Schedule for Week of January 11

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 11

Song 126

□ Congregation Bible Study:

lv chap. 15 ¶10-17, box on p. 177

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Joshua 21-24

No. 1: Joshua 24:1-13

No. 2: Is God Uncaring and Hard-Hearted?

No. 3: Does the Bible Say That the Soul Survives the Death of the Body? (rs p. 169 ¶1-5)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 1

5 min: Announcements.

15 min: Teach Your Bible Students How to Study. Audience discussion based on the material under the subheading “How to Study” on pages 28-31 of the Ministry School book. Begin with a demonstration of an experienced publisher showing a new Bible student how to prepare for his study using the material on page 7 of the Bible Teach book.

15 min: “Am I Qualified to Preach?” Question-and-answer discussion. After considering paragraph 4, interview a publisher, asking questions such as the following: What obstacles did you have to overcome to preach effectively? In what ways were you helped to become an active and productive minister?

Song 97

Am I Qualified to Preach?

1. Why should we not feel inadequate about our qualifications to preach?

¹ If you ever find yourself asking such a question, take heart! It is neither formal education nor outstanding natural ability that qualifies us as ministers. Some of the early disciples were described as being “unlettered and ordinary.” Nonetheless, they were effective preachers of the good news because they set their hearts to follow the example set by Jesus.​—Acts 4:13; 1 Pet. 2:21.

2. What were some characteristics of Jesus’ teaching?

² How Jesus Taught: His teaching was simple, down-to-earth, and easy to understand. His questions, illustrations, and uncomplicated introductions captured the listeners’ attention. (Matt. 6:26) He showed sincere interest in people. (Matt. 14:14) Furthermore, Jesus spoke with confidence and authority, knowing that Jehovah had commissioned him and empowered him to carry out his assignment.​—Luke 4:18.

3. How does Jehovah help us to accomplish our ministry?

³ Jehovah Helps Us: Through his Word and organization, our Grand Instructor provides the training we need to preach the good news successfully. (Isa. 54:13) Because Jehovah preserved a record of the way Jesus taught, we are able to analyze and imitate his methods. Jehovah gives us his holy spirit and trains us through congregation meetings. (John 14:26) In addition, he provides experienced publishers who can help us to become more effective.

4. Why do we have reason to feel qualified to share the good news with others?

⁴ We have every reason to feel qualified to preach, since “our being adequately qualified issues from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5) As we rely on Jehovah and faithfully make good use of his loving provisions, we will “be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”​—2 Tim. 3:17.

Schedule for Week of January 18

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 18

Song 70

□ Congregation Bible Study:

lv chap. 15 ¶18-23, box on p. 180

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 1-4

No. 1: Judges 2:11-23

No. 2: What Sort of People Go to the Bible Hell? (rs p. 170 ¶1-3)

No. 3: God Did Not Create the Devil

□ Service Meeting:

Song 115

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 demonstration showing how a young publisher might prepare to offer the magazines.

15 min: Question Box. Audience discussion. Read and discuss the cited scriptures.

Song 125

Question Box

◼ How can everyone help to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning at congregation meetings? (Deut. 31:12)

Out of deep respect for Jehovah and his provision of congregation meetings, all are encouraged to arrive early and to be ready to be taught by him. It is helpful to occupy seats toward the front of the hall, leaving seats at the back for those with small children and for those who occasionally arrive late. Before the meeting begins, electronic devices should be adjusted to a setting that will not disturb the audience. Disturbances will be few in number and minor in nature when all present maintain a reverential attitude throughout the meeting.​—Eccl. 5:1; Phil. 2:4.

When new ones start attending meetings, someone in the congregation who is acquainted with them may offer to sit with them. This would be especially helpful if there are small children to be trained. Attending meetings may be a new experience for the family. If so, they will most likely appreciate being able to sit toward the back where it would be less distracting for others should the parents find it necessary to leave the main hall temporarily to care for the needs of the little ones. (Prov. 22:6, 15) Families with small children should not be seated in a separate room where the children may feel free to make noise. It is generally best for the parent to administer discipline or care for other personal needs outside of the main auditorium and then return with the children to the main auditorium.

Attendants serve to maintain an atmosphere appropriate for a house of worship. They help families and those who occasionally arrive late to find appropriate seating. The attendants are mindful of being tactful and discreet in helping others to be comfortably seated without unnecessary distraction. They use good judgment when handling any unexpected disturbances. When a child’s conduct becomes distracting to others, attendants may kindly offer assistance.

All present at meetings for worship can contribute to an atmosphere conducive to learning about Jehovah and his purpose for a peaceful and righteous new world.​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

2010 District Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses

1. Why should we plan to be present for all three days of the 2010 district convention?

¹ We eagerly anticipate the spiritual banquet in store for us at the 2010 district convention. All are urged to be present for all three days. There we will encourage one another to walk in integrity with Jehovah as our shield. (Ps. 26:1, 11; Prov. 2:7) Inform teachers and employers well ahead of time that the convention is a necessary part of your worship. By making your plans now and helping others as needed, you can be sure of Jehovah’s blessing on your efforts.​—Ps. 37:5; Prov. 10:22.

2. Where can we obtain information regarding convention locations and lodging?

² Obtaining Information: A list of all conventions will be in the March 1, 2010, issue of The Watchtower, or at www.jw.org. If it is necessary for you to attend a convention other than the one to which your congregation is assigned, you may obtain a Recommended Lodging List by writing the rooming headquarters for that convention. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your letter. Your congregation secretary can provide the address.

3. How can we assist those with special needs?

³ Special Needs: Do you know of someone in your congregation who could use help in getting to and from the convention? Why not offer to assist? (Prov. 19:17) When a publisher requests assistance in obtaining accommodations, the Congregation Service Committee will determine if the publisher qualifies to submit a Special Needs Room Request form. Before the congregation secretary sends the form to the Rooming Department, the Congregation Service Committee should review the guidelines on the form and in the December 14, 2008, convention arrangements letter in the congregation’s permanent file.

4. (a) How should we make a hotel reservation? (See box on page 4 “Rooming Instructions.”) (b) What reminders will assist us to maintain a good reputation with hotel management?

⁴ Making Your Hotel Reservation: The Recommended Lodging List of hotels will be posted on the congregation information board after your Service Meeting for the week of January 4. Before making your hotel reservation, carefully review the box “Rooming Instructions.” When we deal with hotel staff, our speech and demeanor should always reflect the fruitage of the spirit. This will “adorn the teaching” of our God, Jehovah.​—Titus 2:7-10.

5. What blessings do we anticipate at the 2010 district convention?

⁵ Our annual district convention will afford us a grand opportunity both to take in divine instruction and to enjoy the warm association of our brothers and sisters. (Deut. 16:15) May Jehovah bless our efforts as we prepare to attend the 2010 district conventions!

[Box on page 3]

Program Times:

Friday and Saturday

9:20 a.m. - 4:55 p.m.

Sunday

9:20 a.m. - 3:40 p.m.

[Box on page 4]

Rooming Instructions:

◼ Do not make hotel reservations before your Service Meeting the week of January 4, 2010.

◼ Stay only in the hotels on the Recommended Lodging List. If rooms are already booked, call another hotel on the list.

◼ Accept only the rate shown on the list. Obtain a confirmation number, and make your deposit within 10 days by credit card, check, or money order.

◼ Each room should be reserved in the name of the person who will actually occupy it. Do not reserve extra rooms. Keep your first reservation.

◼ If you must cancel a reservation, do so as early as possible. Be sure to receive a cancellation number.

◼ Fire regulations require that you not exceed the number of adults that the list allows for each hotel room.

◼ Do not call hotels that are not on the list to ask if they have a rate for our conventions.

◼ If there are no rooms available after calling ALL the hotels listed, or if you have a problem with a hotel, inform your congregation secretary. He should communicate with the convention Rooming Department, using the contact information on the Recommended Lodging List.

Schedule for Week of January 25

WEEK STARTING JANUARY 25

Song 27

□ Congregation Bible Study:

lv chap. 16 ¶1-8

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 5-7

No. 1: Judges 7:1-11

No. 2: How Can We Identify “the Great Harlot” Described in Revelation 17:1?

No. 3: Does Anyone Ever Get out of the Bible Hell? (rs p. 170 ¶4–p. 171 ¶1)

□ Service Meeting:

Song 111

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: The Offer for February. Briefly review useful features of the literature offer for the month. Include a demonstration showing how a publisher in an informal setting may use the offer of the month to start a Bible study.

20 min: “Are You Putting It Off?” Question-and-answer discussion. To be handled by an elder. Include a demonstration of a publisher explaining the purpose of the DPA card and asking that it be placed in his personal file. The doctor promises to do so. In conclusion, read the last paragraph.

Song 29

Are You Putting It Off?

Putting what off? Filling out the DPA (durable power of attorney) card that is provided for baptized Witnesses. Since “you do not know what your life will be tomorrow,” it is crucial that you decide in advance and indicate in writing what treatments and procedures you would accept in a medical emergency. (Jas. 4:14; Acts 15:28, 29) To help you, the video Transfusion-Alternative Health Care​—Meeting Patient Needs and Rights has been produced. View it, and then prayerfully review what you learned with the help of the questions set out below.​—Note: Because the video includes brief surgical scenes, parents should use discretion in viewing the video with young children.

(1) Why are some in the medical community reevaluating the use of blood transfusions? (2) Give three examples of complex surgeries that have been performed without blood transfusions. (3) How many physicians and surgeons worldwide have indicated their willingness to treat patients without blood transfusions? Why are they willing to do so? (4) What have recent hospital studies revealed about blood use? (5) What are the medical risks associated with blood transfusions? (6) What conclusion have many experts reached regarding the benefits of transfusion alternatives? (7) What causes anemia? How tolerable is it in humans? What can be done to compensate for it? (8) How can red-cell production be stimulated in a patient’s body? (9) What techniques are being used to minimize blood loss during surgery? (10) Can transfusion alternatives work for young children or for people involved in life-threatening emergencies? (11) What is one of the primary ethical principles of good medical care? (12) Why is it important for Christians to make nonblood treatment choices in advance? How can we do this?

Acceptance of some of the treatments featured in the video is a matter for private decision in accord with each one’s Bible-trained conscience. Have you taken a clear position on which medical treatments and procedures you are willing to accept for yourself and your children and then filled out a DPA card? For a complete discussion of these matters, carefully review chapter 7 of the “God’s Love” book and the references mentioned therein. See also the insert “How Do I View Blood Fractions and Medical Procedures Involving My Own Blood?” in the November 2006 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry. Finally, be sure you have accurately transferred your choices to your DPA card. Your selected health-care agents and any non-Witness family members should be fully informed of your decisions.

[Box on page 7]

• Have you determined which medical treatments and procedures you are willing to accept for yourself and your children?

• Are you carrying a completed DPA card in case of an emergency?

Schedule for Week of February 1

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 1

Song 26

□ Congregation Bible Study:

lv chap. 16 ¶9-14, box 192-193

□ Theocratic Ministry School:

Bible reading: Judges 8-10

No. 1: Judges 8:1-12

No. 2: Is There Eternal Punishment for the Wicked? (rs p. 171 ¶2–p. 172 ¶1)

No. 3: What Are the Benefits of Knowing the Truth About Death?

□ Service Meeting:

Song 129

5 min: Announcements.

10 min: “A Help for Telephone Witnessing.” Audience discussion of the article and telephone witnessing work sheet. Include a brief demonstration of a publisher using the work sheet to witness by telephone.

10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Announce the next day for offering Bible studies. Relate encouraging experiences, or interview the service overseer or other experienced publisher, asking him what presentations have proved to be effective in the local territory. He may then be asked to demonstrate his presentation.

10 min: Use Visual Aids in Your Ministry. Talk based on the Ministry School book, page 247 and paragraph 1 on page 248.

Song 98

Announcements

◼ Literature offer for January: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer any 192-page book published prior to 1992. 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: 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 placing What Does the Bible Really Teach? The objective is to start a Bible study.

◼ Starting in February, the new public talk for the circuit overseers will be “What God’s Kingdom Is Doing for Us Now.”

◼ The branch facilities in Brooklyn, Patterson, and Wallkill, New York, will be closed for spring cleaning on Friday, May 7, 2010. There will be no arrangements for tours or for congregations to pick up literature on this day. As a reminder, tours of Bethel are no longer available on Saturdays.

Field Service Highlights

We are happy to report a new peak in regular pioneers in the United States. The total of 126,998 reporting in September 2009 is an increase of 7,890 over the previous peak in December 2008. Also, we are happy to report two new peaks in the Turks and Caicos Islands for September 2009. On average, they are conducting 2.4 Bible studies per publisher for a new peak of 591. In addition, the 31 regular pioneers reporting represent 13 percent of the publishers. It is also encouraging to report that in Bermuda 15.9 percent of the publishers are serving as regular pioneers.

What to Say About the Magazines

The Watchtower January 1

“Do you think the world would be a better place if everyone lived by this Bible principle? [Read Romans 12:18. Then allow for response.] Have you ever wondered, then, why God sometimes directed his people in ancient times to wage war? This article reveals the Bible’s clear answer.” Feature the article that begins on page 13.

Awake! January

Read Acts 17:31a. Then say: “For many, the very idea of Judgment Day sounds ominous. How do you feel about it? [Allow for response.] The Bible teaches that Judgment Day will bring many blessings to the earth. This article explains.” Feature the article that begins on page 10.

The Watchtower February 1

“Many people hope to go to heaven when they die. Does that prospect appeal to you? [Allow for response.] Notice what the Bible says will be the reward for the majority of good people. [Read Psalm 37:29.] This magazine examines what the Bible says about who will go to heaven and what they will do there.”

Awake! February

“Divorce is very common today. Do you think most couples consider all the issues involved before deciding to divorce? [Allow for response. Then read Proverbs 14:15.] This magazine outlines four things married couples should consider when contemplating a divorce.”