UniteBoston’s Top Twelve Highlights from 2022

Through hosting larger public gatherings like the UB concert, and also through collaborating with other organizations, 2022 was a year in which we continued our work as an incubator and catalyst for unity, reconciliation and shared mission, for the flourishing of the city. Read below to see UniteBoston’s top twelve highlighted photos & videos of 2022!

**Highlight #12:** Film screening and panel discussion on “A Reckoning in Boston” with Rev. Valerie Copeland, and film subjects Kafi Dixon and Tolga. This documentary explores the deep racial history between black and white communities within the city of Boston, including marginalization, gentrification and community violence.

**Highlight #11:** Prayer gathering during 1000 Fires Boston, where UniteBoston partnered with a variety of other churches and community organizations to host 106 “fires” of prayer for our city and neighborhoods.

**Highlight #10:** UniteBoston partnered with the New Democracy Coalition and other local partners to host a Juneteenth Jubilee Observance at City Hall Plaza

**Highlight #9:** In July, UniteBoston hosted twenty-five next-generation BIPOC leaders on a retreat to Spectacle Island to be renewed, recharge and reconnect with other like minded people who are “doing the work” in their various communities. Here, Pastor Devlin Scott shares a devotional on laying down our burdens.

**Highlight #8: “Where do we go from here?” A Panel with Next Generation Leaders**, including Christian Grant, Katie Lamirato, Andrea St. Louis, Fugi Acevedo and Jane Kyong Chun with Rev. David Wright as the moderator. They shared about the need for the Church to engage in the collective struggle against correcting oppression, to practice what we preach, to partner with anyone and everyone for the sake of a greater mission, and create space for difference rather than fearing it. Watch the full length video or a 3-minute highlight version.

Highlight #7: Interviewing Pastor Drew Thurman about the launch of Common Good Co., a coffeeshop and coworking studio in the Waltham area.

**Highlight #6: Intergenerational Kingdom Conversation at Grace Chapel**, where individuals engaged in structured conversation, listening and sharing about what it means for their generation to be part of the church.

**Highlight #5:** Celebrating Rev. Devlin’s one-year anniversary of being on staff with UniteBoston! We are grateful for all that he brings to our ministry and work in the city.

Highlight #4: Fireside Chat at the UniteBoston Fundraising Party. Here, Rev. Kelly and Rev. Devlin share how “nurture” is a key posture for UB’s work in the city, recent learnings around the need to uphold unity in diversity and root out white supremacy, and ministry priorities for this program year.

**Highlight #3:** Dreaming and Planning at a Fall Retreat with the UniteBoston Staff and Board. From Left to Right – Melinda Priest, Devlin Scott Ayeisha Dennise, Kika Ghobrial, Chuck Hall, Varnel Antoine, Kelly Fassett, Robin Lutjohann

Highlight #2: “Together Again” Concert. After a 2-year hiatus, UniteBoston’s 2022 worship concert brought us “together again” to worship Jesus in the heart of Boston. 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.

Jen Aldana sings it loud and proud at the 2022 “Together Again Concert. She shares, “The UniteBoston concert was awesome! It was a sure sign that the people of God are hungry for God’s presence and excited to worship Him as one church. It was a great night of celebration and unity. I loved meeting new faces and being reunited with old friends. Might I mention that the band was amazing! We had so much fun worshipping! Thank you UniteBoston for hosting such a great night!”

Highlight #1: Boston Flourish Conference. In November, UniteBoston partnered with other organizations to host a conference called “Boston Flourish,” which is a movement for dreamers and doers to activate and partner towards a Boston where everyone flourishes. Approximately 180 people came out to our day-long conference, and dozens of individuals signed up to be part of ongoing working teams to build capacity for local ministry efforts.

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