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.
Chandra Bibeault
Office Administrator
508 362-6381
ucb @ barnstableuu.org
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.
Dawn MacKechnie
Director of Child and Youth Ministries
508 362-6381 (church)
DCYM 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.”
James Rosenblum
Director of Music
music at barnstableuu.org
James Rosenblum 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, James is also licensed as a lawyer having earned his JD from Columbia University. James 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 Barnstable Unitarian Church has been rewarding, and James tries to connect with the congregation through their singing. James 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.
Jen Shattuck
Nursery Coordinator and Children and Youth Program Assistant
As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist and longtime early childhood professional turned religious educator, Jen is passionate about helping UU churches welcome and support their very youngest congregants. She currently serves on staff at both UCB and Sanctuary Boston. Jen 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.