Our Staff
The Rev. Dr. Kristen Harper
Minister
508 362-2233
klharperuu @ aol.com
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 and is happily married and shares her life with cats and a dog. Reflections
by Dr. Harper and A few sermons delivered by Dr. Harper.
DRE
Dawn MacKechnie
Director of Lifespan Ministries
508 362-6381 (church)
DRE at barnstableuu.org
Dawn 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. Dawn 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, Brenton, their two children, Ceilidh and Tristan, a dog and two cats. They enjoy eating, creating art, watching movies, playing games and laughing together. Dawn’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.”
Elizabeth Bader
Minister of Music
508 362-6381 (church)
Elizabeth
Bader, our Minister of Music, grew up in Connecticut where she sang in
the Congregational Church choir and substituted for the organist while
she was still in high school. In college she earned an Elementary
Education Certificate and a BA in Music History. She then went on to
earn a Masters Degree in Sacred Music at Boston University. She came to
our church in 1982 as the organist and a few years later became the
choir director as well. Elizabeth says she has enjoyed both teaching
and music ministry for every one of the last 31 years. And we have so
enjoyed having her here.
Chandra Bibeault
Office Administrator
ucb @ barnstableuu.org
508 362-6381
Chandra 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. Chandra lives in Cotuit with Bryan Hughes, nephew of long time member Kim Mercer, and her three children: Lillian Rose, Kiera Lynn and Jonah Patrick. They share their home with two English Mastiffs, Chloe and Pepper, and two red ear slider turtles, Gammera and Moria. When she is not working at the church Chandra 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.