The 2008 theme for mutual (Young Men and Young Women) has been announced. “Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works.” The theme comes from the scripture Mosiah 5:15. The leaders are encouraged to apply this theme to activities throughout the year. This theme should apply to activities both on a stake and a ward level.
Additionally the ward leaders are encouraged to introduce this theme in December 2007. Ward leaders may want to hold a special fireside about the theme. Additionally you should include it in the opening exercises that you have each week with the combined young men and young women. This theme makes incorporating service projects into your activities throughout the year, very easy.
You may want to discuss this with your family. As the new year approaches you may want to set goals as a family that are related to the theme. One would be completing a family service project each month. Another could be strengthening your testimonies as a family. You could include a trip to the temple as part of your goals for the year.
Additionally as a parent you may want to apply this personally to your life so that you can lead by quiet example. You can pray about ways to apply this theme to your life. As you do this you may want to share experiences with your youth, so that they can see how you continue to grow spiritually even as an adult.
This is a wonderful theme because it encourages the youth to stand strong in their testimonies. It also helps them to focus on things beyond themselves, which will help them become less self-conscious in the things that they are doing. It gives the youth a chance to focus on the standards and making commitments to keep the standards. As the youth gather together to do this, they will be strengthened from each other.
Related Articles:
Five Ideas for Combined Young Men and Young Women Activities
Young Women: 5 Ideas for Spiritual Activities
Reaching the Youth on Wednesday Nights