Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Pamela Ice and Steve Jensen from the First Unitarian Church of Dallas Racial Equity Task Force. Together, they dive into the deeply rooted history of racial injustice and its ongoing impact. From the uncomfortable truths about how Black Americans built the U.S. economy for no pay, to the systemic structures that continue to perpetuate inequity, this conversation challenges the silence surrounding these issues. Discover the origins of the Racial Equity Task Force, its mission to transform the church, and the profound work being done to foster dialogue, education, and introspection around race and justice. 0:00 – Introduction: Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks with Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald 01:33 – Meet the Guests: Pamela Ice and Steve Jensen, Founding Members of the Racial Equity Task Force 02:36 – How the Racial Equity Task Force Was Formed 04:00 – The Mission: Transforming a Church Steeped in White Supremacy 04:36 – Breaking the Silence: Encouraging Conversations About Race 05:26 – Why Pamela and Steve Joined the Task Force 07:22 – Changes and Impact Since 2018 10:16 – Upcoming Event: Race: The Power of an Illusion Screening and Discussion 12:38 – The Role of Film in Understanding Racial Equity 13:49 – The Importance of 13th and Other Critical Media 17:52 – The Reality of Systemic Inequities: Wealth, Housing, and Voting Disparities 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

Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter's post-election sermon "A Love of Liberty" reminds us that even in the face of despair, love endures. Through grief, rage, and exhaustion, the message is clear: we are called to action. Together, we confront injustice, uphold freedom, and refuse to let love be extinguished. Join us as we recommit to a future rooted in compassion. Listen now and be inspired to rise, because love will not die here today—or any day. 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/

Together we remember and honor the lives of those who have died this year in our annual service of All Souls. 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 Election Week edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we dive into the fine lines between politics and political speech within churches. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald unpacks how these concepts differ and how history has shaped the complex role of religion in public life. From the origins of religious freedom to the nuances of what churches can say politically, this episode takes a close look at how some churches navigate the boundaries of political speech and charitable tax exemptions. Why do these exemptions exist, and why are they rarely revoked? Tune in to explore the evolving relationship between faith, speech, and civic life—and why it matters today. 🎧 Listen now and don't forget to subscribe! Make your 2025 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2025pledge/ 00:00 - Welcome to this Election Week episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks 00:31 - Introduction: Politics vs. political speech 01:16 - Religious freedom in the First Amendment 01:57 - Historical state religions and church taxes 03:11 - Civic religion and capitalism 03:37 - Political speech boundaries in churches 05:00 - Purpose of charitable tax exemptions 07:44 - Enforcement challenges for tax exemption 08:50 - Debate on wealth caps for churches 09:22 - Church's role in community support 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

With Halloween arriving today and our All Souls worship service happening on Sunday, we are diving into one of life's biggest questions: What happens after we die? Join the ministers as they explore this profound topic from different perspectives, offering insights on how our actions, relationships, and legacies live on after death. From soul discussions and mystical experiences to navigating the mystery of what lies beyond, the team shares personal stories, cultural reflections, and faith-based perspectives. Whether you're curious, grieving, or simply pondering the unknown, this episode is a thoughtful exploration of life, death, and everything in between. We'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to share them in the comments. Remember to like, subscribe, and review the podcast if you enjoyed this conversation! Make your 2025 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2025pledge/ 00:00 - Introduction: Exploring what happens when we die. 00:41 - The question of the soul: What do Unitarian Universalists believe? 01:27 - Beth's perspective: The unknown after death. 2:27 - Daniel's Buddhist perspective on habits and impact. 03:28 - Agnosticism on the afterlife: Embracing uncertainty 04:00 - Personal hopes for an afterlife and experiences of loss 06:09 - The mystery surrounding death and the acceptance of the unknown. 09:35 - Discussion on cultural practices surrounding death, particularly in India. 10:49 - Shared beliefs and experiences across cultures regarding death. 11:31 - The tradition of memorials in the church. 12:14 - Investigative approach to memorials: Learning about the deceased. 14:46 - Reflection on how the church navigates grief. 15:08 - Encouragement to reach out with questions about death and grief 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

We finally unpack a last part of Daniel Limbaugh's founding sermon of our church from 1899 in which he said, "What shall I do with my life? How can I make the most of it?" They had answers to these questions, let's see if we can find some for today. This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from "old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds." On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being "at sea without a chart or compass." This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh's pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern 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 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

Welcome to this week's episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks! Today, we dive into a topic that's on everyone's mind: how do we find peace and grounding when the world feels overwhelming? With a looming election, global conflicts, and personal challenges, it's easy to feel lost in the storm. So, how do we find our footing? Do we retreat, take a break, or step forward and engage? In this episode, your three ministers reflect on how they navigate these times of chaos. We discuss the balance between self-care, community, and action—whether it's seeking solitude, connecting with others, or embracing new spiritual practices. We also touch on the importance of storytelling, journaling, and sharing our experiences to heal. Join us for this important conversation about self-care, community support, and finding hope in difficult times. Don't forget to leave your thoughts, experiences, or tips in the comments, and let us know what practices help you stay grounded. Thanks for tuning in! Make your 2025 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2025pledge/ 0:00 - Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks with Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 00:18 - Balancing retreat and engagement in the world. 00:51 - Feeling overwhelmed by current events and the need for peace. 02:28 - Extrovert vs. introvert approaches to self-care. 03:25 - The value of retreat and stepping back for reflection. 04:19 - Community support: The importance of gathering together. 05:11 - Finding solace in fiction and storytelling. 06:30 - Healthy habits: Meditation, reading, and self-centering. 09:08 - Avoiding the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" mentality. 10:10 - Journaling and storytelling as spiritual practices 13:45 - Thanks for tuning in and being part of this conversation 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

We unpack more of Daniel Limbaugh's founding sermon of our church from 1899 in which he said, "We believe God to be one, not three or more; an intelligent first cause, not an ultimate blind force… We have said that we believe God is love." Let's look for God in our version of faith for today through his eyes. This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from "old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds." On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being "at sea without a chart or compass." This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh's pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern 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 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

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we dive into the heart of community and connection with Sharon Thompson, Director of Membership and Hospitality. Sharon shares stories about welcoming newcomers to the church, the simple process of becoming a member, and the meaningful tradition of signing the Book of Names. She highlights the inclusive and flexible ways both in-person and online members can engage with the church community, from small groups to volunteer opportunities. Sharon also discusses how the church ensures members—whether local or remote—feel connected and supported through various initiatives like virtual new member classes, rose ceremonies, and online coffees. For those curious about joining or getting more involved, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of building a beloved community. Tune in to learn how the church balances tradition with innovation to serve both long-standing members and new faces alike. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review to share your thoughts! Make your 2025 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2025pledge/ 0:00 - Welcome Sharon Thompson! 00:20 - Sharon Thompson introduces her role as Director of Membership and Hospitality. 01:56 - Story about a new member joining the church on her first visit. 02:47 - Explanation of the membership process and signing the Book of Names. 04:42 - Events and ceremonies for new members, including the rose ceremony. 05:31 - Engaging online members and growing online membership options. 07:49 - Online member contributions, such as co-chairing committees. 09:12 - How the church is enhancing online connections and small group ministry. 13:49 - Ways to move from guest to fully engaged member through connection and service. 16:29 - Introduction to Inquirers Class for newcomers and guests. 18:10 - How the church helps members find the right spiritual community, even if it's not here. 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

We continue to explore Daniel Limbaugh's 1899 founding sermon for our church by finding in it kernels of interest for them and for us today. In it he said, "Ours is not a system so much as it is a tendency. It is embraced by the spirit rather than by any formal statement of language. The seeking of truth, actuated by a love for it and its application to the religious nature of man is the spirit that animates us in all our investigations, statements and work." We will unpack this for today's spiritual needs of our church. This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from "old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds." On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being "at sea without a chart or compass." This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh's pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern 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 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