Our kingdom ministry

APRIL 2013

WEEK STARTING APRIL 8

Song 123 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 7 ^14-20 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Luke 10-12 (10 min.)

No. 1: Luke 12:1-21 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What Explains the Various Racial Characteristics?—rs p. 302 ^2-p. 303 fl2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why We View Jehovah as Our Father —Matt. 6:9 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 60

10 min: You Can Be a Source of Encouragement. (Rom. 1:11, 12) Discussion by the service overseer. Mention the number of regular pioneers in the congregation. Outline some ways we can encourage them, such as by giving commendation, working with them in service, assisting with travel expenses, or sharing a meal. Invite pioneers to comment on how they have been encouraged by others. If the congregation has no regular pioneers, tailor the discussion to auxiliary pioneers.

10 min: Answering Questions About the Last Days. Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 241, paragraph 5, to page 243, paragraph 1. Have one suggestion briefly demonstrated.

10 min: “Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Jonah.” Questions and answers.

Song 13 and Prayer

Take as a Pattern the Prophets —Jonah

¹ What comes to mind when you think of the prophet Jonah? Some may view him as cowardly or hard-hearted. However, he clearly manifested humility, courage, and a spirit of self-sacrifice. How can we “take as a pattern” Jonah’s admirable qualities?—Jas. 5:10.

1. What positive qualities did Jonah possess?

• ² Humility: Initially, Jonah fled in the opposite direction of his assigned territory. This is not surprising because the Assyrians were notoriously violent, and Nineveh came to be called “the city of bloodshed.” (Nah. 3:1-3) Nonetheless, Jehovah disciplined Jonah, who showed humility by accepting the assignment when given a second chance. (Prov. 24:32; Jonah 3:1-3) Despite his initial reluctance, he did Jehovah’s will. (Matt. 21:28-31) Are we similarly determined to preach the good news, even if we are disciplined or have a challenging territory assignment?

• ³ Courage and Self-Sacrifice: When Jonah realized that his bad decision had jeopardized the lives of the mariners, he was willing to sacrifice his life. (Jonah 1:3, 4, 12) Later, when fulfilling his commission in Nineveh, he walked deep into the heart of the city, perhaps looking for a suitable location to proclaim the judgment of Jehovah. Those were the actions, not of a coward, but of a courageous prophet of God! (Jonah 3:3, 4) What about us today? Godgiven courage is needed to give a bold witness in the face of opposition. (Acts 4:29, 31) Self-sacrifice is required to invest time and resources in the ministry.—Acts 20:24.

• ⁴ Each time you read an account about one of Jehovah’s prophets, you will benefit if you visualize yourself in those circumstances. Ask yourself: ‘How would I have responded? How can I imitate his good qualities in my life?’ (Heb. 6:11, 12) Future articles in Our Kingdom Ministry will consider further valuable lessons that we can learn from other faithful prophets of Jehovah.

• 2. How can we imitate Jonah’s humility?

• 3. What aspects of your ministry require courage and self-sacrifice?

• 4. Why should we take time to reflect on the fine pattern set by the prophets of Jehovah?

  WEEK STARTING APRIL 15

  Song 6 and Prayer

  Q Congregation Bible Study:

  jr chap. 8 fl1-7 (30 min.)

  Q Theocratic Ministry School:

  Bible reading: Luke 13-17 (10 min.)

  No. 1: Luke 16:16-31 (4 min. or less)

  No. 2: Does Our Imperfect State Mean That

  We Are Worthless to God?—Ps. 103:8, 9, 14;

  Gal. 6:9 (5 min.)

  No. 3: Are All Humans Children of God?—rs p. 303 fl3-p. 304 fl4 (5 min.)

  Q Service Meeting:

  Song 95

  10 min: Question Box. Discussion.

  
  

  10 min: Ways to Expand Your Ministry —Part 2. Talk based on the Organized book, page 112, paragraph 3, to page 114, paragraph 1. Interview one or two pioneers regarding how they were able to make adjustments in order to pioneer.

  10 min: Do You Witness at Your Workplace? Discussion based on the following questions. (1) Why is it good for your workmates to know that you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses? (2) How can you let them know? (3) What situations at work provide opportunities to give a witness? (4) Why is it good to keep a Bible and some publications at your workplace if possible? (5) Why is it best to avoid prolonged witnessing during the time you should be working? (6) What good experiences have you had witnessing at work?

  Song 45 and Prayer

  
  

QUESTION BOX

■ What Bible principlesapply tothe use of cell phones while attending Christian meetingsand sharing in the ministry?

“For Everything There Is an Appointed Time.” (Eccl. 3:1): Cell phones give people the ability to text or speak with one another at virtually any time. However, there are occasions when Christians do not want to be distracted by their phone. For instance, our meetings are a time to worship Jehovah, receive spiritual instruction, and enjoy an interchange of encouragement. (Deut. 31:12; Ps. 22:22; Rom. 1: 11, 12) Could we turn off our phone when we arrive and retrieve our messages after leaving the meeting? If the possibility of an emergency requires that we leave our phone on, we should put it on a setting that will not disturb others.

“Do All Things for the Sake of the Good News.” (1 Cor. 9:23): At times, there are valid uses of a cell phone in the ministry. For example, a brother taking the lead might use it to check on those preaching in other parts of the territory. Publishers sometimes use their cell phone to call an interested person or Bible student before making a visit, especially if the person lives some distance away. If we have a phone with us, we should take precautions to prevent it from interrupting us while we are speaking with a householder. (2 Cor. 6:3) While waiting on other publishers, rather than phoning or texting a friend, would it not be better to keep our attention focused on the ministry and those with whom we are working?

Be Considerate of Others. (1 Cor. 10: 24; Phil. 2:4): Never would we want to be lax about being on time for the meetings for field service with the idea that we can always phone or text someone to find out where the group is witnessing. When we arrive late, the group must often be reorganized. Of course, circumstances beyond our control may occasionally cause us to be late. However, when we make it a habit to arrive on time, we show consideration for Jehovah’s arrangement, the brother taking the lead, and our fellow publishers.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 22

Song 85 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 8 ^8-13 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Luke 18-21 (10 min.)

No. 1: Luke 18:18-34 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Will People of All Races Ever Truly Be United as Brothers and Sisters?—rs p. 304 fl5-p. 305 fl3 (5 min.)

No. 3: What Is Meekness, How Do We Seek It, and Why Is It Vital?—Zeph. 2:2, 3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 120

10 min: “Listen and Learn.” Questions and answers.

10 min: “A Campaign That Gets Results.” Discussion. Give all in attendance an invitation, if available, and discuss its contents. Inform the congregation when their campaign will begin, and outline local arrangements for covering the territory. Have a brief demonstration.

10 min: “ConductThat Glorifies God.” Questions and answers. Also discuss applicable “2013 District Convention Reminders.”

Song 121 and Prayer

2013 District Convention Reminders

■ Programme Times: The doors to the building will open at 8:00 a.m. The introductory music will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. At that time, all of us should go to our seats so that the programme can begin in a dignified manner. The closing song and prayer will be introduced at 4:50 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3:35 p.m. on Sunday. ■ Parking: The increased use of coaches has helped considerably to ease parking problems. We appreciate your continued cooperation. At all convention sites where we have secured control of the parking facilities the spaces will be available through the congregations at no charge. Parking is often limited, so car sharing should be done to the extent possible. When it comes to the distribution of parking tickets, every effort will be made to

Listen and Learn

• ¹ Soon the 2013 district conventions will begin. Much work has gone into preparing a programme that addresses the current needs of the worldwide field. Have you made arrangements to be present all three days of the convention? Large conventions can have many distractions, so extra effort may be needed to pay careful attention to the programme. Since the sessions last longer than congregation meetings, concentration must be maintained longer. In addition, travel and other factors may cause a measure of tiredness. What will help us to remain alert so that we can listen and learn?—Deut. 31:12.

• ² Before the Convention Begins: Our official website, www.jw.org, posts the convention programme, which includes the titles of all the talks and one or two key scriptures for each one. If we have access to the Internet, previewing this information will help us

• 1. Why may extra effort be required to listen and learn at the district convention?

• 2. How may we prepare our heart for the convention programme?

ensure that the disabled and infirm are given priority. Congregation Service Committees should only accept requests for such tickets if there is a genuine need. If your circumstances change and you no longer need a parking ticket, please return the ticket so that another car party may use it. At some of the new indoor city centre venues, parking will only be available in commercial car parks.

■ Seat Saving: Seats may be saved only for those living in your home or travelling in your vehicle or for those with whom you are currently conducting a Bible study.—1 Cor. 13:5.

■ Noon Meal: Please bring a light 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.

to prepare our heart for what will be presented. (Ezra 7:10) During your Family Worship evening, could you devote time to building anticipation for the upcoming programme?

³ During the Programme: If possible, care for toilet needs before the start of the session. Turn off your mobile phone so that you will not be distracted by calls or texts or be tempted to text others during the programme. If you must have your phone on, put it on a setting that will not distract others in the event that someone calls. If you use an electronic tablet during the programme, do so in a way that is not distracting to others. Avoid eating or drinking during the programme. (Eccl. 3:1) Keep your eyes focused on the speaker. When a scripture is read, follow along in your Bible. Take brief notes.

⁴ We also want our children to listen and learn. Proverbs 29:15 says: “A boy let on the loose will be causing his mother shame.” Therefore, it is good for families to sit together so that parents can make sure that their children are paying attention to the programme rather than talking, texting, or walking around. Even if they are too young to

• 3. What will help us to listen carefully?

• 4. How can parents help their children to listen and learn?

■ Donations: We can show our appreciation for the convention arrangements by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at the convention. Further directions on how this may be done will be provided at the conventions.

■ Medication: If you require prescription medication, please be sure to bring an adequate supply with you, since none will be available at the convention. Diabetic syringes and needles must be disposed of properly as hazardous waste in special sharps’ bins found at First Aid and not in the general rubbish bins at convention venues and hotels.

■ Footwear: Each year injuries occur that are related to footwear. It is best to choose modest, well-fitting shoes that will allow you to walk safely through car parks, on steep stairs, and other similar areas. understand everything that is discussed, children can be trained to remain awake and sit quietly.

• ⁵ After the Programme Concludes Each Day: Do not stay out late. Go to bed early enough to get sufficient rest. Reviewing what you heard will help you to remember it longer. Therefore, it would be beneficial to take a few minutes to discuss the programme as a family each evening. If you go to a restaurant with friends, why not take your notes along and share a point or two that you especially enjoyed? When you return home after the convention, you might spend some time during your Family Worship evening discussing how you can apply the information as a family. You could also set aside time each week to review a portion of any new releases.

• ⁶ A banquet serves little purpose unless the food is eaten and digested. We can say the same regarding the spiritual banquet that will be served at the district convention. May we benefit fully by being in attendance for each session, by listening carefully, and by applying what we learn.

• 5. Why is it beneficial to review the programme, and how may we do this?

• 6. Is merely being present at the convention sufficient? Explain.

■ Hearing Impaired: The programme will be transmitted in the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. Your local Convention Committee will advise you of this frequency, if it is available. To make use of this provision, you will need to bring a small battery-operated FM receiver along with earphones. Although this provision is available, we discourage you from listening to the programme while sitting in your car unless there are extenuating circumstances. We encourage everyone to benefit from association in the main auditorium and to unite in song and prayer.

■ Fragrances: Some conventions take place in enclosed areas that have mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it would be loving on our part to limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, and perfumes that may cause reac-

A Campaign That Gets Results

Three weeks before the start of their convention, congregations will once again participate in a campaign to invite interested ones from the territory to attend. There is good reason for this annual campaign. Those who accept the invitation and come to the convention are often impressed by the Scriptural talks, the well-organized departments manned entirely by volunteers, and the good conduct and unity we display. (Ps. 110:3; 133:1; Isa. 65:13, 14) Even so, does our campaign get results, especially in areas where interested ones must travel some distance to attend the convention?

After the 2011 district convention, a branch office received a letter from a woman who had found an invitation in her door. She usually hid when Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked. She wrote: “I had a beautiful home, a wonderful husband, and I thought I had everything that would make me happy. Sadly, I was still not happy, and my life truly had no purpose. So I decided to drive 200 miles to attend the Saturday program.” She enjoyed the convention so much that she phoned her husband to tell

tions in persons with respiratory or related problems.—1 Cor. 10:24.

• ■ Please Follow Up (S-43) Forms: A Please Follow Up form should be used to provide information regarding any interest from informal witnessing during the convention. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room or given to your congregation secretary on your return home.

• ■ Restaurants: Honour Jehovah’s name by your fine conduct at restaurants. Dress in a way that befits a Christian minister. Leave a tip if this is customary.

■ Hotels:

• (1) Do not have more staying in your room than is allowed.

• (2) If you must cancel your reservation, notify the hotel.—Matt. 5:37. him that she was going to stay overnight and attend on Sunday too. “I listened to all the talks, I met many Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I decided that I never wanted this to end.” After returning home, she began studying and after four months became an unbaptized publisher. “I am so glad that I found that invitation in my door because now my life truly has purpose!”

Some who receive an invitation will attend. Therefore, have a zealous share in this important campaign. Bring any leftover invitations with you to the convention city, and use them to witness informally.

How Will We Offer the Invitation?

In order to cover our territory, we should be brief. We might say something like this: “Hello. We are sharing in a global effort to distribute this invitation. Here is your copy. You will find more details on the invitation.” Be enthusiastic. When sharing in the campaign on the weekends, we should also offer the magazines when appropriate.

• (3) If you use a debit or credit card when registering at a hotel, it is standard practice for a hold to be placed on enough funds in your account to cover your total room cost, plus any possible damages or incidentals during your stay. You will not be able to use any of those funds until your account is settled.

• (4) Take a luggage trolley only when you are ready to use it, and return it immediately so that others may use it.

• (5) Leave a tip for the housekeeper each day.

• (6) Do not cook in rooms where cooking is not permitted.

• (7) Do not abuse any complimentary or other provisions that are made available for guests to consume while they are at the hotel.

Conduct That Glorifies God

• ¹ When attending district conventions, we are quite conspicuous. In many convention cities, local news outlets inform the community of our presence. The hotels and restaurants are often filled with delegates, and people living in the area notice the many visitors wearing convention badges. The following are some reminders that will help us to glorify God by our good conduct while in the convention city.—1 Pet. 2:12.

• ² Modest Dress: Our modest dress while attending the programme often impresses onlookers. However, our style of dress at other times—when checking in at the hotel, when eating at local restaurants, when shopping, and so forth—may make a bigger impression on observers. Although we need not wear smart clothes on these other occasions, what we wear should be modest, dignified, and not overly casual. Observers should be able to see a difference between us and unbelievers. (Rom. 12:2) In addition, we should wear our convention badge, as this will advertise the convention, lead to witnessing

• 1. Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses conspicuous when attending district conventions?

• 2. How may we glorify God by our modest dress while in the convention city?

• (8) Display the fruitage of the spirit when dealing with the hotel staff at all times. They are caring for a large number of guests and appreciate our kindness, patience, and reasonableness.

• (9) Parents should supervise their children at all times around the hotel, including the lifts, swimming pool, lobby area, exercise room, and so forth.

• (10) If you are overcharged, register your complaint with the Hotel Reception and inform the Rooming Department at the convention as soon as possible.

• (11) If a problem arises with your hotel room, be sure to inform the Rooming Department while at the convention. opportunities, and enable other delegates to identify us.

• ³ Patience and Courtesy: At a time when many in the world are self-centred and unthankful, how refreshing our patience and courteousness will be to onlookers, such as hotel and restaurant personnel! (2 Tim. 3: 1-5) When saving seats or queuing to obtain convention releases, we should seek, not our own advantage, but that of the other person. (1 Cor. 10:23, 24) After attending his first convention, one interested man said, “I don’t remember any of the talks that were given that day, but the conduct of the Witnesses made a lasting impression on me.”

• ⁴ Willing Volunteers: The volunteer spirit is a mark of true Christians. (Ps. 110:3) Could you volunteer to assist at the convention? At one convention site, some 600 brothers and sisters volunteered to clean before the convention. The staff remarked: “This is the most amazing thing we have ever seen! It’s hard to imagine that all of these people are volunteers.” We eagerly look forward to the 2013 district conventions and the opportunity we will have not just to listen and learn from God but also to glorify him.

• 3. How may we display patience and courtesy? 4. Why should we consider volunteering at the convention if our circumstances allow?

■ Volunteer Service: Department overseers will be recruiting volunteers before the convention. However, at the convention, any who wish to volunteer should report to the Volunteer Service Department. Children under 16 years of age can also make a fine contribution by working under the direction of a parent, guardian, or other adult approved by a parent or guardian.

■ Malta: The district convention will be held on September 6-8, 2013. For the attendance to be controlled and favourable terms negotiated with the hotel, arrangements to attend the convention may only be made through our appointed travel agent. Details on how to apply are explained in our letter dated November 30, 2012, addressed to all congregations.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 29

Song 50 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 8 ^14-20 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Luke 22-24 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 56

10 min: Start a Bible Study on the First Saturday. Using the sample presentation on page 8, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in May. Encourage all to have a share. Discuss “Do You Regularly Check the Information Board?”

10 min: The Message We Must Proclaim —“This Good News of the Kingdom.” Enthusiastic talk based on the Ministry School book, pages 279-281.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Matthew 16:21-23 and Luke 9:22-26 read. Consider how these accounts can help us in our ministry.

Song 117 and Prayer

Do You Regularly Check the Information Board?

Elders, ministerial servants, and others who have congregation responsibilities regularly look at the information board to see when they have an assignment. However, all in the congregation will find important information there. Do you know when it is your turn to clean the Kingdom Hall? Has the circuit overseer or branch office sent important correspondence to the congregation? Do you know the title of the public talk this week so that you can invite your Bible student? Have adjustments been made to the meeting schedule or in your field service group? Much of this information is no longer announced during the meetings, and it may not be possible for the elders to convey it to every publisher individually. Thus, we should check the information board regularly. If we keep ourselves informed, then all things can take place “decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:40.

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 29, 2013. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

• 1. What serious reminder did Jesus give about marriage, as recorded at Mark 10: 6-9? [Mar. 4, w08 2/15 p. 30 par. 8]

• 2. What does it mean to serve Jehovah whole-souled? (Mark 12:30) [Mar. 4, w97 10/15 p. 13 par. 4]

• 3. What are the “pangs of distress” referred to at Mark 13:8? [Mar. 11, w08 3/15 p. 12 par. 2]

• 4. What sources did Luke consult when compiling his Gospel account? (Luke 1:3) [Mar. 18, w09 3/15 p. 32 par. 4]

• 5. The fact that Satan looks for a “convenient time” to test our integrity should move us to do what? (Luke 4:13) [Mar. 25, w11 1/15 p. 23 par. 10]

• 6. How are we to apply the words recorded at Luke 6:27, 28? [Mar. 25, w08 5/15 p. 8 par. 4]

• 7. Why could Jesus forgive a woman for her sins before he died as the ransom sacrifice? (Luke 7:37, 48) [Apr. 1, w10 8/15 pp. 6-7]

• 8. In what sense are Christ’s followers to “hate” their relatives? (Luke 14:26) [Apr. 15, w08 3/15 p. 32 par. 1; w92 7/15 p. 9 pars. 3-5]

• 9. What effect will the “signs in sun and moon and stars” have on humans? (Luke 21:25) [Apr. 22, w97 4/1 p. 15 pars. 8-9]

• 10. How can we imitate Jesus’ way of praying when we face trials that are particularly severe? (Luke 22:44) [Apr. 29, w07 8/1 p. 6 par. 2]

WEEK STARTING MAY 6

Song 26 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

jr chap. 9 fl1-7 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: John 1-4 (10 min.)

No. 1: John 3:22-36 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What Does “Walking by Spirit” Really Mean?—Gal. 5:16 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Was the Death of Jesus Christ Different From That of Others Who Have Become Martyrs?—rs p. 306 fl1-4 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 57

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in May. Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines will have appeal in your territory. Then, using the cover subject of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Unless Jehovah Himself Builds the House, It Is to No Avail That Its Builders Have Worked Hard on It. (Ps. 127:1) Discussion based on the 2013 Yearbook, page 149, paragraph 1, to page 151, paragraph 1. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 47 and Prayer find helpful information on the www.jw.org Web site by selecting “Conventions” in the “About Us” section.

■ Bethel Tours: Please be advised that, due to Bethel spring cleaning on April 26, 2013, there will be no arrangements for tours on that date.

■ During December 2012, a one-day Kingdom Ministry School for elders was held in Britain and Ireland. The branch office gratefully acknowledges the many letters of appreciation that have been received for the excellent programme prepared by the Governing Body.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in May

“One thing we have in common is that we all make mistakes. Have you ever wondered if God can forgive even really terrible actions?” [Allow for response.] Show the article on page 15 of the May 1 Watchtower, and consider the material under the first question and at least one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WAT4HTO6ER May 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

“We would like to get your opinion on what this says. [Read 1 John 4:8.] Many agree with these words, but others think that God must be cruel for causing, or at least allowing, natural disasters. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] This magazine outlines logical reasons why we should not misjudge God as being cruel.”

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. May and June: Publishers may feature any of the pocket-size tracts that are available or the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? July and August: Good News From God, Does God Really Care About Us?, or What Is the Purpose of Life —How Can You Find It?

■ The meeting schedule for the week preceding your district convention may be adjusted in order to review counsel and reminders that were considered during the week of April 22. A month or two following your convention, a local needs part may be used to review convention points that the publishers have found to be helpful in the ministry.

■ Whenever personal travel plans include attending a district convention in another land, you will

!"#$ May

“We are visiting our neighbors to talk about a distressing problem—crime. Some think that the key to controlling crime is to add more police. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] Did you know that the Bible promises an end to crime? [Read Psalm 37:10, 11.] This magazine discusses this assurance and gives some practical steps that we can take to protect ourselves from crime.”

Field Service Highlights

The November report shows that 131,113 shared in field service in Britain, conducting 59,654 home Bible studies. It was an exceptionally good month for Ireland. They reported all-time peaks of 3,592 Bible studies, 660 regular pioneers, and 6,100 publishers, which is a 3 per cent publisher increase when compared with the same month last year.

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