msa menu bar

Menu Bar

The Menu Bar sits at the top of the application window and provides access to the main features and configuration tools in Meeting Schedule Assistant. It is divided into six menus, each grouping related commands to help you navigate the software efficiently.

File

The File menu provides access to creating and opening meeting schedules and assignment schedules, as well as tools for backing up and restoring your program settings and data.

From here you can:

• Create new schedules based on your selected date range
• Open existing MWB or SRR files
• Back up your settings
• Restore previously saved data
• Install S‑89 assignment slip templates

Tools

The Tools menu provides quick access to companion applications that integrate with Meeting Schedule Assistant. These additional scheduling tools—if installed on your computer—allow you to manage related congregation schedules alongside your main meeting assignments.

Common companion tools include:

• Public Talks — now discontinued but still available for download
  (link: https://www.publictalksoftware.co.uk/public-talks/)
• Visits Rota — a simple application for managing visits to the elderly, infirm, and those needing shepherding
  (link: https://www.publictalksoftware.co.uk/visits-rota/)

These tools work alongside Meeting Schedule Assistant to support a wider range of congregation scheduling needs.

Database

The Database menu provides access to all congregation‑related data used throughout Meeting Schedule Assistant. From here you can manage congregations, publishers, field service groups, field ministry arrangements, public talk outlines, and special events You can also access Database Options for configuring data‑related settings. These tools ensure that the information used in schedules and editors is accurate, organised, and kept up to date..

You can also open the Report Viewer, which provides four tabbed viewing modes of your data:

• Congregations
• Publishers
• Public Talks
• Meeting Attendance

Import

The Import menu provides tools for bringing external data into Meeting Schedule Assistant. Depending on your workflow, you can import congregation information, publisher records, and field service groups using the supported importers. Each importer is designed to help you update your database efficiently while preserving existing information where appropriate.

Options

The Options menu provides access to the settings that control how Meeting Schedule Assistant behaves and appears. From here you can fine‑tune the application to suit your congregation’s needs and your personal workflow, including:

• Custom assignments
• Headings and reminders
• Calendar synchronisation
• Language and appearance preferences
• Other application behaviour settings.

Help

The Help menu provides access to resources that keep Meeting Schedule Assistant up to date and running smoothly. From here you can:

• View version information and learn more About Meeting Schedule Assistant
• Check for software updates and new schedule data
• Subscribe to the Newsletter to stay informed about new features
• Write a User Review to share your experience
• Start Live Chat… for real‑time assistance through a Tawk.to chat window (responses are provided in English; you can continue using the program while the chat remains open)
• Access additional Support tools, including bug reporting and remote assistance

It also includes the Check for Latest Schedule Information feature, which lets you see whether newer Meeting Workbook data is available. If an update exists, you can use the Request Data option to send a pre‑filled email requesting the latest schedule information for personal use.

Navigation

• Back to: Meeting Schedule Assistant
• Previous: Overview
• Next: Assignments Editor