United in faith worldwide: Jehovah’s Witnesses holding global virtual event in 240 lands, 500-plus languages
Lead Summary
By
Jehovah’s Witnesses-
Breaking a century-old tradition in the name of health and safety, the largest convention organization in the world has moved its annual in-person event to a virtual format for the second time in as many years, canceling nearly 6,000 conventions in 240 lands.
For many years, the city of Dayton has been the home to annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The restaurants and hotels bustled with activity, filled with happy attendees.
In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition, moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world since 1897.
“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. For example, the “Friday” morning session was available for streaming or download beginning June 28.
For more than 50 years, the annual convention has been a priority for Troy, Ohio residents Pete and Leanna Green. Leanna remembers traveling as a child to conventions as far as Pasadena, Calif. As a couple, they enjoyed conventions in the blazing heat of open stadiums, as well as the air-conditioned comfort of the Nutter Center.
“You’d see such unity and peace,” they remember.
For Pete, retired founder of Green’s Appraisal Company and other businesses, the 1971 program was especially memorable. He recalls, “A huge heart was built on the field to represent that ‘out of the heart’ come motivations, affections, desires and emotions.”
In 2018, Pete’s failing health required him to stay home. Leanna states, “It was the first time we were not together at the convention.” The same was true in 2019.
Today, they are thankful they can watch the convention at home. Says Leanna, “This way, we can be together again.” Pete adds, “I wouldn’t be able to go. This way, I don’t feel left out. Watching it on TV is just like being there. And we can replay parts we want to hear again.”
They encourage everyone to watch: “Your heart will be touched.”
The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.
“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship – even virtually – as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”
All are invited to attend the event by going to JW.ORG on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library iOs or Android App, or on streaming platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.
Friday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: June 28
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 3-4.
Friday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 5
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 10-11.
Saturday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 19
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 24-25.
Saturday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 26
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 31- Aug. 1.
Sunday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: Aug. 9
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: Aug. 14-15.
Sunday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: Aug. 16
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: Aug. 21-22.
For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org, or click here to watch a short video designed to accompany this story.
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For many years, the city of Dayton has been the home to annual conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The restaurants and hotels bustled with activity, filled with happy attendees.
In 2020, the pandemic unexpectedly interrupted that tradition, moving the international religious organization to cancel in-person conventions throughout the world and launch a global virtual event. This was a first for Jehovah’s Witnesses, who have held public conventions in stadiums, arenas, convention centers and theaters around the world since 1897.
“Powerful by Faith!” is the theme of the 2021 global event, which will be delivered in more than 500 languages to households throughout the globe over six weekends during July and August 2021, uniting some 15-20 million people in 240 countries. Since the convention is typically held from Friday through Sunday, the program will be available in six installments corresponding to morning and afternoon sessions. For example, the “Friday” morning session was available for streaming or download beginning June 28.
For more than 50 years, the annual convention has been a priority for Troy, Ohio residents Pete and Leanna Green. Leanna remembers traveling as a child to conventions as far as Pasadena, Calif. As a couple, they enjoyed conventions in the blazing heat of open stadiums, as well as the air-conditioned comfort of the Nutter Center.
“You’d see such unity and peace,” they remember.
For Pete, retired founder of Green’s Appraisal Company and other businesses, the 1971 program was especially memorable. He recalls, “A huge heart was built on the field to represent that ‘out of the heart’ come motivations, affections, desires and emotions.”
In 2018, Pete’s failing health required him to stay home. Leanna states, “It was the first time we were not together at the convention.” The same was true in 2019.
Today, they are thankful they can watch the convention at home. Says Leanna, “This way, we can be together again.” Pete adds, “I wouldn’t be able to go. This way, I don’t feel left out. Watching it on TV is just like being there. And we can replay parts we want to hear again.”
They encourage everyone to watch: “Your heart will be touched.”
The continued risk of bringing thousands of people together in cities around the world prompted the organization to opt for a virtual platform for the second consecutive year. However, the move has not curbed the enthusiasm for the annual event. Congregations around the world are inviting the public to join them in this historic occasion.
“Faith has helped our global brotherhood to continue to thrive even during a pandemic,” said Robert Hendriks for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Our faith will continue to unite us in worship – even virtually – as millions gather in private homes around the world to enjoy a powerful and inspiring spiritual program.”
All are invited to attend the event by going to JW.ORG on the web or JW Broadcasting on the free JW Library iOs or Android App, or on streaming platforms like ROKU TV, Apple TV and others. The program is free and accessible to all. The schedule for download and global streaming is listed below.
Friday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: June 28
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 3-4.
Friday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 5
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 10-11.
Saturday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 19
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 24-25.
Saturday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: July 26
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: July 31- Aug. 1.
Sunday Morning
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: Aug. 9
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: Aug. 14-15.
Sunday Afternoon
Date Available for Streaming or Download from JW.ORG: Aug. 16
Dates Congregations Around the Globe will Unitedly be Viewing the Program: Aug. 21-22.
For more information, please contact Jehovah’s Witnesses United States at (718) 560-5600 or pid@jw.org, or click here to watch a short video designed to accompany this story.
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