Our kingdom ministry

JUNE 2012

WEEK STARTING JUNE 11

Song 123 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 22 fl1-6 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Lamentations 1-2 (10 min.)

No. 1: Lamentations 2:11-19 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: In What Ways Is Man “Ruining the Earth”?—Rev. 11:18 (5 min.)

No. 3: Was Mary Specially Honored in the First-Century Christian Congregation?— rs p. 259 fl3-p. 260 ff3 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 134

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: What Did We Accomplish? Discussion by the secretary. Outline what was accomplished during the Memorial season, and commend the congregation for its activity. Invite audience to relate experiences enjoyed while distributing Memorial invitations, returning to visit new ones who attended, and auxiliary pioneering.

20 min: “Twelve Reasons for Preaching.” Discussion.

Song 47 and Prayer

Twelve Reasons for Preaching

Why do we preach and teach the good news? Is it primarily to help honestheart-ed people onto the road to life? (Matt. 7: 14) That is the first reason listed below, but it is not our primary one. Which of the following 12 reasons for engaging in the ministry do you think is the most important?

• 1. It helps save lives.—John 17:3.

• 2. It serves to warn the wicked.

—Ezek. 3:18, 19.

• 3. It contributes to the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.—Matt. 24:14.

• 4. It is an expression of God’s righteousness. No cha rge can be brought against Jehovah that he destroyed the wicked without giving them opportunity to repent.—Acts 17:30, 31;

1 Tim. 2:3, 4.

• 5. It allows us to discharge our debt to give spiritual help to people purchased with the blood of Jesus.

—Rom. 1:14, 15.

• 6. It enables us to avoid bloodguilt. —Acts 20:26, 27.

• 7. It is a requirement for our own salva-tion.—Ezek. 3:19; Rom. 10:9, 10.

• 8. It demonstrates love for neighbor. —Matt. 22:39.

• 9. It shows obedience to Jehovah and his Son.—Matt. 28:19, 20.

• 10. It is part of our worship.—Heb. 13:15. 11. It expresses our love for God.

—1 John 5:3.

• 12. It contributes toward the sanctification of Jehovah’s name.—Isa. 43:10-12; Matt. 6:9.

Of course, these are not the only reasons we engage in the ministry. For example, preaching strengthens our faith and also gives us the privilege to be God’s fellow workers. (1 Cor. 3:9) However, the most important reason for sharing in the ministry is number 12. Regardless of the response we receive, the ministry contributes toward the sanctification of God’s name and gives Jehovah a reply to the one who is taunting him. (Prov. 27: 11) Indeed, we have compelling reasons to ‘continue without letup teaching and declaring the good news.’—Acts 5:42.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 18

Song 61 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 22 fl 7-14, boxes on pp. 174, 177 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Lamentations 3-5

(10 min.)

No. 1: Lamentations 5:1-22 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Responding to Those Who Ask, ‘Do

You Believe in the Virgin Mary?’—rs p. 260 fl4-p. 261 fl2 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why We Believe That the Bible Is Inspired of God—2 Tim. 3:16 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 4

10 min: Announcements. Question Box. Talk.

10 min: Do You Remember? Discussion based on the April 15, 2012, Watchtower, page 32.

15 min: The Value of Bible Literature. Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 92, paragraph 1; page 112, paragraph 3; and page 113. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

Song 24 and Prayer

QUESTION BOX

■ What should be kept in mind if we want some or all of our assets to go to Jehovah’s organization upon our death?

When humans die, they no longer have control over their material possessions. (Eccl. 9:5, 6) So in advance many execute a will or trust that explains their wishes for distributing their assets. (2 Ki. 20:1) This legal document generally also indicates whom the person wants to serve as the trustee or executor. If the document is not prepared, in many lands the authorities will determine how to distribute the deceased person’s assets. Therefore, if we have specific wishes regarding our assets, such as that some or all go to Jehovah’s organization, it is important that we execute a legal document to stipulate this and that we carefully choose the trustee or executor.

The trustee or executor has a heavy responsibility. Depending on the size of the estate, his assembling and then distributing assets can involve many details and can be time-consuming. In addition, the secular authorities often have guidelines that must be followed. Not everyone who is a member of the congregation would automatically be a good trustee or executor. The person we choose should be someone whom we know to be capable, trustworthy, and willing to follow our wishes.—See the article “The Wisdom and Benefits of Estate Planning,” in the December 8, 1998, issue of Awake!

If You Are Asked to Be a Trustee or Executor: If you are asked whether you would be willing to administer someone’s estate upon their death, first make sure to count the cost and determine prayerfully if you are able to fulfill this responsibility. (Luke 14:28-32) After the person’s death, you will need to inform all who are named as beneficiaries. Then once you have authority to do so, it will be your duty to distribute the assets according to the law and exactly as directed in the will or trust. A trustee or executor should be aware that whether the estate is large or small, liberties should not be taken with the assets. Any bequests to a legal entity used by Jehovah’s Witnesses are dedicated funds that belong to Jehovah’s organization. —Luke 16:10; 21:1-4.

WEEK STARTING JUNE 25

Song 63 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 22 ^15-21 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 1-5 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 59

10 min: Announcements. Use the sample presentation on page 4 to demonstrate how we can use the magazines to start a Bible study on the first Saturday in July.

15 min: Use Your Time Wisely When in the Ministry. (Eph. 5:15, 16) Discussion based on the following questions. (1) How may we make wise use of time when (a) conducting the meeting for field service? (b) the meeting for field service has concluded? (c) someone in our car group has an extended conversation with an interested person? (d) making return visits that are scattered over a wide area? (2) How is time saved when (a) we feed our family, if possible, before meeting for service? (b) everyone arrives on timeforthe meeting forfield service? (c) we pay close attention to the conductor as he arranges the groups and do not unnecessarily rearrange them after the meeting for field service concludes? (d) everyone knows where to begin working before leaving for the territory?

10 min: The Literature Offer for July. Discussion. Consider features of the literature being offered and have one or two presentations demonstrated.

Song 29 and Prayer

Theocratic Ministry School

Review

The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning June 25, 2012. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is included so that research can be done when preparing for the school each week.

• 1. Jeremiah’s survival during hard economic times provides us with what assurance? (Jer. 37:21) [May 7, w97 9/15 p. 3 par. 4-p. 4 par. 1]

• 2. In what ways do Christians with an earthly hope imitate the fine example of Ebed-melech? (Jer. 38:8-13) [May 7, su p. 179par. 9]

• 3. Since Jehovah used Nebuchadrezzar’s bodyguards to protect Jeremiah and Baruch, is it proper for Christians to seek the protection of armed police officers today? (Jer. 39:11-14) [May 14, w83 7/15 p. 31]

• 4. What “great things” could Baruch have been seeking for himself, and on what does his response to Jehovah’s counsel help us to focus? (Jer. 45:5) [May 21, w06 8/15 p. 18 par. 1; p. 19 par. 6]

• 5. In describing the justified retribution to come upon Edom, why does Jehovah contrast himself with “grape gatherers” and “thieves”? (Jer. 49: 9, 10) [May 28, w77 p. 442 par. 7p. 443 par. 1]

• 6. What sobering lessons can be learned from what befell King Zedekiah after he “proceeded to rebel against the king of Babylon”? (Jer. 52:3, 7-11) [June 4, w88 9/15 p. 17 par. 8; w81 4/1 p. 13pars. 3-4; p. 14par. 6]

• 7. What are Jehovah’s “footstool” and his “booth”? (Lam. 2:1, 6) [June 11, w07 6/1p.9par.2]

• 8. What did Jeremiah mean when he said that Jehovah would “remember and bow low over” him, and why is this of great significance to us? (Lam. 3:20) [June 18, w07 6/1p. 11par. 3]

• 9. Why is it beneficial for a person to learn to bear a yoke of suffering during youth? (Lam. 3:27) [June 18, w07 6/1p. 11par. 5; w87 2/15 p. 24 par. 1]

• 10. How can Ezekiel’s example help us to speak with boldness despite the apathy of others? (Ezek. 3:8, 9) [June 25, w08 7/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 6-7]

WEEK STARTING JULY 2

Song 116 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 23 ^1-8, box on p. 180 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 6-10 (10 min.)

No. 1: Ezekiel 7:14-27 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: How Was Jonathan a Fine Example of Humility?—1 Sam. 23:16-18 (5 min.)

No. 3: Is Transubstantiation Factual?—rs p. 262 fl1-p. 263 fl2 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 64

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: How to Reason With Householders —Part 1. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 251 to page 253, paragraph 2. Briefly demonstrate one or two points from the material.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in July. Discussion. Choose two or three articles and take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why they will have appeal in your territory. Then 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 31 and Prayer

Announcements

■ Literature offer for June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders alre ady have the book, or do not accept the offer of a Bible study, publishers may offer an older magazine, or any brochure that addresses the person’s interest. July and August: Use one of the following 32-page brochures: Was Life Created? or A Book for All People. When making return visits, introduce the Bible Teach book or, if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study. September and October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits, introduce the Bible Teach book or, if more appropriate to the person’s needs, one of the brochures Listen to God or Listen to God and Live Forever, and try to start a Bible study.

■ The video presentation Our Whole Association of Brothers will be considered at an upcoming Service Meeting. If needed, copies should be requested through the congregation.

■ During March, 117 appointed men attended a Language Teaching Seminar for one week at the Surrey and Manchester Assembly Halls. This was arranged by the Governing Body. The brothers spoke 51 different languages between them and are now fully trained to instruct language classes.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in July

“In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in angels. Do you think angels are real? [Allow for response.] Notice what this says.” Hand the householder the July 1 Watchtower, and consider together 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 July 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom *    *

Read Psalm 65:2. Then say: “Many agree with this, that God is the ‘Hearer of prayer,’ and pray every day. But others wonder, ‘If God exists, why does the world have so many problems?’ What do you think? Is there a God who hears our prayers? [Allow for response.] This magazine discusses the Bible’s answer to this question: ‘Why does the Hearer of prayer allow suffering?’ ”

!"#$ July

“If you could change one thing about our world, what would it be? [Allow for response.] The Bible shows why humans are limited in what they can accomplish. [Read Jeremiah 10: 23.] This magazine explains what God purposes to change.”

Field Service Highlights

During the month of February, 131,272 shared in field service in Britain and 5,845 in Ireland. Ireland also enjoyed a new all-time peak of 585 regular pioneers. We feel sure everyone is excitedly looking forward to attending one of the “Safeguard Your Heart” District Conventions. May it prove to be a spiritually refreshing and encouraging time for all!

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