Our Staff
The Rev. Dr. Kristen Harper
Minister
508 362-2233
minister @ barnstableuu.org
Our senior minister since 2002, the Reverend Dr. Kristen Harper is a lifelong
Unitarian Universalist who has served UU churches in Chicago, IL; Lansing,
MI; New York, NY; and Ormond Beach, FL. Prior to entering the ministry,
she worked for six years with women who were HIV positive and at the UUA
in the Office of Diversity Resources. Rev. Harper received her undergraduate
degree in print journalism from Boston University and her graduate degree
from Meadville Lombard Theological School and the University of Chicago.
She is only the second woman of African descent to be called to a UU church
as senior minister. Reflections
by Dr. Harper and A few sermons delivered by Dr. Harper.
Office Administrator
508 362-6381
ucb @ barnstableuu.org
Our Office Administrator has served as our custodian for many years so she is familiar with our community. She will now be filling two roles for us and we are thrilled. She lives with her life mate, nephew of a long time member, and her three children and one chosen child. They share their home with an assortment of other beloved beings. When she is not working at the church she enjoys gardening, cooking, crafting, and spending time with her family and friends who have become family. She describes herself as a "jack of many trades" and enjoys learning new skills.
Director of Child and Youth Ministries
508 362-6381 (church)
DCYM at barnstableuu.org
Our DCYM was raised Unitarian Universalist at First Parish Church Unitarian Universalist in Duxbury, MA. When she was in the sixth grade her mother became a Director of Religious Education. She served as the Unitarian Universalist Young Adult Coordinator of Ballou Channing District, was the founder of the UU Young Adult Group at First Parish Church Duxbury, and served as a Worship Associate and Church School teacher. More recently she was the High School Youth Group Advisor and Part-time Youth Director at First Parish Church Duxbury. She graduated from Framingham State College with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Graphic Design. She is an artist who has a 16+ year career in graphic design. She lives in Carver with her husband, their two children, a dog and two cats. They enjoy eating, creating art, watching movies, playing games and laughing together. Our DCYM's favorite activities are to draw, dance and gather in community with intention. She writes, "As a constant student, I’m flexible and open to learning new things. I also feel called to teach and share what I’ve learned with you, to create a strong program that lifts up your youth and gives your children a safe space to learn and grow.”
Director of Music
Our current Director of Music came to the Unitarian Church of Barnstable in September, 2022, after serving as Music Director of Truro First Parish Church from 2019-2022. Trained in classical piano since childhood, he has studied with professors from the Juilliard School, the Manhattan School of Music, the Aspen Music Festival, and more. Since moving to Cape Cod in 2017, he has been an active local performer including performing with the Cape Symphony as a soloist in the Carnival of the Animals in the Fall of 2022. With a degree in political science from Yale, he is also licensed as a lawyer having earned his JD from Columbia University. He was eligible for and has participated in amateur music competitions such as the 2016 Chicago competition and the 2022 Cliburn Amateur competition. Conducting the choir at the Unitarian Church of Barnstable has been rewarding, and he tries to connect with the congregation through their singing. Our DoM strives to bring to the congregation an eclectic mix of music on the piano and organ, including some of his own compositions, and many from the great musical composers from history.
Nursery Coordinator and Children and Youth Program Assistant
As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and longtime early childhood professional turned religious educator, our Nursery Coordinator is passionate about helping UU churches welcome and support their very youngest congregants. She currently serves on staff at both UCB and Sanctuary Boston. She is the author of The Tending Years, a book for those caring for preschool-age children, and is also the creator of Ellery Churchmouse, a video series for UU kids and their families.