reconciliation – Page 9

Aug 05 2022

A Day of Rest for UniteBoston’s BIPOC Friends

This past weekend, UniteBoston hosted about twenty-five BIPOC friends on an retreat to Spectacle Island to take a break from the demanding work of reconciliation, justice and racial dynamics and instead be renewed, recharge and reconnect with other likeminded people who are “doing the work” in their various communities. Read the blog below to hear UniteBoston’s Communications Administrator Rev. Devlin Scott answer questions about this “circle of restoration” retreat and its impact!

_{The group of retreaters ready to board the ferry!}

Why did you organize this retreat day?

When Rev. Kelly and I read Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil’s book Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0 earlier this year, the part that stood out to me was how she added the “restoration cycle” to her new book to acknowledge that people of color need restoration to be a part of their journey of reconciliation. UniteBoston wanted to support the BIPOC community by acknowledging that they are constantly doing the work of reconciliation and embodying the tension of living and working in a racialize society. And to respond to the BIPOC community by providing space to “renew, reconnect and recharge.”

Circles of Restoration are intentional spaces created for the BIPOC community who are weary from the ongoing battle of working for reconciliation to get away for self-care, solitude, and connection in community.

A group of attendees enjoying the ferry ride to Spectacle Island.

What did the day entail?

This group of justice seekers, cultural drivers and Gospel bearers, traveled out to Spectacle Island for the day to enjoy beachside fun, private massages, food and fellowship with their peers. We even got to enjoy a hiphop dance competition happening on the island at the same time as our visit.

The time on the island started with a devotional that I had put together on laying down our burdens. I reflected on how Jesus willingly displayed His humanity when he dropped the cross on his way to Calvary. This gives us validation that sometimes this cross is too heavy to bear and it also shows that it is okay to put it down at times along this journey. I also ended the day encouraging the group to pick up their cross again and return back to the work set before us knowing that His grace is sufficient for each of us and we all must bear our cross as we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.

_{Pastor Devlin leading a devotion time on laying down the burden of the cross.}

Attendees enjoyed time with the group; feeling affirmed in who they are and the shared experience of the work of reconciliation. We also enjoyed solitude time on our own to reflect, pray and recharge.

We closed the evening with food from Brato — a taco and burrito place on the island and attendees were able to pick from a table full of restorative items; soaps, journals, gift cards, etc — all from black owned businesses. And although we had an amazing time on the island — the ferry ride back was the best way to top off the evening; complete with a DJ and party put on my the hiphop dance competition participants.

What did the attendees think of the retreat?

“It was so refreshing to get out of the city and be on an island!”

“The devotional was spot-on; it was a great reminder to lay my burdens down and give them to God.”

“I’m leaving here feeling lighter and encouraged in the work that I’m doing.”

“The music was so culturally relevant!”

“I had some great conversations and people I’m excited to get to know better. I am coming away with a sense of solidarity of all those who are on a similar journey of faith and action.”

Personally, this was the first time that UniteBoston had done something like this, and I was anxious to see how it would go, in addition to “running on empty” due to a missed plane flight back from Chicago! But I found it to be incredibly refreshing. To be with other people of color in the faith and fight for justice was affirming. This truly was a circle of restoration and we look forward to building on it in the coming years!
– Reverend Devlin Scott

Jul 19 2022

The Church and Migration

Today, we are featuring an excerpt from a new book entitled The Church and Migration: A Theological Vision for the People of God. Local theologian Daniel Montanez is a PhD student at the Boston University School of Theology and is the primary editor for this book, which explores the theme of human migration throughout the grand narrative of Scripture.

Read the excerpt below by Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, Academic Dean of Centro Latino & Associate Professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, who reminds us of the need to start any conversation about migration from the perspective of our faith in order to foster unity and reconciliation.

“What about illegal do you not understand?” I have received this question and similar questions after multiple presentations about immigration in different churches over the past forty years. The questioners have been angry, frustrated, sometimes confused. It seems obvious to them that there is no acceptable reason for crossing a border without legal documentation or overstaying a VISA. At the same time, however, there are often people in the same audience (if the church is large enough) or at a minimum in the same Church denomination, who have personally experienced a broken immigration system and who empathize deeply with those who have ended up on the wrong side of that system. Many churches and denominations owe the majority of their growth over the past decades to immigrant Christians and to immigrants who become Christians through the missionary efforts of migrant believers. This is a family fight, a conflict between children of the same God, brothers and sisters, members of the same Body of Christ. The battle is often fought on political grounds, with little to no input from the scriptures that they share.

This book reminds Christians that we are standing on common sacred ground. If we are to have any hope of reconciliation, we must start any conversation about migration from the perspective of our faith. That perspective includes theology, of course, disciplined reflection on the Word and will of God. The authors in this book are grounded in orthodox Christian theology. They are also creative. I have been working with and teaching about these issues for many years, yet I found myself moved, inspired and provoked. The contents of this book go beyond theology to spirituality. The authors of these chapters call us to the deepening of our faith, hope, and love. Most of this book is written by people who have experienced migration, either through their own personal journey and/or through the experiences of their loved ones. They call us to incarnate the heart of God as we approach not only the issue but the people who are impacted by it. For that reason, it also goes beyond asking us to reconsider how we think about migration to how we practically respond to the plight of migrants.

To fully receive the gift of this book, approach it with both an open mind and an open heart. If you are a migrant, you may be encouraged and perhaps even healed from some of the wounds of shame, slander, and rejection. If you are confused about migration, you may attain some clarity. If you are angry about migration, you may hear a challenging but important message that could deepen your faith. Regardless, you will be blessed.

Get your copy of “The Church and Migration” today!

Jan 27 2022

Highlights from the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2022

We had a wonderful set of gatherings this year for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity! The theme for 2022 was the Epiphany, taken from the second chapter of the Gospel according to Matthew. The material was developed by the Middle East Council of Churches and, in particular, churches in Lebanon. 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. Together, we discerned God’s shining light in front of us.

See highlighted photos & videos from the various prayer gatherings below!

In the midst of humanity’s darkness, the star from the East shone. The star’s light was not only an illumination at a particular historical moment but it continues to shine and change the face of human history. Despite the vicissitudes of history and the changing of circumstances, the Risen One continues to shine, moving within the flow of history like a beacon guiding all into this perfect light and overcoming the darkness which separates us from one another.

-Opening prayer from the worldwide worship service for this year’s Week of Prayer

**Wednesday January 19: “Where do we go from here?” A Panel with Next Generation Leaders**
Featured panelists included Christian Grant, Katie Lamirato, Andrea St. Louis, Fugi Acevedo and Jane Kyong Chun with Rev. David Wright as the moderator. They shared about the need for the Church to engage in the collective struggle against correcting oppression, to practice what we preach, to partner with anyone and everyone for the sake of a greater mission, and create space for difference rather than fearing it. There is so much wisdom here that we all can glean from – Click here to watch the full length video and here is a 3-minute highlight version.

Closing photo from everyone who attended the “Where do we go from here?” Next Generation Leaders Gathering

**Sunday January 23: Song & Stillness: Taize at MIT**
“We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2). Through melodic singing, scripture, silence, and prayer, the Taize community at MIT hosted a beautiful prayer service. Participants sung songs and and heard scripture read in multiple languages in alignment with Taize’s international message of reconciliation.

**Tuesday January 24: Prayer with Boston-Area Pastors**
Here is a screenshot of the Boston-area pastors who gathered online to pray for God to unite the church. They prayed for His Spirit to heal, comfort and deliver. Pastors on the call, included Revs. Robin Lütjohann, Melinda Watson Priest, Devlin Scott, Barry Kang, Josh Wilson, Samuel Acevedo, Gloria White-Hammond, Wendy Miller Olapade, and Davie Hernandez.

From Pastor Robin Lutjohann: “I was moved by the prayers people shared – and felt that this was well worth our time. I feel strengthened in Christ.”

Wednesday January 25: Listening Prayer and Discernment

What God is speaking for the Church in Boston in 2022? Pastor Devlin Scott and Kika Ghobrials led us in a time of listening to God, discerning, and sharing words to hold onto for 2022. Here is our collective Word of God for the Church in Boston in 2022:

Participants prayed for God to speak to them, listened for 15 minutes for scriptures, words that kept coming to mind, images that they saw or even things that seemed to “distract” them. They each shared what they heard and saw one at a time as Rev. Devlin Scott wrote their messages down, in the order they were shared and written as God speaking.

We humbly submit this as a word from the Lord for His Church in Boston recorded on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. May you hold on to it in seasons of plenty and lack, growth and shrinkage, momentum and stagnation.

Dec 30 2021

UniteBoston’s Top 10 Highlights of 2021

The challenges of 2021 were profound: the lingering pandemic and Delta variant… profound polarization, violence, and disregard for those of differing views… Economic gaps, racial disparities and fragmentation that continue to grow… Amidst this religious and political landscape, UniteBoston’s ministry continued our work to provide connection, renewal and resilience to the body of Christ and surrounding communities. Read below to see UniteBoston’s top ten highlighted photos & videos of 2021!

**#10 Highlight: The UniteBoston Board of Directors visioning retreat in August 2021.** After considering the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, they clarified UniteBoston’s ministry priorities for the 2021 program year.

**#9 Highlight: January Prayer service for for Christian Unity at the Paulist Center in downtown Boston.** Clergy represented Catholic (Father Tom Ryan), Orthodox (Father Demitrios Tonias), Episcopal (Rev. Amy McCreath), and Baptist (Rev. Kelly Fassett) traditions.

**#8 Highlight: Be the Bridge Spring BBQ.** In the Spring, UB re-launched our “Be the Bridge” groups to focus on the systemic side of racism and locally-focused action through a 5-part speaker series which involved 40 individuals in four small groups. These groups nurtured bonds between people of diverse races and cultures, and brought forth a shared understanding of how the work for racial justice and reconciliation is a core part of the Church’s mission. We gathered for a concluding BBQ in June, where Pastor Joseph Ardayfio shared about the history and significance of Juneteenth and called us to join into what the Lord is doing in the city as salt and light. We gathered for a concluding BBQ in June, where Pastor Joseph Ardayfio shared about the history and significance of Juneteenth and called us to join into what the Lord is doing in the city as salt and light.
Click here to see more videos and testimonies from Be the Bridge.

**#7 Highlight: Dialogue Across Difference Training.** This year, UniteBoston hosted a “kingdom conversations” training where we equipped 21 local Christian leaders from 10 local churches and non-profits in hosting dialogues across difference. We met up one month after the training to discuss applications and how we can support one another moving forward as a community of practice.

#6 Highlight: UniteBoston’s Renew Backyard Concert in Roxbury. Attended by over 200 people in the area, UniteBoston’s Renew backyard concerts opened up space for dozens of Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. The Roxbury concert featured many local artists and musicians with hip-hop, gospel, worship, and poetry genres, including M.D. Smith, Kayla Dedishew, Vincent Tesoro, Shanell Alyssa, Jalen Williams, and Caleb McCoy. There was even a song at the end where Devin Ferreira freestyled “Oceans” with words written down from the audience!

**#5 Highlight: Christ the Redeemer’s Fall Festival.** In October, UniteBoston partnered with Christ the Redeemer in Quincy to host their fall festival outreach. UniteBoston coordinated the music and open mic which featured many local artists, including Samantha White, who lifts her hand in worship here. To read Pastor Matt describe how UniteBoston helped his “dreams become reality,” click here.

#4 Highlight: Testimonies from the Renew Concert Series. This summer, UniteBoston hosted four backyard concerts with an open mic for Christian artists and budding songwriters to share the songs, poems, artwork, and dances that have emerged out of the challenges of this past year. This initiative came out of the Songwriter’s Guild that Bailey Kolapudi had launched with Reunion Christian Church and then expanded to involve Christians from many churches through UniteBoston’s network. Watch this video to hear from Bailey and Cleo about the impact of this concert series!

#3 Highlight: Millenial/GenZ Panel on the Future of the Church. In January, Kerrian Johnson, Jacob Urena, Danielle McConnell, and Caleb McCoy each shared in a panel discussion on what leaders need to know in order to engage effectively with upcoming generations. The future of the Christian church lies in the next generations taking it forward – Listen to these highlights from the panel discussion to lay hold of prophetic voices of these young leaders!

**#2 Highlight: UniteBoston’s staff grew this year!** We were able to hire a part-time administrative assistant – Click here to meet Pastor Devlin Scott through his introduction video!

#1 Highlight: Testimonies from Be the Bridge. In the Spring, UB re-launched our “Be the Bridge” groups to focus on the systemic side of racism and locally-focused action through a 5-part speaker series which involved 40 individuals in four small groups. These groups brought forth a shared understanding of how the work for racial justice and reconciliation is a core part of the Church’s mission. Hear from Seong, Marian and Mike about the impact of this initiative.

Thanks for being part of the UB Community! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for us in 2022!

Sep 08 2021

Practicing Faith: Examining Our Public Commitment to Faith in Action in the Covid Era.

The social unrest and racial reckoning of the past year have inspired many to consider how faith ought to be lived in a public arena in the Covid era. As social distancing requirements ease, we have an opportunity to examine how we publicly practice our faith to stand in solidarity with those whom society marginalizes. We are pleased to welcome Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Service, Archdiocese of Boston, and the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor emeritus of the Practice of Religion and Public Life at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government to lead the Workshop, which will be held in-person at Saint Cecilia Parish Hall and virtually on Zoom.

Click here to register.

For more information, please get in touch with Bill Sheehan at wsheehan@faith-justice.org

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