Podcasts about unitarian universalists

Rev. Chris Jimmerson and Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on December 21, 2025. We join together for this annual tradition of retelling the Christian Faith Story through song and holiday merriment.

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/

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on December 14, 2025. It's the season of peace or so they say. What does peace mean when there is so little of it in the world? Where do we find our peace? Rev. Carrie explores peace and how we might think about it in times of chaos.

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.

Rev. Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on December 7, 2025. What if hope is not the same as an optimistic belief that things will turn out the way we imagined? What if hope is grounded in the stories we tell ourselves about the past and present, and an unwavering belief that what matters most is how we show up in the present moment?

Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given November 30, 2025 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate Reading: "Prayer Chain" by Tim Nolan https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 What is prayer to a Unitarian Universalist? Come join us for worship as we talk about different approaches to prayer and how the spiritual practice might work across different theologies. Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching. 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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. 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 November 30, 2025. Transcendence and Transformation are two of our religious values at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin. We'll explore how our experiences of transcendence can lead to personal growth and transformation, and paradoxically, how working to transform ourselves and our world can lead us into transcendence.

Rev. Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on November 23, 2025. We know that gratitude can lead to a wealth of psychological, spiritual, and even physical health benefits. Yet, how do we truly cultivate gratitude? If it is as simple as expressing thanks for the good things in our lives, what happens when life seems just mundane or when things get really hard? What happens when folks with power and privilege demand gratitude from those over whom they hold power? How do we make sure our "thanks giving" is an authentic spiritual practice?

Rev. Stevie Carmody, Minister of Religious Education, preaching Worship service given November 23, 2025 Prayer by Lillian Povey, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 With First Parish's Harvest Moon Fair wrapped up, and Thanksgiving Day before us, it's time to make Stone Soup together! Rev. Stevie will explore the radical wisdom found in the old European folktale, and the ghosts that haunt it. If you can, bring a single vegetable to share–this isn't a trick! 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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. 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.

For our 4th Sunday Speaker Series, New Mexico US Representative Melanie Stansbury spoke to a large group of Unitarian Universalists with a message of hope and the work ahead to ensure that every person has access to food, housing, healthcare, opportunity, and dignity.  

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on November 16, 2025. We are people who have beautifully joined ourselves to the work of building the Beloved Community, but what does that look like in a fractured world where some have more than they will ever need and some will never have enough? Rev. Carrie explores the role of solidarity in our work and in our lives.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given November 2, 2025 Prayer by Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 We all have to reckon with mortality--other's and our own. If we zoom back from that finality, we recognize that every moment is already a mini death and rebirth. How do we cope with so many changes? What do we continue and what inevitably has to change? Where do we find comfort in the midst of all that grief? 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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. 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. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given November 9, 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 As we examine our Unitarian Universalist values, what does it mean to live out our congregational commitment to reckoning and repair? As a congregation, how are we uniquely positioned to make a difference? Come join us for worship and then stay for a special presentation about the work for UU Urban Ministry. 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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. 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 November 16, 2025 Prayer by Loren Gomez, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 What is the difference between looking back at history and what we can learn from it versus nostalgia? Were things really as good as we thought it was or have certain versions of the past romanticized in our own minds? How does history affect our present reality, thereby shaping our future? 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 November 2025, Chaplains On The Way will share half the plate. Founded in 2010, Chaplains On The Way is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that offers spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in Waltham, MA. We believe that no person living in homelessness should feel they have to walk alone. We live out our mission by building trusting relations with people in Waltham, MA who are experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental health and/or substance use issues. They offer compassion and companionship through life's struggles and triumphs, welcoming all into relationship and loving community. 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 November 9, 2025. Courage and Community: These are two of our religious values at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Austin. How do our values of courage and community intersect and interact? In what ways do they call us to be and act in our world? Rev Chris explores how these values bring our religious community alive to meet the challenges of our times.

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on November 2, 2025. Loss is an inevitable part of the human experience, and yet we often give ourselves so little time to acknowledge it or to spend time with our grief. This Sunday, we will spend some time acknowledging the loss we have experienced and the grief that has shown up in its place. Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt leads us through a ritual of acknowledgement.

Send us a textWhat does it mean to cultivate compassion in a challenging world? As national figures debate whether empathy is a sinful weakness, how do we as Unitarian Universalists respond to challenges with compassion? Join us for a service that engages our hearts and minds to love radically, grow ethically and spiritually, and serve justly.Support the show

Featuring speakers Betsy Carlton-Gyson, Peter Heller, and Betsy Leondar-Wright Worship service given October 26, 2025 Prayer by David Whitford, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 Join us for our special annual Living our Faith service! Hear from three brilliant First Parish members about their activism and spirituality: Betsy Carlton-Gyson, Peter Heller, and Betsy Leondar-Wright. 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 October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. 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. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on October 26, 2025. Play is the most natural state for children, but it somehow disappears from our lives along the way. But it doesn't have to be this way! Rev. Carrie explores the power of play.

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given October 19, 2025 Prayer by Lillian Povey, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 One of our core values as UUs is generosity. What does it mean to share our time and talent with one another? How can we view volunteerism as a spiritual practice? Join us as we formally launch Project ENGAGE! 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 October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. 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 October 19, 2025. Each year, we make celebration a spiritual practice. We celebrate the differences we make in our world together, the joy that comes from being a part of and supporting this religious community, and our gratitude for all life has to offer.

Rev. Carrie Holley-Hurt's service delivered on October 12, 2025. Anger, like all our emotions, can be a powerful tool for awareness, motivation, and value creation, but it has also been misused and abused. So what do we do with all this anger? And how do we disentangle it from all its baggage? Rev. Carrie explores anger and how we can cultivate a healthier relationship with it.

Rev. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given October 12, 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 Join us for worship on Indigenous People's Weekend. As we sink into autumn, we can learn from Indigenous teachings and consider how can the wisdom of the natural world guide us? Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching. 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 October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. 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.

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

Rev. Chris Jimmerson's service delivered on October 5, 2025. One of the religious values our church community vows to uphold is compassion, which we define as "to treat ourselves and others with love." How does treating ourselves with love open us to acting with compassion toward others?

Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong, Interim Lead Minister, preaching Worship service given October 5, 2025 Prayer by Mary Breen, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 The UUA's common read a couple of years ago was Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg's On Repentance and Repair. Repentance is part of the beginning, not the end, much like starting a clean slate during the new year is an important component of Yom Kippur. Let's go through the five-part reparation process suggested in the book. 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 October, The Record Company (TRC) will share half the plate. Since 2012, The Record Co. (TRC) has been the heartbeat of Boston's music community. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, they've grown from a single recording studio into Boston's largest provider of affordable creative space, operating both their original Mass Ave facility and their 90-room Morrissey Boulevard location. Their facilities serve over 400 active bands and creative professionals, making them more than just a space — they are a catalyst for Boston's creative community. TRC's mission remains clear: to remove the technical and social barriers between music makers and their creative visions. 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. Erica Federspiel Richmond, Parish Minister, preaching Worship service given September 28, 2025 Prayer by Bill Licea-Kane, Worship Associate https://firstparish.info/ First Parish A liberal religious community, welcoming to all First gathered 1739 As heaviness swirls around us, grief is a thing we carry. It is not something that we can get rid of or move on from, but it is something that can become one of many things we hold. Join us on Sunday for worship. It is an extra special service as we do our annual Child Dedication for the newest little ones among us. Rev. Erica Richmond is preaching. 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. 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.

The process of disremembering so-called "difficult knowledge" —history that makes some uncomfortable—started years ago and is now moving forward at breathtaking speed. As we move toward our nation's 250th anniversary celebration next July 4, 2026, what do we need to remember as citizens and as Unitarian Universalists.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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