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Jan 27 2022

Highlights from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022

We had a wonderful set of gatherings this year for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! The theme for 2022 was the Epiphany, taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. The material was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. The word Epiphany means “manifestation” or “coming forth.” Each year in January, the Church recalls the visit of the Magi to Bethlehem, as they come to see God’s redemptive work in the Incarnation of Christ. Together, we discerned God’s shining light in front of us.

See highlighted photos & videos from the various prayer gatherings below!

In the midst of humanity’s darkness, the star from the East shone. The star’s light was not only an illumination at a particular historical moment but it continues to shine and change the face of human history. Despite the vicissitudes of history and the changing of circumstances, the Risen One continues to shine, moving within the flow of history like a beacon guiding all into this perfect light and overcoming the darkness which separates us from one another.

-Opening prayer from the worldwide worship service for this year’s Week of Prayer

**Wednesday January 19: “Where do we go from here?” A Panel with Next Generation Leaders**
Featured panelists included Christian Grant, Katie Lamirato, Andrea St. Louis, Fugi Acevedo and Jane Kyong Chun with Rev. David Wright as the moderator. They shared about the need for the Church to engage in the collective struggle against correcting oppression, to practice what we preach, to partner with anyone and everyone for the sake of a greater mission, and create space for difference rather than fearing it. There is so much wisdom here that we all can glean from – Click here to watch the full length video and here is a 3-minute highlight version.

Closing photo from everyone who attended the “Where do we go from here?” Next Generation Leaders Gathering

**Sunday January 23: Song & Stillness: Taize at MIT**
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2). Through melodic singing, scripture, silence, and prayer, the Taize community at MIT hosted a beautiful prayer service. Participants sung songs and and heard scripture read in multiple languages in alignment with Taize’s international message of reconciliation.

**Tuesday January 24: Prayer with Boston-Area Pastors**
Here is a screenshot of the Boston-area pastors who gathered online to pray for God to unite the church. They prayed for His Spirit to heal, comfort and deliver. Pastors on the call, included Revs. Robin Lütjohann, Melinda Watson Priest, Devlin Scott, Barry Kang, Josh Wilson, Samuel Acevedo, Gloria White-Hammond, Wendy Miller Olapade, and Davie Hernandez.

From Pastor Robin Lutjohann: “I was moved by the prayers people shared – and felt that this was well worth our time. I feel strengthened in Christ.”

Wednesday January 25: Listening Prayer and Discernment

What God is speaking for the Church in Boston in 2022? Pastor Devlin Scott and Kika Ghobrials led us in a time of listening to God, discerning, and sharing words to hold onto for 2022. Here is our collective Word of God for the Church in Boston in 2022:

Participants prayed for God to speak to them, listened for 15 minutes for scriptures, words that kept coming to mind, images that they saw or even things that seemed to “distract” them. They each shared what they heard and saw one at a time as Rev. Devlin Scott wrote their messages down, in the order they were shared and written as God speaking.

We humbly submit this as a word from the Lord for His Church in Boston recorded on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. May you hold on to it in seasons of plenty and lack, growth and shrinkage, momentum and stagnation.

Jan 13 2022

Where do we go from here: Chaos or Community?

This week, we’re featuring a blog written by UniteBoston’s Communications Administrator Rev. Devlin Scott. Devlin shares six reflective prayer points based on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here? Chaos or Community?,” to start off the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. We recommend using these prayer points this week in personal devotional times, with your community group, or during your Sunday worship gathering. Read more below!

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Many know the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as a great civil rights leader, but fewer know him as a brilliant intellectual, keen observer of and prophetic voice to American society. His voice was often like a “north star,” guiding those seeking to behold a world that looks more like the one God, our Creator, intended. His final book before he was murdered, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, points to the need for deep and lasting change. This provided hope of reaching the place we all long for this world to be – the united church, as Jesus’ hands and feet, leading the way to reveal The Great Hope that knits us together – The Messiah.

With this book, we are exposed to ideas from 55 years ago presented with such clarity and elegance that they continue to have great relevance to our society today, especially amidst the division, discord, and inequities that have only grown during the pandemic. Unfortunately, we are still waiting on the change he prophetically called us to embrace. When considering the unity of Christians around the world, consider what often causes that unity to feel distant and hard to reach. Ask yourself, “how can Boston become a better place for people of ALL backgrounds?” Prayer that is guided by the wisdom of Rev. Dr. King’s book is a wonderful starting point for this week.

With this in mind, we invite you to use these six prayer points, contextualized by the chapters of Rev. Dr. King’s book, to start off your Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Prayer Point One:

In Chapter 1, Dr. King asked the question, “Where Are We?” By 1967, white Americans were ready to stop outright cruelty, but were not committed to full equality and dignity for African Americans. Allyship is necessary. God, call those who aren’t affected by racism and injustice to have heart for it to change. Break our hearts with the things that break yours.

Prayer Point Two:

In Chapter 2, Dr. King discusses “Black Power.” His point is centered around the struggle to both find common ground across race and class lines and also help oppressed people experience their own empowerment and self-determination. Many BIPOC people are exhausted from the consistent fight for justice, equity and equality. Holy Spirit, refresh those who are weary and restore safe spaces to be recharged.

Prayer Point Three:

In Chapter 3, Dr. King acknowledges the common tango of the fight against racism and backlash from white people. In the words of Frederick Douglass, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will” (Frederick Douglass, 1857). Protests and demonstrations were met with intense backlash; this cycle/ pattern has deepened the wounds in the relational history of BIPOC and white Christians. Oh God, may mercy be our response, as it was Christ’s response. May grace avail, as it does for You.

Prayer Point Four:

In Chapter 4: Dr. King describes the dilemma of African Americans. King says, “Those who start behind in a race must forever remain behind or must run faster than those in front.” This is not what God intended for mankind – not one of them. No race, ethnicity, gender or person was created to be beneath another human. God created them in His image. God, may there be reparation to repair the deep systemic injustices in our world. May I be used as a voice in the wilderness.

Prayer Point Five:

In Chapter 5, Dr. King asks the question, “Where Are We Going?” The way to end racism is through collaborative action that depends on mutual gain and sacrifice among diverse groups. The interests of multiple parties must be served. When they are served by ending racism, racism will end. What is the mutual benefit for Christains to see an end to mistreatment of God’s people? It is not our witness that the whole world may know His love? God, please reveal to us what it would take to end racism and injustice and give us the courage to act on it so that You may be glorified.

Prayer Point Six:

Finally, in Chapter 6, Dr. King envisions “The World House.” King describes the civil rights movement as part of a world struggle against racism, poverty, and militarism. To achieve genuine liberation, the U. S. movement and its allies must build a coalition that can cross borders and achieve international peace and prosperity. The challenge is whether Americans will see their self-interest in supporting this world movement leading to community — a great “world house” — or oppose it leading to a world of chaos. Peace and progress in the U.S. alone is not the answer. Peace on earth and good will toward ALL people is God’s intent.

This year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. Present times in Lebanon are extremely difficult and economically disastrous. All this combined with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have made the situation tremendously stressful. The power of prayer in solidarity with those who suffer is a demonstration of Christian unity and a sign of communion.

God, be with Your children who are suffering all over the world. I acknowledge my privilege and the blessings You continue to allow me to enjoy in America. I pray for change to come to the most marginalized places and people groups around the world, and may the change start with me.

Let us be those creative dissenters who will call our beloved nation to a higher destiny, to a new plateau of compassion, to a more noble expression of humanness.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

Jan 05 2022

Peace in the Midst of Tribulation

This Sunday, we’re featuring a reflection on peace by Rev. Dr. Moreen P. Hughes. Rev. Hughes is an ordained minister with the American Baptist Churches, USA and serves as Associate Pastor and Minister to Women at the Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton, where her husband, the Rev. Dr. Conley Hughes, Jr. is Senior Pastor. As Christians worldwide begin the season of Epiphany, she shares a timely reflection on finding peace in Christ in these challenging times.

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord. (Isaiah 2:4-5)

During this festival of Epiphany, reflecting upon the manifestation of Christ to the Magi, we’ve come to the close of the Advent season, celebrating the birth of Christ, our hope and our salvation, the coming Messiah – the ‘Prince of Peace.’

But it is riveting to see, regardless of our faith or spiritual beliefs, that the world news keeps repeating the same stories – despair, tragedy, and warfare; pain and human suffering. There is the injustice of hunger and poverty…the senselessness of brutal murders and violence. People look to the sciences and in space exploration to find satisfaction, and in education and personal achievements for human fulfillment.

How ironic, that one of the words we associate most at this time of the year is ‘peace’ – “Peace on Earth.” We sing joyously Christmas Carols of Jesus being the “Prince of Peace.” However, the mood in our country and around the world is far from peaceful.

This year, many of us will approach Ephiphany with a sense of loss much due to the severity of this world’s pandemic. Persons are engulfed and preoccupied with worries, grief and pain that seems to peak during what should be a time of joy and celebration. Our souls long and hunger for an inner peace that cannot be achieved through human efforts, but can only come from God, as we seek his guidance.

The words coming from the Prophet Isaiah, describes the time when God’s promise of salvation will be a reality, not just for the house of Jacob, but for all nations, for all people. This dream of peace and an end to conflict will cease. The Prophet Isaiah invites us to anticipate a time when all peoples and nations will turn toward God and live-in peace, as we “ walk toward the Light of the Lord”. May you find peace in his promises.

Thought: “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” (Saint Francis)

Photo by eberhard 🖐 grossgasteiger on Unsplash

Dec 30 2021

UniteBoston’s Top 10 Highlights of 2021

The challenges of 2021 were profound: the lingering pandemic and Delta variant… profound polarization, violence, and disregard for those of differing views… Economic gaps, racial disparities and fragmentation that continue to grow… Amidst this religious and political landscape, UniteBoston’s ministry continued our work to provide connection, renewal and resilience to the body of Christ and surrounding communities. Read below to see UniteBoston’s top ten highlighted photos & videos of 2021!

**#10 Highlight: The UniteBoston Board of Directors visioning retreat in August 2021.** After considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, they clarified UniteBoston’s ministry priorities for the 2021 program year.

**#9 Highlight: January Prayer service for for Christian Unity at the Paulist Center in downtown Boston.** Clergy represented Catholic (Father Tom Ryan), Orthodox (Father Demitrios Tonias), Episcopal (Rev. Amy McCreath), and Baptist (Rev. Kelly Fassett) traditions.

**#8 Highlight: Be the Bridge Spring BBQ.** In the Spring, UB re-launched our “Be the Bridge” groups to focus on the systemic side of racism and locally-focused action through a 5-part speaker series which involved 40 individuals in four small groups. These groups nurtured bonds between people of diverse races and cultures, and brought forth a shared understanding of how the work for racial justice and reconciliation is a core part of the Church’s mission. We gathered for a concluding BBQ in June, where Pastor Joseph Ardayfio shared about the history and significance of Juneteenth and called us to join into what the Lord is doing in the city as salt and light. We gathered for a concluding BBQ in June, where Pastor Joseph Ardayfio shared about the history and significance of Juneteenth and called us to join into what the Lord is doing in the city as salt and light.
Click here to see more videos and testimonies from Be the Bridge.

**#7 Highlight: Dialogue Across Difference Training.** This year, UniteBoston hosted a “kingdom conversations” training where we equipped 21 local Christian leaders from 10 local churches and non-profits in hosting dialogues across difference. We met up one month after the training to discuss applications and how we can support one another moving forward as a community of practice.

#6 Highlight: UniteBoston’s Renew Backyard Concert in Roxbury. Attended by over 200 people in the area, UniteBoston’s Renew backyard concerts opened up space for dozens of Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. The Roxbury concert featured many local artists and musicians with hip-hop, gospel, worship, and poetry genres, including M.D. Smith, Kayla Dedishew, Vincent Tesoro, Shanell Alyssa, Jalen Williams, and Caleb McCoy. There was even a song at the end where Devin Ferreira freestyled “Oceans” with words written down from the audience!

**#5 Highlight: Christ the Redeemer’s Fall Festival.** In October, UniteBoston partnered with Christ the Redeemer in Quincy to host their fall festival outreach. UniteBoston coordinated the music and open mic which featured many local artists, including Samantha White, who lifts her hand in worship here. To read Pastor Matt describe how UniteBoston helped his “dreams become reality,” click here.

#4 Highlight: Testimonies from the Renew Concert Series. This summer, UniteBoston hosted four backyard concerts with an open mic for Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. This initiative came out of the Songwriter’s Guild that Bailey Kolapudi had launched with Reunion Christian Church and then expanded to involve Christians from many churches through UniteBoston’s network. Watch this video to hear from Bailey and Cleo about the impact of this concert series!

#3 Highlight: Millenial/GenZ Panel on the Future of the Church. In January, Kerrian Johnson, Jacob Urena, Danielle McConnell, and Caleb McCoy each shared in a panel discussion on what leaders need to know in order to engage effectively with upcoming generations. The future of the Christian church lies in the next generations taking it forward – Listen to these highlights from the panel discussion to lay hold of prophetic voices of these young leaders!

**#2 Highlight: UniteBoston’s staff grew this year!** We were able to hire a part-time administrative assistant – Click here to meet Pastor Devlin Scott through his introduction video!

#1 Highlight: Testimonies from Be the Bridge. In the Spring, UB re-launched our “Be the Bridge” groups to focus on the systemic side of racism and locally-focused action through a 5-part speaker series which involved 40 individuals in four small groups. These groups brought forth a shared understanding of how the work for racial justice and reconciliation is a core part of the Church’s mission. Hear from Seong, Marian and Mike about the impact of this initiative.

Thanks for being part of the UB Community! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2022!

Dec 17 2021

On the Wonder of the Incarnation

Today, we are featuring a blog post written by UniteBoston’s Team Leader Rev. Kelly Fassett. Recently having birthed her second daughter, Kelly shares a moving reflection on the season of Advent and the meaning of the incarnation.

‘Hail, space for the uncontained God’
From the Agathistos Hymn,
Greece, VIc

Many of you know that my family welcomed a beautiful little girl into our family and into the world on November 14. Today I wanted to share how raising a baby during Advent season has inspired new wonder and new questions.

I now wonder:

– How long was Mary’s labor? How painful were her contractions?

– Who was there to catch baby Jesus, as he entered the world?

– When leaving the stable, did she ride away on a donkey? (I know how tender your lower region is after delivering a baby!)

When I set baby Elyse on my chest, and consider the notion of God enfleshed… all that God is – all the love, mercy, power, and compassion… wrapped up into a tiny little human that is no bigger than two of your hands… What was it like to be Mary, to hold this Jesus in her arms and consider everything that the angel had said to her – that this little baby will be called the Son of the Most High; that He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; that His kingdom will never end (Lk 1:32)…

As I consider all of this, the wonder of the incarnation comes alive for me. Fully divine AND fully human. All-powerful and all-knowing in divinity… and yet so tiny, seemingly vulnerable, and defenseless.

God in human flesh. God with us.

Those five little fingers wrapping around mine… those deep blue eyes staring into mine… infinity and eternity within skin. The ineffable reality of God enfleshed.

In some ways it seems impossible… yet this is the stuff of the kingdom.

I look at my two-year-old Abigail, and wonder – What was Jesus like as a toddler? I know that Jesus was sinless.. A toddler who really did listen to his mother and father every time, obeying and never talking back? The wonder of that!

And when I hold my two little ones, the two girls that I carried for nine months in my womb and then birthed, I am filled with such love… coupled with the fierce desire to protect these little ones from all pain and difficulty that life would bring their way. Mary must have had similar feelings as she watched Jesus grow up… Yet how could she bear to watch those final hours, where her beloved son was brutally beaten, then painfully walked up the steep hill at Golgotha with the cross on his back, then the agony as nails pierced his bloody hands and He breathed his final breath.

Was this the end? No… Jesus took the weight of sin on his shoulders, imputing it on our behalf for the sake of redeeming the world. The veil between God and humanity was forever torn. Glory.

And through these acts of incarnation and redemption, God displayed that He chooses to not exist aloof in the clouds but to come near to us, walking with us, and working through the limitations of our humanity, of our humble bodily vessels. God with us.

Mary questioned, ‘How can this be?’… yet obeyed. And in that moment she must have realized it all was true. May I be filled with such courage to believe the things of the kingdom.

Emmanuel. God with us. Hallelujah!

May we never forget the mystery, and the wonder, of the Incarnation.

(I had to include this graphic from a Christmas card that I received!)

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