unity – Page 66 – UniteBoston

Jul 27 2018

Worship Night Endorsement

“A diverse group composed primarily of smaller urban congregations of color is gathering for a worship night, and has asked all Christians in Greater Boston to join them. Too often larger churches ignore these invitations because we already have our own busy calendars, but this only perpetuates our division. This is a chance to change that…I believe that this is a moment to be led by brothers and sisters in Christ for the sake of the unity of the Body of Christ.”

Our team was so encouraged this week to see the way that Pastor Dave Swaim from the Highrock Church Network has encouraged participation in our worship night! I appreciate his wisdom that the Church in Boston needs more followership, especially among larger churches and movements, in order for God to lead us towards greater unity.

The incredible thing is that there were three completely independent events that aligned together:

Highrock’s Lead Pastor Dave Swaim committed to getting behind our worship night through funding and support
That same Sunday at Highrock Arlington, an outside speaker was in town who was preaching a sermon on Christian unity
Chloe Gaydos decided that Tom Baskett, a member of Highrock Church, would be our worship team director

Wow – how awesome is God! Our team said “yes” in faith for hosting the worship night before we knew where all the funds would come from. We praise God for Highrock’s generosity in helping us to provide for the expenses to host this worship night. I believe that Highrock churches are modeling God’s intention for the giving-and-receiving synergistic functioning that is indicative of the body of Christ that we are called to be:

“But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:24-27).

A movement across churches is emerging, a united song is rising up: May we come together to worship the One who gives life and love to the city!

Kelly Fassett

UniteBoston Team Leader

Dear Highrock,

Short story: on Thursday, Aug 16, 7-9 PM Christians from all over Boston will be gathering for united worship on Boston Common, and we’d like Highrockers to join this celebration. Learn more at www.uniteboston.com

Longer story:
For years many of us have lamented how fragmented the Christian community is in Boston. I’ve always believed that it is due to a lack of leadership, but recently I’ve wondered if the real problem is too much leadership, meaning that everyone wants unity so long as it means everyone else following or agreeing with me.

Perhaps what we need now is more “followership”, meaning churches willing to NOT be in charge. I think this is an especially essential spiritual growth edge for larger movements like Highrock.

A diverse group composed primarily of smaller urban congregations of color is gathering for a worship night, and has asked all Christians in Greater Boston to join them. Too often larger churches ignore these invitations because we already have our own busy calendars, but this only perpetuates our division. This is a chance to change that.

This group will include Christians of every ethnic, economic, and denominational stripe, so it’s probable that not all the songs or styles will be your favorites, but I believe that this is a moment to be led by brothers and sisters in Christ for the sake of the unity of the Body of Christ.

I encourage you to come if you can, and please forward this invitation to all your friends in every other church around Greater Boston, charismatic to Catholic and everything in between, so that the Church can be represented in her full diversity and splendor.

I don’t know what this event will be like, but I am looking forward to a new experience while building new relationships as we worship with our spiritual family whom I don’t yet know.

Many Blessings,

Pastor Dave
Highrock Church

Jul 27 2018

Meet the 2018 UB Worship Team

It’s been incredible to momentum growing for the upcoming UniteBoston worship night – over 950 people have already indicated that they are interested/attending the event on Facebook! One of the most beautiful aspects is the diversity of people represented on our worship team.

A few members of the band include:

A Catholic singer/songwriter
A Protestant drum teacher from Berklee
A Nondenominational Gospel Singer
A Boston-based Rap Artist
An Indie/Jazz Worship Leader
A Messianic Jewish Musician
A Latino Worship Leader
A young man from one of the first Pentecostal churches in Indonesia

With our diversity, we seek to be a witness of the power of a reconciling, loving, redeeming God…See below to meet the members of the worship team!

Name: Korleen Sheridan

Instrument: Guitar & Vocals

Home Church: St Cecilia Parish (Roman Catholic Church)

“The worship night allows people to experience God’s love through song. To be able to bring Boston together to showcase this unconditional love is powerful, humbling and transformative.”

Name: Caleb McCoy (http://www.welcometotheoak.com/)

Instrument: Vocals

Home Church: Neighborhood Church of Boston

“I am excited to worship with a diverse group of people from different backgrounds. I think the fact that the worship team is represented by different races, denominations, and styles of worship will make this night extra special.”

Name: Jireh Calo

Instrument: Piano & Voice

Jireh is a graduate of Berklee in Contemporary Writing & Production, and an incoming master’s student for the Berklee Global Jazz graduate program

Home Church: Revive Community Church

“The more I grew as a believer, the more I felt the desire and need for more unity within the Church. We may attend different churches and come from diverse backgrounds, but as believers of the risen Christ, we are all essentially part of one Church — God’s church. Together we embody Christ. I am so excited to be part of UniteBoston’s worship night because I get to worship together with my fellow brothers and sisters!”

Name: Ola Olukorede

Instrument: Vocals

Home Church: Dayspring Chapel (Non-Denominational)

“I’m excited to worship with an amazing group of people who are determined to make a difference. We want to show the world that a new generation of Christians are rising. God is equipping His people – We are God’s instruments of praise to shake up the city of Boston, for His glory.”

Name: Ope Olukorede

Instrument: Vocals

Home Church: Dayspring Chapel (Non-Denominational)

“I love the idea of bringing people of different ages, backgrounds and even denominations together to worship the one true God. I am excited to sing and worship God with my friends, family and city! I cannot wait to see where God brings us next as we pour our hearts out to him on this special night! ”

Name: Joseph Miterko

Instrument: I am a pianist, percussionist, and vocalist. I have been playing piano since the age of 5. After attending Berklee College of music, gigging in quite a few venues, and doing some teaching, I finally settled down and am now teaching at the Yamaha Music School of Boston.

Home Church: Ruach Israel (Messianic Jewish)

“It’s always amazing to worship with other Believers from an array of backgrounds! You never know what is going to happen next….I’m excited to see God do something new and exciting in our midst.”

Name: Christian Schmutz

Instrument: Drums (Berklee graduate ’15 in Drum Set Performance)

Home Church: Antioch Community Church (Non-Denominational)

“I really believe that when believers come together as one body to worship, we get an idea of what the Heavenly throne room will be like. It was such a beautiful thing to see God move during the worship gathering last year. I’m excited again this year because I believe this gathering really ministers to the heart of God, blesses his church, and is a powerful step in the advancement of the kingdom here in Boston!”

Name: Chae Rin Park

Instrument: Voice

Chae Rin grew up listening to church music and started going to music school since when she was 17, and she is currently attending Berklee College of Music.

Home Church: City Life Church (Presbyterian)

“I have been on tours around the US for Korean Churches on a team called “True Worshippers 12.” Since I’ve been in school, I haven’t had a chance to participate on a praise team. I am excited to be a part of this worship night with people to praise and worship God.”

Name: Ben Hills

Instrument: Sound Team

Home Church: First Presbyterian Church Northshore

“I’m excited to see people from all different denominational backgrounds worship Our Creator as one body. It’ll be a distant echo of when we are united in the new heavens and new earth.”

Name: Calvin Limuel

Instrument: Keyboard, graduate of Berklee College of Music (Jazz Piano/Drums Performance, Contemporary Writing and Production)

Home Church: Anchor Church Boston (Assemblies of God/Pentecostal), Forest Hills Covenant Church (ECC), Heart Change Fellowship (EFCA), Gereja Pantekosta di Indonesia (Pentecostal Church of Indonesia/International Church of Foursquare Gospel Network).

“One of the aspects that I enjoy in my ministries and musical occupations is diversity. I’ve played different kinds of music, both inside and outside the church setting. I’ve been engaging in conversations with Christians of different denominations and theological understandings, but also I’ve been exposed to different cultures and languages. I see myself personally as a mesh of all these things, and it’ll be beautiful to see those things manifested in a night of worship.”

Name: Jordan Knott

Instrument: Vocals

Home Church: The Shepherd’s House, Woburn, MA

“Though I’m from Northern Mass, I attended UniteBoston’s Worship Night last year. It was so refreshing to worship with the body of Christ in such an open area. I have been a worship leader at my church and campus ministry for years. I knew I wanted to be apart of this amazing event this year! It’s an honor to meet all the diverse and talented people that help to make it happen!”

Name: Alyssa Fuller

Home Church: Alyssa is a member of Hillsong Boston and is the technical director for Hillsong.

Instrument: vocals, cello, and piano

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,whether by life or by death.For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”

Name: Ben Laine

Home Church: Victory Chapel (Pentecostal)

Instrument: Guitar/Vocals

Influenced by his drummer father, Ben started playing the drums at 6 years old. He picked up the saxophone at 9 and piano at age 10. Since then, he has heavily focused on piano, singing and songwriting. Many of his songs are influenced by life struggles and his faith in God. Ben’s music is a pop/rock sound, with heavy piano and rhythmic parts. Through his music, Ben wants to reach out to the lost and give hope to a world in need.

“I’m super excited to be worshipping with such amazing people and ushering the spirit of God into Boston and All of New England!”

Name: Ronald Ayala

Instrument: Electric Bass

Home Church: Hillsong Church

“I’m excited about UniteBoston because I believe that there is power in worship. It allows us to bring people from different backgrounds to create an atmosphere that is entirely devoted to bringing God glory.”

Name: Volt Jingjit

Instrument: Violin

Volt is a graduate of Berklee School of Music in Violin Performance, and he was also a part of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute.

Home Church: Mars Hill Fellowship

“I have been on worship teams since I was young. After I moved to Boston, I was far from my home in Thailand, but God is always the same, and God’s presence has stayed with me. The UniteBoston worship team feels like family to me; I enjoy that together we have a thirsty heart to worship and praise God!”

Name: Erich Clark

Role: Sound/Tech. Erich Clark has over two decades of live and recorded sound engineering experience. He started in bars, meeting halls, and private recording studios. In 2006, he attached himself to Ipswich Presbyterian as media tech, trainer, and renovator.

“The family of God in Boston is so colorful, talented, and skilled. Bringing top notch music that glorifies God to such a beautiful park is a life changing experience.”

Name: Tom Baskett

Role: Tom is this year’s UniteBoston Worship Team Director. Tom is also a singer, percussionist, producer and teacher on the faculty of Berklee College of Music. He specializes in gospel, R&B and jazz, and has directed music and worship events throughout Boston and the U.S., and in Asia and Africa.

Home Church: Tom currently worships at Highrock Church Cambridge and Highrock Church Arlington. He comes from a long line of Black American gospel singers, preachers, teachers and church leaders.

“I am moved and thrilled to worship with the universal Body of Christ in Boston! Stretching over divisions of race, language, nationality and generation makes us more like God, Who transcends all barriers and breaks every chain.”

Name: Chloe Gaydos

UB Role: Worship Team Coordinator

Home Church:
Congregation Lion of Judah

What Chloe enjoys about UB:

“My transition to Boston is vibrant because of my relationships with other Christians who are different than me. When I’m with the UB volunteers, I feel another level of love and support that I want my city to also experience. Through UB, I have not only learned about the power of Christian unity, but I have also experienced the impact firsthand through planning the worship night.”

About Chloe:
Chloe works in the consultant field in Boston. She loves to climb, play the drums, and serve the community in her spare time.

Worship Planning Team Meeting in June – Dreaming big with God about what the 2018 worship night will become!

First UB Worship Team Rehearsal

Our UB worship team got the opportunity to meet the prayer team yesterday at a rehearsal at Berklee! Our musicians are sounding really good, thanks in part to our music director Tom Baskett.

Jul 23 2018

2018 Summer Worship Night

Pastors and Leaders: Click Here to Download the Letter about the UB Worship Night and the application for a sponsored table.

Also, click here to read an endorsement for our worship night from Pastor Dave Swaim of the Highrock Church Network! And check out another endorsement from the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston!

There is something powerful about worshipping Jesus together.

Last year, Uniteboston hosted our first night of worship in the Boston Common, and it was a huge success!

“As ever, the simple act of all different people coming together to lift up the name of Jesus is the witness to the world that He is Lord. Our response to being created by God is to love Him and to share that with the city. As the lights came one in the buildings and the moon came up in the dark blue velvet sky, we planted God’s love in the heart of Boston.”
-Dr. Vito Nicastro, Archdiocese of Boston and UB Board Chair

“UniteBoston made the love of God visible in Boston on August 26th. God’s peace paid us a visit because it is only when we come together to love one another, that God’s peace will show up.”

–Read Rev. David Nunez’ blog about his experience at last year’s worship night

“I have never quite seen something like the worship night in Boston in such a public space. The location was perfect for catching passerby’s who would perhaps not normally find themselves at church but enjoyed the music. Also, because the music was specifically Christian, some people came up and asked for prayer or names of churches in the area. This provided a wonderful opportunity for ministry.”
-Jacqueline Turner, Aletheia Church

We are excited to announce that this year’s summer worship night will be on Thursday August 16th from 7:00 to 9:00pm in the Parkman Bandstand in the Boston Common!

Here are some ways you can help:

1. Spread the word – We appreciate your efforts to get the word out to congregation members and colleagues through Facebook invites, email campaigns, and church announcements. Here is a letter that is addressed to pastors and ministry leaders.

2. Host a Table – This year, we are coordinating sponsored tables as an opportunity to help spread the word about your church, ministry or business. The cost ranges from $100 to $250 depending on the organization size; all proceeds go to support the cost of coordinating the worship night. Click here for the application!

3. Donate – This event requires a variety of resources, including supplies, sound equipment rentals, and food. We would be honored if you would consider donating to help make this event successful: www.uniteboston.com/give

4. Get Involved – We’d love to have you involved on the logistics, music, outreach, or prayer teams! Email Kelly Fassett, kelly@uniteboston.com for more information

5. Pray – Prayer makes a huge difference! We appreciate your prayers for smooth logistics, for unity among the various volunteer teams, for God’s presence to be made manifest through the worship team, for financial provision, and strong advocacy for the worship night among the varied church networks in our city.

Come worship with us on August 16th at 7pm at the Parkman Bandstand in Boston Common!

Thank you for joining into the UB community – As Christians, we are better together!

Jul 07 2018

Summer Lovin’

The Boston Projects is one of many churches and ministries that are engaged in youth ministry this summer. Check out Boston Projects’ Facebook Page to see photos from their recent Summer Love Campaign and meet their summer staff!

The Black Ministerial Alliance also partners with churches and community agencies to provide 8 weeks of safe, healthy summer programming, which includes Vacation Bible School, Fit Church/Fit Community Health Fairs and outdoor fitness, Victory Generation Summer Kids Camps, and Teen Café Youth Violence Prevention activities!

Susan Butterworth from St. Michael’s Episcopal in Marblehead shared that their church is doing a Wednesday evening Picnic and Prayer on the lawn. In this initiative, they gather as a community for food and fellowship, then read Evening Prayer, in full view of the neighbors!

Also in the news:

How Serving the Community Transformed a Dwindling Church>>

How is your church involved in sharing the love of Christ this summer? Email photos and stories to kelly@uniteboston.com and we may include it on the UB newsletter!

Jun 17 2018

The Art of Gathering

This week’s blog is written by Tony Lee, who attends Aletheia church and has been involved with UniteBoston’s worship team and neighborhood dinners. As a young professional in Boston, he is interested in finding Christian movements in the city and connecting people together. Read below to hear about how Tony understands gathering as an opportunity to gain, give, and grow.

I was a UB dinner coordinator this past year and had the pleasure of hosting a few dinners at my home in Revere. I got to coordinate strangers meeting other strangers for fellowship, and make them some good food. (Note: You can read Father Tom Ryan’s experience of attending a UB neighborhood dinner at Tony’s house here.) From these nights of gathering, I’ve picked up on a few themes that can illuminate the value of gathering, and the unifying potential it has.

To gather is to gain.

Gathering comes with perks. I’ll start with the food. I especially enjoy potluck gatherings (pro-tip: hosting a potluck usually correlates with extra treats later). In college, I was on a student leadership team and remember planning events to always involve food because that was the best incentive to get students to attend. Not surprisingly, this works the same for people after college. We like food and we like to go to things where food is present.

Whenever food and fellowship combine, good things happen. People are happy, and the social atmosphere is pleasant. I sincerely believe there is more potential for exciting conversations over hors d’oeuvres than over the phone. So by gathering, we also gain relationships. Every time I invited someone into my home, I was receiving their friendship by spending time with them. These dinners are now memories for us, and a point of empathy. In summary, I got a friend, a memory, and some empathy points from gathering. That’s pretty good.

To gather is to give.

I have the role model of my mother as a great giver. She was the homemaker in my family, and the most faithful, diligent, caring person in our house. Her hospitality was more like sacrifice. So whenever we came together for supper, the spirit of giving was evident. Now I’m doing the best I can to give like her.

Hosting a dinner for a large group is a commitment. I’d get worried about food, seating, or social comforts for the guests sometimes. But out of my anxiety, was an opportunity to give. Guests also may need to prepare their sides, or travel far distances. In the process of gathering, there are opportunities for us to give, or to give up. I’m sure we’ve all been the people who show up to a potluck empty-handed, or choose not to go to somewhere because of the commute. But like anything else, we can practice giving and grow in our sacrificial lifestyle. Even interpersonally, I try to focus on encouraging or motivating others in their own esteem than dig for what they can offer me. It just so happens that we meet others who also like to give, which is how we gain. The world teaches me to take, but my mom taught me to give. I believe this is what God desires to teach us as well.

To gather is to grow.

At the dinners, we were able to gain and give to one another. We practiced this with people we knew and strangers. Of course, it can be challenging to suddenly come to a point in a conversation with someone who has drastically different ideologies than me. One time, I caught myself becoming very defensive, and had to recalibrate my objective in the moment to prioritize unity. I got some growth points from that. It’s actually much easier to live without fixating on our differences, and rather seeking out our common denominators. To do this, I have to receive someone as a friend (gain), and be considerate to them (give). Because in the end, it’s not what divides us that matter.

As Rose from Star Wars 8 says, “we’re going to win this war not by fighting what we hate, but saving what we love.” This is critical. We as children of God are created in His image and have a deep connectedness that unifies us. Jesus was the model for the ideal unifier. He ate with outcasts on the margins and shared the gospel to those who needed it most. We have the same opportunities in our city. We can find a rhythm of gaining and giving, by staying open to friendships and paying it forward. There is much growth that develops from this rhythm.

I believe this is the direction our hearts and minds must go. It’s the direction of growth and wisdom. Gathering together is simply the vessel that allows us to get there, through practice and experience. But also, food can be a part of the journey.

First UB Neighborhood Dinner at Tony’s house, November 2017

Learn more about UB neighborhood dinners here, and sign up so that we can contact you when one is happening in your neighborhood!

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