del Reino de la construcción de los Testigos de Jehová se sienta en el 3200 S. Blvd. Jamaica. Los inspectores municipales de construcción de la iglesia dio el martes luz verde a ocupar el edificio después de una "rápida construcción de" proceso de profesional de la congregación es cualificada comerciante que tenía el edificio de nueva construcción en dos meses y medio. Greg Moberly / Fotos News-Herald

Propiedad de los Testigos de Jehová se vende por 6,6 millones de dólares, que se utilizará para alquileres de lujo

http://therealdeal.com/blog/2012/04/23/final-jehovahs-witnesses-property-sells-for-6-6m-to-be-used-for-luxury-rentals/

Un grupo inversor no identificado ha comprado el último que quedaba de Jehová Testigos de la propiedad de que Massey Knakal Realty Services comercializados por $ 6,6 millones, Crain se informa, el 14 por ciento por debajo del precio de venta.  El grupo planea convertir la de siete pisos, 13 unidades de construcción, ubicado en 183 de Columbia Heights en Brooklyn Heights, en alquileres de lujo con el arrendamiento espera que comience este verano.

"Nuestros clientes estaban muy satisfechos con los resultados," Massey Knakal Presidente Bob Knakal dijo Crain, que comercializa tres testigos de Jehová propiedades , la cual fue descrita por primera vez el verano pasado.

Como se informó anteriormente, 161 de Columbia Heights , que Sugar Hill Capital Partners compró a principios de este año, alcanzó recientemente el mercado de alquiler.

La otra propiedad, el 50 Orange Street, se vendió por 7.100.000 dólares en enero.

Los Testigos de Jehová están observando un movimiento al norte del estado y poner otros cinco edificios en Brooklyn Heights a la venta el verano pasado.

La última de las tres propiedades que los Testigos de Jehová retenidas Massey Knakal Realty

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20120423/REAL_ESTATE/120429969

La última de las tres propiedades que los Testigos de Jehová retenidas Massey Knakal Realty Services que exclusivamente en el mercado se ha vendido por $ 6,6 millones.

El edificio con ascensor de siete pisos de apartamentos en el 183 de Columbia Heights en Brooklyn fue adquirida por un grupo de inversores el 14% por debajo de su precio de venta. El edificio vacío entre Clark y calles Pierrepoint es el primero del grupo multifamiliar de compra en la ciudad en aproximadamente ocho años, de acuerdo con David Mitchell, un miembro de la gestión del grupo.

"Es una hermosa propiedad, y nuestro plan es convertirlo en alquileres de lujo", dijo Mitchell, quien dijo que los nuevos propietarios van a invertir una cantidad no revelada de dinero en un trabajo en el edificio.

"Nuestros clientes estaban muy satisfechos con los resultados", dijo Robert Knakal, presidente de Massey Knakal, que fue retenido por los Testigos de Jehová para vender tres de Brooklyn Heights propiedades, negándose a dar detalles sobre la venta.

A principios de este año, Sugar Hill Capital Partners compró dos de esas propiedades -161 Columbia Heights y el 50 de Orange St., para un total de $ 10,1 millones.

Los testigos han sido dueños de 183 Columbia Heights desde 1986, de acuerdo a los registros públicos. La propiedad cuenta con 13 unidades de 10 pies de altura, una sala de bicicletas y sala de lavandería y se entregó vacantes a los nuevos propietarios. El Sr. Mitchell espera que el arrendamiento para comenzar a mediados de verano. Él no pudo precisar cuántas unidades estarán disponibles para alquilar y cómo las rentas mucho más lo será.

El Sr. Mitchell dijo que el acuerdo es visto como el primero de muchos en la ciudad para el grupo, ya que tiene la intención de crear una cartera multi-familiares allí. Su grupo se ha centrado principalmente en el desarrollo de propiedades de condominios y comerciales en Manhattan, así como en Miami.

"Estamos buscando activamente a las propiedades en Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Dumbo, Vinegar Hill y Boerum Hill", dijo Mitchell, quien agregó que de Brooklyn ya no se considera un lugar secundario para vivir.

Los testigos han llamado a casa de Brooklyn desde 1909, y se ha convertido en el mayor propietario en la zona de Brooklyn Heights. El grupo, conocido por cuidar de sus bienes inmuebles, ha acumulado un total de 34 viviendas de 3,2 millones de metros cuadrados que en el transcurso de las últimas décadas, la creación de una comunidad auto-sostenible allí. El grupo decidió poner ocho de sus edificios a la venta el pasado verano, ya que considera un movimiento norte del estado.

Los testigos de Jehová venden edificios, para rasladarse al norte del estado

NUEVA YORK (WABC) - En los próximos años, de Brooklyn podía ver uno de los mayores volúmenes de negocios en el sector inmobiliario, todo ello gracias a un vendedor. Los Testigos de Jehová está planeando vender todos los 34 de sus edificios, ya que trasladar sus operaciones al norte del estado.


El ámbito de aplicación de los fondos de la iglesia es enorme, 3,2 millones de metros cuadrados, más que el Empire State Building. Se está valorado en más de $ 1 mil millones, y una vez que las propiedades son entregados a los propietarios privados, los impuestos serán a fluir.

 Los edificios de la Watchtower en Brooklyn Heights  han sido una constante desde 1909, cuando los testigos de Jehová comenzó a comprar propiedades, una por una. Miembros de la Iglesia en silencio han vivido y trabajado allí durante décadas. Pero ahora, la iglesia ha superado sus instalaciones y está planeando mudarse al norte del estado, dejando bienes raíces de primera en juego.

"Es un hermoso lugar", dijo Richard Devine, de la Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. "Me gusta mucho vivir aquí. Brooklyn Heights es un maravilloso lugar para estar. Y disfrutar de la vecindad. Disfrutamos de nuestros vecinos. Nueva York es una ciudad vibrante. Yo personalmente tengo sentimientos muy encontrados acerca de dejar la ciudad. Me encanta aquí ".


Parte del atractivo de los edificios, además de la ubicación, es su condición. Los Testigos de Jehová son conocidos por su mantenimiento meticuloso. El Leverich Towers Hotel fue construido en 1928, y ha sido totalmente restaurado y se utiliza como apartamentos. La vista desde el techo es espectacular, y las posibilidades son infinitas. Del condado de Brooklyn Marty Markowitz, presidente sabe lo que le gustaría ver.

"Yo, por mi parte, espero que en el área de alta tecnología, que se hará hincapié en la energía alternativa, así como médicos", dijo. "Significado de aplicaciones científicas en términos de enfermedades. Eso es lo que espero que vamos a desarrollar aquí."

La transición va a tomar años en completarse, con la construcción todavía no ha comenzado para la nueva sede de la Sociedad Watchtower en Warwick. Pero una vez que los edificios se venden, se podría llevar a millones Ayuntamiento de dólares al año en ingresos fiscales.

El traslado al norte del estado ha estado bajo consideración desde hace tiempo. Hace siete años, se trasladaron sus operaciones de impresión de hasta Wallkill para imprimir ¡Despertad y Atalaya. Las dos publicaciones mensuales tienen una circulación combinada de 70 millones.

Reportaje a testigos que lanzaron biblias a perro que atacaba a anciana

 

http://bcove.me/84c66gee

 

 

Los Testigos de Jehová venden 165 de Columbia Heights

http://www.observer.com/2012/02/jehovahs-witnesses-raking-in-real-estate-dough/

Ya se trate de Armagedón o elevados valores de las propiedades, los Testigos de Jehová han decidido obtener el infierno fuera de Brooklyn, y son una propiedad cerca de cortar todos los lazos terrenales a su casa de un siglo.  Una cochera adorable al 165 de Columbia Heights fue vendida por $ 4,1 millones, los registros muestran la ciudad.

En su anuncio, los agentes de Corcoran Ellen Newman y Detwiler Lisa elegir sus palabras con cuidado, no sobre la publicidad de procedencia de la casa.  "165 de Columbia Heights es un ejemplo de las direcciones principales de las propiedades inmobiliarias de la Watchtower", escriben, en referencia al nombre oficial del grupo "The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society." Jehová puede ser todopoderoso, pero que evoca su nombre no ayuda en la la parte delantera de bienes raíces.

La casa cuenta con un envidiable 4,172 pies cuadrados de diseño con cuatro dormitorios y cuatro baños completos.  Un dormitorio principal incluye una glotona walk-in-closet y baño en-suite, mientras que el garaje vanagloria puede tener cuatro coches.  Los testigos eran sin duda no es culpable de la acedia (ver arriba), ya que la casa tiene todos los mecánicos nuevos. 

Los Testigos de Jehová, cuya sede mundial se han localizado en Brooklyn Heights por más de un siglo, se están moviendo al norte del estado de la ciudad de Warwick .  El grupo está en el proceso de venta de propiedades en el área de un valor de entre $ 600 millones y $ 1 billón. Los compradores, Jorge y Anita Feiger provienen de San Francisco, donde, de acuerdo con la escritura, que viven en la terraza Buena Vista junto a la calle Haight.

Aprueban construccion de Salon Del Reino que se encontraba en controversia.

http://merrimack.patch.com/topics/Kingdom+Hall

February 8, 2012

 

La junta votó por unanimidad Merrimack Planificación martes por la noche para permitir la construcción de un Salón del Reino altamente controversial se construirá en una zona residencial en el camino de alambre.

 

La concesión del plan de la congregación sitio final con 11 condiciones Viene Que los miembros de la congregación dijeron después de la reunión de la No tendrán problema y no encuentro 's Incluso una ligera posibilidad Podrían del edificio comenzará en el otoño.

 

"Eso no se ha determinado todavía", dijo Fran LaPoint, un ingeniero para el comité de Jehová Testigos de construcción regional, que podría comenzar cuando la construcción.  "Vista la caída Posiblemente tarde más probable será el próximo año."

 

El edificio actual de la iglesia del pie cuadrado de 4.000 sólo lleva dos semanas y fines de semana de tres y se lleva a cabo por un grupo de voluntarios, miembros de la congregación dijo la noche del martes.

 

Durante la reunión, tres vecinos del proyecto a corto dio testimonio en contra de la aprobación de la Iglesia, afecta principalmente a exposant que se han sometido a la planificación y zonificación a las juntas ya que el proyecto fue llevado a la mesa en 2010.

 

Carol Edmonds, quien dijo haber sido considerado abutter años cuando el proyecto estaba antes de la junta de zonificación, fue interrogada por qué ya no recepción de los avisos de las reuniones.  Dijo que la zonificación bordo cuando el Convino en que la liquidación judicial, los vecinos les dijeron sería examinada el proyecto en la junta de planificación y de las preocupaciones de todos sería escuchado.

 

"¿Cómo hemos llegado a la reunión de Aprobación Definitiva?", Preguntó Edmonds.  "¿Dónde estaba la mano o Donde se abordaron las preocupaciones?  ¿Cuándo ocurrió eso?  ¿Me he perdido una reunión? "

 

Edmonds dijo que no estaba presente en el período enero  3 Cuando se reúna la Junta discutió el proyecto en detalle y el oído más de una hora de testimonio a favor y en contra-el proyecto porque no había terminado el juego exemptant de la misma.

 

Se sugirió que Debido a que en la reunión de la subdivisión de la propiedad, que 'hace que el solar en el 63A de carretera cable separado del lote iglesia ahora en el camino de alambre de 59 años, que "Edmonds no pueden considerarse años abutter del proyecto más, y por lo tanto, wouldn 't se han notado.

 

Le dijo que la Edmonds junta permanecen las mismas preocupaciones que siempre han terminado el juego: que los gastos de lavandería en el tráfico por carretera de alambre se va a hacer más peligroso para salir de su camino, ella dice que tiene ¿Qué línea de la vista obstruida por árboles en la propiedad de la ciudad.

 

"Este tipo acaba de prestación confirma mis peores temores acerca de este proyecto", dijo Pato punto residente Tom Boland, mirando a un dibujo más amplio de la construcción se caballete año.  "Veo una gran cantidad de asfalto, ¿Habrá una gran cantidad de vehículos, las luces en el estacionamiento y era muy espartano, utilitaria, la edificación no residencial buscando.  Este edificio y todo lo que ello conlleva que disminuirá el valor de mi propiedad y la propiedad de mis vecinos. "

 

 

 

Marcos Sornson, en un testimonio histórico, última declaración Boland refutada mediante la introducción de mensajes de correo electrónico desde la evaluación de la ciudad consultor de Loren Martín, que no ha visto que dije Sornson iglesias afectar el valor de las casas cercanas.

 

"No he visto ninguna información de las ventas en mis 20 años de Evaluación para mostrar un efecto positivo o negativo en el valor de las casas de alrededor", escribió Martin en el correo electrónico a Sornson.

 

-Ha sido un proceso largo y emocional que conduce a la aprobación de la noche anterior, y no puede ser más.

 

Dos vecinos, Bob y Walles Donna, apeló el 16 de noviembre ZBA decisión para resolver la demanda interpuesto contra la ciudad por los Testigos de Jehová en el 2010.  El acuerdo de hecho concedió la excepción especial de la junta negó inicialmente, lo cual prohibée tendría la construcción de la iglesia soy su alquiler.  Los Testigos de Jehová demandó a la ciudad después de apelar el fallo y se les niega una audiencia.

 

Una enero  25 de los Walleses aussi Se negó una nueva audiencia por el ZBA. Tras la reunión, Bob Walles Said y que reagruparse y ver qué opciones son historia.  De acuerdo con los estatutos de la ciudad, los Walleses Tiene 30 días a partir de enero de  Reunión del 25 de apelar la sentencia ante el tribunal superior.