Reverend Liss Larsen to speak at Union Chapel
The service on Aug. 16 at Union Chapel will feature Chapel Trustee and preacher Rev. Liss Larsen who will speak about “Why Words Matter in the Age of AI.” Music will be performed by guest musicians Jeannie Woelker (cello) and Jean Hendrickson (flute). An outdoor reception, catered by Stars Café, will follow the indoor service.
Rev. Elisabeth (Liss) Larsen is an ordained Interfaith Chaplain and End-of-Life Doula who provides “compassionate spiritual care to individuals and their loved ones” at East End Hospice where she serves as full-time chaplain. She has been a Union Chapel trustee since 2023.
She is a graduate of Rosemont College (BFA, 1996) and The Chaplaincy Institute (2025). She was baptized Presbyterian, raised Episcopalian, attended a Catholic college, and found her home in Unitarian Universalism in her early 20s. She has served on the Parish Board of her UU church for three years, and led special interest groups and committees.
Rev. Liss said she “draws spiritual sustenance from being immersed in nature, especially on the water.” Sailing has been a passion since childhood. She has practiced yoga for 35 years and enjoys Eastern spiritual influences. She is concerned with social justice, especially advocacy for elders.
She has been an artist, environmental non-profit co-founder, advocate for marginalized people, mentor, and caregiver. She spent three decades as a graphic designer and has worked in Communications and Admissions departments of boarding schools for over 15 years.
She spent summers on Shelter Island since childhood, living in the “Churchmouse,” her family’s summer cottage opposite the Chapel. A year-round resident for 12 years, she loves spending time with her sons, Ben and Ollie, her husband, Tyson, and her extended family.
About the musicians
Cellist Jeannie Woelker and flautist Jean Hendrickson have performed at Union Chapel as part of the group Basically Baroque. Jeannie Woelker is also a member of the Cottage Trio. She has a degree in music from Stony Brook University and attended the Boston Conservatory of Music and C.W. Post College. She has been teaching strings for over 20 years and also teaches at East End Arts in Riverhead. Jean Hendrickson teaches ESL at Stony Brook University, studied at Oberlin College and at the French flute school.
Next week: Harvest Sunday, featuring Sylvester Manor. Rev. Galen Guengerich will preach. Manor Trustees and staff will participate in the service.
