Minister's Column

I write to you having just led my first official service as the called
and settled minister at the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Ventura. I had a simply wonderful time Sunday morning. And
then you threw a magnificent potluck to welcome me.
My initial impression – that you are a strong church committed
to one another and to what Unitarian Universalism can mean and
accomplish in the world – continues to grow and deepen. Each day
I am finding more and more to love about this congregation and
about Ventura County. My dog Scout and I have already found
a couple of favorite beaches, and I continue to delight getting to
know the many people of the church and learn more about the
good work you are about. We’re going to have fun together, even
as we take on serious, thoughtful work both within and beyond
the congregation.
My aim these first weeks and months is not to leap into getting
lots and lots done. I was raised with a strong Protestant work ethic,
and I need to resist being led into that particular temptation. I
know also I represent change just by being here. Yet this time
around – different from the interim work – the change isn’t about
stirring things up so you see new ways of doing things. Rather it is
about how we will come to do things newly – together. Ultimately
we’ll find the way to discovering how we do things together in
ways that last. So, I am taking things slowly, finding out how you
are used to doing things, considering in the light of what I have
found works, and talking with folks about it all.
All that said, you will note some changes right away, most notably
in the worship services and in this very newsletter.
Your newsletter will not longer lead with sermon titles and
blurbs. I find it difficult to know what I want to preach about up
to six weeks ahead of time. Part of this, no doubt arises from my
early training on a daily newspaper. I will be discussing services
with Worship Associates, Music Director Carolyn Howard and
Director of Religious Education Joyce Faber. We will be letting
folks know about upcoming services – especially in ways that are
welcoming to newcomers. Yet we will also be leaving room to let
the “spirit move,” so to speak. And that means no more blurbs!
On September 11, the service will be an All Generations Water
Communion, my favorite way to begin the program year. So please
bring a small sample of water from a place that has meaning for
you – perhaps a place of spiritual refreshment or sustenance. Mine
will be from the coast of Oregon. Also bring a small stone or rock
to add to the waterfall we will create for the service. The stones
will become the ones we use for Joys and Sorrows, the water will
become the ‘holy water” of the church.
It is so wonderful already to be among you.
With love,
Dana