LDS Mutual Theme Information

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Submitted by Jenny Smith on Thu, 09/04/2008 - 2:58pm

You can get help on both YM and YW mutual activity planning at LDS.org's Serving in the Church section.

Following is a list of LDS Mutual Themes, most recently announced theme first:

2010 Mutual Theme: Be strong and of a good courage

Posted August 27, 2009 -- first on the web! Visit MormonShare.com frequently for theme updates and more!

The 2010 LDS Mutual theme is “Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

This year the church is releasing a DVD titled A Brand New Year: 2010 Youth Celebration that is to be used to introduce the new mutual theme and help youth focus on living the standards found in For the Strength of Youth. From the Church's site: "Local priesthood and auxiliary leaders should review the DVD as soon as it arrives and plan to use it to introduce the annual Mutual theme in New Year’s Eve activities or other special events where the theme is presented." The DVD will be mailed to all stakes, districts, wards, and branches worldwide in November 2009.

This year the Church is also providing theme music and commitment cards to help youth reaffirm their goals to live FTSOY (For the Strength of Youth) standards. The Church's site says that the music and printables will be available for download on LDS.org on or about December 31, 2009. There apparently will also be a website associated with the theme as well. (I am personally hoping that the new site will allow youth to contribute their testimonies and videos as well so it can be interactive. We'll see....)

Downloads, etc

2009 Mutual Theme

"Be Thou an Example of the Believers"

On July 1, 2008, the Mutual theme for 2009 was announced: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12).

2009 Mutual Theme

The 2009 mutual theme is Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works." Mosiah 5:15

Steadfast and Immovable Media

Steadfast and Immovable Music

Youth Conference

  • Let it Shine.org - is the website with instructions for the Fredericksburg Virginia Stake's youth conference. They are doing a script and play relating to the theme. You can view this page to see what others are doing, for example, they hold a logo contest, auditions, and volunteer information.

Steadfast and Immovable Products

Steadfast and Immovable Articles

Steadfast and Immovable Crafts

If you create something for this year's mutual theme, please email it to me to share! I'm looking for Youth Conference ideas, especially!

2007 Mutual Theme

The new theme was released early this year so that units can implement a new method of introducing the theme:

    "The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have approved the following as the Mutual theme for 2007: 'Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God' (D&C 121:45).

    "We encourage you to introduce the theme in a sacrament meeting or in other meetings prior to January 2007. We also ask that you encourage Young Men and Young Women leaders to emphasize the theme in Mutual opening exercises and other youth activities. Additional resource material regarding this theme will be available in the New Era and Liahona magazines at the beginning of 2007."

Etymology of the word Garnish

    Okay, so how many of you are trying to come up with camp themes that deal with parsley? That's what first comes to my mind when I hear garnish. The origins of the word could give an additional meaning to this scripture, however.

    According to Merriam-Webster, the word is Middle English, from an Anglo-French word garniss meaning to warn or equip. It's akin to an Old High German word warnOn meaning to take heed.

    A synonym of garnish is adorn. One meaning of adorn to enhance the appearance of, especially with beautiful objects.

    If we think of the thme in terms of using virtue to defend or warn, and even enhance our thoughts, we gain new understanding of the theme.

Lesson Materials

  • LDS.org's Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Page - from the Gospel Library's Study Topics section. Has good material for talks and FHE.
  • Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts - a talk by Susan W. Tanner of the YW General Presidency presented at the 2006 Fall Open House. Excellent material for understanding what to focus on relating to the theme. (PDF - you need the free Acrobat Reader to open it)

Virtue Music

Skits / Programs

  • Follow the Yellow Brick Road - The author of this play, Brenda H., submitted her script in January 2007 that uses the format of the movie The Wizard of Oz to teach the virtues that one must have in order to go to the temple.
  • Youth Fireside DVD - Popular LDS Speaker JoAnn Hamilton has recorded her talk "Listening to the Promptings of the Spirit" for use in firesides or other activities. The DVD is specifically targeted at youth, and teaches how important it is to avoid things that the Spirit warns us against. Has a special emphasis on avoiding inappropriate media, including on the internet. (I met JoAnn, a former Seminary teacher, when she came to speak at our unit in 2005 for a 5th Sunday activity. The talk on this DVD is the same one I heard. This speech can be performed live for free for audiences in Utah. Call 1-801-295-7590 for more information. ~Jenny)
  • Jenny Phillips is available for many youth events. Every year she creates or arranges music that relates to the annual youth mutal theme.
  • Kryptonite Dating Standards - Kim A. compiled several ideas to create this activity idea. It uses a kryptonite object lesson to teach dating standards: run, don't resist. It also includes a list of celestial dating rules said to have been passed out at BYU by Gordon Hinckley by ywconnection.com. (I have no way of verifying this claim, but I have no special reason to doubt it either.) Sounds like a good activity.

Virtue Handouts

Virtue Products

2006 Mutual Theme

    "The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have approved the following as the Mutual theme for 2006: 'Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations' (D&C 115:5).

    "We ask that you encourage Young Men and Young Women leaders to emphasize the theme in Mutual opening exercises and other youth activities. Additional resource material regarding this theme will be available in the New Era and Liahona magazines at the beginning of 2006." The First Presidency

    The Young Men general presidency also suggests the theme be used for youth talks and thoughts and to provide focus for dance and music festivals, youth conferences, and camps.

    It is expected that youth and their leaders will build on the experiences they had in 2005 to honor the Prophet Joseph Smith and commemorate the Restoration of the gospel. Youth can use the 2006 theme to explore ways to give service, share the gospel, and live gospel standards as outlined in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.

Jenny's Arise and Shine Forth Resources

Clipart

Music

Talks/Articles

  • Your Right to Choose the Right - new apostle Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells us why we need a testimony and how it will motivate us to share the gospel with others. His list of 5 things every testimony should include is illustrated in my handout, the 5 testimony fingers.
  • Stand Up, Lead Out - from former YW president, Ardeth G. Kapp. Has a great quote from President Benson: "We say to you, 'Arise and shine forth' (D&C 115:5), and be a light unto the world, a standard to others. You can live in the world and not partake of the sins of the world. You can live life joyously, beautifully. 'Look to this day, arise in all your splendor, and bear the standards of a world-to-be!' " (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1977, p. 32)."

Poems

    Arise and Shine Forth by David Foust

    David wrote this poem to use at his ward's Youth Conference and hopes it will be of use to others. Thanks, David!

      Arise and shine forth For now is the time Start making the steps You have mountains to climb. Arise and shine forth Turn your heart to the Savior Your testimony will be measured Through your words and behavior. Arise and shine forth Just do what is right Keep the standards of Christ And your light will be bright. Arise and shine forth As a standard for all nations Your testimony today Will affect generations. Arise and shine forth And let your light shine Bring hope to the hopeless Be loving and kind. Arise and shine forth We have great confidence in you When you follow the Savior You will always stay true.

    Young Men Shall See Visions by Maude Osmond Cook

      Be glad, O Youth, your day is at the dawning, For you the hours stretch long before the night; What matter clouds be dark on the horizon? Beyond them glow the rays of endless light. Today the shadows may obscure your pathway, Strange roads may beckon you on every side; The bitterness of storm may bring a struggle, To make you brave whatever may betide. If deep within your heart you keep the vision The dream that nothing can erase or mar, The promise of a fairer day tomorrow, Will be for you a compass and a star. Look to this day, arise in all your splendor, And bear the standards of a world-to-be, When hate and war, distress and desolation, Give place to justice, love and liberty. (Maude Osmond Cook, "Young Men Shall See Visions," You Left Us with a Smile, Salt Lake City: Melvin A. Cook Foundation, 1972, p. 59).

MormonAds / New Era Posters

  • Blow Your Own Horn - Standing up for your beliefs can be music to other peoples ears. Don't be afraid to let your voice be heard.
  • Positive Influence - As a disciple of Christ, you have every reason to be positive. Share that hope.
  • Make Waves - Even if you feel like a small pebble dropped into a big pond, your choices create eternal ripples. Make a splash by choosing the right.
  • Mixed Signals - Make your standards clear so those who follow you won't get lost.
  • You are the Yeast - you can help others rise to the occassion.
  • Little Reasons - There Are Lots of Little Reasons to Be a Good Example, and Someday They'll All Be Big
  • A Big Wheel - You dont need an important title or a high profile to make a big difference. The Lord has assured us that "out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33). So get involved. You'll be amazed what one good turn can do.
  • Be Even as I Am - Our goal is to become Christlike. Church standards help us achieve that.
  • Eternity is a long time - so take a long a friend
  • Search and Rescue - millions are waiting to be found, some of them are waiting for you
  • Follow the Leader - Accept the invitation to follow Him. You'll have joy in the journey, because He'll walk beside you.
  • Self Portrait - Turn your life into a masterpiece. Pattern yourself after the Master.

2005 Mutual Theme

    The Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth invites youth and their leaders to focus on an annual theme as part of Mutual.

    In 2005 local leaders are encouraged to plan cultural events that help youth focus on the 175th anniversary of the organization of the Church and the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. The theme for these events is "A great and a marvelous work", 1 Nephi 14:7.

    Young Men and Young Women leaders are encouraged to emphasize the theme in Mutual opening exercises and other youth activities.

    • LDSYouthActivities.com will have information about the Year of Celebration activities planned by the Church.
    • During her leadership talk "Let the Fire of the Covenant Burn in Your Hearts," in the Fall 2004 YW Workshop, Sister Tanner gave a list of six points about the Restoration that she would like every young woman to know through her mutual activities:

        1. Joseph Smith was the Lord's insturment in restoring His Church upon the Earth.

        2. His first vision and subsequent revelations established basic, fundamental truths.

        3. Under inspiration, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.

        4. Priesthood authority and keys were restored to the Earth.

        5. Temple ordinances and covenants provide blessings for individuals and families.

        6. Each of us can make and keep covenants.

        Each of the above topics was discussed in detail in her talk and can provide valuable ideas for planning mutual activities.

        Sister Tanner says, "If our young women understand the Restoration and feel a flaming testimony in their hearts for this work, they will have the strength of the early Saints to face all of the challenges of their lives."

    Additional resource material regarding this theme will be available in the January 2005 issues of the New Era and Liahona magazines.

2004 Mutual Theme

The Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth invites youth and their leaders to focus on an annual theme as part of Mutual.

The suggested theme for 2004 is "Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good" (D&C 90:24).

Young Men and Young Women leaders are encouraged to emphasize the theme in Mutual opening exercises and other youth activities. Additional resource material regarding this theme is available in the January 2004 New Era and Liahona magazines.

The following Church magazine articles provide additional information about the 2004 Mutual Theme:

  • "The Message: A Pattern for Living," New Era, Jan. 2004, 5; Liahona, Jan. 2004, 9
  • "Search, Pray, Believe," New Era, Jan. 2004, 11; Liahona, Jan. 2004, 15
  • "Scripture Markers: D&C 90:24," New Era, Jan. 2004, 14

2003 Theme: "Be Steadfast in Christ"

  • "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men" (2 Nephi 31:20; see also For the Strength of Youth, 40-42).

2002 Theme: "Stand Ye in Holy Places"

  • "Stand Ye in Holy Places" (see D&C 87:8).

Before 2002.....

2002 was the first year that there was a mutual theme announced by headquarters, and that theme was announced in December of 2001 in the Guidebook for Parents and Leaders of Youth. The theme is intended to help youth leaders focus their activities during each year.

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