Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas

• Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of Moana 2 | Faith and Film Series | 06.01.25

  In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana opens our Faith and Film Series with a deep look at Disney’s Moana 2 through the lens of Unitarian Universalist faith, Pacific Island history, and womanist theology. Moana’s journey to reconnect her people becomes a powerful metaphor for how we find our way in hard times - when the path isn’t clear, when we feel lost, or when we’re trying to heal what’s been broken. Rev. Dana weaves in the true story of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawaii’s last monarch, and reflects on the spiritual power of aloha, the wisdom of our ancestors, and how we move forward with love and justice. Whether you’re a fan of Moana, exploring spirituality, or seeking hope in uncertain times, this sermon offers guidance, courage, and connection. 💚 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: 🌎 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: 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: https://dallasuu.org/live/

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• 5 Rules for Resistance | Rev. T.J. FitzGerald | 05.25.25

  In this Unitarian Universalist Memorial Day sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald reflects on the legacy of faith, resistance, and sacrifice. Drawing on the stories of Michael Servetus and John Calvin, and the painful truths of war, from the Civil War to World War I to modern-day Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, this sermon challenges us to honor the fallen not just with memory, but with action, courage, and hope. Rev. Fitzgerald offers five principles of resistance as spiritual tools for navigating a world fractured by fanaticism, injustice, and authoritarian power. Grounded in Unitarian Universalist theology, this message uplifts the enduring values of truth, justice, and love as forces more powerful than hate or tyranny. With references to religious history, personal testimony, and contemporary moral voices like Rev. William Barber III, Rhiannon Giddens, Nick Cave, and Mary Oliver, this sermon calls us to embody resistance in art, community, well-being, solidarity, and fierce 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: 🌎 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: 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: https://dallasuu.org/live/

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• How Unitarian Universalism Helps Rebuild Faith After Religious Trauma | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 046

  In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, and Rev. T. J. FitzGerald discuss religious trauma and how it continues to impact the spiritual and emotional well-being of many people, especially in communities like ours in North Texas. They explore what healing can look like within a Unitarian Universalist context, where spiritual practices like prayer and community are reclaimed without fear or shame. The conversation touches on growing up in affirming faith spaces, the challenge of teaching spiritual language after trauma, and how this church supports people in finding wholeness without harmful theology. Whether you're deconstructing, recovering, or seeking a safe place to land, this episode offers honesty, hope, and care. 🌱 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: 00:00 – Welcome back to Tiny Pulpit Talks 00:43 – Introducing the topic: religious trauma 00:56 – Why mental health and faith are deeply connected 01:04 – Common fears people bring into new church spaces 02:04 – Growing up UU vs. experiencing trauma in other traditions 02:41 – The challenge of reclaiming spiritual practices like prayer 04:04 – How this church creates safe and affirming space 05:03 – Teaching kids spiritual language after trauma 07:00 – Coming out, closets, and being truly seen in church 09:29 – Community vs. harmful theology: the tension many face 10:22 – Considering a support group for religious trauma 10:32 – Final thoughts: you're not alone. Healing is possible 10:59 – Outro and invitation to reach out or connect 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

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• Rituals for Uplifting Youth in Our Unitarian Universalist Community | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 045

  This is the time of year when we honor the youth of our church and celebrate their wisdom, courage, and emerging sense of identity within our Unitarian Universalist community.   In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald and Rev. Beth Dana explore the significance of our Coming of Age and Bridging traditions. They reflect on how these rituals help young people claim their own spiritual voices, how their reflections continue to shape and challenge our broader congregation, and how the church remains a spiritual home as they grow into adulthood.   You’ll hear stories from past services, conversation about faith formation, and a deep appreciation for the generations that keep shaping and reshaping our community. Whether you’re a youth, a parent, or someone who wishes they’d had this kind of space growing up, tune in now! 🌱 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: 00:00 – Welcome and intro to this special season 00:57 – Rev. T. J. shares his first UU service experience 02:09 – What Coming of Age means in our church 02:47 – How youth shape and reflect community values 03:09 – The role of spiritual reflection projects 06:13 – Bridging: Honoring graduating seniors 07:11 – Seeing young adults return home 08:09 – The church’s long-standing commitment to youth 09:22 – Faith formation opportunities for adults 09:48 – Final reflections and invitation to connect 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:  

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• Written on the Heart | Bridging Sunday for Coming of Age & Graduating Seniors | Rev. Beth Dana

  Join us as we celebrate and bless our youth coming of age and graduating seniors bridging into young adulthood with an exploration of the faith commitments we hold in our hearts. 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  

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