Our Kingdom n

APRIL2009

WEEK STARTING APRIL 13

Song 38

□ Congregation Bible Study:

Iv app. from subheading on p. 207 to subheading on p.209

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 11-14

No. 1: Exodus 12:21-36

No. 2: Why We Should Forgive

(/rchap. 14)

No. 3: Difference Between Cures of Jesus and His Apostles and Those of Today (rsp.157514—p. 1581J2)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 125

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Review progress of special day for offering Bible studies. Relate one or two local experiences.

10 min: Be Tactful When Witnessing. Audience discussion based on information under subheading at bottom of page 197 of the Ministry School book. Demonstrate how a publisher might respond when a householder raises a common objection.

10 min: "Preaching Keeps Us Spiritually Strong." Question-and-answer discussion. Song 5

Preaching Keeps Us Spiritually Strong

¹ Having an active share in the preaching work can strengthen us spiritually and increase our happiness. Of course, we en-

• 1. What benefit does the preaching work give us?

gage in the ministry primarily to please Jehovah. However, by obeying the command to "preach the word," we receive Jehovah's blessings and also benefit ourselves in other ways. (2 Tim. 4:2; Isa. 48:17, 18) Just how can preaching strengthen us and make us happy?

• ² We Are Strengthened and Blessed: Preaching encourages us to focus on Kingdom blessings rather than present troubles. (2 Cor. 4:18) Explaining Bible teachings strengthens our faith in Jehovah's promises and builds our appreciation for the truth. (Isa. 65:13,14) As we help others to grow spiritually so as to be "no part of the world," we strengthen our own stand of separateness from the world.—John 17: 14, 16; Rom. 12:2.

• ³ Participating in the ministry helps us to cultivate Christian qualities. For example, endeavoring to "become all things to people of all sorts" assists us to develop greater humility. (1 Cor. 9:19-23) As we talk to those who are "skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd," we are inclined to learn sympathy and empathy. (Matt. 9:36) We learn endurance when we persevere despite apathy or opposition. Our joy is increased by giving of ourselves in behalf of others—Acts 20:35.

• ⁴ What a blessing to have a ministry that gives praise to the only One deserving of our worship! The ministry strengthens us. It brings abundant blessings to those who are completely absorbed in 'bearing thorough witness to the good news.'—Acts 20:24.

• 2. In what ways does the ministry strengthen us?

• 3. How does our ministry help us cultivate Christian qualities?

• 4. How do you feel about your ministry?

  For United States of America

  
  

  km09 04-E Us Vol. 52, No. 4

  
  

WEEK STARTING APRIL 20

Song 8

• □ Congregation Bible Study:

/v chap. 41J1 -11

• □ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 15-18

No. 1: Exodus 15:1-19

No. 2: What Is Involved in Keeping Clear of False Worship?

No. 3: A Lesson on Being Kind (/rchap. 15)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 49

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Evidence of the Bible's Inspiration. Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, pages 60-64.

10 min: Prepare to Offer the May 1 Watchtower and the May Awake! Ask the audience which articles may be most appealing locally and why. Demonstrate how each magazine might be offered in the local territory. In one of the demonstrations, show how a study might be started on the return visit.—See km 8/07 p. 3.

10 min: "Teach Those With Limited Reading Skills." When considering paragraph 3, have a brief demonstration of a pioneer making good use of a picture in the study publication.

Song 170

Teach Those With Limited Reading Skills

• ¹ While engaging in our ministry, we occasionally encounter the challenge of teaching the truth to people who have difficulty reading. What can we do?

• ² Respect Their Dignity: It is a person's heart condition, not his secular education, that matters to Jehovah. (1 Sam. 16:7; Prov. 21:2) Therefore, we do not look down on those with limited reading ability. Such ones

• 1. What challenge may we encounter in the ministry?

• 2. How and why do we accord dignity to those with limited reading skills?

will be more likely to accept our help when we demonstrate respect and patience. (1 Pet. 3:15) That may involve not insisting that the person read a text or a paragraph. As a person progresses in learning precious Bible truths, he may become more eager to improve his reading ability so as to experience the joy of reading God's Word "in an undertone day and night."—Ps. 1:2, 3.

• ³ Teaching Methods on Bible Studies: Pictures are an excellent teaching and memory aid. You might ask the student his observation about a picture in the publication you are using. Then use specific questions to help him understand what the picture teaches. Use scriptures that teach certain points of the picture. The pictures may also be used to review the lesson. Do not cover too much material at one time. Emphasize the theme and the main points of the lesson, and avoid introducing outside material. Read the scriptures directly from the Bible, and use questions to make sure the student understands what was read. This may increase his desire to improve his reading skills so as to search for more Bible truths on his own.

• ⁴ Aids to Improve Reading: People with limited reading skills or who have had little opportunity to learn to read fluently may understand and retain information very well. You might encourage such ones to use available audio recordings of our publications. Listening closely to the reader while following along in the printed copy, even repeating the words in an undertone, will help the person to improve in his reading skills. He may also find the brochure Apply Yourself to Reading and Writing to be helpful. In some areas, the elders may also arrange reading classes in the congregation. These practical suggestions may assist us in helping those with limited reading skills to understand "the holy writings," which are able to make them wise for salvation.—2 Tim. 3:15.

• 3. What teaching methods may be used to teach those with limited reading ability?

• 4. How may we help our student to improve his reading ability?

  c 2009 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. Pattenon, 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.

  
  

WEEK STARTING APRIL 27

Song 122

• □ Congregation Bible Study:

/vchap. 41J12-21, box on p. 42

• □ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 19-22

Theocratic Ministry School Review

• □ Service Meeting:

Song 195

5 min: Announcements.

5 min: Review Question Box.

25 min: "Are You Prepared for a Spiritual Banquet?" To be handled by the congregation secretary. Mention the convention to which the congregation is assigned. Review "District Convention Reminders." With paragraph 7, take a moment to discuss reminders from the March 6, 2008, letter and the brochure Dress and Grooming for Visitors Touring Bethel, since the principles therein apply.

Song 55

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 27, 2009. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 2 through April 27, 2009.

• 1. How did Joseph deal with a daily temptation that arose around him? (Gen. 39:7-12) [/v p. 105 par. 18-p. 106 par. 20]

• 2. What Biblical light is there regarding birthday celebrations? (Gen. 40:20-22) [Iv p. 150 par. 9-p. 151 par. 11]

• 3. How is Joseph an excellent example in forgiving those who have sinned against us? (Gen. 45:4, 5) [w99 1/1 p. 31 pars. 2-3]

• 4. What was the effect of Joseph's saying: "You must take my bones up out of here"? (Gen. 50:25) [w07 6/1 p. 28 par. 10]

• 5. What can give us confidence when we receive a challenging assignment? (Ex. 4:10,13) [w04 3/15 p. 25 par. 4]

• 6. What resulted from the way Jehovah dealt with Pharaoh, and how should those events affect us? (Ex. 9:13-16) [w05 5/15 p. 21 par. 8]

• 7. What meaning does Exodus 14:30, 31 have for our day? [w04 3/15 p. 26 par. 5]

• 8. As can be seen from Exodus 16:1-3, what dangers are there in complaining? [w93 3/15 p. 20 par. 2-p. 21 par. 2]

• 9. In accord with the terms of the Law Covenant stated at Exodus 19:5, 6, to what extent could it be said that Israel was "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation"? [w95 7/1 p. 16 par. 8]

• 10. In what way does the tenth commandment regarding covetousness transcend man-made laws? (Ex. 20: 17) [w06 6/15 p. 23-24 par. 16]

  km09 04-E Us

  
  

  Our Kingdom Ministry, April 2009

  
  

QUESTION BOX___________

■ Is it appropriate for congregations or individuals to use the logos of legal corporations used by Jehovah's Witnesses?

A logo is a name, symbol, or trademark designed for easy and definite recognition. The Watch Tower logo is representative of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and other corporations used by the organization. The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses uses an open Bible in its letterhead. Other corporations used by Jehovah's Witnesses have different logos.

Congregations or individuals should not use logos or names of the organization's legal entities, or variations thereof, on their Kingdom Halls, signs, letterhead, personal objects, and so forth. Such use of the organization's logos may cause confusion for public officials, publishers, and others about the legal affiliation of the congregation with the organization's legal entities. Similarly, written correspondence could be misinterpreted as being approved or sent from the world headquarters or the branch office.

The Watch Tower logo, or a variation of it, should not be used in future Kingdom Hall projects even if the Kingdom Hall is owned by a Watch Tower entity. Congregations with existing Kingdom Halls that bear a logo are not required to make immediate changes to signs or designs, since such changes may involve major alterations and much time, effort, and expense. However, consideration should be given to making a change if it would be minor and would not require extensive work. Otherwise it can be made when the building or sign is scheduled for renovation.

Are You Prepared for a Spiritual Banquet?

¹ A banquet requires much preparation. Food items have to be obtained, tastefully prepared, and then presented. The serving of the meal needs to be organized. In addition, the place where the meal will be eaten must be made ready. Guests must also prepare, especially if they will travel some distance to get there. Though much work is involved, enjoying a delicious, nourishing meal with friends and family makes it all worthwhile. Soon Jehovah's Witnesses earth wide will come together in groups large and small to enjoy a much anticipated spiritual feast—the "Keep on the Watch!" District Convention. Much work has already gone into preparing the program and getting things

• 1. What type of preparation is involved for a banquet? ready. We have all been invited. In order to be in attendance and gain the most benefit, we too must prepare personally. —Prov. 21:5.

• ² Get the Most Benefit: Have you finalized your plans so that you can be present at each course of this spiritual banquet? If necessary, speak with your employer to inform him that you will be attending all sessions of your convention, including the first day. Have you finalized arrangements for transportation and lodging? Elders should verify that the elderly and infirm as well as others who may need assistance have been cared for.—Jer. 23:4; Gal. 6:10.

• ³ Some areas will enjoy international

• 2. Being present for each course of our spiritual banquet requires what?

• 3. Why should we not attend an international convention to which we were not invited? conventions. Keep in mind that specific congregations and foreign delegates have been invited to these events. In making these arrangements, the branch office has carefully calculated how many to invite, considering the number of seats and hotel rooms available. Overcrowding may occur if publishers attend an international convention to which they have not been invited.

• ⁴ Prepare to arrive at the convention early enough each day to find a seat before the program begins. Use a few minutes before the session begins to look over the printed program. This will help you to prepare your heart for the information to be presented. (Ezra 7:10) When the session chairman introduces a musical interlude, enjoy listening to it and then be ready to share in the opening song and prayer.

• ⁵ If family members sit together during the convention, parents will be able to make sure that their children are listening closely to the program. (Deut. 31:12) All are encouraged to follow along in their Bible as scriptures are read. Taking brief notes may help you to pay close attention. Later, your notes will help you recall the main points of the talks. Resist the temptation to talk needlessly during the session or to leave your seat. If you have a cell phone, do not allow it to distract you or others during the program. After each day's sessions, why not discuss with others what you appreciated from the program?

• ⁶ At the district convention, we have the opportunity to enjoy a unique bond with our brothers and sisters that is not experienced in the world. (Ps. 133:1-3; Mark 10: 29, 30) Why not make it a point to introduce yourself to those sitting near you

• 4. What reminders will help us to be ready for the start of the program each day?

• 5. How may our family get the most benefit from the program?

• 6. What is an outstanding aspect of our conventions, and how may we enjoy it to the full? and converse with them during the lunch break? This is one of the advantages of bringing a light lunch and remaining at the convention facility rather than going outside to a restaurant. Make sure not to miss out on such an opportunity for an interchange of encouragement.—Rom. 1: 11, 12.

• ⁷ Dress: It is noteworthy that Jehovah commanded the Israelites to make fringed edges on the skirts of their garments, with a blue string above the fringe. (Num. 15:37-41) This was a visual reminder that they were a people set apart to worship Jehovah. Today, our dignified, modest dress worn when at the convention sets us apart from the world. It serves as a powerful witness to onlookers even when we may go out to eat after the program. Therefore, give careful advance thought to the clothing you will wear.

• ⁸ Give a Witness: With a little forethought, we may be able to witness to people while in the convention city. One brother who went to a restaurant with his wife after the program simply pointed to his convention badge and asked the waiter: "Have you seen many people wearing these badges?" The waiter said that he had noticed them and wondered what they were about. This led to a conversation, and the brother invited the waiter to the convention.

• ⁹ Though our brothers will present all the talks, interviews, and demonstrations, it is our heavenly Father, Jehovah, who is the loving Provider of this yearly spiritual banquet. (Isa. 65:13, 14) We demonstrate appreciation to our Host by being present each day and savoring every morsel of spiritual food that is served. Have you finalized your preparations to do so?

• 7. What preparations should we make regarding the clothing we will wear?

• 8. How may we witness to others while at the convention city?

• 9. How can we demonstrate appreciation to our Host, Jehovah?

District Convention Reminders

• ■ Program Times: The program will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. When the introductory music is announced, all of us should be at our seats so that the program can begin in a dignified manner. The program will conclude at 4:55 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. For international conventions, the program for Thursday will begin at 1:20 p.m. and conclude at 4:45 p.m.

• ■ Parking: At all convention sites where we control the parking, the spaces will be made available to attendees at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Only persons who have a state-approved disabled license plate or placard will be allowed to park in the area reserved for the disabled. Since parking space is usually limited, carpooling should be done to the extent possible.

• ■ Seat Saving: Seats may be saved only for those traveling with you in the same vehicle or living with you in the same home.

• ■ Noon Meal: Please bring a lunch rather than leave the convention site to obtain a meal during the noon break. A small cooler that can be placed under a seat may be used. Large family-size picnic coolers and glass containers are not permitted in the convention facility.

• ■ Donations: We can show our appreciation for the convention arrangements by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at our Kingdom Hall or at the convention. Any checks contributed at the convention should be made payable to "Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses."

• ■ Accidents and Emergencies: Emergency-response services receive many cell-phone calls over minor matters. If a medical emergency arises at the convention site, please contact a nearby attendant, who will immediately notify First Aid so that our qualified first-aid personnel on-site can assess the seriousness of the situation and render assistance. If it is necessary, our first-aid personnel will call 911.

• ■ Footwear: Each year a number of injuries occur that are related to footwear. It is best to choose modest, well-fitting shoes that will allow one to walk safely on stairs, gratings, and so forth.

• ■ Hearing Impaired: The program will be broadcast in the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. To use this provision, you will need to bring a small battery-operated FM receiver with earphones.

• ■ Recording: Recording devices should not be connected to the facility's electric or sound system and may only be used in a way that does not disturb others.

• ■ Baby Strollers and Lawn Chairs: Baby strollers and lawn chairs should not be brought to the convention site. However, child-safety seats that can be secured in a seat next to the parents are acceptable.

• ■ Fragrances: Most conventions take place in enclosed areas with mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it would be a kindness for us to limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, and perfumes that may cause reactions in persons with respiratory or related problems—1 Cor. 10:24.

• ■ Follow-Up Forms: A Please Follow Up (S-43) form should be used to provide information regarding any interest from informal witnessing during the convention. Publishers should bring one or two follow-up forms to the convention. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room for handling or to your congregation secretary upon your return.—See the February 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry, p. 6.

• ■ Restaurants: Honor Jehovah's name by your fine conduct at restaurants. In many places, it is customary to leave a 15 to 20 percent tip, depending on the service.

• ■ Hotels: (1) Please do not reserve more rooms than you will actually use, and do not have more people stay in your room than what is allowed. (2) If you must cancel your reservation, notify the hotel immediately. (3) Take a luggage cart only when you are ready to use it, and return it immediately so that others may use it. (4) Do not cook in rooms where cooking is not permitted. (5) Leave a tip for the housekeeper each day. (6) Do not abuse any complimentary breakfast, coffee, or ice provisions that are made available for guests to use while they are at the hotel. (7) Display the fruitage of the spirit in dealing with the hotel staff at all times. They are caring for a large number of guests and appreciate our kindness, patience, and reasonableness. (8) The room rate shown on the Recommended Lodging List is the full price per day, excluding tax. If you are overcharged or billed for things you did not request or use, refuse these charges and inform the Rooming Department at the convention as soon as possible. (9) If a problem arises with your hotel room, be sure to inform the Rooming Department while at the convention.

Use Tracts on These Occasions:

• • When householders decline the offer

• • When householders are busy

• • Occasionally at not-at-homes

• • For informal witnessing

• • To start a conversation

• • When training children to preach

• • When showing your Bible students how they may witness to their friends

• • To start a Bible study

WEEK STARTING MAY 4

Song 91

□ Congregation Bible Study:

/vchap. 4, boxes on pp. 46-49

• □ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Exodus 23-26

No. 1: Exodus 24:1-18

No. 2: What Is Truly Important? (/rchap. 16) No. 3: How True Christians Are Identified Today (rsp. 1581]3-p. 1591]1)

• □ Service Meeting:

Song 83

5 min: Announcements.

5 min: "Use Tracts on These Occasions." Encourage brothers to be prepared to offer tracts as opportunities arise.

10 min: Local needs.

15 min: The Value of Showing Personal Interest. Audience discussion based on Matthew 8:2, 3 and Luke 7:11-15. Why do people listen to us more readily when we show sincere personal interest? How can we learn about the householder's interests and concerns? How might personal interest be shown when meeting an elderly person, a teenager, a college student, a parent, or someone who is ill or grieving?

Song 223

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attend the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies using the Bible Teach book. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book published prior to 1992. July: Any 32-page brochures that are in stock except How Can Blood Save Your Life?, Jehovah's Witnesses and Education, and Jehovah's Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?

■ A concerted effort will be made to advertise the 2009 district and international conventions to be held worldwide. Publishers will have the opportunity to distribute a special handbill in their territory. The campaign should be held during the three weeks prior to the congregation's assigned convention.

■ Lapel badge cards will be supplied to all publishers via the congregation. International convention delegates will use the same lapel badge card.

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report a new peak in the United States for December! The total of 119,108 regular pioneers reporting is an increase of 1,042 over the previous peak in October 2008. We are also pleased to reporta new peak of 213 publishers in theTurksand Caicos Islands for December.

What to Say About the Magazines

-Watchtower April i

"Some people believe our future is determined by fate, while others think we choose our destiny. What do you think? [Allow for response.] Notice this interesting statement. [Read Ecclesiastes 9:11.] This article discusses the Bible's answer to the question, 'Are we predestined?'" Feature the article on page 26.

Awake! April

"Many marriages end in divorce because of unfaithfulness. Do you think applying this verse would help marriages last? [Read Matthew 5:28. Then allow for response.] This article uses the Bible to help couples avoid the snare of infidelity." Feature the article that begins on page 28.

™Watchtower Mayi

Announcing )• iicWAUt Kingdom          *

"What do you think might make it difficult for a person to have faith in God? [Allow for response.] According to this verse, faith is important. [Read Hebrews 11:6.] This magazine discusses four steps we can take to strengthen our faith."

Awake! May

"More and more people today are abusing prescription drugs. What do you feel is the reason for this? [Allow for response.] The Bible points to one major contributing factor, especially for children. [Read Proverbs 13:20.] This magazine discusses how you can protect yourself and your family from this pandemic."

8