As women, we know the importance of self-discipline for achieving our goals in life, be it career, fitness or relationships. But what about our spiritual life? Spiritual disciplines exist for the sole purpose of building character conducive to Christ’s teachings, but we must be willing to make the journey.

-Rev. Moreen Hughes

Today, we want to share about a new book that was just released by local Pastor Rev. Moreen Hughes, entitled “A Woman’s Journey with God: Engaging in the Spiritual Disciplines.” As an associate pastor and women’s minister at Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton, Pastor Moreen is passionate about helping women become the best that God has created them to be. In her new book, she presents a set of spiritual disciplines to help women develop Christlike character and become the best version of themselves.

Click below to read an excerpt from her book. You can purchase her book here!

---

“Practices such as reading Scripture and praying are important – not because they prove how spiritual we are – but because God can use them to lead us into life.”

John Ortberg, The life you’ve always wanted: Spiritual disciplines for Ordinary People

In today’s culture, we are seeing a renewed interest in the spiritual disciplines. People are looking for the connectedness into those things that are meaningful and can bring them into greater relationship with God. 

Having developed a personal interest in topics of ‘Christian spirituality’ and ‘Christian spiritual formation,’ I have researched and studied the impact of the spiritual disciplines in the lives of women specifically. These results, done in correlation with my doctoral academic studies, strongly suggest that those who regularly engage in practice of the disciplines have more of a spiritual consciousness and connectedness to Christ, than those who do not, including the formation of their character, spiritually and morally. The practicing of the spiritual disciplines has the potential to aid in the practice of God’s redemptive interactions within each of us.

It is my belief that for the inner self to be spiritually shaped and formed, and the mind to be renewed and transformed, it takes more than a casual knowledge of the Word of God, or an occasional engagement with the disciplines. These practices must become common place in the everyday lives of each of us. There must be a commitment to intentionally setting aside time and developing a lifestyle, which includes interaction with the Word, earnest daily prayer, engaging in the disciplines and an external demonstration of faith that will make one worthy of being called a ‘Christian’ – a disciple of Christ. 

If change and spiritual formation is to be experienced on this Christian journey – It is not about saying so, but knowing so, and doing so. 

Paul said in Philippians 3:10, that knowing Christ is the most important thing he could have ever done in all his life regardless of social standings or interactions, educational attainment, economical resources, or familial ties. We too have access to the principles for knowing Christ, but we must daily set aside the necessary time daily from our over-crowded schedules in order to do so. Refraining from always saying ‘yes’ to others and saying ‘no’ at times, allows us the time to say ‘yes’ to engage in the disciplines and gain a greater understanding of who God is. 

Embarking on a spiritual journey is no easy task. It is an intentional pursuit that requires the individual to purposefully engage in those things that allows for the attainment of such. There is the preparatory stage. Preparing the heart, mind, and soul for the journey.  Being on this Christian spiritual journey requires intentionally learning how to seek after the things of Christ.  

Walking with Christ and engaging in the practice of the spiritual disciplines helps believers in all seasons and stages of life, including times of uncertainty and times of confidence. They revolve around our love for God and help produce Hope, Strength, Trust, Humility, Joy, and Compassion. They produce the ability to see and interact with others in ways God intends in loving our neighbor as self. 

The practice of the disciplines produces desirable qualities necessary to emulate positive interactions with others, self and God. My belief is that when we are obedient and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we become more like Christ. When we are more like him, we become closer to God feeling whole and connected. 

Having a daily quiet time, praying regularly, fasting, and studying God’s Word are not things that people do naturally, they are not an automatic part of us, but they automatically come as a result of our spiritual maturity and when done with consistency. 

In an era where instant gratification is the way that people often approach life, the very idea of discipline does not seem appealing to many. Yet, God invites us on a journey with him that involves discipline. This spiritual journey helps us to find out who we are in life and in Christ. The purpose is not to become mystical or find profound and theological answers, rather, it helps in an individual’s transformational process, moving them toward spiritual development, while journeying on a quest to consciously deepen their spiritual insights. 

We are living in stressful times and there is concern that many persons including followers of Christ, are feeling the effects that are being manifested in the form of depression, anxiety, stress, and discouragement. These debilitating defects can be devastating and have the potential to lead a Christian out of the work ministry and away from the church. However, there is a school of thought that the spiritual disciplines can be beneficial and serve as an aid in helping to manage one’s emotions as well as serve as a deterrent in to helping persons to deal with the uncertainty of times. 

When the focus is shifted away from self, maintaining that connection with God, family and the church can be achieved. I believe that when practiced correctly, spiritual disciplines can be useful as we strive to maintain focus and balance in our lives. 

May our wills be lost in the will of God, as we seek to draw closer to him.

In ways that bring us into his presence – engaging in – the spiritual disciplines.

Devlin Scott is a relational leader dedicated to Christianity, committed to diversity and inclusion and passionate about people. As a cultural driver, he seeks to be active in the significant cultural conversations of our day. As a justice seeker, he speaks to the injustices in our society through charitable dialogue and courageous action. As a Gospel bearer, he seeks to exegete the social climate to find the relevant point to apply the message of hope. He lives out these values through serving with UniteBoston and also as Lead Pastor of NewCity Church in Newton.

Pastor Devlin describes that, “Working with UniteBoston has unleashed in me a passion for the city of Boston and how the church is already at work in incredible ways. I am excited to come alongside that work and contribute the best ways I can for the flourishing of the city.”

Rev. Scott’s role as Managing Director is to oversee program development and strategic partnerships. UniteBoston is blessed to have his skills and experience, and this new title reflects his contribution. Rev. Scott will continue to report to Rev. Kelly Fassett, whose title will change from Team Leader to Executive Director of UniteBoston to align to a new leadership model that represents the growth and future of this organization.

Kelly shares, “It’s been incredible to see the way that UniteBoston has grown the last few years, and I believe this is largely due to the talented leadership of Devlin. His voice, skillsets, and strategic input has enabled our organization to better embody and carry out our mission.”

Since UniteBoston was founded in 2010, we have strived to bring diverse Christians together across historic divides for the flourishing of our communities. In order to do so more intentionally and with greater impact, we now posture ourselves to:

• Nurture relationships across those historic divides, 
• Create restorative spaces for those leading on the frontlines of racial justice, 
• Deepen our relationship with and strengthen local Boston-area pastors while supporting their calling and ministries, 
• Do our part to dismantle racism and break down its systemic impact, 
• Cultivate the “new thing” God is doing in and through His church, and 
• Support the holistic flourishing of the city. 

This new leadership model will advance UniteBoston towards a bright future that supports these and more initiatives with diverse perspectives and critical thought for the betterment of the organization and greater flourishing in the city. 

We are excited that UniteBoston is growing, thus we are opening the role of Communications Administrator to assist with planning, developing, and distributing communications (email, blog, social media) that nurture greater connectedness and unity across Christians in Greater Boston. This part-time position is now open, and we invite you to share with those who might be interested in joining our team. 

We are all UniteBoston. With our new leadership model, our growing team and your support, we will continue to nurture unity among diverse Christians through relationships for the flourishing of the city.

Happy Mother’s Day! Today we honor all of the mothers in our lives. Whether you come with hope or pain, in joy or in sadness, we see you. God sees you.

1. The Biological Mothers

“I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him.” 1 Samuel 1:27

We honor biological mothers because this is how God designed that each of us enters the world. We appreciate your sacrifices, acknowledge your pain, and thank you for instilling faith in us.

2. The Adoptive Mothers

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5

The process and intentionality of adoption is an honor of its own. You have chosen to adopt children and have a special calling to care for other children as if they were your own. We honor the sacrifices that you have made and recognize how we, too, have been accepted into the family of faith through Jesus Christ. 

3. The Single Mothers

“[Hagar] gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me.’” Genesis 16:13

Today we honor your faithfulness. Like Hagar who was forced into single parenthood; your circumstance may not be one you chose. As the church, we rally around you, we support you, and we recognize all that you do.

4. The Stepmothers

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.” Ruth 1:16

Today we honor your faithfulness to God in loving children that you did not bear. Like Ruth, you have chosen not only to love and unite with a spouse, but to also love and unite with your husband’s children as your own. We celebrate your choices as a reminder of the choice all believers have made to commit to Christ and to Christ-followers.

5. The Foster Mothers

“I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.” Ezekiel 22:30

We honor your willingness to fill in the gaps, likely between a biological mother and an adopted one. You choose to show up for children however you can. We thank you.

6. The Expectant Mothers

“So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him.’” 1 Samuel 1:20

This time of pregnancy is often filled with anxiety, especially for the first time mothers who don’t know what to expect, and it can be especially challenging for those who have experienced miscarriage or

7. The Grieving Mothers

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

For those who’ve lost children or your own mother, today we see you. God sees you. We make room for your grief and the healing power of God’s love at every stage of life and loss.

8. The Grandmothers

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1: 5

For the first time in many decades, our church is seeing mothers, grandmothers, and great- grandmothers all at the same time. Today, we celebrate the prayers and faith of grandmothers and great-grandmothers that allowed each of us to be where we are today.

9. Those Longing for Motherhood

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

We acknowledge your longing for children and honor your desires to the Lord. We pray for you and support you on your journey. God, show compassion to these mothers.

10. Our Church mothers

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases…These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Luke 8:1-3

To those who are mothers of all in our church, we thank you. You shepherd, guide, and care for us, and are models in the church. God recognizes the sacrifices you’ve made, and we do too.

 

Today, we are sharing an opportunity to support Pastor Robin Lutjohann and Faith Lutheran Church in Cambridge. Pastor Robin has been on the UniteBoston Board of Directors for the past five years, and their building endured a terrible fire on Easter Sunday. On Tuesday, the FBI determined that the fire was caused by arson. The building has been the spiritual home to a number of congregations and has hosted so many valuable community initiatives, such as a biweekly free supper, children’s groups, a community garden, and more. 

There is a sign in front of their church that they put up during COVID stating “We will rise.” Let’s help him do that! Here are some ways that we can support him right now:

• Funds – You can contribute to the construction / re-building costs through their GoFund Me or giving directly on their website www.faithcambridge.org and selecting “Building Fund.” 
• Office Space – They’re looking for an office space in Cambridge – or even just a room – that they could use as a temporary office for awhile. Their secretary travels in from outside the city so it is best if there is parking available too. 
• Encouragement: You can send a note of encouragement and hope to Pastor Robin via email: robin.lutjohann@faithcambridge.org 
• Pray – Please pray for the workers who will work on clearing rubble, securing the building etc.; the spirit, heart, and mission of the church, and their connection to one another and the broader community

Thank you UniteBoston community – Let’s show Pastor Robin our love, care and support in this challenging season!