The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura has voted overwhelmingly to call the Rev. Dana Worsnop as its new settled minister. Rev. Worsnop led services on April 24 and May 1, and met with numerous groups and committees, in order to begin to get to know members of the congregation.
Rev. Worsnop stated “Together, we will grow and build this new connection into a tapestry with shining thread, creating the bonds of community with intricate patterns.”
Search committee member David Henkel found Rev. Worsnop’s views on collaboration important for the church. “As we were getting to know Rev. Dana, I was heartened to learn that it is her practice to collaborate closely with all the paid staff in creating a unified ministry. Her view is that the entire community joins in crafting a ministry that becomes our common identity and each person has a role to play that adds to the sacred whole.”
Rev. Worsnop brings a wealth of experience with her. She has been a parish minister for 13 years, 10 as the settled minister at Atkinson Memorial Church in Oregon City, Oregon and 3 years as an interim minister in Calgary, Alberta and Boise, Idaho.
The Reverend Worsnop was chosen by the Ventura church following a nine-month search conducted by a seven-member settled ministerial search committee. In-depth research into the needs and desires of the members of the congregation began the process through surveys and focus groups.
Search committee member Gretchen Buck explained one factor in the decision, “Respect for diversity is critical for a Unitarian Universalist minister, but diversity has many facets. With Rev. Dana, I didn’t even have to ask the burning question ‘Are you a cat person or a dog person?’ because her website told us that she has one of each. I think that’s when I knew she would fit right in with our congregation.”
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura is located at 5654 Ralston St. It’s website is uuventura.org
