Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

This Fourth Sunday of Advent sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald reflects on grief, addiction, loss, and the quiet pain many people carry during the holidays. Drawing on James Baldwin's Sonny's Blues, the wisdom of the blues tradition, and personal stories of love and endurance, this message speaks to those who feel cracked open by life and wonder how the light still gets in. In the darkest season of the year, this Unitarian Universalist Christmas sermon offers compassion, honesty, and hope. It reminds us that our hearts do not crack to punish us, but to let in mercy, understanding, and love. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Featuring special Blues Music. 💚 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/

"Trim the Hearth" is Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter's Unitarian Universalist sermon for the first week of Advent, inviting us to slow down, clear space, and make room for warmth and renewal in our lives. He reflects on what it means to tend the center of our lives with intention, honesty, and care. Advent becomes a season of gentle preparation, rather than pressure - of noticing the light that rises each day and the divine presence that meets us when we pause long enough to look. In this message, Rev. Kanter reminds us that we don't need perfection to welcome the sacred, only willingness. To "trim the hearth" is to remove what has grown cold, rekindle what matters, and set the table for love and connection. As we move toward Christmas and the turning of the year, this sermon invites us to breathe, to notice beauty, and to make space for the warmth we can build 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/

This Sunday, we welcome guest minister Rev. Jen Crow as we celebrate Rev. Beth Dana's 10-Year Anniversary of Ordination. Across the generations, across the country, across theologies and untold multitudes of experiences, we name and nurture and sustain the faith that has the power to transform us individually and collectively. Today we celebrate the ties that bind us together and the part we play in building the world we long for. Guest minister Rev. Jen Crow is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir & Kindred Voices Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY About Rev. Jen Crow Rev. Jen Crow currently serves as Senior Minister at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. She lives in Minneapolis with her wife and teenage children. She is a hockey mom, a track parent, and an erratic gardener who cherishes morning walks, time with her wife, and live music. Her commitment to recovery, spirituality, transformative love and authenticity is at the center of her life and work. Rev. Jen's primary spiritual practice is writing, and her most recent work can be found in her book, Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything. 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

Join us for this Unitarian Universalist Thanksgiving reflection with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald. Rev. FitzGerald reminds us that giving thanks is not about pretending the world is fine, but about finding the courage to say "yes" to the future, to forgive what cannot be changed, and to stay rooted in wonder and compassion. In a season when many feel weighed down by fear, division, or uncertainty, this message invites us back to the heart of our shared UU values: love, justice, community, and the belief that we can help one another live with more hope. 💚 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 her sermon "Milestones on the Journey," Rev. Beth Dana reflects on the power of milestones and rituals in our spiritual and everyday lives as Unitarian Universalists. She explains that birthdays, transitions, and life events matter because they help us find meaning, reflect on change, and remind each other that we are loved and seen. In our UU faith, these moments are sacred opportunities to recognize growth and transformation. 💚 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 his All Souls sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter reflects on the fragile beauty of life and the lasting echoes of love, laughter, and memory. Through stories of family and friends who have passed, he reminds us that even as life floats away like feathers, the warmth of connection endures in our smiles, our laughter, and our care for one another. Our annual All Souls service invites us to remember and to hold one another gently in the shared experience of loss and love. It is a time to honor those who have gone before us, to speak their names, and to recognize that in every act of remembrance, we bring them close again. 💚 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/

Ever wondered how a church with a $2.4 million budget and 28 dedicated staff members keeps everything running with integrity and transparency? In this episode, Revs. Daniel Kanter and T. J. Fitzgerald break down how our church's finances really work — from pledges and balanced budgets to collective generosity and community trust. What you'll learn: How the annual budget is built from member pledges Why the board and ministers must pass a balanced budget before it goes to a congregational vote What makes our financial system "clean" — no rollovers, no surprises The power of pledging: why every contribution matters How online members and friends help sustain our shared mission Why annual audits and full transparency build lasting trust Every good work we do together — every service, program, and outreach — begins with your pledge. Join us for a conversation about faith, finances, and the collective power of generosity. 🌱 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

In her sermon "Are You A Humanist?" Rev. Beth Dana reflects on her journey with Unitarian Universalism and humanism, exploring how these values shape faith, meaning, and community. She discusses the evolution of humanism, emphasizing awe, wonder, and reverence as experiences that connect us to each other and 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/

In his sermon "Being Ungovernable," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald takes us from the streets of Boston to the waters of Walden Pond, following the life and lessons of Henry David Thoreau. Through stories of Thoreau, Gandhi, Dr. King, and others who stood up to injustice, we explore how real freedom begins when we follow our conscience instead of just obeying the rules. Rev. T. J. reminds us that In a time of division and fear, only a free heart can dream and only a loving heart can change 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/

In this sermon from the Ancestors of Our Faith series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores the radical faith of 19th-century Unitarian minister and abolitionist Theodore Parker, whose ideas reshaped the course of liberal religion. Drawing inspiration from Parker's distinction between what is "transient" and what is "permanent" in faith, Rev. Kanter invites us to examine the difference between the outer forms of religion and the enduring inner truths that give them meaning. What truly lasts in a world of constant change? Rev. Kanter reminds us that the heart of Unitarian Universalism is not dogma but compassion, not conformity but courage. This sermon calls us back to the permanent thread that binds humanity together: to love one another, to act justly, and to live from the heart. 💚 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/