UniteBoston

Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City

A Circle of Restoration: Recapping the 2025 BIPOC Island Retreat

To close out the summer, this week we’re featuring a recap of our unforgettable BIPOC Island Retreat! Hosted by UniteBoston on Spectacle Island, this annual day of rest and restoration brought together over 30 BIPOC leaders from across the city for a time of connection, creativity, and care. From a powerful devotional to dancing, painting, massages, and more—this was a sacred space to breathe, laugh, and be renewed. Read more about the day, meet the artists and leaders who made it special, and celebrate what happens when we make room for joy and rest in community.

On July 26, something beautiful unfolded in the heart of Boston Harbor.

For the fourth year in a row, UniteBoston hosted our BIPOC Island Retreat on Spectacle Island—a day dedicated to rest, renewal, and restoration for BIPOC leaders in our community. With about 30 amazing people gathered, many shared that it was more than a retreat. It was a homecoming for the soul.

Thanks again for a refreshing day of peace and relaxation with fun down by the bay/island. I actually said ‘this is one day where I’m not gonna take in the moment and not focus on other things’.

– Rev. Monica Paige

Our time began with a soul-stirring devotional led by Rev. Devlin Scott, who invited us to “lay our burdens down by the riverside.” He drew from the legacy of the Black church, leading us in the old Negro spiritual Down by the Riverside. In a world where so many of us carry the weight of justice work, trauma, and expectations, this was a holy pause—a moment to remember that we don’t have to carry it all alone.

After the devotional, we enjoyed a delicious catered lunch from Yo Mama’s Brazilian Restaurant in Dorchester, adorned with a spread of goodies brought in especially for the retreat. We ate under the open sky, laughed around picnic tables, and soaked in the joy of simply being together.

“Gabriel Sanchez was so anointed and the massage was so appreciated (neck pain gone!). The whole experience was such a blessing” 

– Jen Aldana

I must note the particular of the therapist who ended each session with a prayer. I commend this young men for doing that. This is an added value to his skills. He might not understand fully the importance of what that could mean for each individual. It was a good thing. Overall my nieces and my wife have had a great time. Thanks Kelly and the whole team who planned and executed this program. It was spectacular to be in BIPOC Island Retreat.

– Varnel Antoine

Taija Rayne, Boston Project Ministries’ Resident Artist and Artist in Action Coordinator, guided us in a paint session that helped us explore justice and righteousness through color, brush, and canvas. For many, this was a rare chance to slow down, reflect, and let creativity do the talking.

We also got our hearts pumping and spirits lifted thanks to Juston Scott from Motivation Church in Randolph. He led a high-energy hip-hop dance session that had people moving, smiling, and cheering each other on—yes, even the shy dancers!

Attendees also had the opportunity to shop and support local BIPOC-owned businesses, adding to the atmosphere of creativity and connection. Ani Inoyo of Ani Design House brought her vibrant collection of journals, posters, and totes—each piece infused with bold design and spiritual depth. Right alongside, Fugi and Armani Acevedo of Almighty Above All Apparel showcased their clothing and accessories, offering a fresh blend of faith and fashion. These pop-up shops added a beautiful touch to the retreat, giving attendees the chance to take a piece of inspiration home with them.

This retreat was designed intentionally for BIPOC leaders—many of whom are pouring themselves out in their churches, neighborhoods, and justice spaces. The day was completely free, including the ferry, food, and activities, because we believe rest is sacred, necessary, and something you shouldn’t have to earn.

There was no agenda, no task list—just space to be human. What a gift to have space to be held. Space to be filled again.

Check out previous retreat highlights!

Co-Creation and Civic Hope: The Vision Behind Boston Flourish

Today, we are featuring an article written by Jua Robinson, Executive Director of Boston Collaborative. UniteBoston Staff Rev. Kelly and Rev. Devlin are honored to work with a variety of other leaders to host this collaborative conference that aligns with our vision to build bridges across diverse Christians to seek the flourishing of the city.

Learn more below – and we hope to see you on October 30!

By Rev. Jua Robinson, Boston Flourish Lead & Boston Collaborative Executive Director

Boston Flourish isn’t just another conference. It’s not about gathering people in a room to listen, nod, and go home unchanged. At its heart, Boston Flourish is about co-creation; it’s about the belief that our city’s future isn’t built by one sector, one leader, or one idea, but by all of us together.

Why This Gathering Is Different

Most events ask you to show up and consume content. Boston Flourish asks you to bring your voice, your perspective, and your lived experience. We don’t gather just to talk about problems, we gather to spark solutions and then build upon existing networks that can carry those solutions forward.

Here, pastors sit next to policymakers. Business leaders collaborate with nonprofit founders. Students share the table with civic organizers. It’s a mix you rarely find in one space, and that mix is what makes it powerful.

Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

Boston is facing real challenges: housing insecurity, family trauma, migrant care, and the need for new models of civic collaboration. The problems are urgent, but so is the opportunity. We are at a moment where fear and division could easily dominate; yet, what Boston Flourish represents is the opposite: unwavering faith.

Unwavering faith is more than optimism. It’s the stubborn conviction that change is possible when communities step forward, create a shared vision, and work together – not caring who gets the credit.

A Story Unfolding: It Starts With Us

This year’s theme says it best: “A story unfolding. It starts with us.”

But this story didn’t begin yesterday. This is the 4th year of Boston Flourish, and the gathering is only one chapter in a much larger narrative. Across Boston, organizations, churches, businesses, and neighborhood leaders have been doing the hard, faithful work of community change for decades. Their impact is already written into the fabric of our city’s story.

Boston Flourish builds on that foundation, connecting these threads of work and weaving them into something stronger, wider, and more enduring. It’s a reminder that the story of Boston’s flourishing has always been in motion, and together, we’re shaping what comes next. One example of impact from previous Boston Flourish Conferences is the B.I.R.D. (Boston Immigrant Resource Dashboard) that was inspired by collaborative conversations with participants of the Boston Flourish conference, including the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), UniteBoston and many other community organizations.

The Invitation

Boston Flourish is a platform for many voices, coming together to shape a story that’s still unfolding. That’s what makes this gathering different. That’s why it matters.

On October 30, 2025, when leaders from across our city gather at IBEW Local 103, it won’t be just another date on the calendar. It will be a declaration: that Boston is a city of possibility, and that its story—the one we’re writing together—starts with us.

Registration Details

  • Early Bird Pricing (through August 31): $75 general | $50 students
  • Regular Pricing (after August 31): $99 general | $75 students
  • Group Rates: Available now through the end of event registration

Don’t wait—reserve your spot today and be part of Boston’s unfolding story.

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Curious to see what Boston Flourish is all about? Click above to watch the highlight video from last year’s Boston Flourish gathering!

Boston Gospel Fest Turns 25: A Night of Unity, Song, and Celebration

This week we feature the 25th Annual Boston Gospel Fest—a beloved tradition that unites our city through music, faith, and celebration. UniteBoston is partnering with the City of Boston and the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment to join in this great time of worship over our city. For 25 years, Gospel Fest has brought together people from every neighborhood and background to lift one voice in worship and joy, and this milestone anniversary is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the heartbeat of our city.

Boston’s hallmark gospel music event is back—and this year, it’s marking a quarter-century with an unforgettable celebration. On Sunday, August 31, from 5:00–8:00 PM, the 25th Annual Boston Gospel Fest will be held at Leader Bank Pavilion, promising an evening of worship, community, and music that spans generations.

This milestone celebration is presented by the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment, under the leadership of John Borders IV, Director of the office.

Key highlights include the debut of CityWide City Voices, an intergenerational choir uniting singers from across Boston, and a headline performance by gospel legend John P. Kee.

“Gospel fest 2025 is the rebirth of a tradition centered around bringing together Boston based faith groups for the purpose of worshipping God,” said Martinez McNeil, a tenor in the CityWide City Voices. “I am excited to see many believers coming together to create one sound…a sound of praise!”

The roots of this year’s CityWide City Voices choir reach back to 2014, with the launch of the Mayor’s Community Gospel Chorale as part of Gospel Fest.

This ensemble brought together singers from diverse neighborhoods and church traditions, becoming a powerful symbol of unity and shared praise under the leadership of various esteemed music directors.

“The love and camaraderie that we all talk about in our own churches, we can fell it here,” said Diane Norman a Soprano in the Citywide City Voices.

For this 25th anniversary, that original vision is renewed through the CityWide City Voices, now led by Angela Perry of Morning Star Baptist Church. Rehearsing across the city over the summer, this intergenerational choir embodies the same spirit of community—but on an even broader, more inclusive scale.

Angela Perry, from Morning Star Baptist, directing the rehearsal for the Gospel Fest.

I’m excited for Gospel fest 2025 and I feel that we are reimagining how we love on one another how we support each other and understand that unity is in our community. Truly, it has to start with us and as faith believers who are residents of the city and who love this city. This is a great opportunity and a great platform for us to pull in more and to love on [each other] more and to just do more. I’m excited. – Angela Elizabeth Perry 

Dr. Craig Ramsey, who works with UniteBoston to coordinate the United Gospel Choir Tour, is also one of the guest music directors working with CityWide City Voices this year. His experience and leadership are helping shape the sound and spirit of this milestone anniversary choir.

It’s a humbling experience to continue to collaborate to lift up Jesus the Christ in the city of Boston. I’m grateful to Angela Perry for extending the invitation of this magnitude. I don’t take it lightly. – Dr. Craig Ramsey.

The CityWide City Voices rehearsal practicing two songs for the Gospel Fest.

Leading the live music this year is John P. Kee, affectionately known as the “Prince of Gospel Music.” With a career spanning over 35 years, Kee’s journey began in Durham, NC—playing piano at age eight, forming a gospel choir at 13, and founding the celebrated New Life Community Choir in the mid-1980s. He’s since earned acclaim as a singer, songwriter, pastor, and mentor, and was honored with the BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Award in 2025.

Having John  P.  Kee headline this anniversary is more than entertainment—it’s a tribute to gospel’s rich heritage and enduring power to uplift and unite.

For 25 years, Boston Gospel Fest has served as more than a concert—it has been a testament to communal faith, unity, and joy. This year, the festival brings that legacy full circle: reviving the original choir’s purpose with CityWide City Voices and elevating the celebration with a storied gospel pioneer at the front. Under the stewardship of Boston’s Office of Tourism, Sports & Entertainment—led by John Borders IV—it promises to be a night of music, memory, and meaning that will resonate across the city.

Come and join Boston Gospel Fest on Sunday, August 31 from 5pm – 8pm at Leader Bank Pavilion for an unforgettable evening of music, worship, and celebration. Bring a friend, your family, or your whole church community—the best part is, it’s completely free and open to everyone. This 25th anniversary is more than a concert; it’s a chance for all of Boston to come together in worship of Jesus Christ, unity and joy. You won’t want to miss it!

2 Bed/2 Bath Condo For Sale In Dorchester

Former UniteBoston Cohort alum and church planter Pastor Damaris Taylor calls this Dorchester condo home—how great would it be if another young Christian family found it to be home as well? This stunning 2-bed, 2-bath unit on the second floor offers over 1,000 sq ft of comfort and style, featuring a chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances, sunlit bedrooms, and a private en-suite in the primary bedroom. Enjoy in-unit laundry and a private deck—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. No Eiffel Tower or sunset view, but your private deck is still the perfect escape for fresh air, quiet moments, and maybe a glass of wine with your imagination. The second-floor location offers privacy and a pleasant outlook, while the building includes advanced security. The neighborhood is known for its strong, welcoming, and diverse community. This isn’t just a home—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy the best of Dorchester living! Ask us how you can receive a $5,000 credit towards your closing costs when you purchase this condo!

https://173magnoliast.com/

Contact Stanley Bresca at 617-870-1927 with questions and to view the property.

Teachers at Park Street School Preschool

Park Street School is located in the heart of Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood and offers a continuous, integrated, Christian-based learning environment to students from toddler to grade six. Exemplifying a Christian worldview, Park Street School is an equal opportunity employer and is continuously striving to maintain a faculty and staff with varying backgrounds and cultural experiences.

Values that we hold high are trustworthiness, honesty, diligence, open communication, fairness, and politeness. All employees and volunteers at Park Street School work together to fulfill the school’s mission statement. We expect to employ professionals who will work beyond job descriptions, creating both a fulfilling career environment and very successful outcomes for our students. Park Street School offers competitive benefits, generous time off, and a meaningful work environment with like-minded colleagues.

We are seeking Lead and Associate Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten Teachers for the 2025-2026 school year. We are also seeking a part-time Preschool Music Teacher.

Apply now: Online Employment Application and email employment@parkstreetschool.org for more information.


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