Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

"Healing helps us fight in the places we need to, but love in the places we long to." - Prentice Hemphill In her sermon "Wounded Healers," Rev. Beth Dana reflects on how we can begin to heal toward wholeness in a broken world. She shares the story of her first job - working with the Albany County Public Defender's Office in their alternative sentencing program, where the work of the small but mighty county office was rooted in the belief that treatment and rehabilitation are better alternatives to punishment and imprisonment. She also lifts up the work of attorney and advocate Brittany K. Barnett, Dr. Gail Christopher and the Kellogg Foundation, and our own Director of Equity Initiatives Jerry Hawkins and Racial Equity Task Force Leader Steve Jensen - all of whom are dedicated to the mission of truth, healing, reconciliation, and transformation. They serve as examples that the work of transforming systems and institutions starts with people-to-people relationship building. This sermon is part of our Truth, Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation sermon series. Within this series, we will examine the four pillars that help us move away from division and toward a place of wholeness. We will reflect on how truth allows us to look at the world through new lenses, how healing takes place through vulnerability, how reconciliation restores that which has been damaged, and how transformation is made possible when we choose love over fear, again and again. Topics include: Brittany K. Barnett, Unitarian Universalist, Drop the Rock Rallies, Henri Nouwen, Chiron, Hercules, Somatic therapist Prentice Hemphill, Cornell University, criminal justice, Gaza 💚 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/

☀️ Explore the theme year booklet mentioned in this episode at dallasuu.org/liberatingfaith ☀️ Support our online ministry and all the work we do by making your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Beth Dana and T. J. FitzGerald introduce our Liberating Faith 2026-27 Theme Year. They share how this theme came to life, inspired by a framework introduced to us by Jerry Hawkins, Director of Equity Initiatives. The pillars of Truth, Reconciliation, Healing, and Transformation were introduced early in the year, and we will continue to explore them. "How free do you want to be?" Let's take the joyful journey together this year! 🌱 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

☀️ Support our online ministry and all the work we do by making your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge We are confronted daily with stuff that is made up - ideas, opinions, guesses, and fears. So how do we know what is true? In his sermon "The Real Real," Rev. T. J. FItzGerald reminds us that uncovering the truth requires a sense of openness and trust, a sense of community spirit that is made possible through our Unitarian Universalist faith. In our church, you are free to speak your truth to others and be loved in return. This sermon is part of our Truth, Healing, Reconciliation, and Transformation sermon series. Within this series, we will examine the four pillars that help us move away from division and toward a place of wholeness. We will reflect on how truth allows us to look at the world through new lenses, how healing takes place through vulnerability, how reconciliation restores that which has been damaged, and how transformation is made possible when we choose love over fear, again and again. Topics: golf, Jerry Hawkins, Mary Oliver, David White, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Dr. Tara Brach, Radical Acceptance, Unitarian Universalism. 💚 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/

☀️ Support our online ministry and all the work we do by making your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge We practice generosity every Sunday because it is part of our spiritual lives and how we keep our church's mission alive. In his sermon "Faith Isn't Free," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter shares the reality of what it takes to keep a church like ours thriving and growing, while reminding us of our Unitarian ancestors and how they persevered in the quest for free religious thinking. Our church has a monumental legacy. Your pledge helps us to keep fighting the good fight - for freedom, for truth, for love. Make your 2027 pledge today at dallasuu.org/2027pledge. Topics: Reverend Luther Hamilton, Alvan Lamson, Unitarian, Trinitarian, Broadway Congregational Church, Daniel Limbaugh, Dallas 💚 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/

Fear looms heavily for many of us right now. Recent warnings about AI, news about the climate crisis, rising costs of gas and groceries, and threats to democracy and voting rights - these fears are real. In his sermon, "Power of the Unseen," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reminds us that our Unitarian Universalist faith equips us to face the truth of this moment with imagination and possiblity. Topics: Horror movies, Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch Project, neuroscience, NASA, dark matter, Dolly Parton, Dollywood This sermon is part of our Liberating Faith series: A liberating faith requires the willingness to challenge what has been taken for granted. Our theme year kick-off series is an overview of the foundations of a faith that encourages questioning; one that challenges assumptions and is open to the unfolding of truth. We will explore why a liberating faith is important, how un-examined beliefs and fears affect our lives, and ways in which courageous Unitarian Universalists throughout history worked to expand freedom and how we can continue that work today. 💚 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/

As surveillance takes hold in our country in the form of flock cameras, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter asks, "Will we be people who simply talk about freedom or will we practice it?" In his sermon to kick off our "Liberating Faith" theme year, Rev. Kanter reflects on the work of John Stuart Mill and Harriet Taylor Mill. For our Unitarian ancestors, the defense of liberty was survival, not just abstract philosophy. In a year when our right to vote freely is in jeopardy, our rights of free speech are being questioned, and our neighbors' rights to religious expression are under attack, it is our turn to live a liberating faith. This year, let's continue the great Unitarian experiment of trusting ourselves and others to seek, question, grow, and become. Topics: On Liberty, John Stuart Mill, Harriet Taylor Mills , Unitarians, flock cameras, immigration, South Place Unitarian Chapel, Reverend William Johnson Fox, reproductive dignity, fighting Islamophobia, religious freedom, freedom of speech Liberating Faith Liberation begins with the belief that another world is possible. It takes root whenever people find the strength to resist injustice, as well as the willingness to continue learning. Our Unitarian Universalist faith calls us to live in ways that make freedom more real for everyone, everywhere. Our 2026–2027 theme year, Liberating Faith, opens the door to that sacred work. Throughout this year, we will develop the spiritual tools needed to break free from fear and assumption so that we can live more authentically, seek reconciliation where there is division, and help create communities where every person can flourish. We start on the path toward liberation by taking stock of what is true about who we are individually, but we do not stop there. As we grow into being more honest and courageous individuals, we will become better neighbors, better friends and better co-builders of beloved community. 💚 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/

What does it mean to live joyfully deep? As Unitarian Universalists, we recognize that joy is much more than a passing feeling or a response to circumstances. In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana explores joy as a deep spiritual quality that can sustain us through difficult times. Topics include: joyfully deep, joy and spirituality, cultivating joy, joy and sorrow, spiritual practice, finding joy in difficult times, Unitarian Universalism, UU spirituality, Wendell Berry, Mary Oliver, Inside Out, joy and resilience, joy and community 💚 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/

What does it mean to be rationally spiritual? In the second sermon of our 2026 UU Foundations series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores a faith that makes room for questions and welcomes the use of reason. At First Unitarian Church of Dallas, we bring our whole selves to the search for meaning. This sermon considers how our beliefs shape the way we live and asks what our choices reveal about what we value. Rational spirituality means taking our faith seriously enough to question it, examine it, and put it into practice. Topics include: rational spirituality, reason and faith, doubt, ethics, Unitarian Universalism, spiritual life, justice, equity, authenticity 💚 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/

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald gets personal about the spiritual practices that sustain his Unitarian Universalist faith. He shares his morning meditation and prayer, along with an evening examen for reflecting on the day. Rev. T. J. explores why ritual matters and how spiritual practices can help protect our peace and well-being. He also shares a few ideas for developing a deeper spiritual practice, including The Artist's Way and the examined life. Topics include: spiritual practices, daily rituals, meditation, prayer, loving-kindness meditation, forgiveness, the examen, spiritual well-being, Unitarian Universalism, and The Artist's Way. 🌱 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

What does it mean to be genuinely inclusive when Muslims are being targeted because of their faith? In the first sermon of our 2026 UU Foundations series, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald looks at the rise of Islamophobia in North Texas and what it means for religious freedom. He also explores how fear and misinformation can shape the way we see our neighbors. As Unitarian Universalists, we believe that religious freedom belongs to everyone. We can learn more about Islam, speak up when we hear hate, and stand with people whose faith is being targeted. In our faith, genuine inclusion means making room for one another and remembering that we belong together. 💚 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/