July
Schedule for Week of July 13
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Schedule for Week of July 13
WEEK STARTING JULY 13
□ Congregation Bible Study:
lv chap. 7 ¶10-19, box on p. 81
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Leviticus 21-24
No. 1: Leviticus 22:17-33
No. 2: Can Those Who Do Bad Things Change? (lr chap. 25)
No. 3: How True Christians Show Concern for the Poor
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Use the Bible in Your Ministry. Audience discussion based on page 145 of the Ministry School book. Briefly demonstrate the value of using a translation that uses God’s personal name, Jehovah.
10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Relate experiences or interview publishers regarding what has been accomplished locally when Bible studies were offered on the day designated for this special activity.
10 min: “Can You Expand Your Service?” Question-and-answer discussion.
Can You Expand Your Service?
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Can You Expand Your Service?
1. What urgency exists in the field ministry, and why?
1 Observing the interest that multitudes showed in the Kingdom good news, Jesus instructed his disciples to “beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37, 38) Since we are in the final hours of the harvest season, our work is even more urgent than ever before. This means that we should prayerfully consider how we can have a fuller share in the field ministry.—John 14:13, 14.
2. How have some responded to the call for more workers in the field?
2 Expanded Service: With Jehovah’s guidance and help, many have found it possible to take up pioneer service. (Ps. 26:2, 3; Phil. 4:6) Some made a special effort to serve as auxiliary pioneers one or more months during the year. This proved to be a fine way to expand their ministry. The happiness derived from engaging in this privilege caused many of them to consider becoming regular pioneers.—Acts 20:35.
3. If you have pioneered before, what may you now wish to consider?
3 Can You Resume Pioneer Service?: If you previously served as a pioneer, you no doubt hold cherished memories of that time. Have you given prayerful thought to the possibility of returning to the pioneer ranks? The circumstances that caused you to come off the pioneer list may no longer be a hindrance. The time may have come for you to enjoy that special privilege once more.—1 John 5:14, 15.
4. What unique opportunity is open to all of us?
4 The harvest work is well under way and is soon to be finished. (John 4:35, 36) May all of us examine our present situation to determine whether we can adjust our affairs so as to expand our participation in the field. Or if we sincerely find that we cannot expand our service, can we look for ways to become more effective? (Mark 12:41-44) What a privilege is now set before all those whose present circumstances allow them to be used by Jehovah in this unique endeavor!—Ps. 110:3.
Schedule for Week of July 20
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Schedule for Week of July 20
WEEK STARTING JULY 20
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Leviticus 25-27
No. 1: Leviticus 25:39-54
No. 2: Why It Is Hard to Do Good (lr chap. 26)
No. 3: If Adam Had Not Sinned, Would He Eventually Have Gone to Heaven? (rs p. 162 ¶4-5)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Laying Christ as the Foundation. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 278, paragraphs 1-4.
10 min: Prepare to Offer the August 1 Watchtower and the August Awake! After giving a brief overview of the magazines, ask the audience which articles they feel may appeal to people in the territory and why. Ask audience to suggest a question that they would use to start a conversation and a scripture that they would read before offering the magazines. Conclude by demonstrating how each magazine might be offered.
10 min: “A Circuit Assembly to Help Us Safeguard Our Spirituality.” Question-and-answer discussion.
A Circuit Assembly to Help Us Safeguard Our Spirituality
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A Circuit Assembly to Help Us Safeguard Our Spirituality
1. What is one provision from Jehovah to help us fulfill our commission to spread the good news?
1 Jehovah generously provides the information, training, and encouragement we need to share in the divine commission to spread the good news. (Matt. 24:14; 2 Tim. 4:17) Our annual circuit assembly is one such provision. A new program for the 2010 service year will develop the theme “Safeguard Your Spirituality,” based on Romans 8:5 and Jude 17-19. It is scheduled to begin the week of August 31, 2009.
2. (a) In what ways will the circuit assembly be beneficial to us? (b) How have past circuit assemblies helped you in the ministry?
2 How Beneficial: The program will alert us to dangers, such as distractions that threaten to consume our time and divert our attention from what is truly important. We will learn how to counteract the spirit of permissiveness, and we will consider what characterizes a spiritual person. The Sunday symposium will show how individuals and family groups can take steps to strengthen their spirituality in the face of increasing pressures and serious tests of faith. The program will help us to safeguard our hearts, maintain our spiritual health, and keep clearly in mind the grand blessings that await those who safeguard their spirituality.
3. When is your next circuit assembly, and what should be your resolve?
3 As soon as you learn when and where your next circuit assembly will be held, make plans to be present and attentive for all sessions both days. Be assured, Jehovah blesses the hands of the diligent one.—Prov. 21:5.
4. What are we sure to receive at our upcoming circuit assembly?
4 Indeed, Jehovah is the Provider of this good gift. The program prepared by the faithful slave class will be just what we need to carry on as Christian ministers. We are grateful to Jehovah for all his loving provisions helping us to “hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering.”—Heb. 10:23-25; Jas. 1:17.
Schedule for Week of July 27
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Schedule for Week of July 27
WEEK STARTING JULY 27
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Numbers 1-3
No. 1: Numbers 3:1-20
No. 2: Why Mildness Requires Self-Control
No. 3: Who Is Your God? (lr chap. 27)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Use Questions Effectively. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 236 to page 237, paragraph 2. Briefly demonstrate one or two points from the material.
10 min: Interview two or three exemplary parents. How do they meet the challenge of caring for their ministry as a family? What steps have they taken to help their children have a meaningful share in the ministry? How have they used the Family Worship arrangement in this regard?
10 min: “Praise Jehovah Each Day.” Question-and-answer discussion.
Praise Jehovah Each Day
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Praise Jehovah Each Day
1. What are God’s servants motivated to do, and why?
1 King David expressed his determination to praise Jehovah “all day long,” even to time indefinite. (Ps. 145:2, 7, 21) We too have good reason to praise Jehovah each day.—Ps. 37:10; 145:14, 18; 2 Pet. 3:13.
2. How may families praise Jehovah each day?
2 In Our Home: We have upbuilding printed material for meaningful spiritual discussions when considering the daily text, when enjoying Family Worship, and when preparing for congregation meetings. Many families make a practice of being together for at least one meal each day. That allows for unhurried, relaxed conversation and offers opportunities to praise Jehovah. Such informal discussions initiated by parents can be an important aid in bringing up their children in “the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.”—Eph. 6:4; Deut. 6:5-7.
3. What opportunities do we have when with our brothers?
3 With Our Brothers: When in field service or at congregation meetings, we have excellent opportunities to praise Jehovah alongside fellow believers. (Prov. 15:30; Phil. 4:8; Heb. 13:15) Since we hold our love for Jehovah in common, it should be easy to include sincere expressions of appreciation for Jehovah’s goodness when talking with one another.—Ps. 106:1.
4. In what circumstances can you praise Jehovah?
4 When Speaking to Unbelievers: Although circumstances may not allow us to share in the public ministry each day, speaking even briefly to workmates, schoolmates, and others around us about Jehovah and his purposes can instill hope in honesthearted people. (Ps. 27:14; 1 Pet. 3:15) While traveling on an airplane, a sister was able to witness to a fellow passenger who felt so comforted and encouraged by what she heard that she gave the sister her address and phone number so that they could keep in contact with each other. As the world suffers from deepening trouble and worsening conditions, Jehovah’s people continue to bring to those with listening ears “good news of something better.” This offers others hope and causes them to praise Jehovah.—Isa. 52:7; Rom. 15:11.
5. Why is it our desire to praise Jehovah, and what might this accomplish?
5 How it must please Jehovah to hear his servants praising him each day! As with Jehovah’s visible creation that surrounds us, we too can bubble forth his praises each day in our homes, in the congregation, and when speaking with others who as yet have not become fellow praisers of Jehovah.—Ps. 19:1-4.
Schedule for Week of August 3
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Schedule for Week of August 3
WEEK STARTING AUGUST 3
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Numbers 4-6
No. 1: Numbers 4:1-16
No. 2: How to Know Whom to Obey (lr chap. 28)
No. 3: Must a Person Go to Heaven to Have a Truly Happy Future? (rs p. 163 ¶1-3)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Interview two or three publishers who have experienced serving where the need was greater or in seldom-worked territory. What apprehensions did they have, and how did they overcome these? How did Jehovah bless their efforts? Ask them to relate or briefly reenact one or two field service experiences they enjoyed.
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: Rely on Jehovah’s Help in Developing Teaching Ability. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 56, paragraph 1 to page 57, paragraph 2.
Announcements
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Announcements
◼ Literature offer for July and August: Any 32-page brochures that are in stock except How Can Blood Save Your Life?, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Education, and Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe? September: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Endeavor to start Bible studies on the initial call. Show how householders can benefit from the book by briefly demonstrating a Bible study. October: The Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Where interest is shown, present and discuss the tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? If householders already have the tract, endeavor to start a Bible study.
◼ Since August has five full weekends, it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer.
◼ Groups of 20 or more planning to visit the United States branch office facilities at Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill should first correspond with the Central Tour Desk at 100 Watchtower Drive, Patterson, NY 12563-9204, or at fax number (845) 306-0200. At least two weeks prior to visiting, please send information on the number coming and the dates and times for visiting each location. Lodging information may be obtained from the congregation secretary. Before your visit, please review the March 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry Question Box.
Field Service Highlights
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Field Service Highlights
We are pleased to report a new peak in Bible studies in the United States for the third consecutive month! The total of 691,657 Bible studies conducted in March is an increase of 21,936 over the previous peak. It is thrilling to see that in the Turks and Caicos Islands there were peaks in publishers, hours, magazines, and return visits. Also, the total of 498 Bible studies is an increase of 73 over the previous peak set in January 2009.
What to Say About the Magazines
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What to Say About the Magazines
The Watchtower July 1
“Do you think it’s possible to find inner peace in these troubled times? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says at Philippians 4:6, 7. [Read.] This article explains how we can experience the peace that God gives.” Highlight the article that begins on page 10.
Awake! July
“Most of us are thankful for what our parents have taught us. Do you think it is disrespectful to examine the religious teachings we learned as a child? [Allow for response. Then read 1 John 4:1.] This article shows whether it’s wrong to change our religion.” Feature the article that begins on page 28.
The Watchtower August 1
“Some say that all religions are different roads that lead to the same God. Do you think that all religions are good? [Allow for response. Then read Matthew 7:13, 14.] This magazine outlines three specific things that the Bible says good religion should promote.”
Awake! August
“All of us have been victims of unfair discrimination. How do you think God feels about prejudice? [Allow for response. Then read Acts 10:34, 35.] The Bible can help us to cope when we are victims of discrimination. It also helps us to root out any prejudices that we may have. This magazine explains.”