Friday April 19, 2024 
“Always Rejoice”! Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses Moves to Streaming Platform
CAPITAL DISTRICT – In a world where achieving a state of sustained joy may seem elusive—even impossible—for many, millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their invited guests in some 240 lands will “attend” a global convention this summer with the theme “Always Rejoice”!
Locally, the convention was scheduled to be held July 10-12 at the Times Union Center in Albany, where more than 5,000 were expected to attend. Although most would listen to the program in English, delegates would have come for the only Karen (S’gaw) program presented in the United States. The convention was cancelled in April in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our worship is centered on our mutual love for our God and for each other, irrespective of where we are physically,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “This year’s convention program underscores the unity of our international family and the joy that people can have against a backdrop of stress and despair.”
The program is to be released in six installments. Many congregations and families viewed the first convention session during the weekend of July 11-12. The final weekend of the virtual event is scheduled for August 29-30.
The program explores questions like: What contributes to finding and sustaining joy? How can you cultivate joy in the family? How can you remain joyful in difficult times? A key feature will be a Bible-based drama that considers the life of Nehemiah and how he helped the ancient nation of Israel find joy in their worship of God.
Those interested in viewing the convention can contact their local congregation or access the program on jw.org, available under the “Library” tab. There is no charge for viewing the convention.
There are more than 8.6 million active Witnesses worldwide, yet the 2019 conventions had a peak attendance of more than 14 million. With the program available online in hundreds of languages, this may be the most attended convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses to date.
Church of the Redeemer
RENSSELAER – Sunday service on August 30 is at 9:00 with Fr. Haskell presiding. We continue to follow guidelines from the diocese of wearing face masks which cover both the nose and the mouth, using hand sanitizer, and social distancing. There is a sanitizing station as you enter the Church with face masks if you do not have your own. The church is marked 6 ft. intervals to aid in social distancing. Communion is by host only. Coffee hour is suspended until further notice.
Hot Mess Crafters meet in the Hearth Room on Wednesday at 10 AM. Current projects include scarves, fingerless gloves, and baby items. We are following diocesan safety guidelines.
The Church of the Redeemer is located in Rensselaer at the corner of Third and Catherine Streets.
Fr. Robert Haskell may be emailed at rhaskell@nullnycap.rr.com
Brunswick Cares Food Pantry Services
TROY – Brunswick Cares Food Pantry will continue to operate Tuesday 5-7pm and Saturday 9-11am with a ‘drive-up’ pre-packaged service. Social distancing rules apply:
1. Stay in car if another guest is at the door
2. Please only come to the bottom of the steps and maintain at least 6 feet and we will take your order
3. Please wait in your car and we will bring your order to you.
You can check our webpage for updates at https/brunswickcares.org