The Rev. Da Vita McCallister knows she won't be wearing her sneakers to the pulpit forever. For now, she says, they serve as a constant reminder of her role as the UCC's minister for youth, young adults and outdoor ministry.

"There will be a time when I don't have to serve as an ally or an advocate for our youth because they will be preaching for themselves," said McCallister, sending ripples of energy and enthusiasm throughout a crowd of about 8,000 at Friday night's opening worship at General Synod 26 in Hartford, Conn.

"There is no greater task, no more difficult task than to educate our youth in the name of Jesus Christ. If it isn't getting done for our children, there's only one place to look – and that's in the mirror," she said.

Drawing hoots and hollers, alleluias and amens, McCallister lauded the estimated 1,000 youths in attendance. "They're not at soccer camps, they're not at their summer jobs. They've taken the time, and they've done the work to get here. They care about their work and about their faith."

McCallister encouraged adult Synod-goers not only to introduce themselves to their younger counterparts over the next four days, but to "get to know them. And don't just get to know them; become their ally and their advocate."

Repeatedly trumpeting the UCC's 50th anniversary mantra of "Let It Shine!," McCallister urged listeners to resist the temptation to live in the darkness or in the shadow of death. "We must get off our sit-down and make it happen."

The 20-minute sermon was preceded by a colorfully staged half-hour of gathering music and liturgy that included a rhythmic collection of 40 drummers, a brass ensemble and a reading by youth who took turns lighting a "Litany of Light." Video screens beamed vivid images of simulated movement through starlit skies and photos of brilliantly colored galaxies.