Highlights & Stories from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2021

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity started off with a peacekeeping story circle, where we heard stories about reconciling with relatives, coworkers, and friends. We wrestled with the political polarization happening today and how we can be peacemakers in those spaces. Jesus tells us, “I leave the gift of peace with you – my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts – instead, be courageous!” (John 14:27 TPT)

On Thursday evening, UniteBoston hosted a phenomenal panel with four incredible Millenial/GenZ Christians on the church of the future. Kerrian Johnson, Jacob Urena, Danielle McConnell, and Caleb McCoy each shared on what leaders need to know in order to engage effectively with upcoming generations. There is a great need for the Christian community to be authentic about our own shortcomings, to care for people on the margins, and to point people to God rather than policing the boundaries. The future of the Christian church lies in the next generations taking it forward – Let’s listen to the prophetic voices of these young leaders!

“Well, all I can say is “Wow”. I just watched the panel discussion on the future of the church, and it is SO on target. This one especially hit me real hard in all the right ways. Top YOUTH leadership needs to be seen very clearly by everyone in Boston now as top Christian leaders in Boston. The next years are crucial – Young leaders need to come together, establish clear-cut goals and lead the way in working for God’s dream in our city. Thanks to the UB team for hosting such an important conversation!”

-Ralph Kee, director of the Greater Boston Church Planting Collaborative

We had a beautiful prayer service for Christian Unity on Thursday night at the Paulist Center Boston with clergy representing Catholic, Orthodox, Episcopal, and Baptist traditions.

Rev. Amy McCreath from the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, Father Tom Ryan from the Paulist Center, Father Demitrios Tonias from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and Rev. Kelly Fassett, UniteBoston’s Executive Director and clergy from the American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts

Rev. Kelly Fassett preached on how God has revealed places in our lives where we have placed false hope and security during the multiple pandemics of this past year. These must be cut off in order for us to faithfully abide in Christ as individuals and as a Church.

“95% of Christian singles said they did not know of any other ministries for Christian singles in the area, or where to find healthy dating opportunities.” Rebekah Kerstetter, member of Highrock Covenant Church – Arlington and founder of the Christian ministry Social Singles, who held a discussion on Friday night on the need for churches to restructure their activities and small groups to meet the needs of the singles in our churches.

https://youtu.be/gd75LLt5ZSg

30%-40% of Christian adults are single – so are 40-50% of unchurched adults in our neighborhoods. Hear this 33 minute video that Rebekah Kerstetter put together for church leaders on ‘How to grow a thriving and supportive environment for singles at your church – with or without a ‘singles ministry’.

The Taize prayer gathering on Sunday night was filled with God’s presence and message of reconciliation. It was wonderful to hear scriptures read in six different languages, with individuals living in Boston from across the globe!

Pastor Barry Kang from Symphony Church leading Christians in Greater Boston in “all together” prayer in the concluding gathering during the 2021 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, followed by prayers from Pastor Joseph Ardayfio, Pastor David Hill, and Pastor Bill Johnson. In this time of isolation, it’s beautiful to see the Church in Greater Boston coming together in prayer!

On Monday evening, Pastor Davie Hernandez from Restoration City Church shared a message to Christians throughout the area: “How can a divided church speak to a divided nation about unity? God is calling the Church in Boston to rend our hearts and repent in order to more faithfully abide in Christ individually and collectively.” As we go from here, let’s lay hold of this message of repentance and live out these prayers for abiding in Jesus Christ!

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