the United States. A few necessary adjustments in your schedule may allow you to enjoy this field of activity along with others in your congregation. Each week the congregation should be informed of how many have been approved to serve as auxiliary pioneers. This may encourage others to enroll. No doubt many elders and ministerial servants, along with some of their family members, will be able to share in this feature of the service, thereby setting a fine example for others.

THE LITERATURE OFFER

⁵ During March, efforts will be made to distribute certain older books that the congregation may have on hand. These will be offered at the reduced contribution of 50¢ each. (See announcement in January Our Kingdom Ministry for details.) This campaign gives congregations the opportunity to get the older books into the hands of people who will benefit from reading them.

⁶ In April we will be offering the book True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? The contribution for this publication will be $1.00. With 1986 having been designated by the United Nations as the “International Year of Peace,” the message found in the True Peace book is very timely, since it focuses attention on the real means for bringing peace.

⁷ As you can readily see, March and April offer us “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” Bearing in mind the yeartext for 1986, “Go . . . , declare abroad the kingdom of God,” all of us have our assignment of work to perform in declaring abroad God’s Kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus, the genuine hope for true peace and security.​—Luke 9:60.

Increase Magazine Distribution During April and May

¹ Plan now for increased distribution of magazines during April and May. Four consecutive issues of The Watchtower will feature cover subjects highlighting the Bible as a book of promises that do not fail and as a source of practical counsel for our guidance in a turbulent world.

² The April 1 cover will feature “The Bible​—God’s Word or Man’s?” April 15 follows with “The Bible​—A Book for All Mankind.” The cover feature for May 1 will be “The Bible​—Practical for Modern Man?” and “The Bible and Your Future” will be featured on the cover of The Watchtower for May 15.

³ Since many will be enrolled as auxiliary pioneers during these two months and everyone is being encouraged to give these magazines wide distribution, now is the time to order extra distributors’ copies. Additional copies of Awake! should also be ordered according to the congregation’s needs.

The Congregation Book Study

¹ The Congregation Book Study fills a vital need in our spiritual progress. We should all hold it in high esteem. If some regularly miss this meeting, could it be that they regard it as less important than the other meetings? All can benefit from taking a fresh look at the Congregation Book Study arrangement.

THE CONDUCTOR’S ROLE

² The conductor should be a serious student of God’s Word. He is usually one of the shepherds, or elders. To be effective, he must prepare well and analyze how the material can contribute to the spiritual growth of those in attendance. He should carefully listen to the comments and take an interest in the individual progress of those under his care. At the same time, he needs to be kind and considerate, encouraging all to participate and yet not embarrassing anyone.

³ A good teacher will make sure that the main ideas are highlighted. The conductor will be alert to recognize inaccurate comments and will tactfully see that the correct thought is expressed. He should be selective in assigning a brother as reader each week and when calling on individuals to read key scriptures.​—Titus 1:9; Phil. 1:9.

THOSE ATTENDING

⁴ Advance preparation on the part of all in attendance is important. There may not be enough time during the study to read all the cited scriptures. But if you look them up ahead of time, you may be able to comment on them. You can also practice pronouncing difficult words or names in cited scriptures. We are all encouraged to give comments and to strive to do so in our own words. This will help us to express ourselves better when sharing Bible truths in the ministry.

⁵ An atmosphere conducive to learning should be maintained at the Congregation Book Study. Thus, parents should endeavor to control youngsters so they do not disrupt the meeting. It is appreciated when brothers open their home for the study and endeavor to maintain a meeting place that is clean, well lighted, and properly ventilated. By being truly hospitable, they make others feel welcome. (Prov. 3:9) Of course, those attending the study should respect the home and show appreciation by not abusing the facilities or taking undue liberties. As with all other congregational meetings, our dress, grooming, and decorum should bespeak the dignity associated with our worship of Jehovah.​—See page 63 in Our Ministry book.

⁶ The Congregation Book Study also provides valuable training for the field ministry. We can be conscious of field points expressed during the study. Making comments can help us to overcome timidity and become better acquainted with the Scriptures. A positive view of the Congregation Book Study arrangement will indeed increase our appreciation for the way Jehovah cares for his flock.

Announcements

● Literature offer for March: One of the older 192-page books for 50¢. See January Our Kingdom Ministry for list of books to be used and for details as to getting credit on congregation literature account. April and May: True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It? for $1.00. June and July: You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth for contribution of $2.50. Reduced-size books are $1.25.

● Some of the older publications we are offering in the field during March are no longer being printed. Therefore, any needing copies of these publications for their personal library should get them before supplies are depleted. Publishers should also be alert to offer these publications at libraries, rest homes, orphanages, reform schools, and similar institutions.

● Suggested Bible reading schedule for Memorial week:

Wednesday, March 19 (Nisan 9) John 12:12-19; Mark 11:1-11

Thursday, March 20 (Nisan 10) John 12:20-50

Friday, March 21 (Nisan 11) Luke 21:1-36

Saturday, March 22 (Nisan 12) Mark 14:1-11

Sunday, March 23 (Nisan 13) Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13

Monday, March 24 (Nisan 14) John 19:1-42

● At the Memorial celebration, there is no need to play music during the passing of the emblems. Speakers and those making arrangements should follow the directions in the Memorial talk outline and not endeavor to be innovative or introduce personal ideas.

● The presiding overseer or someone assigned by him should audit the congregation’s accounts on March 1, or as soon as possible thereafter.