Our Kingdom Ministry

New Congregation Meeting Schedule

• ¹ During the week of April 21-27, 2008, the worldwide brotherhood heard an exciting announcement. “Commencing January 1, 2009, the Congregation Book Study will be held at the same time as the Theocratic Ministry School and the Service Meeting. The name of the Congregation Book Study will be changed to Congregation Bible Study.”

• ² Schedule for This Weekly Meeting: The total time for this meeting, including the songs and prayers, will be 1 hour and 45 minutes. The meeting will begin with song and prayer (5 min.), followed by the Congregation Bible Study (25 min.). The Theocratic Ministry School (30 min.) will follow directly thereafter. Then, a song (5 min.) introduces the Service Meeting (35 min.). The meeting concludes with song and prayer (5 min.). To assist you in preparing for these meetings, the schedule for the Congregation Bible Study, the Theocratic Ministry School, and the Service Meeting will be published month by month in Our Kingdom Ministry.

• ³ Congregation Bible Study: This meeting will be patterned after the Watchtower Study. There will be no need to begin with a review of the previous week’s material. Rather, the meeting should have only a very brief introduction. This will allow sufficient time for all present to give brief comments. The presiding overseer will supervise the assigning of elders to take turns conducting this meeting, a different elder each week.

• ⁴ Service Meeting: The Service Meeting will remain the same but with shorter parts. Announcements will usually take five minutes. This should be sufficient time for essential announcements and certain letters from the branch. Such announcements as field service arrangements, cleaning schedules, accounts reports, and routine letters from the branch office do not need to be read from the platform but will be posted on the information board for the 1, 2. What changes to the meetings will take place beginning in January 2009?

• 3. How will the Congregation Bible Study be conducted?

• 4. To what extent will the Service Meeting change? brothers to read. Those with assigned program parts should prepare well and adhere closely to the time allotted and to the instructions provided.

^s Circuit Overseer’s Visit: The circuit overseer’s weekly schedule will not be adjusted. On Tuesday the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting will be held followed by a song. Then the circuit overseer will give a 30-minute talk. As is currently done during the week of his visit, another evening will be designated for the Congregation Bible Study followed by a song and the circuit overseer’s service talk. The meeting will close with a song and prayer.

• ⁸ Meetings for Field Service: Group overseers will be assigned by the body of elders to care for field service groups and shepherd the individuals making up the group. When a ministerial servant is needed to fill that role, he should be designated as the “group servant.”

• ⁷ As outlined, we will have the opportunity to enjoy an instructive, upbuilding evening of spiritual banqueting. This will enable us to be effective preachers and teachers, trained for a more fruitful ministry.—Eph. 4:13, 14; 2 Tim. 3:17.

• ⁸ Studying in advance for these meetings will help us focus clearly on the main points highlighted during each meeting. We will all have opportunity to share in commenting, contributing to a fine interchange of encouragement. (Rom. 1:11,12; Heb. 10:24) Our aim should be to ‘make our advancement manifest’ by “handling the word of the truth aright.”—1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:15.

• ⁹ We rejoice in this significant change of our congregation meetings. May we all keep on availing ourselves of the guidance that “the faithful and discreet slave” provides and stay close to our Great Shepherd as he prepares us for the great “tribulation” now on the horizon.—Matt. 24:21, 45; Heb. 13:20, 21; Rev. 7:14.

• 5. During the week of the circuit overseer’s visit, what will be the congregation meeting schedule?

• 6. What is the role of the group overseer?

• 7. What can we anticipate with our new congregation meeting schedule?

• 8. How will advance individual preparation benefit us as well as others?

• 9. What is our resolve, and why?

  Service Meeting Schedule

  
  

Week Starting October 13

Song 174

10 min: Local announcements. Outline local arrangements for the special tract campaign to begin on October 20, and encourage all to pick up a supply of tracts if they have not already done so. Briefly review the sample presentations for the October 1 Watchtower and the October Awake! found on page 8. Since many publishers have been offering these magazines for a few weeks, invite those in the audience to relate an experience they have had.

35 min: “New Congregation Meeting Schedule.”* As time permits, read cited scriptures and invite audience to comment on them.

Song 216

Week Starting October 20

Song 113

5 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry.

20 min: Maintain Joy in the Ministry. Encouraging talk based on material from paragraphs 11-17 on pages 24-25 of The Watchtower of July 1, 2005. Include an interview of one or two longtime faithful servants of Jehovah. What has enabled them to maintain joy when people are unresponsive?

20 min: Prepare to Offer the November 1 Watchtower and the November Awake! After giving a brief overview of the magazines, ask the audience which articles they think might be of special interest to many people in the local territory. Have them relate why. Invite the audience to suggest an appropriate question that they plan to use to start a conversation and a scripture from the article to use before offering the magazines. Speaker concludes by demonstrating how each magazine might be offered, using the sample presentations on page 8 or another presentation designed to appeal to people in the local territory.

Song 148

Week Starting October 27

Song 30

5 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments.

10 min: Local needs.

30 min: “Personal and Family Bible Study Are Vital!”* As time permits, read cited scriptures and invite audience to comment on them.

Song 142

Week Starting November 3

Song 100

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

20 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2009. The school overseer discusses with audience the new Theocratic Ministry School as outlined under “Instructions” in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule insert. Focus on adjustments being made. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling assignments, in preparing to comment on Bible highlights, and in applying the comments given weekly by the school overseer based on Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education.

15 mln: Enhance Your “Art of Teaching.” Service overseer or other qualified elder identifies and comments briefly on five key factors involved in effective teaching as set forth in paragraphs 5-18 on pages 9-12 of the January 15, 2008, Watchtower. Interview one or two publishers who feel that this information has helped them improve their teaching ability. Song 91

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

June Service Report

Av. Av Av Av Number of:             Hrs. Mags. R.V Bi.St. United States Sp'IPiOS.     933 107.6 56.8 40.8  4.4 PiOS 107,061  62.2 33.9 19.0  2.1 Aux PiOS 37,000  49.5 29.5 11.3  1.1 Pubs 895,436   9.9   7.5   3.5  0.4 TOTAL 1,040,030           Baptized 4,677

Bermuda PiOS.         70  65.7 33.4 21.1  2.4 Aux Pios       10  43.9 20.2 12.1  1.7 Pubs        372  10.2   9.1   4.2  0.4 TOTAL       452

Turks & Caicos Sp'IPiOS.        2 120.0 55.0 63.0 10.0 PiOS          17  75.8 26.8 29.8  6.5 Aux.PiOS.       12  56.6  28.8  14.5  3.8 Pubs        146  12.2   7.3   5.2  1.1 TOTAL       177

We are happy to report a new peak in the number of regular pioneers in Bermuda! The total of 70 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of one over the previous peak of 69 set in February 2008.

© 2008 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; C. I. Woody. 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 SA.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2008

INSTRUCTIONS

During 2008 the following will be the arrangements for conducting the Theocratic Ministry School.

SOURCE MATERIAL: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures [bi!2], Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education [be], “AU 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 outlined below. After each part, the school overseer will introduce the next part.

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, qualified ministerial servants may be used.)

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 10 minutes. This should be handled by a qualified elder or ministerial servant, and it will be based on Benefit From Theocratic Ministry School Education or “AU Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial." It is to be delivered as a ten-minute instruction talk. 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 five minutes, a qualified elder or ministerial servant should apply the material in a way that will be beneficial to the congregation. He may comment on any portion of the assigned Bible reading for the week. 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. The speaker should be careful not to exceed the five minutes allotted for the opening portion. He should ensure that five minutes are set aside for audience participation. The audience should be invited to offer brief comments (30 seconds or less) on what they have appreciated in the Bible reading and its benefits. The school overseer will then dismiss the students who are assigned to other classrooms.

ASSIGNMENT NO. 2: 4 minutes or less. This is a reading to be given by a brother. The student should read the assigned material without giving an introduction or a conclusion. 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. Sisters receiving this assignment either will be assigned a setting or will select 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 local territory. When no references are indicated as source material, the student will need to gather material for this part by doing research in our publications. Newer students should be given assignments 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. 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 our publications. When assigned to a brother, this part should 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. The school overseer may give a brother Assignment No. 4 whenever he sees fit to do so. Please note that themes with an asterisk next to them should always be assigned to brothers to develop as talks. If there are more than enough elders and ministerial servants In your congregation to handle the various parts on the Theocratic Ministry School and Service Meeting, then it is preferred that themes with asterisks be assigned to an elder or a ministerial servant whenever possible.

COUNSEL: 1 minute. The school overseer will not announce In advance the speech quality that a student is working on. After Assignments No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4, the school overseer will offer 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.

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 FORM: In textbook.

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. If there are a number of elders in the congregation, then a different qualified elder may care for this assignment each year. The auxiliary counselor’s 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 by ministerial servants.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW: 30 minutes. Every two months, the school overseer will conduct a review. It will be preceded by the consideration of a speech quality and highlights from the Bible reading as outlined above. The review will be based on material considered in the school during the preceding two months, including the current week. If your congregation has a circuit assembly during the week of the Theocratic Ministry School Review, then the review (and the rest of the weekly schedule) should be postponed one week and the subsequent week’s schedule should be used one week early. If the circuit overseer will be visiting your congregation during the week of a review, then the song, the speech quality talk, and Bible highlights should be presented as scheduled. The instruction talk (given after the speech quality talk) should be drawn from the following week’s schedule. The Theocratic Ministry School for the next week will proceed with the speech quality talk and Bible highlights as scheduled, followed by the review.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 7 Bible reading: Matthew 1-6              Song 62

Speech Quality: Providing Needed Explanation (be p. 228 112-3)

No. 1: Introduction to Matthew (si pp. 175-7111-10)

No. 2: Matthew 5:1 -20

No. 3: Why Do Humans Die? (rs pp. 98-9 H6)

No. 4: Ways In Which God's Holy Spirit Helps Us

Jan. 14 Bible reading: Matthew 7-11            Song 224

Speech Quality: How the Heart Is Involved (be p. 228 fl4-p. 229 fl 1)

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

No. 2: Matthew 10:1-23

No. 3: Why It Pays to Be Honest

No. 4: Where Are the Dead, and What Is Their Condition? (rs p, 99 fl7-p. 1011]4)

Jan. 21 Bible reading: Matthew 12-15           Song 133

Speech Quality: Informative to Your Audience (be p. 230

111-6)

No. 1: Read the Bible Daily (be p. 10 fl 1-p. 12fl 4)

No. 2: Matthew 14:1-22

No. 3: Why Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Not Share in Traditional Mourning Customs? (rs p. 102fll-p. 103112)

No. 4: What or Who Is the Antichrist?

Jan. 28 Bible reading: Matthew 16-21           Song 176

Speech Quality: Making a Talk Informative Through Research (be p. 231 fll-3)

No. 1: “Pay Attention to How You Listen” (be p. 13 m-p. 14H5)

No. 2: Matthew 17:1-20

No. 3: Responding to Incorrect Viewpoints About Death (rs p. 103 H3-p. 104H1)

Nd. 4: Things That Christians Hold Sacred

Feb. 4 Bible reading: Matthew 22-25            Song 151

Speech Quality: Explaining Scriptures (be p. 231714-5)

No. 1: Listening at Meetings and Assemblies (be p. 15 111-p. 16H5)

No. 2: Matthew 23:1-24

No. 3: Everlasting Life Will Not Be Boring

No. 4: Dreams—Inspired and Otherwise (rs pp. 104-6 H 3)

Feb. 11 Bible reading: Matthew 26-28           Song 110

Speech Quality: Explaining the Meaning of Terms (be p. 232 fll)

No. 1: Matthew—Why Beneficial (si pp. 180-1fl29-33)

No. 2: Matthew 27:1-22

No. 3: Wliy Exercising Faith Is More Than Just Believing

No. 4: Drugs—When Forbidden to Christians (rs pp. 106-8H1)

Feb. 18 Bible reading: Mark 1-4                Song 167

Speech Quality: Reasoning on Texts (be p. 232 T 2-4)

No. 1: Introduction to Mark (si pp. 181-3111-11)

No. 2: Mark 2:1-17

No. 3: Why Christians Avoid Marijuana (rs p. 108

H2-p. 109 U2)

No. 4: How Love Strengthens Courage

Feb. 25 Bible reading: Mark 5-8                Song 72

Speech Quality: Choosing Information That Will Benefit

Your Audience (be p. 233 fl 1-5)

Theocratic Ministry School Review

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

Speech Quality: Use of Assigned Material (be p. 234 111-p. 235 fl 3)

No. 1: You Can Improve Your Memory (be p. 17 fll-p. 19 fll)

No. 2: Mark 11:1-18

No. 3: Why God Cannot Lie

No. 4: Why Christians Avoid Tobacco (rs p. 109 fl3-p. Ill fl3)

Mar. 10 Bible reading: Mark 13-16               Song 87

Speech Quality: Effective Use of Questions (be p. 236 fl 1-5)

No. 1: Mark—Why Beneficial (si p. 1861J31-3)

No. 2: Mark 14:1-21

No. 3: Overcoming Bad Habits—How? (rs p. Ill fl4—p. 112 fl3)

No. 4: Why “Man's Wrath Does Not Work Out God's ___________Righteousness" (Jas. 1:20)_________________________

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

Speech Quality: Questions to Introduce Important Thoughts (be p. 237 fl 1-2)

No. 1: Introduction to Luke (si pp. 187-8 fl 1-9)

No. 2- Luke 1:1-23

No. 3: Why “Faith Apart From Works Is Inactive" (Jas. 2:20)

No. 4: Nations Will Not Frustrate God's Purpose Regarding Earth (rspp. 112-13115)

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

Speech Quality: Questions to Reason on a Subject (be p. 237 1|3-p. 238fl2)

No. 1: The Role of God’s Spirit in Remembering (be p. 19 fl2-p. 20113)

No. 2: Luke 4:1-21

No. 3: Will Jehovah Destroy the Earth by Fire? (rs p. 113 fl6-p. 115fll)

No. 4: The Fear of God Can Restrain Us From Sinning______

Mar. 31 Bible reading: Luke 7-9                Song 122

Speech Quality: Questions to Draw Out Inner Feelings (be p. 238 fl3-5)

No. 1: Why Apply Yourself to Reading? (be p. 21 fl 1-p. 23 fl 3)

No. 2: Luke 7:1-17

No. 3: Evidence That God Loves Us and Wants Us to Be Happy

No. 4: Members of New Jerusalem Are Not to Return to Earth After Wicked Are Destroyed (rs p. 115 __________fl2-p.H6fll)____________________________________

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

Speech Quality: Questions to Add Emphasis (be p. 239 fl 1-2)

Nb. 1: How to Apply Yourself to Reading (be p. 23 fl4-p. 26 fl5)

No. 2: Luke 11:37-54

No. 3: Has God’s Purpose for the Earth Changed? (rs p. 116 fl2-p. U7fl2)

No. 4: How Are We to Understand Revelation 17:17?

Apr. 14 Bible reading: Luke 13-17                Song 86

Speech Quality: Questions to Expose Wrong Thinking (be p. 239 fl3-5)

No. 1: How to Study (be p. 27 fll-p. 31 fl2)

No. 2: Luke 16:1-15

No. 3: What God’s Law on Gleaning Teaches Us (Lev. 19:9,10)

No. 4: How Can We Encourage Sick Ones? (rs pp. 117-18 fl 1)

Apr. 21 Bible reading: Luke 18-21               Song 182

Speech Quality: Similes and Metaphors That Teach (be p. 240fll-p. 241 fll)

No. 1: Luke—Why Beneficial (si pp. 192-31130-5)

No. 2: Luke 18:1-17

No. 3: How We Can Encourage Bereaved Ones (rs p. 118 fl 2-6)

No. 4: What It Means to ‘Keep Free From Murmurings' _____________(Phil. 2:14)_______________________________________________

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

Speech Quality: Using Examples (be p. 241 fl 2-4)

Theocratic Ministry School Review

May 5 Bible reading: John 1-4                  Song 31

Speech Quality: Examples in Scripture (be p. 242 fl 1-2)

No. 1: Introduction to John (si pp. 193-5 fl 1-9)

No. 2: John 3:1-21

No. 3: What We Learn From David’s Refusal to Have King Saul Killed

No. 4: Encouragement for Those Persecuted for Doing God’s Wlll(rsp. 118fl7-p. I19fl4)

May 12 Bible reading: Jolin 5-7                 Song 150

Speech Quality: Will It Be Understood? (be p. 242

fl3-p.243fll)

No. 1: Study Is Rewarding (be p. 31 fl 3-p. 32 fl 4)

No. 2: John 6:1-21

No. 3: What the Account About Ananias and Sapphlra Teaches Us

No. 4: How Can You Encourage Those Disheartened by Injustices? (rs p. 119 fl5-p. 120 fl2)

May 19 Bible reading: John 8-11               Song 102

Speech Quality: Illustrations From Familiar Situations (be p. 244 fl 1-2)

No. 1: How to Do Research With the Bible (be p. 33 fll-p. 35fl2)

No. 2: John 11:38-57

No. 3: What Encouragement for Those Pressed by Economic Problems? (rs p. 120 fl 3-7)

No. 4: Since It Was Not Possible to Enforce the Tenth Commandment, Why Was It Given?

May 26 Bible reading: John 12-16                Song 3

Speech Quality: Illustrations Appropriate for Your Audience (be p. 244 fl3-p. 245 fl4)

No. 1: Learning to Use Other Research Tools (be p. 35 fl3-p. 38fl4)

No. 2: John 12:1-19

No. 3: Encouragement for Those Disheartened by Shortcomings (rs p. 120 fl8-p. 121 fl 3)

No. 4: How We Throw Our Burden Upon Jehovah (Ps, 55:22)

June 2 Bible reading: John 17-21               Song 198

Speech Quality: Effective Use of Visual Aids (be p. 247 fl 1-2)

No. 1: John—Why Beneficial (si pp. 198-9 fl30-5)

No. 2: John 21:1-14

No. 3: Why Believe in God. Whom We Cannot See?

No. 4: Evolution—A Scientific Dilemma (rs pp. 121-3 fl 1)

June 9 Bible reading: Acts 1-4                  Song 92

Speech Quality: How Jesus Employed Visual Aids (be p. 247 fl3)

No. 1: Introduction to Acts (si pp. 199-200 fl 1-8)

No. 2: Acts 1:1-14

No. 3: Evolution, the Fossil Record, and Reasonableness (rs p. 123fl2-p. 126 fl2)

Nb. 4: What Does "Freeness of Speech” Involve? (Heb. 3:6)

June 16 Bible reading: Acts 5-7                  Song 2

Speech Quality: Ways to Employ Visual Aids (be p. 248 fl 1-3)

Nb. 1: Making an Outline (be pp. 39-42)

Nb. 2: Acts 5:1-16

No. 3: Responding to Assertions by Evolutionists (rs p. 126 fl 3-p. 128 fl 3)

No. 4: Why Is the Fear of Jehovah the Beginning of Wisdom? (Ps. 111:10)

June 23 Bible reading: Acts 8-10                Song 116

Speech Quality: Using Maps, Printed Assembly Programs, and Videos (be p. 248 fl4-p. 249 fl2)

No. 1: Preparing Student Assignments for the School (be p. 43 fll-p. 44 fl3)

No. 2: Acts 8:1-17

No. 3: How Jesus Will “Deliver the Poor One” (Ps. 72:12)

No. 4: Why Many People Lack Faith (rs pp. 129-30 fl 2)

June 30 Bible reading: Acts 11-14               Song 79

Speech Quality: Using Visual Aids for Larger Groups (be p. 249 fl 3-p. 250 fl 1)

Theocratic Ministry School Review

July 7 Bible reading: Acts 15-17                 Song 203

Speech Quality: Why a Reasoning Manner Is Important (be p. 251 fl 1-3)

No. 1: Working With a Subject and a Setting (be p. 44

fl4-p. 46fl2)

No. 2: Acts 16:1-15

No. 3: Reasons for Serving Jehovah Fearlessly

No. 4: How Can a Person Acquire Faith? (rs p. 130 fl3-p. 131 fl3)

July 14 Bible reading: Acts 18-21                 Song 32

Speech Quality: Where to Begin (be p. 251 fl4-p. 252 fl3)

No. 1: Preparing Talks for the Congregation (be p. 47 fll-P-49 fl 1)

No. 2: Acts 20:1-16

Nb. 3: Faith in Prospect of Righteous New System Proved by Works (rs p. 131 fl5-p. 132 fl2)

No. 4: What Can We Learn From the Prohibition Found at Exodus 23:19b?

July 21 Bible reading: Acts 22-25                Song 200

Speech Quality: When to Yield (be p. 252 fl4-p. 253 fl2)

No. 1: Preparing Service Meeting Parts and Other Talks (be p. 49fl2-p. 5112)

No. 2: Acts 22:1-16

No. 3: In What Ways Do Jehovah's Witnesses Fulfill John 13: 34,35?

No. 4: How Can False Prophets Be Identified? (rs pp. 132-4 fl2)

July 28 Bible reading: Acts 26-28                 Song 29

Speech Quality: Asking Questions and Giving Reasons (be p. 253 fl3-p. 254 fl2)

Nb. 1: Acts—Why Beneficial (si pp. 204-5 fl 32-40)

No. 2: Acts 26:1-18

Nb. 3: True Prophets Did Not Always Understand How and When Things Foretold Would Happen (rs p. 134 fl3-8)

No. 4: Why Jehovah Shows Patience

Aug. 4 Bible reading: Romans 1-4              Song 170

Speech Quality: Sound Arguments Based Firmly on God’s Word (be p. 255 fll-p. 256 fl2)

No. 1: Introduction to Romans (si pp. 205-6 fl 1-7)

No. 2: Romans 3:1-20

No. 3: How Angels Protect and Strengthen God’s Servants

No. 4: Jehovah’s Witnesses Promote True Worship (rs p. 135 fl 1-2)

Aug. 11 Bible reading: Romans 5-8             Song 207

Speech Quality: Support Arguments by Corroborative Evidence (be p. 256 fl 3-5)

No. 1: Preparing Discourses for the Public (be p. 52 fll-P-54fll)

No. 2: Romans 6:1-20

No. 3: Jehovah’s Witnesses Identified by Fruits Produced (rs p. 135fl3-p. 137fll)

Nb. 4: How Righteousness Can Protect Us

Aug. 18 Bible reading: Romans 9-12            Song 152

Speech Quality: Presenting Sufficient Evidence (be p. 256 fl6-p. 257fl3)

No. 1: Romans—Why Beneficial (si pp. 208-9 fl 20-5)

No. 2: Romans 9:1-18

No. 3: What Are the Dangers of Gossiping and Spreading Rumors?

No. 4: Responding to Those Who Call Us False Prophets (rs p. 137 fl 2^4)

Aug. 25 Bible reading: Romans 13-16            Song 16

Speech Quality: Effort to Reach the Heart (be p. 258 fl 1-5)

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Sept. 1 Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 1-9         Song 199

Speech Quality: Drawing People Out (be p. 259 fl 1-3)

No. 1: Introduction to 1 Corinthians (si pp. 210-11 fl 1-7)

No. 2: 1 Corinthians 4:1-17

No. 3: God Does Not Predestinate When Each Person Will Die(rsp. 138fll-3)

No. 4: Is Having Material Riches Evidence of God's Blessing?

Sept. 8 Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 10-16 Song 35

Speech Quality: Stirring Up Beneficial Feelings (be p. 259 1)4-p. 260H1)

No. 1: 1 Corinthians—Why Beneficial (si pp. 213-141123-6)

No. 2: 1 Corinthians 13:1-14:6

No. 3: Why Doers of the Word Are Happy

No. 4: Not Everything That Happens Is God's Will (rs p. 139 111-P-140112)

Sept. 15 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 1-7         Song 58

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Cultivate Godly Fear (be p. 2601|2-3)

Nb. 1: Introduction to 2 Corinthians (si p. 214 fl 1-4)

No. 2: 2 Corinthians 1:1-14

No. 3: God Does Not Foreknow and Foreordain Everything (rs p. 140113-5)

No. 4: Why True Christians Rejoice When Persecuted

Sept. 22 Bible reading: 2 Corinthians 8-13 Song 12

Speech Quality: Our Conduct Matters to God (be p. 260 1]4-p. 261 fl 1)

No. 1: 2 Corinthians—Why Beneficial (si pp. 216-17 fl 18-20)

No. 2: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

No. 3: Why True Christians Are No Part of the World

No. 4: God’s Ability to Foreknow and Foreordain Events (rs _____________p. 141 fl 1-4)______________________________________________

Sept 29 Bible reading: Galatians 1-6           Song 163

Speech Quality: Helping Others to Make an Examination (be p. 261112-4)

Nb. 1: Introduction to Galatians and Why Beneficial (si pp. 217-20 fl 1-6,14-18)

No. 2: Galatians 1:1-17

No. 3: Why God Did Not Exercise His Foreknowledge Regarding Adam (rs p. 142 fl 1-3)

Nb. 4: How Love Can Conquer Fear of Man

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

Speech Quality: Promoting Heartfelt Obedience (be p. 262 111-4)

No. 1: Introduction to Ephesians and Why Beneficial (si pp. 220-3 fl 1-8,16-19)

No. 2: Ephesians 3:1-19

No. 3: It Is Not a Sign of Weakness to Apologize

No. 4: God Did Not Predestinate Jacob, Esau, or Judas (rs p. 142 fl 4-p. 143 fl 2)

Oct. 13 Bible reading: Philippians 1-Colossians 4

Song 123

Speech Quality: Cooperating With Jehovah in Reaching People’s Hearts (be p. 262 fl 5)

No. 1: Introduction to Philippians and Why Beneficial (si pp. 223-5fll-7,12-14)

No. 2: Philippians 3:1-16

No. 3: In What Way Was the Christian Congregation Predestinated? (rs p. 143 fl3-p. 144 fl 1)

No. 4: ¹ Colosslans—Why Beneficial (si p, 228 fl 12-14)

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

Song 161

Speech Quality: Achieving Good Timing (be p. 263 fl 1-p. 264fl4)

No. 1: Introduction to 1 and 2 Thessalonians and Why Beneficial (Si pp. 229-31 fll-5,13-15; pp. 232-3 fll-4,10-11)

No. 2: 1 Thessalonians 11-2:8

No. 3: What Is the Scriptural View of Astrology? (rs p. 144 1)2—p. 145fl2)

No. 4: ¹1 and 2 Timothy—Why Beneficial (si pp. 236-7 fl 15-19: pp. 238-9 fl 10-12)

Oct. 27 Bible reading: 1 Timothy 1-2 Timothy 4 Song 69

Speech Quality: Effective Exhortation (be p. 265 fl 1 -3)

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Nov. 3 Bible reading: Titus 1-Philemon         Song 149

Speech Quality: Exhorting on the Basis of Love (be p. 266 fll-4)

No. 1: Introduction to Titus and Why Beneficial (si pp. 239-41 fl 1-4,8-10)

No. 2: Titus 1:1-16

No. 3: What Are Some Sound Reasons for Believing in God? (rs pp. 145-6 fl5)

No. 4: ¹ Philemon—Why Beneficial (si pp. 242-31)7-10)

Nov. 10 Bible reading: Hebrews 1-8             Song 144

Speech Quality: Exhortation Rooted in Scripture (be p. 267 fl 1-2)

No. 1: Introduction to Hebrews (si pp. 243-4 fl 1-9)

No. 2: Hebrews 3:1-19

No. 3: Wickedness and Suffering Do Not Disprove God’s Existence (rs p. 146 fl6-p. 147 fll)

No. 4: The Differences Between True and False Humility

Nov. 17 Bible reading: Hebrews 9-13             Song 28

Speech Quality: Having Freeness of Speech (be p. 267 fl 3-4)

No. 1: Hebrews—Why Beneficial (si p. 247 fl 23-7)

No. 2: Hebrews 10:1-17

No. 3: God Is a Real Person With Feelings (rs p. 147 fl2-p. 148fl3)

No. 4: How Forgiveness Promotes Unity__________________

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

Speech Quality: Why It Is Important to Be Encouraging (be p. 268 fl 1-3)

No. 1: Introduction to James and Why Beneficial (si pp. 24850 fl 1-7,15-17)

No. 2: James 1:1-21

No. 3: God Had No Beginning (rs p. 148 fl4-7)

No. 4: How “Mercy Exults Triumphantly Over Judgment” (Jas. 2:13)

Dec. 1 Bible reading: 1 Peter 1-2 Peter 3          Song 18

Speech Quality: Calling to Mind What Jehovah Has Done (be p. 268 fl4-p. 269fl2)

No. 1: Introduction to 1 Peter and Why Beneficial (si pp. 251-3 fll-5.11-13)

No. 2: 1 Peter 2:1-17

No. 3: Use of God's Name Essential for Salvation (rs p. 149 fll-4)

No. 4: ¹ 2 Peter—Why Beneficial (si p. 2551)8-10)

Dec. 8 Bible reading: 1 John 1-Jude             Song 50

Speech Quality: Showing How Jehovah Has Helped His People (be p. 2691)3-5)

No. 1: Introduction to 1,2, and 3 John and Why Beneficial (Si pp. 256-8 fll-5,11-13; p. 259 fl 1-3, 5; pp. 260-1 fl 1-3,5)

No. 2: 1 John 4:1-16

No. 3: Are Afi Religions Good? (rs p. 149 fl5-8)

No. 4: ¹ Jude—Why Beneficial (si pp. 262-3 fl 8-10)

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

Speech Quality: Showing Delight In What God Is Doing Now (be p. 270 fl 1-p. 2711)2)

No. 1: Introduction to Revelation (si pp. 263-4 fl 1-6)

No. 2: Revelation 3:1-13

No. 3: What Kind of “God” Is Jesus? (rs p. 150 fl 1-2)

No. 4: Why Patience and Mercy Have Limits

Dec. 22 Bible reading: Revelation 7-14           Song 21

Speech Quality: Benefit Fully From the Theocratic Ministry School (be p. 5 fl 1-p. 8 fl 1)

No. 1: Revelation—wiiy Beneficial (si pp. 268-9 fl28-34)

No. 2: Revelation 8:1-13

No. 3: Responding to Objections About Belief in God (rs p. 150 fl3-p. 151 fl 3)

No. 4: What Is Meant by the Phrase "God Is Greater Than Our Hearts"? (1 John 3:20)

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

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

Theocratic Ministry School Review

Announcements

■ Literature offer for October 1-19: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present and discuss the tract Would You Like to Know More About the Bible? with a view to starting a Bible study. October 20-November 16: Special campaign distribution of the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? November 17-30: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies. December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If individuals say they have children, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January 2009: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book printed on paper that discolors or any book published prior to 1992 with the exception of Creation, Greatest Man, Mankind’s Search for God, and Young People Ask.

■ Since November has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

■ Note to presiding overseer and Theocratic Ministry School overseer: The new congregation meeting schedule begins the week of December 29, 2008, and this adjusted schedule will be noted as such in the December 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry. When conducting the Theocratic Ministry School Review for that week, be sure to adhere to the instructions under Theocratic Ministry School Review in the Theocratic Ministry School Schedule for 2009. There will be no consideration of a speech quality on that evening.

■ The video program No Blood —Medicine Meets the Challenge will be considered at a Service Meeting in January. If needed, copies should be requested through the congregation as soon as possible.

THEOCRATIC MINISTRY SCHOOL REVIEW

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning October 27, 2008. The school overseer will conduct a 30-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of September 1 through October 27, 2008.

SPEECH QUALITIES

• 1. How can we find out why other people believe as they do? [be p. 259 pars. 1, 2]

• 2. How might we help a person to remove prejudice or hatred from his heart? [be p. 260 par. 2]

• 3. How might we assist our students to examine their own heart with a view to continued spiritual growth? [be p. 261 par. 3]

• 4. What should we bear in mind as we strive to reach the heart of our listeners? [be p. 262 par. 5]

• 5. Why should we give attention to timing at congregation meetings? [be p. 263 pars. 1,3, box]

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1

• 6. What moved Paul to write his first letter to the Corinthians? [si p. 210 par. 3]

• 7. What were some of the reasons for Paul’s writing his second letter to the Corinthians? [si p. 214 pars. 1-2]

• 8. What view should Christians have of the ministry? [si pp. 216-217 par. 18]

• 9. How can we today, like the brothers at Philippi, gain God’s approval and become a joy to our brothers? [si p. 225 par. 12]

• 10. What positive effects did Paul and his companions have on the congregation in Thessalonica? [si p. 231 par. 13]

WEEKLY BIBLE READING

• 11. What does it mean to “hand [the wicked] man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, in order that the spirit may be saved”? (1 Cor. 5:5) [w08 7/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Letters to the Corinthians”]

• 12. How “often” is Jesus’ death to be commemorated, and “until” when? (1 Cor. 11:26) [w08 7/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Letters to the Corinthians”]

• 13. What vision does 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 mention, and who likely had it? [w04 10/15 p. 8 par. 4; p. 10 par. 9]

• 14. Why did Paul liken the Law of Moses to a “tutor leading to Christ”? (Gal. 3:24) [w08 3/1 pp. 18-21]

• 15. What did Paul mean when he prayed that “the spirit and soul and body of you brothers be preserved”? (1 Thess. 5:23) [w08 9/15 “Jehovah’s Word Is Alive—Highlights From the Letters to the Thessalonians and to Timothy”]

Personal and Family Bible Study Are Vital!

^lAs in the first century, the Governing Body has deep concern for the welfare of Jehovah’s people. (Acts 15:6, 28) As the dark clouds of the great tribulation draw closer, it is vital that every Kingdom publisher have a solid relationship with Jehovah. How will you use the time previously allocated to the Congregation Book Study? All are encouraged to use this time for family worship. Wise use of this time will permit us to dig deeper into God’s inspired Word and draw from its life-giving waters.—Ps. 1:1-3; Rom. 11:33,34.

• ² Family Worship Evening: Family heads are encouraged to shoulder their responsibility before Jehovah to ensure that a meaningful, regular program of family Bible study is followed. (Deut. 6: 6, 7) Single brothers and sisters with no family responsibilities will be able to use this time for personal Bible study and research. It is vital for all of us to ‘buy out the opportune time’ for study and meditation in order to maintain the spiritual strength needed in the face of ‘wicked days.’ —Eph. 5:15,16.

• ³ What to Consider: The Watch Tower Publications Index or Watchtower Library on

• 1. What special concern does the Governing Body have for us at this time, and why so?

• 2. How might our personal family worship evening be arranged?

• 3, 4. What suggestions are offered as to material that we may use, and with what focus in mind?

CD-ROM can help you locate information that will make your Bible study periods a delight. Families may consider articles from The Watchtower, such as the regular features “Keys to Family Happiness,” “Teach Your Children,” and “For Our Young People.” Also, Awake! contains the “Young People Ask” series and fascinating articles about the wonders of creation.

• ⁴ Unhurried Bible reading can impress godly principles and lessons on the minds and hearts of all in the family. (Heb. 4:12) On other occasions, you might watch and discuss one of the videos produced by the organization. There is ample opportunity for ingenuity and creativity. Why not ask your family members what they would enjoy?

^sWhy Important Now: Strengthening our spirituality will prepare us to “stand firm and see the salvation of Jehovah.” (Ex. 14:13) Parents need divine guidance for raising children “in among a crooked and twisted generation.” (Phil. 2:15) Children need help to deal with the deteriorating moral climate in schools today. (Prov. 22:3, 6) Couples do well to strengthen their “threefold cord” with Jehovah. (Eccl. 4:12) Let us, then, make wise use of the time remaining to build ourselves up on our “most holy faith”!—Jude 20.

• 5 . Why is personal and family Bible study so important in our life now?

""Watchtower oct. 1

Announcing Jbhovam** Kingdom

“Experts recognize the importance of the father’s role in family life. What do you think makes a good father? [Allow for response.] Jesus stressed how the example of his Father helped him. [Read John 5:19.] This article isolates six important aspects of a father’s role.” Feature the article that begins on page 18.

Awake! Oct.

“People of various religions have conflicting views about the true nature of God. But how did the Son of God describe Him? Notice Jesus’ words at John 4: 24. [Read.] In just two pages, this article presents the Bible’s viewpoint on the question, “What is the nature of God?” Feature the article on pages 24 and 25.

"■Watchtower. Nov. 1

ANNOUNCING JtMOVAH-t KINGDOM

“Many people are unable to reconcile their belief in a loving God with the teaching of eternal torment. What are your thoughts? [Allow for response.] The Bible clearly teaches that God is not malicious or vindictive. [Read Ezekiel 18:23.] You will appreciate the Scriptural reasoning presented in this magazine.”

Awake! Nov.

“People often associate success with fame, fortune, or power. How would you define success? [Allow for response.] Note what leads to success according to the Bible. [Read Psalm 1:1-3.] This article discusses six keys to success.” Highlight the article that begins on page 6.

8

¹

Assign to brothers only, preferably elders or ministerial servants.