Nov 21 2023

Photos & Stories from UniteBoston’s Again I Say Rejoice Concert

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)

We had an amazing time hosting the “Again I Say Rejoice” concert on the waterfront with families, college students, and everyone in between! This year, we were joined by local musicians, singers, dancers, and poets who brought their amazing talents to the UniteBoston stage. There were 15 different organizations hosting ministry tables surrounding the perimeter of the gathering, 30+ members of a community choir, and hundreds of attendees and passersby who stopped by for a portion of the evening to listen to the music, learn about the various organizations in the city, or receive prayer.

Read on to see photos and read personal testimonies about the impact of this gathering! You can also click here to listen to the playlist for the concert on Youtube!

“This gathering was amazing and I know so much work must have gone into it… So cool to see a united Christian presence downtown. I had several conversations with folks passing by who were curious… What a huge opportunity for the church to come together… Thanks for all you did to make it happen!!!”

– Lisa Oelrich, Executive Director – Alpha New England

“The joy I saw at Unite Boston was unlike “normal” worship I’ve been part of! The diversity of music and people truly demonstrated the expanse of the family of God. I sang in the gospel choir, and there’s something about gospel music that just drops all your anxiety about “performing” and instead brings us all into a moment of shared worship. Truly an encouraging and uplifting experience!”

– Ben Hampson, Riverwalk Church (formerly Highrock Brookline)

“This was a beautiful time of worship with a diverse community. I loved seeing people walking by downtown and then deciding to engage with the music and the message!”

-Caleb McCoy, Emmanuel Gospel Center, Rapper, producer, and creator of The OAK

This year, we brought together the community and had the opportunity to make room for ministries from across the city to share their mission with the city.

“The concert was a really good time! It was nice to catch up with some long-time ministry friends. The weather held off nicely, and the music, as well as the rap songs, were awesome. I really noticed a very diverse crowd stopping by to listen to what was going on. My sense was that people who might not normally go to church were intrigued and stopped to listen, some of them sitting for awhile. Folks in the hotel next door were also commenting on the concert. You guys really shined the light out there in Boston! Great job, God bless you all!”

-Bruce Swan, Victory Church in Sharon

There were a lot of great moments of rejoicing:

Amber Jogie’s spoken word piece on “Again I Say Rejoice”

We also had the pleasure of building a community choir that brought together members from Gordon College God’s Chosen Gospel Choir and members of the community who have a passion for worshipping God.

“It was an absolute blessing to worship the name of Jesus in the middle of Boston!! Working the Gordon booth, and as an alum myself, it was a gift to see so many Gordon students and alum engaging with the community as worshippers themselves! I met a family that heard the worship from across the street, and they stopped by and stayed the rest of the night. They were from out of town and were so amazed by the faith we have here! God is doing big things in the city of Boston.”

-Deborah Sullivan, Assistant Director of Admissions Events and Strategic Partnerships, Gordon College

“I was on the prayer team and we went around handing out cards before the event as well. We met a lot of people, including someone I met who had volunteered with Spring Water (the new after-abortion clinic) and I was able to get them connected with Boston Center for Pregnancy Choices! We met a few people who said they were not religious but were still open to receiving prayer and they seemed to be thankful for the prayer afterwards. This concert was a great way to connect with Christians and also non-Christians in a fun setting.”

-Adele Chang

Alexis Monroe and DJ were the MCs for the event and Jubilee Worcester’s dance ministry brought their liturgical gifts during the program intermission along with Boston Found acapella group.

“I’ve been a Christian my whole life, grew up in a Christian home, and have been attending church ever since I was very young. I’ve only been to one Christian concert before this event. Attending the “Rejoice” concert made me realize that yes, Sundays are the main days for church, but worshiping God can really happen anywhere, at any time, and while I’m doing anything, and if that means singing out loud in the middle of a park in Boston then that counts too! This was impactful for me because I’ve always had the stereotypical thought that Sundays in general are the main days to worship God, but that’s definitely not true. The more we involve and invite God into our lives and worship Him everywhere we go, the more we can continue to glorify His name and show others His love for us.”

-Melody Kwong, Boston Chinese Evangelical Church

Sep 21 2023

Top 5 Reasons to Attend the “Rejoice” Concert On Saturday!

“Again I Say Rejoice” is UniteBoston’s 2023 fall concert, and we are so excited to bring another gathering of united worship to the city! Taking place on September 30th in downtown Boston, this concert is the opportunity for Christians to come together in a public place to worship. Not only that, we also can help people get a glimpse of what a diverse and loving Christian community looks like – Which is why we would like everyone who has a heart to see Boston glorify God to come worship with us!

My name is Alexis Monroe, and I’ve had the privilege of working behind the scenes to help facilitate the logistics for the concert for the second year in a row – and today I’d like to share with you some reasons why you should attend!

Reason #1: We are featuring new talents!

This year, we are excited to have the amazing talents of Amber Jogie, Taija Rayne-Franklin, and Jocelyn as a part of our concert. Taija is an amazing visual artist currently serving full-time with the Boston Project Ministries. She will be creating a live art piece throughout the concert, along with hosting an interactive art station for attendees. If you or a kiddo want to take home a reminder to magnify the Lord, stop by Taija’s table!

Amber Jogie will also be performing a spoken word piece! Amber is an author, youth program manager and student. She released her first book earlier this year which reflected on many of her experiences growing up as a black girl. Amber uses her gift of writing and speaking to reflect on many different topics as well, here she offers her reflection on what it means to “breathe again”.

Jocelyn is a dancer at Jubilee Worcester, and she and her team will be sharing their beautiful gifts with us. She has coordinated dances in many different places, and we are grateful she chose the Again I Say Rejoice! concert as another place to glorify God with her art.

Reason #2: There’s going to be great music!

We have an incredible line-up of Boston-based artists who are performing, including a first-time UniteBoston performance from Katty Jimenez, the melodic sounds of Shanell Alyssa, Christian hip-hop artist Caleb McCoy, the deep soul music of Jen Aldana, and vibey guitar jams from Doully Yang. Returning this year, we also have a community choir with the core of “God’s Chosen” from Gordon College, as well as our usual united worship band. Join us to support Boston-based artists and hear great jams that are filling the heart of our city! You can also listen to our gospel playlist and get yourself ready to sing it loud and sing it proud!

Reason #3: Boston needs to see the love of Jesus Christ

The Bible says that Christians are a light set on a hill that all the world needs to see (Mt 5:14) – So let’s let our light shine! As our society continues to be divided, love can often seem intangible – but as believers in Jesus Christ, we know the love of God is always around us. “Again I Say Rejoice!” is the chance for us to show Boston that love comes in all shapes, sizes, races, ethnicities, abilities, and languages. While we worship and praise our God, the light we hold will shine brightly through the city. We invite you to help us shine this light.

Reason #4: Enjoy the perks of a day-time concert in Downtown Boston!

With an earlier concert time, you get to enjoy some fun in the fall sun and local eats. We will have lawn games for all to enjoy as we light up the park with the joy of God. There will also be access to food trucks and snacks on the Rose Kennedy Greenway for purchase!

The beautiful Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park in Downtown Boston

Reason #5: We get to be a church without walls

As Christians, we often meet in spaces that are unfamiliar and foreign to someone who has never attended church. When we worship in public places, it gives people who normally would not step into a church building the opportunity to witness authentic worship. With a variety of musical performance styles, diverse band and community choir, and community tables for churches and organizations nurturing shalom in our city, this is a great way for people to see Jesus!

Please join us for the concert and help to spread the word! You can RSVP here via Facebook to receive notifications; it’s going to be a lot of fun; we’ll see you there!!

Sep 11 2023

Meet Calvin Lee, UniteBoston’s New Communications Administrator

Hello Friends of UniteBoston!

My name is Calvin Lee, and I am excited to serve alongside Kelly and Devlin as the new UniteBoston Communications Administrator!

This is the kind of fast day I’m after:

to break the chains of injustice,

get rid of exploitation in the workplace,

free the oppressed,

cancel debts…

Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,

your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.

I will always show you where to go.

I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—

firm muscles, strong bones.

You’ll be like a well-watered garden,

a gurgling spring that never runs dry.

You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,

rebuild the foundations from out of your past.

You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,

restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,

make the community livable again.

-Isaiah 58:6-9, 9-12 (MSG)

Isaiah 58 has really come alive to me over the last few years, as I have been on an identity journey, centered around faith, race and justice.

I am a Jesus person.

I am a 2nd generation Korean-American cis male.

And I am journeying to better understand what both of those mean.

I am also an organizer and builder; and in 2020, I co-founded [GOSPEL], an initiative curating creative spaces to catalyze more for the American Christian Church.

*Here I am with my co-founder, Marisa Prince, during a film shoot!*

I’m thrilled for the opportunity to continue building towards Christian unity and activation with UniteBoston! I believe that we, the Church, have everything we need today to play our part in God’s move to “break the chains of injustice” (Isa.58:6). And I believe that our participation in God’s liberation of ALL people is vital for the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer in John 17.

We live in a city with a painful history – much of which the Church has been complicit in and silent on. But in grace, we can freely lament that truth, and together reimagine the identity and purpose of the Church in our world today.

I’m grateful for UniteBoston’s commitment to the hard but necessary work of breaking down the divisions that keep the Body apart, and am eager to serve alongside Kelly and Devlin to “make the community livable again” (Isa.58:12)!

I live in Fields Corner with my wife, Sunny, and dog, Boaz. We love walking “Bo” along the beach, playing pickleball, and watching movies together. A few of my favorite films include Minari, The Birth of a Nation (2016), and Malcolm X by Spike Lee!

Thank you for your warm welcome, and God bless!

“UB is in a season where we are examining the places that have divided the Church so we can better understand what God’s call towards unity looks like. Calvin brings a passion for the Church to address areas of inequity and injustice, and cultivating a “radical togetherness,” both of which are aligned closely with our missional priorities this year. I am excited to dream and strategize with Calvin on the team!”

– Rev. Kelly Fassett, UniteBoston Executive Director

“UniteBoston is growing, and we are growing in all the right ways. Adding Calvin to the team does more than allow us to do what we have always done better, but it fortifies us to pursue a future that is bigger and brighter. Calvin is another great partner in this work of discovering the Christian Unity that Jesus prayed for and over us. I am so excited about UB’s future!”

– Rev. Devlin Scott, UniteBoston Managing Director

P.S. – Hiring Calvin as the communications administrator came alongside us promoting Rev. Devlin Scott as the Managing Director of UB! Read more about this here!

Aug 25 2023

JOIN UNITEBOSTON IN A DAY OF PRAYER AND FASTING

Join us for a transformative experience rooted in the rich biblical practice of fasting. UniteBoston invites you to participate in a 24-hour period of fasting and prayer, dedicated to fostering spiritual growth and unity. Inspired by passages from the Bible, fasting involves a purposeful abstention from food and indulgences, allowing us to shift our focus towards connecting with God on a profound level. Together, we will embark on this journey of devotion, seeking guidance, expressing humility, and building stronger bonds of community. Let’s draw inspiration from moments like Jesus’ 40-day fast and the Israelites’ collective fasting during times of national significance. By setting aside physical nourishment, we aim to nurture our spirits and deepen our faith, while also praying for the mission, impart and collaborative opportunities of UniteBoston.

Join hands with us as we come together in a day of spiritual connection, reflection, and solidarity.

Ways to FAST with us:

You can fast one meal a day, one whole day of meals, or a particular food/drink. (sweets, coffee, soda, carbs, alcohol, etc.). Some may choose to do water/juice only for a day. Be sure to consult your doctor before you do.

Turn off all social media and news. Can you make it a full day? The idea is as little time online as you can. Get creative! Plan to go to the park, play board games, read books, build something, bake something, have dance parties, invite friends and family over and pray.

This fast means no movies/TV (NetflixTM, YouTubeTM, etc.) or shopping. Again, set yourself up for success. Don’t just create an empty space, fill that space with something good, productive, helpful, or meaningful! Fill it with prayer.

Ways to PRAY with us:

Pray for wisdom for our team as we seek clarity on what is at the heart of our mission and decide on strategic priorities for our program year.

Pray for mobilization of the body of Christ and for a renewed sense of God’s presence at our upcoming worship concert on September 30.

Pray for the members of our Christian unity cohort as we seek to understand what is at the heart of our divisions and how we can live out Christian unity as a way of life.

Pray for Calvin Lee, our new Communications Administrator as he jumps into this new role.

Pray for our collaboration with The Send as we support this event in serving the city of Boston in a way that would leave the greatest positive impact.

Prayer for the many churches coming together for the time for a citywide Alpha campaign that would off a safe place for hundreds of people to explore the Christian faith.

Pray for this year’s Boston Flourish Conference and the initiatives who hope to support so that there might be flourishing for all in Boston.

Pray for the thousands of next generation Christians who will be attending, that they would be activated on God’s mission fields locally and globally.

Pray that the state’s foster care system would come on board to ease the process of people committing to foster care and adoption.

Pray for a tangible sense of God’s presence and that people would walk away transformed.

Aug 25 2023

A Practice for Loving Those We Disagree With

“When I pray, ‘Lord, bring me into your oneness and align my will to yours,’ I find that this moves me toward others, even those that I disagree with, and it leads me to draw closer into relationship with Jesus.”

As Christians, what should our posture be towards those that we disagree with? Scott Brill is our guest blogger this week, providing some insights into navigating the tension between agreement and friendship that doesn’t end in stalemate. Scott is the director of The Initiative, where individuals “covenant together to live in an intentional initiative, practicing deep and growing friendship with God and others, that the love of Jesus might exceed all divisions.” Read below and watch the video to hear his insights on how the practice of cultivating friendship through disagreement embodies the way of the Trinity.

P.S. The Initiative is hosting a local retreat in Worcester on September 15 & 16. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can live out this unity as Christians, join us!

Scott Brill, on the tension between agreement and relationship

Even though it might seem mutually exclusive, I have grown to be an ecumenist because I am an evangelist. I’ve worked for the past 40 years on InterVarsity Christian Fellowship staff in New England, with a desire to see college students have a life-transforming encounter with the love of Jesus (and I still work ¼-time for IVCF).

I’ve had various roles with InterVarsity throughout the region, but for the past twelve years, I’ve been working with Catholic campuses and Catholic students and staff. Ministering as an evangelical Protestant in Catholic spaces has brought into focus the unavoidable reality that the disunity and division of followers of Jesus significantly hinders our witness to Jesus.

I’ve learned that our divides (and divisiveness) are not so much a failure to agree with one another, but a lack of love for one another that should be expressed in a humble willingness to receive folk who we disagree with.

Those experiences have led me to The Initiative, which I have had the privilege of serving as its Director for the past two years. The name of our community is simply the beginning of our ‘rule of life’ which is “to take an intentional initiative to walk in friendship with Jesus and his followers so that the love of Christ might exceed all divisions.”

This rule has three practices:
1. Praying daily for a radical increase of love in the whole Body of Christ
2. Sharing our lives with Christians from traditions other than our own
3. Working proactively for greater missional unity in the Church

One of the ways that we live this out is to gather together in various parts of the U.S. for actual encounters across difference in order to pray, share our stories, and encourage each other to live out “love greater than division” in our contexts. We’re having one of those gatherings of encounter at Assumption University in Worcester September 15^th and 16^th. We’d love to have members of the UniteBoston community join us for this experience of prayer, lectio divina, worship, small groups, exploring our way of life, and building friendships across difference.

If this sounds intriguing to you, you can find some more details and registration information on the Join Us page of our website. I look forward to seeing you around the city as together we pray and work towards a radical increase of love in the whole Body of Christ!