February
Schedule for Week of February 8
p. 1
Schedule for Week of February 8
WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 8
□ Congregation Bible Study:
lv chap. 16 ¶15-22, box on p. 194
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Judges 11-14
No. 1: Judges 13:1-14
No. 2: What Can We Learn From Jesus’ Words Recorded at Luke 16:9-13?
No. 3: What Is the ‘Eternal Torment’ Referred to in Revelation? (rs p. 172 ¶2-3)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Answering Questions About Holidays. Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, under the two headings beginning on pages 178 and 179. What holidays are likely to be celebrated by those in your territory? In what setting are you likely to be able to give a witness about a particular holiday? Include a demonstration of how a parent prepares his child to respond to the question, Why don’t you celebrate Easter?
20 min: “Memorial Invitations to Be Distributed Earth Wide!” Question-and-answer discussion. Before discussing paragraph 2, provide everyone with a personal copy of the invitation, if available, and draw attention to the various features of the invitation. After considering paragraph 2, have a publisher demonstrate how the invitation will be used. Interview the service overseer or other elder so that he can explain further details concerning field service arrangements for the upcoming Memorial campaign.
Memorial Invitations to Be Distributed Earth Wide!
p. 1
Memorial Invitations to Be Distributed Earth Wide!
1. What special earth-wide campaign is planned before the Memorial?
1 “Keep doing this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19) In obedience to this command from Jesus, worshippers of Jehovah will gather along with interested ones on March 30, 2010, to commemorate Jesus’ death. A special invitation to the Memorial will be distributed earth wide from March 13 to March 30.
2. How may we offer the invitation?
2 How to Do It: You might hand the invitation to the householder so he can see the cover illustration, then say: “On the evening of March 30, millions around the world will meet to commemorate Jesus’ death. I’m here to give you and your family this invitation to attend. Your friends are also welcome. Please note the time and location of this local observance.” Depending on the circumstances, you may choose to read Luke 22:19 from the Bible to point out the Scriptural command. Keep in mind, however, that since we have a limited time to cover the territory, it is best to be brief.
3. Whom may we invite?
3 If your congregation has a large territory, the elders may direct you to leave the invitations at not-at-homes the first time you call. When it is appropriate, offer the magazines in addition to using the invitation. Be sure to invite your return visits, Bible students, workmates, schoolmates, relatives, neighbors, and other acquaintances.
4. Appreciation for Jehovah’s love in providing the ransom will move us to do what?
4 Prepare to Have a Full Share: The Memorial season is an excellent time to increase our activity. Can you adjust your schedule to auxiliary pioneer? Do you have children or Bible students making good spiritual progress? If so, approach the elders to see if the new ones are qualified to join in this special campaign as unbaptized publishers. Appreciation for Jehovah’s love in providing the ransom will move us not only to be present for the Memorial but also to invite as many as possible to join us in attendance.—John 3:16.
Schedule for Week of February 15
p. 2
Schedule for Week of February 15
WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 15
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Judges 15-18
No. 1: Judges 16:1-12
No. 2: What Is the ‘Fiery Gehenna’ to Which Jesus Referred? (rs p. 173 ¶1-3)
No. 3: Why Jesus Called the Devil “the Father of the Lie” (John 8:44)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
15 min: Prepare to Offer The Watchtower and Awake! Briefly review the contents of the magazines being offered and suggest which articles may be of particular interest to people in the local territory. Include a soliloquy showing how a publisher might take time to prepare for offering the magazines. He determines which articles may be more appropriate for the territory, develops a question, and selects the scriptures he will use. He then proceeds to prepare his presentations by rehearsing one with each magazine.
15 min: “Come Be My Follower.” Question-and-answer discussion. After the discussion, use material on page 70 of the Ministry School book to provide appropriate reminders about commenting at congregation meetings.
“Come Be My Follower”
p. 2
“Come Be My Follower”
1. What opportunity will the Congregation Bible Study afford us in the coming months?
1 The four Gospel accounts of Jesus’ life on earth paint an intimate portrait of the Son of God. Since Christians are to “follow his steps closely,” we will want to prepare well and pay close attention as we consider the book “Come Be My Follower” at the Congregation Bible Study beginning the week of March 1. (1 Pet. 2:21; Mark 10:21) Worthy of special consideration are the aspects of Jesus’ life that can encourage us in the ministry.
2. How can Jesus’ example of endurance benefit us?
2 Example Set by Jesus: Have you ever met with a negative response while preaching from house to house? When we face such resistance, Jesus’ words ring clear: “If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” (John 15:20) True, not all negative replies are a form of persecution. Nevertheless, it was the joy set before him that enabled Jesus to endure all sorts of tests and trials. We too can focus on gaining Jehovah’s smile of approval and the reward for our faithfulness. This will help us not to ‘get tired and give out in our souls.’ (Heb. 12:2, 3; Prov. 27:11) As we persevere in the ministry, we can also be confident of Christ Jesus’ support.—Matt. 28:20.
3. How can we imitate Jesus’ view of the ministry?
3 “For This I Was Sent Forth”: Kingdom-preaching activity occupied the primary place in Jesus’ life. (Luke 4:43) He gave generously of himself in the ministry. He treated it as urgent, always seeking opportunities to speak about the Kingdom. Since we are followers of Jesus, where do his footsteps lead us? As we go about our daily routine, are there people with whom we can share the good news? May the love the Christ has compel us to give the good news the widest possible distribution!—2 Cor. 5:14.
4. In what ways can we improve the quality of our ministry?
4 “Never Has Another Man Spoken Like This”: Jesus’ way of teaching astounded his listeners. (John 7:46; Matt. 7:28, 29) What set him apart from other teachers? He loved the truths he imparted, he loved the people he taught, and he used various teaching methods. By imitating the Great Teacher, we can improve the quality of our ministry.—Luke 6:40.
5. What should be our goal as we study “Come Be My Follower”?
5 These are a few of the gems revealed in the life of Jesus. What other treasures can you find? As you examine the life of Jesus during the Congregation Bible Study, make it your aim to “know the love of the Christ” by imitating his words and deeds.—Eph. 3:19.
Schedule for Week of February 22
p. 3
Schedule for Week of February 22
WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 22
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Judges 19-21
Theocratic Ministry School Review
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: The Offer for March. Interview two publishers, asking them to explain useful features of the literature offer for the month and what presentations they have found to be successful in the territory. Have each one demonstrate a presentation or reenact an experience showing how to use the publication to start a Bible study.
10 min: A Reasoning Manner Encourages People to Listen. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 251 to page 253, paragraph 2.
10 min: Directing Interested Ones to Jehovah’s Organization. Audience discussion of three paragraphs under the subheading on page 99 of the Organized book. Ask the audience in what ways they have directed interested ones to Jehovah’s organization. Interview a publisher who benefited from his Bible teacher’s having done this.
Theocratic Ministry School Review
p. 3
Theocratic Ministry School Review
The following questions will be considered at the Theocratic Ministry School during the week beginning February 22, 2010. The school overseer will conduct a 20-minute review based on material covered in assignments for the weeks of January 4 through February 22, 2010.
1. What factors may have caused some Israelites to delay in taking possession of the Promised Land, and what lesson can we learn from this? (Josh. 18:2, 3) [it-1 p. 359 par. 5]
2. What undoubtedly moved Joshua to say what he did at Joshua 24:14, 15, and how should this affect us? [w08 5/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 4-6]
3. What is one way that Baal worshippers and their form of worship became snares and lures to the Israelites? (Judg. 2:3) [w08 2/15 p. 27 pars. 2-3]
4. What lesson can we learn from Ehud’s courageous use of the sword? (Judg. 3:16, 21) [w97 3/15 p. 31 par. 4]
5. What encouragement do we receive when we study the manner in which Jehovah delivered Gideon and his 300 men? (Judg. 7:19-22) [w05 7/15 p. 16 par. 8]
6. In what way did Jehovah’s soul become “impatient because of the trouble of Israel”? (Judg. 10:16) [cl pp. 254-255 pars. 10-11]
7. Did Jephthah have in mind making a human sacrifice when he made his vow? (Judg. 11:30, 31) [w05 1/15 p. 26 par. 1]
8. Was Samson’s power literally in his hair? (Judg. 16:18-20) [w05 3/15 p. 28 pars. 5-6]
9. How can we be helped by understanding Samson’s amazing deed described at Judges 16:3? [w04 10/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 7-8]
10. Concerning the human soul, what can be learned from the statement found at Judges 16:30? [w90 9/1 p. 5 par. 5; sp pp. 13-14]
Schedule for Week of March 1
p. 4
Schedule for Week of March 1
WEEK STARTING MARCH 1
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: Ruth 1-4
No. 1: Ruth 3:1-13
No. 2: How Being Merciful Benefits Us (Matt. 5:7)
No. 3: What Is the Penalty for Sin? (rs p. 174 ¶1-4)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Announce the next special day for offering Bible studies. Relate encouraging experiences, and interview a publisher, asking him what presentations have proved to be effective in the local territory. Have him demonstrate one of the introductions on page 12 of the Reasoning book under the heading “Home Bible Study.”
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: The Importance of Conviction in Our Ministry. Audience discussion based on the Ministry School book, pages 194-196.
Announcements
p. 4
Announcements
◼ Literature offer for 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? Publishers should have in mind starting a Bible study when this publication is placed or if a copy is already in the home. April and 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 associating with the congregation, concentrate on placing What Does the Bible Really Teach? The objective is to start a Bible study.
Field Service Highlights
p. 4
Field Service Highlights
We are pleased to report a new peak in regular pioneers in the United States. The total of 127,938 reporting in October 2009 is an increase of 940 over the previous peak in September 2009. This is the second consecutive month that a new all-time peak in regular pioneers has been reached.
We are happy to report a new peak in the Turks and Caicos Islands for October 2009. The total of 617 Bible studies being conducted is an increase of 4.4 percent over the previous peak in September 2009. Also of interest, when we compare the first two months of this service year with the same period last year, we note an increase of 90.6 percent in return visits.
What to Say About the Magazines
p. 4
What to Say About the Magazines
The Watchtower February 1
“Most of us have our own religion. Do you think it matters to God how we choose to worship him? [Allow for response. Then read Matthew 15:9.] This article considers four aspects of true worship as identified by Jesus.” Feature the article that begins on page 16.
Awake! February
“Some believe in a Creator, whereas others feel that such belief is unscientific and unreasonable. What is your opinion? [Allow for response.] According to the Bible, true faith is based on evidence. [Read Hebrews 11:1.] This article discusses some of the evidence that points to a Creator.” Feature the article that begins on page 22.
The Watchtower March 1
“Do you consider the Bible to be the Word of God, or do you think it’s just a good book? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible itself says. [Read 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.] This magazine discusses how to make an informed decision on this issue and why it is important to do so.”
Awake! March
“Like most people, you probably admire the beauty in nature. Would you agree that nature also displays wise design? [Allow for response. Then read Psalm 104:24.] This magazine cites interesting examples of the design found in nature and discusses what these teach us.”