“We saw his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” (Mt 2:1-2)

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.

The theme for 2021 is the Epiphany, taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. 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.

The material 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 quite stressful. The power of prayer in solidarity with those who suffer is a demonstration of Christian unity and a sign of communion.

Mark Your Calendars – You are invited to mark your calendars and plan to attend the evening gatherings! Even though the pandemic continues to prevent us from gathering physically for this important annual time of prayer, we can still gather virtually. In this time of Epiphany, we encourage you to receive the manifestation of Jesus Christ through those of different denominations, races and cultures. Let’s make the most of these virtual opportunities in order to truly be the family of God and serve as the body of Christ in the world.

Spread the Word – We also appreciate help spreading the word to people in your congregation, family, friends, and neighbors. A personal invitation goes a long way.

Schedule

Monday January 17 | Self-Guided Reflective Prayer based on Martin Luther King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here? Community or Chaos?”

We encourage you to take part in various events happening around the city to celebrate the impact and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Rev. Devlin Scott will also offer reflective prayer points based on Martin Luther King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here? Community or Chaos?,” as we pray for the unity of the church amid great division and discord. These reflective prayer points will be posted on our blog HERE.

Wednesday, January 19 | 7:00pm | “Where do we go from here?” A Panel Discussion of Now Generation Ministers

As the next generations get set to inherit the world and Church we have created, what do they see as the biggest concerns and how do they plan to address them?  For those in ministry in the current generation(s), this is an opportunity to learn ways we can support the Church of the future by acting now.  Questions from non-panelists (via chat) are planned. Featured panelists include Christian Grant, Katie Lamirato, Andrea St. Louis, Fugi Acevedo, and Jane Kyong Chun with Reverend David Wright as the moderator. Zoom link here.

Friday January 21 | 7:00pm | Prayer gathering led by the Focolare community

“We saw his star in the East, and have come to worship him.” (Mt 2:1-2) The community of the Focolare Movement in Boston will host an ecumenical prayer service that includes the intercessions and inspirations suggested in the materials presented by the Middle East Council of Churches on this year’s theme. Come to worship him! Zoom link here.

Saturday January 22 | 8:00pm | Ecumenical Prayer Service

Join for an ecumenical prayer service co-hosted by the Initiative, the Focolare Movement, and University Bible Fellowship in Chicago. Speakers include Dr. Mark Nimo from St. Moses the Black Parish, Sr. Kathlyn Mulcahy, OP from Bethany House of Hospitality, and Dr. Mariana Cuceu from St. Paraskeva Orthodox Charity. Zoom link here.

Sunday January 23  | 7:30pm |  Taizé Contemplative Prayer

Song & Stillness, Taizé at MIT is a contemplative practice of simple, quiet, evening prayer, with an international message of Christian reconciliation and unity. Using the music of the Taizé community in France, our service includes readings from Christian scripture, candlelight, meditative singing, and time for silence. 

Organized by Susan Butterworth, Lutheran Episcopal Ministry at MIT. Zoom link and service bulletin posted on our website, taizeatmit.org

Monday, January 24 | 7:00pm | Unity Prayer With Local Boston-Area Pastors

In these divided and turbulent times, the need to pray for Christian unity is more apparent than ever.  Join believers from around Boston for a time of prayer on Zoom led by local Boston area pastors.  This will be co-hosted by Rev. Melinda Priest and Rev. Robin Lutjohann. Zoom link here.

Tuesday, January 25 at 7:00pm | Listening Prayer & Discernment

What God is speaking for the Church in Boston in 2022? Join Christians throughout the city together as we listen, discern, and share words we can hold onto for 2022. This will be led by Rev. Devlin Scott and co-hosted by Kika Ghobrial . Zoom link here.

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Photos from Previous Years