Our Minister
Ministry
Rev. David M. Horst, Consulting Minister
Rev. David M. Horst served Unitarian Universalist congregations in the Boston area, Nantucket, and New Jersey for 20 years and now works as a community minister at the New London Homeless Hospitality Center.
He is the founder of The Open Circle, a spiritual direction practice for individuals and groups based in Norwich. He is affiliated with All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in New London, the Spiritual Life Center in West Hartford, Spiritual Directors International, and the Unitarian Universalist Society for Community Ministry.
Rev. Horst leads a monthly online group spiritual direction program called “The Topic.” He blogs regularly at the-open-circle.com/ or find The Open Circle Norwich on Facebook.
He holds an M.Div. degree from Harvard Divinity School and a Certificate in Spiritual Guidance from the Unitarian Universalist Rowe Center. He lives in Norwich with his spouse Alyson Gaylord-Loy, an artist and teacher, and their son Darly Horst-Loy, a student at Norwich Free Academy. Their daughter, Domnica-Horst Loy, attends Landmark College in Putney, Vermont.
Rev. Horst will be completing his time with UUCN at the end of June 2025, and we wish him all success and much fulfillment as he pursues his calling.
Rev. Dianne M. Daniels, Contract Minister
Rev. Dianne M. Daniels is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister, spiritual director, and founder of Diva Style Ministry, LLC, where she empowers women to embrace their authenticity, deepen their spiritual journey, and live boldly with purpose.
Beginning July 1, 2025, Rev. Dianne will serve as the Contract Minister for the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Norwich (UUCN), bringing her passion for transformative preaching and compassionate leadership to the pulpit.
She will begin regular preaching in September 2025 on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, guiding the congregation with messages of hope, resilience, and spiritual empowerment grounded in UU values.
Programs
All programs are held at the Unitarian Universalist Worship & Gathering Center, 67 – 69 Main Street, Norwich, unless otherwise indicated.
2025 Rose City PRIDE Committee Startup – meetings are planned for the first Monday of each month at 5 p.m., beginning March 17, 2025, at Foundry66 – 66 Franklin Street, Norwich
Rose City Poetry Series – Last Monday of the month in our Gather space, at 7:00 p.m.
Zen Meditation – Wednesdays, 7:15 a.m., led by William Heineman
Norwich Area Interfaith Association – first Wednesday of each month, 4 p.m. at the Sikh Art Gallery, 7 Clinic Drive, Norwich, CT 06360