As we complete the process of revising the RAYAC -- it has come to my mind about a possible name change again. For a quick history lesson it was orginally called the RAYC (Richard Allen Youth Council) from its inception in the late 1930's to the RAYAC in 1996. In the 1980's Bishop Cousin introduced an idea of the Young Adult Network in the 11th, 1st and 4th Districts. I need to hear from you out their. We are currently working on a draft to be prepared for the General Board meeting and I would like to list some of the "possible names."

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2003

Answers

Please tell me your age range for RAYAC? Thanks

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2003

26-40, we are changing it to 18-40

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2003

I like the shortened version. I think the age change back to 18 will be a better service to all of the young adults. We also need to strengthen the districts departments and eventually it iwll trickle down tot he Confernce levels in all districts. But this should be an item next week in Nashville to discuss.

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2003

Brother Turner: I plan to attend the MCE Meetings in Nashville. I would like to share with the RAYAC my proposed AME Olympics Model designed to promote intramural athletic competition and fellowship among our Episcopal Districts. The targeted co-ed sporting events for youth and young adults (between ages 5 - 30) are - basketball, track & field, tennis and swimming. The plan envisions each District to be represented by their respective teams vying for top prize when we have our Christian Ed Quardennial. Details to follow. QED

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2003

Dear Brother

The Young Adult Network did work extremely well during the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Cousin in the First District. It served Bermuda very well. The challenge is to keep it going once the Bishop has moved on to his next area. This is one of the projects near and dear to the Bishop of the 4th.

-- Anonymous, April 21, 2003

Yes, a step in the right direction. I am in favour of attempts to revisit and realign structures and organs not functioning as we would like it to be, but I AM AGAINST THE CREATION OF NEW STRUCTURES. The age group could be 16 to 26 years for the ACE Fellowship and 27 - 40 years for the Young Adult Network.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2003

Am I missing something how is a 40 year old considered young adult? I do not understand how the the age range of 18 to 40 could be considered young adult. Most young adult groups I have had t churches were 21 to 32. And that seems to be the standard age range in most main line denominations. Those who were 20 could join the young adults if they wanted. We usually did not have that many 20 year olds. With the age range that is cited above people had more in common and tended to want to get together for fellowship outside and inside the church. Remember what it was like when you were 18 would you want to join a group that had 40 year old's in it? Probabyly not. To an 18 year old 30 is old. One of my concerns is that the voices of the young people will not be heard and they will be dismissed and they will leave. I would strongly suggest that research be done and perhaps Bro. Turner can look at young adult groups in other churches in his town and in other denominations. Young Adult ministers at Rev. Jamal Bryant's church Empowerment Temple, Dr. Cecil Murray first A.M.E in L.A or Dr. Flake Allen Cathedral Jamaica New York would be excellent resources. All of these churches have web sites and can be emailed. Also talk to young adults ask them what their vision is. They too love the Lord and as we are restructuring RAYAC we must always realize that without young people the work of Jesus Christ cannot continue for they are our his leaders TODAY. They are not our FUTURE LEADERS. The church has got to let young people hold leadership roles; for God is speaking to them. Lastly we need to remember that our church AME was founded by a YOUNG ADULT! Richard Allen was 27. My daughter Licentiate Danielle is 26 and she is the co-founder of our church. She was 24 when we planted our church we started out non-denominational. There would not be a St. Paul Community AME Church without Danielle. She returned home from washington, d.c, turned down high paying jobs to plant this church. She pours her own money into the church and is a powerful pastor. The congregation see her as their leader as does the community. Let's think long and hard about the age range and also solicit the input from young people across the connection. God bless and keep up the good work Bro. Turner.

-- Anonymous, April 22, 2003

I have to agree with Rev. Rogers on this one. I am 28 and am the youngest pastor in the 12th District. My wife is 23 and is one of the youngest deacons in the district. The only reason we are accepted like we are is because we are both ministers. We still feel the occassional "nuisance vibe" from older members because many feel that we don't belong in ministry this young and/or that we don't have much to contribute other than to youth under 18. That needs to be changed and the age group needs to be properly assessed especially in the South where persons in my age group are simply leaving the AME church and joining another denomination because they feel there is something they can do there.

-- Anonymous, April 23, 2003