Greetings, RAYAC Family,

 

On Sunday, September 20, 2026, we celebrate our 4th Annual International RAYAC Sunday — four years of young adults across our Connection uniting on one day to declare who we are and whose we are. What began as a single day of observance has grown into a global tradition, and this year we gather under a theme that captures exactly where God is calling us next: RISE. RISE is not just a word for our banners and t-shirts — it is a movement in four parts, and I want to speak to each one.

 

Realize. Before we can rise, we must first see clearly. Realize who God has called you to be, realize the assignment placed on this generation, and realize that you were not made to sit on the sidelines of the church or the world. Rising begins with recognition — of your worth, your purpose, and your seat at the table.

 

Impactful. RAYAC has never been a social club; we are a service movement. To rise impactfully means our presence changes something — a community fed, a ministry strengthened, a young person mentored, a local church revived. Four years in, our Sundays should be measured not just by attendance, but by impact.

 

Spiritual. Falling as it does during Christian Education Emphasis Month, this RAYAC Sunday reminds us that rising without rooting is unsustainable. Our elevation must be spiritual first — grounded in study, prayer, and discipleship — or it will not last past the celebration.

 

Elevation. True elevation is not about position; it’s about how far we lift others as we climb. As we mark four years of International RAYAC Sunday, our elevation as a Council must translate into the elevation of our churches, our communities, and the next generation coming behind us.

 

Taken together, RISE calls us to rise together — one body, one movement, One RAYAC, One Church.

This year’s observance is, as always, a global celebration. From the pews of our home churches to congregations across the world, young adults will stand together on this fourth annual RAYAC Sunday, declaring with one voice that we are ready to rise — for our churches, for our communities, and for the Kingdom of God.

 

I encourage every RAYAC, every young adult ministry, and every young adult to make this Sunday a priority. Wear your RAYAC colors. Fill the pews. Use the resources in this guide to lead worship, service, and fellowship in your local church. Let this 4th Annual International RAYAC Sunday be the one our churches remember — a day the world sees a generation of young adults unashamed to Realize, be Impactful, grow Spiritually, and walk in Elevation.

 

To every member giving of your time and talent, and to every supporter who has invested in this movement — thank you. Your prayers, your partnership, and your presence make RAYAC what it is.

 

So, on this International RAYAC Sunday, I say to you: it is time to RISE.

 

One RAYAC. One Church.

 

In Servant Leadership,

​

Jeremy D. Satterwhite

13th Connectional President

Richard Allen Young Adult Council

African Methodist Episcopal Church