OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

JANUARY 1978

Vol. 21, No. 1

FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

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Congregations throughout the country had some encouraging results from the tract distribution in September. One elder stated that: “Now our congregation has no shortage of return visits to go on.” Others had similar expressions. There were over 220,000 more books placed this September in connection with the tract work than were placed in September 1976.

There have been some interesting developments in recent months. For example, at the annual meeting of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania on October 1, 1977, it was announced that plans are being made to computerize the printing operations in Brooklyn and at the Watchtower Farms. At present, we do have a small business computer in operation. With the use of this computer we hope to save time and be of better service to our brothers in the months ahead. However, during the transitional period delays may occur.

During the month of December the first groups of pioneers were scheduled to attend the Pioneer Service Schools. These schools are situated in 13 different areas in the United States. About 350 were scheduled to attend the first of these two-week classes. Other classes will be scheduled for March and April as well as this fall.

In addition to the Pioneer Service School, the first sessions of the Five-Week Gilead Course for the benefit of the Branch Committee members was scheduled to begin at the close of December at Brooklyn Bethel. These courses will provide training in handling Scriptural and committee matters, operations in the Society’s Bethel homes and printing facilities, and cover other subjects that will be useful to the brothers in their assignments.

With all of these fine provisions (Continued on page 4, col. 3)

¹ How do you feel about your brothers and sisters in the congregation? Having accepted the truth yourself and molded your life to conform to God’s will, do you count each member of the congregation—each brother and sister—as bought with the same precious blood and equally loved by God? If so, your love will be unhypocritical—intensely from the heart-—and will manifest itself in deeds. Are you showing this love? —1 Pet. 1:22.

HOW can we show this love?

² We want to help everyone we can spiritually. But in our busy lives do we forget the other needs that people have? For example, some may be physically unable to mow their lawn or shovel snow, take out the garbage, or clean the house, and may also be financially unable to hire someone to do it. Or the problem may be repairs on the home. Elderly or sick persons may appreciate your doing some painting or repairs around the home. In some cases you may run an errand to shop for groceries or other items or to take care of some necessary business for them. In addition to our making public declaration to God’s name, Hebrews 13:16 encourages

¹ Those inside and outside the Christian congregation are in need of spiritual encouragement. Family members need it. Older brothers and sisters as well as those new in the truth need it. Those who are depressed or facing other problems need it. (1 ThesS- 5:14, 15) You can prove to be a blessing to many of them. How? By being a person who makes opportunities to talk to them about spiritual matters.

• ² At Psalm 145:2 King David said to Jehovah: “All day long I will bless you.” How refreshing this must have been to other spiritually-minded persons who associated with David. David found that he had much to talk about because as verse three of this Psalm states: “Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable.” Are not all who grow in appreciation of Jehovah’s greatness moved to feel the same way?

• ³ How does a person acquire us: “Do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”

• ³ All of us have a special responsibility toward widows in their tribulation, as Jesus’ half brother pointed out at James 1:27. Lonesomeness is a distressing thing for many bereaved persons or older ones. Sisters, both old and young, could take turns visiting widows or sisters who are ill. They could read together, sew, or talk, or help the handicapped one to telephone others or to write letters in witnessing. Occasionally a sister or two could cook a meal and take it to the home of the “shut-in.” At the same time an atmosphere of love and good fellowship will be enjoyed by all involved. Brothers, including younger ones, could help sick or shut-in brothers.

• ⁴ What a bond of love and unity can be built up in a congregation if all “love one another intensely from the heart”! Sometimes it will cost time and money. But our willingness to share with our brothers is evidence of the genuineness of our love. (John 13:34, 35) Moreover, God can equalize matters and increase our blessings in many ways, and he will do so.—2 Cor. 8:14; 9:13, 14.

such heart appreciation for Jehovah? Psalm 145:5 answers when David states: “The glorious splendor of your dignity and the matters of your wonderful works I will make my concern." Yes, to be moved to praise Jehovah “all day long,” a person must take time to meditate on Jehovah’s works of creation. Making time to study regularly Jehovah’s “wonderful works” of the past, described in the Bible, will also enhance our heart appreciation. Constantly including expressions of praise in our prayers to Jehovah will further warm our hearts toward him. However, care must be exercised that timeconsuming things or those that could endanger our spirituality, such as the excessive watching of television, are not allowed to interfere. It is good to remember that what we talk about is a good reflection of what is in our heart. A good spiritual input obviously (Continued on page 4, col. 1)

YOUR SERVICE MEETINGS

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 1     .

25 min: Song 16. Announcements. Benefits from a year's subscription to The WafoTitower. Speaker to assign specific points in advance. Have brothers prepare one- to two-minute comment with view to showing householders value of The Watchtower—what it brought to its readers during the year 1977. Use some of suggested points below, others if desired.

• (1) How Bible is true and transmitted faithfully to us: w77 2/1 p. 92 fl 2, 3; w77 3/15 p. 189 fl 6; w77 4/1 p. 216 fl 5, 6.

• (2) Verse-by-verse discussion of Bible book. (Make comments about value of having verse-by-verse, contextual study of book. Gives understanding of what writer really meant; can follow argument and get main idea of book. Then call for comments as examples.) Ecclesiastes: w77 3/15 p. 186 fl 2; w77 6/15 p. 378 fl 1-3.

• (3) Everyday life, family problems, and so forth. Value of truth, honesty, morality: w77 10/15 pp. 621-623: dealing with depression: w77 5/1 p. 259; marriage: w77 3/15 p. 172; alcoholism: w77 8/15 p. 483.

20 min: “Presenting the Good News —By Being Resourceful.” Handle by discussion with audience, assisting the brothers to make local application of the material. Stimulate discussion on the following points:

• (1) To be effective In 'letting our light shine,’ what must we learn to be? (par. 1) What does it mean to be resourceful ?

• (2) Experiences had due to taking advantage of situations coming up during daily routines. (Select meaningful experiences in advance in accord with situations like those mentioned in paragraph two.)

• (3) Have some from their seats tell how they have started conversations with neighbors, co-workers or schoolmates.

• (4) Remind brothers that they can offer a half-year subscription to The Watchtower along with the Truth book or other pocket-size book, for $1.25.

15 min: Discuss Branch Letter. Comment on local congregation’s activity in recent months, warmly commending and encouraging the brothers. Song 27 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 8 20 min; Song 26. Announcements, including accounts report. Women Who Feared Jehovah. (Speaker give brief introduction, then ask questions, discuss scriptures cited. Use what material you can in time allotted.)

While men generally have duties that bring them more prominently before the congregation, women can, in eyes of God and Christ, be just as beloved if they serve well in ways that God has provided. Many different services open to them. Consider Anna. (Luke 2:36-38) How was she in “constant” attendance at temple? (She evidently did not stay there day and night, but was never absent at appropriate or usual times for public worship, and went privately at other times.) What was she doing? (Comment that Israelites and proselytes from all parts of earth, as well as being of all ages and walks of life, came to worship. Then read Luke 2:38 for answer.)

Then, there was Lydia of Philippi. (Acts 16:13-15) What traits were outstanding in Lydia? Entertain audience comment on Lydia’s personality and tures. More concern over rules than doing what is merciful and loving. (Rom. 14:1-4, 10) Practicing self-denial to harm of one's health. Should not be overly critical of others, meddling in their problems.—1 John 1:8.

25 min: Talk and discussion on article: “Make Wise Use of Your Elders.” Highlight following scriptures: 1 Cor. 3:2123; Eph. 4:8, 11; Jas. 5:13-16. Ask audience: Why should even the meekest congregation member not hesitate to approach an elder for help ? How should elders feel toward the flock? (Belongs to Jehovah, in need of tender care, and a joy to work in their interests.) How can we best take advantage of their experience? (In field service, with personal problems and so forth. Include other appropriate examples.)

17 min: Talk on article in October 1, 1977, Watchtower: “Do Not Become ‘Enraged Against Jehovah,’ ” Involve audience. Apply the following scriptures and points In your discussion: What kind of person becomes enraged against Jehovah? (Prov. 19:3) Why God cannot be blamed for our problems. (Eccl. 9: 11) If one misses meetings due to being offended by another, what is he really saying? To whom is disloyalty being shown when congregation is rejected? (Ps. 119:165) Necessary to safeguard heart and keep balance. (Prov. 4:23; 1 Pet. 1:13) Song 15 and prayer.

Announ cemen ts

• The secretary will see to it that Memorial invitations are ordered now so that your congregation will receive them well in advance of the Memorial celebration Thursday, March 23, 1978. Invitations may be ordered in lots of 250, 500 and 1,000, using the special * order blank provided for ordering Memorial invitations. Please do not remit with your order. The Memorial invitations will be charged to your congregation’s literature account. Payment for invitations should be included with the amount of money remitted for literature. Please do not list payment separately on Remittance form. Make sure that your congregation number is shown on the order form.

® Literature offer for January: Watchtower subscription (with any 384- or 416-page book free to new subscribers) for $2.00; or subscriptions for both Watchtower and Aivake! (with two 384-or 416-page books free to new subscribers) for $4.00. A half-year subscription with a pocket-size book may be offered for $1.25. If the subscription is not accepted, a pocket-size book along with two magazines may be offered for 45c. February and March: Special offer of three books for 60c.

• From January through April, the 384-and 416-page books will be available to publishers for use in field service for 15e each. Congregations may request 30c credit for each of these books. (Pioneers, at regular rate.) With new one-year subscriptions obtained during January and April, a 384- or 416-page book will be given free; publishers are requested to remit $1.85. Credit for books taken by pioneers will be requested in the regular manner. For 384- or 416-page books taken by publishers, request credit by putting on Remittance and Credit Request form a line under “Other Items” saying, “384- and 416-page books to publishers during campaign,” and then state the total number for the month.

• At circuit assemblies having the new (Continued on page 3> col. 3)

Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 117 Adams St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.

Special Combination Book Offer

According to literature inventories received by the Society at the close of the 1977 service year, many congregations still have a good supply of older publications in stock, including many 384-page books. These books have a fine message that would be of great benefit to persons seeking the truth. During February and March we want to make this information available to people in our territory by offering three books for 60 cents.

The field overseer and the ministerial servant assigned to care for literature needs in the congregation should review what items are on hand as shown on your literature inventory. The combination of three books should include two 384- or 416-page books and one pocket-size book. For each 384- or 416-page book placed the congregation will be able to request 30 cents credit at the end of each month. Publishers may obtain these larger books at the literature counter for 15c each. Among the publications to be used are the following:

384- or 416-Page Books

“Your Will Be Done on Earth” '‘Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie”

Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God

“Then Is Finished the Mystery of _>15, God”

“The Nations Shall Know that I Am J ehovah”—H ow ?

Paradise Restored to Mankind—By Theocracy!

God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached

Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand!

Pocket-Size Books

Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?

God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

If your congregation does not have an adequate supply of these publications, you may order any of the books listed below from the Society to use in the campaign.

384- or 416-Page Books

“The Nations Shall Know that I Am J ehovah”—H ow?

Man’s Salvation out of World Distress at Hand!

God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached

Life Everlasting—in Freedom of the Sons of God

Pocket-Size Books

God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good

Is the Bible Really the Word of God?

You will likely be able to cover all your territory with this special offer. Follow up all interest and placements with a view to starting home Bible studies, using the most appropriate publication for this.

the Bible and they assist them to develop a good, clean conscience! So if you approach an elder for advice on a matter, he is in a position to help you to reason on the various principles that apply and show you portions of God’s Word that can help you to make the right decision.

• ⁴ The matter of taking the lead and giving training in evangelizing work was also given careful consideration. In the United States there has been a drop in field service activity recently. Elders were reminded that the evangelizing work is more important than ever and that only “whole-souled” service is pleasing to Jehovah. (Col. 3:23) Accordingly, they should give careful attention to this activity.

• ⁵ However, do not feel that you must wait for an elder to invite you to share with him in this evangelizing work. Especially would this apply to our many new ones recently starting to praise Jehovah. We encourage you to approach your book study conductor or any one of the elders and ask him if you can share with him in the field service. Elders are encouraged to make it a regular practice to invite others to share with them in the field service. The closer relationship thia brings will likely prompt you to seek the elders’ help in other matters. If you do this, problems can often be handled before they grow to serious proportions.

• ⁶ In whatever time remains of this present old order, all who are truly elders will be working harder than ever to build up their brothers now, while they have opportunity. To all others, now is the time to take advantage of this provision of Jehovah. To such ones we say, “Make wise use of your elders.”

  PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS "

  
  

By Being Resourceful

• ¹ There is much to be learned when we study the example of Jesus Christ. Jesus taught us to follow his example in ‘letting our light shine.’ (Matt. 5:14-16) To achieve this in an effective way we must be resourceful.

• ² When a sister goes to a laundromat, could she take her Bible, some literature and—particularly this month—some subscription blanks? Could it be that with a little initiative on her part she could strike up a conversation on world conditions, a recent local happening or something that someone else says? Those who use public transportation, who regularly visit a doctor’s office or who otherwise are in contact with people, Can be prepared to take advantage of these situations too.

• ³ For example, you might be reading the January 1, 1978, Watchtower in the presence of a co-worker during your lunch break and comment on how peoples’ attitudes toward one another have changed in recent years. Then you might ask if your co-worker feels that the lowering of moral standards is a contributing factor. After getting his response, you could explain that the reason you asked was that you were just reading an article ₄that shows how an accused murderer of a number of people got his “inspiration” from pornographic literature. Then you could call his attention to the scripture in the panel in the middle of page three, Romans 12:9, 19. Pursue the conversation and, if

All Day ... I Will Bless You" (Cont’d) will make us a blessing to one another.—Luke 6:45.

• ⁴ As we grow in appreciation of Jehovah’s marvelous qualities, including his goodness, we will find ourselves ‘bubbling over’ about him, in accord with Psalm 145:7. No one will have to urge us to speak about spiritual matters to those inside or outside the Christian congregation. We will praise Jehovah on every appropriate occasion because our hearts will be full of deep-rooted feeling for Jehovah due to our time and circumstances favor it, you could offer the subscription.

• ⁴ In our regular field activity from house to house this month, we can show resourcefulness. For example, a brother in house-to-house witnessing met a woman who said: “I am Greek. Can’t speak English.” He smiled, showed her the second page of The Watchtower where it states that it is published in Greek. He briefly stated with meaningful gestures that she could get it regularly in the mail. She subscribed.

• ⁵ Another brother met a woman at the door who said that she did not have much time. He stated, “Well, maybe we can get a chance to speak with you at length the next time we come. We are showing people from the Bible that the Kingdom is a righteous government under Jesus Christ that will soon bring peace to people of all races and nations. Before leaving I did want to mention that you can get The Watchtower, which explains these things in detail. It comes out twice a month.” This took only a minute and a half, but she subscribed.

• ⁶ At times, discerning what a particular situation calls for can make the difference between success and failure. (Prov. 25:11) Each of us should meditate regularly on situations that confront us. Deciding how we can best take advantage of these situations with the goal of helping others get salvation is what is involved in our being resourceful in presenting the good news.—1 Cor. 9:19-23.

knowledge and appreciation of him and his Son.—Col. 2:6, 7.

BENEFITS

• ⁶ What will result if we are generous in our expressions of praise about Jehovah? Those in our family will be encouraged and strengthened. Other brothers and sisters to whom we speak will be incited to “love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:24, 25) Those outside the Christian congregation to whom we give a witness can be motivated to “look hopefully” to Jehovah due to developing faith in him. (Ps. 145:15) All who listen can, therefore, be protected from the frustrating economic problems, unwholesome recreational activity and other pressures that can weaken our faith and cause us to lose sight of our relationship with Jehovah.—Prov. 18:10.

• ⁰ In the family arrangement par-4

New Literature Rates

Throughout the world costs are increasing. The materials we use in the production of our literature are costing more than ever before. Shipping and mailing costs have also gone up. We have reached the point where it is necessary to increase the prices of some of our publications.

As announced in Our Kingdom Service last month, as of January 1, 1978, the Watchtower and Awake! subscriptions will increase in price to §2.00 for a year’s subscription and §1.00 for six months. At the same time the individual copies of the magazines will be offered for 10 cents per copy in the United States. Prices of individual copies to the congregations and pioneers in this country will be double what they were, namely, 8 cents to the congregations and 2 cents to the pioneers. Congregations will remit §1.85 for each subscription obtained by publishers and §1.00 on pioneers’ subscriptions.

Also affected by the price increase from January 1 on is the regular edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. In the United States the price change goes up to §1.50 for the public. This means that the congregations will be charged §1.40 and the pioneers 75c.

In some languages we publish only the Christian Greek Scriptures. The New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures will change proportionately. The public price will be 75c. Congregations will remit 70c, and pioneers 40c.

There will be no change in the price of the deluxe edition of the New World Translation at this time.

This increase in the literature rates on the above items will help the Society to meet the higher production and shipping costs involved and still make it possible for people everywhere to receive these publications for a small contribution.

Branch Latter                  {Cont’d)

we are excited over the expectations for the future. We are continuing to plan for future advancement and expansion with complete awareness that the “day of Jehovah” is approaching.—2 Pet. 3:11, 12.

Your brothers, Brooklyn Branch Office ents who regularly discuss spiritual matters with their children will help them learn to love Jehovah. By responding to the spiritual needs of others in the congregation, speaking “consolingly to the depressed souls,” we will benefit our Christian brothers. And we should seek opportunities to give a witness on every occasion, conversing with people about Jehovah and his promises, thus benefiting many more in the field.

⁷ The person with deep appreciation for Jehovah looks for opportunities to “bless” him. He has something in his heart he wants to tell. (Ps. 40:8-10) We are richly blessed and are able to be a blessing to others when we become servants, who, like King David, desire to bless Jehovah “all day long.”

¹

Announcements              (Cont’d)

program, starting on February 5, 1978, district overseers will give the public talk “Have Faith in the Good News.” Starting in March, circuit overseers will give a public talk with the theme: “How Should You Serve God?’’

• A special public talk will be held on March 26, 1978, in all congregations. The subject: “The True Religion—How to Identify It.’’ In due time a manuscript (or outline) will be sent to each congregation.

²

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

Abhor What Is Wicked—Why? (w78 1/1) Rom. 12:9, 10

A World Without Violence (w78 1/15) Ps. 37:10, 11

(Each topic is based on first article in Watchtower.)