OUR KINGDOM SERVICE

MARCH 1980

Vol. 23, No. 3 FOR UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Meetings for Field Service

MARCH 3-9

Using Literature in Service Why offer literature to householders?

• 2. Which books available in our congregation are likely to appeal to people in our territory?

• 3. What are some talking points from these books that tie in with Topic for Conversation?

MARCH 10-16 Indifference

• 1. What causes indifference?

• 2. How might we stimulate interest in life, both present and future?

• 3. How might we tie in our Topic for Conversation with this problem?

MARCH 17-23

Viewpoints of Youth

• 1. What viewpoints are prevalent among youth today?

• 2. How might God's promise of something new affect a young person's viewpoint on life?

• 3. How can we present this to them?

MARCH 24-30 Memorial

• 1. Why do we want to invite people to the Memorial?

• 2. Whom might we invite?

• 3. What will you say when inviting others to the Memorial?

TOPIC FOR CONVERSATION

God's Promise of Something New.

—2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 21:1, 4.

heightened their appreciation of the significance of his sacrificial death. The apostle Peter, reflecting back over the earthly life and ministry of Jesus, wrote to fellow Christians: “To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.”—1 Pet. 2:21.

AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE

• ² At the early age of 12, Jesus demonstrated a keen appreciation for spiritual things. When separated from his parents for three days after the Passover celebration, he was found in the house of his Father, “sitting in the midst of the teachers and listening to them and questioning them.” Yes, Jesus “went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:3952) If you are a young person, are you doing that too?

• ³ Jesus was a man of action. Zeal

  Prepare for a Fitting Observance

  
  

• ¹ This year the Memorial (Nisan 14) will be celebrated after sundown on Monday, March 31, 1980. How can we as followers of Christ prepare for a fitting observance of this important occasion? One fine way is to reflect on the earthly life of Jesus, mankind’s loving, priceless Redeemer. (Matt. 20:28) To aid in this, we recommend that all of Jehovah’s people, individually or as family groups, read and review the article “He ‘Loved Them to the End’ ” in the March 1, 1980, issue of The Watchtower.

• ² Last year a schedule was published for family Bible reading before the Memorial. It covered each of the six days of Jesus’ activity prior to his death as recorded in the book of Mark. Many families of Jehovah’s people, whole congregations and Bethel families appreciated sharing in these Bible readings. for the house of his Father was in evidence when he single-handedly drove out those who were making Jehovah’s temple a house of merchandise. (John 2:14-17) Jesus was never afraid to speak the truth with boldness. (John 3:1-12) He taught masterfully as was indicated by the reaction of those who were present for his Sermon on the Mount. Matthew tells us that “the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching; for he was teaching them as a person having authority, and not as their scribes.” (Matt. 7:28, 29) Are you zealous and bold in speaking about Jehovah’s name and kingdom?

WHAT WE CAN DO

⁴ Jesus saw the wisdom of reaching people through varied methods of preaching. After gaining the victory over death, before his ascension to heaven, he left instructions for his disciples to carry on the work that he nimself started. (Consider Matthew 28:19, 20.) Could you have an increased share in this work this month? Could you share in the auxiliary pioneer work? Consider evening witnessing as well. Such increased field activity will afford us the opportunity to invite our Bible students as well as all (Continued on page 2, col. 1)

³ We are here providing a suggested schedule for Bible reading this year. It is taken from Matthew, Luke and John. While last year’s readings were listed for the day prior to the date of the Biblical happenings, you will notice that this year’s readings are scheduled for the same day that the events actually occurred, beginning after sundown of the current calendar days.                     ,

Wednesday, March 26 Nisan 9 Matthew 21:1-17

Thursday, March 27    Nisan 10

John 12:20-50

Friday, March 28       Nisan 11

Matthew 21:23-46

Saturday, March 29    Nisan 12

Matthew 26:1-16

Sunday, March 30      Nisan 13

Matthew 26:17-19

Luke 22:7-13

(Continued on page 4, col. 3)

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING MARCH 2

15 min: Song 46, appropriate Items from Announcements, local announcements, Theocratic News and Question Box.

20 min: “What Are You Doing In Remembrance of Him?’’ covered by questions and answers. Make announcements of Memorial arrangements. Outline special field service for month, Including evening witnessing. Encourage auxiliary pioneer work. Demonstrate how we might prepare a Bible student for the Memorial, explaining who partakes and why we attend (not more than 5 minutes).

15 min: “Presenting the Good News —By Making Good Use of Literature.” guestion-and-answer coverage of article.

emonstrate: (1) brief presentation to busy householder as suggested In paragraph 3; (2) presentation in paragraph 5. Let audience comment on points from demonstrations and the article that benefited them.

10 min: Review highlights from this meeting and encourage all to apply Practical points. Service arrangements or the week. Song 107 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 9

10 min: Song 55, local announcements and accounts report.

15 min: "Prepare for a Fitting Observance.” Family discussion of article. Father takes lead, drawing out comments from family members as time allows. Also reviews highlights of article on Memorial contained In the March 1, 1980 issue of The Watchtower. Concludes by encouraging each member of the family to be enthusiastic in Inviting and helping as many as possible to be in attendance with them at the Memorial. Keep discussion fast-moving and positive.

25 min: Elders should develop this part locally, considering needs of congregation. It may be beneficial to Include points that circuit overseer brought to attention of congregation on his last visit. A talk can be given based on Watchtower article 'How

Remembrance               (Cont’d)

others who show interest to attend the Memorial with us.

⁰ At the Memorial last year, we had a new all-time peak of 1,335,268 in attendance in the United States. This means that there were over 800,000 more present on that occasion than the 1979 peak number of publishers in this country. This year we have prepared a printed message that will be handed to all attenders. It will serve to encourage them to keep on associating and thus benefit from the spiritual provisions available throughout the year. An effort will be made to determine how many attenders at this year’s Memorial do not have regular home Bible studies or are not regularly attending meetings. All publishers are encouraged to make a written list of the individuals they invite and who do at-

Genulne Is Your Love?” from September 1, 1979, Watchtower, pages 3, 4. Include interviews of two or three publishers of various ages who have enjoyed auxiliary pioneer work in the past.

10 mln: Review suggestions from this meeting and encourage all to apply direction given. Outline field service arrangements for week. Song 70 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 16

THEME: Rejoice In Your Youth. —Eccl. 11:9.

5 mln: Song 91 and local announcements.

15 min: Interview group of children using material from Bible Stories book. Stories 87 and 94. Highlight role of children in true worship. Have young ones on platform and review material as time allows. Brother handling part should rehearse with participants.

20 min: “We Appreciate Our Youths.” Assign to qualified elder who is family man, if possible. By use of well-chosen auestlons, discuss Information with au-ience. Make local application. Include specific points from November, 1979, Our Kinadom Service on subject “Youths—Are You Involved?" Youths should participate as fully as possible in congregation activities. Must demonstrate patience. Youths in congregation today are the pioneers, servants and parents of tomorrow. Parents and others in congregation should assist youths and view them as vital part of congregation. Include brief demonstration of current offer, using qualified teen-age publishers.

10 min: “What Do You Want out of Life?" Talk by local elder, from Youth book, chapter 23. Help youths appreciate urgency of times and the need to progressively shoulder responsibility. Must develop a close relationship with Jehovah and face future with confidence. Encourage auxiliary pioneer work during spring vacations.

10 min: Review specific suggestions tend the Memorial so that further steps can be taken by the elders and ministerial servants to visit and encourage them thereafter. These lists should be turned in to the book study conductors as soon as possible after the Memorial date.

• ⁶ We encourage all, especially the elders and ministerial servants, to take the initiative to introduce themselves to interested persons who attend the Memorial and make them feel welcome. This will be a stepping-stone to further assisting them in the future.—Rom. 12:13.

• ⁷ Fitting preparations were made back in 33 C.E. for keeping the Passover, after which Jesus introduced the Lord’s Evening Meal. (Mark 14:12-16) AU bodies of elders should make adequate arrangements for celebrating the Memorial from meeting and encourage congregation to apply what was considered. Highlight field service arrangements and remind all of coming Memorial. Song 92 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 23

15 mln: Song 106. Local announcements apart from Memorial. Use the rest of the time In harmony with what Is needed locally, or call on publishers for experiences they have had in engaging others In discussing the Topic for Conversation “God’s Promise of Something New.”

15 min: Interview group of children on Bible Stories book, Stories 98-101 covering Lord’s Evening Meal and events that followed. (98) What were Jesus’ apostles asking Jesus about? (99) Why did Judas leave the room after Jesus celebrated the Passover? Why should we not want to be like Judas? What new celebration did Jesus start? (100) That night, what did the apostles do when Jesus was praying? What should we do when we are faced with problems? What did Judas do and why? (101) What did the enemies do to Jesus? What did Peter do? Why do we not want to be like Peter was then? What was finally done with Jesus? What did Jesus talk about with the criminal hanging alongside him? What can that mean for us?

15 min: “He ‘Loved Them to the End.’ ” Talk based on March 1, 1980, Watchtower article on pages 8-12, highlighting points under heading “Self-examinatfon. ” Include any Memorial announcements.

15 min: Memorial Review. Audience participation. What suggestions have we discussed on service meetings to help us prepare for the Memorial? Do Sou have in mind turning In lists of rose Invited and who do attend? (Lists should be given to your book study conductors.) What have you youngsters learned from the Bible Stories book about the Memorial? Why Is it beneficial to read the suggested Bible accounts In preparation for the Memorial? Song 83 and prayer.

this year. Advance preparation should be made in selecting a speaker for the occasion, arranging for the unleavened bread and the wine, assigning attendants, cleaning the Kingdom Hall, as well as meeting and welcoming all interested persons who attend. May Jehovah bless us as we endeavor to invite as many interested persons as possible to be present with us in celebrating the Memorial of Jesus Christ’s death.

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Making Your Family Life Happy:

March 2:  Pages 62¹ to

March 9:  Pages 70 to

March 16:  Pages 81  to

March 23:  Pages 90 to

March 30:  Pages 97 to1

• ¹ Since the time of the first human family Jehovah God has made provision for youths to be meaningfully involved in true worship. Accordingly the psalmist sang: “You are my hope, O Sovereign Lord Jehovaih, my confidence from my youth.”—Ps. 71:5; Gen. 4:1-4.

• ² How happy we are to have our youths praising Jehovah with us! Like Jehovah God, we appreciate their faithful service. Many persons have been attracted to the Kingdom message by young publishers. Sometimes our most zealous workers are youths. As they grow up in the truth, their spirituality can make a significant contribution to the overall spirituality of the congregations.

• ³ Bible prophecy foretold the problems of youths that are so prevalent today. (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) While it is true that some young ones in various congregations have had serious problems, how happy we are when they respond to efforts that help them to recover from some form of wrongdoing and thereafter make real progress as fine Christian youths. Like Timothy, however, many of our young brothers and sisters have developed from infancy to adulthood, untarnished by the spirit of the world. (2 Tim. 3:14; Acts 16:1) Young ones who are conducting themselves well as Christians are deserving of commendation, particularly when we consider the pressures that many are subjected to from unbelieving companions and, sometimes, from schoolteachers, who may deride their Biblebased viewpoints. The faith of our young brothers and sisters condemns the ungodly world around them and attracts honest-hearted ones to the truth.—Heb. 11:7.

* To illustrate what is being done, one young sister who was teased and ridiculed because of her modest dress and labeled as “untouchable,” was not intimidated into conforming to this world’s ungodly standards. Instead she explained that as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses that was the standard she kept. The teacher of another young publisher presented the evolution theory as fact and the Bible as myth. Loyally defending the Bible resulted in this publisher’s ' being able to start a number of Bible studies. Some of those showing interest began attending meetings.

⁵ We encourage all of you young ones among us to keep on “progressing in wisdom . . . and in favor with God and men.” (Luke 2:51, 52) Jehovah God invites you to act wisely, appreciating your role in the ‘great issue.’ (Prov. 27: 11) Your God-given assignment is to ‘fear God and keep his commandments.’ (Eccl. 12:13) Continue developing as stable, helpful and trustworthy members of your families, honoring your father and your mother. (Eph. 6:1-3) As disciples of Jesus Christ, participate regularly in the meetings and field service activities. As you continue to progress, devoting yourselves to Jehovah God in an unbreakable relationship, you can be sure that many blessings from Jehovah await you both now and in the future.

Question

• What forms of address are recommended for use during congregational meetings ?

When Jesus taught his followers to pray, he Instructed them to address Jehovah as “Our Father.’’ This thought of a spiritual family relationship between all of his followers was further emphasized when he told them “all you are brothers.” (Matt. 23:8) Many times the apostles and disciples of Jesus used the term "brother In a very direct sense. Peter referred to Paul as ’’our beloved brother Paul” and Paul spoke of “Titus my brother,” and "our brother Timothy."—2 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 2:13; Heb. 13:23.

In view of this close spiritual relationship, Jehovah’s Witnesses normally address each other as "brother” and "sister.” They generally do this along with the last name during congregational meetings. For the one presiding to use first names can, at times, cause certain problems. If a person were new to our meetings and we were not too well acquainted with him, he could feel we were being overly familiar if we called upon him by his first name since last names are customarily used when people are gathered at Christian meetings.

Whereas, the one presiding could call on very young children by their first name, were he to call older persons by their first name some may view this as a lack of respect. Or take the case of a sister whose husband is not In the truth but comes to a meeting for the first time. How will he feel if he hears his wife called by her first name by another married man In front of the whole congregation?

Such difficulties are resolved If those conducting meetings use last names when calling on Individuals to comment. We would not address newly Interested persons as “brother” or “sister” since the spiritual relationship of God’s family does not exist In their case. Rather use the first and last names together or preface the last name with the more formal Mr., Mrs. or Miss unless there is a reason for making an exception. On the other hand, when a person Is approaching

• Literature offer for March: Any of the 50-cent books In congregation stock except Choosing, Commentary on James, Family Life, Truth, or School Guidebook. Some may wish to offer the book From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained for 75c, and this may be done It you have this publication in stock In your local congregation. April: Watchtower subscription for $2.50 with three booklets given free to new subscribers. May: My Book of Bible Stories for $2.00. June: Choosing the Best Way of Life for 50c.

DISTRICT CONVENTION CHANGES • The 1980 district conventions listed as “tentative” in the February 1, 1980, Issue of The Watchtower and February Our Kingdom Service are now definite, with the exception that the dates for East Rutherford, NJ, are now July 17-20. Also, the Fremont, California Korean convention has been moved to Long Beach, California to be with the English convention on July 17-20.

• New Publications Available:

My Book of Bible Stories

—Afrikaans, New Guinea Pidgin, Sepedl, Sesotho, Zulu Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It                 —Polish, Sepedl

Unseen Spirits—Do They Help Ust

Or Do They Harm Usf

—Chlchewa, Clbemba, Eflk, Japanese, Shona Acts of Apostles (Cassette recordings)

—French

• Congregation accounts should be audited on March 1, or as soon as possible thereafter, by the presiding overseer or someone appointed by him.

• A limited supply of Watchtower and Awake! bound volumes are available at $3.00 each In the following languages for the years shown. We are pleased to fill orders while supply lasts.

Watchtower

1975-Itallan

1976-Engllsh, French, German, Italian, Spanish

1977-French, German, Italian, Spanish 1978-German, Italian, Portuguese,

Spanish

Awake I

1971-Engllsh

1972-Spanlsh

1974-Spanish

1975-French, Italian

1976-French, German, Italian, Spanish 1977-French, German, Italian, Spanish 1978-Italian, Portuguese, Spanish

• Recently a number of foreign language congregations have been organized with fine potential for continued expansion. If you are fluent in speaking French, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Korean, or Portuguese and would be willing to serve where the need is greater here in the United States, please follow the procedure outlined In Our Kingdom Service of May, 1975, under Announcements. (See also Organization book, p. 135.) These foreign language groups are In metropolitan areas of the country.

By Making Good Use of Literature

• ¹ How thankful we are for the publications Jehovah provides through his organization to keep us well fed spiritually. We eagerly thumb through new releases at conventions or the magazines when they come in the mail. Then we read them to gain the knowledge that aids us to know Jehovah and his purposes better. But this literature is not just for us. It is valuable in our preaching and disciplemaking work.—Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20.

• ² While our goal is not just to place literature when we go in service, nevertheless, when we are well acquainted with what is in the publications we are anxious to get them into the hands of as many people as possible so they may be aided to learn the truths they contain. If we view the publications as God-given instruments to spread the truth, we will put forth conscientious effort to place them with the public.

⁸ Sometimes people are genuinely very busy when we call. Have you ever replied saying: “Since you do not have time to talk now, perhaps you would accept these two magazines? You can read them when you have some time and learn more about God’s promise of something new. They are yours on a 20-cent contribution.” Many magazines have been placed this way, and experiences have been related about individuals who have been aided to recognize the truth by reading just one of our magazines.

⁴ There are obviously times when it may not be appropriate to offer literature. But if we remember that someone may read the literature and benefit from it, whether it is the person we talk to or another member of the household, then we will want to offer the literature whenever it is appropriate.

⁶ During March we are offering one of the 50-cent books in our regular house-to-house activity. After introducing ourselves we might say: “Our purpose in visiting you today is to share God’s promise of something new. When we see crime, violence and warfare in different parts of the world, it makes us long for a change to new and better conditions, doesn’t it? [Allow for reply.] In 2 Peter 3:11, we read the promise that all wicked things will be done away with. And, notice here in verse 13 what is to come. [Read verse.] God promises a new system of things, one wherein righteousness is to dwell. [At this point, if it seems advisable, you may go on to Revelation 21:1, 4 to aid the householder to learn more about God’s promises.] We are interested in helping people like you to learn more about God’s promises, and an aid to doing so is this publication.” Then show the book you are offering and highlight some point in it on God’s promises.

• ⁶ There are times when we meet individuals who tell us that they are having family problems. There may be little ones in the home or teen-agers. We may feel the Great Teacher book, the Youth book, or some other publication would be particularly appropriate for the person. (You decide.) A householder may express doubts about God’s existence or the value of the Bible. The Evolution book or the Word of God book will likely be helpful here. If the person we are talking to mentions that someone in the family has died, he may be comforted by thoughts in Is This Life All There 1st In any case, have in mind the objective of starting a study, perhaps right on the initial call.

• ⁷ Let us use the publications as a supplement to our oral testimony, to help answer questions, or so the householder can learn more at his own convenience. We can use them as an outline for discussions and as study aids. Yes, the publications come in handy in our house-to-house work, on return visits, for Bible studies, in street work and when doing informal witnessing.

• ⁸ What if we meet people who are genuinely interested but cannot contribute for the literature? There may be occasions when we conscientiously feel it is proper to give them a publication. However, we would not want to make a practice of giving literature away, especially if no real interest is shown. And while we may at times put a back issue of a magazine under the door if someone is not at home, this may not be appropriate in frequently covered territory. When it is done, be sure that the magazine is put completely out of sight so thieves are not made aware that no one is at home.

• ⁹ Continue to show appreciation for and use the fine literature Jehovah’s organization has provided.

  THEOCRATIC NEWS

  
  

♦ Al two "Living Hope" convention* held in Israel, 13 were baptized—more than in the whole last service year. Attendance was 350, over 100 more than publishers reporting.

♦ Japan reports that In November they hod a new peak of 7,278 regular pioneers. Of 51,906 publishers reporting, 31 percent were in some feature of pioneer work.

♦ Mexico's "Living Hope" conventions were attended by 244,340.

♦ Portugal reports second peak in a row with 20,725 publishers reporting in November. They also report that no publishers lost their lives In the earthquake in the Azores.

♦ Ivory Coast branch reports fine activity In November with a new peak of 1,294 publishers. Upper Volta reached a new peak of 136 publishers.

Prepare                     (Cont’d)

Monday, March 31 Nisan 14 Matthew 26:26-56

(For further information see “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” pages 288, 289 and Aid to Bible Understanding, page 930.)

⁴ Reading these passages carefully will enable each one of us to reflect upon Jesus and his activity during the closing days of his ministry. As we read this material, we should also give serious thought to our own personal standing before Jesus and Jehovah. Such selfexamination, which often results in greater appreciation for spiritual things, is appropriate at any time. However, it is particularly fitting in preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal. Additionally, our zealous participation in the field service gives us opportunity to make public declaration of our faith in and appreciation for our King and Ransomer, Christ Jesus, and for Jehovah who is ‘the Giver of every good and perfect gift.’ (Jas. 1:17) In keeping with the importance of the Lord’s Evening Meal, let each of us prepare well for a fitting observance.

4

¹

To or from subheading.

dedication and considers himself to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there may be no objection to prefacing the last name with “brother or "sister.”

When we use “brother” or “sister” during our congregation meetings, it Indicates a very blessed relationship, a family relationship under the one Father, Jehovah God. (Eph. 2:19b) It is a bond that is far closer and more precious than any indicated by the use of first names.

DECEMBER SERVICE REPORT

Av.     Av.    Av.   Av.

Pubs.  Hrs.    Mags.  R.V. Bl.St.

Sp’l Pios.     643 129.2  93.8 46.5 4.6

Pios.       16,064  82.4  64.9 32.1 3.3

Aux. Pios. 12,881  58.4  44.7 18.8 1.6

Pubs.     517,873   8.4   8.9 3.7 .4

TOTAL   547,461

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,534

A fine reportl The total publishers for December is 13,680—more than the peak during the 1979 service year.