Remind publishers to turn in field service reports for October
Or the service overseer will hound you will November 6. An elder told me that during the last CO go round the CO chewed out several service overseers for turning in time for people who had not reported, hadn't even called them. The CO was suspicious because some of the people who had turned time in didn't attend the meetings during the CO visit.
I wonder if those presentations have any mention of the good news of Jesus' Kingdom?
lay the groundwork for the next visit by drawing attention to the box "In Our Next Issue."
Not drawing attention to the Bible?
Why do we need to do more than just read the selected scripture? (
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w02 9/15 pp. 23-24 "Salvation Belongs to Jehovah" *** Refrain
RespectfullyIn an effort to strengthen the unity of his empire, King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon set up a huge golden image on the plain of Dura. He then arranged for an inauguration ceremony to which he invited his satraps, prefects, governors, counselors, and other high officials. At the sound of music, all gathered were to bow down and worship the image. Among those who had to be present were three young Hebrews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. How did they show that they were not participating in this religious ceremony? As the music began and those gathered prostrated themselves before the image, the three Hebrews remained standing.—Daniel 3:1-12.
Today, flags are usually saluted with outstretched arm or with the hand held to the forehead or over the heart. At times, some special bodily position may be assumed. In some lands, children at school are expected to kneel and kiss the flag. By standing quietly while others salute the flag, true Christians make it evident that they are respectful observers.
What if a flag ceremony is conducted in such a way that simply standing gives evidence of participation? For example, suppose one student in a school is selected to represent the whole school and he salutes the flag outside at a flag pole while the other students are expected to stand at attention inside the classroom. The mere act of standing in this instance signifies agreement with having the student on the outside act as a personal representative in saluting the flag. Standing in any manner would then denote joining in the ceremony. If this is the case, those desiring to be only respectful observers would remain quietly seated. What if the class is already standing as such a ceremony starts? In this case, participation would not be indicated if we were to remain standing.
Suppose one is not asked to salute the flag but merely to hold it, either in a parade or in a classroom or elsewhere, so that others can salute. Rather than ‘fleeing from idolatry,’ as commanded in the Scriptures, this would actually mean being at the very center of the ceremony. The same is true of marching in patriotic parades. Because doing this would mean giving support to what is honored by the parade, true Christians conscientiously decline.
When national anthems are played, usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. It is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song.
(So JWs arrange to be standing in advance of the anthem or flag salute....although onlookers will assume that they are supporting...pretty hypocritical...I guess Abednego, Meshach, and Shadrach should have done been on the ground prostrating already, no one would have though they were worshipping the idol then)
