Posted by Jayhawk/KS on 8/17/09 10:41am
Msg #300315

Jehovah Witness- how to get rid of them?

I know this is totally off the subject, but there are lots of postings like this here. So hopefully I'll get some good advise. Several months ago I asked a golfing buddy of my husband if his wife would share a recipe. She shows up on my doorstep with a friend and turn out they are Jehovah Witness. I didn't know that. Who would suspect. Now about every 2 weeks, here she comes with another person from the church. I don't have time for this, nor do I plan on changing religions. How do you get rid of them. To make matters worse, my kitchen in on the front of my house, that's also where my home office is, so I'm always in the kitchen. I swear she has caught me in every robe I own. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reply by Shoshana Roller on 8/17/09 10:47am
Msg #300317

We get a lot of missionaries here in AZ. I simply say: "No thank you, I am Jewish." Then I slam the door in their face.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/17/09 12:45pm
Msg #300351

The last time they came to visit me, I decided to go to the door naked with a can of beer in my hand and a cigar hanging out of my mouth, screaming kill the vultures, lawyers and politicians. That usually dissuades them.

Reply by 101livescan on 8/17/09 12:45pm
Msg #300352

The last time they came to visit me, I decided to go to the door naked with a can of beer in my hand and a cigar hanging out of my mouth, screaming kill the vultures, lawyers and politicians. That usually dissuades them.

Reply by Sylvia_FL on 8/17/09 11:14am
Msg #300321

Years ago, back in England, there was a ring at the doorbell one afternoon. I looked out the window and saw it was the Jehovah's Witnesses. I ran upstairs and put a dressing gown on over my clothes. I then answered the door and informed them they were interrupting the Lord's work. I told them my husband was off duty that day and the Lord had said "go forth and multiply" and they were interrupting.
They hurriedly left (very embarrassed) and they never returned.


Here, I got tired of them, so I put a notice on the door, "No sales solicitations and positively no Jehovah's witnesses". That stopped them here.

Reply by Lola Killackey on 8/17/09 11:16am
Msg #300322

Jehovah's witnesses are generally kind and thoughtful people, Just explain that you work from home and have no time for interruptions. I'm assuming that you've listened to her message and aren't interested, then tell her so. no need to be rude. If you haven't listened to her purpose for calling on you then why not listen just once at a more convenient time?

Reply by Lee/AR on 8/17/09 11:24am
Msg #300324

Sticky social situation to navigate, but telling the truth should work (with a little bit of face-saving proof laid first). As you can see her approaching, start printing docs & greet her at the door with the fact that you ARE WORKING NOW and simply don't have time to visit. Briefly explain that you need to finish printing and also suit up & run out the door. (Clattering printer in background lends credibility). Assure her that you'd love to visit with her, but really need her to CALL FIRST in the future. Then always 'be busy'. Eventually, she'll get the message.
It might cost you 1/2 ream of paper, but has saved your husband's relationship with his golf-buddy and your sanity.
Note that anyone who works from home has this problem...friends, relatives & neighbors who would never dream of stopping at someone's workplace to chat, just don't get that you WORK from home and can't always drop everything to visit.

Reply by Margaret Paddock on 8/17/09 11:45am
Msg #300326

This has worked for me: I politely answer the door. They introduce themselves then I state that I am a Christian and belong to the Lutheran church. When they try to give me their spiel all I say is that I believe in Christ and whatever church I attend is not their concern. The Lord's work is being done here already they should seek others that need them. Goodbye. And I close the door.
I think you could probably use something like that in your circumstance.

Reply by Pat/IL on 8/17/09 11:57am
Msg #300330

If, by chance, you happen to have the Rolling Stones' Sympathy For The Devil playing at high volume when they arrive, it's a pretty good bet they will exit quickly. This was the case when my future (now current) wife and her then-roommate were visited twenty-or-so years ago. The Witnesses asked them to turn down the music, they declined, and the Witnesses left, never to return.

While I have always been amused by that story, I don't recommend the rock 'n roll technique. I find it works just as well to politely tell them that I am satisfied in my faith, wish them the best with theirs, and send them on their way. I have never known them to press the issue after that, other than the offering of a pamphlet or something. No big deal, ferris wheel.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/17/09 12:02pm
Msg #300331

Meet them at the door with your materials - tit for tat! I will listen AFTER you listen, since it is my home.

Usually they aren't interested - they are only looking to go forth and multiply (their membership) and I am looking for souls to save also - if they know we are on the same path, that usually just ends it, very friendly like and respectful as well. No need for rudeness - if your church or temple were requesting canvasing to reach others, you would like responses to be respectful as well.

You could also try a sign next to doorbell: Office Hours 8a - 7:59a, by appointment only

Reply by pan/nd on 8/17/09 12:21pm
Msg #300337

What's the difference between Jehovah's witnesses and a 1984 Dodge pickup?

You can shut the door on the Jehovah's witnesses.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/17/09 12:26pm
Msg #300340

I finally did something I had been contemplating for some time about 6-8 weeks ago. I saw them coming from my office window and said to myself today is the day. Much to their surprise and horror, I answered the door completely naked. They said excuse us, turned hurriedly and walked away. They still come down my cross street, but they don't make the right on to my street. I saved all the neighbors on my street the frustration and had a good laugh about it.

Reply by Louis/AZ on 8/17/09 12:37pm
Msg #300348

I love your idea, Becca. I was going to suggest decorating the house with "disturbing" prosthetic body parts from the halloween store, dawning a long Druid-like robe, and answering the door while stirring a big cauldron and politely saying, "Please don't interrupt my human sacrifice ritual, thank you!"

Of course, Becca's idea is much quicker and doesn't require a big production...maybe I'll try that instead.

Reply by Patricia/VT on 8/17/09 1:59pm
Msg #300377

Becca, I like your style. They haven't come back to my door since my husband kept them standing outside one cold winter day while he delivered a lengthy lecture on the history of the Doukhobors without letting them get a word in, and then shut the door.

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 8/17/09 12:28pm
Msg #300342

Thank you all for the feedback - as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, I am not surprised by your responses. Just politely ask that they not call again - we will go away. We are there to talk to ones who are interested. Although, depending on your area, we can be at your door frequently. We call on the same doors in my town every 10 months or so. BE HONEST and polite and let them now you really do not want them to call at your door anymore.

Of course, they may followup in a year to see if same person still lives at that address.

Again - I appreciate the positive feedback.

Reply by Jose Gutierrez on 8/17/09 12:38pm
Msg #300349

OPNS, I don't consider this positive feedback, LOL

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 8/17/09 12:45pm
Msg #300353

Re: Jehovah Witness- all due respect...BUT

Back in CT, we had them arrive at our door more often than I can count...polite excuses had a deaf ear turned to them - had one stick his foot in my door....they were relentless...they did not respond to a polite "Christ is in our home please do not return"....I believe in freedom of religion but they were unbelievable in the pursuits and incredibly pushy.

What finally worked? Unless I was expecting someone, I didn't answer my door to anyone. It was the only way to not be hassled.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/17/09 2:56pm
Msg #300398

"Just politely ask that they not call again - we will go away"

Of course the better option would be that you stop intruding in people's lives and keep your religion to yourself. What you're doing is rude and pushy, so there's certainly no obligation on our parts to be polite in return, it's just a bonus for you if we are.

Reply by LKT/CA on 8/17/09 12:48pm
Msg #300354

<<<She shows up on my doorstep with a friend and turn out they are Jehovah Witness. I didn't know that. Who would suspect. Now about every 2 weeks, here she comes with another person from the church. I don't have time for this, nor do I plan on changing religions. How do you get rid of them.>>>

How about with the TRUTH? Example: "[Her name], thank you for the recipe you gave me for [whatever]. It's great that you have a religion you are passionate about and are committed to. I feel the same about MY OWN religion and will not change it. If ever I'd consider changing, I'll call you for information but until then, I'd appreciate it if you would stop showing up at my doorstep, unannounced with a different stranger every two weeks."

I would say it in front of this other person too. Don't play ridiculous games, just act like a grownup and tell her The TRUTH, clear and to the point.

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/17/09 1:04pm
Msg #300359

"just act like a grownup and tell her The TRUTH, clear and to the point. "

Amen to that. I don't see why it's so difficult for some people to simply say what they mean. You can be blunt without being rude, and if somebody is going to be offended anyway, what are you really losing? If your husband's golfing buddy gets pissy because HIS WIFE was being rude and intrusive, then let him get pissy and let your husband deal with it.

Reply by NewPhoenix on 8/17/09 12:57pm
Msg #300356

How to get rid of them?

How about THIS sign? (You'll have to dummy this up)

"Jehovah Witnesses: Please stand on the metal plates with the wires attached. All others stand to one side."

Reply by 101livescan on 8/17/09 1:30pm
Msg #300366

Re: How to get rid of them?

Of course, I was only trying to be funny. I live in the middle of nowhere, 20 minutes out of town, behind three cattle guards and two private security gates. I haven't seen JW's in over 10 years....we always told them we are devoted to our own Christian faith. I can't even order a Domino's pizza, and Golden State Overnight will not bring my packages to me, they tape them to my iron mailbox 2 miles away. When the JW's do get to my neighborhood in time, it will be time for me to relocate.

Reply by Therese on 8/17/09 1:31pm
Msg #300367

Just curious.....This has to do with Notary work, how???? n/m

Reply by wisconsin on 8/17/09 1:34pm
Msg #300368

Just be honest!! What is the big deal? n/m

Reply by Ilene C. Seidel on 8/17/09 1:36pm
Msg #300369

Re: Just curious.....This has to do with Notary work, how????

We all need a good laugh now and then. This whole string is hysterical and I've had a good laugh.

Reply by Jayhawk/KS on 8/17/09 1:54pm
Msg #300375

Re: Just curious.....This has to do with Notary work, how????

I did actually try the truth, I have my own religion, thanks for the recipe and I'm not interested in changing religion on their 2nd visit. I guess I'll do that AGAIN. Either that, or just blatantly NOT ANSWER THE DOOR, when they obviously know I'm home. Thanks for the funny replies.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/17/09 2:06pm
Msg #300380

This post should have been in "Leisure" or "Just Politics". If you read the Rules you will see that this doesn't belong here.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/17/09 2:29pm
Msg #300388

Oh, I dunno - interruptions in the workplace, i.e., HOME

OFFICE, sounds pretty work-related to me.

I just can't get too excited about this - but, on the other hand, dealing with all kinds of people, dealing with workspace vs. homespace, juggling homelife and worklife - all impact our jobs to varying degrees.

This wasn't a post about the newest recipe for zuccini bread, or who's doing what in sports, or anything political - it was about a specific workplace interruption.

Room monitors need to chill.

Reply by MW/VA on 8/17/09 2:34pm
Msg #300392

Re: Oh, I dunno - interruptions in the workplace, i.e., HOME

Then maybe you need to re-read the Rules & Regs. The subject line of this post is about a particular religious group.

Reply by hp/MD on 8/17/09 2:49pm
Msg #300396

Re: Oh, I dunno - interruptions in the workplace, i.e., HOME

They came to my house a few years ago. I let them in. After 5 minutes I found out what they were all about, I told them that we are Muslims ( my wife sitting next to me, she is former Methodist ) and presented them with a copy of Quran. They never bothered me again. I like Sylvia's act much better.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/17/09 2:59pm
Msg #300401

Just pretend the OP didn't reference a specific religious

denomination. Overlook that. There are many door-to-door interrupters. Avon. Politcos. Girl Scout cookie sellers. Census checker-uppers.

The gist of the post was about interruptions.

When I'm interrupted by a doorbell, I sigh heavily, get up from my desk, walk downstairs, open the door, and say, "I'm very busy now, but thank you anyway, have a nice day."

I've been posting on this forum long before there were other 'rooms,' and I'm perfectly aware of the rules and regs. Good grief.

Reply by Ocean Pacific Notary Services, Inc. on 8/17/09 2:41pm
Msg #300394

Re: Oh, I dunno - interruptions in the workplace, i.e., HOME

Send me that recipe please -I love Zucchini Bread and you too of course.

Reply by Susan Fischer on 8/17/09 3:05pm
Msg #300403

Gina, if I can't remember there is an 'h' in zucchini, are

you ~sure~ you want my recipe?

My recipes usually include the disclaimer: "Don't have an egg? No problem, just tell a lousy joke - lay an egg, as it were - and you'll be just fine."

Blessings.

Reply by jba/fl on 8/17/09 3:13pm
Msg #300404

Zucchini is ccorrect

I have a great courgette walnut receipe...

Reply by LynnNC on 8/17/09 3:04pm
Msg #300402

Posts about religion should not be on this forum...

...and I am not going to read through all the posts. I will say, however, I have a friend who is a Jehovah's Witness; she is a NSA and posts on this forum. She has NEVER discussed religion in any way with me.

Reply by Louis/AZ on 8/17/09 6:07pm
Msg #300434

Let's talk about girl scouts while we're at it

I hate those little brats. Selling their crappy cookies - and you can't even get them right away! You have to wait 2-4 weeks for them to fill the orders. I don't think it's appropriate to teach young children to sell cruddy products door-to-door. They're just future Avon ladies in training. They'll become door-to-door saleswomen, fail miserably at it, and then go on welfare once their degenerate, alcoholic husbands inevitably get laid off from their jobs at the cheese factory.

You know all those trailer park mothers you see on Cops? They used to be girl scouts.....(giggle)

Reply by TulsaNotary on 8/17/09 6:26pm
Msg #300441

Re: Posts about religion should not be on this forum...

I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses, too. There have been some really good answers; they should prove quite useful for anyone who recognizes that we honestly care about our neighbors, and sincerely try to practice our religion.

We recognize that people are busy--we are too. And, and that some of those people really do appreciate our calls--they may even tell you differently. But, for those of our neighors that don't, it is true, honesty is best.

Some of us are a bit more persistant than others; and all of us have our days when the urgency of our work is more focal to us. At times like these, any one of us MAY persist. But, then there are those of us who can pick right up where we left off in the conversation we were having before we knocked on your door like it's nobody's business. It's not you that they are looking for. It's their hope, like the persistant ones, that before the day is over, someone will want to have an intelligent discussion of the Bible, with them.

Different personalities.

But, we all of Jehovah's Witnesses know that what we have to tell you is important (as if your house was on fire), and that knocking on your door to give you important information is not rude, but loving.This may not be how you view our actions or our message, but that in no way negates the responsibility we have accepted as followers of Jesus Christ.

So, again, what to do if you don't want us to ever come back? Tell the visitor that you really are not interested in discussing the Bible and to, please, write down what you are going to say next.

Tell them:
"My name is so-and-so, my address is this-and-such, and today's date is --/-/--. I do not want Jehovah's Witnesses to visit me at my home again. Please put this information in your files." They will do that.

The information will be noted, and no one will visit until it is time for that particular congregation to update its files. Such updates are necessary because:

1.) The person may have had a change of circumstances, eg., death in family, depression--whatever--and feel that, at this particular time, Jehovah's Witnesses can be of some assistance.
2.) The initial householder, the one asking for the cessation of our visits, may have been an older person, and has since died, and their surviving adult children don't mind our visits--this happens a lot.
3.) The person has moved, and a new family has taken their place.

Sometimes, one of us doesn't 'get the memo' (or simply forgets) and knocks on your door--Oops. In such cases you can simply remind them that you had previously asked for no more visits from Jehovah's Witnesses.

We don't intend to 'bother' people. And if a householder is sure that there's nothing positive to be gained from their visiting with us, we try to remember that that is their God-given decision. (Due to differences in our imperfect dispositions and personalites--as the responses on this board prove do exist--your visitor may need you to repeat the request in a more firm, yet still kind, manner.)

Others of you, who just don't feel like being 'bothered today,' tell us so, and ask if we'd come back some other time. (We will do that, so if you don't want that person to come back any time soon, Don't tell them to, Don't set up an appointment with them. That ends up being a waste of your time and energy, as well as theirs.)

We take our work very seriously, and try to be concientious about it. So, remember, one day we will be back. Some neighborhoods see us sooner rather than later, depending on the size of the congregation or number of areas that are a part of a congregation's preaching/teaching assignment.

Oh, and as the article that was presented in the very beginning stated about the reliable Notary Public in Brazos, Texas, Jehovah's Witnesses work very hard to be great Notary Publics, serving with honesty and trustworthiness. Just like all of you, our fellow Notary Publics.

Phyllis Moore

Reply by CaliNotary on 8/17/09 7:02pm
Msg #300448

Re: Posts about religion should not be on this forum...

"But, we all of Jehovah's Witnesses know that what we have to tell you is important (as if your house was on fire)"

Um, no, it's really not. Not even in the same universe of importance.

Reply by Becca_FL on 8/17/09 9:58pm
Msg #300486

If I want your help, I'll call you. Until that time comes...

please stay off my private property, unless you don't mind being greeted by a naked woman with a Jack Rabbit in one hand and a .38 in the other. I must say, I really do enjoy the looks I get and the ROFLMAO experience I get after the fact. It's unfortunate that we "mere mortals" have to go to these lengths to keep people wanting to shove their beliefs down our gullets off of our property. I guess having a sign saying trespassers will be shot might do the trick too, but that might scare away the meter readers and we don't want the utility company estimating our bill each month.

What's wrong with growing with the times? Ever heard of viral marketing? It's just as annoying, but much less pervasive.

Ya know, next week I will be preforming my third ceremony in the past year for a JW marrying someone from another faith. Why? Because it seems JW ministers will not bless a union and the Catholics feel the same as do many other faiths. How does this segregation bring us closer together in righteousness? Please tell me because I just don't get it. I am an Interfaith minister and as an Interfaith Minister, I have vowed to accept and appreciate ALL faiths and to not discriminate against any faith, but to embrace all that come to me seeking what they, in their own hearts, have defined as true love. I do not discriminate, I do not question the couple's love, I only need to be assured of their love for one another, and that they have the proper license.

I will be thinking of my JW friends here as I preform another ceremony that the JW and the Catholic Minister would not allow because of religious discrimination and I will have faith in the world, that love exists, and we truly can all get along.

Love breaches all boundaries and I am happy to be a soldier of LOVE...Just stay of my door step, please, and I'll stay off yours.

Reply by Mdene_AZ on 8/17/09 6:04pm
Msg #300432

I ask them if we can hold hands and pray together. I've had them suddenly remember they had another appointment and left hurriedly!!

Reply by Roger Killackey Jr. on 8/18/09 6:42pm
Msg #300690

Well you did get one thing correct. It has nothing to do with this site.

Second you do not have the power to "get of them". Hitler tried and failed.

Reply by LOVETEAM on 8/24/09 4:04pm
Msg #301500

DRESS AS A RADICAL MUSLIM!