UniteBoston

Bridging Divides Across Christians for the Flourishing of the City

New Campus in Wakefield for Grace Prep Boston

We are excited to announce that Grace Preparatory Academy of Greater Boston will be opening a second campus in Wakefield, MA this September 2025!

Are you looking to actively engage in your child’s education, but need support and accountability? Grace Prep Boston offers a unique solution. Students attend classes on campus two days a week and complete assignments in their satellite classroom at home three days a week. As a University Model® School and Cognia-accredited program, we provide a unique, balanced, high-quality educational experience.

Join us for an information session on April 16th at 7 PM to learn more about both campuses. To attend, simply fill out this form for the Zoom link!  We also have tours available by request.

Success Coach job posting at the Boston HERC

Open Position: Alumni Success Program Coach  

Purpose of Position: To coach first-generation students of color, attending partnering colleges/universities, for success in college and beyond. 

Organization information: The mission of the Boston Higher Education Resource Center (HERC) is to equip first-generation youth to obtain a higher education, break the cycle of poverty, and become agents of change in their communities. Boston HERC’s Alumni Success Program’s goal is to equip our Passport high school graduates to thrive in their postsecondary plans after high school graduation.  

The Boston HERC seeks a mission-driven Alumni Success Coach to join our team and coach multiple cohorts of college students who are first-generation to college, low-income, and attending partner colleges/universities. The Alumni Success Coach supports and equips our young adults with the necessary skills for success in college and in the 21st– Century workplace. 

Coach Duties & Responsibilities include: 

  1. Establish and maintain student relationships, including monitoring student progress in order to meet retention and graduation goals using all forms of communication (in-person, video, texting, email, phone call, social media). 
  2. Promote self-advocacy by helping students address personal and academic challenges, setting personal and career goals, navigating their college resources, financial aid and college transfer from two-year programs.  
  3. Prevent student summer melt by supporting high school graduates in enrolling in their chosen post-secondary institution.  
  4. Collaborate with Mentoring Coordinator, Mentors, Passport Coaches, Tutors, and allied organizations to support students. 
  5. Assist Alumni Success Director with coordination and promotion of program events, program development, workshop facilitation and promotion, and social media marketing strategies. 
  6. Assist Director in annual student recruitment efforts (info sessions, orientation, etc) 
  7. Manage and follow all data procedures, including daily logging and providing outcome updates.
  8. Support Boston HERC’s fundraising efforts through sharing stories and attending events and/or site visits with our philanthropic partners. 

Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s degree with minimum two (2) years of professional work experience. 
  • Passion for issues facing low income, disadvantaged and/or underrepresented youth. 
  • Experience working with students in a student/client service setting (or equivalent). 
  • Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
  • Ability to connect with others and forge strong relationships. 
  • Proficiency in student information systems and technology, as well as MS Word and Excel. 
  • Proven ability to work with diverse staff, partners, and student populations. 
  • Demonstrate and possess strong understanding of cultural competency and how to communicate effectively with different audiences. 
  • Strong ability to take initiative, problem-solve, be flexible, and think fast on your feet. 
  • Ability to work independently, remotely, and meet in-person at the Boston HERC office when needed,
    including our summer training.  
  • Outgoing and positive attitude. 
  • Commitment to Christian principles.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bilingual, especially proficiency in Spanish or Haitian Creole. 
  • Work experience in advising, teaching, or supporting educationally disadvantaged students. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, public administration, social work, or other relevant area(s).
  • Be a 1st generation college graduate from a 4-year college/university in the U.S. 
  • Experienced in serving 1st generation college students of color. 
  • Experience in providing social-emotional and/or academic support to young adults.
  • Experience in supporting students in resume editing, job application, and the interview process.
  • Experience facilitating hands-on and engaging workshops. 
  • Experience navigating the college application process and FAFSA. 
  • Conversant in the DACA and Student Immigration Policies. 

Terms of position:

  • Position Start Date: As early as March 2025 
  • Full-Time: 35 hours/week 
  • Minimum of a 2-year commitment in the role 
  • Reports to: Director of Alumni Success
  • Benefits: Health, dental, and vision.

To apply: 

Submit the following documents to Chief Executive Officer, Carolina De Jesus, cdejesus@bostonherc.org and Rachel Condry, Director of Alumni Success, at rcondry@bostonherc.org: 

  • Resume 
  • Cover letter 
  • Two professional references

United Gospel Experience Tour Finale Concert on April 12

UniteBoston is thrilled to announce the launch of the United Gospel Experience Tour, building on the incredible success of our past partnerships with Dr. Craig Ramsey and the God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon College in the past UniteBoston outdoor worship concerts. This tour will bring together college students from across New England for a transformative experience of worship, discipleship, and cultural exchange. This traveling gospel choir will tour four locations—Boston, North of Boston, Hartford, and Providence—uniting students from Gordon College, UMass Lowell, Trinity College, University of Hartford, and University of Providence. With over 150 students expected to participate, UGCI will foster deep spiritual growth and cross-cultural friendships, while showcasing the rich history and liberating power of gospel music. Through this initiative, students will not only develop lifelong leadership skills but also become part of a movement that transcends college by creating a lasting impact on their faith and communities.

Join us for the concluding concert within the United Gospel Experience Tour, taking place at Gordon College on Saturday April 12 from 3:00 to 5:00pm! This concert will feature a united gospel choir from students across four campuses, building on the incredible success of our past partnerships with Dr. Craig Ramsey and the God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon College.

The concert will take place at A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel, 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, Massachusetts 01984

Parking is available in the lot in front of the chapel. If that fills up, then the Woodland Lot is available as well, down the road, which is a five minute walk away.

Join us!

1. We appreciate your help getting the word out about this great concert taking place – you can share any of our social posts on FB or IG.

2. Join the community choir – information here

3. Listen to the playlist and get ready for the night of worship! ????

All Concert Dates for the United Gospel Experience Tour

Saturday November 2nd, 4:00 to 6:00pm at Morningstar Baptist Church, Boston, MA

Saturday December 7, 4:00-6:00pm at Providence College, Providence RI

Saturday March 1, 5:00 to 7:00pm at UMass Lowell, Lowell, MA

Saturday April 12: 3:00 to 5:00pm at Gordon College, Wenham, MA

UniteBoston Launches United Gospel Experience Tour!

UniteBoston is thrilled to announce the launch of the United Gospel Experience Tour, a groundbreaking project that builds on the success of our previous partnerships with Dr. Craig Ramsey and the God’s Chosen Gospel Choir from Gordon College. The United Gospel Experience Tour represents a bold step forward in UniteBoston’s mission to convene the Church to foster unity, spiritual growth, and collaborative mission. This tour takes it a step farther by integrating young adults in gospel choirs across New England.

A Vision for Unity and Worship

From fall 2024 to spring 2025, the United Gospel Experience Tour will bring together college students from various campuses for a transformative experience that blends worship, education, discipleship, and spiritual formation. A new united gospel choir has been created with students from four campuses that will travel to four key locations—Boston, North of Boston, Hartford, and Providence—offering an opportunity for students to worship together and share the Gospel through music.

Dr. Craig Ramsey, founder and advisor for God’s Chosen Gospel Choir, is spearheading this initiative. In 2022, God’s Chosen Gospel Choir was invited to support in UniteBoston’s  “Together Again” concert, backing up local artists. Craig saw this as an opportunity to expose students to what Christian faith in the city looks like. The following year, they were invited back again with the “Again I Say Rejoice” concert, not only to support but also to lead in worship.

After last year’s concert, Dr. Ramsey spoke with Rev. Kelly about a vision he had to unite the various gospel choirs in the region for a tour, including Gordon College, UMass Lowell, Trinity College, University of Hartford, and University of Providence. UniteBoston’s leadership felt led to get behind Dr. Ramsey’s vision and applied for a grant through the Boston Baptist Social Union for the equipment, transportation, supplies and hospitality funds to make this tour possible. Rev. Kelly shares, “UniteBoston has hosted a number of public worship concerts over the years, and we look forward to taking this to a new level by partnering with Dr. Craig Ramsey to offer four concerts which will empower and engage the next generation in their devotion to Jesus Christ.” 

The Power of Gospel Music

Gospel music has a rich history and a unique power to bring people together. It is more than just a genre of music; it is a form of worship that has been a source of strength, hope, and liberation for countless individuals throughout history. For Dr. Ramsey, it’s not just about singing music; being part of this initiative is an opportunity to educate students on the cultural and spiritual significance of gospel music. 

Graduating with his Doctorate in Education in Leadership and Administration from Liberty University in 2023, by day, Dr. Craig is an educator. He is now serving in the Boston Public School as an elementary music teacher where he educates pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. During rehearsals and performances, students will have the opportunity to learn about the historical roots of gospel music and its role in the African American church and beyond. 

Dr. Ramsey will also facilitate discussions on the importance of gospel music in today’s worship settings, challenging the notion that gospel is simply “the other form of worship.” Instead, students will come to understand gospel music as a vital and liberating expression of faith that continues to resonate in a world in need of the healing and redemption accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Building Cross-Cultural Friendships, Discipleship, and Leadership Skills

Another one of the unique aspects of the united gospel experience tour is its emphasis on cross-cultural engagement. The choir will encompass students from a variety of ethnic and denominational backgrounds, offering them a chance to build friendships across cultural divides. This diversity will not only enhance the choir’s performances but also provide students with invaluable experiences in navigating and celebrating cultural differences.

Attendees at the “Together Again” Concert

The tour focus will be grounded in the theme “Be The One: All In,” where Jesus tells his followers to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mt 22:34-40). For Dr. Ramsey, this tour will be centered on the understanding that we “need to give Jesus ‘all’ as we understand the nature of His ‘all.’ The question we will all examine is, ‘Are you affiliated, or are you committed?’”

Through their participation in the tour, students will also develop leadership skills that will prepare them for life beyond college. Dr. Ramsey and other choir advisors will mentor students in leading worship, facilitating prayer and devotion, and engaging in meaningful discipleship. These skills are not just important for those involved in ministry; they are essential for anyone seeking to make a positive impact in a diverse and interconnected world.

A Movement That Transcends College

While this gospel experience tour is a new initiative, it is our hope that it will spark a movement of college students and alumni uniting around the worship of Jesus Christ and the sharing of the Gospel through music.  While the size of the individual campus gospel choirs may be small, there is something about being part of a large choir that is incredibly attractive and invigorating. Dyna Louis from New Purpose Gospel Choir at UMass Lowell shares that, “It’s awesome to be able to say your choir is going on tour! It’s exciting to get to meet new people and know you’re a part of something bigger. The tour increases our campus visibility and is a great way to get students to join the campus choir and non members to attend our concert.” 

The choir will not only strengthen the individual campus gospel choirs that participate, but it will also create a sense of belonging and community that transcends the college experience through incorporating others in the community in a community choir. 

Alumni of participating choirs will be invited to return in future years, with the understanding that “there’s always a place for you here.” This ongoing connection will help ease the sometimes challenging transition from college to adulthood, providing a space where former students can continue to grow in their faith and relationships. The United Gospel Experience tour will create a platform where students can grow in their faith, build lasting relationships, and develop leadership skills that will serve them well beyond their college years.

Dr. Ramsey with some of the students in the “God’s Chosen” choir

Join Us on This Journey

As we prepare for the launch of the United Gospel Experience Tour this fall, we invite you and your church to join us in supporting this exciting new venture. Whether you are a student interested in participating, a church or community member eager to attend one of our concerts, or a supporter who wants to contribute to our mission, there are many ways to get involved.

UGET represents more than just a series of concerts; it is an opportunity to experience the unity and diversity within the body of Christ in a profound and life-changing way. We believe that through this initiative, students will not only encounter the transformative power of worship but will also be equipped to carry the message of the Gospel into their communities and the world. Anthony Williams from Trinity College Gospel Choir describes, “The Bible states that, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in Jesus name, I am there in the midst of them. I am excited to see what miracles God will do when not only two but 300+ people are together, with like minds and hearts ready to worship Jesus Christ.”

Stay tuned for more updates on the United Gospel Experience Tour through UniteBoston’s weekly e-newsletter and social media, and join us as we embark on this journey of faith, music, and unity. Together, let’s make this a year of powerful worship and lasting impact, to the glory of God and the good of the city!

Hospitality, Not Hostility: Building Bridges to our Immigrant Neighbors

To Commemorate Migrant Sunday, we are sharing a blog that is written by local author and theologian Daniel Montañez. Daniel is founder and director of Mygration Christian Conference, a PhD student at Boston University School of Theology, and the coeditor of “The Church and Migration: A Theological Vision for the People of God.” Read below to hear Daniel share about the Christian ethic of bridge-building based out of Ephesians 2.

What are the walls of hostility we erect to exclude our immigrant neighbors? Walls can be physical, such as the 1,954-mile wall along the US-Mexico border. Hard and heavy walls made of bricks, metals, wires, and wood represent a division between people, culture, and national citizenry. Walls can also be mental or emotional, often resulting from difference in thought or feelings of fear toward those whom one may disagree with or not understand. In this way, walls can serve as a means of self-preservation and protection from the “other.” Finally, walls can be spiritual, as all too often Christians have excluded those who hold differing beliefs and convictions on religious matters. There is no shortage of reasons that feed the human proclivity to build walls; however, there are several reasons Christians are called to rise above the walls we build.

The book of Ephesians introduces us to a Christian ethic of bridge-building. In chapter 2, verses 14–18, Paul writes,

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.”

The two groups Paul describes are Jewish and Gentile believers. There was much hostility between these two people groups in the Old Testament, as the Jews were considered God’s chosen people, according to the covenant relationship established with the nation of Israel. The practice of circumcision served as a physical sign of Israel’s covenant relationship with God and operated as a means of citizenship into the Israelite community and inheritance of God’s promises. Because the Gentiles were uncircumcised, they did not belong to the covenant community, as they were, as Paul describes, “without hope and without God in the world” (Eph 2:12).

However, while the Gentiles were not included within the promises of the Mosaic covenant, this is not to say that God was not at work building bridges between Jews and Gentiles in the Old Testament. The Greek word for Gentiles is “ethnos,” meaning nation or people. It is within the Abrahamic covenant that God promises to Abraham that “through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,” (Gen 22:18), signaling the coming together of Jews and Gentiles through a messianic figure from Israel. Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of this messianic promise and the one who builds bridges between Jews and Gentiles, establishing a model and an ethic for Christian living.

Many biblical scholars believe the wall Paul was referring to in this passage was “the Mosaic law itself with its detailed holiness code.” It served as an ideological fence around Israel, keeping outsiders and foreigners from participating in the social, cultural, and religious life of the community. The crucifixion of Christ served to destroy the wall that separated Jews and Gentiles from fellowship with one another. Furthermore, Christ’s sacrifice on the cross served as the atonement for humanity’s sins and the restoration of their relationship with God the Father. For this reason, it can be stated that Jesus Christ did not come to build a wall, but a bridge between God and humanity, and between Jews and Gentiles. It was a project so costly that only the riches of heaven could pay for this bridge through Christ’s blood on the cross.

What, then, are the implications of a Christian ethic of bridge-building for our world today? First, it calls us to move from an ethic of exclusion to embrace. In “The Church and Migration: A Theological Vision for the People of God, which I coedited with Wilmer EstradaCarrasquillo, Estrada-Carrasquillo posits an ethic of hospitality as a necessary component for embracing our immigrant neighbors. He writes, “Hospitality to migrant communities can take many shapes and forms. But to serve them well, we must look beyond the surface. We must make a concerted effort to know them and develop intentional relationships.” It is only by embracing an ethic of encounter with our immigrant neighbors that we discover the common ground on which we stand, and the prospect of embracing one another as members of the kin-dom of God.

Second, a Christian ethic of bridgebuilding calls us to move from a mindset of scarcity to opportunity. All too often we hear negative rhetoric of immigrants stealing American jobs and the economic burden immigrants have on the US economy. While these claims are often unsubstantiated, what is frequently overlooked is the revitalization immigrants are bringing to the life of the church. The Latino immigrant church, for example, is rapidly growing in the United States, buoyed by a Hispanic population that is expected to grow to 110 million by 2060.

Carolyn Dirksen argues, “If the American Church can embrace their spiritual brothers and sisters in this great migration, they will reaffirm their commitments to Christ and invite a kind of rejuvenation the Church has seldom seen.” To move from scarcity to opportunity means to believe that not only are there enough materials for building bridges, but that we can also partner in the work of building a better future together.

Finally, a Christian ethic of bridge building demands that Christians move from a place of fear to faith. According to Alejandra Guajardo-Hodge, “Fear may be a natural response to these modern-day challenges but is not the response that God demands of us. Love is the only way to face the challenge of the shifting world in God-honoring ways.” To choose faith over fear means to tear down the hostile walls of partisan politics that divide our nation, and to cast a new vision for the role of the church in the public square—“not to further exacerbate the problems of this world, but to become a part of the solution,” as we write in The Church and Migration.

The social ethic that Christ sets before us is a call to embrace the opportunity by faith to tear down the walls of hostility that divide us from our neighbors and to build bridges toward a holistic vision of peace, justice, and the flourishing of all humankind.

This article was originally published in the Boston University School of Theology 2023 Magazine entitled “Reaching Across.” You can also check out Daniel Montanez’ book “The Church and Migration,” which serves as an accessible and educational guide for pastors, church leaders, and parishioners to better understand what the Bible says about God’s heart towards people on the move and how these truths can be applied in our modern world. It is available for purchase in English and Spanish. 


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