Welcome to a special Christmas edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks from the Minister’s Study! This week, we’re reflecting on what this season means for Unitarians and Universalists. From the history of the Christmas tree (did you know a Unitarian minister started the tradition in America?) to the deeper meaning behind the birth of light and hope in a messy world, we explore how Christmas invites us to reset our lives with kindness, generosity, and peace. We also discuss the beauty of Christmas services at our church— a time to pause amid the holiday hustle, connect with others, and reflect on the best parts of ourselves. Whether you’re grumpy or glowing when you walk into a Christmas Eve service, you’ll leave with a sense of joy, hope, and peace. Join us as we talk about the rituals, the preparations, and the meaning behind it all. And remember, it’s okay to slow down—leave a few things unwrapped, savor the season, and show love to those around you. We’re here for you this Christmas and can’t wait to see you at the services! Like, subscribe, and review us on your favorite podcast app. 🎄 View our complete holiday calendar here: 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Considering a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: ✨ (Members & pledge-holders, please give in Realm.)  0:00 - Welcome to the special Christmas edition from the Minister’s Study. 01:13 - The history of the Christmas tree: A Unitarian connection. 01:56 - What does the birth of Jesus mean for Unitarians? 02:28 - Christmas as a time for resetting relationships and kindness. 04:19 - The mystical moment of global peace in the Christmas story. 04:56 - Exploring peace in our families and communities. 05:41 - A closer look at the communion service tradition. 07:01 - Creating quiet, intimate moments during a fast-paced season. 08:56 - Candlelight services and the spirit of generosity. 09:44 - Final reflections: Slow down and savor the season. 10:05 - Closing thoughts: Join us for Christmas services and happy holidays! 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 New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond:

Advent calls us to get prepared - not through to-do lists, but through the spiritual response to the season. Let’s explore that together this Sunday. 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, we're discussing the sacred practice of pilgrimage and its profound spiritual significance. Join us to hear from our senior minister, Rev, Dr. Daniel Kanter, about his upcoming sabbatical—a journey intended for exploration, reflection, and renewal. Revs. Daniel, Beth, and T. J. also discuss the essential Unitarian Universalist spiritual practices we encourage at First Church—daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences—and how pilgrimage stands apart as a journey toward transformation. Whether it’s a heritage trip to Boston or a trek across continents, pilgrimages invite us to step away from the ordinary and return forever changed. Curious about how to choose your own pilgrimage or what makes it different from a vacation? Tune in to explore how travel to sacred spaces can deepen your faith and reshape your perspective. 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Considering 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 ✨ (Member & pledge-holders, please give in Realm.)  00:00 - Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks 00:45 - Overview of spiritual practices: daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, and lifetime. 01:14 - What does sabbatical mean for a minister? 02:11 - Rest and renewal: parallels between Sabbath and sabbatical. 02:40 - Daniel’s upcoming sabbatical plans and destination. 03:03 - Exploring indigenous hymns in Northeast India. 03:44 - Preaching in Auckland and learning about Maori spirituality. 04:32 - A reverse pilgrimage: cycling from Naples to London. 06:16 - Faith Forward classes: how to learn more about pilgrimage. 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 New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond:

Rest and dreaming are essential components of our health and shaping a future. Together we will explore the power of dreams. 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://sstSSSSwww.facebook.com/1stUChurch Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: https://dallasuu.org/live/

As we gather around Thanksgiving tables this week, how will we practice our values of generosity and welcome? 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 the second installment of our two-part series with members of the Racial Equity Task Force, Pamela Ice and Steve Jensen return to tackle the complex topic of reparations. Drawing on examples like Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Case for Reparations, Hawaii’s historic efforts, and Fort Worth’s Broadway Baptist Church project, they explore how communities can address past injustices and pursue healing. Pamela, Steve, and Rev. T. J. also discuss the intersection of spirituality and racial equity, the role of personal race stories, and new initiatives like racial healing circles. They reflect on the challenges of engaging a whole congregation and the ongoing work to document the church’s racial history. This insightful episode asks: How can we grow as a community, confront our past, and build a just future? 🎙️ Don’t miss this thought-provoking conclusion to our series—like, comment, and subscribe to join the conversation! 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Considering a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: ✨ (Member & pledge-holders, please give in Realm.) 00:00 - Introduction and discussion of reparations 00:50 - Ta-Nehisi Coates' "A Case for Reparations" 01:03 - Personal connection to reparations in Hawaii 01:48 - Broadway Baptist Church’s reparations project in Fort Worth 02:10 - Story of a Black janitor and his artwork 03:20 - Rhode Island Episcopal Diocese’s reparations efforts 03:57 - Financial and sacred aspects of reparations 04:28 - Exploring inherited guilt and trauma 04:56 - "Journey Toward Wholeness" program experience 07:18 - The church’s ongoing effort to document its racial history 09:00 - Upcoming Racial Equity Task Force events at the church 13:26 - The WISE program and racial healing circles explained 15:08 - The misconception that white people have no race 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 New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond:

This Sunday, we are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, as our guest preacher. Rev. Dr. Betancourt is a visionary leader, theologian, and advocate for justice whose work inspires our faith. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Unitarian Universalism’s most influential voices. 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 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 New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: 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/