Our kingdom ministry

MARCH 2012

WEEK STARTING MARCH 12

Song 40 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 18 fl1-5, boxes on pp. 142, 144 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 5-7 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 5:15-25 (4 min. or less) No. 2: In the Past Why Did God Allow Marriage Between Brother and Sister?—rs p. 252 V5-p. 253 fl1 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Does Jehovah Protect His People From Spiritual Dangers? (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 63

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Develop Ability as a Teacher —Part 2. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 57, paragraph 3, to the subheading on page 59.

10 min: Always Offer to God a Sacrifice of Praise. (Heb. 13:15) Discussion based on the 2011 Yearbook, page 59, paragraphs 1-2, and page 70, paragraph 7. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: “Keep Doing This.” Questions and answers. Inform the congregation of the time and location of the Memorial.

Song 109 and Prayer

“Keep Doing This”

Memorial to Be Observed on April 5

¹ “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) With those words, Jesus commanded his followers to commemorate his sacrificial death. In view of all that the ransom accomplished, there is no day more important or precious for Christians than the annual Memorial observance. As this year’s

• 1. Why is the Memorial observance important? observance on April 5 approaches, how may we show our thankfulness to Jehovah?—Col. 3:15.

• ² Prepare: We normally prepare for the things that we consider important. We can prepare our hearts for the Memorial by considering as a family the events that occurred during Jesus’ final days on earth and by meditating on them. (Ezra 7:10) A partial list of scriptures is found in the calendar and in Examining the Scriptures Daily, whereas a more complete listing, along with corresponding chapters from the Greatest Man book, is located on pages 23-24 of the February 1, 2011, issue of The Watchtower.

• ³ Preach: We can also demonstrate our appreciation by having a full share in the ministry. (Luke 6:45) A worldwide campaign to invite others to the Memorial will begin on Saturday, March 17. Could you adjust your schedule to spend more time in the ministry, perhaps as an auxiliary pioneer? Why not discuss it as a family during your next Family Worship evening?

• ⁴ How we are benefited by sharing in the Memorial observance each year! Our joy and our love for God increase as we reflect on Jehovah’s generosity in providing his only-begotten Son as a ransom. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9, 10) This compels us to live no longer for ourselves. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) It also stimulates our desire to praise Jehovah publicly. (Ps. 102:19-21) Indeed, Jehovah’s grateful servants eagerly look forward to the opportunity we will have at the Memorial observance on April 5 to ‘proclaim the death of the Lord.’ —1 Cor. 11:26.

• 2. How can we demonstrate our appreciation for the Memorial through study and meditation?

• 3. How can we demonstrate our appreciation for the Memorial by increasing our share in the ministry?

• 4. What benefits can we receive from observing the Memorial?

WEEK STARTING MARCH 19

Song 11 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 18 V6-11 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 8-11 (10 min.)

No. 1: Jeremiah 10:17-11:5 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What Is the Significance of the Memorial?—rs p. 266 fl1-p. 267 V1 (5 min.) No. 3: What Do the Memorial Emblems Represent?—rs p. 267 V2-3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 21

5 min: Announcements.

15 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Matthew 6:19-34 read. Consider how these verses can help us in our ministry.

15 min: “Witness in Business Territory With Confidence.” Questions and answers. Interviewa publisher who has good success working business territory.

Song 108 and Prayer

Witness in Business Territory With Confidence

• ¹ Do you find the thought of witnessing at businesses to be intimidating? If so, do not despair, for even Paul, who was a bold and fearless minister, had to ‘muster up boldness’ in order to preach. (1 Thess. 2:2) Below are some common concerns along with practical suggestions for addressing them.

• ² Will Interrupting the Workers Annoy Them? In many businesses, workers serve the public and expect interruptions. They will often be polite, since

• 1. Why should we not despair if we feel that business witnessing is intimidating?

• 2. Why should we not worry about annoying the workers?

they may view you as a potential customer. By dressing in a dignified manner and being warm and friendly, you will encourage respectful treatment.

• ³ Will I Have to Give My Presentation in Front of Many Customers? If possible, choose a time when stores are not overly busy, such as when they first open. Wait until the manager or clerk is alone before approaching him. Make your presentation very brief.

• ⁴ What Should I Say? Speak to the person in charge if there are several workers. You might say: “It’s hard to find businesspeople at home, so we’re visiting you at your workplace. I know you’re working, so I’ll be very brief.” So that we will not be confused with salesmen, it is usually best not to mention the donation arrangement unless we are asked how our work is financed. Depending on the nature of the business, you may ask the manager for permission to speak briefly to the workers. Repeat your presentation to them. If a worker seems busy, shorten your presentation and leave him a tract. If it is not possible to talk with the workers, perhaps you will be allowed to leave literature in the break room or other common area.

• ⁵ Jesus and Paul preached to people at their places of business with confidence, and so can you. (Matt. 4:18-21; 9:9; Acts 17:17) Ask Jehovah to help you to have a calm heart and to be bold. (Acts 4:29) Business territory has few not-at-homes, so why not give this productive form of witnessing a try?

• 3. How can we avoid irritating the customers?

• 4. What might we say when working businesses?

• 5. What reasons are there to share in business witnessing with confidence?

  © 2012 Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. All rights reserved. Our Kingdom Ministry is printed monthly by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Britain,

  The Ridgeway, London NW7 1RN. (Registered in England as a Charity.)

  
  

WEEK STARTING MARCH 26

Song 92 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 18 V12-18 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 12-16 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 13:1-14 (4 min. or less) No. 2: Who Should Partake of the Lord’s Evening Meal?—rs p. 267 fl5-p. 268 fl1 (5 min.)

No. 3: How Often Should the Memorial Be Commemorated, and When?—rs p. 269 V1-2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 124

5 min: Announcements. Inform the congregation how many territories have yet to be covered with the Memorial invitation.

10 min: Do Not Forget Hospitality. (Heb. 13:1, 2) Talk by an elder. Review local arrangements for the Memorial. Suggest ways that all can demonstrate hospitality to visitors and inactive publishers who will be in attendance. Have a brief two-part demonstration. First, show a publisher before the program who is welcoming someone who received an invitation during the campaign. Then show the publisher making arrangements after the program concludes to further the visitor’s interest.

20 min: “The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory.” Questions and answers. Use the information in the first and last paragraphs for a brief introduction and conclusion. Invite audience to relate how viewing this video has benefited them. Discuss ways that this video can be used in the ministry. Song 110 and Prayer

The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory

Many enjoy looking at creation. But few realize that as they do so, they are catching a glimpse into the mind and heart of our Grand Creator. (Rom. 1:20) Long ago, David learned about Jehovah through His inspired Word. But he also “saw” and drew close to Him through creation. (Ps. 8:3, 4) The video entitled The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory helps us, our children, and our Bible students to take a close look at some of Jehovah’s creation, see the qualities and personality of our Grand Creator, and as a result draw closer to him. After viewing the video, see if you can answer the following questions.

(1) How does the size and order of the physical universe deepen your appreciation of Jehovah? (Isa. 40:26) (2) When we look closer at water, what can we learn about the One who designed it? (Rev. 14:7) (3) How does the earth’s size and proximity to the sun demonstrate Jehovah’s wisdom? (4) What purpose does the moon serve? (Ps. 89:37) (5) How has Jehovah designed humans to enjoy life? (6) What is DNA? (Ps. 139:16) (7) Of all Jehovah’s earthly creations, how are humans different? (Gen. 1:26) (8) What do you look forward to in the new world?

Extra Features: (9) Where do colors come from? (10) How does water overcome gravity to reach the tops of trees? (11) What role does water play within our bodies? (12) Give examples of the harmony that exists between living things. (13) How do creatures know to form partnerships with others? (14) What is the “golden angle,” and how is it displayed in creation?

“Observe Intently” Jehovah’s Handiwork: Jesus encouraged us to “observe intently the birds of heaven” and to “take a lesson from the lilies of the field.” (Matt. 6:26, 28) Doing so can deepen our faith, instill confidence in the Creator, and build appreciation for Jehovah’s wisdom, saving power, and love. Rather than be unduly distracted by the works of this world, make the time and effort to observe the wonders of Jehovah’s creation, and reflect on what it tells us about our God.—Ps. 19:1.

WEEK STARTING APRIL 2

Song 8 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 18 V19-24 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Jeremiah 17-21 (10 min.) No. 1: Jeremiah 21:1-10 (4 min. or less) No. 2: What Has Satan’s Way of Governing Proved? (5 min.)

No. 3: What Can Help to Improve a Marriage?—rs p. 253 V2-5 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 87

10 min: Announcements. Use the sample presentation on this page to demonstrate how a study may be started on the first Saturday in April.

15 min: Local needs.

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in April. Discussion. Take one to two minutes to point out a few of the articles that may have appeal in your territory. Next, using the cover series of The Watchtower, invite the audience to give suggestions on an interest-arousing question to ask, and then invite suggestions on a scripture to read. Do the same for the cover series of Awake! and, if time allows, for one other article from either magazine. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.

Song 99 and Prayer to another day of the week if the Kingdom Hall is available. If this is not possible and your Service Meeting is affected, the parts that are particularly applicable to your congregation may be incorporated into another Service Meeting.

■ The two Young People Ask videos, How Can I Make Real Friends? and What Will I Do With My Life?, will be considered during upcoming Service Meetings. If needed, copies should be requested through the congregation as soon as possible.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in April

“Baptism is a common practice among many Christians. What do you think? Is baptism important? [Allow for response.] This article makes some interesting points.” Hand the householder the April 1 Watchtower, and consider together the material under the first subheading on page 16 and at least one of the scriptures. Offer the magazines and arrange to return to discuss the next question.

WATCHTO6ER April 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom       ■

“There are many opinions about Jesus. Some think that he was the promised Messiah. Others feel that he was just a good man. Still others believe that he never existed. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] According to the Bible, it’s important to know the truth about him. [Read John 17:3.] This magazine shows the Bible’s answers to some common questions about Jesus.”

Announcements

■ Literature offer for March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? 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 home Bible study. When making return visits on those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting studies in the Bible Teach book. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach?

■ The Memorial will be held on Thursday, April 5, 2012. If your congregation normally has meetings on Thursday, these are to be switched

!"#$ April

“We are calling as a public service to families. Would you agree that families face numerous challenges today? [Allow for response.] Notice where many families have found practical advice. [Read Psalm 119:105.] This magazine discusses how stepfamilies have successfully dealt with their unique challenges by following Bible principles.”

Field Service Highlights

During November, 130,608 shared in field service in Britain and 5,917 in Ireland. Britain had yet another new peak of 10,629 regular pioneers. In the first three months of this service year, 707 have symbolized their dedication by water baptism, and 31 have taken a similar step in Ireland.

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