In brief

United Ministry at Harvard to sponsor lunchtime talks

An umbrella organization of nearly 40 chaplains representing 26 of the world’s religious traditions, the United Ministry at Harvard is committed to serving Harvard’s diverse student communities. To that end, the organization is presenting a brown-bag luncheon series with a pair of talks on Nov. 28 and Jan. 23. Both talks will be held in the Phillips Brooks House parlor from noon to 1 p.m.

At the Nov. 28 talk, the Rev. Irv Cummings of American Baptist Chaplaincy will discuss “Being Religious in a Pluralistic Environment: Christianity and the Gay Person.” An openly gay American Baptist pastor and Harvard chaplain, Cummings will guide a conversation about the resources available for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Christians. The second talk in January will feature the Rev. Don Larsen of the University Lutheran Church in Cambridge, Mass. The title of his discussion is “Being Religious in a Pluralistic Environment: ‘Salvations’ and the Work of Mark Heim.”

The talks are open to all Harvard employees, faculty, and students.

Christmas Revels to celebrate solstice

A Cambridge holiday tradition since 1971, the Christmas Revels will return to Harvard’s Sanders Theatre beginning Dec. 15 for 17 performances of folkloric music, dance, and drama. Tickets, ranging from $15 to $45, are available online at http://www.revels.org, or through the Harvard Box Office at (617) 496-2222. Additionally, group sales are available by calling Alan at (617) 972-8300 (ext.22).

Directed by Patrick Swanson and music director George Emlen, the 2006 Revels will feature a talented ensemble of more than 80 performers, including the acclaimed Revels Chorus of adults and children, Orion Longsword, the Cambridge Symphonic Brass Ensemble, and the Pinewoods Morris Men.