Hi Linda,

Thank you for the kind words! Our little meetups have now been up and running for a few years. The west group usually has 4 to 8 out, and we have a steady 3 of us, that is sometimes expanded by one or two others. As we go into the fall I will be starting the planning process for next year's Shun Run. At this point all I know is that it will be on the Sunday closest to memorial and I'm pretty sure I'm going to focus on "courage" in my letter to SDB:SSY, as in "Show Courage, Don't Shun!" Last year was "Show Love, Don't Shun!"

In any regards I'm sure the year will pass as they always do, but it should be a bit extra interesting for Witnesses. Rumour has it that a new Bible Translations is in the works -- could be an opportunity to drop "Jehovah" from the NT and address other obvious bias, but we'll see. Gayle from our west group sent me a link to the November 15, 2013 Watchtower, that has some rather jaw-dropping comments about being obedient. I see it has been a thread here as well. It made me immediately think of Proverbs 18:1, 2...

One isolating himself will seek [his own] selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth. 2 Anyone stupid finds no delight in discernment, except that his heart should uncover itself.

And so it will go... things will improve for Witnesses if the leadership sees the wisdom in stopping with the desire to isolate themselves from the rest of the world.

Cheers,
-Randy