MEET OUR MINISTER & STAFF

Reverend Dana Worsnop

Rev. Dana Worsnop has been our minister since August 2016. She is a 2002 graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry in Berkeley and has served congregations in Oregon City, Oregon, Boise, Idaho, and Canada. She brings us her passion for the potential of our Unitarian Universalist faith to grow our spirits, to transform lives, and to bring more love and justice to the world.

“I love UU Ventura. It is such a powerful community, with depth of spirit and commitment,” she says. “My ministry is guided by theology of Howard Thurman who said, ‘Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive…. Because the what the world needs is people who have come alive.’ My profound hope is that this congregation will be full of lively people who keep inviting others in that we may ‘come alive’ together.”

Rev. Dana’s spiritual and religious inspiration arises from Buddhism and Jewish-Christian-Islamic traditions with a strong stream of Humanism running through it all. “I have had experiences of connection to a transcending mystery and wonder in the world and in relationship with others. I sometimes call it God, more often I leave it nameless.’”

Her family roots are in the midwest, though and she lived in the Bay Area for 20 years before ministry took her out of California. In previous careers, she was a newspaper reporter and editor and a 3rd grade teacher. She has two dogs, and still roots for the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco 49ers. She plays tennis, likes seeing movies on the big screen, and has been a Trekkie since the original series debuted in 1966.

Office hours:  by appointment

Jennifer Luce
Congregational Administrator
Hours:
Mon – Thurs, 9AM – 3PM
Friday, 9AM – 12PM
805-644-3898, ext 100
Email a message

Lily Rappaport
Acting Director of Family Ministry

I am delighted to be serving at UUCV as the Acting Director of Family Ministry. I have been a religious educator for 28 years.and have served a number of Unitarian Universalist congregations in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Ohio, Massachusetts, and Missouri. In addition to congregational work, I have served in leadership roles within the UU denomination and was on the Board of the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA) as well as on planning teams for the religious education conferences on Star Island in New Hampshire and in Ferry Beach in Maine.

I am a member of the Diverse Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) and the Asian/Pacific Islander Caucus Group, and enjoy helping congregations in their efforts to affirm their commitment to diversity and inclusion.

My experience has helped me to develop an understanding of major trends and innovations in the field of religious education today. These times call for innovation, flexibility and patience for all and I am excited to help UUCV redesign faith development for children and families and to support the development of innovative programs that will enrich this spiritual community. I look forward to serving and getting to know you as we embark on this journey together.

Carolyn Bjerke
Music Director 

I have been the Director of Music at Ventura UU since January, 2015. I conduct the adult and youth choir, coordinate musicians for the Sunday services, accompany hymns and guest soloists on piano, and sometimes add to the service with my own singing.

I have been teaching voice for over 20 years and have been the Musical Director for many musicals and ensembles, and served as a mentor music teacher for LAUSD. I hold a B.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Southern California and a Master’s degree in Drama/Musical Theater from the University of California, Irvine.

I also enjoy coaching students at their level, kids with special needs and ultra running.

Brian Fortune
A/V Technician  & Support

I grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and landed in Ventura right after graduating from the University of Dayton over 35 years ago. I produced local high school TV sports programming and survived three buyouts. I was hired at UUCV in June, 2014. I also work in the high school at the Ventura Youth Correctional facility. In addition, I officiate ice hockey, do occasional chauffeuring, and have my own company providing video deposition services.

I feel especially fortunate in that I really do enjoy all of my jobs. And the fact that everyone at the church has been so kind to me makes it a lot easier getting up on Sunday mornings than it could be.