Our kingdom ministry

AUGUST 2012

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 13

Song 63 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 25 ^1-7, boxes on pp. 199-200 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 28-31 (10 min.) No. 1: Ezekiel 28:17-26 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: Separate the Myths From the Facts About Jesus Christ (5 min.)

No. 3: What Scriptures Influence a Christian’s View of Involvement in Political Issues?—rs p. 273 fl2-p. 274 fl1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 115

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: Lay the Groundwork to Return. Discussion based on the following questions: (1) Why is it beneficial to lay the groundwork for a return visit on the initial call, and how can we do so? (2) How can we choose a question to answer on the next visit that is intriguing to the householder? (3) Why is it good to agree on a definite time for the next discussion and, if possible, obtain the householder’s phone number or e-mail address? (4) Why should we try to return promptly, perhaps within a few days? (5) What information should we write down after the initial call?

10 min: Interview one or two full-time servants. What encouraged them to take up this service? What challenges to continuing in the full-time service have they experienced, and what enabled them to continue? What blessings have they enjoyed? Encourage publishers to consider regular pioneering during the upcoming service year.

10 min: “Safeguard Your Conscience.” Questions and answers. Announce the date of the special assembly day if this is known.

Song 65 and Prayer

Safeguard Your Conscience

¹ Each day, we are exposed to situations that could cause us to violate our con-

1. What is the theme of the special assembly day for the 2013 service year, and what is the purpose of the program? science. That is why the special assembly day program for the 2013 service year, which begins on September 1, 2012, has as its theme “Safeguard Your Conscience.” (1 Tim. 1:19) The program has been designed to help each of us give serious attention to how we are utilizing this remarkable gift from our Creator.

² Look for These Points: The program will answer seven principal questions regarding conscience:

• • What is hazardous to the conscience?

• • How can we train our conscience?

• • How is it possible to be clean from the blood of all men?

• • What does our thinking and acting on Bible principles reveal about us?

• • How can we avoid wounding others in matters of conscience?

• • Young ones, how can you bear up when pressured to compromise?

• • What blessings come to those who follow their spirit-directed conscience?

³ With Jehovah’s help we can withstand the efforts of Satan to corrupt our conscience. By means of God’s Word and organization, our loving heavenly Father is telling us: “This is the way. Walk in it.” (Isa. 30:21) This program is one way Jehovah is providing such guidance. Therefore, make arrangements to be in attendance for the entire program. Pay close attention, and consider how to apply the information personally. Talk about the program as a family. Our putting into practice the instruction we receive will strengthen us to continue to “hold a good conscience” and help us avoid being lured off course by the fleeting pleasures of Satan’s world.—1 Pet. 3:16.

• 2. What important questions will be answered during the program?

• 3. How can the program benefit us?

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 20

Song 83 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 25 ^8-13, box on p. 201 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 32-34 (10 min.)

No. 1: Ezekiel 34:15-28 (4 min. or less)

No. 2: What Scriptures Influence a Christian’s Attitude Toward Patriotic Ceremonies?—rs p. 274 fl2-p. 275 fl3 (5 min.)

No. 3: Why Meaningful Prayers Involve More Than Words—Ps. 145:18; Matt. 22:37 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 76

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: If Someone Says: ‘I Believe in Evolution.’ Discussion based on the Reasoning book, page 126, paragraph 3, to the end of page 128. Include a brief demonstration showing how we may reply when someone says, ‘I believe that God created man by means of evolution.’

10 min: Encourage One Another. (Heb. 10: 25) Discussion based on the 2012 Yearbook, page 108, paragraph 2; page 109, paragraph 2; and page 181, paragraph 1. Invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.

10 min: “Safeguard Your Mind.” Questions and answers. Announce the dates of the circuit assembly if they are known.

Song 70 and Prayer

Safeguard Your Mind

¹ Jesus instructed his disciples to love Jehovah with their whole heart, soul, and mind. (Matt. 22:37, 38) This year’s conventions and circuit events have been designed to help us strengthen the person we are on the inside. As you will recall, the theme of our district convention was “Safeguard Your Heart!” The special assembly day program for the 2013 service year has as its theme “Safeguard Your Conscience.” And the series of circuit assemblies that begins next month will feature the theme

1. What is the theme of the circuit assembly for the 2013 service year, and what is the purpose of the program?

“Safeguard Your Mind,” based on Matthew 22: 37. This program is designed to help each of us to analyze our own thoughts with a view to making them more pleasurable to Jehovah.

² What Will Be Presented: As we listen to the circuit assembly, we should look for the answers to these questions, which represent the main points:

• • How can we avoid thinking 'man's thoughts’?

• • How can we help lift the veil that blinds the minds of unbelievers?

• • What mental attitude do we want to have?

• • What are the benefits of proper meditation?

• • How can we allow Jehovah to mold our thinking?

• • How can husbands, wives, parents, and children contribute to family happiness?

• • How can we be ready for Jehovah’s day?

• • What does it mean to brace up our minds for activity?

• • What benefit comes to those who apply what they learn?

³ Satan is waging a battle for our minds and is seeking to corrupt them. (2 Cor. 11:3) Therefore, we must protect our minds and control our thoughts. We need to continue reflecting the mind of Christ and fight against the influences of this lawless world. (1 Cor. 2:16) So make arrangements to attend both days of the circuit assembly. Pay close attention. Applying the vital information presented will help us to brace up our minds for zealous Kingdom ser-vice.—1 Pet. 1:13.

• 2. We should look for the answers to what questions during the program?

• 3. Why is it important that we attend both days, pay close attention, and apply what we learn?

Field Service Highlights

In spite of severe adverse weather conditions in April, 130,399 shared in field service in Britain. They conducted 57,082 home Bible studies.

Ireland had a 2 per cent increase in publishers over last year’s average.

A total of 5,961 publishers reported 3,315 home Bible studies.

WEEK STARTING AUGUST 27

Song 100 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 25 ^14-21 (25 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 35-38 (10 min.)

Theocratic Ministry School Review (20 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 69

10 min: Announcements. “Adjustments to Midweek Meeting.” Talk. Following the talk, 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 September.

15 min: Witness in a Way That Is Understandable. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 226-229. Demonstrate one or two points from the material.

10 min: What Do We Learn? Discussion. Have Luke 10:1-4, 17 read. Consider how this account can help us in our ministry.

Song 57 and Prayer

Theocratic Ministry School Review

The following questions will be considered during the week beginning August 27, 2012. The date when each point is scheduled for discussion is also included.

• 1. What did Ezekiel’s vision regarding apostate Judah foreshadow, teaching us what important lesson? (Ezek. 8:15-17) [ July 2, w07 7/1 p. 13 par. 6; w93 1/15 pp. 27-28 pars. 7, 12]

• 2. In what way do most religious leaders imitate the false prophets of Ezekiel’s day? (Ezek. 13:3, 7) [July 9, w99 10/1 p. 13 pars. 14-15]

• 3. In the prophecy recorded at Ezekiel 17:22-24, who is the “tender one,” what is the “high and lofty mountain” to which he is transplanted, and in what way will he become “a majestic cedar”? [July 16, w07 7/1 pp. 12-13 par. 6]

• 4. According to the proverbial saying referred to at Ezekiel 18:2, whom were Ezekiel’s fellow exiles blaming for their suffering, and what valuable lesson can we learn from this account? [July 23, w88 9/15 p. 18 par. 10]

• 5. How does the incident recorded at Ezekiel 21:18-22 show that neither humans nor demons can alter Jehovah’s purpose? [July 30, w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 4]

• 6. As recorded at Ezekiel 24:6, 11, 12, what does the rust of the cooking pot represent, and what principle is set forth in verse 14? [Aug. 6, w07 7/1 p. 14 par. 2]

• 7. How was the prophecy against the city of Tyre fulfilled? [Aug. 6, it-1 p. 70, box; si p. 133 par. 4]

• 8. What expressions recorded at Ezekiel 28: 2, 12-17 fit both “the king of Tyre” and the original traitor, Satan? [Aug. 13, w05 10/15 pp. 23-24 pars. 10-14; it-2 p. 604 pars. 4-5]

• 9. When was Egypt desolated for 40 years, and what basis do we have for believing that such a desolation took place? (Ezek. 29:8-12) [Aug. 13, w07 8/1p.8par.5]

• 10. How did Ezekiel deal with indifference, ridicule, and lack of response, and what assurance did Jehovah give him? (Ezek. 33:31-33) [Aug. 20, w91 3/15 p. 17 pars. 16-17]

Adjustments to Midweek Meeting

Beginning the week of September 3, the Congregation Bible Study will be lengthened from 25 to 30 minutes. In his introductory comments, the conductor should take one minute to review the previous lesson. The timing of the Service Meeting will also be adjusted from 35 to 30 minutes. There will no longer be a separate part for announcements. Instead, any announcements should be given at the beginning of the first scheduled part. In most instances, few, if any, announcements will be necessary, and there is no need to outline what will be presented on the meeting. Announcements regarding field service and cleaning schedules, as well as greetings, should not be made. (km 10/08 p. 1, par. 4) If a lengthy announcement will be presented, it will be helpful if those participating in the meeting know in advance so that they can shorten their part.

WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 3

Song 6 and Prayer

Q Congregation Bible Study:

bt chap. 26 fl1-8, box on p. 204 (30 min.)

Q Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Ezekiel 39-41 (10 min.) No. 1: Ezekiel 40:17-31 (4 min. or less) No. 2: In What Ways Can Our Eyes Mislead Us?—Gen. 3:2-6 (5 min.)

No. 3: Does Neutrality Mean That Christians Are Not Interested in Their Neighbors’ Welfare?—rs p. 276 fl1 (5 min.)

Q Service Meeting:

Song 50

10 min: How to Reason With Householders — Part 2. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, from page 253, paragraph 3, to the end of page 254. Briefly demonstrate one or two points from the material.

10 min: Local needs.

10 min: Ideas for Offering the Magazines in September. Discussion. Take 30 to 60 seconds to relate why the magazines 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 34 and Prayer

■ Starting in September, the circuit overseers will give the public talk entitled “Walking With God Brings Blessings Now and Forever.”

■ Pioneer Service Schools: There were 46 classes of the Pioneer Service School in Britain and Ireland. We were delighted to enrol 1,513 students, with 461 attending for the second time. Please note that, beginning in 2013, classes will no longer be held during the winter months but will take place during the month of August.

■ On Saturday, May 26, 2012, the 44th class of the Bible School for Single Brothers graduated at the East Pennine Assembly Hall. The 20 graduates from Britain and one from Sweden are all in fulltime service. All 20 students from Britain were given congregation assignments across the Britain branch territory.

Sample Presentations

To Start Bible Studies on the First Saturday in September

“Many believe that God will one day judge them according to their deeds. Do you think Judgment Day is something to look forward to or to dread? [Allow for response.] Notice what this says.” Hand the householder the September 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.

WAT4HTO6ER September 1

Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom         ■

Announcements

■ Literature offer for 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. 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. November and December: Publishers may feature one of the following tracts: All Suffering Soon to End!, Je-hovah—Who Is He?, Jesus Christ—Who Is He?, or Would You Like to Know the Truth?

“In many parts of the world, women suffer discrimination and mistreatment. Sadly, religious beliefs have contributed to this. Do you think God really cares about women? [Allow for response.] Notice how the Bible instructs husbands to treat their wives. [Read Ephesians 5:28, 29.] This magazine shows what the Bible reveals about God’s view of women.”

!"#$ September

“Many say that life on earth will end one day, perhaps from a nuclear war or a natural disaster, such as an asteroid or global climate change. Do you think such doomsday predictions have merit, or do you think they’re just fantasy? [Allow for response.] The Bible makes this comforting promise. [Read Psalm 37:29.] This magazine examines some common doomsday scenarios as well as the Bible’s reasonable version of what the future holds.”

4