Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Through works like Rent, Jonathan Larson gave voice to a generation grappling with love, loss, and the search for meaning. This Sunday, we'll reflect on his legacy and how his art reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and measure our lives in moments that matter. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the human spirit in our annual summer sermon series, "Artists Who Inspire." Each Sunday, we will reflect on the life, legacy, and artistry of a cultural icon whose work continues to shape the world. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and performance, these artists help illuminate timeless spiritual truths and speak to the heart of what it means to be fully human. 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

With wit, wisdom, and a generous heart, Dolly Parton has become a beloved cultural force. Join us as we explore her life and music, celebrating themes of compassion, humility, and joyful resistance to the status quo. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the human spirit in our annual summer sermon series, "Artists Who Inspire." Each Sunday, we will reflect on the life, legacy, and artistry of a cultural icon whose work continues to shape the world. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and performance, these artists help illuminate timeless spiritual truths and speak to the heart of what it means to be fully human. 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 special 50th episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Beth Dana and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald take a moment to reflect on how this podcast began - born out of a desire to show a more intimate look at the church's values and mission beyond what you might see in the Sanctuary on Sundays. Together, they share stories from the early days of the podcast, how it's evolved, and what might be next. Most importantly, they want to hear from you! What has this series meant to you? What would you like to see in future episodes? 🌱 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

Bold, raw, and deeply personal, Frida Kahlo's art continues to challenge and inspire. This Sunday, we'll consider how Kahlo's unflinching self-expression and embrace of pain as part of the creative process call us to authenticity, resilience, and radical love of self. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the human spirit in our annual summer sermon series, "Artists Who Inspire." Each Sunday, we will reflect on the life, legacy, and artistry of a cultural icon whose work continues to shape the world. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and performance, these artists help illuminate timeless spiritual truths and speak to the heart of what it means to be fully human. 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

More than a jazz legend, Duke Ellington was a visionary who used music to speak to the soul. We'll reflect on how his life and compositions invite us into the divine rhythms of life and justice. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the human spirit in our annual summer sermon series, "Artists Who Inspire." Each Sunday, we will reflect on the life, legacy, and artistry of a cultural icon whose work continues to shape the world. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and performance, these artists help illuminate timeless spiritual truths and speak to the heart of what it means to be fully human. 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 and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the theological roots and modern-day relevance of Universalism within Unitarian Universalism. 🙌 In this episode, they ask the bold question: "If Jesus came to save all, are we already saved?" From John Murray's radical message of universal salvation in early America to Hosea Ballou's tender imagery of a loving God, join the ministers as they explore the rich history and evolving theology behind the belief that no soul is ever damned. What You'll Learn: What is Universalism and where did it come from? The difference between "Restorationist" and "Ultra-Universalist" views Why early Universalists were kicked out of pulpits and how some modern ministers still hide their universalist belief How Universalism shaped the identity of Unitarian Universalism Why we believe in original goodness, not original sin 🌱 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 this special episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on the deep significance of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom rooted in Texas soil, and the legacy of Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose tireless advocacy made June 19th a federally recognized holiday. Join us as we explore: The history of Juneteenth and its importance for all Americans Why this day holds special meaning for Texans and Unitarian Universalists How Opal Lee's work embodies the UU values of justice, equity, and compassion 🌱 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 this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana sit down for a timely and practical conversation about how Unitarian Universalists can prepare to show up at protests with courage, compassion, and responsibility. Many of us feel the urgent call to take to the street - for racial justice, climate action, reproductive freedom, immigrant rights, and more. But before we show up, we need to slow down and prepare. Protest isn't just about presence, it's about being ready: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and legally. They cover: ✅ Practical safety tips for being in the streets ✅ How to center and uplift marginalized voices ✅ Spiritual grounding and self-care in high-intensity spaces ✅ What to bring (and what to leave at home) ✅ Legal preparedness: knowing your rights, staying safe, and accessing support if needed ✅ Meaningful ways to show solidarity, even if you're not marching Whether this is your first protest or your fiftieth, this episode offers grounding, guidance, and encouragement for faithful public witness. Listen now and let your values lead you to action. 🌱 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 this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald sits down with Dallas-based immigration attorney Jiroko Lopez for a conversation about what it really means to seek legal status in the United States. Rev. T.J. and Jiroko unpack the myths, the fear, and the staggering complexity of immigration law in this country. They talk about red cards, the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, and the rights of undocumented people. They discuss how to prepare your family if you're living without status including how to build a safety plan, create a power of attorney, and gather the documents that could make all the difference in a crisis. But more than that, this is a conversation about humanity. About the fear parents live with every time they drop their kids at school. About the quiet heroism of people working without protection, paying into systems they may never benefit from. About hope, and heartbreak, and stubborn love. Jiroko brings her frontline experience in Dallas immigration courts, where policy meets real lives—families, children, and workers trying to navigate a system that often feels stacked against them. Together, they lift up voices too often silenced and share what communities can do, even when the law feels immovable. About Jiroko Lopez - Jiroko Lopez is a partner at Lopez & Freshwater, PLLC, an immigration law firm based in Richardson, Texas. Her passion for immigration law began during her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she was hired to interview immigrants in the Dallas–Fort Worth area as part of an anthropological study. Through these interviews, she witnessed firsthand the inequality and poor working conditions many immigrants faced—an experience that inspired her to pursue a legal career focused on immigrant advocacy. After earning her law degree from SMU, Ms. Lopez began her career with Catholic Charities Legal Services. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, she led the legal orientation program for custodians of unaccompanied children. One year after, she co-founded her own firm and has since represented hundreds of clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Dallas Immigration Court. In addition to her private practice, Ms. Lopez volunteers with the SMU Criminal Clinic, screening non-citizens for potential immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Her firm also holds one of the few contracts from the Mexican Government for External Legal Assistance, providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence and violent crime. In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas, she has helped organize free legal clinics offering immigration consultations, power of attorney services, and human trafficking screenings for the local community. Ms. Lopez has been recognized as one of D Magazine's Best Immigration Attorneys every year since 2017. She remains committed to community outreach, regularly delivering "Know Your Rights" and immigration presentations throughout the DFW area, including at Genesis Women's Shelter, local schools, places of worship, and other community organizations. 🌱 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 the final sermon in our Faith & Film series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it means to live courageously in a world that often demands our silence and compliance. Drawing inspiration from the film The Way Way Back, the abolitionist legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, and the struggles we face in today's political and personal climate, this message calls us to resist fear, reject prescribed paths, and claim the freedom to live as our truest selves. If you're facing hard truths, longing for justice, or searching for the courage to be fully yourself, this message offers space and strength for the journey. 💚 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/