Never Give Up with Joseph ‘Denis’ Lanoue
Longtime UUCN member Joseph ‘Denis’ Lanoue joins us with his big spirit, storytelling talent, and generous heart with a message shaped by lived experience, friendship, and the power of perseverance.
Bring Your Whole Self:
Your Identity, Your Mind, Your Heart
Our Worship & Gathering Center is located at 67 - 69 Main Street, Downtown Norwich, across from the Main Street parking garage. UUCN Physical building - right side (facing building) is the Worship space for services, left side (facing building) is the Gathering space.
Unitarian Universalist congregations and members voted to adopt a set of Shared Values, which we reference in our services, programs, and our individual lives and actions. Central to this group of Values is Love.
Everyone has a story—and we'd love for you to join us for worship in person on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. or virtually on Zoom, so we can get to know you, hear your story, and help you see how UUCN can empower the next phase of your journey!
We're pleased to host Zen meditation sessions, led by congregation member Willy Heineman, on Wednesday evenings at 7:15 pm. Donations are welcome.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Norwich (UUCN) also provides space for local artists to display their creativity and expertise in our Gathering space. Interested in exhibiting? Use our 'Contact Us' page to submit your name, contact information, and a short summary about your creative work.
Main Street Garage Note & Update: Parking on the lower three levels of the Main Street Parking Garage will be closed until repairs to the sprinkler system are completed, which will not happen until the pipes fully thaw. The upper level, accessed from Church Street, can be used by pass/permit holders only during this time. Any pass/permit holders who need to park in time-limited spots will not be ticketed during this period if the pass/permit is clearly displayed. There will be barricades in place to block off the lower levels of the garage, and these barricades should not be moved.
Upcoming Services
Holding Tension Without Breaking / Dialogue in a Fractured World
Staying present in tension is moral courage in miniature. Respecting another’s identity, culture, or viewpoint without the need to dominate or replace it allows the differences to coexist side-by-side, the elements to retain their meaning, and shows goodwill without sacrificing one’s own comfort or personal identity.
The Worship That Goes Wrong
On Sunday, March 22, we welcome the Rev. Tom Nalesnik back to our pulpit. Celebrating 25 years in ministry, Rev. Nalesnik brings a rich and varied background—from communications and advertising to parish and interim ministry, small group development, religious education, and writing for the web. In his sermon, inspired by a wild dream and the … Continue reading The Worship That Goes Wrong
Faith with a Backbone – When Attention Becomes Action
Paying attention changes us, and changed people act differently. What happens when pluralism meets injustice and the difference between tolerance and complicity becomes too plain to avoid, too obvious to ignore? Can the moral courage of a community sustain social witness when it becomes faith in action? What’s the difference between urgency and anxiety, and … Continue reading Faith with a Backbone – When Attention Becomes Action
Second Saturday Mindfulness Walk
Winter has arrived, and our 2nd Saturday Mindfulness Walks will be on hiatus until Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Next Walk -
April 11, 2026
Weather Permitting
We gather at the gazebo near Spaulding Pond and Park Center, do a short warm-up to engage our bodies, and then walk around the pond in silence. The walks take 30-45 minutes, and you walk at your own pace. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and depending on the temperatures, you might want a hat or gloves. All are welcome!
Service Information
Service duration is between 60 and 90 minutes, including (but not limited to) the following elements:
- Opening music, welcome, and announcements
- Hymns & Chalice lighting
- Joys & Concerns & music
- Sermon / Message
- Closing music, words
- Chalice extinguishing & dismissal
We have a coffee hour and discussion time immediately following.
All are welcome!
Check out our service archives on the ‘Worship’ page for a list of past services and speakers and to access PDF copies of sermons from our list of fabulous speakers – Click Here
Our Minister
Rev. Dianne M. Daniels began serving as our contract minister in September 2025, after over 30 years as a member of the UU faith at UUCN.
At the heart of her call to ministry is a strong belief in shared UU Values, the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, and a desire to share the "Good News" of Unitarian Universalism.
The UU practice of centering Love and radical acceptance drives her ministry and her preaching.
"We Are Unitarian Universalists"
This 3-minute video is one of the tools we use to help show who we are, what we do, and why it matters.
Rev. Dianne was a guest on Cate Steel's cable show "Stories Worth Telling" - check it out on YouTube below:
Parking Area (s)
Our downtown location at 67 – 69 Main Street offers parking on both sides of the street, and in the Main Street Garage right across the street from the church.
Our street is getting busier as residential units and commercial spaces in nearby buildings are renovated and rented (like the new Chelsea Groton bank branch at 55 Main Street) - please be careful driving and walking in the area.
Dress Code
We are not overly formal–most people wear what’s comfortable for them and what works for the current weather conditions. If you are used to “dressing up” for church and are comfortable with that, by all means, dress up!
Most people attended our live services in “business casual” clothing. Please observe the bounds of decency when choosing your attire for services.