Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Deneen Robinson, Executive Director of Truth Pregnancy Resource Center in Dallas, Texas for a conversation about caring for pregnant people in a state where abortion is illegal, making dignity a non-negotiable in reproductive care, and how faith can inform social work and healthcare. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald welcomes Deneen...

Join us as we delve into the powerful storytelling of Aurora Levins Morales, a writer, activist, and artist. Explore how her work amplifies marginalized voices, advocates for justice, and celebrates the resilience of oppressed communities. Reflect on the role of art in activism and its potential to inspire social change. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the wo...

Can you be Agnostic, Atheist, or Humanist AND Unitarian Universalist? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Beth Dana and T. J. FitzGerald discuss the differences between these systems of thought and how they fit into our Unitarian Universalist community. 00:00 - Welcome to episode 13 of Tiny Pulpit Talks. 00:43 - "Is it okay if I come to this church if I'm an atheist?" 01:11 - Exploring wha...

Explore the transformative power of performance art as we reflect on the groundbreaking work of Marina Abramović. Through her daring and provocative performances, Abramović challenges conventional notions of art, time, and the self, inviting us to contemplate the profound connections between body, mind, and spirit. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Sherri Cook, Executive Director of Wholly Informed Sex Ed (WISE) for a conversation about inclusive and affirming sexuality education, literacy about our emotions and our body, and helping youth to grow into sexually healthy adults. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald welcomes Sherri Cook, Executive Director of WISE 01:00 - What is WIS...

This week's film: The Princess Bride – Storybook endings are usually reserved for storybooks. Life is rarely what you plan, though. What can we make of our lives while we are living? The Princess Bride is a timeless tale of love, adventure, and the triumph of the human spirit. Its blend of humor, romance, and swashbuckling action serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to unite us and ig...

Welcome to a very special Sumfun edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks! In this episode, Rev. T. J. is talking to some of the campers attending our Unitarian Universalist day camp to find out what's Sumfun is all about and to answer questions like: What's it like being a minister? What's your favorite book? Do you ever get nervous before your sermons? And...how many dragons can I hold? (We highly recommend...

If you're hoping to go to heaven, we've got some good news for you. Come and join us this Sunday to hear all about it. This week's film: Field of Dreams – Field of Dreams intertwines themes of faith, redemption, and the power of following one's dreams. It challenges us to trust in the unseen, to have faith in our visions, and to build bridges between the past and the future. Through its portrayal...

Every Unitarian Universalist church has a unique way of approaching faith, community, and care. In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald shares three (plus) ways First Unitarian Church of Dallas differentiates itself from other churches. 00:00 - Welcome to episode 10 of Tiny Pulpit Talks! 01:11 - A commitment to intentional, cohesive faith development 01:50 - The Faith Forward c...

This week's film: Soul – Soul takes us on a journey exploring the meaning of life, purpose, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through the eyes of its protagonist, it prompts us to reflect on our own passions, dreams, and the beauty of simply being alive. It inspires us to cherish each moment and find fulfillment in the pursuit of our true passions. Join us for our first summer sermo...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald answers one of our most commonly asked questions: Are Unitarian Universalists Christian? 00:00 - Welcome to episode 9 of Tiny Pulpit Talks! 01:35 - A brief history of Christianity 04:04 - Are we Christian? 05:12 - Practicing the religion of Jesus 05:45 - Is our church more Christian-based than other UU churches? 06:51 - The Cathedral of t...

This week, as part of our Faith & Film series, we are exploring the spiritual lessons and themes from the film "The Brother from Another Planet." Join us for our first summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film. Each Wednesday evening we will gather in community to view a diverse selection of films that captivate the h...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Daniel, Beth, and T. J. discuss what we can expect from this month's Faith and Film series and a little bit of UU history as Beth plans to take our Coming of Age 9th graders on the Boston Heritage Trip this week. 01:36 - Palm Springs with Andy Samberg 02:35 - The myth of Sisyphus 04:09 - The Brother from Another Planet 06:20 - The Coming of Age Boston He...

This week's film: Palm Springs – In this existential rom-com, Palm Springs invites us to ponder the cyclical nature of life and the transformative power of love and connection. Through its exploration of time loops and self-discovery, it prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of embracing the present moment. Join us for our first summer sermon series as we jo...

Let's come together on Memorial day and have church lift us. 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 servic...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald answers questions from our members and friends. Learn more about Rev. T. J., what it's like to be a Unitarian Universalist minister, and how to talk about Unitarian Universalism with your friends. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. is ready to answer your questions! 00:27 - How do our online members experience church life? 01:34 - Do you surf? Do you pla...

Join us as we celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood with an exploration of the stories of our lives that are not yet written. 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 wor...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald interviews Rev. Beth Dana, as she reflects on the recent Child Dedication and prepares for Bridging Sunday, when we will celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood . They discuss everything from the theology behind Unitarian Universalist child dedications to the importance of play to t...

This Sunday we dedicate children to this faith and hold close what parenting in all its forms means to us all. 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...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald interviews Don Krehbiel, who is retiring as Director of Music after 34 years of service. They discuss everything from growing up in the Mennonite church to finding your path as a musician to the power of music to heal and unify. Tiny Pulpit Talks is a podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look...

Beyond Words | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | Don Krehbiel's Final Sunday as Director of Music What role does music play in our spiritual lives? We ask ourselves this question as we say goodbye to Don Krehbiel, Director of Music. 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 t...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Daniel, Beth, and T. J. discuss the opening of the Truth Pregnancy Resource Center, whose mission is to provide fact-based care and counseling to pregnant persons in the Dallas, TX area in need of accessible prenatal care, safe and legal abortion, or inclusive and equitable adoption services. They also discuss other ways the church is making a difference...

We wrap up our theme year by reflecting on how waves of purpose become tides of change. 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 exp...

Click to watch, read, or listen to the replay of "Why Care?" Tiny Pulpit Talks is a new podcast series from First Unitarian Church of Dallas that takes a behind-the-scenes look at ministry from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. This is a rare opportunity to see what goes into crafting meaningful and inspirational sermons and how worship comes together each Sunday. Subscribe so you don't miss a...

Earth Day gives us a chance to ask such questions about our planet. Let's ask. This sermon is part of our "What Are People For?" sermon series, the final series of our church year. After a year-long journey of discovering and activating our purpose as individuals, we are exploring how we can come together as spiritual people to change the world. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genui...