October

Meetings for Field Service

OCTOBER 6-12

What Do You Do

1. To tie in the offer with topic for conversation?

2. When the offer is not accepted?

3. To lay a basis for a return visit?

OCTOBER 13-19

When Offering the October 22 “Awake!”

1. What would you say to a man?

2. To a housewife?

3. To a youth?

OCTOBER 20-26

How Can Families

1. Prepare for service?

2. Evangelize together?

3. Show neighbor love?

OCTOBER 27–NOVEMBER 2

What Do You Suggest

1. For follow-up on “Awake!” subscriptions?

2. To present “Bible Stories” book?

3. As a presentation for young publishers?

Topic for Conversation

Reason and Remedy for World Woes.—Rev. 12:12; Rom. 16:20.

More Than One Million Attend Conventions in U.S.

We rejoice that at the 102 “Divine Love” District Conventions in the U.S. this summer, there was a new all-time peak in attendance of 1,024,126. It is also very encouraging to know that 9,617 were baptized.

Serving Jehovah as a Family

¹ The family that serves Jehovah together is the basic unit of the Christian congregation today. So, while each individual Christian must have a personal relationship with Jehovah, a family of Christians serving together helps to strengthen such relationship.

² Evidently this is one reason why Paul encouraged Christians to continue living with mates who were nonbelievers, saying: “For, wife, how do you know but that you will save your husband? Or, husband, how do you know but that you will save your wife?” (1 Cor. 7:16) So, as Christians, we are encouraged to worship and serve Jehovah as families.

HOW TO SERVE AS A FAMILY

³ Among early Christian families, one that was noteworthy was that of Philip “the evangelizer.” He was an active, hospitable Christian. (Acts 21:8) But his service did not stop there. As an evangelizer he apparently assisted his family to be regular in Jehovah’s service, too, for the record mentions that his four virgin daughters “prophesied.”—Acts 21:9.

⁴ How can Christian families today be active, evangelizing families? All in the family must appreciate the privilege of serving Jehovah, preaching and teaching the Christian good news. (Matt. 28:19, 20) But to enjoy such godly service, each one must be prepared. So married Christians should recognize the need to prepare for service together as a family, discussing points in the literature that could be used, appropriate Scripture texts and other talking points.

⁵ Scheduling time for all to share in field service is also very important. Therefore, many families are using the first Sunday of the month to work together. Concerning families working together in service the first Sunday each month, one brother wrote: “Field service has really picked up. The friends are responding to the recommendations of assisting one another, especially the youth.” Does your family thus serve together each month?

⁶ It is very encouraging to see entire families working together with their book study groups. In this way children as well as adults share in covering the territory assigned to the group. Such working together with the group will assist parents to instill in their children greater appreciation for our responsibility to preach the good news and care for the “sheep.”

⁷ Many parents assist their children in establishing magazine routes. This is very commendable! Yet, we do not want to overlook the possibility of starting Bible studies with these readers. A pioneer couple made it a goal to develop their magazine calls into Bible studies and reported: “It has been surprising to us how many have said yes, they would like a study.” So we encourage families to work together also in making return visits and conducting Bible studies. This way children can develop the fine art of teaching the truth to others.

⁸ Some families find it very enjoyable to work together in assisting other families to get into the field service. Such kind, Christian assistance is usually appreciated very much. One sister, the mother of seven young children, wrote: “I’m thankful to Jehovah and his earthly organization for having been helped to have a larger share in the work.” If you are part of a Christian family, small or large, can you find ways to encourage the entire family to serve Jehovah together?

Growing Spiritually as a Family

¹ “In an age that emphasizes maximum personal expression and gratification,” comments a family magazine, “many parents don’t want to sacrifice anything of themselves for their children, who are viewed as a burden.” A news magazine also reports that the current tendency of parents to give ‘priority to their own right to self-fulfillment’ leaves their children emotionally crippled and without a moral code. This is just as the Scriptures foretold, “that in the last days . . . men will be lovers of themselves, . . . having no natural affection.”—2 Tim. 3:1-5.

² Clearly, to attain the goal of family unity and happiness, the Christian family must resist such tendencies and follow the instructions provided by the Founder of the family, Jehovah God. (Ps. 100:3; Prov. 3:5, 6) Fathers, particularly, are charged with the responsibility of “bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.”—Eph. 6:1-4.

WHAT CAN BE DONE

³ Happily, Jehovah has provided parents with many valuable aids to help the family grow spiritually, but it does take a measure of self-discipline, or even self-sacrifice, to make use of and to benefit from them. For example, the Yearbook provides a Bible text and upbuilding comments for consideration each day. Is considering that information a part of your family’s daily routine? Showing the benefits of daily discussing a Bible text, a report from an African country where the work is banned tells how the imprisoned brothers assigned a different one of their group each day to think up a Bible text for discussion. Then each brother would give a comment on that selected text. Later they explained how very helpful it is to know many Bible verses in advance of such tests of faith. Yes, how beneficial it is for each family to cultivate such useful habits as regularly setting aside a time that is practical for a discussion of the daily text from the Yearbook.

⁴ Family Bible reading is another means by which the whole family can be helped to grow spiritually. (Rom. 15:4) Surely each family needs such instructions in resisting the temptations and wicked influences in these perilous times. To bear out the truth in Paul’s statement, a high school counselor with a number of educational degrees said: “I discovered that the Bible’s counsel on such things as having a successful marriage, preventing juvenile delinquency and how to gain and keep friends is far superior to anything I had read or studied in college.” Parents who take the time to read the Bible with the family each day are also fulfilling the command given at Deuteronomy 6:6, 7.

⁵ Parents who are concerned about the spiritual growth of the family appreciate the importance of helping their children to get the most out of congregation meetings. To help their very young daughter benefit from the weekly Watchtower study, a couple noticed that there was usually a picture in each magazine by which she could remember what she had learned at the meeting. So they referred to these pictures and had many delightful discussions with her, even telling her bedtime stories thereby.—Heb. 10:24, 25.

⁶ When it comes to relaxation and entertainment, parents who are concerned about the spiritual development of the family will wisely guard against the insidious encroachment of the spirit of the world. For example, many family members admit that they feel farther apart when they spend too much time viewing television. Some even say that television is the main cause of the communication gap that exists in many families. Interestingly, some families have set aside certain “NO TV” evenings for family discussions, reading, or other types of recreation that involve the entire family, and have found the family atmosphere greatly improved.

⁷ It surely is a course of wisdom to follow Bible guidelines to keep our families united in these “critical days.” This contributes toward family happiness. A happy, united family ascribes glory and strength to its Founder, Jehovah God.—Ps. 96:7.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 5

10 min: Song 71 and local announcements.

15 min: Discussion of article “Serving Jehovah as a Family.” Handle with appropriate questions directed to audience. In connection with paragraphs 4 to 8, ask for suggestions or results obtained by families working together in field service.

30 min: “Training Our Children to Be Lovers of Jehovah.” What key points do you remember from symposium on Saturday afternoon at “Divine Love” District Convention? Chairman should use appropriate questions to draw out audience on main points and consider local application of the following:

(1) In raising our children to become disciples, emphasize that effort must be put forth; does not happen automatically. Discuss following scriptures, noting what action must be taken:

Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a boy . . . ” Time and effort needed.

Ephesians 6:4: Greek expression for “bringing them up” means “nourishing out,” spiritually feed, nurture and develop them; “in the discipline” refers to instructing, involving training, education, and correction; “mental-regulating of Jehovah” means ‘putting in [the child’s mind] the mind of Jehovah.’ The mind and will of Jehovah are found in the Bible. Suggest that children memorize basic Bible texts. How many have been doing so, and what are the effects? (Can review texts such as Acts 20:35; John 3:16; Eph. 6:1; Mic. 6:8; Matt. 24:14; Ps. 83:18; Prov. 22:15, and so forth.)

2 Timothy 3:15: “Infancy” can refer to a newborn (Luke 2:12) or a three-month old (Acts 7:19, 20; Ex. 2:2). Point is, start immediately while child is still like young twig. Baby’s brain reaches three quarters adult size by age two; heart doubles in size in first year. Important to reach heart.—Matt. 15:18; Luke 6:45.

(2) Goal of training is in the way of God’s righteousness; must be done according to Bible standards, using Bible principles. Time and patience needed; also consistency from both parents, where possible, is important. (Col. 3:21) Chairman should briefly recount demonstrations seen at convention or have audience relate what was remembered.

Scene 1: Child speaks disrespectfully to parents in front of visiting adult. Some texts discussed were Prov. 23:22; 13:24 (obedience to parents required by God); Rom. 13:1 (disrespect of parental authority can lead to rebelliousness).

Scene 2: Child refuses to let a visiting child play with his toys, displaying selfish attitude. Texts used: Acts 20:35; Matt. 20:28 (Jesus’ own example); 1 Tim. 6:18 and 1 John 4:20.

Scene 3: Child throws tantrum when not allowed to take playthings to Kingdom Hall. Texts considered: Deut. 21:18 (self-will can lead to rebelliousness with serious consequence); Deut. 31:12 (even little ones to listen and learn at meetings); Prov. 22:15; 23:13, 14 (why physical rod of punishment may be necessary).

Basic course is to reason with child, showing undesirable outcome of bad course followed, using Scriptural principle to set things straight. Rod of discipline applied when and where necessary. Remember, goal is to raise Christian that will be loved by Jehovah and bring honor to his name.

5 min: Song 24 and prayer. (Remind audience to read October 22 Awake! and bring it to next week’s meeting.)

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 12

10 min: Song 31, Announcements and accounts report.

12 min: “Presenting the Good News—As Families, Using Awake!” Question-and-answer discussion of article. When considering paragraph 3, ask audience for suggestions on talking points from October 22 Awake!

15 min: Keeping Clean for the Service of God. Talk with audience participation. Carefully consider how the material applies in your area and focus on aspects needing attention.

In many areas there is increasing lack of concern about cleanness and appearance. What have you observed in your area? How is it affecting our brothers and sisters?

Bible’s emphasis on spiritual cleanness (Lev. 19:1, 2; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16); also evidence that physical cleanness is important. Customs of Israelites and early Christians marked them as clean people. For example, man’s leaving hair untended and garment unwashed considered signs of mourning. (2 Sam. 19:24) Hospitality included washing feet of guests, likely dirty from walking on dusty roads in sandals. (Judg. 19:21; John 13:5) (If time permits, can consider other examples: Ex. 30:17-21; Lev. 17:15; 15:13, and so forth.)

God’s counsel “YOU must be holy” applies to us today and shows importance of personal cleanness. Christians, as ministers, have good reasons for proper grooming and personal hygiene. If we are neat, clean and well-groomed, not gaudy or untidy, it will reflect well on message we bring and on the God we worship. (2 Cor. 6:3, 4; 1 Tim. 2:9, 10) Children need to be instructed on cleaning, handling clothes, eating habits, and so forth. Help them to realize it is not just to aid mother, but is related to worshiping God.

Christians also concerned about keeping home and possessions clean and orderly. Whole family should cooperate, for a clean and presentable home reflects on one’s worship. Cars and other equipment used in preaching work may also need attention.

Commendation is due for vast improvement many have made since learning truth. Encourage all to keep clean for service of God.

15 min: Elders can use this time to consider local needs or arrange to have several publishers relate experiences found on the last page of recent issues of The Watchtower. Local experiences may also be used.

8 min: Song 9 and closing prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 19

Theme: Growing Spiritually as a Family.

10 min: Song 63 and local announcements.

18 min: “Growing Spiritually as a Family.” Question-and-answer discussion of article. Ask audience what they have been doing or how they intend to apply suggestions mentioned in paragraphs 3 to 6.

25 min: Showing Neighbor Love—Week by Week. Chairman can handle introductory part and then include audience in discussion, emphasizing Bible principles.

(10 min.) Throughout history man has functioned on weekly basis

God’s work relative to earth done on weekly cycle of seven days (Gen. 2:2)

Israel observed seven-day cycle

Nearly all functions done weekly: shopping, washing, secular work, and so forth

Our worship also on weekly basis: five meetings per week

How can we show love for others on weekly basis?

How would 1 Corinthians 13:8 apply to our preaching activity?

Schedule weekly service where possible

Each one’s circumstances and responsibilities differ (2 Cor. 8:12)

Everyone has 168 hours per week

Showing neighbor love should receive high priority for Christian

What are various opportunities for organized field service and group witnessing in local congregation?

What are advantages of weekly service?

Interview two or three congregation publishers of various ages who are exemplary and who share in service weekly

When do they go out? Why do they consider weekly service important? What are the advantages of being out at least once each week?

(13 min.) Stimulating the Pioneer Spirit

Many who publish weekly have pioneer spirit but cannot be regular pioneers

Such appreciate opportunities to be auxiliary pioneers

Appreciate need for whole-souled service (Col. 3:23, 24)

Circumstances of individual dictate what is required to serve whole-souled (Gal. 6:4)

Auxiliary pioneer work is an aid in whole-souled service

Interview several publishers with varying circumstances who find it possible to be auxiliary pioneers from time to time. Could include housewife, older publisher, school-age child, elder or ministerial servant, some who auxiliary pioneer during circuit overseer’s visit, or others. Stress how auxiliary pioneer arrangement suits circumstances of many

Regular pioneers a blessing to congregation and community

One of best ways to show neighbor love week by week

Increased service makes for increased results (2 Cor. 9:6)

“Art of teaching” cultivated to greater degree (2 Tim. 4:2)

Interview, if possible, some who are presently pioneering or have pioneered in the past

Ask what moved them to take up pioneer work, and how have they benefited spiritually from pioneering?

(2 min.) Our Neighbors Need Love

Time left to warn neighbors being reduced weekly (1 Cor. 7:29, 31)

Do not hold back from helping week by week as a regular publisher, auxiliary or regular pioneer (Prov. 3:27)

7 min: Song 32 and prayer.

WEEK STARTING OCTOBER 26

10 min: Song 62 and local announcements.

25 min: The Family Unit in True Worship. Scriptural discussion involving young and old in audience. Read Scripture texts as time permits. (Chairman can select texts to develop from those listed.)

Jehovah the originator of family unit (Gen. 5:3)

Hebrews worshiped Jehovah as family unit

What responsibility rested on Hebrew parents? (Deut. 6:6-8)

How were children to view their parents? (Lev. 19:3; Deut. 27:16; Deut. 5:16)

How were parents to protect spirituality of children as children approached age of marriage? (Deut. 7:1-4)

When might families get together for fellowship and spiritual instruction? (Deut. 16:16; Luke 2:41, 44)

Christians also encouraged to worship as family unit; strong families needed in congregations today

What counsel is given to Christian family heads? (Eph. 5:25, 28-30; 6:4; also Chap. 4 in Family Life book)

How are Christian wives encouraged in the Scriptures? (Eph. 5:22, 24; Prov. 31:10; see also Chap. 5 in Family Life book)

What responsibility is placed on Christian youths? (Eph. 6:1-3)

How does 1 Corinthians 12:25, 26 show that all in the family “body” should progress as Christians? (See also pp. 186, 187 of Family Life book.)

How can families effectively worship together at home? at Christian meetings?

All Christians should seek to strengthen family ties

Today the family unit is undergoing most vicious attack yet by Satan

Results: Breakdown of morals; break up of families (2 Tim. 3:1-4)

True Christians warned to turn away (2 Tim. 3:5)

Need to continue helping one another in love to keep our Christian families strong and to help our brothers (Gal. 6:10)

12 min: Discussion of “A Revised Theocratic School.” Highlight changes in school program for 1981. Encourage all to attend school regularly and keep up with Bible reading program.

13 min: Our Field Service Next Month. Briefly outline offer of My Book of Bible Stories for contribution of $2.50. Discuss midweek and weekend field service arrangements. Include some experiences that will build appreciation for group activity. Also encourage all to spend some time in field service next Sunday, the first Sunday of November. Song 112 and prayer.

Theocratic School Schedule for 1981

INSTRUCTIONS

During 1981 the following will be the arrangement when conducting the Theocratic School.

TEXTBOOKS: The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, The Watchtower [w], Awake! [g], Bible Topics for Discussion [td], and the books “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” [si], Commentary on the Letter of James [cj] and My Book of Bible Stories [my] will be the basis for assignments.

The school will begin with song and prayer and remarks of welcome, and then proceed as follows:

ASSIGNMENT NO. 1: 15 minutes. This should be handled by an elder if possible, or, when necessary, by a qualified ministerial servant. When based on the Commentary on the Letter of James this should be a question-and-answer discussion, using the questions provided at the end of each chapter and the cited scriptures as time permits. A brother who reads well may be assigned in advance to read the paragraphs. The objective should be not only to aid understanding, but to focus attention on how the material can be applied to the specific needs of the congregation. All will need to make careful advance preparation to benefit fully from this discussion. If there are any suggestions for improvement that the school overseer has in mind in connection with this assignment, he can discuss this after the meeting with the one who has handled this part.

When based on “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” this assignment should be delivered as an instruction talk, with a specific theme. The objective is not just to summarize the material, but rather to focus attention on the practical value of the information, highlighting what will be most helpful to the congregation. There will be no oral review of the instruction talk.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM BIBLE READING: 8 minutes. This should be handled by the school overseer, or another qualified elder assigned by him. This should not be just a summary of the assigned reading. After giving a brief overall view of the assigned chapters, help the audience to appreciate why and how the information is of value to us. To the extent possible include the audience in the discussion. The students will then be dismissed to their various classrooms.

TALK NO. 2: 6 minutes. This is a Bible reading of the assigned material to be given by a male student. The reading assignments are usually short enough to permit the student to present brief explanatory information in the opening and concluding remarks, and even at intermediate points. Historical background, prophetic or doctrinal significance and application of principles may be included. All the assigned verses should actually be read. The material may also be presented by a boy reading it to a qualified older brother who may then use questions to draw comments from the boy on the value of the material.

TALK NO. 3: 5 minutes. This talk will be assigned to a sister, including younger ones, whenever possible. When delivering the talk, the student may be either seated or standing. One assistant will be scheduled by the school overseer, but additional assistants may be used. Settings could include situations arising at home, in the field service, in the congregation or elsewhere. The sister giving the talk may either initiate the conversation to establish the setting or have her assistant(s) do so. Not the setting but the material should be given prime consideration.

TALK NO. 4: 5 minutes. Assigned preferably to a male student with some experience. This should be a talk to the entire audience. While giving his talk from notes, the speaker, when he thinks it fitting, may read quotations or pointed excerpts from the assigned material. It will usually be best for the speaker to prepare his talk with the Kingdom Hall audience in mind, so that it will be truly informative and beneficial to those who actually hear it. However, if the material lends itself better to another practical and suitable setting, the speaker may choose to develop his talk accordingly.

When assigned to a female student, the material may be presented as outlined for Talk No. 3.

COUNSEL AND REMARKS: After each student talk the school overseer will give specific counsel, following the program of progressive counsel outlined on the Speech Counsel slip. In addition, comments on informative and practical points that the students may not have included in the presentation can help to keep the attention of all focused primarily on the Scriptural information presented. The school overseer should be careful to use no more than two minutes for counsel and remarks after each student talk.

PREPARING TALKS: Where the material makes it possible, talks should follow a well-developed theme. Choose a theme that will allow for the best coverage of the material in the allotted time. Prepare all talks with the points in mind to be considered next on the Speech Counsel slip.

TIMING: No talk should go overtime. Neither should the counsel and remarks of the school overseer. Talks Nos. 2 through 4 should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If the school overseer assigns someone to give the “stop signal,” that one should be advised as to the importance of doing this whenever a talk goes overtime. If the brother handling assignment No. 1 goes overtime, he should be given private counsel. All should watch their timing carefully. Total program 45 minutes not counting song and prayer.

WRITTEN REVIEWS: Periodically, a written review will be given. In preparation, review the assigned material and complete the scheduled Bible reading. Only the Bible may be used during this twenty-five minute review. The balance of the time will be devoted to a discussion of the questions and answers. Each student will check his own paper and, in reading off all the answers, the school overseer will concentrate on the more difficult questions, helping all to clearly understand the answers. If, for some reason, local circumstances make it necessary, the written review may be used a week later than what is shown on the schedule.

LARGE AND SMALL CONGREGATIONS: Congregations with a school enrollment of 75 or more students may wish to arrange for additional groups of students to deliver the scheduled talks before other counselors. Rotate the students to the various halls. Where it is necessary, sisters may take any student talk, presenting it to someone else, as outlined for Talk No. 3.

ABSENTEES: The entire congregation can show appreciation for this school by being present, when possible, at every weekly session, by preparing their assignments well, and by participating in question sessions. It is hoped that all students will view their assignments conscientiously. If a student is not present when scheduled, a volunteer may take the assignment, making whatever application he feels qualified to make on such short notice. Or, the school overseer may cover the material with appropriate audience participation.

SCHEDULE

Jan. 4 Bible reading: Jeremiah 39 to 42

Song No. 70 “Guard Your Heart!”

No. 1: cj p. 125 ¶2 to p. 127 ¶2

No. 2: Jeremiah 39:1-9, 15-18

No. 3: my story 47

No. 4: w79 9/1 pp. 5-7

Jan. 11 Bible reading: Jeremiah 43 to 45

Song No. 78 “We Must Have the Faith!”

No. 1: cj p. 127 ¶3 to p. 129 ¶3

No. 2: Jeremiah 43:1-13

No. 3: my story 48

No. 4: w79 9/15 pp. 29-31

Jan. 18 Bible reading: Jeremiah 46 to 48

Song No. 42 “The Prayer of God’s Servant”

No. 1: cj p. 130 ¶1 to p. 132 ¶1

No. 2: Jeremiah 46:1-17

No. 3: my story 49

No. 4: w79 9/15 pp. 3, 4

Jan. 25 Bible reading: Jeremiah 49 and 50

Song No. 96 “Get Out of Babylon the Great!”

No. 1: cj p. 132 ¶2 to p. 134 ¶3

No. 2: Jeremiah 50:1-13

No. 3: my story 50

No. 4: w79 9/15 pp. 5-7

Feb. 1 Bible reading: Jeremiah 51 and 52

Song No. 20 “The Scriptures—Inspired and Beneficial”

No. 1: cj p. 142 ¶1 to p. 143 ¶3

No. 2: Jeremiah 52:1-14

No. 3: td 4C “Is the Bible Practical for Our Day?”

No. 4: g79 5/8 pp. 27, 28

Feb. 8 Bible reading: Lamentations 1 and 2

Song No. 98 “The Resurrection—God’s Loving Provision”

No. 1: si p. 130 ¶1 to p. 132 ¶15. “Lamentations.”

No. 2: Lamentations 2:1-10

No. 3: td 11D “Should Christians Honor the Dead?”

No. 4: g79 7/22 pp. 27, 28

Feb. 15 Bible reading: Lamentations 3 to 5

Song No. 77 “Waiting on Jehovah”

No. 1: cj p. 144 ¶1 to p. 146 ¶2

No. 2: Lamentations 3:19-45

No. 3: td 6E “How Long Were the Creative Days?”

No. 4: g79 6/8 pp. 27, 28

Feb. 22 Written Review. Complete Jeremiah 39-52 to Lamentations 1-5

Song No. 39 “Be like Jeremiah!”

Mar. 1 Bible reading: Ezekiel 1 to 4

Song No. 90 “See Jehovah’s Army!”

No. 1: si p. 132 ¶1 to p. 137 ¶33. “Ezekiel.”

No. 2: Ezekiel 3:16-27

No. 3: my story 51

No. 4: w79 10/1 pp. 4-6

Mar. 8 Bible reading: Ezekiel 5 to 8

Song No. 116 “Christian Warriors”

No. 1: cj p. 146 ¶3 to p. 148 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 8:5-18

No. 3: my story 52

No. 4: w79 10/1 pp. 29-31

Mar. 15 Bible reading: Ezekiel 9 to 12

Song No. 108 “Proof of Discipleship”

No. 1: cj p. 148 ¶2 to p. 150 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 9:1-11

No. 3: my story 53

No. 4: w80 6/15 pp. 5-7

Mar. 22 Bible reading: Ezekiel 13 to 16

Song No. 71 “O Walk with God!”

No. 1: cj p. 150 ¶2 to p. 151 ¶3

No. 2: Ezekiel 14:1-14

No. 3: my story 54

No. 4: w80 6/15 pp. 8-10

Mar. 29 Bible reading: Ezekiel 17 to 19

Song No. 112 “To Whom Do We Belong?”

No. 1: cj p. 152 ¶1 to p. 154 ¶2

No. 2: Ezekiel 18:19-32

No. 3: my story 55

No. 4: w79 9/1 pp. 12-14

Apr. 5 Bible reading: Ezekiel 20 and 21

Song No. 40 “Good Cheer amid Earth’s Darkness”

No. 1: cj p. 155 ¶1 to p. 157 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 21:18-32

No. 3: td 14C “Who Is Responsible for World Distress?”

No. 4: g79 6/22 pp. 27, 28

Apr. 12 Bible reading: Ezekiel 22 to 24

Song No. 29 “Jehovah’s Happy People!”

No. 1: cj p. 157 ¶2 to p. 159 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 24:1-14

No. 3: td 21E “How Can Christians Best Serve Community Interests?”

No. 4: g79 7/8 pp. 12-14

Apr. 19 Bible reading: Ezekiel 25 to 27

Song No. 65 “Displaying Loyalty”

No. 1: cj p. 159 ¶2 to p. 162 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 26:1-14

No. 3: td 28B “When People Say: ‘The Bible Is Open to Many Interpretations.’”

No. 4: g79 7/8 pp. 27, 28

Apr. 26 Written Review. Complete Ezekiel 1 to 27

Song No. 105 “This Is Jehovah’s Day!”

May 3 Bible reading: Ezekiel 28 to 30

Song No. 45 “Cultivating the Fruit of Love”

No. 1: cj p. 162 ¶2 to p. 165 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 28:1-5, 11-19

No. 3: my story 56

No. 4: g80 1/8 pp. 3, 4

May 10 Bible reading: Ezekiel 31 to 33

Song No. 23 “Responding to God’s Love”

No. 1: cj p. 165 ¶2 to p. 167 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 33:7-19

No. 3: my story 57

No. 4: w80 1/1 pp. 24-27

May 17 Bible reading: Ezekiel 34 to 36

Song No. 41 “Jehovah Is My Shepherd”

No. 1: cj p. 167 ¶2 to p. 170 ¶2

No. 2: Ezekiel 34:17-30

No. 3: my story 58

No. 4: w80 2/1 pp. 3-5

May 24 Bible reading: Ezekiel 37 to 39

Song No. 56 “Be Forgiving”

No. 1: cj p. 171 ¶1 to p. 173 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 38:1-4, 10-12, 18-23

No. 3: my story 59

No. 4: w80 3/1 pp. 3, 4

May 31 Bible reading: Ezekiel 40 to 42

Song No. 38 “‘Store Up Treasures in Heaven’”

No. 1: cj p. 179 ¶1 to p. 180 ¶3

No. 2: Ezekiel 40:1-15

No. 3: my story 60

No. 4: w80 3/1 pp. 5-7

June 7 Bible reading: Ezekiel 43 to 45

Song No. 119 “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize!”

No. 1: cj p. 181 ¶1 to p. 183 ¶1

No. 2: Ezekiel 43:1-12

No. 3: td 29C “How Do We Know that God Exists?”

No. 4: g79 5/22 pp. 27, 28

June 14 Bible reading: Ezekiel 46 to 48

Song No. 61 “God’s Loyal Love”

No. 1: cj p. 183 ¶2 to p. 185 ¶2

No. 2: Ezekiel 47:1-12

No. 3: td 31D “How Essential Is Belief in Jesus Christ?”

No. 4: g79 8/8 pp. 5-7

June 21 Bible reading: Daniel 1 to 3

Song No. 93 “All Things Made New!”

No. 1: si p. 138 ¶1 to p. 142 ¶24. “Daniel.”

No. 2: Daniel 2:31-44

No. 3: td 33B “What Will God’s Kingdom Do for Mankind?”

No. 4: g79 8/8 pp. 26-28

June 28 Written Review. Complete Ezekiel 28-48 to Daniel 1-3

Song No. 59 “‘Then They Will Know’!”

July 5 Bible reading: Daniel 4 to 6

Song No. 53 “The Resurrection Joy”

No. 1: cj p. 186 ¶1 to p. 187 ¶3

No. 2: Daniel 6:4-11, 16, 19-23

No. 3: my story 61

No. 4: w80 3/15 pp. 5-7

July 12 Bible reading: Daniel 7 to 9

Song No. 115 “Be Long-suffering!”

No. 1: cj p. 188 ¶1 to p. 190 ¶1

No. 2: Daniel 7:2-14

No. 3: my story 63

No. 4: w80 3/15 pp. 3, 4

July 19 Bible reading: Daniel 10 to 12

Song No. 43 “Gratitude for Divine Patience”

No. 1: cj p. 190 ¶2 to p. 191 ¶2

No. 2: Daniel 12:1-13

No. 3: my story 64

No. 4: w80 4/1 pp. 12-15

July 26 Bible reading: Hosea 1 to 6

Song No. 48 “Jehovah’s Lovely Place of Worship”

No. 1: si p. 143 ¶1 to p. 145 ¶17. “Hosea.”

No. 2: Hosea 1:1-11

No. 3: my story 65

No. 4: w80 4/15 pp. 4-6

Aug. 2 Bible reading: Hosea 7 to 14

Song No. 80 “Flee to God’s Kingdom!”

No. 1: cj p. 192 ¶1 to p. 195 ¶2

No. 2: Hosea 13:12 to 14:9

No. 3: td 35A “What Was the Purpose of the Law Covenant?”

No. 4: g79 8/22 pp. 27, 28

Aug. 9 Bible reading: Joel 1 to 3

Song No. 95 “Let God Be Found True!”

No. 1: si p. 146 ¶1 to p. 148 ¶14. “Joel.”

No. 2: Joel 2:1-11, 28-32

No. 3: td 47A “How Can We Identify the True Religion?”

No. 4: g79 9/8 pp. 27, 28

Aug. 16 Bible reading: Amos 1 to 4

Song No. 88 “Walking in Integrity”

No. 1: si p. 148 ¶1 to p. 150 ¶17. “Amos.”

No. 2: Amos 3:1-15

No. 3: td 50A “Must Christians Keep a Sabbath Day?”

No. 4: g79 9/22 pp. 27, 28

Aug. 23 Bible reading: Amos 5 to 9

Song No. 30 “God’s Great and Wondrous Works”

No. 1: cj p. 195 ¶3 to p. 197 ¶2

No. 2: Amos 5:1-15

No. 3: td 51A “What Is God’s Purpose for Man?”

No. 4: g79 10/22 pp. 27, 28

Aug. 30 Written Review. Complete Daniel 4-12; Hos 1-14; Joe 1-3 to Amos 1-9

Song No. 100 “God’s Own Book—A Treasure!”

Sept. 6 Bible reading: Obadiah 1-21 to Jonah 1-4

Song No. 85 “Our Christian Unity”

No. 1: si p. 151 ¶1 to p. 155 ¶13. “Obadiah”; “Jonah.”

No. 2: Jonah 3:10; 4:1-11

No. 3: my story 67

No. 4: w80 5/1 pp. 9-11

Sept. 13 Bible reading: Micah 1 to 7

Song No. 18 “Daily Walking with Jehovah”

No. 1: si p. 155 ¶1 to p. 158 ¶19. “Micah.”

No. 2: Micah 4:1-12

No. 3: my story 68

No. 4: w80 5/1 pp. 3, 4

Sept. 20 Bible reading: Nahum 1-3 to Habakkuk 1-3

Song No. 57 “Sing Jehovah’s Praise with Courage!”

No. 1: si p. 158 ¶1 to p. 163 ¶14. “Nahum”; “Habakkuk.”

No. 2: Habakkuk 1:12 to 2:8

No. 3: my story 69

No. 4: w80 5/15 pp. 3, 4

Sept. 27 Bible reading: Zephaniah 1-3 to Haggai 1-2

Song No. 99 “Not Neglecting ‘the House of Our God’”

No. 1: si p. 163 ¶1 to p. 168 ¶16. “Zephaniah”; “Haggai.”

No. 2: Haggai 2:6-19

No. 3: my story 70

No. 4: w80 6/1 pp. 3, 4

Oct. 4 Bible reading: Zechariah 1 to 5

Song No. 97 “Balsam in Gilead”

No. 1: si p. 168 ¶1 to p. 172 ¶27. “Zechariah.”

No. 2: Zechariah 4:1-14

No. 3: td 51C “What Does It Mean to Be ‘Born Again’?”

No. 4: g79 11/8 pp. 27, 28

Oct. 11 Bible reading: Zechariah 6 to 10

Song No. 110 “We Thank You, Jehovah!”

No. 1: cj p. 197 ¶3 to p. 198 ¶3

No. 2: Zechariah 8:11-23

No. 3: td 53A “What Is Sin?”

No. 4: g79 11/22 pp. 27, 28

Oct. 18 Bible reading: Zechariah 11 to 14

Song No. 111 “Rejoice in the Hope Ahead”

No. 1: cj p. 199 ¶1 to p. 201 ¶1

No. 2: Zechariah 14:12-21

No. 3: td 53D “How Do We Know that God Did Not Predestinate Sin?”

No. 4: g79 12/8 pp. 27, 28

Oct. 25 Written Review. Complete Obadiah 1-21; Jon 1-4; Mic 1-7; Na 1-3; Hab 1-3; Zeph 1-3; Hag 1-2 to Zechariah 1-14

Song No. 2 “Shed Forth Light, O Zion!”

Nov. 1 Bible reading: Malachi 1 to 4

Song No. 32 “Let the Light Shine!”

No. 1: si p. 172 ¶1 to p. 175 ¶17. “Malachi.”

No. 2: Malachi 3:1-10, 17, 18

No. 3: my story 71

No. 4: w80 6/1 pp. 8-10

Nov. 8 Bible reading: Matthew 1 to 4

Song No. 24 “Making Jehovah’s Heart Glad”

No. 1: si p. 175 ¶1 to p. 180 ¶33. “Matthew.”

No. 2: Matthew 3:13 to 4:17

No. 3: my story 72

No. 4: w80 6/1 pp. 12-15

Nov. 15 Bible reading: Matthew 5 to 7

Song No. 92 “Keep On Seeking First the Kingdom!”

No. 1: cj p. 201 ¶2 to p. 203 ¶3

No. 2: Matthew 6:1-21

No. 3: my story 73

No. 4: w80 6/15 pp. 3, 4

Nov. 22 Bible reading: Matthew 8 to 11

Song No. 106 “‘Take My Yoke’!”

No. 1: cj p. 204 ¶1 to p. 206 ¶2

No. 2: Matthew 10:5-23

No. 3: my story 74

No. 4: w79 11/15 pp. 9-11

Nov. 29 Bible reading: Matthew 12 to 14

Song No. 52 “The Fruitage of Goodness”

No. 1: cj p. 207 ¶1 to p. 208 ¶2

No. 2: Matthew 13:1-15, 18-23

No. 3: my story 75

No. 4: w80 6/15 pp. 28-30

Dec. 6 Bible reading: Matthew 15 to 18

Song No. 117 “Extending Mercy to Others”

No. 1: cj p. 208 ¶3 to p. 211 ¶1

No. 2: Matthew 18:15-17, 21-35

No. 3: td 57B “How Does the New World Translation Help Us to Understand the Bible?”

No. 4: g79 12/22 pp. 27, 28

Dec. 13 Bible reading: Matthew 19 to 21

Song No. 46 “Hail Jehovah’s Firstborn!”

No. 1: cj p. 212 ¶1 to p. 213 ¶2

No. 2: Matthew 21:1-17

No. 3: td 58A “How Do We Know that God Is Not a Trinity?”

No. 4: w79 12/15 pp. 3-5

Dec. 20 Bible reading: Matthew 22 to 24

Song No. 94 “The Fruitage of the Spirit”

No. 1: cj p. 214 ¶1 to p. 215 ¶2

No. 2: Matthew 24:1-22

No. 3: td 58E “What Is God’s Holy Spirit?”

No. 4: g80 1/22 pp. 3, 4

Dec. 27 Written Review. Complete Malachi 1-4 to Matthew 1-24

Song No. 68 “Sowing Kingdom Seed”

Announcements

● Literature offer for October: Awake! subscription for $2.50. November: My Book of Bible Stories for $2.50. December: New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures and Happiness—How to Find It for $3.10. January: Watchtower subscription for $2.50.

● The Society now has available in grade-one Spanish Braille the booklet There Is Much More to Life! This one-volume publication may be obtained on a free loan basis or purchased and kept permanently. A remittance of $1.00 should accompany orders if purchased. All orders for Braille items should be sent to the Society’s BRAILLE DESK and not included on regular congregation literature orders. Braille publications should not be stocked by the congregation.

● Public talks based on the new book Happiness—How to Find It will be scheduled during January and February 1981. Further information regarding this matter will appear in the November issue of Our Kingdom Service.

● Beginning the week of January 4, 1981, all congregations will begin studying the book God’s Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached at the congregation book studies.

A Revised Theocratic School

¹ Since 1943, when it was first instituted, the Theocratic School has been a great help in training Jehovah’s Witnesses to preach and teach more effectively. In fact, the original textbook used in the school said: “It is to the one end of making each one a more efficient Theocratic minister to the honor of the Lord’s name; that he may be better equipped to publicly present the hope that is with him.”—1 Pet. 3:15.

² From time to time there have been minor changes in the format of the school. You will notice some changes in the school program for 1981 when you read through the instructions and schedule that accompany this issue of Our Kingdom Service. What are some of these changes? For one thing, the Theocratic School will be 45 minutes in length. (See next month’s issue of Our Kingdom Service for further details.)

³ The time allotted for Assignment No. 1 is being reduced from 20 minutes to 15 minutes. Otherwise this assignment, including the material being covered, remains basically the same as in the current school schedule.

⁴ The 1981 schedule will allow eight minutes instead of six for highlights from the Bible reading assignment. This will allow more time for audience participation and thus all are encouraged to keep up with the Bible reading schedule with a view to participating in the discussion. Talk No. 2 will be handled as it is now.

⁵ Sisters will continue to be assigned to Talk No. 3, and this talk will still be based on My Book of Bible Stories. Talk No. 4, based on Watchtower and Awake! articles, will preferably be assigned to a male student. It will be the last talk on the program during 1981 and will be like Talk No. 5 on the current schedule. In many congregations the majority of the students are sisters and so Talk No. 4 may, at times, be assigned to a sister if desired. In this case the school overseer will assign an assistant as is currently done.

⁶ Also you will note that the new schedule sets out the number and title of the opening song for each week’s program. This should prove helpful. Another change has to do with counsel. Sometimes the school overseer has had a difficult time getting all of the students together after the school in order to give private counsel. So, in 1981, counsel will again be given from the platform after each student talk. In this way the student and the entire congregation can benefit from the good, constructive counsel given. (See School Guidebook, p. 11.) No doubt the students will want to review the points of counsel that they will be working on when preparing for the school.

⁷ In order to prepare properly, each student should have his own copy of the Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook, which explains in detail all the points of counsel. The school overseer will, of course, base his counsel on this publication, taking into consideration the experience of each individual student in the Theocratic School.

⁸ The value of the Theocratic School is summed up very well on page nine of the School Guidebook, where it says: “This school provides free training for the ministry. It serves the congregation in two ways: (1) The individual student is given a program of study that helps him to improve in ability to gather, develop and present information logically to others; and (2) the entire congregation receives much valuable information in the course of each week’s program. Improved spiritual appreciation and ministerial activity are sure to result.”

⁹ We hope the new school arrangement for 1981 will help each Kingdom publisher to follow the inspired advice of the apostle Paul: “Do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, a workman with nothing to be ashamed of, handling the word of the truth aright.”—2 Tim. 2:15.

July Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 560 104.9 85.9 40.2 4.6

Pios. 16,928 76.4 62.5 29.5 3.3

Aux. Pios. 13,735 60.4 48.7 18.1 1.5

Pubs. 515,859 8.5 8.9 3.6 .4

TOTAL 547,082

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 4,780

Presenting the Good News—As Families, Using “Awake!”

¹ The two special issues of Awake! published this month are designed to deal with problems that confront a wide cross section of the people we meet in field service, pointing out Scriptural solutions. Have you read the magazines and thought about how to use them in the field?

² The October 8 issue develops the theme “How Can You Cope with Stress?” and the October 22 issue focuses on the theme “Does Life Have Any Meaning?” Truly, individuals and family groups everywhere are under tremendous pressure and stress every day—a modern epidemic! Where can relief be found, presently and permanently? On the other hand, many sincere persons are searching for the real meaning of life. Some, unfortunately, have accepted answers that have only brought more disappointment and sorrow. What can they do to make their lives meaningful? These captivating questions are just what some of the most timely articles in the two special issues deal with. What marvelous instruments we have in these two magazines to help those who are “skinned and thrown about”!—Matt. 9:36.

³ How fine it would be for each family to get together and go over these two magazines so that all can benefit personally from the fine information. Groups of publishers may do the same. As you do so, why not let each one present pick out something in the magazine—an article, an illustration, a caption, or a statement—that is especially appealing, and then help one another develop something to say for presenting it in the field. A little practice this way will polish up the presentations and everyone will be ready for a full share in offering the Awake! subscription.

⁴ Besides offering the subscription from house to house and to friends and acquaintances, be alert to other opportunities to make good use of these fine issues. When the householder is busy, or is on the way out, or does not wish to take the subscription, why not briefly offer the two magazines? Street work is another good way to use these special magazines. By taking the initiative and approaching people, you can simply show them the magazine with the theme on the cover and ask if they would like to find out a little more about the matter. Then turn to an appropriate article and offer the magazines.

⁵ Some congregations have made a special effort to assist the younger publishers to have a full share in offering the magazines by making arrangements for field service during after-school hours, perhaps on Fridays. Good results have been reported, for it seems that generally more people are at home in the late afternoon, and the younger publishers usually enjoy offering the magazines, if they are well prepared.

⁶ Let us, as families and as individuals, put to good use these two marvelous instruments, the October 8 and 22 special issues of Awake! Let the “armies of cavalry,” the symbolic “horses” of Revelation 9:16 go forth!

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book Choosing the Best Way of Life:

October 5: Pages 97 to 104*

October 12: Pages 104* to 111

October 19: Pages 112 to 118

October 26: Pages 119 to 125*

* To or from subheading.