2012 Mutual Theme Announced: “Arise and Shine Forth”

The Mutual theme for 2012 is “Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5).

This scripture, given as part of a revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith at Far West, Missouri, USA, in 1838, was addressed to the presiding officers of the Church at the time, but as the Mutual theme it applies to youth ages 12 to 18 throughout the Church as well.

The theme may be used to enrich Mutual opening exercises, as the topic for sacrament meeting talks by youth, and to provide focus for youth activities such as camps, youth conferences, and devotionals. It may also be used as the focus of special cultural events and other dance, music, and drama activities.

Church leaders suggest that local youth leaders introduce the theme with a DVD, Strength of Youth Media 2012: Arise and Shine Forth, which will be sent to units in November 2011.

This DVD can be used to supplement quorum meetings, classes, youth conferences, and other youth activities throughout the year and will be available in Cantonese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Additional support materials will be available in the Liahona and New Era magazines and on LDS.org at the beginning of 2012.