Our kingdom ministry

MAY 2012

WEEK STARTING MAY 14

Song 33 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 20 V16-20 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 39-43 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 40:1-10 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Can Humans Enter Into God’s Rest?

—Heb. 4:10, 11 (5 min.)

No. 3: Was Mary the Mother of God?—rs p. 256 fl3-p. 257 V2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 131

5 min: Announcements.

15 min: By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples. (John 13:35) Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 217, paragraph 3, to page 221, paragraph 1, and page 221, paragraph 3. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

15 min: “Exercise Caution While in the Ministry.” Questions and answers by the service overseer. Explain how the congregation can apply the material in the local territory.

Song 74 and Prayer

Exercise Caution While

in the Ministry

¹ “As sheep amidst wolves,” God’s servants are preaching “among a crooked and twisted generation.” (Matt. 10:16; Phil. 2:15) Alarming reports of civil unrest, mob violence, and cruel kidnappings are commonplace, evidence of wicked men advancing “from bad to worse.” (2 Tim. 3:13) Applying what Scriptural principles will help us

• 1. Why is a cautious approach necessary in the ministry?

to ‘prove ourselves cautious’ in the minis-try?—Matt. 10:16.

• ² Act Shrewdly: Proverbs 22:3 emphasizes the wisdom of ‘concealing ourselves’ from calamity. Stay alert ! The conditions in a normally safe neighborhood can unexpectedly change. You may see an increase of police activity or crowds forming in the street. Sometimes a kind householder will provide a warning. Rather than lingering out of curiosity, it is shrewd to leave promptly and continue elsewhere. —Prov. 17:14; John 8:59; 1 Thess. 4:11.

• ³ Work Together: “Two are better than one,” says Ecclesiastes 4:9. While you may have been accustomed to working safely alone in the ministry, is it now safe to do so? In some areas, it is. But in others, it now is ill-advised for a sister or a young person to work from door to door alone, especially after sunset. Experience has proved that an attentive partner is invaluable. (Eccl. 4:10, 12) Remain watchful over other members in your group. Make it your habit to let others know that you are leaving the territory.

• ⁴ As ones ‘keeping watch over our souls,’ the elders are responsible to provide practical guidance according to the local circumstances. (Heb. 13:17) Jehovah’s blessing is assured as we demonstrate Christian modesty and cooperate fully with them. (Mic. 6:8; 1 Cor. 10:12) May all of God’s servants contribute to giving an effective witness in our territory, yet always with due caution.

• 2. What circumstances may make it advisable to leave the territory and preach in another area?

• 3. How does the principle at Ecclesiastes 4:9 apply to our ministry?

• 4. How can we work toward the protection of all in the congregation?

WEEK STARTING MAY 21

Song 121 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 21 fl1-7, box on p. 166 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 44-48 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 46:18-28 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Was Mary Immaculately Conceived?— rs p. 257 V3-p. 258 V1 (5 min.) No. 3: How Can We Sow “With a View to the Spirit”?—Gal. 6:8 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 95

10 min: Announcements. Mention the literature offer for June, and have one presentation demonstrated.

15 min: Youths, Could You Auxiliary Pioneer During Vacation? Talk. Briefly review paragraph 1 on page 113 in the Organized book, outlining the requirements to auxiliary pioneer. Then interview one or two publishers who took advantage of a school vacation to auxiliary pioneer. Encourage youths to consider auxiliary pioneering during their next vacation from school.

10 min: “God's Word for Us Through Jeremiah.” Questions and answers.

Song 41 and Prayer

God’s Word for Us Through Jeremiah

¹ How excited we were when a new book by that name was released at the 2010 “Remain Close to Jehovah!” District Convention! This publication highlights lessons for our daily life found in the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations. (Rom. 15:4) Designed for use in the Congregation Bible Study, it will be consid-

1. What publication was released at the 2010 district convention, and how will we use it? ered beginning the week of November 5, 2012.

• ² Beneficial Today: Jeremiah, the writer of this inspired Bible book, prophesied during a turbulent period in Judah. At first, he did not feel qualified for his assignment. (Jer. 1:6) He was also persecuted by acquaintances and perhaps relatives from his hometown, Anathoth. (Jer. 11:21, 22) Understandably, Jeremiah became discouraged at times. (Jer. 20:14) As we fulfill our commission to “make disciples of people of all the nations,” we often experience challenges and feelings similar to those of Jeremiah. (Matt. 28:19) A consideration of his writings will help us to carry out our ministry with confidence and zeal.

• ³ Features: Key scriptures that should be read during the discussion are identified in italics. The end of each week’s study is marked by a meaningful question or two set in bold that highlights the main points of the lesson. These should be asked of the audience in review. Throughout the book are beautiful illustrations that the congregation will no doubt want to comment on.

• ⁴ To benefit to the full, prepare your lesson in advance. Look for points that you can use in your life and ministry. Have a full share in commenting. With Jehovah’s blessing, Jeremiah fulfilled his assignment with joy and contentment. (Jer. 15:16) May our consideration of this new publication help us to carry out our ministry in the same way.

• 2. Why can we benefit from a consideration of the Bible books of Jeremiah and Lamentations?

• 3. How will we use certain features of the Jeremiah book?

• 4. How can we benefit to the full from a consideration of the Jeremiah book?

  © 2012 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 Patterson, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Our Kingdom Ministry, 1000 Red Mills Road, Wallkill, NY 12589-3299.           Printed in Canada.

  
  

WEEK STARTING MAY 28

Song 133 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

btchap. 21 ^8-13, boxon p. 169 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 49-50

(10 min.)

No. 1: Jeremiah 49:28-39 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: How Is the Name of Jehovah “a Strong Tower”?—Prov. 18:10 (5 min.)

No. 3: Did Mary Ascend to Heaven With Her Body of Flesh?—rs p. 258 ^2-3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 68

10 min: Announcements. Use the sample presentation on page 4 to demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in June.

25 min: “Jehovah's Witnesses—Faith in Action, Part 2: Let the Light Shine." Questions and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion.

Song 93 and Prayer

Jehovah’s Witnesses —Faith in Action,

Part 2: Let the Light Shine

After Brother Rutherford and his associates were released from prison in 1919, a huge work lay ahead of the Bible Students. As depicted in the video Jehovah’s Witnesses—Faith in Action, Part 2: Let the Light Shine, the Bible Students would have many opposers, their understanding of the Scriptures would continue to grow, and their faith would be refined. (Prov. 4:18; Mal. 3:1-3; John 15:20) After viewing the video, can you answer these questions?

(1) What methods did the Bible Students use to spread the good news? (2) What happened at the landmark conventions in 1931 and 1935? (3) What was significant about the November 1, 1939, issue of The Watchtower? (4) Describe what occurred at Madison Square Garden during Brother Rutherford’ s talk “Government and Peace.” (5) What was noteworthy about Brother Knorr’s talk “Peace —Can It Last?” (6) In 1942, what plans did Jehovah’ s Witnesses make to expand their preaching work? (7) Explain some of the legal battles that were fought in the United States, Canada, and Greece. (8) What impact did Gilead have on the growth of the preaching work? (9) What important work began in 1946, and why? (10) What steps did Jehovah’s Witnesses take to make sure their conduct was in harmony with the standard set forth in the Bible? (11) Explain some of the adjustments that were made in the 1970’s to align the organization more closely with the pattern in the Bible. (12) How has viewing this video deepened your appreciation that Jehovah is in full control and that this is his organization? (13) How has this video strengthened your determination to continue zealously preaching despite obstacles? (14) How could we use this video to help our relatives, Bible students, and others?

Each day that passes adds a new chapter to the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What will the record say about our efforts in the ministry? As our brothers have done in the past, may we zealously continue to “let the light shine”! —2 Cor. 4:6.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 4

Song 103 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 21 ^14-22 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 51-52 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 52:17-27 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Is It Proper to Address Prayers to Maryas Intercessor?—rs p. 258 ^4-p. 259 fl1 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Can Humans Gain Access to “the Secret Place” of Jehovah?—Ps. 91:1, 2, 9 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 57

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: How to Reach the Heart—Part 2. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 261, paragraph 2, to the end of page 262.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in June. Discussion. Take one to two minutes to point out a few of the articles that may have appeal in your territory. Next, using the cover series of The Watchtower invite the audience to give suggestions on an interestarousing question to ask, and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for the cover series of Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

Song 61 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and endeavor to start a Bible study. When making return visits on those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associating with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies using the Bible Teach book. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. If householders already have the book and do not accept the offer of a Bible study, offer an older magazine or any brochure that addresses the person’s interest. July and August: Feature one of the following 32-page brochures: A Satisfying Life—How to Attain It, The Bible—What Is Its Message?, or Was Life Created? When making return visits, introduce the Bible Teach book or if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in June

Read Isaiah 42:8. Then say: “According to this, God has a name. Do you think it’s important for us to use God’s name? [Allow for response.] Notice what this says.” Hand the householder the June 1 Watchtower, and consider together material under the first subheading on page 16. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WAT4HT06I7 June 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom *

“I would like to ask your opinion on an important topic. [Open to page 3, and point to the list.] Which of these best describes your view of the Bible? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says about itself. [Read Romans 15:4.] This magazine discusses five reasons why the Bible is a unique book and points out how it can benefit us.”

!"#$ June

“Each year millions around the world get sick from eating unsafe food. In your opinion, how safe is the food in our community? [Allow for response.] This magazine explains four ways we can protect our family from foodborne illness. It also discusses the Bible’s promise that soon everyone will enjoy an abundance of healthful food.” Read Psalm 104:14, 15.

Field Service Highlights

We are pleased to report two new all-time peaks during the month of December. The Turks and Caicos Islands reported a peak of 47 regular pioneers, and the United States reported a peak of 143,740 regular pioneers. Additionally, when compared with the same month last year, the Bahamas had a 21.4 percent increase in auxiliary pioneers and Bermuda had a 71.4 percent increase in auxiliary pioneers. Certainly, Jehovah’s people are busy inviting others to “take life’s waterfree.”—Rev. 22:17.

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