spiritual welfare. (Rom. 16:1-16) He sent greetings to some who had been “in union with Christ” longer than he, indicating his interest in persons in all stages of spiritual growth. His comments about them reveal he had taken time and interest to get to know them. He understood their problems and could help them spiritually. Coming to the meetings early provides a fine opportunity to get better acquainted with others and to encourage them. Why not try diligently to arrive 15 to 20 minutes before the meeting starts and stay awhile afterward so you can share more fully in encouraging others.

⁵ We can encourage newer meeting attenders by showing them how to prepare for the meetings. They can be encouraged to answer questions at the meetings and join the Theocratic Ministry School when they qualify. A few practical suggestions from an experienced publisher can assist newer ones in preparing talks and in making pointed comments in their own words.​—See School Guidebook, studies 4, 7, and 18.

⁶ As a part of Jehovah’s congregated throngs showing genuine love for one another, we grow spiritually, and a stronger bond of unity results. (Gal. 6:10) Our desire to be involved in congregation activities deepens, and we seek to have a greater share in the preaching and disciple-making work. Let us, therefore, continue our loving efforts to help new ones to praise and honor Jehovah.

Support Midweek Service Arrangements

¹ In his prophecy concerning the time of the end, Jesus said, “In all the nations the good news has to be preached first.” (Mark 13:10) In obedience to this command, Jehovah’s people all over the world are active in the ministry not only on weekends but throughout the week as well. Local elders are encouraged to schedule appropriate meetings for field service during the week. Are you able to share in midweek field service with others in your congregation?

ORGANIZED ARRANGEMENTS NEEDED

² The service overseer should take the lead in making definite arrangements for midweek service. The locations, days, and times should be convenient for the majority of publishers. Meetings for field service are sponsored by the congregation and would normally be presided over by elders, ministerial servants, or other qualified baptized brothers. If such qualified brothers are not available, capable baptized sisters can be assigned. (Note Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, page 77, paragraph 3.) A sister assigned should wear a head covering and would normally sit when conducting the meeting for field service.

³ Those assigned to conduct these meetings should be well prepared. The daily text can be discussed, especially if it is appropriate for field service. Points from Meetings for Field Service should be used. Appropriate territory and group assignments should be made. Special interest can be shown in helping newer publishers who may be participating in the ministry.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

⁴ Those who support midweek arrangements for field service have many opportunities to meet householders who may not be home on weekends. You may be able to work with other publishers and pioneers who share in the field service during the week. Many sisters with children in school appreciate these arrangements. Some publishers with unbelieving mates have found arrangements to go in field service on weekdays quite helpful. Youths on vacation from school are able to support midweek service arrangements. Often pioneers and experienced publishers are available to accompany new and inexperienced ones in the various features of the ministry during the week.

⁵ All are encouraged to arrive on time and share in the discussions and prayer. Your doing so will help you to participate zealously in the field ministry and search out deserving persons in your assigned territory.​—Matt. 10:11.

Meetings to Help Us Make Disciples

WEEK STARTING FEBRUARY 28

Song 114

7 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to support field service on first Sunday of March. Obtain supply of Creation books and magazines for use in field service during week.

18 min: “Help Others to Appreciate God’s Love.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Encourage all who can to auxiliary pioneer during March and April.

20 min: New Topic for Conversation. Discussion and demonstration. Review Topic for Conversation and show how Creation book can be tied in. In introduction emphasize that family life today is threatened by many factors. As a result, there are broken homes and much unhappiness. (Ask householder what he feels is the solution to this problem.) Thereafter state that there is a need to look to the Creator of mankind for direction. God instituted the family arrangement. (Read Genesis 1:27, 28.) Then you could say: “Did you know that more and more people, including scientists, believe that humans were created? God’s written Word, the Bible, contains direction that if followed can contribute to a happy family life and can provide hope for better conditions in the future. (Read Isaiah 48:17, 18.) It is important for sincere persons to read and pay attention to God’s written Word.” Offer Creation book, stating that this publication provides evidence supporting the creation account and establishes that God wants men and women to find contentment and happiness in life. (Consider illustration on page 34.) Turn to chapter 19 and select appropriate points and illustrations from pages 232-7, highlighting that all God-fearing people will be blessed when Paradise is restored. Then offer publication for contribution of $2.50. Have qualified pioneer or publisher demonstrate use of new Topic and offer Creation book. After demonstration, consider other talking points that can be used from publication.

Song 154 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 6

Song 155

7 min: Local announcements. Encourage all to support magazine day on Saturday, March 12. Briefly demonstrate presentation of current magazines.

18 min: “Help Those Attending Meetings.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Highlight need to help newer ones to qualify to share in the field ministry.

12 min: Discussion and Interviews. Elder considers what local congregation can do to render increased assistance to those who attend meetings, with the goal of helping them become publishers. Interview two or three publishers, outlining specifically what they have done to assist and encourage such ones.

8 min: Question Box. Discussion with audience.

Song 101 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 13

Song 92

10 min: Appropriate Announcements from Our Kingdom Ministry and local announcements. Include accounts report. Read appreciatively Society’s acknowledgment of all contributions, including donations to Society Kingdom Hall Fund and for missionary travel.

15 min: “Presenting the Good News​—With Help From Jehovah’s Spirit.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Stress need to reflect the fruitage of Jehovah’s spirit when in the ministry.

8 min: Make Good Use of Theocratic Calendar. Talk. Encourage all to use Society’s calendar. Make notes of schedule for field service and other theocratic activity. (Eccl. 3:1) The weekly Bible reading schedule is printed on calendar. This serves as reminder to read Bible daily. (Ps. 1:2) Take note of Bible reading during week of Memorial. The yeartext is emphasized, and the illustrations stimulate our desire to participate in the field ministry. Review with audience various scenes from 1988 calendar. Pictures also remind us of our worldwide brotherhood. Use calendar to direct Bible students to organization. Place calendar in convenient location in home where it can best serve the needs of entire family. (Note Our Kingdom Ministry, April 1983, page 7.)

12 min: Invite interested persons to Memorial. Discussion and demonstration by service overseer. Highlight need to invite all family members, Bible students, and interested persons to Memorial on Friday evening, April 1. Make good use of printed invitations. Arrange for qualified publisher to demonstrate how to invite Bible student to Memorial, using information under the subject “Memorial” in the Reasoning book, pages 266-9. Service overseer concludes by encouraging all to make list of persons we want to invite and to make special effort to contact them.

Song 29 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 20

Song 151

10 min: Local announcements and Theocratic News. Encourage all to participate in field service this weekend. Consider “Adjustment in Watchtower Study Schedule.” As time allows, briefly relate experiences in placing Creation book.

15 min: “Support Midweek Service Arrangements.” Question-and-answer consideration of article. Announce local arrangements.

8 min: Preparations for Memorial. Talk by presiding overseer. Announce time of Memorial and outline local arrangements. (Note Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1987, page 3, “Things to Prepare.”) Mention last year’s attendance worldwide and locally and remind all to contact interested persons who have not yet been invited.

12 min: Can You Auxiliary Pioneer During April? Discussion. Encourage all who can to auxiliary pioneer during month of April. Interview one or two publishers who have made plans to pioneer. How did they arrange their schedule to devote 60 hours to the ministry? What joys and benefits do they anticipate? Encourage all who can to work with pioneers and spend as much time as possible in the field ministry during April.

Song 87 and concluding prayer.

WEEK STARTING MARCH 27

Song 197

15 min: Local announcements. Remind all that the Memorial will be held on Friday evening, April 1. Encourage publishers to offer subscription on first Sunday and all during April. Illustrate specific articles from the April 1 and April 8 magazines that can be tied in with the current Topic for Conversation. Have brief demonstration featuring presentation of Watchtower subscription.

15 min: “The Value of Singing in True Worship.” Talk based on December 1, 1987, Watchtower, pages 25-7. Highlight need for all to sing enthusiastically and from the heart.

15 min: Local needs. Unless there is a more pressing need, qualified elder can highlight the importance of being on time for meetings and theocratic appointments. This includes circuit assemblies and district conventions. Review information from December 1983 issue of Our Kingdom Ministry, page 1, on the subject “Punctuality​—A Mark of Thoughtfulness.”

Song 205 and concluding prayer.

Announcements

● Literature offer for March: Life​—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? for a contribution of $2.50. Small-size books are $1.25. April and May: Watchtower subscription for one year for a contribution of $5.00. If subscription is not taken, offer two magazines and a brochure for 80¢.

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

● New Publications Available:

True Peace and Security​—How Can You Find It?​—Greek

The Government That Will Bring Paradise​—Estonian

The Time for True Submission to God​—Yoruba

Congregation Book Study

Schedule for congregation studies in the book United in Worship of the Only True God:

March 6: Pages 127 to 130, par. 11

March 13: Pages 130, par. 12 to 135, par. 11

March 20: Pages 136, par. 12 to 140, par. 3

March 27: Pages 140, par. 4 to 143, par. 10

Suggested Bible Reading Schedule for Memorial Week:

Sunday, March 27 (Nisan 9) Mark 14:3-9; 11:1-11

Monday, March 28 (Nisan 10) Mark 11:12-18

Tuesday, March 29 (Nisan 11) Mark 11:19–13:37

Wednesday, March 30 (Nisan 12) Mark 14:1, 2, 10, 11

Thursday, March 31 (Nisan 13) Mark 14:12-16

Friday, April 1 (Nisan 14) Mark 14:17–15:47

December Service Report

Av. Av. Av. Av.

Pubs. Hrs. Mags. R.V. Bi.St.

Sp’l Pios. 255 128.1 81.4 53.1 5.6

Pios. 58,495 80.7 37.6 27.7 2.8

Aux. Pios. 32,130 58.4 27.6 16.5 1.5

Pubs. 666,133 9.7 6.5 3.7 0.5

TOTAL 757,013

Newly Dedicated Ones Baptized: 2,245