The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international initiative where Christians worldwide are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21).
Locally, UniteBoston coordinates evening collaborative gatherings of fellowship, prayer and worship from January 18-25 annually.
History
For the past two years, the Institute for Christian Unity and UniteBoston have partnered together to host Week of Prayer for Christian Unity gatherings. In 2017, we coordinated nightly liturgically-oriented prayer and worship gatherings and a large worship service on January 21st in alignment with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, that had over 8 co-sponsors and was attended by over 800 people. In 2018, we focused on fellowship across our congregations by hosting 8 dinners in different neighborhoods in alignment with the launch of UniteBoston’s neighborhood dinner initiative.
2019 Gatherings
In 2019, the theme is “Justice, Only Justice, You Shall Pursue,” (Deuteronomy 16:20), and was chosen by Christians in Indonesia. We are coordinating a combination of worship services and neighborhood dinners aligned with this theme. The gatherings will focus attention on how we can contribute to acts of unity, justice and mercy in our personal lives and within our communities. Attending the worship services is a great way to experience the rich diverse forms of Christian worship that take place in our city. The neighborhood dinners are hosted by our wonderful team of dinner coordinators and are an opportunity to foster local relational connections towards greater justice in our neighborhoods.
2019 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Schedule
Thursday January 17 at 7pm – North Shore Neighborhood Dinner
Hosted by Peggy Hothem from Our Savior Lutheran Church, RSVP by emailing phothem@verizon.net.
Friday January 18 at 7pm – “The Art of Hope: Creation” Event
Local art, music, film and more at Hope Fellowship Church, 16 Beech St, Cambridge
Saturday January 19 at 10am – Watertown Neighborhood Brunch
Hosted by Rebekah and Stephen Nyakairu from Grace Chapel Watertown – RSVP by emailing rebekah.nyakairu@gmail.com.
Saturday January 19 at 7pm – Anchor Worship Service
Joint worship and prayer gathering hosted by downtown congregations at the Cathedral of St. Paul, 138 Tremont St, Boston
Sunday January 20 at 8pm – Taize Prayer at the MIT Chapel
Contemplative song, Scripture, and fellowship at the MIT Chapel, 48 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge *Due to potentially hazardous driving conditions, this event has been rescheduled to Sunday January 27th at 8pm.*
Monday January 21 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We encourage you to participate in local service projects in your neighborhood. A listing of these opportunities is posted here.
Tuesday January 22 at 7pm – Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Dinner
Hosted by Kate Devane Brown from Mosaic Boston – RSVP by emailing kdevanebrown@gmail.com
Wednesday January 23 at 7pm – Malden/Medford Neighborhood dinner
Hosted by Mambi Ashu and Rebekah Kerstetter – RSVP by emailing laurettaashu@gmail.com
Thursday January 24 at 7pm – Orthodox Vespers service
Located at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 514 Parker Street, Boston
Friday January 25 at 7pm – West Roxbury Neighborhood Dinner
Hosted by Sally Jackson from the Church of the Cross – RSVP by emailing jackson.sally.e@gmail.com
Sunday January 27 at 8pm – Taize Prayer at the MIT Chapel
Contemplative song, Scripture, and fellowship at the MIT Chapel, 48 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge
We appreciate your help getting the word out to members of your congregation and other local pastors and leaders. Click here to download a letter inviting participation of local clergy. We have Week of Prayer for Christian Unity postcards with this year’s schedule that can be dropped off at your church as well.
While there is much dividing the world, people commonly express at UniteBoston events that it is always good to come together and remember our common life found in Jesus Christ. In our coming together, we recognize the gifts that each community contributes to the larger Body of Christ and are strengthened in our public witness of Christ’s reconciling work. I look forward to seeing you around the city at some of the gatherings!
Kelly Fassett
UniteBoston Executive Director
This organization appears to meet a great need within Christian communities. I have attended one gathering so far and am impressed with the purpose and motives of UB. I look forward to further gatherings and activities.