Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Tune in each week to hear Unitarian Universalist sermons and conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas, a liberal religious presence in Dallas since 1899. Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald, and Rev. Beth Dana will inspire you with messages that are rationally spiritual and joyfully deep. No matter where you are in the world, you are invited to bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, and your open heart.

  1. 5d ago

    Good News: Questioning Series | Rev. Beth Dana

    Our Questioning sermon series is built around the questions you submitted. Asking questions is at the heart of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and together we'll explore your questions about worship, our faith, our congregation, and living our values in the world. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/

  2. Aug 9

    Woven Fine: Questioning Series | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald

    How do we relate to other churches, a wider faith movement, and the rest of our society? We discuss our faithful relationships with one another and the world. Our Questioning sermon series is built around the questions you submitted. Asking questions is at the heart of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and together we'll explore your questions about worship, our faith, our congregation, and living our values in the world. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/

  3. Aug 6 ·  Bonus

    Is the Bible Literally True? A UU Minister's Honest Answer | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 063

    Is the Bible literally true? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T.J. FitzGerald looks at this age-old religious issue from the viewpoint of Unitarian Universalism. Rather than analyzing whether each line of scripture is historically or scientifically correct; Rev. T. J. asks another important question - How do people understand sacred texts and what influence should those texts have over our lives? Topics include: How the Bible came to be and why interpretation is always part of the conversation Archaeology, translation, and biblical scholarship: what can (and cannot) tell us about scripture How to have respectful conversations with those holding different beliefs regarding scripture The true measure of sacred texts: how it inspires us to treat others A UU perspective on faith, truth & religious freedom 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Consider a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 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/ Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond: https://dallasuu.org/give-now

  4. Aug 2

    Come Sunday: Questioning Series | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald

    What do some of the things we take for granted on Sunday in worship really mean and what do the differences in our worship and other types of worship mean? Questioning – Summer Sermon Series, Sundays, August 2 – 16. Our Questioning sermon series is built around the questions you submitted. Asking questions is at the heart of the Unitarian Universalist tradition, and together we'll explore your questions about worship, our faith, our congregation, and living our values in the world. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/

  5. Jul 27 ·  Bonus

    Inside the Work of an Immigration Attorney with Zainab Khan | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 062

    In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald sits down with Zainab Khan, Managing Attorney of the Immigration Detention Project at Texas A&M University School of Law, for a conversation about immigration detention, faith, and justice. Zainab explains how attorneys are using federal habeas petitions to challenge prolonged immigration detention, why outcomes vary across Texas courts, and the kinds of cases her team is seeing under current immigration policies. Drawing on her experience as a former federal public defender and the daughter of Pakistani immigrants, she shares what called her to this work and how her Muslim faith sustains her in the face of injustice. Together, they explore the role of advocacy, the importance of hope, and how ordinary people can help support immigrants navigating an increasingly difficult legal system. Topics include: Immigration detention and habeas petitions Changes to bond hearings under current immigration policy Faith in the face of injustice Immigration law in Texas How attorneys and volunteers can get involved Links: Donation towards the project through DAI (make sure to put "IDP" in the dedication section when donating): https://www.cftexas.org/donors/fund-options/dallas-area-interfaith-fund/#donate-now Submit a request for habeas assistance: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=44HzaNpGuUe6V28yK48NoTyP69CKGbpJnVlTpx3Gx-RUNVlJMU5NNjMyUkI2WFZZSUFYNTI1M1BCUC4u Volunteer as a non-attorney with IDP: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=44HzaNpGuUe6V28yK48NoTyP69CKGbpJnVlTpx3Gx-RURTg1RE1JWDRDVlhHSkNQUk0wRVJYQVRNTC4u Volunteer as an attorney with IDP by emailing zainab_khan@tamu.edu. 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Consider a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 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/ Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond: https://dallasuu.org/give-now

  6. Jul 26

    Inspired by Forgiveness | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter

    Inspired by The Railway Man, the true story of British Army officer Eric Lomax and his journey through trauma toward reconciliation, we'll explore forgiveness as a courageous path toward wholeness. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/

  7. Jul 21 ·  Bonus

    Faith in the Public Square with Rev. Mara Richards Bim | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 061

    What does ministry look like when your pulpit is a newspaper column? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald sits down with Rev. Mara Richards Bim — pastor, spiritual director, and journalist — for a conversation about practicing faith outside the sanctuary. Mara traces her path from founding a Dallas theater company, to seminary, to breaking some of the most consequential immigration stories in North Texas. Along the way, she and TJ find the thread connecting the minister and the reporter: the discipline of sitting with hard things and refusing to look away. They talk about: Cry Havoc Theater, and how interview-based storytelling led to journalism Writing for Baptist News Global as a Clemons Fellow Tracing attempted property purchases in Hutchins, Texas, back to the federal government The movement of detained people through Dallas Love Field — and why that story hasn't gained the same traction What clergy witnessed together on the front lines in Minneapolis Covering CPAC, and the toll of bearing witness to hate Why spiritual care has to include care for the body Faith voices in the public square, and reclaiming ground from Christian nationalism How any calling — not just ministry — can be a place where your faith shows up About Rev. Mara Richards Bim: Rev. Mara Richards Bim is a pastor, writer and spiritual director. Mara graduated from SMU's Perkins School of Theology in 2024 with a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction. After graduation, she served as the Program Director at Faith Commons. Mara was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Royal Lane in 2025. Previously, Mara had a 20-year career as an award-winning theatre artist. She founded the nationally acclaimed Cry Havoc Theater Company which operated in Dallas from 2014-2023. In 2020 Mara received the Holloway Family Foundation's Visionary Leadership Award and in 2021 she was named one of D Magazine's "78 Women Changing the Face of Dallas." Mara is a Clemons Fellow at Baptist News Global where she regularly writes about the intersection of religion and politics, focusing on the threats posed by Christian fascism. She serves on the Leadership Council of Texas Impact and is also an active volunteer with Christians Against Christian Nationalism. She is the first Justice & Advocacy Fellow in the newly-launched Prophetic Leadership Program at Royal Lane. Mara and her family reside in Plano, Texas. Links Referenced Below https://baptistnews.com/article/autho... https://baptistnews.com/article/city-... https://baptistnews.com/article/who-i... 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Consider a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 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/1stchurchyoutubes... Follow us on Instagram: / 1stuchurch Follow us on Facebook: / 1stuchurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/ Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond: https://dallasuu.org/give-now

  8. Jul 20

    Inspired by Beauty | Rev. Beth Dana

    It is said that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." If that's so, beauty is all around us! Let's explore how our spiritual lives are nurtured and inspired by beauty. 💚 Consider making a one-time contribution to First Church today. Your financial support allows us to provide our weekly livestream, produce Tiny Pulpit Talks - our weekly podcast, pay our staff, and make our UU values real in the world. 💲Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal 🌎 Join our global movement of truth, justice, and love. No matter where you are in the world, we invite you to be a part of our community. Fill out a welcome card at the following link and we'll be in touch with resources to get started: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ 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/

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Tune in each week to hear Unitarian Universalist sermons and conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas, a liberal religious presence in Dallas since 1899. Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald, and Rev. Beth Dana will inspire you with messages that are rationally spiritual and joyfully deep. No matter where you are in the world, you are invited to bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, and your open heart.

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