Interesting post.
A friend came up with what was imo a good reply to make to the elders for those wanting to brush them off politely. He said, "if we could possibly be in attendance we would be". And just leave it at that and say that anything further on the matter is "personal and private".
I'm glad u expressed your familiarity with the topics in the Worship book (or whatever it's called now). Most of us have studied these publications over and over with different people and simply studying it again does nothing to address matters that we are concerned over.
I would also express my discomfort over notations being made about me for sharing with others. Friends don't "make notes" about conversations they had with u in your home and then submit these to others to read. I think it is rude for another person to even presume they can size up another man's spirituality or heart condition.
These untrained guys must really be brainwashed to feel they are entitled to take such liberties about such personal and private matters. I'm sure they would be insulted too if someone offered to "study" with them such basic publications. What a bunch of ignorant jackasses.
Path