Children and Youth refinements. The Church announced Nov. 3 that, starting January 2027, its Children and Youth program will center on helping young people believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Him and His Church, and become more like Him. Goal setting moves away from the four areas of Luke 2:52: children 8 and older will set one goal a month from a new fast-Sunday Primary lesson, and youth will act on one invitation a month from the "For the Strength of Youth" guide. Most emblems are being retired, and new materials arrive in the January 2027 Friend and For the Strength of Youth magazines (Church Newsroom; Church News). "It is all about lifelong discipleship, and that really hasn't changed," said Young Men General President Timothy L. Farnes (Church News).
Serve now, not someday. At a BYU–Idaho devotional on Nov. 3, Bishop Sean Douglas of the Presiding Bishopric told students: "We give now when we are young with very little, so that we will always give." He cited the Church's 2025 report of 3,514 humanitarian projects in 196 countries (Church News).
Kansas's first temple is dedicated. Elder Patrick Kearon dedicated the Wichita Kansas Temple on Sunday, Nov. 1. Teen siblings McCall and Mia Johnson, who used to travel nearly three hours to Oklahoma City, said they love that the temple is closer "so that we can come more" (Church Newsroom).
Rivalry week, top 10 edition. President Dallin H. Oaks met BYU players and coaches before Saturday's 27-20 win over Arizona State, telling QB Bear Bachmeier, "We're proud of you as a person, as well as a football player" (Deseret News). Tuesday's first College Football Playoff rankings put Utah No. 3 and BYU No. 9 ahead of their 10 a.m. MST kickoff Saturday in Salt Lake City (Deseret News).
"I know this moment represents countless prayers and the devoted, faithful efforts of so many."
— Elder Patrick Kearon, before dedicating the Wichita Kansas Temple, Nov. 1, 2026 (Church Newsroom)
Nov. 4, 1856: The Martin Handcart Company, worn down by weeks of snow and cold, reached the icy Sweetwater River in Wyoming, where young rescuers from the Salt Lake Valley helped carry many across. The story is often told of three 18-year-olds; BYU Studies found more than three rescuers braved the water, and none of those identified was exactly 18 (BYU Studies).
The new plan asks children and youth for one goal or invitation a month, not a long checklist. The Lord's pattern: "Be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great" (D&C 64:33).
Reflect: What is one small invitation from the Lord you could act on this month?
With BYU–Idaho students in the spotlight, today's temple is the house of the Lord in Rexburg. It was announced Dec. 12, 2003, broke ground July 30, 2005, and was dedicated Feb. 10, 2008 (official temple page).
Yesterday's answer: Red ginger. Church News reported that the red ginger plant, the national flower of nearby Samoa, is worked into art-glass windows throughout the Pago Pago American Samoa Temple (Church News).
Today’s question: Under the refined Children and Youth program, what will young men turning 16 receive at the new January "Brand New Year" event?
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Which part of the refined Children and Youth program are you most excited about?
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