FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
"WORLD TOMORROW" Announcement for Church Bulletins
We would like to have all the local churches follow the Headquarters example by placing "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast announcement first in the local announcement bulletins. This will give the telecast the important emphasis it should have. We want to encourage the brethren to view the program in all areas where it is available, thereby helping them to stay on top of what God is doing through Mr. Armstrong in this vital part of the work of God's Church.
Helping the Brethren Prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles
As the Feast of Tabernacles draws near, let's keep in mind the need to be preparing the brethren for the Feast through instruction about proper Christian conduct, dress, supervision of children and teenagers, thoughtful budgeting and planning, as well as the meaning of the Feast and the need to keep it in the right attitude and frame of mind.
God has called us to be lights in a dark world. Our example as a group is always strongly evident at the Feast of Tabernacles. Each year, we receive dozens of positive and appreciative comments about our brethren from local business establishments and residents at the various sites around the world.
God has given His ministry the task of teaching His people His way of life that produces godly fruit, a way that is a light to the rest of the world. Let's take full advantage of the weeks ahead preceding the Feast to once again remind God's people of the supreme calling He has given us, not only to be lights now, but to become teachers in His soon-to-be-restored government as pictured by this festival.
As the Feast fast approaches, pastors can help ensure that the brethren will have a well-planned, safe and happy Feast free from illness or other major problems by giving certain reminders and instruction in advance. Bible studies, sermonettes, sermons and announcement time can be used to mention a number of areas of importance. These would include the following:
(1) Driving When Tired: Mr. Armstrong has repeatedly admonished us to avoid driving all night or late into the night. A common-sense rule of the road is to pull off and rest or sleep anytime you feel drowsy while driving. This is not only a matter of safety for one's own family or passengers, but also for other drivers on the road. This is a specific application of God's law of love — of outgoing concern and consideration for others. The same applies to driving over the speed limit. Not only are we as Christians to be considerate of the safety and welfare of others, God also instructs us to obey the laws of the land. Highway laws, as all laws that do not prevent us from obeying God, should be carefully observed by God's people. The use of seat belts and proper safety restraining systems for little children should also definitely be encouraged.
(2) Planning Ahead: Thought and planning should go into the Feast trip so that potential problems can be avoided. Vehicles should be checked out and made ready before the trip to help prevent problems from coming up at the Feast, where parts, repairs, etc. may be far more expensive and difficult to find. A budget should be prepared so that funds are regulated throughout the Feast, with no surprises in the middle. All articles and suggestions pertaining to Feast preparations in the WORLDWIDE NEWS and other publications should be read well ahead of time so that all bases are covered.
(3) Plan Ahead to Serve Others: There is no surer way to have a miserable Feast than to go with the idea of having a good time for yourself as the only or main goal. Deuteronomy 16:14 shows us that our rejoicing is to include far more than just ourselves. In fact, unless we do have the attitude of helping others have a wonderful Feast, we simply will not be able to properly and truly rejoice as God intends. The Feast points us to the time when true happiness, based upon God's law of love, will prevail. That is the attitude we must carry to the Feast if we hope to fully observe it.
A sermonette on ways to serve at the Feast would be of value. This would be especially qood for singles and teenagers. By involving themselves in Church activities and seeking ways to serve others, their Feast can be much more meaningful than it would be if their minds are focused only on "singles activities" or "youth activities." Being a part of the whole Church through service and active participation instead of becoming part of separate special interest groups should be of paramount importance to our singles and older teenagers.
(4) Plan to Have a Healthy Feast: There is a cause for every effect. Colds and flus can dampen the Feast for yourself and others. Avoid illness by getting enough exercise and sleep both before and during the Feast. Avoid overeating, as well as too many rich or sugary foods. The better we feel, the better Feast we'll have.
(5) Plan to Have a Spiritual Feast: The Feast of Tabernacles is no time to let down in prayer and Bible study. How can we expect God to be with us and bless us during the Feast if we shut off communication with Him? How can we expect to fully understand the spiritual meat given to us at the Feast if we are not spiritually renewing ourselves daily, as God tells us to do through Paul? (II Cor. 4:16.)
Spending time with God's people in wholesome fellowship and activities is another important facet that will contribute to having a spiritual Feast, and something that should not be neglected.
Proper emphasis should be placed on attending services. Attendance at every service ought to be a priority. THIS INCLUDES THE OPENING NIGHT MESSAGE! We should not miss any service for some activity, trip or any other reason except illness or emergency. We must not let the purpose of the Feast escape us by putting too much emphasis on fun and activities.
Another area to be mindful of is excessive talking and walking around during services. Sometimes it seems that the biggest offenders in this are ushers, deacons, and ministers. These are the people who ought to be setting a right example. Only such talking as is absolutely necessary should take place during services. Storytelling and laughing, general discussion, and all other unnecessary conversation simply displays a lack of respect for services, the speaker, and for God.
(6) Conduct at the Feast: Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." We have a responsibility before God to set a right Christian example at all times. At the Feast we are all the more under close scrutiny.
Another area that has been a problem, sadly, is conduct on the Sabbath. The Sabbath is not the time for pool parties, loud playing and shouting by children, playing video games, sports, etc. Let's show respect for God by keeping the Sabbath holy as God created it. The same admonition certainly would also apply to God's annual Sabbaths.
(7) Prepare Your Children for the Feast: We should be preparing our children for the Feast by discussing with them their own examples. Their behavior in public, not being noisy, not running in buildings, etc. should be a part of their instruction well before the Feast.
Now is also the time to discuss the Feast with your children's school teachers. Many hard feelings and problems for your children can be avoided by politely and courteously discussing Feast plans with their teachers far in advance, thereby showing respect for and cooperation with the teachers' needs and plans.
God intended the Feast of Tabernacles to be a time of great rejoicing. With careful preparation physically and spiritually, we can all have a superb Feast this year!
Supervision of Teens at the Feast of Tabernacles
It seems that one of the biggest problems at the Feast of Tabernacles each year is the number of unsupervised teens. In some cases, the parents have attended one site and left their teenagers to stay with friends at another site.
The Feast is a family occasion — something we should all strive to emphasize in every possible way. Therefore, teenagers should not be attending the Feast alone. If there is a case where the parents must attend a different site than their children, they should see to it that the children are under the supervision of qualified adults. This provides not only for the proper supervision of the youngsters, but also for their safety and well-being!
In the case of teenagers no longer living at home, it should be up to the pastor to determine whether they should attend the Feast away from their parents. If the young person is genuinely interested, he or she should be treated as a prospective member.
Even for those teenagers who are attending with their parents, there should be some instruction in services prior to the festival regarding parental responsibility and the proper supervision of children of all ages at the Feast.
Comments From Monthly Church Reports
From Australia
MELBOURNE (EAST), VIC — BILL BRADFORD: Enthusiasm, confidence, and zeal continue to be exhibited in members' lives. Many are commenting how excited they are with the direction of their lives in God's Church. Response to all Church activities — Bible studies, Spokesman and Graduate Clubs, Y.O.U. programmes, fundraisers — is excellent.
MELBOURNE (NORTH), VIC — GAVIN CULLEN: There has been a sudden jump in the numbers and the quality of PMs. Last month we visited ten new people — from the North (3), West (3) and Geelong (4) — more than I visited in the North for the whole of last year. A number have already contacted me back for another visit within a week or two. There doesn't seem to be a set pattern as to the type of people — a general cross-section of society — except they all show a great desire to obey God and come to services.
BALLARAT, VIC — KARL KARLOV: Newsstand distribution has more than tripled over the past 12 months — to the current level of 4,300 per month. Members' attitude and involvement in this are very pleasing to see. In just the first days I've been back from the Refreshing Program, three definite new visit requests came in, and two more possibilities. Our existing PMs are asking about baptism. Going on their fruits, several are likely to be baptised soon.
PERTH, WA — BOB REGAZZOLI: We finally had a break through in Geraldton with four newsstands opening up within a month of the telecast starting in the area. The PT waiting room programme has been highly successful with 1,070 new waiting rooms added in Perth. A very dedicated group of members did an excellent job. Plans are now underway to expand the programme to the country areas.
SYDNEY (NORTH), NSW — TERRY VILLIERS: Enthusiasm is running high for the growth of the work of God's Church after Mr. Morton's presentation. Currently we are forging ahead with the waiting room programme pending openings for newsstands. We have more than enough volunteers on the list to service stands throughout Sydney North.
Several ex-members contacted this month wanted to come back to church. We have also had very positive feedback from both parents and teens with regard to W.E.P. (Winter Educational Programme). All were very thrilled with the experience.
LAKE MOOGERAH, QLD — DAVID NOLLER: The members are enjoying meeting at the W.E.P. camp for services and Bible studies. Those who live in Ipswich particularly enjoy leaving the city and coming out into the beautiful country environment. Also, I met a man who signed out Mr. Armstrong's book THE INCREDIBLE HUMAN POTENTIAL from a local library. After reading it he asked for a visit.
From Asia
JOHORE BAHRU, MALAYSIA — YONG CHIN GEE: More requests for visits are coming from PT readers in Singapore. Among those contacted, many faced the test regarding the Sabbath. They all expressed interest in attending Church services. A few PMs are counseling for baptism and hopefully will be baptised before long.
— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services
