May

“Follow Me Continually”

¹ Many people center their lives on pleasing themselves, yet often they are unhappy. In contrast, Jesus recommended a course of unselfish giving that brings real happiness. (Acts 20:35) He said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself . . . and follow me continually.” (Mark 8:34) This involves more than denying oneself certain pleasures from time to time. It means living each day to please, not ourselves, but Jehovah.​—Rom. 14:8; 15:3.

² Consider the apostle Paul’s example. Because of “the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus,” Paul left off pursuing personal aspirations and devoted himself to advancing Kingdom interests. (Phil. 3:7, 8) “For my part,” he said, “I will most gladly spend and be completely spent” in serving others. (2 Cor. 12:15) Each of us does well to ask: ‘How am I using my time, energy, abilities, and resources? Am I focused on furthering my own interests, or am I seeking to please Jehovah?’

³ Opportunities to Give: Each year, God’s people devote more than a billion hours to the lifesaving work of Kingdom preaching. Within the congregation, young and old alike care for a variety of assignments that benefit others. There is also much work that is done in connection with assemblies and conventions as well as in the construction and maintenance of buildings used to advance true worship. And think of the loving assistance provided by brothers who serve on Hospital Liaison Committees and Patient Visitation Groups. All such self-sacrificing efforts are a blessing to our Christian brotherhood!​—Ps. 110:3.

⁴ Opportunities to give of ourselves in various ways can arise when a disaster or an emergency occurs. More often, though, we may simply discern that a fellow Christian needs assistance or encouragement. (Prov. 17:17) When we readily extend ourselves to serve others and advance Kingdom interests, we are following Jesus’ example. (Phil. 2:5-8) May we strive to do so continually.

Show Personal Interest​—By Being Gracious

¹ “Jehovah is gracious.” (Ps. 145:8) Although he is the Universal Sovereign, he is kind, considerate, and courteous in his dealings with imperfect humans. (Gen. 13:14; 19:18-21, 29) We can enhance our presentation of the good news by imitating our gracious God. (Col. 4:6) This involves more than simply being polite and respectful in our speech.

² From Door to Door: What if we visit the householder at an inopportune time or when he is too busy to speak with us? We do well to acknowledge such circumstances by keeping our presentation very brief or by offering to return at another time. We kindly refrain from insisting that people accept literature if they choose to decline. Consideration for others will also prompt us to show respect for their property, such as by closing gates and doors and by training our children to do the same. We should make sure that any literature left at not-at-homes is out of sight. Indeed, graciousness will move us to treat others just as we would want them to treat us.​—Luke 6:31.

³ In Street Work: While engaging in street work, we can show courtesy by not blocking the flow of pedestrians and by not congregating in front of businesses. We will be sensitive to the circumstances of others, seeking to speak with those who may have a few minutes rather than those who are clearly in a hurry. At times, we may need to speak up in order to be heard over street noise. Yet, we should do so with dignity, not calling attention to ourselves.​—Matt. 12:19.

⁴ When Telephone Witnessing: Consideration for others will move us to do telephone witnessing in a place where background noise can be controlled. We show good manners when we readily identify ourselves and explain the reason for our call. Speaking directly into the mouthpiece and maintaining a pleasant tone will help to engage others in an upbuilding Scriptural conversation. (1 Cor. 14:8, 9) By being kind, considerate, and courteous in these various ways, we imitate our gracious God, Jehovah.

Service Meeting Schedule

Week Starting May 8

Song 2

10 min: Local announcements. Selected Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry. Using the suggestions on page 4 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the May 15 Watchtower and the May Awake! In one of the presentations, have the publisher place the May 1 and May 15 issues of The Watchtower and the May Awake! with a person on his magazine route who has missed receiving the May 1 Watchtower. When offering the three magazines, feature only one issue. Publishers may visit magazine-route calls either once or twice a month.

20 min: “Follow Me Continually.”a Briefly interview an exemplary publisher who strives to keep his life simple and limits personal pursuits in order to do more to advance Kingdom interests and serve others. Highlight the blessings he receives from doing so.

15 min: Local experiences. Invite audience to comment on the blessings they have received from exerting themselves in the ministry during March and April. Highlight results achieved in starting Bible studies and helping new ones to attend the Memorial. One or two outstanding experiences may be reenacted.

Song 91 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 15

Song 9

10 min: Local announcements. Encourage everyone to watch the video Noah​—He Walked With God in preparation for the Service Meeting the week of May 29.

10 min: Working Together in Unity Under Christ’s Leadership. A talk based on the material under the subheading “What Recognition of His Role Means” on pages 13-15 of Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will.

25 min: “Kingdom Hall Construction​—An Important Aspect of Sacred Service.”b When discussing paragraph 2, show a Kingdom Hall Volunteer Worker Questionnaire (S-82) form and explain how copies may be obtained. Interview some who have shared in the construction or renovation of Kingdom Halls.

Song 133 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 22

Song 86

12 min: Local announcements. Read accounts report and donation acknowledgments. Using the suggestions on page 4 or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer the June 1 Watchtower and the June Awake! As the setting for the demonstrations, show a family having a practice session.

15 min: “Show Personal Interest​—By Being Gracious.”c When considering paragraph 4, briefly review the box “What Do You Say to an Answering Machine?” on page 2 of the November 2000 Our Kingdom Ministry.

18 min: Good Personal Appearance. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 131-3. Consider the five principles listed that bear on our dress and grooming. Mention that we can tactfully use this material to help Bible students understand how to dress appropriately for congregation meetings.

Song 215 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting May 29

Song 42

10 min: Local announcements. Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for May.

10 min: Feature the Teacher book in June. Using the suggestions on pages 3-4 of the January 2005 Our Kingdom Ministry or other presentations appropriate for your territory, demonstrate how to offer Learn From the Great Teacher. As time permits, invite the audience to comment on the good results obtained from using the publication in the field or with their own family.

25 min: “An Example for All Ages.” Following an introduction of less than a minute, get right into an audience discussion of the quiz for the Noah video, using all the questions listed in the second paragraph. Then ask families to relate how they have benefited from participating in the suggested “Learning Activities” on the DVD edition. Afterward, discuss the question and the scriptures in the third paragraph.

Song 9 and concluding prayer.

Week Starting June 5

Song 176

10 min: Local announcements.

15 min: Local needs.

20 min: How to Be Successful in Making Return Visits. Audience discussion based on the box on page 16 of the November 15, 2003, Watchtower. Consider each of the seven suggestions, and invite the audience to comment on how these can be applied locally. Encourage publishers to make return visits with the goal of starting Bible studies with all who accept literature or express interest. Using one of the suggestions found on page 6 of the January 2006 Our Kingdom Ministry, demonstrate how to offer a Bible study when making a return visit.

Song 57 and concluding prayer.

[Footnotes]

January Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Number of: Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 216 103.0 78.1 45.7 4.5

Pios. 96,548 64.9 38.9 20.6 2.0

Aux.Pios. 24,007 49.6 32.1 13.0 1.1

Pubs. 880,379 9.3 7.7 3.5 0.3

TOTAL 1,001,150 Baptized: 1,534

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for May: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. When making return visits on interested people, including those who attended the Memorial or other theocratic events but who are not actively associated with the congregation, concentrate on starting Bible studies using the Bible Teach book. June: Learn From the Great Teacher. If individuals say they have no children, offer the Family Happiness book. July and August: What Does the Bible Really Teach? When householders already have this publication, use an appropriate brochure that the congregation has in stock.

◼ Since July has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.

◼ The presiding overseer or someone designated by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on June 1 or as soon as possible thereafter. If a separate checking account is maintained, such as for maintenance or construction, arrangements should also be made to audit this account. When the audit(s) have been completed, this should be announced to the congregation with the next accounts report.

◼ Before undertaking a Kingdom Hall construction project​—either new construction or renovation—​the elders should contact their assigned Regional Building Committee. Regional committees have information that can assist congregations in making wise decisions, including the purchase of land and materials as well as other matters. It is prudent to consider suggestions offered by the regional committee before purchasing property and even items such as chairs, wall covering, carpet, and heating and air-conditioning equipment.

◼ It is recommended that applications for regular pioneer service be submitted to the branch office at least 30 days before the requested start date. The congregation secretary should review the forms to make sure that they are complete. If applicants cannot recall the exact date of their baptism, they should estimate the date and keep a record of it. The secretary should note this date on the Congregation’s Publisher Record (S-21) card.

◼ Donations made by check for the worldwide work at district conventions and those sent to the branch office should be made payable to “Watch Tower.” The branch office’s financial address is Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, c/​o Treasurer’s Office, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, NY 11201-2483.

◼ DISTRICT CONVENTION CHANGE: Please note that the three tentative Bronx, NY, “Deliverance at Hand!” District Conventions listed on pages 30-1 of the March 1, 2006, Watchtower have been canceled. The conventions that have been arranged in place of those that were canceled are listed below. All congregations affected by this adjustment have been notified of the location and dates of the specific convention they are assigned to attend.

BROOKLYN, NY, Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 973 Flatbush Ave.

English: June 2-4; June 16-18; June 30–July 2; July 14-16; July 21-23; August 4-6; August 18-20.

Spanish: June 9-11; June 23-25; July 7-9; July 28-30; August 11-13; August 25-27.

JERSEY CITY, NJ, Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2932 Kennedy Blvd.

English: June 2-4; June 16-18; June 23-25; August 11-13; August 25-27.

Spanish: June 9-11; August 4-6; August 18-20.

NEWBURGH, NY, Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 23 Unity Pl.

English: June 23-25; July 7-9; July 21-23; July 28-30; August 4-6; August 11-13; August 18-20; August 25-27.

Spanish: June 16-18; July 14-16.

SUNNYSIDE, NY, Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 44-17 Greenpoint Ave.

English: June 2-4; June 9-11; June 23-25; July 7-9; August 11-13; August 25-27.

Spanish: June 16-18; June 30–July 2; August 4-6; August 18-20.

An Example for All Ages

He enjoyed a warm, intimate relationship with God. He devoted his life to the doing of Jehovah’s will. He “walked with the true God” and was blessed for doing so. He was Noah, an example worthy of imitation by young and old alike. (Gen. 6:9) The video Noah​—He Walked With God will help you to picture in your mind what life was like for Noah, why he merited Jehovah’s blessing, and how you can imitate his good qualities.

The DVD edition of the Noah video includes the following “Video Quiz.” Watch the video, and then quiz yourself: (1) What did some angels do that was wrong, and who were the Nephilim? (Gen. 6:1, 2, 4) (2) Why did people become so bad, and how did God feel about it? (Gen. 6:4-6) (3) How was Noah different? (Gen. 6:22) (4) How were the wicked destroyed? (Gen. 6:17) (5) How big was the ark? (Gen. 6:15) (6) What else did Noah do, and how did people respond? (Matt. 24:38, 39; 2 Pet. 2:5) (7) How many of each animal were in the ark? (Gen. 7:2, 3, 8, 9) (8) How long did it rain, and how long was the earth completely flooded? (Gen. 7:11, 12; 8:3, 4) (9) Why did Noah and his family survive? (Gen. 6:18, 22; 7:5) (10) Where did the ark settle? (Gen. 8:4) (11) How did Noah know that it was safe to leave the ark? (Gen. 8:6-12) (12) What did Noah do when he came out? (Gen. 8:20-22) (13) What does the rainbow stand for? (Gen. 9:8-16) (14) What does it mean to ‘walk with God’? (Gen. 6:9, 22; 7:5) (15) What is required for us to see Noah in Paradise? (Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Pet. 2:21)

What has the Bible account of faithful, obedient Noah taught you about how you too can ‘walk with God’ and have confidence in Jehovah’s ability to deliver his modern-day people?​—Gen. 7:1; Prov. 10:16; Heb. 11:7; 2 Pet. 2:9.

Kingdom Hall Construction​—An Important Aspect of Sacred Service

1. What has been accomplished in Kingdom Hall construction, but what need still exists?

¹ During the past five years, 633 Kingdom Halls have been built, 1,193 remodeled, and 1,785 repaired in the United States branch territory. We sincerely appreciate the hard work of the Regional Building Committees and all who assisted them. While a tremendous amount of work has been accomplished, there is still much to be done in Kingdom Hall construction. How can all of us support this important aspect of our sacred service to Jehovah?​—Rev. 7:15.

2. How can we directly support the work of Kingdom Hall construction?

² Be Willing: If you are a baptized publisher, we invite you to make yourself available to work with the Regional Building Committee by filling out a Kingdom Hall Volunteer Worker Questionnaire. (Ps. 110:3) All who volunteer must be willing workers and have a spirit of cooperation. (Ps. 133:1) Even if you do not have construction skills, you can still contribute much to the success of a building project. You may also receive training that will allow you to be used more extensively in the future.

3. In what other ways can we show our support for this arrangement?

³ If you are unable to volunteer, you can show your support by encouraging others who are able to participate in the arrangement. You can help to cover the assignments in the congregation of those who are away. By planning ahead, elders can make sure that the congregation is well cared for when some are working on a Kingdom Hall project. Undoubtedly, Jehovah is pleased when we work together unitedly for the advancement of Kingdom interests.​—Heb. 13:16.

4. How can we build up those who participate in Kingdom Hall construction projects?

⁴ Be Positive: Building places of worship involves much time and hard work. Understandably, then, those invited to assist on building projects will be away from their home congregations at times. May we be quick to offer commendation and encouragement to construction volunteers, who make sacrifices to care for this “necessary business.”​—Acts 6:3; Rom. 14:19.

5. How can construction volunteers show balance?

⁵ Be Balanced: Preaching about God’s Kingdom is our primary theocratic activity. (Mark 13:10) With this in mind, Regional Building Committees endeavor to schedule projects so that volunteers are not required to be away from their congregations unnecessarily. Likewise, construction volunteers strive to be balanced in caring for their many responsibilities. They take the initiative to make sure that their congregation assignments are cared for when they are away.

6. What is accomplished when all in the congregation cooperate together to advance true worship?

⁶ The apostle Paul described the members of the congregation as working together in unity “for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Eph. 4:16) Our love for Jehovah and for true worship moves us to cooperate together to get the good news preached and to support Kingdom Hall construction.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower May 15

“Do you think you would enjoy living under the conditions described in this inspired verse? [Read 2 Peter 3:13. Then allow for response.] This magazine explains what the new heavens and the new earth are. It also describes how life will be different when God fulfills his purpose for the earth.”

Awake! May

“Some people believe that to succeed in today’s world, you have to be aggressive. In contrast, note what Jesus recommended. [Read Matthew 5:5, 9.] Would you agree with that? [Allow for response.] This magazine highlights three benefits of being peaceable.” Feature the article that begins on page 28.

The Watchtower June 1

“In most cultures, there was a time when the elderly were treated with respect, as can be seen in this ancient law. [Read Leviticus 19:32.] Do you think that such respect is still common today? [Allow for response.] This magazine considers how God cares for the elderly and how we can do so also.”

Awake! June

“Terrorism is not new, but today it has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, touching almost everyone’s life. Why do you think that is? [Allow for response.] This issue of Awake! shows from the Bible when terrorism will end and how God will bring about real peace on earth.” Read Micah 4:4.