Put the Young Men Theme into Action!

What are some ways that I can put the YM theme into action each and every day?

1. I am a beloved son of God

Romans 8:16 — “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”- Look in the mirror each morning and say, “I am a son of God.”- Write a prayer asking Heavenly Father to help you feel His love.- Make a list of your divine gifts and how you can use them this week.

2. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ

John 13:35 — “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”- Serve someone secretly this week—no credit, no reward.- Study the life of Christ in the scriptures 10 minutes a day.- Ask in prayer, “What would You have me do today?”

3. I love and serve others

Mosiah 2:17 — “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”- Smile and greet every person you see at church.- Volunteer for a family or community service project.- Carry a card and write down one way you served each day.

4. I stand as a witness of Christ

D&C 121:45 — “Let thy bowels also be full of charity… and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.”- Dress and speak with dignity and respect.- Prepare the sacrament prayerfully and reverently.- Study one priesthood duty each week and plan how to fulfill it better.

5. I will prepare to make and keep sacred covenants

D&C 20:37 — “Are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.”- Attend the temple regularly with family or youth groups.- Set a goal to be worthy of a temple recommend.- Keep a journal about your spiritual experiences and commitments.

• Learn More about the history of church themes!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Click on each event for more information...

• Jan 11 - Youth Musical Fireside

• May 8-9 - Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration

• June 10-13 - Young Men Camp

• 🌟 FSY 2026 🌟

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Gadsden Stake General Priesthood Meeting

🕑 When: Sunday, November 9 · 2:00–4:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Gadsden Alabama Stake Center
👥 Who: All (Yes...that means you!) Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood holdersEvery Aaronic Priesthood holder should plan to attend!
If you know someone who might need a ride or an invitation, reach out — a simple gesture can make all the difference!

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Youth Musical Fireside

January 11, 2026 · 4:00 PM
Gadsden Stake Center
Youth and Parents---A Call for TalentIf you are excited to share your musical talent, please review the Youth albums and choose a song to perform.Please text Sister Christensen with your information by December 1st:
435-979-8282---Event Overview- Youth musical performances
- Uplifting fireside format
- Parents encouraged to attend
- Featuring selections from official Youth albums---How to Participate1. Review available Youth music albums.
2. Select a song you'd like to perform.
3. Text your name, ward, and chosen song to Sister Christensen.
4. Submit before 12/01.---Want this event added to your ward calendar?
Talk to your ward Young Women or Young Men leaders.

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Aaronic Priesthood Commemoration Campout
May 8–9, 2026Join us for an unforgettable event honoring the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood.What to Expect:• A cinematic outdoor skit: Follow the Prophet: The Spirit of Rockwell
A dramatic reenactment of Porter Rockwell defending the prophet Joseph Smith—woven with modern-day priesthood moments that will stir every heart.• Chuckwagon-Style Dinner:
Hearty food, and brotherhood under the stars.• Service Project:
The next morning, we’ll roll up our sleeves and serve side-by-side—demonstrating that real priesthood power comes through action!---Men and boys of all ages are invited.
Come prepared to experience something unforgettable!

Click the image above to learn a little more about Porter Rockwell... the Destroying Angel!

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Gadsden Stake Young Men's Camp
June 10-13, 2026
Oak Mountain State Park!More information to come!

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🌟 FSY 2026 🌟

For the Strength of Youth Conference

📍 LocationAgnes Scott College – Decatur, Georgia

• View on Google Maps

📅 Session Dates• June 15–20, 2026

What should we do right now? Click a link below to get started!

• Approve Youth for FSY (Bishops)
• FSY Registration Timeline
• My FSY Portal (Youth)

📅 FSY 2026 – Important Deadlines!📌 Now!! – Ongoing
Bishops/Branch Presidents Approve youth for FSY
using the Youth Unit Report.🗓️ Oct 21, 2025 – Jan 13, 2026
Encourage families to preregister youth for FSY.Registration Timeline✅ Jan 15 – Jan 29, 2026
Youth must finalize their assigned session.✍️ Jan 29 – Feb 11, 2026
Priority Registration – remind youth to complete full registration.
Register Here📝 Feb 12 – Feb 25, 2026
Standard Registration – encourage youth who haven’t registered yet.🚪 Feb 26, 2026 onward
Open Registration – last chance, sessions fill fast.🚗 Before Session Starts
Confirm: registration is complete and transportation arranged (no stake transport provided).

🚍 TransportationWhile the church is not offering to provide transportation due to close proximity, the Gadsden Stake is currently exploring the option of providing transportation to and from FSY. Please stay tuned for more information!

👥 FSY RepresentativesEach ward representative should:• Help youth and parents with registration questions• Remind families about deadlines• Coordinate with leaders on transportation and preparation

🌟 Why Attend?FSY helps youth:• Strengthen faith in Jesus Christ• Build lasting friendships• Develop confidence in gospel standards• Prepare for future service, education, and family life

📩 Questions?Talk to your Bishopric/Branch Presidency or your ward FSY representative.

• Learn More at FSY Official Site

News & Highlights

Missionaries love emails! Take a moment and shoot one of them a message. They'd love to hear from you!

Elder Nolan Armstrong
Mexico Cancun Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Jacob Blandamer
Canada Montreal Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Ollie Boot
Mexico Saltillo
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Eko Burroughs
Chile Vina del mar Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Matthew Campbell
Nevada Reno Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Keaton Childs
Canada Calgary Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Trey Christensen
Texas Dallas East Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Jackson Lafferty
California Sacramento Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Andy Rains
Alaska Anchorage Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Brian Smith
Utah Salt Lake City South Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Luke Smith
Mexico City West Mission
✉️ [email protected]---Elder Isaac Williams
Utah Saratoga Springs Mission
✉️ [email protected]
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Deacons

Doctrine and Covenants 20:57–59
“The duty of the deacon is to watch over the church and be standing ministers… to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.”

Deacons are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to minister, invite, and serve. Their duties provide hands-on preparation for greater service in the priesthood and in life.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Deacon...

Being a deacon means more than passing the sacrament—though that’s a sacred weekly duty that teaches reverence, focus, and love for the Savior. It also means showing up early to help set up chairs, tidy up the chapel, or set an example of reverence—even when no one asks.It means looking out for the other guys in your quorum, especially the one who stands by himself or hasn’t come in a while. Sometimes it’s a quick text. Sometimes it’s saving him a seat.Deacons serve the bishop in everyday ways—helping at ward service projects, hauling tables for activities, or stepping in when someone needs a hand. They don’t wait to be told—they learn to notice!And most of all, deacons are learning to become like Christ—bit by bit, Sunday by Sunday, quiet act by quiet act.

Teachers

Doctrine and Covenants 20:53–56
The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; and see that there is no iniquity in the church… and to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

Teachers are trusted with more than observation—they’re called to strengthen, uplift, and protect. Their role goes beyond seeing needs; it includes acting with love, accountability, and example.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Teacher...

Being a Teacher starts with example—and Teachers lead by quietly living what they believe. They help prepare the sacrament, which means reverently handling sacred things and focusing on the Savior.They work closely with quorum members and leaders, not just to attend, but to strengthen each other. They check in when someone misses church, pray for each other by name, and lead by showing up even when it’s hard.Teachers are also asked to speak up with courage when something isn’t right—when someone is being unkind, when a conversation needs redirection, or when someone needs defending.They represent Christ—and they’re learning to act like Him.

Priests

Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–52
“The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize… to administer the sacrament… to visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret… and to do all these things with holiness of heart.”

Priests are entrusted with the sacred responsibility to bless the sacrament. Additional duties echo the work of full-time missionaries and future Melchizedek Priesthood holders. They don’t just represent the Church—they represent Christ.

What It Really Looks Like to Be a Priest...

Priests don’t just participate in the ordinance of the sacrament—they stand at the table as a representative of the Savior. They prepare themselves spiritually and focus their minds before they speak those sacred words.They serve others through ordinances—blessing the sacrament, performing baptisms, and setting an example of Christlike service for younger Aaronic Priesthood holders. These aren’t small things—they’re priesthood privileges, and they require reverence.They are the senior members of the different Aaronic Priesthood quorums, which means they set the tone. Younger boys watch them. Leaders rely on them. And the Lord expects them to lead with humility, love, and example.Being a priest is a step closer to full-time missionary service—and full-time discipleship.

Resources for Young Men and Leaders

Helpful forms, guides, and materials to support your role as a young man or leader in the Aaronic Priesthood. From permission slips to powerful spiritual resources, it's all in one place!

1. 📋Permission Forms & Waivers:

Access printable and digital versions of medical waivers, permission slips, and safety guidelines for stake and ward activities.

• View Forms

2. 🏀 Activity Ideas for Leaders

Browse ready-to-go ideas for spiritual, service, and adventure activities—including planning templates and seasonal ideas.Men of God Field GuideOptional Resource for Activity Planning
The Man of God Field Guide is an optional, ready-to-use resource for bishoprics and Young Men leaders who want to supercharge their activity planning. It doesn’t replace any of the Church’s official programs or resources—instead, it builds on them with a fresh, adventure-style format that helps young men develop real-world skills, deepen their discipleship, and chart personal goals. Packed with progressive challenges, scripture connections, and practical capabilities, the Field Guide can turn an ordinary Wednesday night into something unforgettable while staying perfectly aligned with the purposes of Aaronic Priesthood quorum activities.

• Men of God Field Guide

Wednesday Night Activity Progression Plan
Optional Resource for Weekly Scheduling
The Wednesday Night Activity Progression Plan is an optional planning tool designed to help bishoprics and Young Men leaders build a natural flow of meaningful, entertaining, skill-building activities week after week. It doesn’t replace or override any of the Church’s official guidelines—it simply offers a fresh, organized way to weave spiritual growth, service, and real-world capability into your regular schedule. By laying out a smooth progression of activities that connect, build momentum, and keep the young men excited to come back, this plan can turn midweek gatherings into a true journey of discipleship and personal development.

• Wednesday Night Activity Progression

3. 📱Break Free from Addictions

Powerful talks, tools, and scriptures to help young men overcome addiction to pornography, social media, and screen time.

• Ask for Help

⚡PRB Challenge: Personal Religious Behavior

Current Challenge!

Pray morning and night on your knees for 7 days straight!Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. -Alma 37:37

• Accept the Challenge!

You'll be taken to a short form where you can record your commitment. You can share your name or stay anonymous...it's up to you!

• Videos of Completed Challenge!

What is PRB?

Personal Religious Behavior means the small, personal things we choose to do to grow closer to Jesus Christ—things like praying with real intent, studying the scriptures, serving others, and acting on promptings. These are the quiet choices that build real discipleship.

Why Do PRB Challenges Matter?

These challenges help us strengthen habits of faith, not just beliefs. As we act—daily and deliberately—we invite the Spirit, build confidence, and become true disciples of Jesus Christ. Your small choices today shape your eternal identity.

Keep it up Gadsden Stake Young Men!!

⚡R.I.S.E. Challenge: Resilience, Intellect, Strength and Endurance

Current Challenge!

Ok Gadsden Stake Young Men! Brother Huffstutler is throwing down the first RISE challenge. If you think you can beat him . . . accept the challenge below!

• Accept the Challenge!

You'll be taken to a short form where you can record your commitment. You can share your name or stay anonymous...it's up to you!

What is RISE?

The R.I.S.E.. Challenge is the physical companion to our PRB spiritual Challenge. While PRB challenges the young men to strengthen progress spiritually through prayer, scripture study, and service, RISE challenges the young men to develop the other three Youth goal areas—intellectual, physical, and social. Built on four guiding pillars—Resilience, Intellect, Strength, and Endurance—RISE challenges the young men to consistently push themselves . . . with a little bit of competitive spirit mixed in!

Why Do RISE Challenges Matter?

Today’s young men face constant distractions and a culture of comfort and convenience. RISE provides short, focused challenges that call them to action—helping them stretch their minds, strengthen their bodies, and build Christlike relationships. A single challenge might invite them to learn a new skill, complete a demanding service project, or organize an outdoor adventure with friends. Each experience reinforces the Church’s intellectual, physical, and social goals, helping young men taste achievement, discover their capacity, and carry momentum into missionary service, future families, and lifelong discipleship—developing into powerful men of God and true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Keep it up Gadsden Stake Young Men!!

🌿2026 Youth Theme:
“Walk With Me”

“Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore Walk With Me.” —Moses 6:34

To walk with the Savior Jesus Christ is more than an invitation to believe — it’s a call to rise up! To take up your cross! To join Him in the great gathering of Israel and truly walk beside Him. When we walk with the Savior, His Spirit strengthens us, His power justifies us, and His presence abides in us!

Do you understand Moses 6:34?

These words were spoken to Enoch — a young man just like you who felt inadequate in his calling. The Lord didn’t just command him to act; He promised partnership! “...thou shalt abide in me, and I in you.”
The 2026 theme is about divine companionship — walking with Christ so completely that we truly receive His image in our countenance and His power becomes part of who we are and everything that we do!

What does it mean to walk with the Jesus Christ?

Partnership, not perfectionThe Lord doesn’t wait for you to be perfect before walking with you. He meets you where you are, and gently encourages you to make small steps to follow Him every day.We can have His spirit to be with usWhen we walk with Christ, He changes us! His spirit is with us — not just on Sunday, but through every decision, every moment, and every trial that we face.TransformationMountains of doubt and fear “flee before you” when His Spirit is with you! Walking with Him transforms how we view ourselves and gives us confidence in who we are and where we are going!

⚙️ How to Activate the Theme

🙏 Walk with Him in PrayerBegin and end each day with a short prayer that invites the Savior to walk with you. When you speak to Father in Heaven, speak naturally. Just be yourself! Humbly invite Him into every part of your life and then get up and trust that He will answer!📖 Walk with Him in ScriptureStudy the lives of those who walked with God — Enoch, Noah, Nephi, Alma and Moroni. Really think about how they “walked”. As you study and ponder, commit yourself to follow their examples every day!🕊 Walk with Him in WorthinessRemember that repentance is a blessing, not a punishment! Repent with joy and gratitude every day and then continue making the effort to live so His Spirit can abide with you — that’s what makes walking with Him possible!💬 Walk with Him in CourageWhen the Spirit prompts you to speak, act, or stand up, don’t hesitate...ACT! The same Spirit that empowered Enoch can strengthen you!💪 Walk with Him in ServiceSeek earnestly to help those who are struggling. Each day, look for opportunities to lift someone around you. As you do, you will be walking in Christ’s place beside them!

For Leaders and Parents

How can you help the youth to implement the theme all year long? Here are some suggestions...

📖 Begin each quorum or class with a short “Walk With Me Moment.”A brief scripture, story, or testimony that helps everyone refocus on what it means to follow the Savior.💬 Encourage testimonies or experiences of walking with God.Invite youth to share simple, real moments in their lives when they followed a prompting to act.🏕️ Tie camps, devotionals, and firesides to the theme.Make sure that every major event reinforces what it means to walk with the Savior.🎁 Create visual remindersPutting up posters, creating a “Walk With Me” bookmark, a "Follow Him" note in their lunchbox or a quick text can help remind our youth each day to follow Him!

When the Savior says, “Walk with me,” we can trust that no matter what we face, He will never ask us to face it alone! This year, let’s walk forward in faith, shoulder to shoulder with the Savior of the world!

• Explore the 2026 Youth Theme on ChurchofJesusChrist.org