Podcasts about Unitarian Universalism

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/

Send a textPastor Joshua talked about the significance of the number 40 in biblical and secular contexts and how that significance ties humanity together. 

Send a textPastor Joshua talks about saving the moments in time that are meaningful to extend periods of hope that comes from witnessing awe.

Send a textPastor Joshua talks about bettering oneself and society through the Japanese philosophy of Kaizen.

Too often, sin has been used to control, shame, or divide. Join us to explore how Unitarian Universalism can offer a different lens. Reclaiming Religious Language Series At the turning of the year, we pause to rediscover what matters most to us beneath the noise of daily life. Rooted in the Unitarian Universalist shared values, this series invites us into a spiritual homecoming in which we will reflect on the values that shape us. Through ritual, reflection, and community, we will release what no longer serves us, opening space for transformation. We will honor our pluralism, embrace our call to justice and equity, recognize our deep interdependence, and embody generosity as a way of being. At the center of it all, we return to love as a daily practice that grounds and sustains us.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 18:1-20:23 Parashat Yitro.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 21:1-24:18, Parashat Mishpatim - detailing some truly extreme rules and laws.

Send a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 25:1-27:19, Parashat Terumah - very detailed instructions on how to build a Tabernacle to God. 

This Day in Maine Wednesday, February 18, 2026

We honor our justice journey in Rev. John's message, "Anti-Trinitarian to Woke." From our roots as bold religious dissenters to today's urgent calls for justice, Unitarian Universalism has never been afraid to question, to resist, and to reimagine what's possible. Resistance isn't new for us—it's part of our spiritual DNA. Join us as we explore how our faith has always stood on the side of love, truth, and liberation—and how we're called to keep showing up. Because justice isn't a trend. It's our living tradition.

Send us a textPastor Joshua Reads Exodus 13:17 through 17:16

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Exodus 10 through Exodus 13:16

Send us a textPastor Joshua preaches on January 18th, 2026 about Identity.

Send us a textPastor Joshua peaches on February 1, 2026 about perspective.

Send us a textPastor Joshua preaches about Healing Laughter and Joy as resilience during the protests against the unconstitutional and violently cruel siege if Minneapolis by ICE. 

Send us a textPastor Joshua read Exodus 6:2-9:35

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads the first parashat of the book of Exodus, Shemot(Exodus 1:1 - 6:1)

LJ Williams (they/she) is a queer African and Jewish ritualist and writer, pursuing an MDiv from Starr King School for The Ministry with a certificate in Entheogenic Justice Companioning. They are a longtime Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism community member, and served as a coordinator of a Chicago BLUUHaven. They were a Worship Learning Fellow at the Church of Larger Fellowship (2021-2023) and she received a B.A. from University of Illinois in Global Studies and Environmental Sustainability. She currently serves as board president of Young Adult Revival Network. She is interested in the intersections of land, religion, and revolutionary movements, embodied ritual and queer bodies. She loves arts, science fiction, and her family.

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Parashat Vayigash, Genesis 44:18-47:27

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about curating one's life.

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about hope in his first sermon of 2026.

Send us a textPastor Joshua read the final Parashat in Genesis, Vayechi, chapter 47:28-50:26

Send us a textPastor Joshua reads Parashat Miketz, Genesis 41:1-44:17

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/

Send us a textPastor Joshua talks about the cycles of life and grace during the trying times.

Send us a textChristian Nationalism is in disharmony with Christianity. Pastor Joshua will talk about the egregious co-opting of Christianity by many in our country including and especially in our government who are ignoring and actually contradicting the lessons Jesus actually taught. 

Pastor Joshua reads Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1–17:27)

Pastor Joshua reads Parashat Vayera (Genesis 18:1-22:24)

Hey Dude, I try to sort through my messy milestone birthday, perfectly captured in my super funky selfie that inspired the call.  QUOTE: "There's a lot of strands in the old duder's head..." CAST:  Modesto, Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani, The Dude, The Doors, Bill Murray SPECIAL GUEST CAMEO: Ming Ming  LOCATIONS: Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City (UUCSC), Paris, France, Smoke House, Ernie's Taco House, Toluca Lake, Casa Vega, Hill Street Cafe, St. Leon Armenian Cathedral, Bob's Big Boy, In-N-Out Burger PROPS: Facebook, #MoreDoubles, podcasting FILMS:  The Big Lebowski, Caddyshack  SONGS: Dancing in the Dark  LULLABY: The End by The Doors SOUNDS: gravel, footsteps,  Laguna Sawdust Cowbell Chimes   helicoper, Ming Ming, jet, wind PHOTO: "Self-Portrait" shot with my iPhone XS RECORDED: October 18, 2025 in "The Cafe"  under the flight path of the Hollywood Burbank Airport in Burbank, California GEAR: Zoom H1 XLR with Sennheiser MD 46 microphone. TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 17:14 FILE SIZE: ~ 17MB GENRES: storytelling, personal storytelling, personal journal, journal, personal narrative, audio, audio blog, confessional  HYPE: "It's a beatnik kinda literary thing in a podcast cloak of darkness." Timothy Kimo Brien (cohost on Podwrecked and host of Create Art Podcast) DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Proudly presented rough, raw and ragged. Seasoned with salty language and ideas. Not for most people's taste. Please be advised.

Pastor Joshua talked about the Universalist Heritage of Unitarian Universalism and how it connects through social justice work into the 21st Century.

Michelle Saville, Intern Minister (September14, 2025)

Rev. Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on September 21, 2025. Unitarian Universalism has centered our faith in love. In this church, we often speak of an ocean of love that flows through our universe. Our stewardship campaign's theme this year is "Living Love". What might these beautiful abstractions look like in the concrete world of our daily lives? What if love is not just a feeling but is also something we do? How might we make love a verb?

The system of false teaching known as Socinianism proved a thorn in the side of the Reformed churches for more than two centuries. Even today, the essential tenets of Socinianism are still with us, and aspects of it pop up in the teaching of such movements as Unitarian Universalism, 'Oneness' Pentecostalism, Christadelphianism, and among the Jehovah's Witnesses.  As such, it is well for us to take a closer look at this movement, its key commitments, and how it emerged in the context of Reformation-era Europe.    Banner resources relevant to Socinianism: – The Works of John Owen, Volume 12: The Gospel Defended (Clothbound, 639 pages) – The Works of Andrew Fuller (1 Volume, 1012 pages) – William Cunningham, Historical Theology (Clothbound, 1408 pages)   John Owen's (tragically amusing) presentation of John Biddle's Socinianism, in the form of a satirical catechism, can be found on pages 588 to 590 of The Works of John Owen, vol. 12: The Gospel Defended.  This week's podcast artwork features an image of a plaque in the Sozzini's palace in Siena which depicts Fausto and Lelio Sozzini. The etching on the plaque claims that 'During ages of fierce despotism, with their new doctrines they awoke the free thought'.    Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us your feedback or a testimony: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

The message was delivered on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION What does it truly mean to find a place where you belong? In a world filled with diverse experiences and perspectives, the quest for connection and understanding is more vital than ever. Explore the depths of vision and community as we delve into the essence of shared humanity. Are you ready to discover the transformative power of belonging and the bonds that unite us all? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

Pastor Joshua reads Deuteronomy (Devarim) 21:10 - 25:19 in which much is laid out about rules/commandments including a number of reasons for stoning people to death to rid the Israelites of evil.

The sermon was delivered on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What happens when sacred trust is traded for political gain? History shows us that whenever the pulpit bends to empire, the church loses more than its conscience—it loses its witness. From Constantine to segregation, the temptation to exchange integrity for influence has left scars on faith communities and society alike. Now, with the IRS stepping back from enforcing guardrails, the question is urgent: will pulpits become campaign platforms, or will they remain sanctuaries of truth, conscience, and love beyond belief? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS SERMON ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

Pastor Joshua talked about belonging at a church in Michigan a few years ago.

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. DESCRIPTION What if your doubts weren't silenced but embraced as part of the journey? Picture a community where people gather not to conform, but to wrestle honestly with questions of purpose, faith, and truth. Here, stories unfold—a mother finding healing after loss, an artist discovering belonging for his free-thinking spirit—reminding us that no path is too different to be welcomed. In this space, science and scripture, reason and wonder, diversity and unity live side by side. And at its heart lies a powerful question: with one life to live, how will you shape yours? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

What does it mean to be a Unitarian? In this sermon from our Unitarian Universalism 101 series, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explains the history and heart of Unitarianism in simple, practical terms. He shares the story of the hymn By the River, the debates at the Council of Nicaea, and why Unitarians believe that God is One and God is Love. This message also looks at what Unitarian Universalism means today: holding different ideas at once, letting go of perfectionism, standing up for justice, and creating a community built on love and acceptance. If you are curious about faith that welcomes questions, values freedom of belief, and embraces diversity, this introduction is for you. UU 101 Series Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition rooted in rich history, grounded in timeless values, and always evolving to meet the needs of today's world. In this two-part series, we'll explore the twin pillars that give our faith its name and its shape. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to this series! 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 the second sermon of our UU 101 series, Rev. Beth Dana explores the heart of Universalism, rejecting fear-based religion and embracing the radical truth that all people are worthy of love. This sermon calls us to “love the hell out of the world” by confronting injustice, resisting evil with compassion, and working toward collective liberation. Drawing inspiration from early Universalists, Rev. Dana reminds us that hope, courage, and active love can transform both our lives and our world. UU 101 Series Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition rooted in rich history, grounded in timeless values, and always evolving to meet the needs of today's world. In this two-part series, we'll explore the twin pillars that give our faith its name and its shape. Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to this series! 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

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 10th, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar, Senior Minister. What if unity didn't require uniformity? While fundamentalist religions across the globe insist that harmony comes through conformity to one doctrine, a different path emerges—one where Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and Christians can pray under the same roof without abandoning their distinct traditions. Can an 80-year-old woman stumble into the wrong classroom and emerge transformed, her heart opened to people she never thought she'd understand? When the human family stands divided by prejudice and ignorance, what does it truly mean to be "one with everything"? SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

Unitarian Universalists claim to be open-minded in their search for spiritual truth. But can the truth about God be so ambiguous?

Unitarian Universalists claim to be open-minded in their search for spiritual truth. But can the truth about God be so ambiguous?

The message was delivered on Sunday, August 3rd, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, Visiting Minister. What happens when grief becomes the catalyst for transformation? In a world where brutality seems to overshadow beauty, where mothers count ribs instead of blessings, a powerful truth emerges: our broken hearts hold the very power needed to resist cruelty. Can communities built on shared sorrow become crucibles for change? When the walls around our hearts finally fall, will we discover that love grows strongest in the spaces between us—in Monday's gardens, Tuesday's repairs, and Wednesday's tears? SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/all-souls-unitarian-church/id193096943 GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allsoulstulsa Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

The message was delivered on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION If you could whisper one truth to your younger self, what would it be? Would you tell them how to avoid heartbreak, or remind them they were always enough? In a world rewriting reality faster than we can keep up, how do we stay grounded without giving in to fear? History shows us that even unfinished work matters. Maybe the real time machine we need isn't a DeLorean, but the kind that brings us fully alive, here and now. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the theological roots and modern-day relevance of Universalism within Unitarian Universalism.

The message was delivered on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION In a world where vulnerability is rare and strength is too often confused with silence, what does it mean to be a father? What do we do with the legacy of the ones who raised us, the joyful, the steady, the absent, and the broken? We honor the cool dads, the calm dads, and the complicated ones, and we name the truth: fatherhood, like freedom, is never simple. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

The service was conducted on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Dr. Marlin Lavanhar and All Souls Worship Team, with a special presentation by Krystal Reyes, Deputy Mayor of the City of Tulsa. DESCRIPTION: On the anniversary of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the congregation of All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa remembers, recalls and recommits itself to work to repair the ongoing impacts of this tragic history. As part of the Sunday services we share a ritual of “promises made, promise kept, promises broken and promises renewed.” Each person will have a chance to think about the promises in their own lives, and we will also acknowledge ways our collective history as a church and community have intersected with the events and aftermath of 1921. Join us for a colorful, heartfelt service that will be both personal and universal. Most of all, join us in remembering and in our commitment to do whatever we can, to be a source of restoration through love and service. We are not only promise-making creatures. We are also people of great promise. Together we can live into the promise of our times — the promise of life, liberty and justice for all. *A Ritual of Promise crafted by Jamila Batchelder and Rev. Molly Housh Gordon and adapted for ASUC Tulsa  SUBSCRIBE TO WATCH OTHER VIDEOS: @allsoulsunitarian  WANT TO LISTEN? SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: http://www.allsoulschurch.org/GIVE or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256  LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allsoulstulsa All Souls Church Website: http://www.allsoulschurch.org

The message was delivered on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, by Rev. Randy Lewis, Assistant Minister. DESCRIPTION What if the word “godless” wasn't a curse—but a catalyst? When love, justice, and honesty are branded as threats, who really gets to decide what's sacred? From quiet family exiles to courtroom crusades, this reflection cuts through the noise and asks: Is a faith built on fear still faith at all? Journey through history, hypocrisy, and healing—and discover what grows when judgment is laid down and love is lifted up. SUBSCRIBE TO AUDIO PODCAST: WATCH THIS MESSAGE ON YOUTUBE: SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: GIVE A DONATION TO HELP US SPREAD THIS LOVE BEYOND BELIEF: or text AllSoulsTulsa to 73256 LET'S CONNECT: Facebook: Instagram: All Souls Church Website:

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald discuss religious trauma and how it continues to impact the spiritual and emotional well-being of many people, especially in communities like ours in North Texas. They explore what healing can look like within a Unitarian Universalist context, where spiritual practices like prayer and community are reclaimed without fear or shame. The conversation touches on growing up in affirming faith spaces, the challenge of teaching spiritual language after trauma, and how this church supports people in finding wholeness without harmful theology. Whether you're deconstructing, recovering, or seeking a safe place to land, this episode offers honesty, hope, and care.