Our kingdom ministry

APRIL 2011

WEEK STARTING APRIL 11

Song 44 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 2 V8-15 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Job 21-27 (10 min.) No. 1: Job 25:1-26:14 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Why the Cross Should Not Be Viewed as an Object of Devotion (5 min.) No. 3: Is Jesus Christ the Same Person as Michael the Archangel?—rs p. 218 fl1-3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 98

5 min: Announcements. Inform the congregation of the local progress being made in the Memorial invitation campaign.

10 min: Sow Your Seed, and Do Not Let Your Hand Rest. (Eccl. 11:6) Discussion based on the 2011 Yearbook, page 170, paragraph 2, to page 173, paragraph 4. After discussing each experience, invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: How to Witness by Letter. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 71-73.

10 min: “A Powerful Witness Will Be Given.” Questions and answers.

Song 8 and Prayer

A Powerful Witness Will Be Given

¹ When? On the night of the Memorial. Much effort has gone into inviting people to attend with us. What visitors hear is not the only thing that may impress them. After attending the Memorial, one woman

• 1. In addition to the talk, what else may impress visitors at the Memorial? Explain. specifically commented on what she saw —the friendliness of everyone and the beautiful, clean building that was constructed and maintained by volunteers. Therefore, all of us, not just the speaker, share in giving a witness on this most important occasion of the year.—Eph. 4:16.

• ² Warmly Greet Visitors: Our warm smile along with a cheerful hello to visitors will give a witness. (John 13:35) Even if you are not able to speak to everyone, you can still warmly introduce yourself to people near you. (Heb. 13:1, 2) Be watchful for visitors who do not seem to know anyone. Likely they received an invitation during the campaign. You might ask, “Is this your first time here?” Invite them to sit with you, and offer to answer any questions they may have. If your congregation must leave quickly so that another congregation can use the facility, you might say: “I’d like to know what you thought of the program. Is there a way that I can contact you?”

• ³ Welcome the Inactive: No doubt, inactive publishers will be present, including some who limit their association with the congregation to their annual attendance at the Memorial. Welcome them, and let them know that you are genuinely happy to see them. (Rom. 15:7) Elders can go by their home soon afterward to encourage them to continue their association with the congregation. It is our prayer that many in attendance will be moved to glorify God not just because of what they hear but also because of what they see ‘as a result of our fine works of which they are eyewitnesses.’ —1 Pet. 2:12.

• 2. How may each of us give a witness to visitors?

• 3. How may we welcome those who are inactive?

  WEEK STARTING APRIL 18

  Song 17 and Prayer

  Q Congregation Bible Study: bt chap. 2 ^16-23 (25 min.)

  Q Theocratic Ministry School:

  Bible reading: Job 28-32 (10 min.)

  No. 1: Job 30:1-23 (4 min. or less)

  No. 2: If Someone Says: “You Don’t Believe in Jesus”—rs p. 219 fl1-3 (5 min.)

  No. 3: Why We Should Think Before We

  Speak—Prov. 16:23 (5 min.)

  Q Service Meeting:

  Song 54

  5 min: Announcements.

  10 min: When Others Demand an Explanation. Talk based on the Ministry

  
  

  School book, page 177, paragraph 2, to the end of page 178. Include a brief demonstration of an unbelieving workmate asking a publisher a question about our beliefs. The publisher soliloquizes a mental outline of how he will respond and then answers the question.

  10 min: Question Box. Discussion by an elder.

  10 min: Methods of Preaching the Good News—From House to House. Discussion of Organized book, page 92, paragraph 3, to page 95, paragraph 2. Interview one or two publishers who preach from house to house despite obstacles, such as physical infirmities or shyness. How have their efforts been rewarded?

  Song 26 and Prayer

  
  

QUESTION BOX

■ How long should we study with a progressive Bible student?

It is best to continue studying with a progressive Bible student until he has completed two publications—What Does the Bible Really Teach? and “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love.” This is true even if the student gets baptized before finishing both books. After his baptism we may continue to report the time, the return visits, and the study. If a publisher accompanies us and participates in the study, he may also count the time.—See the March 2009 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 2.

It is important for new ones to have a good foundation in the truth before they are left on their own. They need to be “rooted” in Christ and “stabilized in the faith” so as to withstand the trials they are sure to face. (Col. 2:6, 7; 2 Tim. 3:12; 1 Pet. 5:8, 9) Additionally, to teach others effectively, they must have “an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) By completing two books with our students, we are helping them attain a solid footing on “the road leading off into life.” —Matt. 7:14.

Before approving someone for baptism, elders should ensure that he clearly understands primary Bible teachings and is living in harmony with them. Elders should be especially careful when considering a student who has not yet completed the first study book. If someone is not ready for baptism, the elders will make sure that he receives the necessary personal assistance in order to qualify for baptism in the future.—See Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, pages 217-218.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 25

Song 108 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 3 fl1-3, boxes on pp. 23-27 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Job 33-37 (10 min.) Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 117

5 min: Announcements. “Use Them Rather Than Store Them.” Talk. Inform audience of any older publications that are overstocked in the congregation.

30 min: “Three Days of Spiritual Refreshment.” Questions and answers. Discuss “2011 District Convention Reminders.” When considering paragraph 5, call on the service overseer to explain local arrangements for distributing the invitations.

Song 119 and Prayer

Use Them Rather Than

Store Them

Many congregations have accumulated a supply of older publications. Why not obtain copies for your personal theocratic library? Of course, likely you already have access to the contents of some of these older publications in Watchtower Library. However, there are benefits to having a hard copy too. Are you studying with a progressive Bible student? Then encourage him to obtain these older publications and begin building his personal library. The Theocratic Ministry School overseer should make sure that the Kingdom Hall library contains any older publications that the congregation has in stock. These publications still have value. It is better for us to make use of them than to leave them at the congregation’s literature counter!

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning April 25, 2011. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of March 7 through April 25, 2011.

• 1. In what sense was it that “many of the peoples of the land were declaring themselves Jews”? (Esther 8:17) [w06 3/1 p. 11 par. 3]

• 2. Why was Satan allowed to enter before Jehovah? (Job 1:6; 2:1) [w06 3/15 p. 13 par. 6; it-2 p. 16 par. 4]

• 3. What is implied by Satan’s question, “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God”? (Job 1:9) [w94 11/15 p. 11 par. 6]

• 4. Why does knowing that Jehovah is “wise in heart and strong in power” instill confidence in us? (Job 9:4) [w07 5/15 p. 25 par. 16; it-2 p. 1190 par. 3]

• 5. In what way did the statement by Eliphaz that a man drinks in “unrighteousness just like water” reflect Satanic thinking? (Job 15:16) [w10 2/15 p. 20 pars. 1-2]

• 6. What can we learn from Job’s strong outcry that we read at Job 19:2? [w94 10/1 p. 32 pars. 1-5]

• 7. What helped Job to maintain his integrity? (Job 27:5) [w09 4/15 p. 6 par. 17]

• 8. How can we imitate Job when others have a need? (Job 29:12, 13) [w02 5/15 p. 22 par. 19; w94 9/15 p. 24 par. 2]

• 9. In what way was Elihu’s counsel different from that of Job’s three other companions? (Job 33:1, 6) [w95 2/15 p. 29 par. 3]

• 10. How should reflecting on Jehovah’s wonderful works affect us? (Job 37:14) [w06 3/15 p. 16 par. 4]

Three Days of Spiritual Refreshment

• ¹ In this spiritually scorched land that is Satan’s world, Jehovah continues to refresh his servants. (Isa. 58:11) One provision Jehovah uses to invigorate us is the annual district convention. As the convention for this year approaches, how may we prepare to receive and impart spiritual refreshment? —Prov. 21:5.

• ² If you have not already done so, take time now to arrange your personal and secular work schedules to be present for all three days of the convention. Have you calculated the time that you will need to travel to the convention site each day so that you can arrive and locate seating well before the program begins? We would certainly not want to miss any of the invigorating spiritual meal that Jehovah has prepared for us!

• 1. What can we expect to receive from this year’s district convention?

• 2. What preparations do we need to finalize?

  As in the past, three weeks before the start of our convention, we will share in a campaign to invite others to attend

  
  

2011 District Convention Reminders

■ Program Times: The program will begin at 9:20 a.m. all three days. The doors will open at 8:00 a.m. When the introductory music is announced, all of us should go to our seats so that the program can begin in a dignified manner. The program will conclude at 4:55 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday.

■ Parking: At all convention sites where we control the parking, the spaces will be available to attendees at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Only those with a state-approved license plate or placard for the disabled will be allowed to park in the area re-(Isa. 65:13, 14) Have your arrangements for lodging and transportation been completed?

³ What will help you to keep your mind from wandering during the sessions? If possible, get plenty of rest each night during the convention. Focus your eyes on the speaker. Look up every scripture in your Bible. Take brief notes. Families do well to sit together so that parents can help their children to pay close attention. (Prov. 29:

15) Perhaps you can discuss highlights of the program each evening as a family. So that your family can continue to be refreshed even after the convention, time could be allotted during your Family Worship evening to consider

specific points for your family to apply.

• ⁴ Help Others Gain Refreshment: We want others to receive spiritual refreshment too. Are there elderly publishers or others in

• 3. What suggestions will help us and our family to benefit fully from the program?

• 4. How can we help others in our congregation to receive spiritual refreshment?

served for them. Parking is usually limited, so carpooling should be done to the extent possible.

■ Seat Saving: Seats may be saved only for those living in our home or traveling in our vehicle or for our current Bible students.—1 Cor. 13:5.

■ Noon Meal: Please bring a 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.

■ Donations: We can show our appreciation for the convention arrangements by making voluntary contributions to the worldwide work at the convention. Any checks should be made the congregation who need assistance in order to attend the convention? Are you in a position to help them? (1 John 3:17, 18) Elders, especially group overseers, should see that such publishers receive the needed assistance.

• ⁵ As in the past, three weeks before the start of our convention, we will share in a campaign to invite others to attend. Congregations should set a goal to distribute their allotment of invitations and cover as much of their territory as possible. Invitations that your family has left over at the end of the campaign should be brought to the convention for you to use when witnessing informally. Further information on this will be provided during the program on Friday. Invitations that your family does not expect to use while in the convention city should be given to an attendant when you enter the facility. Please keep one copy for yourself, as you will need to refer to it during the last talk on Sunday.

• ⁶ Good Manners Refresh: At a time

• 5. How will we distribute invitations to the convention? (See also the box above.)

• 6. In what ways can we display good manners at the convention?

payable to “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

■ Accidents and Emergencies: If a medical emergency arises at the convention site, please contact a nearby attendant, who will immediately notify First Aid so that our qualified first-aid personnel can assess the seriousness of the situation and render assistance. If it is necessary, our first-aid personnel will call 911. This will prevent emergency-response services from receiving many cell-phone calls.

■ Medication: If you require prescription medication, please be sure to bring an adequate supply with you, since none will be available at the convention.

■ Footwear: Each year a number of injuries occur that are related to footwear. It is best to

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.” The front of the invitation is interest-arousing, so hand it to the householder in such a way that he can see it. Be enthusiastic. When sharing in the distribution on the weekends, the magazines should also be offered when appropriate.

when many people are “lovers of themselves” and show a lack of regard for the feelings of others, how refreshing it is to be around fellow Christians who endeavor to display good manners! (2 Tim. 3:2) We show good manners by entering the building in a calm and orderly way when it opens at 8:00 a.m. and by saving seats only for those living in our home or traveling in our vehicle or for our current Bible students. We follow the chairman’s direction when he choose modest, well-fitting shoes that will allow one to walk safely on ramps, stairs, gratings, and so forth.

■ Hearing Impaired: The program will be broadcast in the auditorium on an FM radio frequency. To receive it, you will need to bring a small battery-operated FM receiver with earphones.

■ Baby Strollers and Lawn Chairs: Baby strollers and lawn chairs should not be brought to the convention site. However, child-safety seats are acceptable if they can be secured in a seat next to the parents.

■ Fragrances: Most conventions take place in enclosed areas with mechanical ventilation. Therefore, it would be loving on our part to limit the use of strong fragrances, colognes, requests that we go to our seats to listen to the musical interlude introducing each session. It shows good manners to set our cell phone or pager so as not to distract others during the program. We also display good manners by not talking, texting, eating, or roaming the corridors needlessly during the program.

⁷ Refreshing Association: Conventions give us extended opportunities to enjoy our refreshing Christian unity and brotherhood. (Ps. 133:1-3) Why not take the initiative to “widen out” and meet brothers and sisters who are present from other congregations? (2 Cor.

6:13) You might make it a goal to get to know at least one new person or new family each day. The midday break affords a good opportunity to do this. So bring a light lunch and enjoy eating and associating with others on the premises rather than leaving to purchase food or to eat in a nearby restaurant. This may lead to the blessing of new and lasting friendships.

• 7. How may we receive and give refreshment while associating with our brothers?

  Our dress and grooming at the convention site, at our place of lodging, and at restaurants should honor Jehovah

  
  

and perfumes that may cause reactions 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. Publishers should bring one or two forms to the convention. Completed forms may be submitted to the Book Room or given to the congregation secretary on your return.—See the November 2009 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.

■ Restaurants: Honor Jehovah’s name by your fine conduct at restaurants. Leave a tip if this is customary.

■ Hotels:

• (1) Please do not reserve more rooms than

• ⁸ How refreshing it is to work alongside fellow worshippers in sacred service! Could you volunteer to assist a department or help your congregation with its cleaning assignment? (Ps. 110:3) If you do not already have a work assignment, please consider approaching the Volunteer Service Department at the convention. Many hands make the work joyful and light.

• ⁹ Our Conduct Is Refreshing to Observers: We are convention delegates during all three days of the convention, not just during the program. Those who observe us while we are in the convention city should be able to see a refreshing contrast between us and non-Witnesses. (1 Pet. 2: 12) Our dress and grooming at the convention site, at our place of lodging, and at restaurants should honor Jehovah. (1 Tim. 2:9, 10) If we wear our lapel badges, onlookers will be able to

• 8. Why should we volunteer to work at the convention, and how can we do so?

• 9. Why should we give particular attention to our conduct and appearance during the convention?

you will actually use, and do not have more people stay in your room than what is allowed.

• (2) Do not cancel your reservation except for an emergency situation, and notify the hotel as soon as it occurs.—Matt. 5:37.

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

• (4) Cook only in rooms where cooking is permitted.

• (5) Tip hotel workers when they carry your luggage, and leave a tip for the housekeeper each day.

• (6) Do not abuse any complimentary breakfast, coffee, or ice provisions that are made available for guests to use while they are at the hotel. identify us as Jehovah’s Witnesses. This may provide us with an opportunity to tell them about our convention and give a further witness.

• ¹⁰ How may we cooperate with hotel and restaurant workers? We should not reserve more hotel rooms than we will actually use, as this prevents other delegates from obtaining rooms and makes it very difficult for the hotel to replace the lost business. If the hotel is busy at the time that we check in or check out, we should demonstrate patience and graciousness. (Col. 4:6) We should give the customary tip to servers at restaurants and to hotel workers who carry our bags, clean our room, and provide other services.

• ¹¹ What impression does our good conduct during the convention make on others? According to a newspaper article, the manager of one facility used for conven-

• 10. How may we ensure that hotel and restaurant workers have a positive view of our convention?

• 11. What experiences illustrate the good witness that results from our Christian conduct?

  Be resolved to refresh others through your good manners, joyful association, and fine conduct

  
  

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

• (8) The room rate shown on the Recommended Lodging List is the full price per day, excluding tax. If you are overcharged or billed for things you did not request or use, refuse these charges and inform the Rooming Department at the convention as soon as possible.

• (9) If a problem arises with your hotel room, inform the Rooming Department while at the convention so they can assist you.

• (10) Please also note that if you use a debit or credit card when registering at a hotel, tions said this: “The people are very polite. We’re excited to have them every year.” Last year a non-Witness lost his wallet at a hotel used by convention delegates. When the wallet was returned to the hotel manager with all its contents intact, the manager told the owner: “It was a good thing for you that Jehovah’s Witnesses were attending their convention nearby, and the hotel was full of them. Otherwise you would probably not have had the wallet returned.”

¹² This year’s conventions are fast approaching. Much time and effort have gone into making the program and the convention environment refreshing. Make it your aim to be present all three days, and be prepared for what Jehovah and his organization have in store for you. Be resolved to refresh others through your good manners, joyful association, and fine conduct. Then you and others may feel as did one of last year’s delegates who wrote, “I cannot recall a more satisfying experience!”

12. As the convention approaches, what should be our aim, and why?

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 within a few days after you depart.

■ Volunteer Service: The happiness we gain from attending the convention will be even greater if we volunteer to assist with the necessary work involved. (Acts 20:35) Any who wish to do so should report to the Volunteer Service Department at the convention. Children under 16 years of age can also make a fine contribution by working under the direction of a parent or guardian or other adult approved by a parent or guardian.

WEEK STARTING MAY 2

Song 99 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 3 ^4-11 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Job 38-42 (10 min.)

No. 1: Job 40:1-24 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Benefits From Being Mild-Tempered and Patient (5 min.)

No. 3: If Someone Says: “Do You Accept Jesus as Your Personal Savior?”—rs p. 219 ^4-5 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 82

10 min: Announcements. Using the sample presentation on this page, demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in May. Encourage all to have a share.

15 min: Local needs.

10 min: Prepare to Offer the Magazines in May. Discussion. Take one or two minutes to review some of the contents of the magazines. Then choose two or three articles, and invite audience to suggest questions and scriptures that could be used in a presentation. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

Song 91 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for April and May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? and endeavor to start a Bible study. When making return visits on those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associating with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies using the Bible Teach book. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. If householders already have the book, congregations that have a stock of Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and Worship the Only True God may offer either of these books. Otherwise, offer any older field publications on hand in the congregation. July: Was Life Created?

■ The meeting schedule for the week preceding your district convention may be adjusted to review counsel and reminders about attending the convention. 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.

■ Beginning in May, all congregations should use the first Saturday of each month to concentrate on starting Bible studies. The Watchtower series “Learn From God’s Word” has been designed to help publishers do this. The back page of each issue of Our Kingdom Ministry will contain sample presentations for the following month, including a suggestion for starting a Bible study on the first Saturday.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in May

“Have you ever wondered why God allows evil and suffering? [Allow for response.] I would like to show you something interesting on this subject.” Read together the material under the first subheading on page 16 of the May 1 issue of The Watchtower and one of the cited scriptures. Offer the magazines, and arrange to return to consider the answer to the next question.

»^45O6E7® May 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom

Read Psalm 37:10, 11. Then say: “Do you think we will see this promise come true soon? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses six different Bible prophecies that we are seeing fulfilled right now, prophecies that indicate that the reality of this promise cannot be a long way off.”

!"#$ May

“Some say that humans are simply highly evolved animals. What do you think? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 139:14.] Of course, the psalmist had limited knowledge of the wonders of the human body. This magazine discusses what we know now, including what sets us apart from animals.”

Field Service Highlights

In November 2010, the United States reported a new alltime peak of 136,885 regular pioneers. This is an increase of 188 over the previous peak in October 2010. Also, the Turks and Caicos Islands reached a new alltime peak of 35 regular pioneers in November. Bermuda had an increase of 6.1 percent in regular pioneers over the same month last year. What a joy to see Jehovah’s people “intensely occupied with the word”!—Acts 18:5.

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