Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

"Sacrament" is not a common word in Unitarian Universalist discourse, but we say it every Sunday in our Affirmation. Let's explore what we really mean when we say "the quest of truth" is our sacrament. 📖 This sermon is part of our Reclaiming Religious Language Series In this series, we explore the religious words that shaped traditions before us and ask: What still speaks? What needs healing? What can we reclaim? Together, we will return again to the language of faith and engage with it honestly. We will reimagine what these words can mean for us now. 💚 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 special Women's History Month episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana reflect on the legacy of women's leadership in Unitarian Universalism. They share stories about pioneering minister Olympia Brown and the "Iowa Sisterhood," a group of women who helped build congregations across the Midwest in the late 1800s while facing barriers and skepticism along the way. Their courage, creativity, and faith helped shape a tradition where women have long held meaningful leadership roles. The conversation also explores what matriarchal leadership can look like today. Rev. T. J. and Rev. Beth talk about family influence, ministry, and the ways women have turned qualities often labeled as "feminine" into sources of strength and community power. They invite viewers to think about the matriarchs in their own lives and how those examples might guide the future of our churches, families, and communities. Happy Women's History Month! First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/ 🌱 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 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 his sermon, "Reclaiming Religious Language: Blessing," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it really means to give and receive a blessing in a world filled with conflict, fear, and uncertainty. Through stories, personal experiences, and the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes, he explores how blessing can begin with simple attention to one another and to the realities of life. This message invites us to slow down and see the people around us with compassion and care. When we recognize the humanity in others, our words and actions can become blessings that bring connection, healing, and hope into everyday life. 📖 This sermon is part of our Reclaiming Religious Language Series In this series, we explore the religious words that shaped traditions before us and ask: What still speaks? What needs healing? What can we reclaim? Together, we will return again to the language of faith and engage with it honestly. We will reimagine what these words can mean for us now. 💚 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/

Faith is not one-size-fits-all. For Unitarian Universalists, it can be rooted in many sources and expressed in many ways. Together, we'll consider how we claim and protect a life of faith that reflects our deepest values. Reclaiming Religious Language Series At the turning of the year, we pause to rediscover what matters most to us beneath the noise of daily life. Rooted in the Unitarian Universalist shared values, this series invites us into a spiritual homecoming in which we will reflect on the values that shape us. Through ritual, reflection, and community, we will release what no longer serves us, opening space for transformation. We will honor our pluralism, embrace our call to justice and equity, recognize our deep interdependence, and embody generosity as a way of being. At the center of it all, we return to love as a daily practice that grounds and sustains us.

In this sermon, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald kicks of our Lenten series Reclaiming Religious Language by taking a fresh look at sin through a Unitarian Universalist lens. Starting in the Garden of Eden, he explores how the story has been shaped over time and how "original sin" may be less about disobedience and more about avoiding responsibility. Instead of inherited guilt, he considers the idea of original blessing and the power each person has to choose with conscience and courage. This sermon connects ancient scripture with the world we live in now. It challenges the habit of saying "I was just following orders" and invites us to take responsibility for our actions and our systems. In a time when injustice can feel overwhelming, Rev. T. J. calls us to claim our freedom, trust our moral voice, and live our faith with purpose. 📖 This sermon is part of our Reclaiming Religious Language Series In this series, we explore the religious words that shaped traditions before us and ask: What still speaks? What needs healing? What can we reclaim? Together, we will return again to the language of faith and engage with it honestly. We will reimagine what these words can mean for us now. 💚 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/