Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

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 curriculum 03:59 - A collaborative approach to worship 05:45 - A robust Pastoral Care program led by Jean Ann Powers and powered by volunteers 07:14 - What about justice? 09:05 - Fill out an online Welcome Card: https://dallasuu.org/welcomecard/ Tiny Pulpit Talks is a 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, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌎 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/ Make your 2024 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2024pledge/ 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

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 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 heart and mind. Each screening will be followed by a discussion where we unpack the film's themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a seeker of truth, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and storytelling, you'll find inspiration, community, and spiritual nourishment during this fun series! 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, 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 the World 07:47 - Why do we celebrate Christmas, Maundy Thursday, and Easter? 10:22 - Subscribe to the podcast and send us your questions! Tiny Pulpit Talks is a 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, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌎 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/ Make your 2024 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2024pledge/ 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/ 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

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 heart and mind. Each screening will be followed by a discussion where we unpack the film's themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a seeker of truth, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and storytelling, you'll find inspiration, community, and spiritual nourishment during this fun series! 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, 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 Heritage Trip 07:28 - Boston Public Garden, Charles Sumner, Walden Pond 08:21 - Whale watching on Boston Harbor 09:29 - The history of King's Chapel 11:35 - Unitarian Universalism around the world Tiny Pulpit Talks is a 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, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌎 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/ Make your 2024 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2024pledge/ 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

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 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 heart and mind. Each screening will be followed by a discussion where we unpack the film's themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a seeker of truth, or simply curious about the intersection of faith and storytelling, you'll find inspiration, community, and spiritual nourishment during this fun series! 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

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 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, 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 play the ukulele? And what is your favorite Hawaiian food? 03:06 - What is a typical work day like for a minister at our Unitarian Universalist church? 06:03 - How do I explain Unitarian Universalism to my friends? 07:43 - How do we respect other faiths and love across differences? Tiny Pulpit Talks is a 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, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes here on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌎 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/ Make your 2024 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2024pledge/ 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

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 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, 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 the many ways we minister to our youth and children. Tiny Pulpit Talks is a 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, learn how worship comes together each Sunday, and explore the many facets of spiritual leadership. Subscribe to get updates about new episodes on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 🌎 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/ Make your 2024 pledge here: https://dallasuu.org/2024pledge/ 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/