Today, we’re excited to feature Shanell Alyssa’s new music video “Race to Dawn.” Shanell has been part of UniteBoston’s collaborative worship initiatives for the past three years, and has served this summer to coordinate our Renew backyard summer concert series. She was also a featured artist in our “Love Boston” concert last August with her song “Love’s Crying.”

Shanell describes that her new single “Race to Dawn” was inspired by finding the will to press through life’s challenges: “The past few years have been riddled with personal challenges, among which was the loss of all of my grandparents and a close family member, all of whom played an integral part in raising me.”

She chose to name this song ‘Race to Dawn’ because often people try to outrun life’s stresses, which she likens to trying to outrun the night. Yet, “while we might try to outrace our problems, we’re often faced with the reality of simply enduring them. 

‘Race to Dawn’ is an ode to enduring life’s challenges while choosing to take rest in God’s presence and run into the arms of our loved ones here on earth to help us get through.”

Shanell is also a member of The First Cathedral in Bloomfield, CT. After watching the video, she hopes that people will come away with a renewed sense of hope to endure the many challenges we’ll face on our journeys – Click below to watch it!

You can follow and support Shanell Alyssa’s music ministry here.

In the blog today, UniteBoston’s Communications Administrator K. Percy Ballah shares the story behind an incredible united prayer movement that is emerging in Boston in the wake of the pandemic. While there have been many prayer movements and revivals in Boston’s past, this movement is unique in its breadth and depth of participation across historic Christian divides, and it continues to gain traction with many local leaders. Read below to hear visionary Dr. Elijah Kim’s hopes for this initiative and how you can join in.

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Around this time last year, churches were closed, and parishioners were confined to worship and pray from their homes because of a global pandemic. Even though many churches stayed connected virtually, it is difficult for remote gatherings to replace the relational intimacy of a church community worshipping together in the same physical space. Furthermore, the pandemic put a damper on physical corporate prayer meetings that have always been essential in unifying the Body of Christ while navigating through dark seasons. 

Dr. Elijah Kim has emerged as a voice calling forth the need to unite in prayer at this time. As more people are regathering in public spaces and “the latches of church doors that have been so tightly closed are gradually opening for in-person worship services,” a united prayer movement is simultaneously emerging among leaders in churches, non-profits, and para-church ministries in the Greater Boston region. 

Historically, public prayer meetings were a spark that ignited powerful revivals that spread throughout New England and the world.  According to the Boston United Worship statement drafted by the key leaders of this movement, “Boston has been the home of the Puritans and an epicenter of revival and awakening. Not only was it the first area in America to train and send missionaries, but it was also the birthplace of evangelicalism. Boston is indispensable for world missions. It has spiritual and ecclesiastical importance, regionally, nationally, and globally.” 

Additionally, unlike many revivals in the past that were led predominantly by white males, this movement is fueled by a passion for uniting diverse Christian leaders. A luncheon on June 3rd was attended by twenty-four leaders representing different cultures and nationalities. According to Dr. Elijah Kim, one of the visionary leaders of this movement, there were  “Caucasians, African American, Hispanic, Brazilian, and Asian churches which united in order to spread gospel and revival fire to the US and the world.” He believes that these diverse leaders “are instruments of God to awaken the Boston Church for the expansion of God’s Kingdom,’ and their collaboration will be used by God to “unite churches, ministries, and parachurch organizations together as the body of Christ, in order to be a well functioning living system in our city and region.”

The movement continued to gain momentum through hosting a strategic vision casting meeting on July 9th with sixty-seven leaders from various locations throughout New England. This gathering was filled with the presence of God, powerful messages, and strategic planning for hosting future gatherings. Leaders who attended were blessed and inspired by their powerful experiences together. Sharlene, one of the leaders in attendance, expressed, “Thank you for the generous invitation!!! We are humbled and honored to be a part of this great awakening and vision casting! Praise God for all that he is doing in the New England area. We thank God for Open Heaven!!!!”

Dr. Elijah Kim and the leaders of this initiative will be hosting a series of larger united prayer and worship services in August at Park Street Church, Awaken The Dawn, and Lion of Judah. The larger gatherings will emphasize worship, prayer, and fasting in preparation for a massive Boston Mitzpah Prayer service at Agganis Arena at Boston University on October 30th.  Dr. Kim and the other visionary leaders of this movement believe that this united gathering is the dawn of “a new wave of revival” arising in Boston and New England. 

While the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic created hurdles for Christians to host public worship gatherings, the Holy Spirit was rekindling a fire for revival in the hearts of Dr. Kim and other leaders in the Greater Boston region. As we begin to move past this season, let’s come together towards a movement of spiritual awakening and renewal birthed in united prayer and worship.

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Dr. Kim and other church leaders in the region welcome participation across Christians of diverse backgrounds in Greater Boston. For more information about the prayer services happening on August 9, 16, and 23, click here. You can also click here to watch the Youtube video or read the meeting report from the Vision-Casting Gathering on July 9, or read the Boston United Worship statement. 

UniteBoston appreciates the diverse call to prayer and we would love to see people attend this gathering. Please help spread the word to your church community – We look forward to seeing you there! 

One of the things that UniteBoston is known for is hosting a large public worship gathering in the Boston Common each summer (see photos & stories from our 2019 concert here!) However, in light of all the challenges this previous year, this summer, our team felt God’s invitation to host a concert series that would nurture more of an intimate worship and sharing experience to promote healing and renewal. This space would also build on the collaboration of artists from various churches through a songwriter’s guild that Bailey Kolapudi had launched initially through her home church, Reunion Christian Church, but then expanded it to Christians throughout the city through UniteBoston’s network this spring.

Today, we would like to introduce you to the wonderful leadership team that is coordinating and hosting the Renew backyard concert series. This collaborative space invites Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. Our hope is that these concerts will restore bonds of friendship, justice, and resilience, bringing renewal to the body of Christ and our surrounding communities. We’ve lamented, we’ve grieved; now it’s time to come together to rejoice and RENEW.

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These photos are from the first concert on July 10th

Click here to learn more about the concert series – You can sign up to attend or register for the open mic!

1 Peter 5:10 – After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you.

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Name: Bailey Kolapudi

Home Church: Reunion Christian Church

Roles: Visionary / Band Manager

What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?

Since the start of the pandemic and quarantine, we’ve lost a lot. Jobs, loved ones, consistency –  I think God does some of His best work out of these periods of grief because it’s then that we learn to lean on Him more. Isaiah 43 tells us that God is doing a “new thing.” That He is making a path in the wilderness; that from death, He is bringing life. The “new thing” I’ve been seeing coming out of this past year are churches all over Boston and beyond coming together, sharing resources, and working for a united mission. We are not on islands, we are one body in Christ. So together, let’s invite God to renew our faith, our hope, and our lives.

Why should people come to these backyard concerts?

This is a great opportunity to meet people all over the city who are also working towards bringing God’s kingdom to Boston and beyond. We are always better together, and these concerts will be a place to connect and share about the new things God is doing in our own lives. It’s also a great way to be immersed in art and creativity and to celebrate our gifts with each other!

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Name: Shanell Alyssa 

Home Church: The First Cathedral

Role: Artist support 

What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?

Renew signifies a season of starting afresh with a new perspective after a challenging season and an effort to seek God for wisdom on how we should carry on in this season.  

Why should people come to these backyard concerts?

People should attend the concerts to hear artistic reflections and be inspired by the unique display of creative expression.  People should also look forward to reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones alike! 

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Name: Cleo Muhammad

Home Church: Restoration City Church

Roles:  Logistics support 

What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?

 It means seeing the good things that the Lord is doing right now.

Why should people come to these backyard concerts? 

To enjoy fellowship and celebrate the talents and gifts of one another.

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Name: Bill Stiffler 

Home Church: Reunion Christian Church

Role: Sound/Tech

What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?

The concert theme RENEW evokes for me the idea of going back and doing the things we’ve done but in a new way. As we start a new chapter in our lives, we come refreshed and made new by Christ. We are renewed clean slates allowing the message of Christ to be written in our lives.

Why should people come to these backyard concerts? 

This backyard concert series is an amazing way to get back out into the community and experience in-person fellowship! You can experience some incredible music as local artists pour out their hearts before God!

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Name: Kelly Fassett

Role: Administrative / Logistics

What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?

For me, the theme “renew” speaks to God’s desire to break into the challenges of last year with freshness and newness of life. This can happen as we join together in person to share our experiences through different forms of art and worship the God who has carried us through it all.

Why should people come to these backyard concerts?

People should come to the backyard concerts because there is amazing music with talented local artists and you can meet friends old and new. It is so refreshing to be together again – God really shows up when we come together and create space for authentic sharing and united worship!

At UniteBoston, we recognize the need to address the sin of racism and the pervasive inequities that persist in our city and nation. We recognize that justice is not peripheral, but intrinsic to the gospel, and Christians should be leading the way in the movement towards racial justice today.

Last fall, UniteBoston launched a “Be the Bridge” Zoom group, where 28 people engaged in weekly conversation with Latasha Morrison’s “Be the Bridge” curriculum, which instills a biblically-grounded understanding of the process of restorative reconciliation – including lament, confession, forgiveness, righting wrongs, and restoring relationships.

We found out that there were 11 other Boston-area churches who had utilized the Be the Bridge curriculum, so in spring 2021, we sought to build on this momentum to focus more on the systemic side of racism and locally-focused action. UniteBoston coordinated a 5-part speaker series alongside 30-40 individuals in four small groups. Our goal this spring was to help people understand various initiatives that are happening in Greater Boston towards systemic racial justice and nurture friendships across churches for accountability and support in actively working towards reconciliation, equity, and justice in our day-to-day lives.

Here are some highlighted testimonies from this initiative:

We were also able to record each of the speaker sessions – Click below to watch and glean from the incredible wisdom of these local leaders:

Testimonies from our Fall Groups

This was one of the first times that UniteBoston hosted weekly learning group opportunities, and we saw how God shows up when we create space for cultivating deep sharing and relationship building across Christians of diverse backgrounds. We were awakened in new ways to the the sin of racism, and how it has pervaded day-to-day life in our city and also our churches. We lamented this reality. Together, God stirred us towards change, both within ourselves and within institutions in our city. We also began to see how much work our own leadership needs to do to grow in our understanding of justice and equity in order to see the real transformative impact that honors the inherent image of God.

“UB’s sponsorship of BTB was a practical, strategic, and timely activity for fostering unity within the Body of Christ, as well as strengthening the Church’s engagement for racial healing in the world.” – Gregg Detweiler

“I am grateful for UB’s heart and efforts to bring unity and racial reconciliation in Boston and metro Boston.  Be the Bridge was challenging, informative and motivating.” – John Lynch

“In the BTB groups, we were able to get to know each other over an extended period of time. People in my group shared experiences of what it could be like to live as a racial minority in this country. I feel now that I have a group of friends and peers living in different parts of the city, from different kinds of churches, who I can reach out to as our churches in the Boston area seek to work together across racial lines and for racial justice.” – Morgan Crago

“Be the Bridge was a great opportunity for me to meet brothers and sisters in Christ from different churches and different backgrounds. It was a blessing to hear their stories and their perspectives, and to be challenged by the call to be reconciled to one another.” – Michael Oh

“Be the Bridge Groups are a God-send. Christians need a place to come together, learn and grow together, ask questions safely and discuss hard realities, but in a way that is focused on Jesus and His mission. That is the glue that binds us all together. Highly recommend Christians join a group and grow together.” – Blake Whitney

Building Community Across Historic Divides…

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Testimonies from our Spring Groups

“Thank you, UniteBoston! You created space for profound conversations about race that have brought tremendous insight and understanding. Especially after the anguish of spring and summer 2020, I am so thankful for the opportunity you provided to come together as people who love Jesus and find ways forward together.” -Lisa McDonough

“I have been inspired and encouraged to continue the work of biblical, racial justice.  I have learned who and how different parts of the Body of Christ are working in this space which has thus informed my work.” -Richard Rhodes, Grace Chapel

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Special thanks to our guest speakers, our group leaders, Pastor Joseph Ardayfio who served as a mentor for this initiative, and all the participants. All the glory to God! Change happens one person at a time, through God’s grace, as we take a righteous stand for justice and freedom for all of God’s image bearers.

As our staff, leaders and board discerns next steps, please reach out to us if you have any ideas for how UB can support God’s work in the city towards racial justice and equity moving forward!

Today, we want to feature the “Codman Square, Can We Talk?” program. This program was established as a replication of “Can We Talk?” which originated at Roxbury Presbyterian Church. UB’s Communications Administrator Percy Ballah had the chance to attend a session and interview some of the leaders involved – Read below to learn about how faith leaders in Codman Square are collaborating to provide a safe space to support their neighbors who have been impacted by trauma.  

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Imagine logging into a zoom room and immediately being greeted by a diverse group of smiling faces with smooth jazz music echoing through your speakers. Seconds into the virtual gathering, a friendly host greets the group with a warm welcome, “Hi everyone. Welcome; we will be starting this session in five minutes. We are glad you can join us tonight!” She encourages the audience to “enjoy the soul music and get your vibe right.” She is speaking to everyone, but the welcoming tone in her voice makes you feel like she is addressing you directly. 

If it’s your first time, you may feel anxious because you will notice unfamiliar names and faces in the zoom room. Yet, the first impression you receive immediately makes you feel connected to this virtual family of strangers. Then, a few minutes later, the friendly host speaks again, “Welcome again – we are going to start in just a moment. We are so glad you are here.” Now pause; before you continue reading this blog, I want you to guess what this zoom session is about? 

From the description I gave you, you may have imagined the zoom session to be friendly and welcoming to all people. This perception is an accurate description of the positive atmosphere that the community of “Codman Square, Can We Talk?” strives to create at their monthly gatherings. It is “a safe place to share your story and have your voice heard and welcomed. It is a community-based, clinically-supported program that increases awareness and understanding of trauma, offers mental health resources, and a safe environment for what can at times be painful conversations about violence, loss, and everything in between.”

Four years ago, the vision for the “Codman Square, Can We Talk?” sessions was born in response to the increase of violence in Dorchester. Local faith leaders in Codman Square came together to seek God for an intentional strategy to support their neighbors who were grieving and traumatized by tragic experiences. Paul Malkemes, Director of The Boston Project Ministries, Paulea Mooney McCoy, and Maridena Rojas, the Community Engagement Manager, mobilized teams to go door to door. According to Paulea, as they listened intently to their neighbors, “people expressed they needed someone to talk to, someone to tell their story to, and have a conversation with.” This critical feedback informed their decision to seek out a strategic method to support their neighbors. 

In their search, they discovered the model of  “Can We Talk?” used at the Social Impact Center at Roxbury Presbyterian Church (SIC) – a non-profit organization with the mission to create and implement educational and economic development programs to strengthen the Roxbury community. In response to the increase in violence in proximity to Roxbury Presbyterian Church, SIC worked with Partners HealthCare, Brigham Women’s Hospital, and community members to launch The Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing (CJP) in September 2014. It was named after a young church member who was tragically killed in a random shooting in 2010. Due to its proven track record of supporting families, CJP has been replicated in other parts of the country and in Roxbury, Dorchester, and South Boston local neighborhoods. 

As Paulea and the Boston Project team became more familiar with CJP, they partnered with other faith leaders and nonprofits in Codman Square to be trained in facilitating “Can We Talk?” sessions. After two years of preparation, they were confident that 2020 was the best time to replicate this model in their community. The teams working together represented the Emmanuel Gospel Center, Neighborhood Church of Dorchester, Second Church in Dorchester, Life Church Dorchester, Roxbury Presbyterian Church’s Social Impact Center, and Boston Project Ministries. Like many initiatives, their plans were interrupted by a global pandemic – but they were not deterred because they were determined to support families and individuals impacted by trauma. This healing space became even more crucial amidst the trauma that was experienced during the pandemic, especially by communities of color. With the support of CJP, the Codman Square team made adjustments to start remote sessions until it was safe to meet in person. As of right now, they have hosted four “Can We Talk” sessions.  

When I participated in one of their sessions, I was very encouraged. As people courageously stepped out of their comfort zones to share vulnerable stories and listen intently to each other, I felt hope rising within me. As a former Dorchester resident, I vividly remember the heartbroken looks on people’s faces and the outburst of tears at funerals when families lost loved ones to gun violence. I often wrestled with how to best support the families and individuals impacted by these traumatic experiences. At times, I felt helpless while serving the community as a Youth Worker at The Boston Project Ministries and a Youth Minister at Morning Star Baptist Church. It never occurred to me that creating a safe space for people to have vulnerable conversations could be a catalyst towards experiencing inner healing. I now understand that inner healing often happens by cultivating a support system to help people navigate through the pain of grief. 

Through these interviews, I was blessed to witness the powerful team of local faith leaders, churches, and nonprofits intentionally create this safe space. I am confident that God will continue to use this program to have a substantial impact on many people. I look forward to hearing powerful testimonies of inner healing and wholeness emerging out of Codman Square.

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Get involved! The Codman Square “Can We Talk” gatherings would love your help as they launch and expand their ministry. Here’s how you can get involved:

1. Spread the word to neighbors in Codman Square / Dorchester who may have experienced forms of trauma and need a space to share “whatever is on their heart.” Gatherings currently take place on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm using this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82051403502. For more information, feel free to contact them at cwtcodman@gmail.com or 617-910-0456
2. If you have artistic talents through music, poetry, or dance, you can inquire about possibly volunteering to use your gift at one of the sessions.
3. They would be grateful for your financial support to host the in-person gatherings and provide meals for the community.
4. Please pray for this initiative, as well as the other “Can We Talk” gatherings happening in Roxbury, the South End, and other sites that are being launched.