Podcasts about First Unitarian Church

What does it mean to live in a world that is driven by greed? This popular Tawainese folktale helps us think about fairness and selflessness as life values.

With many of our foundations in reason and Enlightenment-era thinking, Unitarian Universalists often struggle with mystery. We're often averse to things we might perceive as stories and beliefs that present as "supernatural." But what if "real" and "not real" is a false binary? Perhaps we're not asking the right questions when it comes to grappling with the unexplainable. About Cameron Young (they/them) Cameron is a lifelong Texan and Unitarian Universalist- prior to assuming the position as Lead for the UUA Southern Region Congregational Life staff, Cameron worked as field staff since 2019. Before joining the UUA, Cameron served as a lifespan religious educator in Fort Worth, Texas. Cameron has a Bachelor of Music from Louisiana State University and a Master of Divinity at Brite Divinity School where they graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Sexual and Gender Justice certificate and the prestigious Walker Preaching Scholarship- they are currently a candidate for UU Ministry. A professional musician and classically trained singer, Cameron has performed in numerous operas and musicals, is a member and co-founder of the singing group Uptown Carolers and recorded with Grammy award winner Leon Bridges on his debut album. In their spare time, Cameron is an avid traveler, diehard fan of DFW sports teams, and devoted coffee drinker.

Join us as we celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood.

What do we owe to mothers on Mother's Day. Lets talk about it!

T. S. Eliot wrote about the experience of seeking and exploring, only to return to where you started and to know the place for the first time. Looking back on our church's theme year, what do we know now – about ourselves, our faith, our community, our world – that we didn't know when we started? Reimagining and Remaking Series The world as we've known it is shifting, shaped by climate crisis, injustice, polarization, and deep longing for something better. In this closing series of our Return Again theme year, we ask: What now? What next? What if? This is a time for spiritual imagination. Let's explore the creativity needed to dream beyond the limits we've known, the courage to honor the Earth and our shared destiny, the persistence to make racial equity real, and the wisdom that comes when we return to our beginnings with new eyes. Together, we will imagine what is possible and take the first steps toward making it real.

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald sits down with Jerry Hawkins, our Director of Equity Initiatives and Community History Fellow in Residence, to explore the hidden and often erased history of race and racism in Dallas. Together, they discuss why uncovering these stories matters, how missing archives and silenced narratives shape public memory, and why imagination is sometimes necessary to rebuild a fuller picture of the past. Jerry shares his journey of piecing together Dallas's complex racial history, recommends essential books and documentaries, and reflects on how the city's future depends on honestly facing its past. This conversation offers a thoughtful introduction to Dallas history, community storytelling, and the ongoing work of racial equity.

The work of racial equity is foundational to the world we hope to build. We'll reflect on the commitment, honesty, and transformation required to bring that hope to life. Reimagining and Remaking Series The world as we've known it is shifting, shaped by climate crisis, injustice, polarization, and deep longing for something better. In this closing series of our Return Again theme year, we ask: What now? What next? What if? This is a time for spiritual imagination. Let's explore the creativity needed to dream beyond the limits we've known, the courage to honor the Earth and our shared destiny, the persistence to make racial equity real, and the wisdom that comes when we return to our beginnings with new eyes. Together, we will imagine what is possible and take the first steps toward making it real.

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Director of Equity Initiatives Jerry Hawkins joins Rev. T. J. FitzGerald for a conversation about racial equity, faith, and the work already happening within the church and the wider Dallas community. Jerry shares his story, from growing up in Chicago to years of equity work across organizations, and reflects on what it means to step into this new role at the church. Together, they talk about the church's long-standing commitment to racial equity and why this moment is about turning intention into action.

On this Earth Day, we honor our deep interdependence with the living world and reflect on how we might care for our planet as a shared destiny. Reimagining and Remaking Series The world as we've known it is shifting, shaped by climate crisis, injustice, polarization, and deep longing for something better. In this closing series of our Return Again theme year, we ask: What now? What next? What if? This is a time for spiritual imagination. Let's explore the creativity needed to dream beyond the limits we've known, the courage to honor the Earth and our shared destiny, the persistence to make racial equity real, and the wisdom that comes when we return to our beginnings with new eyes. Together, we will imagine what is possible and take the first steps toward making it real.

Send us Fan MailWe've been meeting some of the amazing people out in the city of Des Moines doing the good work. This episode we're keeping it local, meeting with an amazing person right here on our church staff doing the good work!Support the show

Series: Building 4th Community — Member Presentations Russell takes us on a journey through the history and heart of Unitarian Universalism, from the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE to the pews of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. He traces the anti-Trinitarian thread from Arius through the martyrdom of Michael Servetus — burned at the stake on green wood by John Calvin's Geneva — to the Transylvanian kings who first legalized Unitarianism in 1568. In early America, the movement intertwined with the Revolution itself: Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin held Unitarian views, and the Lexington Green meetinghouse served as both church and battlefield hospital. Russell highlights Theodore Parker — the self-taught abolitionist who walked ten miles to Harvard, harbored escaped slaves, funded John Brown's raid on Harpers Ferry, and coined the phrase about the arc of the moral universe bending toward justice. Parker's words later shaped Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches. The presentation turns personal as Russell describes his own congregation's 125-year history of radical hospitality — hosting Muslim and LGBTQ+ congregations when no one else would, playing a foundational role in Roe v. Wade, and running the OWL comprehensive sexuality education program. He reads the church's affirmation — "Love is the doctrine of our church" — and shares how a minister recently preached that Unitarianism has an infinite number of sacraments, because the searching itself is holy. The group explores where UU emphasis on social justice intersects with the Ra Material's understanding of catalyst, suffering, and the activation of green-ray consciousness. Russell reflects that his understanding of suffering as integral to the human condition has deepened through his participation in Building 4th — a meeting point between UU's outward-facing compassion and the community's contemplative, inward-turning work with the Law of One. Key References: Ra, Session 34.6 (suffering as catalyst); Ra, Session 32.14 (acceptance of self as the Creator, an entity of infinite worth); the Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism; Theodore Parker's "arc of the moral universe"; the UUA's 2024 Core Shared Values.

Let's think outside the box together about what creativity and imagination is called for in this time. How far can our imagination take us? Reimagining and Remaking Series The world as we've known it is shifting, shaped by climate crisis, injustice, polarization, and deep longing for something better. In this closing series of our Return Again theme year, we ask: What now? What next? What if? This is a time for spiritual imagination. Let's explore the creativity needed to dream beyond the limits we've known, the courage to honor the Earth and our shared destiny, the persistence to make racial equity real, and the wisdom that comes when we return to our beginnings with new eyes. Together, we will imagine what is possible and take the first steps toward making it real.

Send us Fan MailWe've been meeting some of the amazing people out in the city of Des Moines doing the good work. This episode we're keeping it local, meeting with an amazing person right here on our church staff doing the good work!Support the show

In the latest novel from author Emma Straub, a newly-divorced woman named Annie reluctantly goes on a cruise with her sister, a cruise designed for fans of one 90s era boy band. But Annie's experience changes when she meets a member of the band who is lonely, and looking for a friend. Straub discusses American Fantasy, out today. Straub will be speaking with Lin Manuel Miranda on April 7 at 7 pm at the First Unitarian Church.

This Unitarian Universalist Easter sermon, "Above the Fold" by Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, follows a reporter arriving in Jerusalem after Jesus' death, trying to gather the story for his readers. As he speaks with ordinary people, he hears how Jesus changed lives in simple but powerful ways. People became more generous, more compassionate, and more aware of one another. Through these encounters, the reporter begins to see that the true story lives in the way people carry forward what they learned. The sermon speaks about resurrection as something we experience in everyday life. It shows how love, kindness, and small acts of care can bring new life into the world. Rev. Kanter invites us to reflect on our own lives and consider who might need our attention, help, or compassion. The message is a call to live with an open heart and to take part in the ongoing work of bringing hope and love into the world.

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald shares important updates on immigration enforcement in Dallas and across the country. Drawing from what he's seeing in local neighborhoods and stories from other cities, he speaks about the growing fear many families are facing and the real impact on everyday life. He also highlights ways people can respond, from supporting mutual aid efforts to connecting with legal resources and staying informed. This episode reminds us that communities can stand together, care for one another, and take action in the face of uncertainty. Immigration Resources: https://linktr.ee/txhabeas First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

More than a person; more than God. This Palm Sunday, we will reflect on how Unitarian Universalism might engage with this often-misunderstood theological idea.

Reclaiming Religious Language: Confession | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter Many of us have never sat in a confessional but have had to break ourselves open to the truth of who we are. What is confession in a Unitarian Universalist context?

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explore the meaning of Lent in simple terms. They talk about this season as a time to reflect on life, mortality, and what truly matters, while inviting listeners to consider spiritual practices that go beyond just "giving something up." Instead, they share how picking up meaningful habits—like prayer, reflection, or reading together—can help ground us in everyday life. The conversation also touches on themes of confession, grace, and the power of being fully known and still loved. Through personal stories and thoughtful dialogue, they imagine how a faith rooted in deep, freeing love might create space for healing and connection. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

"Sacrament" is not a common word in Unitarian Universalist discourse, but we say it every Sunday in our Affirmation. Let's explore what we really mean when we say "the quest of truth" is our sacrament.

In this special Women's History Month episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana reflect on the legacy of women's leadership in Unitarian Universalism. They share stories about pioneering minister Olympia Brown and the "Iowa Sisterhood," a group of women who helped build congregations across the Midwest in the late 1800s while facing barriers and skepticism along the way. Their courage, creativity, and faith helped shape a tradition where women have long held meaningful leadership roles. The conversation also explores what matriarchal leadership can look like today. Rev. T. J. and Rev. Beth talk about family influence, ministry, and the ways women have turned qualities often labeled as "feminine" into sources of strength and community power. They invite viewers to think about the matriarchs in their own lives and how those examples might guide the future of our churches, families, and communities. Happy Women's History Month! First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

In his sermon, "Reclaiming Religious Language: Blessing," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it really means to give and receive a blessing in a world filled with conflict, fear, and uncertainty. Through stories, personal experiences, and the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes, he explores how blessing can begin with simple attention to one another and to the realities of life. This message invites us to slow down and see the people around us with compassion and care. When we recognize the humanity in others, our words and actions can become blessings that bring connection, healing, and hope into everyday life.

Several local faith leaders recently traveled to Minneapolis to protest ICE and to show solidarity with the community. We talk with them about what they witness and what they learned. In studio: Rev. Deborah L. Hughes, American Baptist minister Rev. Shari Quan, lead minister of First Unitarian Church of Rochester Rev. Dan Brockway, M.Div., Ph.D., lead pastor at Brockport First Baptist Rev. Lisa Friedman, Minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of Minnetonka, Minnesota ---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

Join us for a much loved and meaningful tradition – Youth Sunday! Our YRUU teens lead the service, sharing their musical gifts and reflections on our theme year "Return Again."

In her sermon "Love at the Center," Rev. Beth Dana reflects on the meaning of unconditional love through the story of Hosea Ballou, a child who learned that he was loved even when he was muddy, curious, and imperfect. That early lesson shaped his belief that God's love must be wide enough for everyone. Rev. Dana invites us to remember that we are already beloved and we should see others the same way, especially in a world that often teaches shame, fear, and exclusion. Love is at the center of Unitarian Universalist faith and shows up in everyday practices like worship, community care, justice work, and self-compassion. The sermon calls us to keep choosing love, to take risks for it, and to let it guide how we live together.

In a time of violence and division Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter's sermon "Giving Heart" reflects on what it means to keep a giving heart when fear and anger feel overwhelming. Rev. Kanter names the grief and exhaustion many are carrying while affirming a Unitarian Universalist faith that sees this world as sacred and deeply interconnected. We are invited to move beyond tolerance toward genuine inclusion rooted in generosity, joy, and human dignity. This sermon calls for a steady practice of hope and care that resists dehumanization and protects our shared humanity even in the hardest moments.

A Unitarian Universalist Sermon for Martin Luther King Day | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 01.18.2026 In his sermon "The Name of Love," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on on Martin Luther King Jr.'s message for us in troubled times. Drawing from Dr. King's teachings on agape love, nonviolence, and moral courage, this UU sermon explores what it means to live with purpose when fear, injustice, and division feel overwhelming. It looks honestly at the tension between love and resistance and why Dr. King believed real love always carries a cost. King's speech at SMU on March 17, 1966: https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu/mlk/transcripts

Welcome to our first post-holiday post since mid-December. Here is our first-ever, back-to-back twin episode post featuring The Artists Index podcast host Scott Bishop's conversations with Maggi Kerr Peirce, the author of A Belfast Girl. HERE IS PART ONE: According to the Parkhurst Brothers Publishing website, she "...sang her native Irish ballads from the Newport Folk Festival to Puget Sound during the 1970s. She performed on many of the same stages as Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, and Mary." She graced storytelling festivals from coast-to-coast with her Irish stories. The revered storyteller, a founder of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, a legendary and long-running (1967-2002) folk music and arts venue in New Bedford, Massachusetts, held at the First Unitarian Church. It was a vibrant community hub for the musicians, poets, and young people of the South Coast. Maggi has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and received the National Storytelling Network (USA) Oracle Award for lifetime achievement. Scott Bishop spoke with her at her home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Maggi Peirce was 93 at the time of her passing in December 2024. She shared just some of her many memories, as well as her love of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, the South Coast, and so much more.   Maggi Kerr Peirce Fairhaven Massachusetts 02719   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Welcome to our first post-holiday post since mid-December. Here is our first-ever, back-to-back twin episode post featuring The Artists Index podcast host Scott Bishop's conversations with Maggi Kerr Peirce, the author of A Belfast Girl. HERE IS PART TWO: According to the Parkhurst Brothers Publishing website, she "...sang her native Irish ballads from the Newport Folk Festival to Puget Sound during the 1970s. She performed on many of the same stages as Pete Seeger, the Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul, and Mary." She graced storytelling festivals from coast-to-coast with her Irish stories. The revered storyteller, a founder of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, a legendary and long-running (1967-2002) folk music and arts venue in New Bedford, Massachusetts, held at the First Unitarian Church. It was a vibrant community hub for the musicians, poets, and young people of the South Coast. Maggi has been featured at the National Storytelling Festival and received the National Storytelling Network (USA) Oracle Award for lifetime achievement. Scott Bishop spoke with her at her home in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. Maggi Peirce was 93 at the time of her passing in December 2024. She shared just some of her many memories, as well as her love of the Tryworks Coffeehouse, the South Coast, and so much more.   Maggi Kerr Peirce Fairhaven Massachusetts 02719   Email | Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube   PODCASTS ALSO AVAILABLE ON: YouTube WHILE YOU'RE HERE: Please consider donating whatever you can to ensure that our mission continues as we document the legacies of South Coast Artists. If you would like to be a guest on The Artists Index or have a suggestion, please let us know!  

Who we are is shaped by each other, even as we long to be our own person. We'll explore the UU value of interdependence and how we balance being ourselves with belonging to each other.

Beyond the Buffet: A Unitarian Universalist Sermon About Pluralism | Return to Who You Are | Rev. Beth Dana In her sermon, "Beyond the Buffet," Rev. Beth Dana explores what it truly means to be Unitarian Universalist in a world of many religions and cultures. Rev. Dana invites us to move past the idea of religion as a pick-and-choose buffet and instead embrace genuine pluralism, deep respect, and real engagement with difference. She also reflects on the other shared Unitarian Universalist values of transformation, justice, equity, interdependence, generosity, and love, and shows how they call us to honor many paths to the sacred without claiming to hold all the answers.

The Fire This Time | Return to Who You Are | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald We begin the year with our annual burning ritual. In honoring the UU value of transformation, we let go of what no longer serves us—making room for new commitments and deeper truths.

Rest of the Story — After so many stories and visits, we pause and reflect on the ways the stories we tell impact us still today. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald dive into what it truly means to be an LGBTQ-affirming church and why it matters now more than ever. This conversation explores queer inclusion in faith, Unitarian Universalist values, and the radical idea that church should be a place where everyone can be fully themselves. Rev. Daniel and T. J. reflect on the long history of LGBTQ+ leadership in Unitarian Universalism, the importance of integration over tokenism, and why being "open and affirming" is not revolutionary, but should be the norm. They also address current political and cultural attacks on LGBTQ+ communities, especially trans and nonbinary people, and discuss how faith communities can offer real sanctuary, solidarity, and joy in uncertain times. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

In this Unitarian Universalist Advent sermon, Rev. Beth Dana invites us into the quiet and often uncomfortable space of waiting. As we light candles and prepare for Christmas, we explore how Advent is less about rushing to joy and more about holding hope in the dark. Through story, tradition, and reflection, this message reminds us that waiting can open our hearts to something new. In a world marked by fear, division, and uncertainty, Advent calls us to break open closed doors and welcome light, peace, and love. This sermon connects the Christmas story to our lives today and encourages us to trust that even when we cannot see it yet, hope is already breaking through.

Even when the earth feels bare, seeds can still be planted. What are we planting in the barren earth these days? Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir. Breaking Open Series Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation. Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

Keith M. and Nathaniel Shannon document a week with Ink & Dagger and the lead up to "The Order" - their 3 reunion shows at the First Unitarian Church in Philadelphia, PA. Intro - 0:00 - 1:45 Ink & Dagger Recap - 1:46 - 1:31:23

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald and Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter talk about the long history of churches speaking up during hard political times. They reflect on how faith communities have played key roles in major moments like the American Revolution, the fight to end slavery, and the civil rights movement. They explain that speaking from the pulpit is about sharing values of faith, not supporting political parties, and that this freedom is deeply protected in both their religious tradition and the U.S. Constitution. They also share honest concerns about the current climate, where fear and uncertainty make some people feel less safe. The message is clear: First Unitarian Church of Dallas is here to face fear with faith, to care for neighbors, and to keep showing up with hope no matter what challenges come. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald shares an honest update about the difficult realities of immigration work in Texas. He explains how major changes in the system are making it harder for people to stay with their families while their cases move forward. He also talks about the importance of courtroom observers and community partners who help shine a light on how people are treated in immigration court. Even with these heavy topics, Rev. Fitzgerald reminds viewers that hope can still be found in community. He describes the weekly prayer vigil outside the Dallas immigration building, where families, friends, and supporters gather for comfort, encouragement, and shared faith. Being together in these hard moments can be uplifting, and he encourages everyone to stay connected, stay aware, and keep one another in prayer as they work toward a more just future. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

Our annual time to acknowledge the ways this time of year can try our spirits. The blues is a balm for your soul. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Featuring special Blues Music. Breaking Open Series Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation. Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

Advent calls us to ready our lives for what is to come. As carefully as we prepare our homes, how might we prepare our hearts and spirits for the season ahead? Breaking Open Series Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation. Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

This Sunday, we welcome guest minister Rev. Jen Crow as we celebrate Rev. Beth Dana's 10-Year Anniversary of Ordination. Across the generations, across the country, across theologies and untold multitudes of experiences, we name and nurture and sustain the faith that has the power to transform us individually and collectively. Today we celebrate the ties that bind us together and the part we play in building the world we long for. Guest minister Rev. Jen Crow is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir & Kindred Voices Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY About Rev. Jen Crow Rev. Jen Crow currently serves as Senior Minister at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. She lives in Minneapolis with her wife and teenage children. She is a hockey mom, a track parent, and an erratic gardener who cherishes morning walks, time with her wife, and live music. Her commitment to recovery, spirituality, transformative love and authenticity is at the center of her life and work. Rev. Jen's primary spiritual practice is writing, and her most recent work can be found in her book, Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

Giving thanks is hard sometimes. We look at ways we can try this, even amid so many challenges. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

What makes a moment a milestone? Let's explore the importance of milestones in our spiritual lives and in community. We will also recognize our members celebrating 25- and 50-year anniversaries in our congregation. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/ New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

In his All Souls sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter reflects on the fragile beauty of life and the lasting echoes of love, laughter, and memory. Through stories of family and friends who have passed, he reminds us that even as life floats away like feathers, the warmth of connection endures in our smiles, our laughter, and our care for one another. Our annual All Souls service invites us to remember and to hold one another gently in the shared experience of loss and love. It is a time to honor those who have gone before us, to speak their names, and to recognize that in every act of remembrance, we bring them close again.

Ever wondered how a church with a $2.4 million budget and 28 dedicated staff members keeps everything running with integrity and transparency? In this episode, Revs. Daniel Kanter and T. J. Fitzgerald break down how our church's finances really work — from pledges and balanced budgets to collective generosity and community trust. What you'll learn: How the annual budget is built from member pledges  Why the board and ministers must pass a balanced budget before it goes to a congregational vote What makes our financial system "clean" — no rollovers, no surprises The power of pledging: why every contribution matters How online members and friends help sustain our shared mission Why annual audits and full transparency build lasting trust Every good work we do together — every service, program, and outreach — begins with your pledge. Join us for a conversation about faith, finances, and the collective power of generosity.

Humanism is a foundational thread of our Unitarian Universalist tradition. What do our humanist ancestors have to say to us today about faith and life?  First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

Transcendentalists in the middle of the 19th century changed our religion forever.  They pointed to the transient and permanent in religion that can guide our lives today. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

From abolition to civil rights, many in our faith have resisted unjust systems. What does faithful civil disobedience look like today?  First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ

This series honors those whose courage and conviction formed the soul of our tradition. They were not perfect, but they were faithful: to truth, to love, and to the possibility of a better world. In honoring these ancestors of faith, we ask: What do we inherit from them? What do we carry forward?  We begin with the 4th-century Unitarians who challenged the prevailing Trinitarian view of Jesus, asking whether their bold theological ideas still speak to us today. We move to the 19th-century Transcendentalists, whose vision of the “transient” and the “permanent” in religion continues to offer clarity and guidance. We then honor those in our movement who have defied oppressive systems, reminding us that civil disobedience can be both effective and deeply faithful. Finally, we turn to the humanist voices in our history, exploring what their insights offer for a life of meaning and purpose now. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do.   We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at https://dallasuu.org/   New sermon every week. Subscribe here: https://tinyurl.com/1stchurchyoutubesubscribe Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1stuchurch/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Œ