LDS Mutual Theme: 2008 Be Steadfast and Immovable

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 current theme first:

2008 Mutual Theme

The 2008 mutual theme is Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works." Mosiah 5:15

Steadfast and Immovable Media

• See all the media relating to this year's mutual theme - includes several variations of the steadfast and immovable logos and tee shirt designs plus bookmarks and more. Also includes new images shared by Yazmin O. in Spanish! Sample images are to the right.

Steadfast and Immovable Music

• Be Steadfast and Immovable: Music for the 2008 Mutual Theme CD - Use the music on the CD and download the free script and poster for a super easy New Beginnings or Young Women in Excellence activity! Also includes a Young Men track for youth conferences. $12.98
• Be Steadfast and Immovable: Music for the 2008 Mutual Theme SONGBOOK AND DVD - This songbook with the accompaniment music includes bonuses of the free script AND a DVD of the short movie clips suggested in the script. $12.98

Steadfast and Immovable Products

• Be Steadfast and Immovable - Bookmarks - An inexpensive handout for introducing the theme. 65 cents each
• Be Steadfast and Immovable - Flower Bookmarks Set - Set of 25. $8.13
• Be Steadfast and Immovable - Poster - 12 x 18 inch classroom size $4.95
• Be Steadfast and Immovable Wristbands - Great for Camp or Youth Conference $1.50
• Be Steadfast and Immovable Magnet - They stick to LDS chalkboards!!! Great for lockers,too $4.99
• Be Steadfast and Immovable Stickers - 72 Acid Free stickers $2.49
• Be Steadfast and Immovable Pencils - Set of 7. $2.99

Steadfast and Immovable Articles

• What Latter-day Saint Women Do Best: Stand Strong and Immovable - by Julie Beck
• Steadfast in Christ - by M. Russell Ballard
• Steadfast and Immovable - by David Bednar
• Steadfast and Immovable - by Mary Ellen Smoot

Steadfast and Immovable Crafts

• Be Steadfast and Immovable Tiles - super fun mutual craft activity.

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

• Let Virtue Garnish All My Thoughts Unceasingly - by Sally DeFord. Has an interesting description of the origins of the word garnish, which used to mean to defend or arm oneself. Understanding the term garnish as defend or arm brings a new meaning to this year's theme, and can also give you a lot of ideas for camp and youth conference themes, imho.
• Joan Sowards YW Music - Joan has several free songs for the YW program, including a new song for the 2007 mutual theme.
• Jenny Phillips' Daughter of a King: Music for the 2007 Mutual Theme - This CD includes the "Keepers of His Light" track for performance with Young Men. Great for Youth Conference. $9.98
• Jenny Phillips' Daughter of a King SONGBOOK: Music for the 2007 Mutual Theme - Has the piano accompaniment for the above CD. There's a song, "Keepers of His Light" in this songbook for a combined YW/YM choir that would be perfect for Youth Conference in this songbook! $9.98

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 Business Cards - these are a great idea for any year's theme
• 10 virtues of a Righteous Daughter of God
• President Hinckley's 10 Virtues
• President Hinckley's 10 Virtues - in Portuguese
• Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts - Media Handouts
• RegrettiOs - Visual Aid/Handout
• Virtue Handouts - gift tags that go with the theme
• Fighting Internet Pornography Addiction Handouts - from StrengthenTheFamily.net (a non-profit LDS Church member run organization)

Virtue Products

• Virtue Wristbands - Our bestselling wristbands are $1.50 each, and bulk pricing discounts are available! These wristbands are very popular for Stake Youth Conference or Camp.
• Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts - Bookmarks - Just 30 cents each. An inexpensive handout for introducing the theme.
• Let Virtue Garnish thy Thoughts - Poster - $3.99; 12 x 18 inch classroom size.
• 12 Virtue Posters Set - Focus on a virtue each month with this beautiful poster set..
• President Hinckley's 10 neglected Virtues - President Hinckley's bestselling book Standing for Something will give you lots of thoughts for talks and themes for planning activities.
• Jenny Phillips' Daughter of a King: Music for the 2007 Mutual Theme - Use the music on the CD and then download the free script, invitations, and poster for a super easy New Beginnings or Young Women in Excellence activity! CD includes the "Keepers of His Light" track for Young Men. $9.98
• Jenny Phillips' Daughter of a King SONGBOOK: Music for the 2007 Mutual Theme - Has the piano accompaniment, script, and instructions. There's a song, "Keepers of His Light" in this songbook for a combined YW/YM choir that would be perfect for Youth Conference in this songbook! $9.98

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

• Mutual Theme Introduction - has activity ideas, scriptural topics and quotes from current church leaders on the new theme. This is basically your starting point to planning activities that fit with the new theme, building on testimonies of the Restoration that were strengthened through last year's theme.
• Arise and Shine Forth Wristbands for $1.50 - Silicone wristbands are perfect for Youth Conferences or Gifts!
• Arise and Shine Forth LED Pens - LED can be seen up to a mile away and makes a great physical reminder to let your light be a standard to the nations. $1.99 each. Blue, Green, White, or Red.
• Arise and Shine Forth Pencils - 7 pack for $2.99
• Arise and Shine Forth Bookmarks - 25 bookmarks for $4.99
• Arise and Shine Forth Poster - 12x18 inches for $3.99

Clipart

• Arise and Shine clipart and posters

Music

• Zion Must Go Forth - lyrics and sheet music from the New Era, February 1994
• Praise to the Lamb - New Era Song with lyrics and sheet music, August 1998
• Arise and Shine Forth at DeFordMusic.com - a new song by Sally DeFord, has her trademark free sheet music and some MP3s that you can download. Available in solo, unison, or SAB versions.

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 people’s 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 don’t 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