Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

This is the time of year when we honor the youth of our church and celebrate their wisdom, courage, and emerging sense of identity within our Unitarian Universalist community. In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald and Rev. Beth Dana explore the significance of our Coming of Age and Bridging traditions. They reflect on how these rituals help young people claim their own spirit...

Join us as we celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood with an exploration of the faith commitments we hold in our hearts. 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...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter talks with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana about the annual First Church pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills of Northeast India, where over 10,000 Unitarians have built a deeply rooted, indigenous faith community. He shares powerful stories from the Annie Margaret Barr Children's Village, and explores what it means to build lasting re...

What does it mean to be a progressive Unitarian Universalist faith? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald, and Rev. Beth Dana sit down in the Minister's Study to explore what it really means when Unitarian Universalists call themselves a progressive religious community. They reflect on the bold ideas that shaped the earliest movements toward Unitariani...

Join us for a special worship service at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, where we are honored to welcome writer, artist, historian, and activist Aurora Levins Morales as our guest minister. Aurora Levins Morales is a Puerto Rican author, artist, activist, and historian. Her writing and activism persistently imagine a world in which the personal is understood as political and vice versa, the comp...

In this sermon, acclaimed poet, activist, and historian Aurora Levins Morales shares how she practices hope in an age of despair. "We were made for these times," she reminds us, quoting Clarissa Pinkola Estés. As corporate greed escalates and injustice deepens, Aurora draws on her Puerto Rican Jewish ancestry, liberation theology, and the global struggles of oppressed peoples to offer her vision:...

In a time when books are banned, histories are erased, and injustice burns through our communities, Unitarian Universalists are called to something greater - to rise, to resist, and to create a future shaped by love, justice, and fierce compassion. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald's sermon "Rise Up, New Flame" reflects on the life and legacy of Maya Angelou, the ministry of Pope Francis, and the unstoppable...

Welcome to another episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks with Reverends T. J., Beth, and Daniel. This week, they dive into the meaning and practice of sabbatical—not just as a ministerial break, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in the ancient rhythms of Sabbath and renewal. Reverend Kanter shares reflections from his current sabbatical journey, including time spent in India translating indigenous hymns...

Welcome to a special edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks — from the minister's study! 🕊️ Today, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald sit down to wrestle with a big question on many Unitarian Universalist minds: What do Unitarian Universalists believe about Easter? And why do Unitarian Universalists celebrate Easter? Tune in to explore: Why Easter still matters, even for those...

In his Unitarian Universalist Easter sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter invites us to rethink resurrection — not as an ancient miracle, but as a living, breathing hope we carry into today's complicated world. In "A Desperate Mad Hope," Rev. Kanter explores the Unitarian Universalist tradition of questioning and seeking deeper truth: 🌸 What does Easter mean when viewed through love instead of fear? 🌸...

On this Palm Sunday, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald invites us into a journey to explore what it means to choose the path of love in a time of fear. Drawing from the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, the poetry of Mary Oliver, and the complexities of modern life, this Unitarian Universalist sermon speaks to those seeking courage, clarity, and spiritual depth in troubled times. In this reflection, we as...

Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks! We're so glad you're here. In this episode, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into a deeply important conversation about mental health—why it matters, why the church should care, and how we can create a faith community that supports every person's well-being. Too often, mental health struggles are met with shame, silence, or pressure to "be okay." But in U...

How do we relate to people who demonstrate values that are offensive or fundamentally different from our own? What does it mean to engage with integrity, especially when we encounter messages—on yard signs, bumper stickers, or even in casual conversations—that challenge our beliefs? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald, Minister of Community Care and Engagement, and Reve...

What does it mean to journey with intention? What questions are worth traveling for? And how might India and the Khasi expression of Unitarian Universalism help us reimagine our own faith? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter concludes our series on the spiritual practices of Unitarian Universalism by exploring pilgrimage—not just as a journey to far-off lands, but as an intentional spiritual pa...

What does it mean to truly retreat as a spiritual practice that nourishes the soul? After months of pilgrimage and retreat in India and New Zealand, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter returns with deep reflections on silence, stillness, and the ways we can step back to gain perspective. In this sermon, he examines how retreat—be it a brief moment of stillness, a weekend getaway, or an extended sabbatical—prov...

What does it mean to truly serve others? Is it about helping, fixing, or something deeper? In Rev. Beth's sermon "Monthly Service," we explore the difference between simply offering assistance and engaging in service as a spiritual practice. Drawing from the wisdom of Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen, the Apostle Paul, and Unitarian Universalist teachings, we reflect on how service—when grounded in faith an...

In his sermon "Weekly Worship," Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explores worship as a transformative spiritual practice—one that connects us to our history, our collective memory, and the deep well of resilience needed in times of challenge. Rev. T. J. invites us to consider the meaning of worship beyond routine. We are reminded of the way worship shapes our traditions, strengthens our communities, and call...

In this Lenten sermon, Rev. Beth Dana explores the spiritual practice of letting go in order to make space for renewal and deeper connection. Reflecting on the Unitarian Universalist traditions of the Burning Service and Ash Wednesday, she shares how saying no to what no longer serves us allows us to say yes to truth, love, and a more intentional life. As we journey through wilderness times, how d...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the meaning and traditions of the Lenten season—a time of reflection, connection, and transformation. Lent isn't just about giving something up; it's about making space for something deeper. We explore the history of these 40 days, the significance of sacrifice and renewal, and the communal journey of spiritua...

We explore the roots of Mardi Gras and hold close the place that brings those traditions to so many, even still, New Orleans. 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 yo...

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

How do we nurture young people in the Unitarian Universalist faith while balancing the many demands of life? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T.J. Fitzgerald (Minister of Community Care Engagement) sits down with Reverend Beth Dana (Minister of Faith Development) to explore what it means to raise children in Unitarian Universalism. Rev. Beth shares her personal experience as both som...

Love's in need of love today. We gather to feel love's power and discern what it calls us to do in hard times. 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...

Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks! In this episode, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald, Minister of Community Care and Engagement, sits down with Reverend Beth Dana, Minister of Faith Development, to explore her call story—her journey to Unitarian Universalist ministry. What does it mean to be "called"? How do we discover the work we are meant to do? Rev. Beth shares how she grew up in the UU faith, her early l...

What is faith in such times as these? Caught in the spin cycle of tortured truths, and the siren call of influencers, where do we put our trust? How do we ground our faith? This Sunday we explore faith, stripped down and essential. About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care, and received Minister Emerit...