March
Schedule for Week of March 8
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Schedule for Week of March 8
WEEK STARTING MARCH 8
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 1 Samuel 1-4
No. 1: 1 Samuel 2:18-29
No. 2: Did Jesus Teach That the Wicked Would Be Tormented After Death? (rs p. 174 ¶5)
No. 3: The Scriptures Reveal Jehovah’s Love for Children
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Will the Bible Message You Present Be Heard? Talk based on the Ministry School book, from page 109, paragraph 2, to the end of the chapter.
20 min: “Expressing Gratitude for God’s Greatest Gift.” Question-and-answer discussion. After paragraph 3, review local field service arrangements for the distribution of the special invitation to the Memorial. Have an auxiliary pioneer demonstrate how he will present the invitation. After that, ask him to express how he was able to make room for auxiliary pioneering and how he has benefited.
Expressing Gratitude for God’s Greatest Gift
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Expressing Gratitude for God’s Greatest Gift
1. Why are we especially grateful to Jehovah?
1 Of Jehovah’s many ‘good gifts,’ the ransom provided by his dear Son is the greatest. (Jas. 1:17) It makes possible many blessings, including forgiveness of our sins. (Eph. 1:7) For this we are always grateful. During the Memorial season, we particularly take time to meditate on this precious gift.
2. How can we build appreciation for the ransom in our family and ourselves?
2 Build Appreciation: So as to build your family’s appreciation, in the weeks preceding the Memorial on March 30, why not use time during your Family Worship evening to review information on the ransom? Also consider the special Memorial Bible reading each day as a family. Personally reflect on how the ransom has benefited you and affected your view of Jehovah, yourself, others, and the future. You will also find it advantageous to practice singing the two new songs that will be used at the Memorial, numbers 8 and 109.—Ps. 77:12.
3. How may we express our gratitude?
3 Expressions of Gratitude: Appreciation for the ransom moves us to tell others about Jehovah and his great love in sending his Son. (Ps. 145:2-7) During March, April, and May, some families express their gratitude by arranging for at least one family member to auxiliary pioneer. If this is not possible, can you ‘buy out time’ to enlarge your share in the ministry? (Eph. 5:16) Gratitude will also motivate us to help others to attend the Memorial with us. (Rev. 22:17) Begin making up a list of return visits, Bible students, relatives, workmates, and neighbors to invite, and then have a full share in the special Memorial invitation campaign.
4. In what ways may we use the Memorial season wisely?
4 The Memorial season provides new opportunities to demonstrate to Jehovah how much we appreciate his gift to mankind. May we use this time to build and express our gratitude for the ransom and all “the unfathomable riches of the Christ.”—Eph. 3:8.
Schedule for Week of March 15
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Schedule for Week of March 15
WEEK STARTING MARCH 15
□ Congregation Bible Study:
cf chap. 1 ¶16-20, box on p. 13
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 1 Samuel 5-9
No. 1: 1 Samuel 6:1-9
No. 2: What Defense Do We Have Against Satan and His Demons?
No. 3: What Does the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus Mean? (rs p. 175 ¶1-3)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
15 min: Make Good Use of the 2010 Yearbook. Audience discussion. Discuss “A Letter From the Governing Body.” Using selected experiences from the Yearbook, point out how such experiences encourage us in our ministry. Invite audience to comment on outstanding aspects of the worldwide report. Conclude by encouraging all to complete their reading of the Yearbook.
15 min: “The Work of Paramount Importance.” Question-and-answer discussion. After considering paragraph 3, interview a publisher who has had the privilege of conducting a progressive Bible study. What changes did the Bible student have to make? What effect did this have on the publisher?
The Work of Paramount Importance
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The Work of Paramount Importance
1. What sacrifices will our deep appreciation for the ministry impel us to make?
1 Why are we regularly encouraged to devote our time, energy, and resources to the ministry? Because no work has greater value! Reflecting on its far-reaching effects will increase our desire to share in this never-to-be-repeated work.—Acts 20:24.
2. How does our preaching help to sanctify Jehovah’s great name?
2 Sanctifies Jehovah’s Name: The preaching work emphasizes that Jehovah’s Kingdom by Christ Jesus will replace all human governments and provide solutions to all that ails mankind. (Matt. 6:9, 10) Jehovah is magnified as the only one able to rescue us from sickness and death. (Isa. 25:8; 33:24) Since we bear his name, others who observe our fine conduct and zeal may glorify him. (1 Pet. 2:12) How satisfying it is for us to make known throughout the earth the name of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah!—Ps. 83:18.
3. What blessings come to those who respond favorably to the Kingdom message?
3 Saves Lives: Jehovah “does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9) Yet, without someone to teach them, how would people ever learn what Jehovah considers to be proper or improper conduct? (Jonah 4:11; Rom. 10:13-15) When individuals respond to the good news, the quality of their lives improves as they abandon harmful practices. (Mic. 4:1-4) Furthermore, they gain the joyful prospect of everlasting life. Our active preaching and teaching saves us and those who listen to us. (1 Tim. 4:16) What a highly honored role we have in this most important work!
4. Why should we be actively involved in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work?
4 Soon the great tribulation will bring an abrupt end to this unrighteous world. Those who take Jehovah’s side will survive. Thus, preaching and making disciples is the most urgent, important, and beneficial work taking place today. Let us give it the foremost place in our lives!—Matt. 6:33.
Schedule for Week of March 22
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Schedule for Week of March 22
WEEK STARTING MARCH 22
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 1 Samuel 10-13
No. 1: 1 Samuel 10:17-27
No. 2: Is Christmas a Celebration Based on the Bible? (rs p. 176 ¶1-4)
No. 3: Why Evolution Is Incompatible With Christianity
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements. Include any needed final announcements regarding the Memorial.
15 min: Prepare to Offer the Special Issue of the April 1 Watchtower. Review the contents of this issue. Ask audience what question and scripture they plan to use to offer it. Have two presentations demonstrated.
15 min: Help Interested Ones Who Will Attend the Memorial. Talk by an elder reminding publishers of their role in assisting Bible students, inactive publishers, and other visitors. (See March 2008 Our Kingdom Ministry, page 4.) Include a brief demonstration. Remind all of the Memorial Bible reading.
Schedule for Week of March 29
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Schedule for Week of March 29
WEEK STARTING MARCH 29
□ Congregation Bible Study:
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 1 Samuel 14-15
No. 1: 1 Samuel 14:24-35
No. 2: Ways in Which We Can Draw Close to Jehovah (Jas. 4:8)
No. 3: Who Were the Wise Men, or Magi, Who Were Led to Jesus by a Star? (rs p. 177 ¶1-3)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: Starting Bible Studies. Announce the next day for offering Bible studies. Interview a publisher who has been able to start and conduct Bible studies. What introductions have proved to be successful in the territory? What does he keep in mind when making return visits? Have him demonstrate one of the introductions he uses.
10 min: Participate in the Greatest Search Ever! Talk based on material from the Organized book subheading “Searching Out Deserving Ones,” on page 95.
10 min: “Be a Good Assistant at the Door.” Question-and-answer discussion.
Be a Good Assistant at the Door
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Be a Good Assistant at the Door
1. What benefits come from working with a partner in the ministry?
1 On one occasion, Jesus sent 70 disciples to preach, and he “sent them forth by twos.” (Luke 10:1) No doubt this arrangement allowed his disciples to help and encourage one another as they preached. When we accompany another publisher in the ministry, how may we be helpful?
2. When our partner is giving his presentation, how and why should we listen?
2 By Listening: Listen attentively as your partner gives his presentation. (Jas. 1:19) If a scripture is read, follow along in your Bible. Look at the one speaking, whether it is your partner or the householder. If you pay close attention to the conversation, this may encourage the householder to do the same.
3. When may our partner welcome our speaking up?
3 By Discerning When to Speak: When we are with someone who is giving his presentation, we dignify him by allowing him to take the lead. (Rom. 12:10) We should avoid interrupting. If he loses his thought or the householder raises an objection or question and our partner requests assistance, we endeavor to supplement our partner’s comments rather than introduce a different subject. (Prov. 16:23; Eccl. 3:1, 7) If we speak, our words should contribute to the witness being given.—1 Cor. 14:8.
4. What will contribute to our joy and success in the ministry?
4 When the 35 pairs of disciples concluded preaching, they “returned with joy.” (Luke 10:17) We too will have joy and success in the ministry as we listen and discern when to speak when we assist those we accompany to the door.
Schedule for Week of April 5
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Schedule for Week of April 5
WEEK STARTING APRIL 5
□ Congregation Bible Study:
cf chap. 2 ¶15-20, box on p. 23
□ Theocratic Ministry School:
Bible reading: 1 Samuel 16-18
No. 1: 1 Samuel 18:1-16
No. 2: What Should We Consider When Examining Christmas Traditions? (rs p. 177 ¶4–p. 178 ¶2)
No. 3: Why Follow the Course of Hospitality? (Rom. 12:13)
□ Service Meeting:
5 min: Announcements.
10 min: If the Householder Says, ‘I Don’t Believe in God.’ Audience discussion based on the Reasoning book, pages 150 to 151.
10 min: Local needs.
10 min: Return to Visit Interested Ones Who Attended the Memorial. Talk. Mention the Memorial attendance, and relate experiences had. Encourage all to return to visit interested ones who attended the Memorial and to have the goal of starting a Bible study. They should also extend an invitation for the upcoming special talk. Include a demonstration with this in mind.
Announcements
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Announcements
◼ Literature offer for 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. June: What Does the Bible Really Teach? If householders already have the book, publishers may offer Draw Close to Jehovah, Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, Worship the Only True God, or any other field service publication that the congregation has in stock.
◼ The Memorial will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Songs to be used for the Memorial are numbers 8 and 109 from the new songbook. If your congregation normally has its meeting on Tuesday, efforts should be made to switch the meeting to another day of the week. In the case where many congregations share the Kingdom Hall and a meeting cannot be rescheduled, the meeting may be canceled. Service Meeting parts that are particularly applicable to your congregation may be incorporated into another Service Meeting.
Field Service Highlights
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Field Service Highlights
Some exciting features of the United States report for November 2009 include the following: A total of 683,890 Bible studies were conducted, which represents an increase of 10 percent when compared with the same month last year. It was also thrilling to see 3,177 baptized, an average of about 794 each week. In addition, there was an increase of 17 congregations, for a total of 12,868.
What to Say About the Magazines
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What to Say About the Magazines
The Watchtower March 1
Read Exodus 20:15. Then say: “While most try to follow this commandment, some feel that stealing and other forms of dishonesty may be justified in extreme circumstances. What’s your opinion? [Allow for response.] This article discusses the benefits of always being honest.” Feature the article that begins on page 12.
Awake! March
“Many respect the Bible but think that much of it has little practical value in our modern world. What do you think? [Allow for response. Then read Romans 15:4.] This article explains why even the older parts of the Bible are still relevant.” Feature the article that begins on page 28.
The Watchtower April 1
“When asked to pick history’s most influential man, many name Jesus. Is he your choice? [Allow for response.] Notice why we should try to sort through the conflicting opinions about him to learn the truth. [Read John 17:3.] This special issue of The Watchtower shows what the Bible actually says about Jesus and his teachings.”
Awake! April
“It seems that we don’t have enough time to accomplish everything we would like to. Do you agree? [Allow for response.] Many have found this advice helpful. [Read Philippians 1:10.] This magazine gives some practical suggestions to help us manage our time effectively.”