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!

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