Rev. Clara Young
Bridge Pastor
The Rev. Clara L. Young serves as Bridge Pastor at United Church of Christ Seneca Valley.
She is a graduate of Pfeiffer College (now University) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian
Education, minoring in Sociology. She graduated with a M.Div. from The School of Divinity,
Howard University, Washington DC. She was Ordained into Christian Ministry in October
2000 and is an Authorized Minister in the United Church of Christ.
Clara has spent her adult working career in the service of the church, first as a Church
Educator. She has served as a consultant in Christian Education both privately and as a
Partner in Education of the UCC. For the past 15 years she has served churches in four of
the five Associations of the Central Atlantic Conference as an Interim Minister.
Clara and her husband Randy make their home in Northern Virginia where they enjoy their
garden. Clara enjoys stitching counted cross stitch, some basic knitting, reading, and
delving into family history and stories.
Clara looks forward to sharing this journey with UCCSV as they continue their process of
discovering their next called pastor.
Catherine Benskin has been a familiar face at UCCSV since 2007, drawn by the congregation’s authentic kindness and generous welcome. With over 20 years of professional experience in liturgical music, Catherine has served as a cantor, choir director, and recording artist, even performing in auditioned Papal Mass choirs for two different Popes. She is particularly called to the ministry of music for bereaved families and has spent years building music programs from the ground up. Outside of her role as Co-Minister of Music, Catherine has worked as a local office manager for 15 years. She and her husband, George, enjoy theater, square dancing and protesting. She shares her home with her two adult offspring, Damian & George and her dog, Trixi. Catherine is privileged to bring her musical gifts to her chosen church family alongside her son, George.
George Henry Benskin V has been a part of the UCC Seneca Valley family since 2007. Currently serving as the Co-Minister of Music & Accompanist, George’s ministry began with a memorable Christmas Day performance in 2011. He holds an A.A. in Music from Montgomery College and is completing a Bachelor’s in Music Composition at George Mason University, where he also teaches piano and music theory. A dedicated listener, George is committed to attuning his music to the energy of the liturgy—finding the sacred in everything from the sermon and the "joyful noise" of the Prayground to the quiet moments of reflection.
Dalia is an experienced office manager with more than 15 years of administrative, financial, and operational experience. She enjoys creating organized, welcoming environments where both staff and visitors feel supported. Throughout her career, she has managed office operations, finances, payroll, human resources, and a variety of day-to-day administrative responsibilities, always with a strong attention to detail and a commitment to excellent service.
In her hybrid role, Dalia enjoys balancing collaboration with her team in the office while maintaining efficiency when working remotely. She values building positive relationships, solving problems, and helping organizations run smoothly behind the scenes.
Outside of work, Dalia lives in the Rockville area with her husband and her energetic 7-year-old daughter, who keeps life full of laughter and adventure. Whether spending time with family, serving her community, or taking on a new challenge, Dalia believes in leading with kindness, integrity, and a positive attitude.
