Podcasts about unitarian universalists

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on September 28, 2025. This church has often stood against the societal tides of dehumanization and marginalization. We have been a soft place to land for those of us who did not fit in and have felt alone. This church has been and will continue to be needed by those here now and by those to come. But what does that say about our role and responsibility to one another and to those we will never meet? Rev. Carrie explores who we are, what we are about, and how living love can help us.

Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given September 14, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 In a time of cacophonous news and digital distractions, how do we live with intention? Rev. Erica Richmond will be preaching on the importance of connection and presence. Come join us for worship and learn what birds have to do with it! Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 21, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of ten days of repentance in Judaism. It's meant to be a time for self-reflection and to wake up to the places we've fallen short. The word "woke," however, has been weaponized by some and perceived as an undesirable trait. How can we become more aware and compassionate in a world that prefers the opposite? Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

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?

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on September 14, 2025. When we work towards justice we are building a world of belonging. But what does that look like in our community, and what do we need to do? Rev. Carrie explores how we might build belonging and how our religious roots can help us.

Have you ever tried to be radically kind? What does that even mean? Join Rev. John in examining what it means to be radically kind.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given September 7, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Curious as to what the next two years will be like? Let's embark on this journey of unpacking the five interim tasks while also celebrating Ingathering Sunday and water communion. Water Ceremony: Please bring water from a place meaningful to you, whether you join us on Zoom or in the Sanctuary. During worship in the Sanctuary we join our waters together in our annual water ceremony, and we will symbolically incorporate the waters from our Zoom congregation This water will be used in child dedications and blessings through the year. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Barbara Ives, Lay Worship Leader Worship service given August 31, 2025 Prayer by Barbara Ives, Lay Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Empathy has been a big topic in recent social media spaces. Now, a new movement among Christian nationalists says that empathy is a sin. Barbara discusses this great tool for relating to one another, despite our differences. During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Barbara Ives is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She just started attending Arlington this last January. However, she grew up in the Wayland Church and then attended the Watertown church for many years. From 1997 to 2003 she attended Harvard Divinity school in hopes of pursuing UU ministry. Life took a different path and she did not get ordained. After many years being away from the church, coming back to Arlington feels like coming home. She is glad for this opportunity to exercise her ministerial muscles. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For September, the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) will share half the plate. Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA) is the first and only organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence systemically. As a national nonprofit, they work to prevent sexual violence before it happens by addressing root causes like rape culture and systemic oppression. Their work spans policy advocacy, research, institutional reform, and community education to create lasting, structural change. SVPA partners with schools, workplaces, unions, and government agencies to implement evidence-based prevention strategies and is proudly led by marginalized survivors—including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and disabled people—ensuring that their work is informed by the lived experiences of those most impacted. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev. Chris Jimmerson and Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on September 7, 2025. Water Communion is a special day when we all come back together after the summer bringing with us water that symbolizes something meaningful to us. We will engage in a ritual together through which we share with one another that symbolic meaning as we blend and mingle the waters to remind us of our shared faith.

Based on the UUA common read Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer, Unitarian Universalists are invited to explore Iyer's work through the lens of our UU faith and shared values. Participants explore Iyer's Ecosystem model, the roles that comprise it, and how these can support the congregational community and, in turn, our role in wider communities where we work with others for social change.

Sorrow and grief find us all. If we let it, our mourning can turn to joy, and we can learn to dance again. Not because we have forgotten what has been lost, but because we have survived. Join Traci Huges, Esq., Seminarian & Executive Director of All Souls D.C. as we learn to navigate grief with intention and a loving heart.

In 1980, two Unitarian Universalist women—Carolyn McDade and Lucile Schuck Longview created a service called “Coming Home Like Rivers to the Sea” with a new ritual “that spoke to our connectedness to one another, to the totality of life, and to our place on this planet.” People brought water from different places and poured it in a common earthenware bowl as each bearer described its significance. Join us on as we gather once again in our spiritual home to share this deeply meaningful ritual which reminds us of our diversity and interconnectedness. Bring water from the ocean, the river, the lakes, rainwater you collected in your backyard, or tap water from your kitchen. 

Rev Chris Jimmerson and Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on August 24, 2025. Rev. Chris and Rev. Carrie will answer questions about the church, life, the universe, and everything (though neither will pretend to have the answers to all that).

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on August 31, 2025. Every generation in our church brings something beautiful and unique to our living tradition. This Sunday, we will explore how the youth have helped shape our faith and how those of us who are older can encourage and provide space for them to grow and contribute.

Bill Licea-Kane, Lay Worship Leader Worship service given August 24, 2025 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Life is full of awe-full moments. There's a long tradition of going on pilgrimages to find these moments. On Sunday, we'll be exploring the moments that come to us. During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Bill Licea-Kane (they/them) and their spouse Erica have been members of First Parish since 1998. They came for their then young son Marsden, but quickly found their own home here too. Bill is currently retired, volunteering at First Parish as a Worship Associate and Youth Group Adult Advisor. Bill is influenced by the writings of humanists, rationalists, and mystical transcendentalists, but also finds deep meaning in the writings of deists and theists. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

As he has done in past years, join Rev. John as he shares his summer learnings and updates the congregation on what to expect in the 2025-2026 church year.

Hey Dude, I goof on myself about my recent disastrous performances at an informal open mic at my church. QUOTE: "Well, that went so well, why not?" CAST: George Clooney, Vince Vaughn, James Franco, Harrison Ford, Chef Ben Ford  LOCATIONS: Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City (UUCSC), Studio City, Studio City Theater PROPS: androgyny MOVIES: Rocky, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Blade Runner  SPECIAL GUEST CAMEO: Ming Ming  SOUNDS: gravel, footsteps,  Laguna Sawdust Cowbell Chimes   bird, Ming Ming PHOTO: "Raiders Googled" shot with my iPhone XS RECORDED: August 23, 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: 13:45 FILE SIZE: 14 MB 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.

Rick Eastwick, Lay Worship Leader Worship service given August 17, 2025 Prayer by Rick Eastwick, Lay Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Lay leader Rick Eastwick will tell the story of his life changing conversion to Hinduism starting when he was a college junior at Tufts University in 1970. During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Rick Eastwick grew up in New England and graduated from Tufts University in 1971 with a degree in Applied Physics. He worked in industry for 42 years mostly in technical staffing for high tech companies in the Boston area. He was married twice, the second time to Marie Raduazzo, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in October of 2020. He has a son from his first marriage, who lives in California. He was raised Congregationalist but converted to Unitarian-Universalism in college partially because of its tolerance for Eastern religious ideas. He and Marie began attending First Parish in 1983. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on August 17, 2025. On this very special music Sunday, we'll pay tribute to some of the musical greats and examine the spiritual messages and legacies they have given us.

We have been conditioned in this society to locate our consciousness in our brains. Yet ancient practices and spiritual traditions, as well as modern science reveal that the central mechanism of our consciousness and biological system is the heart. What happens when we follow it? Join Shana Oshiro on the journey to understanding and embracing the perceptive powers of the heart.

The Torah, also known as the Hebrew Scriptures, or the five books of Moses, is read annually in Jewish synagogues from cover to cover (or the equivalent of covers for a scroll). Pastor Joshua has decided to take this on, reading the Torah literally and interpreting it through his context as a culturally Jewish atheist Unitarian Universalist. A new parashat, or chapter, is read Ever Sabbath (Shabbat). The Torah portion for this week, August 16, 2025 is Parashat Eikav, which tells of Moses addressing the Israelites and emphasizing the importance of keeping God's commandments in preparation to enter the land of Israel. 

Julie Garry, Lay Worship Leader Worship service given August 10, 2025 Prayer by Mary Breen, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Lay leader Julie Garry will talk about the ways in which Peace, Love & Understanding are foundational to our UU principles. She has been captivated by both the simplicity and challenge of these fundamental skills. Julie has been attending First Parish for 13 years and is grateful to be a part of this community. Her interests include: cooking, gardening, camping, art, and spending time with pup Ruby, who gives their entire family boundless love and joy, asking for just a good belly rub and occasional bite of roast beef in return. Along with her wife Jenny they are the proud parents to Fae Kramer. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on August 10, 2025. Our world can feel challenging, if not downright scary these days. Add to that the challenges and losses in life we will all encounter, and it can feel as if renewal, hope, and change for the better are no longer possible. And yet history and human resilience have shown us over and over again that there is a wellspring of love that makes hope, peace, and joy always still available to us.

Join Bob Ertman to explore the three tenets of the Zen Peacemakers:  Not Knowing, giving up our fixed ideas; Bearing Witness, not looking away; Right Action, the actions that should arise naturally when we really pay attention. 

Martin Luther King said, “Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic.” Unitarian Universalists recently affirmed a new covenant among congregations which puts love at the center of our values. How do we ensure that our love is not sentimental and anemic, in a time when love with… Read More »Podcast: Love at the Center The post Podcast: Love at the Center appeared first on First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis.

What can a 16th century Jewish mystic, an Episcopal priest who frequents the Burning Man Festival, and the alien from the Resident Alien sci-fi TV series teach us about brokenness and beauty? Join Cindy Atlee to find out—and why we need both to transform ourselves and change the world.

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

What do you wish I asked this guest? What was your "quotable moment" from this episode? Dr. Susan Harper, an anthropologist of religion and practicing witch in Iowa, shares her experiences with building magical communities and reclaiming personal power through witchcraft.• Defining witchcraft as reclaiming a word historically used against women while embracing the power of "paying attention" to the world• Evolving from formal rituals to a daily practice centered on tarot, moon observation, and gardening• Seeing witchcraft as liberatory practice that helps heal personal wounds while working toward cultural change• Using tarot as a primary magical tool for nearly 30 years, finding it provides insight and structure• Creating accessible magic through library-hosted workshops, providing democratic access while ensuring fair compensation• Building community through Unitarian Universalist connections, especially CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans) chapters• Navigating witchcraft in the Midwest, finding surprising acceptance in seemingly conservative areas• Sharing adventures from early practice, including getting lost in ritual robes in small-town Texas• Announcing her new book "Feminist Witchcraft" launching July 1st, culminating seven years of writingFind Dr. Susan Harper on Facebook and Instagram as "Dreaming Priestess" and look for her book "Feminist Witchcraft" available at bookstores near you.Support the showSupport the show and get tons of bonus content, videos, monthly spell boxes, and more at CrepuscularConjuration.com!Or become a paying subscriber on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1777532/supportWant to see if you're a good fit for the show? (Hint: if you're a witch, you probably are!) email me at youraveragewitchpodcast at gmail.comFollow YAW at:instagram.com/youraveragewitchpodcastfacebook.com/youraveragewitchpodcastReview the show on Apple podcastspodcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-average-witch-podcast/id1567845483

Rev Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on August 3, 2025. Pride was a riot ...and pride was a party. Pride is also liberation, self-actualization, and so much more. Let's celebrate Pride in community as members of our congregation share the ways they experience pride in their own lives.

Worship service given July 27, 2025 Prayer by David Dreyfus, Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 In the era of AI, the rise of large language models (LLMs) offers a unique opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to be human. These models, capable of generating text that mimics human writing and reasoning, challenge our understanding of intelligence and creativity. But as we integrate them into various aspects of life, we can ask: What does their development tell us about ourselves? Throughout history, each major technological leap has reshaped how we view our own abilities. From the advent of agriculture to the digital revolution, tools and machines have progressively augmented or replaced human labor. For years we have extolled the virtues of what machines ultimately do better than us. LLMs represent the latest frontier, capable of tasks once thought to be exclusively human, such as writing or problem-solving. But rather than suggesting that machines have surpassed us, these advancements compel us to rethink what it is about being human that technology cannot replicate. During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. David Dreyfus has been attending First Parish for about 12 years and participates in many aspects of community life here. He has chaired the finance committee, participates on property, helps in the kitchen, facilitates a men's group, engages in discussion groups, and actively participates in Lectio Divina as part of a very active spiritual journey. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Worship service given July 27, 2025 Prayer by David Dreyfus, Worship Leader https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 In this time of chaotic national politics, how can we find stability for ourselves and others? Lay Worship Leader Anna Callahan will talk about the power of providing for others as a way to stabilize yourself. During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Anna Callahan is a city councilor in Medford, a mom of 10 year old Leif Aune, and a student of democracy. She has spent years training people around the country to get better democratic representation at the local level. She enjoys just about any creative project done with others, from playing music to making films to building cardboard boats. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Adam Lawrence Dyer. Proud To Be An American At a time when our country seems determined to tear itself apart, how do we answer this question from a Unitarian Universalist perspective? About Adam Lawrence Dyer. Adam Lawrence Dyer is an ordained minister and was the lead minister at First Parish in Cambridge Unitarian Universalist, from 2017 to  2022, while also serving as a chaplain at Harvard University. He is the author of “Love Beyond God” and maintains his own blog, Spirituwellness.org. In 2021, he contributed to the Harvard Kennedy School LGBTQ Policy Journal with “Religious Equity: A Path to Greater LGBTQ Inclusion.” Dyer has worked with the Alliance for Boys and Men of Color in Oakland, California; My Brother's Keeper in Cambridge, Massachusetts; and PICO Networks with a focus toward equity, gender and sexuality. He is currently in the Religious Studies Ph.D. program at the University of Virginia. 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

Rev Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on July 27, 2025. One of our church's most transformative ways of deeply connecting with fellow church members and experiencing profound spiritual growth is by participating in a Chalice Circle or Wellspring ministry group. Join us and hear four participants share their experiences and the real differences they make possible.

Worship service given July 13, 2025 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Our liberal religious tradition calls us to explore and incorporate rituals and spiritual teachings from a variety of faith traditions. As a person who was raised Jewish, Melanie will share some of the traditions learned in childhood that still hold deep meaning for her as she participates in UU worship services as an adult Jewnitarian! During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Melanie Cohn-Hopwood is a Jewish UU (or “Jewnitarian”), a social worker, parent to two awesome teenagers, someone who loves to make things with her hands and a person who strives to have fun with the process and not worry about the outcome. She putters with pottery, sewing, writing and other art forms, and her fantasy getaway is a cabin in the trees with a stream nearby. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Worship service given July 20, 2025 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 This week's worship leader, Lillian Povey, ponders what it means to really take a vacation. Vacations can be a lot of work! How do we achieve the right balance between activity and rest, solitude and socializing, stimulation and vegging out? How do we balance the unrelenting expectations others have for us at home, at work, at church—not mention the pressure we put on ourselves—with our desire, our need, for joy, rest and fun? During the summer our Zoom-only worship is led each week by a member of our congregation. Lillian Povey has been attending First Parish for 3 years. She works in food manufacturing doing quality assurance work. She loves reading, writing, crochet, poems, cats, games, and chewy candies, and loves the opportunity to be creative. Offering and Giving First The Giving First program donates 50% of the non-pledge offering each month to a charitable organization that we feel is consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. The program began in November 2009, and First Parish has donated over $200,000 to more than 70 organizations. For June, July, and August 2025, The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) will share half of the plate. For nearly 50 years, BAGLY has been a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community in Massachusetts. After serving over 200,000+ youth since 1980, BAGLY is recognized nationally for its pioneering role in creating, sustaining, and advocating for social support, leadership development, and health promotion programs for LGBTQ+ youth. The remaining half of your offering supports the life and work of this Parish. To donate using your smartphone, you may text “fpuu” to 73256. Then follow the directions in the texts you receive.

Rev Chris Jimmerson and Rev Dr Nicole Kirk's service delivered on July 20, 2025. For this special service we stream Rev. Dr. Nicole Kirk's sermon delivered at our annual Unitarian Universalist General Assembly. She examines how our ancestry, heritage, and religious values have prepared us for the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Come listen to a WUU service! Beyond our sanctuary walls, there is a greater Williamsburg community, but let's not forget about our Unitarian Universalist connections. We have options to connect regionally, at General Assembly, and with denominational resources that we often forget about. Natalie Miller Moore will talk about the greater UU universe, the roots of community and the wings of creative connection. Leslie Fabian, Worship Associate Natalie Miller Moore, Guest Worship Leader Heidi Sousa, piano Thank you for listening. For more information about the Williamsburg Unitarian Universalists, or to join us on Sunday mornings, visit www.wuu.org. Permission to reprint, podcast, and/or stream the music in this service obtained from ONE LICENSE with license #A-735438. All rights reserved.

Rev Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on July 13, 2025. Over the past decade, First UU Church of Austin has twice offered immigration sanctuary to immigrants fearing unjust detention and deportation. What might being a sanctuary church look like, given the racist, police state tactics we are currently witnessing under the intentionally deceptive guise of national security and immigration enforcement?

Exploring these concepts in the context of spiritual life at UUCA.  Join Dr. Cliff Andrew, MD, Ph.D, Rev. Dr. Fred Muir and Peter Morse for local history and lively discourse.  

Guest Speaker, AJ Juraska's service delivered on July 6, 2025. At the 2024 General Assembly, UUs adopted an Action of Immediate Witness titled "Solidarity with Palestinians", yet many UUs have remained relatively quiet on the subject of Palestine. What do our values tell us about what is happening in Palestine? Join AJ Juraska as we explore how our UU values help us move past silence into solidarity.

An episode that rewrites what “Success” means for autistic writers!In Episode 146 of The Autistic Culture Podcast, Dr Angela Kingdon is joined by Christina Sokora Jovovich, a gifted autistic writer, poet, and fiber artist, to dive into the meaning of “success” through the lens of neurodivergent experience.This conversation explores how writing can be both a healing tool and a radical act of self-definition for neurodivergent people. From redefining creative productivity to unmasking through memoir, Christina and Angela break down internalized ableism, the pressure of neurotypical success standards, and the value of sensory-soothing creative practices like knitting and journaling.All this, and we announce our amazing winners from our eighth writing contest!Here are our top two entries.OUR WINNER

Hey Dude, the amazing Reverand Rick retired at the top of his game to become an artist, while the jury is still out for me.  QUOTE: "Just do your thing. Come as you are." MUSICIANS: Reverend Rick, Paramahansa Yogananda, John Fogerty VENUES: Studio City, Unitarian Universalist Church of Studio City, Claremont, Self Realization Fellowship, Echo Park, Altadena INSTRUMENTS: Unitarian Universalism, poetry reading, pandemic, podcasting, Zoom, Eaton Fire, GoFundMe, AA SPECIAL GUEST CAMEO: Ming Ming LULLABYE: "Long As I Can See the LIght" by John Fogerty SOUNDS: wind, birds, gravel, footsteps, saw,  Laguna Sawdust Cowbell Chimes   PHOTO: "Ricky's Last Word" shot with my iPhone XS RECORDED: July 2, 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: 13:36 FILE SIZE: 8MB 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.

Guest Speaker, Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on June 29, 2025. Join Rev. Carrie as she explores how our UU history and values help us meet the moment we find ourselves in.

Guest Speaker, UUA fellowshiping candidate Nancy Mohn Benard's service delivered on June 22, 2025. Putting Love at the center. How centering love can help us build bridges during polarizing times.

In this special episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on the deep significance of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom rooted in Texas soil, and the legacy of Opal Lee, the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” whose tireless advocacy made June 19th a federally recognized holiday. Join us as we explore: The history of Juneteenth and its importance for all Americans Why this day holds special meaning for Texans and Unitarian Universalists How Opal Lee's work embodies the UU values of justice, equity, and compassion

Rev Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on June 15, 2025. For individuals, feeling a part of something larger than oneself can increase happiness, enhance well-being, create a greater sense of purpose and meaning in life, give us a sense of belonging, and improve mental health in a variety of areas. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin is a part of our larger UU faith and an even larger effort to build Beloved Community. Might fully engaging this larger belonging confer these same benefits to us a religious community?

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana sit down for a timely and practical conversation about how Unitarian Universalists can prepare to show up at protests with courage, compassion, and responsibility. Many of us feel the urgent call to take to the street - for racial justice, climate action, reproductive freedom, immigrant rights, and more. But before we show up, we need to slow down and prepare. Protest isn't just about presence, it's about being ready: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and legally. They cover: ✅ Practical safety tips for being in the streets ✅ How to center and uplift marginalized voices ✅ Spiritual grounding and self-care in high-intensity spaces ✅ What to bring (and what to leave at home) ✅ Legal preparedness: knowing your rights, staying safe, and accessing support if needed ✅ Meaningful ways to show solidarity, even if you're not marching Whether this is your first protest or your fiftieth, this episode offers grounding, guidance, and encouragement for faithful public witness. Listen now and let your values lead you to action.

Rev Chris Jimmerson and Chalice Camp Youth's service delivered on June 8, 2025. We often think of freedom as an individualistic act of escaping that which limits us. And that may be a part of the whole. What if a more complete understanding of freedom involves a communal embrace of our interdependence and the choices we make in order to live love?

Podcast Episode 60: A Conversation with Unitarian Universalist Pastor & Activist Susan Frederick-Gray by Carrie Newcomer & Parker J. Palmer