Our Chalice - Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church

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We are a Welcoming Congregation, recognized by the Unitarian Universalist Association. This means we affirm and include people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer at every level of congregational life—in worship, in program, and in social occasions—welcoming you as whole people.

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P.O. Box 217
9 Ayer Road Harvard, MA 01451
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Parish Assistant:
Debbie Craig
978-456-8752
admin@uuharvard.org

Office Hours:

Available weekly: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

For urgent matters, please reach out by call or text 978-562-4869 and Debbie will respond as soon as possible

Thank you!

Minister:

Rev. Bran Lennox (they/them),
857-222-3614
minister@uuharvard.org

Office Hours:

Available weekly in the office : Tues, Thurs, Fridays from 2pm to 7pm.
By appointment, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10am to 8pm, in person or via zoom.

For urgent pastoral matters, please reach out by call or text immediately and Rev. Bran will respond as soon as possible.

Or for the Pastoral Care Team contact:
pastoralcareteam@uuharvard.org

Go here for more information on the Pastoral Care Team

A flame within a chalice (a cup with a stem and foot) is a primary symbol of the Unitarian Universalist faith tradition. Many UU congregations kindle a flaming chalice in gatherings and worships and feature the chalice symbol prominently. Read more about the UU chalice and its history here.

In 2016, the Board voted for the monies raised from the Auction Flash Item to go towards the acquisition of a new chalice; one that would represent our strength and growth as we transitioned from our long-time settled minister, Rev. Wendy Bell, to another. We commissioned Harvard-based sculptor, orchardist, and HUUC friend Linda Hoffman to create such a chalice. On March 26, 2017 during our Service of the Living Tradition, we unveiled this amazing bronzed piece (made from an actual apple tree trunk and branches from Linda’s orchard) that so very much speaks to us as a rooted congregation in beautiful “apple country.” Read the Rev. J. Mark Worth’s homily, “The Flaming Chalice,” here.

Excerpted from Linda’s blog post about creating our chalice:

“Inspired by my own love for trees and the Buddha’s story, I decided to use the image of a tree for the Harvard UU chalice. I made the trunk to support the chalice bowl and sculpted two small seated figures leaning against its trunk, enjoying the peacefulness, exemplifying a calm abiding, an equanimity. Above the figures, for the two circles, I used tree branches. The branches encircle the light and unify the world.”

The journey of our Chalice:

Sculptor Linda Hoffman in her Harvard studio. The wax mold base is made from an actual apple tree from Linda’s farm.

Linda and HUUC member Pam Frederick hold the apple branches that will become the Chalice’s double circle.

The Chalice is ready! Cary and Pam are welcomed by Linda.

Our Chalice in Linda’s Harvard studio.

Pam, Glen, and Cary hold the Chalice. It’s heavy!