OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

FEBRUARY 1981

Vol. 24, No. 2 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

FEBRUARY 2-8

When witnessing in cold or inclement weather:

• 1. What can we say that may assist us in getting into homes?

• 2. How can we show consideration for householders?

• 3. How can we show consideration for publishers working with us?

FEBRUARY 9-15

When presenting literature,

• • why is it good to:

• 1. Highlight specific point or illustration from publication?

• 2. Show how publication will specifically help householder?

• 3. Hand publication to person?

FEBRUARY 16-22

Why should we be concerned about the appearance of:

• 1. Our copy of the Bible?

• 2. Our book bag?

• 3. The literature that we offer?

FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1

Why is it beneficial for us to work in field service with:

• 1. The elders and ministerial servants?

• 2. The pioneers?

• 3. Less experienced publishers and youths?

Schedule for congregation studies in the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached: February 1: Pages 41 to 49¹ February 8: Pages 49¹ to 56f February 15: Pages 57 to 64f February 22: Pages 65 to 72¹

• ¹ “If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world . . . the world hates you.” (John 15:19) With those words Jesus Christ told his followers about one of the problems in life that Christians would face, namely, the hatred of the world under the influence and control of Satan the Devil. History bears out the truth of those words. That hatred was expressed in all its fury against Jesus who was impaled at the hands of those of “the world” under the direction of Satan. And it has been expressed since that time against the followers of Jesus earth wide right down to our present generation.

• ² Since there would be this intense hatred from the world, it can readily be appreciated that when Jesus gave the commandment to his disciples to love one another it would take on great meaning in their lives. In fact, Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) The need” for this love be-

  CONGREGATION MEETINGS—PART IV A Provision to Help Us Make Disciples

  
  

• ¹ Jesus Christ was a disciplemaker! He also taught his disciples to share in the preaching and disciple-making work as well. (Matt. 10:5; 11:1) Those early disciples recognized the importance of sharing the truth with others in compliance with Jesus’ command as recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20.

• ² Likewise, today, the heartfelt desire of each Christian should be to influence others to follow Jesus Christ and become his disciples. What a grand privilege we have to engage in ‘publicly declaring’ the truth of God’s Word in a manner worthy of the “good news.” (Rom. 10:9, 10, 13, 14) If we appreciate that our salvation as well as that of those to whom we preach is at stake, we will be moved to share whole-souled in this lifesaving work. (1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 20:26, 27) This will enhance our appreciation for the numerous provisions that stimulate our desire to share fully in the preaching and disciple-making work. One of these provisions is the service meeting.

comes more and more apparent, living, as we are, deep in the time of the end.               >

OVERCOMING DIFFERENCES

⁸ Due to our imperfection there may be times when we fail to express love for our brothers. There may be differences in personality, individual likes and dislikes, differences in cultural background, and so on. When we encounter such differences we need to consider seriously the race for life into which all of us as followers of Christ have entered. While it is easy to find weaknesses and imperfections in our brothers, if we have the mind of Christ we will look to find their strong points, those areas in life where they are striving to exhibit faith and godly works. We will recognize that we, too, have certain traits that are not necessarily admired by others, and yet we want understanding of our weaknesses.

⁴ Paul, in Colossians 3:13, 14, said this: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving (Continued on page 7, col. 2)

BENEFITS RECEIVED

• ³ Information presented on the service meeting serves to build us up spiritually and equips us to share more zealously and effectively in the preaching and disciplemaking work. Consider specific ways in which we personally benefit.

• ⁴ We are encouraged to participate regularly in the house-to-house work, not only because of this fine apostolic example, but also because of the fine results obtained. Our Kingdom Service often provides detailed presentations that we can use in the field. Suggestions are given showing how to start conversations, use tact, adapt ourselves to different situations, and so forth. Additionally, we are shown how we can assist our brothers to become more effective.

• ⁵ Service meetings also help us to appreciate better our responsibility to return and help persons who display an interest in the truth. We have been shown why we need to keep accurate records (Continued on page 7, col. 1)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 1

Song 25

20 mln: Question-and-answer coverage of insert material on “Attend the 1981 District Convention.”

15 min: “Presenting the Good News—By Making Return Visits.” An elder and a ministerial servant discuss information, involving audience. Have capable teacher demonstrate return visits by calling back on interested person. Review key points of presentation with congregation, stressing need for advance preparation.

10 min: Review current Topic for Conversation with congregation, illustrating how current literature offer can be effectively tied into Bible presentation. Highlight specific points such as chapters and illustrations that can be used from 192-page books congregation has in stock. Highlight service arrangements for week. Local announcements. Remind all to review chapters 14 and 15 from Happiness book to be covered in public talk. Song 8 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 8

Song 108

12 min: Accounts report and other announcements, including field service arrangements for congregation. Consider Question Box.

18 mln: “Have Love for the Whole Association of Brothers.” Questions and answers. On paragraph six, ask audience how they have found it helpful working with others in the service and in other ways.

15 min: “We Need Jehovah’s Organization.” Talk by elder. For source material consult Watchtower, December 15, 1962, pages 758-763; Watchtower, July 1, 1979, pages 20-30. In conclusion, encourage all to review chapters 16 and 17 of Happiness book in preparation for this week’s public talk. Song 65 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 15 Song 102

5 min: Announcements and field service arrangements.

17 min: “Congregation Meetings— Part IV.” Questions and answers. Highlight section “Advance Preparation Needed” and apply material to local needs.

13 min: “Directing People to the Christian Congregation.” Discussion and demonstration by brother who takes lead in Bible study activity. Jesus was appointed by his Father as head of Christian congregation. (Eph. 1:22, 23) He appointed a “faithful and discreet slave” class to care for his interests on earth. (Matt. 24:45-47) Individual Christians must recognize arrangement and work closely with organization. (Isa. 2:2, 3; Heb. 10: 23, 24) It is recommended that we develop a regular program of progressively directing students to organization. A few minutes can be taken at conclusion of weekly study to do so. Subjects can be considered, such as location and function of Kingdom Hall; purpose of each meeting and how conducted; no collections at meetings (Matt. 6:2, 3); appointed elders have no titles (Matt. 23:8-10); all in congregation share in witnessing and teaching (Acts 8:1, 4). What other topics can be considered? What visual aids could be used? Why is it necessary for students to learn function of the organization on both global and local scale?

Have demonstration of qualified publisher directing student to organization by covering a specific point outlined above. Review key points, as time allows.

10 min: Talk on subject “Share Regularly in Magazine Distribution.” It is vital that we appreciate the part The Watchtower and Awake! have in spreading the good news of the Kingdom. Even though persons may have limited interest in our message, they are often willing to accept magazines. Distribution has increased during last service year. (Note current Yearbook.) A constant effort is being put forth to make magazines more interesting and appealing. Are we making full use of this provision? All will want to have a regular share in magazine activity. Select specific theme that ties in with a preselected article or subject from current issues. Highlight illustrations. (Illustrate talking points from current issues.) Young publishers can be effective in placing magazines. Prepare and participate in this activity as a family. While congregations may have arrangements for publishers to participate in the magazine activity every Saturday, it is suggested that all make special. effort„_to._share m some feature of magazine distribu-

and”

Saturdays of each month. i(“tfe Tegular house-tom: street work, or building up a magazine route. All will want to endeavor to be magazine conscious, appreciating the full value of these publications.

Encourage congregation to review chapters 18 to 20 in Happiness book in preparation for public talk. Song 99 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 22

Song 73

10 min: Announcements and field service arrangements. Consider main points of articles “Making Good Use of Circuit Overseer’s Report” and “Unworked Territory.” 15 min: “Dating and Courtship.” Based on Youth book, chapter 19. Talk and demonstration by brother who is a parent, if possible. It is normal for single persons to think of courtship and marriage. It is vital, however, that those contemplating marriage follow Bible principles and endeavor to please Jehovah. Be .careful not to imitate spirit of world. (Gal. 5:19-21) Follow direction of Christian parents and elders.—Phil. 4:8, 9; Eph. 6:1..

Demonstration: Father and teenage son consider subject of dating. Son respectfully asks why he cannot date as others do. Father kindly gives direction, using material from Youth book, pages 142-151. Purpose of dating. Why many young people want to date. Dangers of pairing off together. Premature dating can hinder one’s development. Reason with son on Bible principles involved.

Chairman reviews basic points considered. Frankly outline need for engaged couples likewise to maintain wholesome conduct during courtship. (Youth book, pp. 152-156) Invite congregation to comment on practical value of heeding Scriptural counsel during dating and courtship.

10 min: “Marry ‘Only in the Lord.’ ” Talk based on Awake! of March 22, 1979, pages 27, 28. Highlight blessings received from heeding Scriptural direction.

10 min: Interview two publishers who have recently participated in the auxiliary pioneer work. Outline how they were able to adjust their schedule to pioneer even though having responsibilities similar to many in congregation. Also encourage all to participate in field service next Sunday, the first Sunday in March.

Song 70 and prayer.

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ATTEND THE 1981 DISTRICT CONVENTION

¹ “Kingdom Loyalty” District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. What a fine theme to stimulate our desire to attend the 1981 district convention! With worsening conditions and nationalism abounding in the world, how necessary that faithful Christians assemble together to strengthen their loyalty to Jehovah and his kingdom. (Heb. 10: 23-25) A truly fine opportunity will be afforded to meet together with thousands of loyal brothers and sisters at over 100 locations this coming summer, as listed in the February 15 Watchtower (English). Additionally, we are providing the following necessary information to enable you to make your arrangements to attend, as well as to assist others who may need help to be there with you.

ROOMING ARRANGEMENTS

’Last year the Society instituted a new system of rooming for district conventions in order to assist everyone needing accommodations and to simplify the overall rooming operation. (See Our Kingdom Service, February 1980.) For the most part, this arrangement proved to be very beneficial for all concerned and will be used again this year.

• ⁸ Under this arrangement you will make all your own arrangements directly with the hotel/motel. In most cases you will pay much less than the regular rates charged by that hotel/motel since the convention has arranged for a large number of rooms to be set aside for this purpose. Already many managers of good quality hotels and motels in the convention cities have been approached and the best rates possible have been negotiated with them for those attending each convention. A number of rooms in each of these hotels and motels have been blocked off to be assigned by the hotel/motel only to those identifying themselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses or as delegates attending the Watchtower Convention. In most cases, by the middle of January 1981, your congregation will have received a list of hotels and motels in the convention city that are cooperating closely with the Society’s rooming arrangement. It will show the address of the facility, its agreed-upon rates to those attending the convention and the phone number to be used in making your reservations, along with other information.

• ⁴ WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: As soon as your congregation receives the list of hotels and motels from the convention organization, you should select the facility where you would prefer to stay. Then phone the hotel or motel immediately, identifying yourself as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or as a delegate attending the Watchtower Convention. Doing so will qualify you for the agreed-upon rates listed. One night’s deposit (credit card, cashier’s check or money order) will be required at all locations and should be sent to them as soon as your reservations are confirmed. This deposit should be sent to the hotel or motel directly, well in advance of the cutoff date listed on the sheet (s) received from the rooming department. Motels and/or hotels are not obligated to hold the rooms without a deposit or extend the special rates beyond the cutoff date. If you find it necessary to cancel your accommodation you should write or phone the hotel/motel directly, doing so as far in advance as possible. This makes the room available to other delegates who may desire the accommodation. The convention rooming department will be monitoring the arrangement and will provide additional information through the congregation, such as which hotels/motels are filled after a month or two, as well as any additional ones it may find necessary to add to the list. Remember, therefore, that it will be your responsibility to contact the hotel/motel and make reservations based on the information provided on the list. If the hotel/motel you call first is filled, then it will be necessary for you to call the next one you have selected from the list, and so on.

• ⁵ DORMITORIES: A few conventions find it necessary to use school dormitories in order to accommodate all those attending. In most cases, the congregations will receive information on these a month or so after the first hotel/motel listing is sent. Those needing accommodations of this type should follow through in accord with the instructions set out on the list that will be sent to the congregation by the convention rooming department.

⁸ SPECIAL NEEDS: Most arrangements to care for those with special needs have customarily originated at the local congregation where such ones attend. Elders and others who are aware of such circumstances have lovingly extended help, which is commendable. This has often involved taking others with them in their own group—those in full-time service, the elderly, infirm or needy ones. Also they have cared for their needs in other ways, such as assisting them in making arrangements or even aiding them financially, if possible and where needed. (Jas. 2:15-17; 1 John 3:17, 18) We are confident that such loving concern will continue to be shown’to all such loyal ones. (John 13:35; Gal. 6:10) However, the convention rooming department will function to provide rooming accommodations for those with special needs who can neither be cared for by themselves nor by those in the congregation where they attend. Such ones may ask the convention coordinator in their congregation for a Special Needs Room Request Form, discussing their situation with him at this time. Those with special needs are the only ones that should use this form. They should fill it out and return it to the convention coordinator to be checked for completeness, accuracy and verification of circumstances. Even though he forwards it to the convention rooming department, the individual (s) will be notified of the accommodations directly by the rooming department. This should be done well ahead of the convention. (The one with special needs should not simply go to the convention and request a room when he arrives, because the convention rooming department needs the congregation convention coordinator’s verification of the circumstances.) Both private homes and hotel/motel accommodations will be used in caring for those with special needs, according to their circumstances. Please keep in mind that private home accommodations listed by the convention are usually set aside for those with limited funds who would experience real hardship if such accommodations were not made available. They are not intended for those who want free or inexpensive rooms just to save money, such as for a vacation. Also, private home accommodations are for the convention period only. It hardly seems proper to presume upon the hospitality of our brothers by expecting them to accommodate delegates for extra days so as to visit vacation spots or do other things in the area before or after the convention.

' DELEGATES ATTENDING OUT OF THE ASSIGNED AREA: District conventions are arranged at many locations to reduce the travel required in order to attend. In nearly every case, the location recommended for you to attend is the one nearest your congregation. Seating, literature, food orders, and so forth, are planned on the premise that the great majority will attend the convention to which they are assigned. However, a few for various reasons may choose to attend a location other than the one Recommended for their congregation. Such individuals may ask the convention coordinator in their congregation for the address of the convention headquarters where they wish to attend. These addresses are listed on the back of the Special Needs Room Request Form. Unless these persons have special needs, they should not use the Special Needs Room Request Form. Rather, they should write to the convention headquarters and request a copy of the hotel/-motel listing for that location, sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope along with this request. Upon receipt of this listing of hotels/motels they should proceed just as if they were using the listing for their local area.

⁸ YOUR COOPERATION APPRECIATED: The smoothness with which this rooming arrangement functions will largely depend on the cooperation of everyone involved—the convention rooming department, the hotels and motels, the elders serving as convention coordinators and those being accommodated. It would be good to keep two things in mind in order to avoid a problem. If a number of delegates attempt to make hotel/motel

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Published monthly by Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc., 117 Adams St, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201 Our Kingdom Service (USPS 295-360) Second-class postage paid at Brooklyn, N.Y. Printed in U.S.A.