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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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.
It is with great joy and celebration that the Board would like to announce the creation of an “Emeritus” position here at the Harvard Unitarian Church. “Emeritus” is a word drawn from the latin Emerere, or “having fully earned.”
Since joining the Harvard UU Church in 2005, Ted Johnson has been our organist and music director. Prior to his time with us, he served at the Unitarian Church in Winchester for 13 years, as well as playing for several churches in California during his early career. Ted received undergraduate music training at the University of Redlands and California State University Fullerton, majoring in piano and organ performance and church music administration. He is a Colleague in the American Guild of Organists (AGO), serving in leadership roles with that organization across the country, from Orange County, to the Boston and Worcester Chapters.
Ted obtained a JD degree from Western State University in Fullerton, California, and was a practicing attorney in California before relocating to Massachusetts in 1991 and obtaining a Masters and Doctorate from Tufts University. He is currently on the faculty of the Heller School at Brandeis University where he teaches International Development and Dispute Resolution. He’s also a pilot, an advocate for civil rights, and a talented conversationalist.
Ted has spoken with particular affection about how he has revelled in the opportunity to bring people together year round to make music in our sanctuary, including choirs from other churches, musicians, and soloists. He singled out the particular joys of services and events around Christmas and of collaborating with other musicians for community concerts. During his time with us, Ted has led the choir, played the organ, conducted the Messiah, and filled our Sundays with music that made us laugh, sing, and cry. More than that, he has been a pillar of our community, a village elder full of wisdom, experience and generous spirit. We are filled with immense gratitude for all that Ted has done in his time with HUUC, and we look forward to continuing our relationship as the new role unfolds.
Ted’s transition to an emeritus role will be accompanied by other changes in music staffing for next year. Going forward, we can still expect to hear Ted’s organ, harpsichord, piano, maybe even accordion, although it will be less frequent than we are accustomed to.
Please join me in congratulating Ted in his new role as Emeritus Music Director for the Harvard UU Church!
Jewish holiday Passover seder plate and traditional symbols for graphic and web design. Vector illustrationOur All Church Potluck Passover Seder is open to all members of our community, young and old. Please join us on April 7th as we remember the story of the liberation of the ancient Hebrews from slavery in Egypt—a great struggle for freedom and dignity. We come together at the Seder to remember all people who have struggled, and continue to struggle, for human freedom. Please arrive at 5:45, so that we can start at 6:00 sharp. (The ritual takes about half an hour, and we want to avoid anyone, especially children, getting too hungry. 🙂
Please RSVP to Carol MacFarlane (carolmacfarlane@gmail.com) with the number of people coming. And click on the Sign Up Genius link below to sign up to bring a dish and/or help with kitchen duties. We are still developing the menu and are open to suggestions, as well as want to know any food allergies/dietary restrictions.
On Sunday, Feb. 12th, we will be including a New Member Celebration as part of the service. If you are interested in becoming a member and would like to be included in this celebration, please see Rev. Bran or Carol MacFarlane, Connections Team Chair, about signing the membership book, either after the service or by appointment. Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you!
Would you be interested in sharing your talents in a church service at some point? We are putting together a list of musical folks in the congregation for reference. If you’d like to participate, [click here] to fill out a short survey.
We’ll be singing on the following 6 Sundays: 11/6, 11/27, 12/11, and on Christmas Eve, 12/24.
Rehearsals are on the following Thursdays at 7:45PM-9:15PM in the church: 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8 and 12/22. If you can’t make all of them, we’ll be happy to have you when you’re available.
There is nothing more joyful than helping create wonderful musical memory moments. If you’ve been thinking of trying out the choir — this is a great opportunity to serve our deserving community and also to have a wonderful time with music appreciating friends.
Our long-time friend and former Director of Religious Education, Laura Vilain, has recently begun her new journey with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Reading. We want to express our appreciation for her work with our community and wish her all the best in her new role! Join us after the service on Sunday, October 9th in the Fellowship Building for a send-off celebration. We will accept contributions of snacks and baked goods, and there will be a basket to collect cards for Laura.
The Alliance has been invited to join the League of Women Voters in a discussion on gun violence. Please note the date and time change below .
Event Date: Monday October 3 at 7:00 pm Event Location: ZOOM LINK
Program: What is happening regarding gun violence in Massachusetts? Join the League of Women Voters of Westwood Walpole & Dedham to discuss this issue with Executive Director, Ruth Zacharin, of the MA Coalition against Gun Violence on Monday, 10/3 at 7 PM on Zoom.
Ruth spent over 20 years working with youth and adults impacted by domestic and sexual violence before becoming the inaugural Executive Director of the Coalition in May of 2019. Ruth has her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and is also trained as a community organizer. She is particularly interested in creating models of trauma informed advocacy and policy making. Nearly 250 people die from gun violence each year in MA, and many more are injured. Suicide is the leading cause of gun death in our country.
The arrival of spring means it’s time for the HUUC Auction, which is on Saturday, May 14th at 5 PM in the Fellowship Building. Our theme this year is Roaring in the Twenties—so put this fun event on your calendar. We will have a live auction event in the Fellowship Hall as well as a silent auction (online). Those who prefer to attend the live event virtually will have an opportunity to do so. Right now, the Auction Committee encourages you to donate an item for the auction. Wondering what to donate? Consider a gift basket, tickets to a live performance or a sporting event, a cord of wood, a gift certificate to a local restaurant, an antique item, or collectibles. If you do something well (flower arranging, garden design, woodworking, cooking, or baking)—offer your expertise to the highest bidder. Team up with friends and throw a dinner party. To sign-up for the event, donate or obtain more information on donations/registration go to the auction website below.
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