Your Service Meetings
WEEK STARTING AUGUST 13
Theme: Imitate the Great Teacher. (Matt. 22:33) Song 118.
6 min: Introduction, text and comments.
15 min: “Presenting the Good News—The Value of Subscriptions.” Question-and-answer discussion. Apply the information to local congregation needs. Give report of number of subscriptions obtained for the last year. Invite publishers as time permits to relate experiences of individuals who became acquainted with the truth through information in the magazines. Some publishers may have had interesting experiences that resulted from the sending of gift subscriptions.
22 min: “The Great Teacher.” Question-and-answer discussion. As time permits, demonstrate how illustrations contained in the book can be used effectively in making presentations. Also, demonstrate how the material on page 49 of the “Great Teacher” book can be used in starting a Bible study.
7 min: Experiences various ones have enjoyed in the past, placing the “Great Teacher” book.
10 min: Concluding comments. Include how congregation did in field ministry during July. Encourage giving wide witness in territory with the “Great Teacher” book. Song 83.
WEEK STARTING AUGUST 20
Theme: The Good News Will Be Preached. (Matt. 24:14) Song 103.
5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
10 min: Branch Letter (emphasize this) and Theocratic News. Discussion by two couples together for an evening of relaxation. Include Announcement about ordering special issues.
20 min: Do You Remember? A review of “Kingdom Ministry” “Question Box” material from issues noted. These or other issues and questions may be used, based upon what would be most beneficial to the congregation. Do not present this material as a compilation of rules; reason on the benefits from applying the counsel given. Chairman will be prepared to clarify and/or give added comments that may be necessary: Counting meeting attendance. (12/64) Who may use the Kingdom Hall for a wedding? (2/65) Is it permissible to comply with a request from the police department and other officials to notify them when working certain territory? (4/65; also 11/65) Why is it beneficial to report our field ministry? (4/67) Is it wise for Jehovah’s witnesses to organize large Saturday-evening socials or dance parties among themselves? (1/66; 5/68) Is Kingdom Hall construction still in order? (9/68) Should publishers and pioneers order literature directly from the Society? (12/68) Is it wise to solicit business among brothers and arrange parties to sell? (4/69) What can be done with older magazines that accumulate? (6/69) What can be done with older books on hand? (9/70) If one has a question or needs counsel, is there any advantage to writing the Society rather than telephoning or visiting the office? (10/65; 2/71) What can each one of us do to keep the Kingdom Hall clean? (7/71) How can we help those who have been inactive for a long time? (12/71)
18 min: Fulfilling Our Responsibility to Preach. Question-and-answer discussion, also comments by local elders on what is planned to build up field ministry on the part of the local congregation.
7 min: Concluding comments. Include accounts report. Give encouragement for all of us to continue unitedly preaching the good news of the Kingdom in fulfillment of Ezekiel 3:17, 19. Song 89.
WEEK STARTING AUGUST 27
Theme: Benefits of Walking in God’s Ways. (Deut. 10:12, 13) Song 14.
5 min: Introduction, text and comments.
15 min: Evolution or Creation—Which? The “Evolution” book has helped many persons to learn the truth about this subject. More than that, it has formed the basis for their making a decision in favor of creation, thus leading them to life. Students, educators and others have expressed delight at its logical and forcefully convincing presentation. Its size makes it convenient to carry along any place we go, ready to offer to any met at work, school or traveling elsewhere, such as on vacations, as well as in all features of the field service. Prepare a few short demonstrations on various ways it can be featured during September on a 25c contribution. Please see the 9/70 and 8/71 “Kingdom Ministry” issues, page 2, for additional comments and source material for demonstrations. Take note of suggestions on use of concluding chapters for study, leading into “Truth” book, as well as special use of the book in colleges.
30 min: Mildness Accomplishes Much Good. (“Aid,” pp. 1156, 1157) Audience discussion, using questions here. Primary goal of Jehovah’s servants is to bring praise and honor to His name. This is possible only if we reflect Jehovah’s fine qualities, including mildness or graciousness, in our dealings with fellow humans. (Ex. 34:6) (a) What is mildness? (“Aid,” p. 1156) (b) How can we acquire mildness? (Gal. 5:22, 23; “Aid,” p. 1156, par. 8) (c) How does the case of Jesus show that mildness is a quality of strength? (Matt. 11:29; 23:13-39) (d) What should give us strong motivation to manifest mildness? (Titus 3:1-7) (e) What can our displaying mildness accomplish when we have to deal with opposers? (Prov. 15:1; 25:15) (f) While the Bible speaks of clothing oneself with mildness, why can it not be said that mildness is a veneer? (Col. 3:10, 12; Eph. 4:22-24) (g) Should we be questioned by officials or teachers in a harsh manner, is mildness on our part out of place? (1 Pet. 3:15) (h) What good effect can a wife’s displaying mildness have on an unbelieving husband? (1 Pet. 3:1-5) (i) Why is mildness appropriate on the part of elders in the congregation when correction is administered? (Gal. 6:1; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25) (j) Why do we need mildness when we are corrected? (Eccl. 10:4; “Aid,” p. 1157, par. 1)
10 min: Concluding comments. Cover points in article on “Pittsburgh, Annual Meeting.” Song 119.
WEEK STARTING SEPTEMBER 3
10 min: Song 44. Introduction, text and comments. School about to begin. Encourage school-age publishers to offer “Evolution” book to teachers and classmates.
12 min: “Question Box.” Bible study overseer discusses the information with a sister who recently asked him that very question.
13 min: Talk and demonstration covering points in June 22, 1972, “Awake!”, pages 13-16. Make the information applicable to local needs.
25 min: Discuss with audience August 15 “Watchtower” articles on “Questions That Disturb You—What Should You Do?” “God Readjusts the Thinking of His People” and “Do You Tend to Be Stumbled?” Conclude meeting with enthusiastic encouragement to share in field service. Song 8.