One of the things that UniteBoston is known for is hosting a large public worship gathering in the Boston Common each summer (see photos & stories from our 2019 concert here!) However, in light of all the challenges this previous year, this summer, our team felt God’s invitation to host a concert series that would nurture more of an intimate worship and sharing experience to promote healing and renewal. This space would also build on the collaboration of artists from various churches through a songwriter’s guild that Bailey Kolapudi had launched initially through her home church, Reunion Christian Church, but then expanded it to Christians throughout the city through UniteBoston’s network this spring.
Today, we would like to introduce you to the wonderful leadership team that is coordinating and hosting the Renew backyard concert series. This collaborative space invites Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. Our hope is that these concerts will restore bonds of friendship, justice, and resilience, bringing renewal to the body of Christ and our surrounding communities. We’ve lamented, we’ve grieved; now it’s time to come together to rejoice and RENEW.
These photos are from the first concert on July 10th
Click here to learn more about the concert series – You can sign up to attend or register for the open mic!
1 Peter 5:10 – After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into his eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you.
Name: Bailey Kolapudi
Home Church: Reunion Christian Church
Roles: Visionary / Band Manager
What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?
Since the start of the pandemic and quarantine, we’ve lost a lot. Jobs, loved ones, consistency – I think God does some of His best work out of these periods of grief because it’s then that we learn to lean on Him more. Isaiah 43 tells us that God is doing a “new thing.” That He is making a path in the wilderness; that from death, He is bringing life. The “new thing” I’ve been seeing coming out of this past year are churches all over Boston and beyond coming together, sharing resources, and working for a united mission. We are not on islands, we are one body in Christ. So together, let’s invite God to renew our faith, our hope, and our lives.
Why should people come to these backyard concerts?
This is a great opportunity to meet people all over the city who are also working towards bringing God’s kingdom to Boston and beyond. We are always better together, and these concerts will be a place to connect and share about the new things God is doing in our own lives. It’s also a great way to be immersed in art and creativity and to celebrate our gifts with each other!
Name: Shanell Alyssa
Home Church: The First Cathedral
Role: Artist support
What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?
Renew signifies a season of starting afresh with a new perspective after a challenging season and an effort to seek God for wisdom on how we should carry on in this season.
Why should people come to these backyard concerts?
People should attend the concerts to hear artistic reflections and be inspired by the unique display of creative expression. People should also look forward to reconnecting with friends and meeting new ones alike!
Name: Cleo Muhammad
Home Church: Restoration City Church
Roles: Logistics support
What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?
It means seeing the good things that the Lord is doing right now.
Why should people come to these backyard concerts?
To enjoy fellowship and celebrate the talents and gifts of one another.
Name: Bill Stiffler
Home Church: Reunion Christian Church
Role: Sound/Tech
What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?
The concert theme RENEW evokes for me the idea of going back and doing the things we’ve done but in a new way. As we start a new chapter in our lives, we come refreshed and made new by Christ. We are renewed clean slates allowing the message of Christ to be written in our lives.
Why should people come to these backyard concerts?
This backyard concert series is an amazing way to get back out into the community and experience in-person fellowship! You can experience some incredible music as local artists pour out their hearts before God!
Name: Kelly Fassett
Role: Administrative / Logistics
What does the concert theme “RENEW” mean to you?
For me, the theme “renew” speaks to God’s desire to break into the challenges of last year with freshness and newness of life. This can happen as we join together in person to share our experiences through different forms of art and worship the God who has carried us through it all.
Why should people come to these backyard concerts?
People should come to the backyard concerts because there is amazing music with talented local artists and you can meet friends old and new. It is so refreshing to be together again – God really shows up when we come together and create space for authentic sharing and united worship!
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