Dwain Woode
Dwain Woode
Dwain Woode
The Tennessee River Federation of the South Central Conference hosted Super Youth Day on Sabbath, March 14, 2026. Themed “Fearless Faith” and held at First Church in Huntsville, Ala., the event brought together clubs and youth from more than a dozen churches for a morning of worship, preaching, and community, capping a long season of planning and preparation by youth leaders at every level.
The service opened with a full processional led by the drum corps, followed by the color guard presentation, the formal posting of colors, and the recitation of club pledges by Adventurers, Pathfinders, TLTs, and Master Guides. Roll call confirmed representation from Athens Trinity, New Life Chattanooga, Orchard Park, Haitian Adventist, New Life Huntsville, Oakwood University Church (OUC), Saman Adventist, Madison Mission, Triana, Mount Calvary, and First Church Huntsville — a visible testament to the strength of federation-wide youth ministries in the Conference.
“Fear doesn’t disqualify you. It just means you’re human. God can work with ‘nervous,’” said William D. Given Jr., Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) ninth-grade chaplain.
Perhaps most striking about the morning was the decision to place the pulpit entirely in the hands of young people. Three youth speakers — each with distinct theological emphases — delivered complete sermons. Zion Sims, 14, of New Life Church, wove together the call of Gideon and the story of Moana to preach that identity in God is larger than any environment or limitation. Her five-point message moved through Scripture, humor, and an altar call with the confidence of a seasoned evangelist. Given Jr., class chaplain and member of OUC’s Uptown youth ministries, challenged the congregation to identify and eliminate the unseen evils of worldliness, overconfidence, and fear — drawing personal testimonies and vivid illustrations that resonated with peers and adults alike. Christopher Lee Smith of Athens Trinity Church closed the morning ministry with an expository sermon on Abraham and Isaac, anchoring his “Declarations Under Pressure” message in the truth that God provides the sacrifice — and that trials prepare many for testimony.
Beyond the preaching, the day embodied the federation’s commitment to outreach and service. Following the morning service, youth traveled to the Adventist Tower to distribute flowers and deliver handmade cards to residents, with parents and leaders accompanying clubs. An afternoon rally was held on the grounds of First Church, with AYM programming at 4:30 p.m., and an evening social at Madison Mission Church.
William J. Lee Sr., D.Min., First Church senior pastor, whose congregation served as gracious hosts throughout the day, was also recognized during the service for his fourth anniversary of pastoral leadership at First Church — a milestone the congregation celebrated with birthday cards and expressions of gratitude.
The day’s closing prayer offered by a Pathfinder youth leader captured what the morning was meant to produce: young people who know who they are, who they serve, and what they are called to do. “Help us to walk with faith, courage, and kindness every day,” she prayed. The Tennessee River Federation confirmed that the young people are already doing exactly that.
South Central | May 2026
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