2004
What’s in It for You
January 2004


“What’s in It for You,” New Era, Jan. 2004, 49

What’s in It for You

Mutual Activity Ideas

  • The Mutual theme for this year is the first part of D&C 90:24. To illustrate the phrase “be believing,” organize a review of the Articles of Faith. Divide into two groups. Hand out copies of the Articles of Faith and allow both groups to review them for a few minutes. Then ask the groups to resist referring to their handouts, and ask a series of questions about everyday events that can be answered by reciting one of the Articles of Faith.

  • After reading the Q&A on page 16 about appearance, with your youth leaders’ approval, invite several young men and young women to be on a panel discussion. Have the young men give their feelings on modesty and how a young woman should dress. Have the young women do the same for the young men.

Service Project Suggestion

• Many times it is obvious who needs service. To apply part of this year’s theme, “search diligently,” look for someone in your ward or neighborhood who needs help yet may not show it. Under the direction of your bishop and leaders, plan and carry out an appropriate act of service for those who need it.

Family Home Evening Ideas

  • Give each member of the family a blank family tree or family group sheet. Then, using the references provided in “Lehi’s Family Tree” on page 28, look up each reference and fill in the family tree or group sheet. Together, fill out a family group sheet on your own family. Or plan to take a tour of the nearest family history center.

  • As a family, read aloud the Idea List on page 27 titled “New Year—New You.” As a family, select one of those goals to work on for the coming month or year, or write a goal of your own. Make a small sign as a reminder of your goal to post on the refrigerator or in a prominent place. Report on your progress at an upcoming family home evening.

Sunday Lesson Helps

In addition to the Resource Guides (printed in the May and November Ensign and Liahona), Young Women and Aaronic Priesthood teachers may find these additional resources helpful in enhancing lessons 1–4. The articles can be found in print or online at www.lds.org. Click on “Gospel Library.”

Young Women Manual 2

Lesson 1 Drawing Closer to Jesus Christ

Susan W. Tanner, “We Are Daughters of Our Heavenly Father, Who Loves Us,” New Era, Oct. 2003, 10.

Bruce R. McConkie, “All the Light and Truth,” New Era, this issue, 42.

Charity Brunson, “Saving the Bees,” New Era, Nov. 2003, 10.

Lesson 2 Spiritual Gifts

Richard G. Scott, “Recognizing Answers to Prayer,” New Era, Aug. 2003, 4.

Clayton London, “Time to Testify,” New Era, Oct. 2003, 9.

Lesson 3 Building the Kingdom of God

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Reach Out,” New Era, Feb. 2003, 4.

Boyd K. Packer, “Feed My Sheep,” New Era, Jan. 2003, 4.

Lesson 4 Obeying Commandments Helps Us Fulfill Our Divine Roles

Janet Thomas, “The Playmaker,” New Era, Nov. 2003, 20.

Richard L. Evans, “Why All the Rules?” New Era, Nov. 2003, 44.

Q&A: “… A list telling me exactly what I can and can’t do?” New Era, Aug. 2003, 16.

Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2

Lesson 1 Who Am I?

Keith B. McMullin, “Are You a Saint?” New Era, Feb. 2003, 38.

David B. Haight, “You Are Different,” New Era, Apr. 2003, 4.

Lesson 2 Knowing Our Father in Heaven

Bruce R. McConkie, “All the Light and Truth,” New Era, this issue, 42.

Rachelle Pace Castor, “He Loves You More,” New Era, Feb. 2003, 24.

Timothy Cobbley, “A Light in the Darkness,” New Era, Feb. 2003, 11.

Lesson 3 Faith in Jesus Christ

Frank Preston, “Somebody Had It Harder,” New Era, Nov. 2003, 32.

Lisa Ann Jackson, “King of Kings, New Era, Apr. 2003, 8.

Elvin Mencia, “The Wounds That Heal My Own,” New Era, Apr. 2003, 15.

Lesson 4 Companionship of the Holy Ghost

Marged A. Kirkpatrick, “I Didn’t Want to Die,” this issue, 15.

Q&A: “Holy Ghost or my own thoughts and feelings … ?” New Era, Apr. 2003, 16.

H. David Burton, “Who’s Asking?” New Era, Dec. 2003, 38.