West Hartford Church Names Familiar Face As Fill-In Minister

Universalist Church of West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Unitarian Universalist Minister Rev. Dianne M. Daniels will serve as
sabbatical minister at the Universalist Church of West Hartford through January 31, 2024.

Daniels will serve church members, and the Greater Hartford community, as the Rev. Dr. Adam Robersmith begins a six-month sabbatical.

“I look forward to tending to the ‘worship lives’ of the congregation at the Universalist Church of West Hartford and making connections in the Greater Hartford community,” said Daniels. “I will bring my personal flavor to worship with services that build on the Unitarian Universalist foundation to include my ‘perfectly imperfect’ viewpoint and experiences. It’s all a part of who we were, who we are, and who we can become.”

“I originally came to the faith at the invitation of a respected elder,” said Daniels. “When I first attended a Unitarian Universalist service, I was pleased to find a group of people who didn’t dictate what I should believe or how faith should operate in my life.

"Instead, I found a diverse range of wisdom and practice; big, open hearts; and a welcoming spirit in a strong faith community. I’m inviting area residents to join us for services and learn more about the Universalist Church of West Hartford."

Daniels is not unfamiliar with church members.

"Rev. Dianne has been guest-preaching at our Universalist Church of West Hartford the past two years,” said church board member Gretchen Fountain. “Her sermons are always inspiring, so we are excited to see — and hear — what Rev. Dianne will bring during her time with us.”

Daniels is a born-and-bred Detroiter and a 30-plus year resident of Norwich.

She found refuge and inspiration in Unitarian Universalism for more than 20 years and is a 2022 graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry, a member of the board of directors of the Connecticut Storytelling Association, and recently retired from her position as a registrar of voters in Norwich.

The Universalist Church of West Hartford is an inclusive religious community founded on the Unitarian Universalist principles of love, acceptance, justice, and service and is located at 433 Fern Street in West Hartford. Services are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. — in person and virtually on its YouTube channel — and include a mix of inspiring words and music.

To learn more about Daniels and the Universalist Church of West Hartford, visit www.WestHartfordUU.org.