UniteBoston

Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City

Berean Challenge

Join us on March 21 from 2:00–4:00 PM for our inaugural Berean Challenge, a lively Bible knowledge competition hosted on our Sattler campus! Open exclusively to high school students, this event invites participants to test their knowledge of Scripture in a friendly but rigorous setting—whether they come well-prepared or rely on what they already know.

No more than 70 students will compete before a panel of judges for a $1,000 cash prize, enjoy spirited rounds of questions, and experience the academic and Christian community of our campus. The Berean Challenge is designed to encourage careful study of God’s Word while fostering fellowship and healthy competition. All are welcome to attend, cheer on participants, and enjoy the afternoon—no prior preparation required!

Please register by clicking here or by visiting sattler.edu/events!

 

Parking

If you travel to campus via an automobile, metered parking is available around the building and in front of Center Plaza. Additionally, 100 Cambridge has a parking garage with hourly parking rates during the weekdays and flat fees in the evenings and on weekends. This parking garage has a direct entrance to the building.

Holy Hour in Christian Unity

Join fellow local Christians on Thursday February 12 from 7:30pm to 8:30pm to worship, pray and adore Jesus as we seek greater unity in the body of Christ.

Hosted by St. Mary’s Hakuna – a community dedicated to a joyful “Eucharistic lifestyle” – and in partnership with UniteBoston, who nurtures unity among diverse Christians through relationships for the flourishing of the city. Join us to worship Jesus together as one body, followed by an informal social hangout!

RSVP is not required, but if you know you will attend, please RSVP here to help gauge food and drink for afterwards. Also, parking is available at the church!

“All who accept Christ as Lord and Savior are brothers and sisters in Christ. Evangelicals and Catholics are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have not chosen one another, just as we have not chosen Christ. He has chosen us, and he has chosen us to be his together. However imperfect our communion with one another, however deep our disagreements with one another, we recognize that there is but one church of Christ. There is one church because there is one Christ and the church is his body” – The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium, FirstThings, May 1994    
 
“True Christian unity, we believe, is not so much a goal to be achieved as a gift to be received”
 
“As Evangelicals and Catholics, we pray that our unity in the love of Christ will become ever more evident as a sign to the world of God’s reconciling power”.
*The four statements are The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium, 1994, The Gift of Salvation, 1997, Your Word is Truth, 2002 and The Communion of Saints, 2003. All can be found on Firsthings.com

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international initiative where Christians worldwide are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his disciples that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21). Locally, UniteBoston coordinates evening collaborative gatherings of fellowship, prayer and worship from January 18-25 annually.

This Year’s Theme: Drawing from the resilience and liturgical richness of the Christians of Armenia—Oriental Orthodox, Catholic, and Evangelical—this year’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites us to reflect on Ephesians 4:4: “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” As the first nation to officially embrace Christianity in 301 CE, Armenia offers a profound witness to unity that has survived centuries of persecution and displacement. The materials for 2026 highlight that our shared identity is rooted in a ancient covenant, symbolized by the safe arrival of Noah’s Ark on Mount Ararat and the promise of the rainbow. By focusing on our common vocation and the “one hope” of salvation, we are challenged to move beyond historical divisions toward a conversion of heart, practicing a unity that embraces diversity while remaining steadfast in the love and mission of Christ.

Mark Your Calendars – You are invited to mark your calendars and plan to attend the evening gatherings! In this time of Epiphany, we encourage you to receive the manifestation of Jesus Christ through those of different denominations, races and cultures. Let’s make the most of these opportunities in order to truly be the family of God and serve as the body of Christ in the world. Let’s also pray with our feet – consider how our beliefs can come together in common action and witness.

Spread the Word – We also appreciate help spreading the word to people in your congregation, family, friends, and neighbors. A personal invitation goes a long way.

UB Board Devotionals – This year for the Week of Prayer, the UniteBoston Board and Staff will be sharing video devotional and prayers, which will be shared on our social media. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Calling to mind our common commitment to ‘love thy neighbor,’ may the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, January 18-25, 2025 be full of moments of conversion of heart through our encounters, so that “all may be one.”

Resources for Your Week of Prayer Experience

Litany for Christian Unity

Christian Unity Daily Prayer Guide – Created by the Greymoor Institute or The Initiative

Introduction on the Theme from Greymoor Ecumenical & Interreligious Initiative

As you are able, please also share this invitation with other churches and communities in your network so that more communities may gather to pray at this pivotal time in our country and city.

Schedule for Gatherings in Boston & New England

*All events are free and open to all.*

Thurs January 15  – Taizé Prayer with the Sisters of St. Joseph 

7:00 to 7:45pm at Motherhouse Chapel of the Sisters of St. Joseph, 637 Cambridge St, Brighton, MA 02135

Taizé prayer is a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France. As women rooted in the Gospel whose mission is to deepen relationships with God and neighbor, the Sisters of St. Joseph invite you to join in praying for unity and love in our world and in our own hearts.

Mon January 19 – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

We encourage you to join into many different opportunities to remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. Events listed with Meet Boston, City of Cambridge. Various volunteer and service opportunities listed through Boston Cares and City Year.

Tues January 20 – Tuesday Noontime Prayer

12:00 to 1:00pm at Currie Chapel, Tremont Temple Baptist Church, 88 Tremont Street, Boston MA 02108

Based on the model of the 19th century noontime city prayer meetings preceding the Third Great Awakening, the Navigators host a noontime prayer meeting at Tremont Temple Baptist Church every Tuesday. We gather to offer prayers of adoration and supplication with an emphasis on awakening and revival in the city of Boston and beyond.  All are welcome. Contact: Craig Parker, craig.parker@navigators.org

Tues January 20 – ‘It Ain’t Over:’ Music for Hope, Joy and Justice 

6:30 – 8:30pm At First Congregational Church of Wareham, 11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham MA 02571

Join the First Congregational Church of Wareham, UCC and the Arts at the Stone Church ministry for an evening of music, story, and reflection with Rev. Devlin Scott on Tuesday, January 20 in the Greozinger Room (11 Gibbs Ave, Wareham). A singer-songwriter, pastor, worship leader, and choir director, Devlin Scott’s music bridges faith, culture, and justice with honesty and hope, featuring songs from his debut single It Ain’t Over, which speaks to resilience and God’s presence in both joy and struggle. Light meal at 6:30 PM, performance at 7:30 PM. Free and open to all; donations welcome, with free parking available.

Wed January 21 – Forgiveness: An Alternative Account 

 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111

Rev. Dr. Matthew Ichihashi Potts explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness from his book ‘Forgiveness: An Alternative Account.’ Though forgiveness is often linked with reconciliation or the abatement of anger, Potts resists these associations, asserting instead that forgiveness is simply the refusal of retaliatory violence through practices of penitence and grief.  Join us at 6:00 PM for refreshments; the talk begins at 6:30 PM. Free and open to all. Sign up HERE

Thurs January 22 – United as One Body Worship and Prayer Night

6:00 to 8:00pm at NewCity Church, 1135 Walnut Street, Newton MA 02461

Join us for a powerful worship and prayer night hosted by Rev. Devlin Scott from NewCity Church as we focus on the Ephesians vision of one body in alignment with the theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Childcare will be provided; contact Rev. Devlin to request, devlin@newcitychurch.cc.

Thurs January 22 – Prayer for Christian Unity

7:00 to 8:00pm online – Zoom Link here

You are warmly invited to join pastors and leaders from the United Methodist and Episcopal Churches in New England for a prayer service for Christian Unity. We are honored that Bishop Thomas Brown, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, will preach and share the gospel with us. Bishop Thomas Bickerton, Bishop of the New England Conference (UMC), will also be present. Join via Zoom here

Sat January 24 – Building Bridges Workshop 

9am to 2:30pm at First Federated Church, 200 Central Street, Hudson, MA, 01749  

Grounded in Ephesians 2:19–22, this gathering celebrates our shared identity as “one household” in God, with Christ as the cornerstone. We are honored to welcome Dr. Virginia Ward as our keynote speaker. A dynamic pastor and educator, Dr. Ward will inspire us to build bridges of grace and unity across our diverse cultures and generations. $30/person or $100 for a group of any size. Register here.

Sun January 25 – Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Prayer Service

7:00pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 61 Wood St, Hopkinton, MA 01748

Join pastoral leaders in the Hopkinton area for liturgical prayer using the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity worship service. Fr. Len Cowen from the Abbey of the Way will be the homilist.

Mon Jan 26 – Taize prayer with The Crossing

 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, 138 Tremont Street,  Boston, MA 02111

Join the Crossing Community for Taize prayer, a simple form of Christian prayer centered on scripture, silence, and song based on the daily prayer of the religious community in Taizé, France.

Workshop: Get a New Full-Time Job

Details

Are you ready to land a new job? The market is tough out there for job seekers. Get a leg up by learning how to apply to jobs, land interviews, and get a job offer in this environment.

Our Get a New Full-Time Job course equips you with the essential skills and strategies to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a career changer, or someone seeking that next professional opportunity, this program is tailored to your unique journey.

On January 26th, we’ll go through topics 1 and 2 and a workshop session. Please bring yourself, the workbook, and a pen or pencil.

1. Find the Right Job Opportunities
– Uncover your true calling by aligning your personality traits, skills, and passions with job opportunities that resonate.
– Learn effective research techniques to identify roles that match your parameters.

2. AI-Proof Resume and Cover Letter
– Craft a standout resume and cover letter that not only impresses human recruiters and managers but also navigates AI application tracking systems.
– Understand the nuances of keyword optimization and formatting.

On February 1st, we’ll go through topics 3 and 4 and a workshop session. Please bring yourself, the workbook, and a pen or pencil.

3. Clean Up Your Social Media
– Curate a professional online presence (so you’re not passed over).
– Optimize platforms like LinkedIn.

4. Network Without Desperation
– Discover authentic ways to build meaningful relationships with people you don’t know yet.
– Master the art of informational interviews, virtual networking events, and maintaining connections.

On February 8th, we’ll go through topics 4-6 and a workshop session. Please dress for an interview and bring the workbook and a pen or pencil.

5. Interview Like a Boss
– Nail your interviews with confidence. We cover behavioral questions, case studies, and situational scenarios.
– Practice mock interviews to refine your responses and body language.

6. Negotiate Your Salary Offer
– Learn negotiation tactics to secure the compensation you deserve.
– Understand market rates, benefits, and how to advocate for yourself.

The workbook is available for $40 on the first day of the course AND on Amazon.

See you there!

Mayor Wu’s Gathering of Faith and Community Leaders – A Joyful Faith-based Appreciation Brunch

This past week, Revs. Kelly Fassett and Devlin Scott joined clergy and faith leaders from across Boston at Mayor Michelle Wu’s Morning of Hope. Over breakfast, prayer, and shared reflection, civic and faith leaders came together to express gratitude, name the challenges of this moment, and renew a shared commitment to the wellbeing of our beloved city. What unfolded was a powerful glimpse of what is possible when the Church and the City choose partnership, unity, and hope for the flourishing of all who call Boston home.

P.S. Thank you to Will Dickerson, director of Faith-Based Engagement from the Mayor’s Office, for coordinating this gathering, and Jeremiah Robinson who took these incredible photos.

On a winter morning marked by warmth, prayer, and quiet anticipation, clergy and faith leaders from across Greater Boston gathered for Mayor Michelle Wu’s Morning of Hope—a breakfast convening that felt less like a formal program and more like a sacred pause. Hosted during Inauguration Week as Mayor Wu and the Boston City Council began a second term, the gathering created space to name gratitude, renew partnership, and speak hope over the city we love.

For UniteBoston, whose mission centers on Christian unity for the flourishing of our neighborhoods, the morning was a living snapshot of what becomes possible when civic leadership and the faith community meet not as silos, but as collaborators.

Entering the Room: A Spirit of Welcome

The day opened with hospitality—breakfast served, greetings exchanged, stories quietly shared. Will Dickerson, Head of Faith-Based Initiatives for the City of Boston, welcomed the room with a clear conviction: “We can move mountains with the people in this room.” His words set the tone for what followed—an invitation to shared responsibility rooted in trust.

Father John Currie offered the opening prayer, calling leaders to push back on despair and choose hope, grounding the morning in a posture of humility and dependence on God.

Voices of Faith, United in Purpose

Throughout the program, leaders from diverse faith traditions reflected on the moment we are living in—and the kind of leadership it requires.

Rabbi Marc Baker named the gathering itself as a sacred act, especially in divided times. Coming together across differences, he reminded us, is not a liability but a strength—one that Boston embodies.

Mayor Wu addressed the faith leaders in the room, sharing that

“Boston is a city where we have seen what happens when people from different faiths and traditions choose to stand together. We don’t agree on everything, but we do agree on what matters most: that every person deserves dignity, that love is stronger than hate, faith is more powerful than fear, and faith is a beacon guiding us through the darkness. These are the values of our congregations and they are the values of Boston as well. These are the values that make it so that when the country feels like it’s coming apart at the seams, Boston has remained the safest major city in America.”

One of the most moving moments came through Rev. Laura Everett of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, who shared from 1 Kings 19, drawing attention to God’s still, small voice. Her reflection lingered in the room:

“Beloved Boston, if we are to survive the days ahead, we will have to seek out the silence to hear from the Lord… It is possible to hear the voice of God in the city but only if we listen together. Only if we are reflective, not reactive. Only if we plan and pray and prepare, together.”

It was a timely word—not only for faith leaders, but for a city navigating complex challenges with courage and care.

Highlights video from the gathering compiled by the UniteBoston team. More highlights can be seen on UniteBoston’s social media: Facebook and Instagram
Highlight Video from Boston City TV
Highlights from the gathering from CBS News

Civic Leadership with an Open Door

When Mayor Michelle Wu addressed the gathering, her remarks reflected deep appreciation for the faith community’s decades-long partnership with the City of Boston—particularly over the past four years. She named shared values that transcend tradition and doctrine: dignity for every person, responsibility for one another, love over hate, faith over fear.

In a moment that resonated strongly with many in the room, Mayor Wu affirmed that Boston’s safety and resilience are inseparable from the quiet, faithful work happening every day in churches, mosques, synagogues, and temples—spaces where people are known, loved, and protected.

Her words were echoed by Police Commissioner Michael Cox, who spoke about trust, accountability, and the importance of partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The morning also celebrated civic leadership emerging from the faith community itself, recognizing Miniard Culpepper, Senior Pastor of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and newly elected City Councilor for District 7—a visible reminder that faith and public service often walk hand in hand.

Praying for the City, Together

As the program moved toward its close, Imam Ismail Fenni offered a prayer for the city, followed by a closing prayer from Rev. Dr. Dana Gonsal, sending leaders back into their neighborhoods grounded in hope and shared calling.

“Are we willing to unite and work with Mayor Wu and her vision to improve the quality of life for all Bostonians? My response, I am willing to work and unite with our Mayor to help improve the quality of life for the Neighborhoods of Boston. How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity (Psalm 133).” 

For many, the gathering left a lasting impression.

“The gathering felt less like an event and more of an invitation—an invitation to relationship, collaboration, and shared responsibility for the wellbeing of our city.” – Rev. Philomena Hare

Virginia Ward

“Mayor Wu reminded us of our role as a refuge for families, emphasizing that faith is a beacon. I am grateful that different faiths are standing together to create a strategy for every family’s flourishing in Boston.” – Rev. Dr. Virginia Ward

Rev. Reggie Smalls echoed that sentiment, naming the blessing of living in a city that recognizes the vital role of the faith community in building hope during challenging times.

Why This Matters for UniteBoston

At UniteBoston, we often speak about Christian unity not as an abstract ideal, but as a practiced commitment—to show up, to listen, and to partner for the common good. Mayor Wu’s Morning of Hope embodied that vision. It affirmed that this administration sees the faith community not as an afterthought, but as a trusted partner in the work of justice, compassion, and community flourishing.

As Rev. Rocklyn Clarke shared:

“Listening to the speakers, it was clear to me how important it will be to have disciples of Jesus working together to fulfill that hope… Together, let’s make disciples who make disciples who make a difference in our city.”

The Morning of Hope was exactly that—a reminder that another way is possible. A way where faith informs action, where civic leadership welcomes prayer, and where unity across difference becomes a beacon for our city and beyond.

“We are commanded to pray for those who are in authority over us 1 Timothy 2:1-2, so I joined with other leaders from the body of Christ in Boston and other faith leaders across the city to pray for our mayor as she begins her next term,” said Rev. David Searles, pastor of Central Community Church in East Boston. “I am encouraged to continue my work in Boston with hope and I am more committed to pray for our mayor, to pray for her family, and to pray for the peace of the city.”

As we left the room, we carried with us a renewed sense of calling—and a quiet confidence that when faith and city walk together, hope is not just proclaimed. It is practiced.

Revs. Kelly and Devlin were grateful for the opportunity to meet Mayor Michelle Wu at the gathering!


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