December
Schedule for Week of December 13
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Schedule for Week of December 13
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 13
□ Congregation Bible Study:
cf chap. 14 ¶17-21, box on p. 149
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 15-19
No. 1: 2 Chronicles 15:8-19
No. 2: If Someone Says: “Christians Are Supposed to Be Witnesses for Jesus, Not for Jehovah” (rs p. 208 ¶3)
No. 3: How May We Display Dignity in Our Worship of Jehovah?
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements. Encourage all to bring the January 1, 2011, issue of The Watchtower to the Service Meeting next week.
15 min: The Theocratic Ministry School for 2011. Talk by the school overseer. Discuss points needing emphasis locally from the schedule for 2011. Review the role of the auxiliary counselor. Encourage all to be diligent in fulfilling their assignments, in participating in Bible highlights, and in applying the suggestions given weekly from the Ministry School book.
15 min: “Use It on Every Occasion.” Questions and answers. Demonstrate one or two of the suggestions.
Use It on Every Occasion
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Use It on Every Occasion
1. The Know the Truth tract is useful for doing what?
1 The tract Would You Like to Know the Truth? has been designed to help us start Bible studies. But it is also an effective tool that we can use to scatter seeds of truth. (Eccl. 11:6) Here are some suggestions to help us make good use of it.
2. How could we use the tract to start a conversation?
2 To Start a Conversation: You might hand the tract to the householder, point to the six questions on the cover, and ask: “Which of these questions have you wondered about?” After getting his reply, consider from the tract the Bible’s answer to one of the householder’s questions and read one of the cited scriptures. Read or summarize the back page, and offer the Bible Teach book. Even if he does not accept the book, he has received the tract, which may enable the truth to take root in his heart.—Matt. 13:23.
3. If a householder is busy, what might we do?
3 If the Householder Is Busy: You might say: “Since this is an inconvenient time, let me leave you this tract. It lists six basic questions that most of us have asked and gives a direct answer to each one from the Bible. When I see you again, let me know what you think.”
4. What could we say when offering the tract in street work?
4 When Doing Street Work: You could say: “Hello. Have you ever asked any of these questions? [Allow for response.] This shows the clear, satisfying answers that are found in the Bible.” If the person is not in a rush, you may be able to discuss one of the answers from the tract and even offer the Bible Teach book.
5. How may we occasionally use the tract at not-at-homes?
5 Not-at-Homes: In some territories, publishers usually leave literature out of sight at not-at-homes. If that is the custom in your congregation, why not occasionally leave the Know the Truth tract? When returning you could say: “When we were here before, you were not at home, so we left this tract in your door. Which of these questions would you like to have answered?”
6. What makes the Know the Truth tract an effective preaching tool?
6 The Know the Truth tract presents the truth in a simple, straightforward way. It appeals to those of all religions and cultures. It is easy to present; even young and new publishers can place it. Are you using it on every appropriate occasion?
Schedule for Week of December 20
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Schedule for Week of December 20
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 20
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 20-24
No. 1: 2 Chronicles 20:1-12
No. 2: What Is Involved in Learning and Speaking the Pure Language? (Zeph. 3:9)
No. 3: Was Jesus Christ a Real Person? (rs p. 209 ¶1-4)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
15 min: Have You Tried It? Discussion. By means of a talk, briefly review information from these recent articles in Our Kingdom Ministry: “Have You Demonstrated a Study on the Initial Call?” and “How to Train New Ones to Preach” (km 5/10) and “You Can Witness Informally!” (km 8/10). Invite audience to comment on how they have tried to apply the suggestions in these articles and how they have benefited.
15 min: “A New Series for Starting Bible Studies.” Questions and answers. Before starting the discussion, distribute a copy of the January 1, 2011, issue of The Watchtower to any publishers who did not bring their copy. Conclude by having one or two demonstrations showing how to use the article “Learn From God’s Word—Why Learn From God?” to start a Bible study.
A New Series for Starting Bible Studies
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A New Series for Starting Bible Studies
1. What new series will appear in the public edition of The Watchtower, and how has it been designed?
1 Beginning next month, a new series will appear in the public edition of The Watchtower to help us start Bible studies. It is entitled “Learn From God’s Word.” While some in the territory will no doubt enjoy reading each installment, the articles are really designed to be discussed.
2. What are some features of these articles?
2 Features: The title and subheadings are written as questions to ask the householder during the discussion. Key scriptures are cited, not quoted, so that the householder can enjoy learning directly from the pages of God’s Word. Paragraphs are short so that they can be considered right on the doorstep. Each article refers to the Bible Teach book to help you transfer the study to that publication when appropriate.
3. When going from house to house, how may we use this series to start a doorstep Bible study?
3 How to Use It: When offering magazines you could ask an interest-arousing question on the general topic of the article. For example, the January 1 issue discusses the value of the Bible. You might ask: “Do you view the Bible as God’s Word or simply as a good book? [Allow for response.] I have something interesting on this subject.” Point out the first question, read the first paragraph, and look up the cited scripture. Read the question again, and ask for the householder’s comments. Consider as much material as appropriate, using the numbered questions as discussion points. Before leaving, direct attention to the next numbered question and make definite arrangements to return and discuss it. Go back to consider more of the article each week until you can bring the next issue. Another option is to use the direct approach and simply offer a Bible study to the householder. Then use the magazine article to demonstrate the study.
4. How may we use these articles when making return visits?
4 You can also use this new series effectively on your magazine route and other return visits. You could simply say: “There is a new feature in The Watchtower. Let me show you how to use it.” It is our prayer that this new series will enable many more to “come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”—1 Tim. 2:4.
Schedule for Week of December 27
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Schedule for Week of December 27
WEEK STARTING DECEMBER 27
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 25-28
Theocratic Ministry School Review
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements. “2011 Calendar Highlights Family Worship.” Talk.
10 min: How an Outline Can Help Us in the Ministry. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 167 to page 168, paragraph 1. Using the offer for next month, include a soliloquy of a publisher taking a few minutes before going in the ministry to prepare a mental outline of his presentation.
10 min: Gray-Headedness Is a Crown of Beauty. (Prov. 16:31) Discussion based on the 2010 Yearbook, page 110, paragraphs 1-3. After discussing each experience, invite audience to comment on the lessons learned.
10 min: Prepare to Offer the Magazines in January. Discussion. Take one or two minutes to review the contents of the magazines. Then choose two or three articles, and invite audience to suggest questions and scriptures that could be used in a presentation. Demonstrate how each issue may be offered.
2011 Calendar Highlights Family Worship
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2011 Calendar Highlights Family Worship
The theme for the 2011 Calendar of Jehovah’s Witnesses is Family Worship. The calendar features modern-day families and their Biblical equivalents. It also shows married couples and single servants of Jehovah studying his Word.
The Bible characters shown on the calendar delighted in the law of Jehovah, and this was vital in helping them to deal with the unique challenges they faced. (Ps. 1:2, 3) As we examine each scene, we will be reminded of the importance of Family Worship, whether we belong to a family that is large or small, spiritually united or divided. Space is provided on the calendar for you to indicate the day your family has set aside for Family Worship. Have you filled it out?
Theocratic Ministry School Review
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Theocratic Ministry School Review
The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning December 27, 2010. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of November 1 through December 27, 2010.
1. What can we learn from the Levite singers’ expression of praise recorded at 1 Chronicles 16:34? [w02 1/15 p. 11 pars. 6-7]
2. Does 1 Chronicles 22:8 indicate that David’s warfare was wrong, since Jehovah did not want him building His house? Explain. [it-2 p. 987 par. 1]
3. How did King David want his son Solomon to feel toward God? (1 Chron. 28:9) [w08 10/15 p. 7 par. 18]
4. Why was it fitting to use the representation of bulls in the construction of the base of the molten sea? (2 Chron. 4:2-4) [w05 12/1 p. 19 par. 3; w98 6/15 p. 16 par. 17]
5. Did the ark of the covenant contain only the two stone tablets, or did it also hold other items? (2 Chron. 5:10) [w06 1/15 p. 31]
6. What did Solomon mean when he asked Jehovah to hear the entreaties of whoever would “pray toward this house”? (2 Chron. 6:21, 32, 33) [it-1 p. 137 par. 1]
7. What is meant by the expression “covenant of salt” at 2 Chronicles 13:5? [w05 12/1 p. 20 par. 2; it-2 p. 842 par. 7]
8. How might 2 Chronicles 17:9, 10 be applied in principle to our ministry? [w09 6/15 p. 12 par. 7]
9. How will God’s people today act in harmony with 2 Chronicles 20:17? [w03 6/1 pp. 21-22 pars. 14-17]
10. What lesson can we learn from the account of King Uzziah’s haughty act? (2 Chron. 26:15-21) [w99 12/1 p. 26 pars. 1-2]
Schedule for Week of January 3
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Schedule for Week of January 3
WEEK STARTING JANUARY 3, 2011
□ Congregation Bible Study:
cf chap. 15 ¶17-20, box on p. 160
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 2 Chronicles 29-32
No. 1: 2 Chronicles 30:13-22
No. 2: Was Jesus Christ Simply a Good Man? (rs p. 210 ¶1)
No. 3: How People Are Slaves Because of the Fear of Death (Heb. 2:15)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: We Are Set Apart to Do Jehovah’s Will. Talk based on the Organized book, page 168, paragraph 2, to the end of the chapter.
10 min: Preach in a Natural Manner. Discussion based on the Ministry School book, page 128, paragraph 1, to page 129, paragraph 1. Briefly interview an experienced publisher who has overcome shyness. What helps him to feel less nervous in the ministry?
Announcements
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Announcements
◼ Literature offer for December: The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. If there are children in the household, offer Learn From the Great Teacher. January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, congregations that have a stock of Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life and Worship the Only True God may offer either of these books. Otherwise, publishers may offer any older field publications on hand in the congregation. February: Is There a Creator Who Cares About You? Publishers may also offer The Bible—God’s Word or Man’s? or The Secret of Family Happiness. March: What Does the Bible Really Teach? Make a diligent effort to start Bible studies.
◼ The Memorial for the year 2012 will be on Thursday, April 5, after sundown.
Field Service Highlights
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Field Service Highlights
How happy we are to report a new all-time peak of 1,178,349 Kingdom publishers for the United States in the month of August! This is an increase of 24,074 over the previous peak set in August 2009. The Turks and Caicos Islands also reached a new all-time peak of 273 Kingdom publishers, an increase of 17 over their previous peak set in July 2010. Additionally, Bermuda saw fine progress in August with a 16.6 percent increase in return visits and a 3.1 percent increase in Bible studies when compared to the same month last year. Indeed, the fields are “white for harvesting”!—John 4:35.
What to Say About the Magazines
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What to Say About the Magazines
The Watchtower December 1
“Would you agree that single parents often have it harder than married parents? [Allow for response.] The Bible encourages us to act with consideration toward those who have challenges. [Read Psalm 41:1.] The article that begins on page 22 explains how we can show consideration for single parents.”
Awake! December
“Many have asked, ‘If there’s a God, why doesn’t he get rid of the Devil?’ Have you ever wondered that? [Allow for response.] This article on pages 10 and 11 answers that question from the Bible. It also tells us what the world will be like when the Devil is gone.” Read Revelation 21:3, 4.
The Watchtower January 1
“Many people believe that the garden of Eden is a myth. Would it surprise you to learn that Jesus spoke about Adam and Eve as real people? [Allow for response. Then read Matthew 19:4-6.] This magazine answers some common questions about the garden of Eden.”
Awake! January
Show the cover and ask, “How would you answer this question? [Allow for response.] The Scriptures encourage people to be peaceable. [Read James 3:17.] So then, why hasn’t religion united mankind? Will religion ever be a force for peace? This magazine explores the answers to those questions.”