Our Kingdom Ministry

October 2002                      For United States of America km-E Us 10/02 Vol. 45, No. 10

Benefiting Fully From the “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention

^xAn Invigorating Program: What a stimulating program we enjoyed at our recent district convention! We were gathered for a common purpose, to become better equipped to proclaim God’s Kingdom zealously. Do you remember how the first speaker defined the phrase “to proclaim”? Do you recall what research we were encouraged to do in the talk “Be Fearless in Knowing That Jehovah Is With Us”? Which true life accounts have you examined thus far?

• ² The symposium “The Quality of Our Faith Tested by Various Trials” gave three main reasons why Jehovah allows persecution. Can you explain what they are? What is the Scriptural basis for our Christian neutrality? What were we encouraged to do to prepare ourselves for challenges to our neutral position? How does our faithfully enduring trials bring praise to Jehovah?

• ³ Which scenes in the drama “Stand Firm in Troublesome Times” especially strengthened you? How can we be like Jeremiah?

• ⁴ The public discourse, “The Scene of This World Is Changing,” described what significant changes that lie ahead and that lead up to God’s fear-inspiring day? While listening to the concluding talk, “Abound in Fine Works as Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers,” how did you relate the information to your personal ministry?

• ⁵ Main Points to Apply: As was explained in the talk “Show Yourselves Thankful,” how can we express the depth of our gratitude to Jehovah? In the keynote address, “Kingdom Proclaimers Fired With Zeal,” whose zeal were we encouraged to imitate? What self-examination were we asked to make?

• ⁶ The symposium “Micah’s Prophecy Strengthens Us to Walk in Jehovah’s Name” highlighted what three requirements that we must meet to receive Jehovah’s favor? Are these reachable? (Mic. 6:8) According to the talk “Maintain Chastity by Safeguarding Your Heart,” in what ways must we keep morally clean? In what areas did the talk “Guard Against Deception” warn us not to be deceived and not to deceive others?

’Which practical points from the symposium “Kingdom Proclaimers Who Glorify Their Ministry” have you begun applying in your ministry? In the talk “Spiritual Conversation Builds Up,” Philippians 4:8 was analyzed. How does that scripture help us to make our conversations spiritual, and when should we do so?

• ⁸ The talk “Trust Jehovah Completely in Times of Distress” discussed how we can cope with tragic events, financial difficulties, poor health, family problems, and persistent weaknesses. How can we show trust in Jehovah when facing these situations?

• ⁹ New Spiritual Treasures: We were delighted to receive the new book Worship the Only True God. How did the announcement explaining its purpose affect you? Why will it be helpful in our disciplemaking work as the second study book?

• ¹⁰ Next we received the beautiful book Draw Close to Jehovah. What are some of its special features? Which illustrations do you especially appreciate? Has your reading of it drawn you closer to Jehovah? Who else might be able to benefit from it?

• ¹¹ The “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” District Convention provided us with the spiritual encouragement we need to face these challenging times. So as to benefit fully from this outstanding spiritual provision, may we do our utmost to remember what was said, appreciate what we received, and apply what we learned. (2 Pet. 3:14) Doing so will strengthen us to maintain our integrity and to be zealous Kingdom proclaimers in imitation of our Lord Jesus Christ, all to Jehovah’s glory. —Phil. 1:9-11.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting October 14

Song 103

IO min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Encourage everyone to read Numbers chapter 25 and Insight, Volume 2, page 419, paragraphs 3-5, and then watch the video Warning Examples for Our Day in preparation for the discussion at the Service Meeting the week of October 28. Using suggestions on page 8, have two demonstrations of how to present the October 15 Watchtower and the October 22 Awake! In each case, show a different way to handle the conversation stopper “I am already well acquainted with your work.”—See Reasoning book, page 20.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: “How Congregation Book Study Overseers Show Personal Interest.” Question-and-answer discussion to be handled by a Congregation Book Study overseer. In introductory comments, briefly explain how the book study arrangement got started, (jv 237, par. 4) Arrange in advance for two or three publishers to comment on how they have benefited from personal interest shown to them through the Congregation Book Study.

Song 65 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 21

Song 206

1O min: Local announcements. Accounts report.

35 min: “Benefiting Fully From the ‘Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers’ District Convention.” To be handled by the Watchtower Study conductor. Following a one-minute introduction, conduct an audience discussion of the district convention program, using the questions provided in the article. Apportion your time carefully. Brief comments may be included to bring key points back to mind. When appropriate, ask the audience how they have been applying what they learned and what benefits they are receiving from doing so.

Song 194 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting October 28

Song no

8 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to review their notes from the last special assembly day program in preparation for the discussion at next week’s Service Meeting. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October. Using the suggestions on page 8, have a sister demonstrate how to present the November 1 Watchtower and have a brother show how to present the November 8 Awake! After each demonstration, briefly highlight a positive aspect of the presentation.

12 min: Local experiences. Invite the congregation to relate experiences they have enjoyed while traveling to and from the district convention, while at the convention, or in witnessing informally at work, at school, when shopping, and so forth.

25 min: “A Warm Appeal to Heed Warning Examples for Our Day.” Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, then get right into an audience discussion of each question presented in the article. In December we will review the video No Blood —Medicine Meets the Challenge. Song 41 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting November 4

Song 66

10 min: Local announcements. Briefly review a few suggestions from the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert for presenting the Require brochure and the Knowledge book. Demonstrate one of the presentations.

13 min: Not Ashamed of the Good News. (Rom. 1:16) Youth approaches father with a problem. Young person is reluctant to be identified as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses because of fear of being ridiculed by peers. Father thanks youth for being honest about the matter. He relates how Peter once reacted because of peer pressure. (Matt. 26:69-74) Father offers the following advice: We should never be ashamed of who we are as Christians. (Mark 8:38) It is advantageous to identify yourself as a Witness at school. When informed, many teachers will respect your beliefs and not try to involve you in activities you find objectionable. Unprincipled youths are not as likely to try to pressure you into misconduct. Other classmates will more readily understand why you choose not to date, participate in extracurricular sports, or share in after-school activities. As time permits, the father and youth discuss points from the subheading “Publicly Declaring Your Friendship With God” in the Young People Ask book, pages 315-18. Teenager expresses appreciation for the good advice.

22 min: Subject Yourselves to God —Oppose the Devil. (Jas. 4:7) Using the questions provided here, an elder conducts a lively audience discussion of the special assembly day program that was held during the past service year. Invite congregation to relate how they have been able to apply what they learned. (Portions can be assigned in advance.) Highlight the following program parts: (1) “Subjection to God in an Enslaved World.” Why must we be alert to avoid worldly snares? (2) “Manifesting Godly Subjection as Family Members.” Why is there an urgent need within Jehovah’s organization to strengthen family ties? How can we do so? (3) “Help New Disciples to Stand Firm on Jehovah’s Side.” How can we help new ones overcome obstacles that test their faith? (4) “What It Means to Oppose the Devil.” What is the key to standing successfully against the Devil? How can the spiritual armor described at Ephesians 6:11-18 protect us? (w92 5/15 21-3) (5) “Youths Who Successfully Resist the Wicked One” and “Youths Who Benefit From Godly Subjection.” What are some of Satan’s devices that young people must guard against? How are young ones blessed by subjecting themselves to Jehovah? (w90 8/1 13-14, pars. 15-17) (6) “Benefiting From Godly Subjection.” Explain how Christians demonstrate subjection to governmental authorities, to secular employers, in the family circle, and in the Christian congregation. What qualities will help us to do so?

Song 185 and concluding prayer.

© 2002 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry (ISSN 1067-7259) is published monthly by Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses; W. L. Van De Wall, President; W. H. Nonkes, Secretary-Treasurer; 2821 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563-2237, Periodicals Postage Paid at Brooklyn, NY and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry. 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.                         Printed in U.S.A.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2003

INSTRUCTIONS

During 2003 the following will be the arrangements for conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bil2], The Watchtower [w], Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education [be], “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” (1990 Edition) [si], and Reasoning From the Scriptures (1989 Edition) [rs].

The school should begin ON TIME with song, prayer, and remarks of welcome and then proceed as follows:

SPEECH QUALITY: 5 minutes. The school overseer, the auxiliary counselor, or another qualified elder will discuss a speech quality based on the Ministry School textbook. (In congregations with a limited number of elders, a qualified ministerial servant may be used.) Unless otherwise indicated, the boxes appearing on the assigned pages should be included in the discussion. The exercises should be omitted. These are primarily for personal use and private counsel.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1:10 minutes. This should be handled by an elder or a ministerial servant, and it will be based on The Watchtower, Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education, or “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial.” It is to be delivered as a ten-minute instruction talk with no oral review. The objective should be not just to cover the material but to focus attention on the practical value of the information being discussed, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. The theme shown should be used. It is expected that brothers assigned this talk will be careful to keep within the time limit. Private counsel may be given as needed.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 10 minutes. For the first six minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should effectively apply the material to local needs. He may comment on any portion of the assigned Bible reading for the week, since the brother handling the No. 2 assignment will not be commenting on the verses he reads. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. The principal objective is to help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value. Thereafter, for four minutes the speaker will invite the audience to participate by offering brief comments (30 seconds or less) on the following two questions: “What did you find in the Bible reading this week that will benefit you in your ministry or way of life?” and “What strengthened your faith and built your appreciation for Jehovah?” The school overseer will then dismiss the students who are assigned to other classrooms.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2:4 minutes. This is a reading to be given by a brother. The reading will usually be from the Bible. Once a month this assignment will cover material drawn from The Watchtower. The student should read the assigned material without giving an introduction or a conclusion. From week to week, the amount of material to be read will vary slightly but should take four minutes or less. The school overseer should look over the material before making the assignments, matching such to the age and ability of the students. The school overseer will be especially interested in helping students to read with understanding, fluency, proper sense stress, modulation, appropriate pausing, and naturalness.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 3: 5 minutes. This will be assigned to a sister. Students receiving this assignment will either select a setting or be assigned one from the list appearing on page 82 of the Ministry School textbook. The student should use the assigned theme and apply it to an aspect of field service that is realistic and practical for the territory of the local congregation. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. Newer students should be assigned talks for which references are supplied. The school overseer will be particularly interested in the way the student develops the material and the way she helps the householder to reason on the Scriptures and to understand the key points of the presentation. Students assigned this part should know how to read. The school overseer will assign one assistant.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 4: 5 minutes. The student should develop the assigned theme. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in publications provided by the faithful and discreet slave class. When assigned to a brother, this part may be given as a talk with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind. When a sister is given this part, it should always be presented as outlined for Assignment No. 3. Please note that subjects with asterisks should be assigned only to brothers to give as talks.

TIMING: No talk should go overtime, nor should the remarks of the counselor. Assignments No. 2 through 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If brothers handling the opening talk on a speech quality, Assignment No. 1, or highlights from the Bible reading go overtime, they should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program: 45 minutes, excluding song and prayer.

COUNSEL: 1 minute. The school overseer will take no more than one minute after each student presentation to offer some positive observations on an aspect of the talk that was commendable. His aim is not simply to say “well done” but, rather, to draw attention to specific reasons why that aspect of the presentation was effective. According to the need of each student, additional constructive counsel may be given privately after the meeting or at another time.

AUXILIARY COUNSELOR: The body of elders may select a capable elder, if one is available in addition to the school overseer, to handle the assignment as auxiliary counselor. His responsibility will be to give private counsel, if needed, to brothers who present Assignment No. 1 and Bible highlights. It is not necessary that he offer counsel after each of such talks by fellow elders or ministerial servants. This arrangement will be in effect during 2003 and may be adjusted thereafter.

COUNSEL FORM: In textbook.

ORAL REVIEW: 30 minutes. Every two months, the school overseer will conduct an oral review. It will be preceded by the consideration of a speech quality and highlights from the Bible reading as outlined above. The oral review will be based on material considered in the school over the preceding two months, including the current week.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 6 Bible reading: Matthew 1-6               Song 91

Speech Quality: Welcome to the Theocratic Ministry School (bep.5Hl-p.8Hl)

No. 1: Take Delight in God’s Word (be p. 9 fl1-5)

No. 2: Matthew 4:1-22

No. 3: How Does the Sign of the Last Days Affect True Christians? (rs p. 2381(2-3)

No. 4: What Is Jesus Doing Now?

Jan. 13 Bible reading: Matthew 7-11             Song 40

Speech Quality: Read the Bible Daily (be p. 10 fll-p. 121)4)

No. 1: “Run in Such a Way” (wOl1/1 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: Matthew 9:9-31

No. 3: Why We Preach to Others

No. 4: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Say That the Last Days Began in 1914? (rs p. 239 H2-p. 240 fl 1)

Jan. 20 Bible reading: Matthew 12-15           Song 133

Speech Quality: Accurate Reading (be p. 83 fl 1-5)

No. 1: You Can Cope With Discouragement! (u>01 2/1 pp. 20-3)

No. 2: Matthew 13:1-23

No. 3: Will Anyone Be Alive on Earth After the End of the Present World System? (rs p. 240 fl2-5)

No. 4: Does God Change?

Jan. 27 Bible reading: Matthew 16-21           Song 129

Speech Quality: How to Read Accurately (be p. 84

fll-p. 85 fl3)

No. 1: The Fleeting Nature of Time (si pp. 278-9 fl 1-6)

No. 2: M)011/15 p. 20 fl20-p. 21 fl24

No. 3: What Will Unite the World?

No. 4: Why Does God Allow So Much Time to Pass Before Destroying the Wicked? (rs p. 241 fl 1-3)

Feb. 3 Bible reading: Matthew 22-25           Song 139

Speech Quality: Words Clearly Spoken (be p. 86 fl 1-6)

No. 1: “Pay Attention to How You Listen” (be p. 13 fl 1-p. 14 fl5)

No. 2: Matthew 22:15-40

No. 3: How We Know That the Sign Fits the Time in Which We Now Live (rs p. 241 fl5-p. 242 fl 2)

No. 4: Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?

Feb. 10 Bible reading: Matthew 26-28            Song 27

Speech Quality: How to Speak Clearly (be p. 87 fll-p. 88 fl3)

No. 1: How to Find Real Happiness (wOl3/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: Matthew 26:6-30

No. 3: Why I Don’t Use Drugs

No. 4: What Is the Purpose of Human Life?

(rs p. 243 fl3-p. 244 fl4)

Feb. 17 Bible reading: Mark 1-4                Song 137

Speech Quality: Correct Pronunciation—Factors to Consider (be p. 89 fll-p. 90 fl2)

No. 1: Biblical Time Indicators (si pp. 279-80 fl7-13)

No. 2: U)012/15 p. 25 fllO-p. 26 fll4

No. 3: Were Humans Made to Live Briefly and Then Die?

(rs p. 245 fl1-3)

No. 4: Why It Is Wrong to Gamble

Feb. 24 Bible reading: Mark 5-8                Song 72

Speech Quality: Ways to Improve Pronunciation (be p. 90 fl3-p. 92)

Oral Review

Mar. 3 Bible reading: Mark 9-12               Song 195

Speech Quality: Fluent Delivery (be p. 93 fll-p. 94 fl3)

No. 1: Listening to Talks, During Discussions, and at Assemblies and Conventions (be p. 15 fll-p. 16 fl5)

No. 2: Mark 10:1-22

No. 3: How We Can Draw on God’s Strength

No. 4: On What Basis Can We Hope to Live Forever?

(rs p. 246 fl5-7)

Mar. 10 Bible reading: Mark 13-16              Song 187

Speech Quality: How to Improve Fluency (be p. 94 fl4-p. 96 113, except box on p. 95)

No. 1: What Is the Spiritual Paradise? (wOl 3/1 pp. 8-11)

Nb. 2: Mark 13:1-23

No. 3: How Will Prospects for Future Life Be Realized? (rs p. 246 fl8-p. 247 fll)

No. 4: Does God Take Sides in Man’s Wars?

Mar. 17 Bible reading: Luke 1-3                 Song 13

Speech Quality: Coping With Stuttering (be p. 95, box)

No. 1: “Happy Is the Man That Has Found Wisdom” (wOl 3/15 pp. 25-8)

No. 2: Luke 3:1-22

No. 3: Is It Proper to Worship Jesus?

No. 4: * Is It Important to Get Married in Accord With Legal Requirements? (rs p. 248 fl2-p. 249 fl2)

Mar. 24 Bible reading: Luke 4-6                Song 156

Speech Quality: Pausing for Punctuation and for Change of Thought (be p. 97 fll-p. 98 fl5)

No. 1: Do You Feel Misunderstood? (wOl 4/1 pp. 20-3)

No. 2: Luke 6:1-23

No. 3: What Is the Significance of the Memorial? (rs p. 266 fll-p. 267 fll)

No. 4: Can Christians Expect Divine Protection?

Mar. 31 Bible reading: Luke 7-9                 Song 47

Speech Quality: Pausing to Emphasize, Pausing to Listen (be p. 99 fll-p. 100 fl4)

No. 1: “Fear the True God and Keep His Commandments” (bep. 272 fll-p. 275 fl3)

No. 2: wOl 3/15 p. 18 fll7-p. 19 fl20

No. 3: How We Know That the Bible Is From God

No. 4: What Do the Memorial Emblems Represent? (rs p. 267 fl2-3)

Apr. 7 Bible reading: Luke 10-12                Song 68

Speech Quality: Proper Sense Stress (be p. 101 fll-p. 102 fl3)

No. 1: “Bearing Witness to Jesus” (be p. 275 fl4-p. 278 fl4)

No. 2: Luke 10:1-22

Nb. 3: Who Should Partake at the Lord’s Evening Meal? (rsp. 267fl5-p. 268fll)

No. 4: The First Wedding Involved What Formalities? (rs p. 249 fl3-4)

Apr. 14 Bible reading: Luke 13-17              Song 208

Speech Quality: Improving Sense Stress (be p. 102 fl4-p. 104fl4)

Nb. 1: “This Good News of the Kingdom" (be p. 279 fll-p. 281 fl4)

No. 2: Luke 15:11-32

Nb. 3: How to Protect Ourselves From Demon Influence

No. 4: How Often Should the Memorial Be Commemorated, and When? (rs p. 269 fl 1-2)

Apr. 21 Bible reading: Luke 18-21               Song 23

Speech Quality: Principal Ideas Emphasized (be p. 105 fll-p. 106fl2)

No. 1: Jehovah’s Wise and Loving Provision of Seasons (si p. 280 1114-17)

No. 2: wOl 4/15 p. 6 fl 19-p. 7 fl22

No. 3: How the Resurrection Hope Affects Our Life

No. 4: * Does the Bible Condone Polygamy? (rs p. 250 fll-p. 251 fl2)

Apr. 28 Bible reading: Luke 22-24              Song 218

Speech Quality: Volume Suitable to the Audience (be p. 107 fll-p. 108fl4)

Oral Review

May 5 Bible reading: John 1-4                  Song 31

Speech Quality: How to Improve Your Volume (be p. 108 fl5-p. 110 fl2)

No. 1: You Can Improve Your Memory (be p. 17Hl—p. 19 UI)

No. 2: John 2:1-25

No.3: Does God Condemn the Use of Alcohol?

No. 4: * What Is God’s View of Marital Separation?

(rs p. 251U3)

May 12 Bible reading: John 5-7                Song 150

Speech Quality: Modulation—Adjust Your Volume (be p. Ill Ul-p. 112 U2)

No. 1: You Can Succeed Regardless of Your Upbringing (wOl 4/15 pp. 25-8)

Nb. 2: John 5:1-24

No. 3: Why the Doctrine of Predestination Is Unreasonable

No. 4: * What Is the Bible’s View of Divorce and Remarriage?

(rs p. 2521jl-4)

May 19 Bible reading: John 8-11               Song 102

Speech Quality: Modulation—Change Your Pace (be p. 112 113-6)

Nd. 1: ‘By Wisdom Our Days Will Become Many’ (wOl 5/15 pp. 28-31)

Nb. 2: John 10:16-42

Nb. 3: In the Past, Why Did God Allow Marriage Between Brother and Sister? (rs p. 252 U5-p. 253 UI)

Nb. 4: How to Cope With Stress

May 26 Bible reading: John 12-16               Song 24

Speech Quality: Modulation—Vary Your Pitch (be p. 113

Ul-p. 114 U3)

No. 1: The Year and the Holy Scriptures (si pp. 280-2 U18-23)

Nb. 2: W015/1 p. 14 U4-p. 15 U7

No. 3: What It Means to Be “No Part of the World’

No. 4: What Can Help to Improve a Marriage? (rs p. 253 U 2-5)

June 2 Bible reading: John 17-21               Song 198

Speech Quality: Speak With Feeling (be p. 115 U 1-p. 116 U 4)

No. 1: The Role of God’s Spirit in Remembering (be p. 19

U2-p. 20 U3)

No. 2: John 20:1-23

No. 3: What Can Help to Improve a Marriage? (rs p. 254 Ul-4) No. 4: Is Organized Religion Necessary?

June 9 Bible reading: Acts 1-4                  Song 92

Speech Quality: Enthusiasm Appropriate to Material (be p. 116 U5-p. 117 U4)

No. 1: Strengthen Your Trust in Jehovah (wOl 6/1 pp. 7-10)

No. 2: Acts 4:1-22

No. 3: What Can We Learn From the Bible Record About Mary? (rs p. 254 U5-p. 255 U 2)

No. 4: Does God Care How We Worship?

June 16 Bible reading: Acts 5-7                  Song 2

Speech Quality: Expressing Warmth (be p. 118 Ul-p. 119 U 5)

No. 1: Confession That Leads to Healing (wOl 6/1 pp. 28-31)

Nb.2: Acts 7:1-22

No. 3: How Jehovah’s Witnesses Differ From Other Religions

No. 4: Was Mary Truly a Virgin When She Gave Birth to Jesus? (rs p. 255 U3-4)

June 23 Bible reading: Acts 8-10               Song 116

Speech Quality: Expressing Emotion (be p. 119 U6-p. 120 U5)

No. 1: Look After Orphans and Widows in Their Tribulation (wOl 6/15 pp. 9-12)

No. 2: uX)l 6/1 p. 12 Ul-p. 13 U5

No. 3: Was Mary Always aVirgin? (rs p. 255 U5~P- 256 U2)

No. 4: * Why Attending Meetings Is Vital to Spiritual Growth

June 30 Bible reading. Acts 11-14              Song 167

Speech Quality: The Importance of Gestures and Facial Expressions (be p. 121 Ul-4)

Oral Review

July 7 Bible reading Acts 15-17                 Song 38

Speech Quality: Using Gestures and Facial Expressions (bep. 122 Ul-p. 123 U2)

No. 1: Why Apply Yourself to Reading? (be p. 21 Ul-p- 23 U3)

No. 2: Acts 15:1-21

No. 3: How We Uphold Jehovah’s Sovereignty

No. 4: Was Mary the Mother of God? (rs p. 256 U3-p. 257 U2)

July 14 Bible reading Acts 18-21                Song 32

Speech Quality: Visual Contact in the Ministry (be p. 124

Ul-p. 125 U4)

No. 1: Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith (wOl 7/1

pp. 18-21)

No. 2: Acts 19:1-22

No. 3: if Was Mary Immaculately Conceived? (rs p. 257

U3-p. 258 UD

No. 4: What It Means to ‘Keep On Seeking First the Kingdom’

July 21 Bible reading Acts 22-25               Song 222

Speech Quality: Visual Contact When Giving a Discourse (bep. 125U5-P. 127 UI)

No. 1: Are You Truly Tolerant? (uX)l 7/15 pp. 21-3)

Nb. 2: Acts 24:1-23

No. 3: Is the Devil Real?

No. 4: tt Did Mary Ascend to Heaven With Her Body of Flesh? (rs p. 258 U2-3)

July 28 Bible reading Acts 26-28                Song 14

Speech Quality: Naturalness in the Field Ministry (be p. 128 ui-p. 129 UI)

No. 1: No Zero Year (si p. 282 U24-6)

No. 2: u)017/1 p. 14U5-8

No. 3: Is It Proper to Address Prayers to Mary as Intercessor? (rsp.258U4-p. 259 UD

No. 4: How We Show Respect for the Gift of Life

Aug. 4 Bible reading Romans 1-4             Song 106

Speech Quality: Naturalness on the Platform (be p. 129

U2-p. 130 UD

No. 1: How to Apply Yourself to Reading (be p. 23 U4-P- 26 U5)

No. 2: Romans 2:1-24

No. 3: Have You Ever Lived Before?

No. 4: Was Mary Specially Honored in the First-Century Christian Congregation? (rs p. 259 U3-p. 260 U3)

Aug. 11 Bible reading Romans 5-8            Song 179

Speech Quality: Naturalness When Reading Publicly (be p. 130 U2-4)

No. 1: ‘Blessings Are for the Righteous One’ (U)017/15 pp. 24-7)

No. 2: Romans 5:6-21

No. 3: ttDo You Believe in the Virgin Mary? (rs p. 260

U4-p. 261 U2)

No. 4: Should You Believe in Reincarnation?

Aug. 18 Bible reading Romans 9-12           Song 206

Speech Quality: Personal Cleanliness Adorns the Message (be p. 131 Ul-3)

No. 1: Let Force of Habit Work for Your Good (wOl 8/1

pp. 19-22)

No. 2: W018/15 p. 22 U10-13

No. 3: Have Men Changed the Bible?

No. 4: Is Transubstantiation Factual? (rs p. 262 Ul-p. 263 U2)

Aug. 25 Bible reading Romans 13-16           Song 43

Speech Quality: How Modesty and Soundness of Mind Affect One’s Dress and Grooming (be p. 131 U4-p. 132 U3)

Oral Review

Sept. 1 Bible reading 1 Corinthians 1-9         Song 48

Speech Quality: The Value of Well-Arranged Dress (be p. 132

U4-p. 133 UD

No. 1: How to Study (bep. 27 Ul-p. 31U2)

No. 2: 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

No. 3: What Does John 6:53-57 Mean? (rs p. 263 U3-4)

No. 4: Does Poverty Ever Justify Stealing?

Sept. 8 Bible reading 1 Corinthians 10-16 Song 123

Speech Quality: Good Personal Appearance Gives No Cause for Stumbling (be p. 133 U2-4)

No. 1: Overcome Obstacles to Your Progress! (wOl 8/1 pp. 28-30)

No. 2: 1 Corinthians 12:1-26

No. 3: Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

No. 4: Did Jesus Institute the Celebration of Mass? (rs p. 264 Ul-p. 265H5)

Sept. 15 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1-7         Song 16

Speech Quality: Good Posture and Neat Equipment (be p. 1331I5-p. 134 U4)

No. 1: Making Your Youth a Success (wOl 8/15 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: 2 Corinthians 6:1-7:1

No. 3: A Christian’s Attitude Toward Secular Authority (rs p. 270 Hl-3)

No. 4: Does God Care About the Pollution of the Earth?

Sept. 22 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 8-13 Song 207

Speech Quality: How to Reduce Speaking Anxiety (be p. 135 Ul-p. 137H2)

No. 1: How You Can Make Good Decisions (wOl 9/1 pp. 27-30)

No. 2: 2 Corinthians 8:1-21

No. 3: What Happens to the Soul After Death

No. 4: Scriptures That Bear on a Christian’s Attitude Toward Carnal Warfare (rs p. 271U1-4)

Sept. 29 Bible reading: Galatians 1-6            Song 163

Speech Quality: How to Acquire Poise (be p. 137 U3-p. 138115)

No. 1: The Great Value of Pivotal Dates (si pp. 282-31127-30)

No. 2: W01 9/1 p. 15 fl8-p. 17 UH

No. 3: Under What Circumstances Did God Allow the Israelites to Engage in Warfare? (rs p. 271 U5-p. 273 UI)

No. 4: How We Know That God’s Kingdom Rules

Oct. 6 Bible reading: Ephesians 1-6             Song 99

Speech Quality: The Importance of Voice Amplification (be p. 139 Ul-p. 140 UI)

No. 1: Study Is Rewarding (be p. 31 U3-p. 32 U4)

No. 2: Ephesians 2:1-22

No. 3: Faith in God Is Realistic

No. 4: What Scriptures Influence a Christian’s View of Involvement in Political Issues? (rs p. 273 U2-p. 274 UI)

Oct. 13 Bible reading: Philippians 1-Colossians 4

Song 105

Speech Quality: Use Microphones Effectively (be p. 140

U2-p. 142 UD

No. 1: Walk in ‘the Path of Uprightness’ (wO 19/15 pp. 24-8)

No. 2: Philippians 2:1-24

No. 3: What Scriptures Influence a Christian’s Attitude Toward Patriotic Ceremonies? (rs p. 274 U2-p. 275 U3)

No. 4: What Jehovah Asks of Us Today

Oct. 20 Bible reading: 1 Thessalonians 1-2 Thessalonians 3                              Song 145

Speech Quality: Use of Bible in Replying (be p. 143 Ul-3)

No. 1: Jehovah’s View of Time (si pp. 283-4 U 31-3)

No. 2: ii>0110/15 p. 23 U6-p. 24U9

No. 3: Who Go to Heaven?

No. 4: Does Their Neutrality Mean That Christians Are Disinterested in Their Neighbor’s Welfare? (rs p. 276 UI)

Oct. 27 Bible reading: 1 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4 Song 46

Speech Quality: How to Improve in Using the Bible (be p. 144 Ul-4)

Oral Review

Nov. 3 Bible reading: Titus 1-Philemon         Song 30

Speech Quality: Use of Bible Encouraged (be pp. 145-6)

No. 1: How to Do Research With the Bible (be p. 33 Ul-p. 35 U2)

No. 2: Philemon 1-25

No. 3: Will Living in Perfection Be Boring?

No. 4: Why Is the Name Jehovah Used in the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures? (rs p. 278 Ul-3)

Nov. 10 Bible reading: Hebrews 1-8             Song 149

Speech Quality: The Importance of Introducing Scriptures Effectively (be p. 147 Ul-p. 148 U2)

No. 1: Enoch Walked With God in an Ungodly World (W01 9/15 pp. 29-31)

Nb. 2: Hebrews 2:1-18

No. 3: #Respondlng to Those Who Say, ‘You Have Your Own Bible’(rsp. 279 Ul-4)

No. 4: How Will Resurrected Ones Be Judged According to Their Deeds?

Nov. 17 Bible reading: Hebrews 9-13            Song 144

Speech Quality: Selecting Appropriate Comments to Introduce Scriptures (be p. 148 U3-p. 149 U2)

No. 1: What Does It Mean to Be Loyal? (wO 110/1 pp. 20-3)

Nb. 2: Hebrews 9:11-28

No. 3: Are God’s Heavenly Creatures Organized? (rs p. 280

U2-3)

No. 4: Why It Is Beneficial to Practice Godly Conduct

Nov. 24 Bible reading: James 1-5                Song 88

Speech Quality: Proper Emphasis Involves Feeling (be p. 150

Uf-2)

No. 1: Measuring Events in the Stream of Time (si pp. 284-5

Ul-4)

No. 2: MX)111/1 p. 12 U15-p. 13 U19

No. 3: The Value of Modesty

No. 4: How Did God Convey Instructions to His Servants on Earth in Times Past? (rs p. 281 UI 1-2)

Dec. 1 Bible reading: 1 Peter 1-2 Peter 3         Song 54

Speech Quality: Emphasize the Right Words (be p. 150

U3-p. 151 U2)

No. 1: Learning to Use Other Research Tools (be p. 35

U3-P.38U4)

No. 2: 1 Peter 1:1-16

No. 3: Does the Bible Show That True Christians Would Be Organized? (rs p. 282 Ul-4)

No. 4: How Christ’s Ransom Sacrifice Should Affect Our Life

Dec. 8 Bible reading: IJohnl-Jude            Song 22

Speech Quality: Methods of Emphasis (be p. 151 U3-P-152 U5)

No. 1: Safeguard Your Conscience (ii>01 11/1 pp. 4-7)

No. 2: 1 John 3:1-18

No. 3: Why the Bible Cannot Be Blamed for Disrespectful Treatment of Women

No. 4: Are God’s Faithful Servants Simply Scattered Among Christendom’s Churches? (rs p. 283 Ul-3)

Dec. 15 Bible reading: Revelation 1-6            Song 219

Speech Quality: Scriptures Correctly Applied (be p. 153

Ul-p. 154 U3)

No. 1: Noah’s Faith Condemns the World (wO 1 11/15 pp. 28-31)

No. 2: Revelation 2:1-17

No. 3: How Can the Visible Part of Jehovah’s Organization Be Identified? (rs p. 283 U4-p. 284 U2)

No. 4: Why Christmas Is Not for Christians

Dec. 22 Bible reading: Revelation 7-14             Song 6

Speech Quality: Making Scripture Application Clear (be p. 154 U4-p. 155 U4)

No. 1: You Can Avoid a Spiritual Heart Attack (W01 12/1

pp. 9-13)

No. 2: 100112/15 p. 17 U 10-p. 18 U13 (including footnote)

No. 3: How to Cope With Peer Pressure

No. 4: How Can We Show Respect for Jehovah’s Organization?

(rsp. 284U3-7)

Dec. 29 Bible reading: Revelation 15-22          Song 60

Speech Quality: Reason From the Scriptures (be p. 155

U5-p. 156 U5)

Oral Review

* Assign to brothers only.

it As time permits, consider responses to assertions, objections, and so forth that will best meet needs in the local territory.

Announcements

■ Literature offer for October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, offer the Require brochure, making a special effort to start Bible studies. November: What Does God Require of Us? or Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. If people already have these, an older publication may be offered. You may check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand if you do not have any in stock. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. As an alternative offer, you may use My Book of Bible Stories, The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s?, or You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. If the congregation does not have a supply of any of the alternative offers, please check to see if any nearby congregations have a surplus on hand that you can use. January: Any book published prior to 1988 that the congregation may have in stock. If you do not have any of these in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus of older publications on hand that you can use. Congregations that do not have older books may offer Mankind’s Search for God.

■ The insert in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry is the “Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2003” and should be kept for reference throughout 2003.

■ If the meeting times for your congregation will change January 1, the congregation secretary should notify the branch office of the changes by submitting the Congregation Meeting Information and Handbill Request form (S-5). If needed, a new supply of handbills can be ordered on the same form. Handbills should be requested at least eight weeks before you wish to receive them.

■ New Publications Available: Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? (Tract No. 26) —Fijian, Gilbertese, Macedonian, Malayalam, Marathi, Persian, Punjabi (Gurmukhi), Sinhala, Tamil, Telugu, Tuvaluan ■ New Audiocassettes Available: Appreciating Our Spiritual Her

itage—On Audiocassette (Drama, single cassette) —Greek, Swedish

Proverbs; Ecclesiastes; The Song of Solomon (set of two audiocassettes)           —Norwegian

Warning Examples for Our Day —On Audiocassette (Drama, single cassette) —Estonian, Greek

■ New Videocassettes Available: Our Whole Association of Brothers

—Italian

Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends? —Korean, Romanian, Thai

July Service Report

	Av.	Av.	Av. Av.
Number of:	Hrs.	Mags.	R.V Bi.St.
Sp’l Pios. 107	119.7	105.8	55.6 5.4
Pios. 83,165	62.4	43.2	20.6 1.8
Aux. Pios. 23,337	50.3	35.7	11.9 0.9
Pubs. 863,309	9.5	8.6	3.5 0.3

TOTAL 969,918          Baptized: 4,765

All of us can fortify our determination to maintain our integrity by taking to heart the lessons learned from the Bible drama portrayed in the video Warning Examples for Our Day. Before watching it, please read Numbers chapter 25 and the background material in Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2, page 419, paragraphs 3-5. Then answer these questions: Who were the Moabites, and why did Jehovah tell Moses not to wage war against them? (Deut. 2:9) How did Balaam scheme to use the Moabites to destroy the nation of Israel? Why should we not forget that many Israelites failed a vital test just before entering the Promised Land? —1 Cor. 10:11, 12.

While watching the Warning Examples video, think about the following four areas of life that we must give serious attention to today if we are to prove faithful and enjoy God’s favor. (1) Attitude: How had some Israelites shown a wrong attitude toward Jehovah and his arrangements? Instead, what attitude should we strive to reflect? (2) Associations: Why did Jehovah not want the Israelites to become friends with the Moabites? (Ex. 34:12; Prov. 13:20) Why must we choose our friends wisely? (3) Morals: Into what serious sin did bad associations lead some 23,000 Israelites? (1 Cor. 10:8) Today, what has lured some of God’s people into committing immorality, but how can we protect ourselves? (4) Worship: How were the Israelites tested as to the purity of their worship? To what subtle form of idolatry might some succumb today, but how can we avoid it? —Col. 3:5.

In the drama, how was Jamin blessed for his moral integrity? By means of this video, what warm appeal is the Governing Body making to all true Christians? If you are a family head, why do you feel it would be wise for your household to view this program again and again?

How Congregation Book Study Overseers Show Personal Interest

• ¹ The Congregation Book Study is designed to make it “possible for more personal attention to be given to the spiritual growth of each individual. . . . Here is a reflection of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and his tender care for his people.” (om p. 75; Isa. 40:11) The book study overseer plays a key role in providing such personal attention.

• ² At the Book Study: Since book study groups are purposely kept small, the book study overseer is able to get to know the members of his group well. (Prov. 27:23) Usually there are opportunities to associate before or after the study each week. In the course of a month, he may be able to converse with nearly every person in the group. This helps the members of the book study to feel comfortable approaching him when they are facing trials or need encouragement.—Isa. 32:2.

• ³ The book study overseer tries to encourage all in the group to participate during the study. One way he does this is by conducting the study in a kind, gentle manner. (1 Thess. 2: 7, 8) He looks for ways to involve all in the discussion, including younger ones. If some are timid about commenting, he may offer private assistance by arranging in advance for them to read a scripture or to comment on a particular paragraph. Or he may show them how to comment in their own words.

• ⁴ If the book study overseer’s assistant is a ministerial servant, the overseer arranges for him to conduct the study once every two months. This allows the overseer to observe the assistant and offer helpful suggestions. What a fine arrangement to help brothers improve their art of teaching!—Titus 1:9.

• ⁵ In the Field Ministry: One of the principal responsibilities of the book study overseer is to take the lead in evangelizing. (Num. 27:16,17) He makes practical arrangements for group witnessing and strives to help all in the group find joy in their ministry. (Eph. 4:11, 12) To accomplish this, he makes it a goal to work in service with each member of the group. He also works with the service overseer to arrange for those who would like to improve some aspect of their ministry to receive assistance from a more experienced publisher.

• ⁶ As a Loving Shepherd: The book study overseer is interested in those who because of their circumstances are able to have only a small share in the preaching work. He makes sure that those who are very limited because of advanced age or because of being shut-ins and those who are temporarily limited because of serious illness or injury are aware of the provision that allows them to report field service time in 15-minute increments if they are not able to report a complete hour during one month. (The Congregation Service Committee determines who qualifies for this provision.) He also takes an interest in those assigned to the group who may be inactive, striving to help them resume their activity with the congregation—Luke 15:4-7.

• ⁷ How grateful we are for the loving interest shown by book study overseers! The personal attention they provide helps “all attain to the oneness in the faith..., to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.”—Eph. 4:13.

-Watchtower oct. is

Announcing Jbhovah's Kingdom

“How would you explain to children or others why so many bad things happen today? [Allow for response.] The Bible answers the question, ‘Who Is Behind All Evil?’ [Read 1 John 5:19.] This issue of The Watchtower will help you to understand who that wicked one is and how we can oppose him.”

Awake! Oct. 22

“Do you think that the prayers of religious leaders or anyone else can bring about world peace? [Allow for response.] The Bible promises a time of global peace. [Read Isaiah 9:6, 7.] Did you notice that a special ruler would bring about world peace? This issue of Awake! shows who that ruler is and how he will bring genuine peace.”

"Watchtower Nov. 1

Announcing Jehovah-s Kingdom

“Many of us try to have peaceful relations with others. But you will likely agree that it is often easier said than done. [Allow for response.] The Bible explains why this is so. [Read James 3:2.] This article shows how an apology may be the key to restoring and maintaining peace.”

Awake! Nov. 8

“Bible prophecy indicates that a time is coming when no one will say, ‘I am sick.’ [Read Isaiah 33:24.] Wouldn’t that be wonderful? [Allow for response.] However, today mankind is afflicted with many diseases, including the plague of AIDS. This issue of Awake! answers the question, Will AIDS ever be halted?”

8