Our Kingdom h..~. _ny

• ¹ Did you know that humans are able to give something to God? Abel sacrificed some of his precious livestock to Jehovah, and Noah and Job made similar offerings. (Gen. 4:4; 8: 20; Job 1:5) Of course, such offerings did not enrich the Creator in any way, since he already possesses everything. But the sacrifices did demonstrate the deep love those faithful men had for God. Today, we can use our time, energy, and resources in giving Jehovah “a sacrifice of praise.”—Heb. 13:15.

• ² Time: How commendable it is to ‘buy out’ time from less important things to share more fully in the ministry! (Eph. 5:15, 16) Perhaps we could adjust our schedule in order to auxiliary pioneer one or more months a year. Maybe we could lengthen the time we usually spend in the ministry. Staying out an extra 30 minutes each week would increase our ministry by at least two hours a month!

• ³ Energy: Having energy to use in the ministry requires that we avoid recreation and employment that leave us so tired that we cannot give Jehovah our best. We also need to put aside anxieties that could make our heart “bow down,” robbing us of energy that we could use in serving God. (Prov. 12:25) Even if we have a legitimate concern, how much better it is to ‘throw our burden upon Jehovah’!—Ps. 55:22; Phil. 4:6, 7.

• ⁴ Resources: We can also give of our material resources to support the preaching work. Paul encouraged fellow Christians to “set something aside” regularly so as to have something to give to those in need. (1 Cor. 16:1, 2) In a similar way, we may be able to set aside funds to donate for local congregation needs as well as for the worldwide work. Jehovah appreciates what we give from the heart, even if it is just a little—Luke 21:1-4.

• ⁵ Jehovah has given us much. (Jas. 1:17) We show our appreciation by giving generously of our time, energy, and other resources to serve him. Our doing so pleases Jehovah, “for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Cor. 9:7.

  Building One Another Up While in the Ministry

  
  

• ¹ All of us appreciate receiving an encouraging “word spoken at the right time.” (Prov. 25: 11) When we work with others in the ministry, how can we make sure that our conversation results in encouragement?

• ² Upbuilding Conversation: How upbuilding it is to include spiritual matters in our conversation while engaging in the preaching work! (Ps. 37:30) We could talk about our presentation or relate encouraging field service experiences we recently enjoyed. (Acts 15:3) Did we glean an interesting point from our personal Bible reading, the recent magazines, or a congregation meeting? We might discuss points presented in a public talk we recently heard at the Kingdom Hall.

• ³ We may feel disheartened when a householder raises an objection that we are unable to overcome. It would be beneficial for us to take a few minutes after leaving the door to consider with our partner how such a situation might be handled in the future, perhaps by consulting the Reasoning book. And if we appreciated something about our partner’s presentation, a word of sincere commendation would provide welcome encouragement.

• ⁴ Take the Initiative: Are there some in our book study group with whom we have not worked recently? Extending a personal invitation to accompany us in the ministry may result in “an interchange of encouragement.” (Rom. 1:12) Regular and auxiliary pioneers appreciate having others to work with, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, when fewer publishers may be sharing in the ministry. We can support the pioneers by making ourselves available. Is there an infirm publisher whose health limits what he is able to do in the ministry? Arranging for such a one to accompany us, perhaps on a Bible study, may be beneficial.—Prov. 27:17.

• ⁵ Commendation and expressions of appreciation are always encouraging, even in small matters. We should have that in mind when working with others in the ministry, since we want to “keep . . . building one another up.”—1 Thess. 5:11.

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting March 10

Song 131

10 min: Local announcements. Using the suggestions on page 4 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the March 1 Watchtower and the March Awake! along with the Memorial invitation.

20 min: Why Meet Together? Talk and audience discussion based on the May 15,2007, Watchtower, pages 11-13. Invite audience to comment on how attendance at congregation meetings has benefited them and how they have overcome obstacles in order to attend meetings regularly.

15 min: “We Can Give to Jehovah.”- As time permits, invite audience to comment on the cited scriptures.

Song 8

Week Starting March 17

Song 144

10 min: Local announcements. Remind audience to bring the April 1 Watchtower and the April Awake! to the Service Meeting next week and to be prepared to discuss appropriate presentations for the local territory. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

15 min: Question Box. To be handled by an elder. Read and discuss entire article.

20 min: “How May We Assist Memorial Attenders?”* When considering paragraph 5, briefly demonstrate how a Bible study may be started with a visitor who attended the Memorial.

Song 214

Week Starting March 24

Song 111

10 min: Local announcements.

Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments.

15 min: Prepare to Offer the Current Magazines. Audience discussion. After giving a brief overview of the April 1 Watchtower and the April Awake! ask the audience which articles may appeal to people in the territory and why. Invite audience to mention specific points in articles they plan to feature. What question could be asked to start a conversation? Which scripture in the article could then be read? Using presentations suggested for the local territory, demonstrate how to offer the April 1 Watchtower and the April Awake!

20 min: We Bring Good News of Something Better. Following an introduction of less than one minute, an elder gives a talk based on the July 1, 2005, Watchtower, pages 18-19, paragraphs 10-14. Invite the audience to comment on how the Kingdom message gave them comfort and hope when they first heard it.

Song 29

Week Starting March 31

Song 37

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for March.

20 min: Make Good Use of the 2008 Yearbook. Talk and audience discussion. Discuss “A Letter From the Governing Body,” on pages 3-5. Have two or three in the audience relate an experience from the Yearbook that has been especially encouraging to them. Arrange in advance for one or two publishers to comment on how they schedule their personal reading of the Yearbook. Conclude by encouraging all to read the entire book.

15 min: “Building One Another Up While in the Ministry” * Song 122

Week Starting April 7

Song 186

10 mln: Local announcements.

20 mln: Why Put Off Getting Baptized? Talk by an elder based on the July 1, 2006, Watchtower, pages 29-30, paragraphs 14-17. Include a brief interview of one or two publishers who were baptized as teenagers. What moved them to take this important step at a young age? How did their baptism help them develop spiritual maturity, which is a protection?

15 min: Have You Tried the Direct Approach? Talk and audience discussion based on the January 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry insert, page 6. Discuss the sample presentations and how they may be modified to start a Bible study in the Bible Teach book. Then have one or two demonstrations. Encourage audience to try at least once during the next week to start a Bible study in the Bible Teach book using the direct approach.

Song 225

* Limit introductory comments to less than a minute, and follow with a question-and-answer discussion.

November Service Report

Number of:            Hrs. Mags. RV Br&.

Sp'IPiOS      423 104.7 69.4 42.1

Pios.     110,502 64.5 38.7 19.0

Aux Pkk.   32,835 49.3 32.9 12.4

Pubs    905,220   9.8 8.0 3.5

TOTAL 1,048,980        Baptized: 3,388

Announcements

■ Literature offer for March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies. April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. A special effort will be made to visit newly interested ones who attended the Memorial or the special public talk but who are not actively associated with the congregation. The purpose of such visits should be to start a home Bible study with those who have not yet accepted one. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies.

■ Congregations should release the latest issues of The Watchtower and Awake! as soon as they are received. This will allow publishers to become familiar with the contents before offering the magazines in field service. ■ Someone designated by the presiding overseer should audit the congregation’s accounts for the months of December, January, and February. The same person should not be used for consecutive audits. When the audit is complete, an announcement should be made to the congregation after the next accounts report is read.—See Instructions for Congregation Accounting (S-27).

■ The theme for the 2008 district conventions is “Guided by God’s Spirit.” The April issue of Our Kingdom Ministry will furnish helpful detailed information for finalizing your personal plans for attending all sessions of this three-day convention. If you need to request time off from your employment in order to be present all three days, do not hesitate to do so.

■ Immediately after the Memorial, the total attendance and number of partakers should be submitted to the branch office using the jw.org Web site. If this is not possible, a letter may be sent. When multiple congregations meet together, only one congregation should submit the total attendance figure.

■ It is important that groups of 20 or more planning to visit the United States branch office facilities at Brooklyn. Patterson, and Wallkill first correspond by mail with the Central Tour Desk at 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, NY 12563-9204. You may also use the following fax number: (845) 306-0200. At least two weeks prior to visiting, please send information on the number coming and the dates and times for visiting each location. Lodging information may be obtained from the congregation secretary. Before your visit, please review the Question Box in this issue of Our Kingdom Ministry regarding proper dress and grooming when visiting Bethel homes.

Question box

■ What type of clothing is appropriate when visiting facilities used for Jehovah’s service?

Around the world, Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, Bethel homes, and branch facilities stand out as places dedicated to Jehovah’s service. They are modest, clean, and well-arranged, reflecting dignity in appearance. The contrast with what is often seen in Satan’s system of things is great indeed. Those who visit places used for Jehovah’s service should also be recognized as belonging to Jehovah, ones who are doing his will.

As Christians, we “recommend ourselves as God’s ministers” in every way, including our appropriate, well-arranged dress and grooming. (2 Cor. 6: 3, 4) We are also expected to maintain proper decorum. At all times our dress and grooming should reflect the decency and dignity that befit servants of Jehovah God. This is especially true when visiting the headquarters facilities in New York as well as the branches around the world.

In discussing the importance of proper dress and grooming, Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will comments on the need for physical cleanness, modest dress, and good grooming when we engage in the field ministry and attend Christian meetings. Then, on page 138, paragraph 3, it states: “Remember, the name Bethel means ‘House of God.’ Therefore, our dress, grooming, and conduct should be similar to what is expected of us when attending meetings for worship at the Kingdom Hall.” This high standard should be observed by Kingdom publishers visiting Bethel from the local area as well as those from more distant places. In this way, the visitor demonstrates appropriate appreciation and respect. —Ps. 29:2.

Our clothing should identify us as those “professing to reverence God.” (1 Tim. 2:10) Appropriate dress and grooming have a positive influence on the way others view the true worship of Jehovah. However, it has been noted that when visiting facilities used for Jehovah’s service, a few brothers and sisters tend to be extremely casual, sloppy, or revealing in their dress. Such attire is not appropriate for Christians at any time. In this matter, as in all other aspects of our Christian life, we desire to maintain the high standards that distinguish God’s people from the world, doing all things for God’s glory.—Rom. 12:2; 1 Cor. 10:31.

So when visiting the headquarters and branch in New York State or other branch facilities, whether on a planned visit or while on vacation in tourist areas, ask yourself: ‘Does my dress and grooming reflect the modesty, the cleanliness, and the dignity of the place I will be visiting? Does it reflect well on the God that I worship? Would others be distracted or offended by my appearance?’ By our dress and grooming, may we always “adorn the teaching of our Savior, God, in all things”!—Titus 2:10.

What to Say About the Magazines

• ¹ On March 22, 2008, millions of people around the world will receive a powerful witness. Those attending the Memorial will hear about Jehovah’s great love in providing a ransom for mankind. (John 3:16) They will learn about the Kingdom and how Jehovah will use it to accomplish his will for all the earth. (Matt. 6:9, 10) They will see firsthand the love and unity of God’s people and experience our warm hospitality.—Ps. 133:1.

• ² Bible Students: Some in attendance will be those who have just started studying the Bible with us. Introduce them to the brothers and sisters. Explain the weekly meetings, and give them a brief tour of the Kingdom Hall. During the talk, the speaker will encourage such ones to continue making spiritual progress. You can use his comments as a basis to encourage your students.

• ³ Inactive: Some attending will be inactive publishers. Take the initiative to greet them warmly. Avoid asking personal questions or making statements that may cause embarrassment. Shortly after the Memorial, the elders should visit any inactive ones who attended, commend them for their efforts to attend, and warmly invite them to the next congregation meeting.

• ⁴ Visitors: Some of those pres-

• 1. What powerful witness will be given on March 22, 2008?

• 2. How may we assist Bible students who are present?

• 3. What can be done to encourage inactive publishers who are in attendance?

• 4. How may each of us help visitors?

ent may be acquaintances or family members whom we personally invited. Others may have received an invitation during the special campaign. If you see individuals you do not recognize, take the initiative to introduce yourself and welcome them. It may be that they have not attended one of our meetings before. In your conversation you may be able to find out how to contact them. By a personal visit or a brief telephone call a few days after the Memorial, you could try to cultivate further interest and offer a Bible study.

• ⁵ The information in the Memorial talk can be used as a basis for introducing the Bible Teach book on a return visit. For example, the Memorial speaker will read Isaiah 65:21-23. On the return visit, you might mention the talk and say, “Let me show you other blessings the ransom makes possible.” Then consider pages 4-5 of the Bible Teach book. Or you could say, “Many wonder when we will experience the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy.” Then consider paragraphs 1-3 in chapter 9. Another option is simply to refer to the Memorial speaker’s comments, introduce the Bible Teach book, and demonstrate the study.

• ⁶ May each of us be alert to opportunities to assist Bible students, inactive publishers, and visitors who will be in attendance. (Luke 22:19) Jehovah will surely bless any increased activity in our Kingdom service.

• 5. What might we say to start a Bible study?

• 6. What opportunities do we have as we obey Jesus’ command to commemorate his death?

"’Watchtower. Mar. 1

Announcing Jchovah** Kingdom

“Every day we hear about suffering, disease, and death. Do you wonder if we will ever be saved from all of this? [Allow for response.] This Bible verse has given millions hope. [Read John 3:16.] ‘How Jesus’ Death Can Save You’ is the subject of this magazine.”

Awake! Mar.

“Do you think that superstitions are harmless, or dangerous? [Allow for response.] The Bible makes this interesting comment. [Read Isaiah 65:11.] This article discusses whether superstition is compatible with Bible teaching.” Feature the article that begins on page 10.

'"Watchtower. Apr. i

Announcing Jihovaii « Kingdom

“Wouldn’t you like to see this prophecy come true? (Read Isaiah 2:4. Then allow for response.] Note that God will intervene in man’s affairs and ‘set matters straight.’ The Bible indicates that God will fight a war called Armageddon that will end all wars. This magazine explains what Armageddon is and why we should look forward to it.”

Awake! Apr.

“Do you think that we may be living in the time period described here? [Read 2 Timothy 3:1-4. Then allow for response.] There is good reason to be keenly interested in the last days because their occurrence indicates that good things are in store for the earth. This magazine explains."

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