Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas
381 episodes - English - Latest episode: 16 days ago - ★★★★★ - 33 ratingsTune in each week to hear Unitarian Universalist sermons and conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas, a liberal religious presence in Dallas since 1899. Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald, and Rev. Beth Dana will inspire you with messages that are rationally spiritual and joyfully deep. No matter where you are in the world, you are invited to bring your whole self: your full identity, your questioning mind, and your open heart.
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Episodes
04.07.24 Sermon - "A Place of Practice" - Rev. Beth Dana
April 07, 2024 18:31 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBWhat is the church’s purpose and what are we for? Join us as we explore church as a place to practice living in this world and building the world we dream about. This sermon is part of our the final series of our church year. After a year-long journey of discovering and activating our purpose as individuals, we are exploring how we can come together as spiritual people to change the world. First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We ...
03.31.24 - " Nothing is Something" (Easter) - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
March 31, 2024 18:19 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBThis Sunday is a celebration of love, hope, and renewal! 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....
03.24.24 Sermon - "Sacred Geography: Path" - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
March 24, 2024 18:11 - 21 minutes - 15.3 MBThe paths to enlightenment are many. What is the Unitarian Universalist way? And how does it guide us toward the holy in our lives? This is the final sermon in the where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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 h...
03.17.24 Sermon - "Sacred Geography: Guiding Light" - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
March 17, 2024 19:19 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThe ways to freedom are lit in many ways. Together we look for our guiding lights to light the way on our journey. This is the fifth sermon in the Sacred Geography sermon series, where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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 ...
03.10.24 Sermon - "Sacred Geography: Flow" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
March 10, 2024 18:51 - 23 minutes - 54.3 MBWe know when we are in the flow. This Sunday we explore what flow means in regards to our spiritual lives. This is the fourth sermon in the Sacred Geography sermon series, where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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....
03.03.24 Sermon - "Sacred Geography: Space" - Rev. Beth Dana
March 03, 2024 19:40 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBAs we continue our series on “Sacred Geography” we explore where and how we recognize sacred space, and in what ways we can be creators of it. This is the third sermon in the where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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...
02.25.24 Sermon - "Sacred Geography: Sanctuary" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
February 25, 2024 19:52 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBLet’s explore how to be witnesses to how we hold things dear. This is the second sermon in the where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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 e...
02.18.24 Sermon: "Sacred Geography: Ground"- Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
February 18, 2024 20:14 - 23 minutes - 16.6 MBWe start our lenten journey together and ask where we experience the holy? How do we find sacred places in our lives when we aren’t in church? This is the first sermon in the Sacred Geography sermon series, where we are locating sacred touchpoints in our inner world and the world around us. 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 ...
02.11.24 Sermon: Youth Sunday Testimonial and Homilies
February 12, 2024 21:02 - 15 minutes - 12.2 MBJoin us for a much loved and meaningful tradition – Youth Sunday! Our YRUU teens lead the service – sharing testimonials, providing music and serving as greeters and ushers. They are excited to share their reflections on our theme year "Waves of Purpose, Tides of Change." 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 i...
02.04.24 Sermon: Surprised by Joy - Rev T.J. FitzGerald
February 04, 2024 19:34 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBJoy is one of the greatest spiritual gifts. How do we experience it? How do we share it? 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 m...
01.28.24 Sermon: Saying No is Something to Practice - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
January 28, 2024 19:24 - 15 minutes - 10.7 MBThe spiritual practice of saying no is at the root of what a sabbath is. This spiritual discipline can be important as we dive deeper into what sustains us and keeps us going. 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 experience...
01.21.24 Sermon: 5 Ways to Save Your Spiritual Life - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
January 21, 2024 19:21 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBDiving into the five disciplines we talk about as spiritual guides, we will reflect on what works and why. 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 t...
01.14.24 Sermon: Whose Dream? - Rev. Beth Dana
January 14, 2024 19:20 - 17 minutes - 12.4 MBThis Sunday we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and recommit ourselves to the vision and the work of Beloved Community. 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, spir...
01.07.24 Sermon: Refining Fire - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
January 08, 2024 19:59 - 19 minutes - 13.4 MBThis Sunday, we welcome all to our annual ritual of letting go of those things which do not serve us anymore. Please join us. 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 op...
12.31.23 Sermon: First Watch - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
January 02, 2024 18:35 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBOn the last day of the year we consider what we’ve seen together this year and prepare our hearts and minds for what’s to come. 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 ...
12.24.23 Sermon: Blues Christmas - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. Beth Dana, Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
December 24, 2023 19:25 - 14 minutes - 9.98 MBJoin us for Sunday worship as we celebrate Christmas with some great blues music and mini-homilies from the ministers on the “Christmas Blues.” 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...
12.17.23 Homily: "The Christmas Story" - Rev. Beth Dana
December 17, 2023 21:43 - 14 minutes - 10.8 MBRev. Beth Dana preaches The Christmas Story. 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 ev...
12.10.23 Sermon: Peace Breaks Out - Rev T. J. FitzGerald
December 10, 2023 22:46 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBAmid the conflicts in our lives and our world we consider how peace enters the world and how we can nurture it. 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...
12.03.23 Sermon: What Are We Waiting For? - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
December 03, 2023 19:38 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MBAdvent themes are often apocalyptic but are they predictions or demands on our spiritual lives? 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. ...
11.26.23 Sermon: On the Road from Greed to Giving - Rev. Beth Dana
November 26, 2023 19:15 - 15 minutes - 11.5 MBAs we travel the road together from Thanksgiving to Advent and Christmas, we reflect on the spirit of generosity in us and in this season. 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 grow...
11.19.23 Sermon: "Winter's Faith" - Rev. Mary Katherine Morn
November 19, 2023 20:35 - 23 minutes - 16.7 MBWinter’s Faith: Grief, Gratitude, and Generosity, and Justice with guest minister Rev. Mary Katherine Morn We welcome our longtime friend and President of the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Rev. Mary Katherine Morn, as we celebrate the Thanksgiving season together. 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 worl...
11.12.23 Sermon: "Listening Deeply" - Rev. Justin Schroeder
November 12, 2023 19:53 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MBWe are happy to welcome Rev. Justin Schroeder as our guest minister this Sunday! Rev. Justin will explore the idea that life is always trying to engage with us, is making invitations to us, is trying to connect with us, and that a spiritual practice helps us hear those invitations and bids for connections. 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 m...
11.05.23 Sermon: Gesundheit! - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
November 05, 2023 19:29 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MBWhat are the blessings in our lives that really matter? We will bless the 25 and 50 year member anniversaries as part of a service of blessing one another. This is the final sermon in our Rituals That Ground Us series, during which we are exploring the resources that sustain us on our spiritual journey. 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...
10.29.23 Sermon: All Souls - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
October 29, 2023 18:49 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBTogether we remember and honor the lives of those who have died this year in our annual service of All Souls. You are invited to bring a photo of a loved one you have lost for the altar. This is the fourth sermon in our during which we are exploring the resources that sustain us on our spiritual journey. 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 mo...
10.22.23 Sermon: "At-ONE-ment" - Rev. Beth Dana
October 22, 2023 19:03 - 27 minutes - 20.4 MBRituals of repentance, repair, and atonement are radical in the context of our unapologetic world. What do these rituals look like for us as Unitarian Universalists and how do they ground us? This is the third sermon in our Rituals That Ground Us series, during which we are exploring the resources that sustain us on our spiritual journey.
10.15.23 Sermon: Liberty in Action - Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald
October 15, 2023 19:43 - 20 minutes - 14.4 MBThe ways we support the work of the church are close to our hearts. We share together the roots and the fruits of this important act. This is the second sermon in our Rituals That Ground Us series, during which we are exploring the resources that sustain us on our spiritual journey.
10.08.23 Sermon: Rituals That Ground Us - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
October 08, 2023 20:26 - 15 minutes - 12 MBAs a church that is not a liturgical church in the traditional sense we sure do have a lot of rituals! How and why are rituals in our lives good for us? This sermon kicks off our Rituals That Ground Us sermon series, the second series in the Waves of Purpose, Tides of Change theme year. 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 compass...
10.01.23 Sermon: Sharing Ministry - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
October 01, 2023 22:40 - 18 minutes - 13.7 MBWhat does it mean to minister? Let’s find it in the church but also in our lives. Living a Purposeful Life is the first sermon series of our theme year “Waves of Purpose, Tides of Change.” Join us to explore the spiritual inner work required to transform our personal lives. 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 ...
09.24.23 Sermon: Connection Sunday - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
September 24, 2023 19:12 - 20 minutes - 15.4 MBWhat does it mean to be part of a wider community and what does it do for us as individuals? Maybe that’s where real power is. This is the second sermon in our Living a Purposeful Life series, during which we are exploring the spiritual inner work required to transform our personal lives. 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 com...
09.17.23 Sermon: Wherever We Go - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald
September 17, 2023 20:17 - 22 minutes - 16.6 MBHow do we take our faith with us into the rest of our lives? Together we consider ways to bring together parts of our own lives. Living a Purposeful Life is the first sermon series of our theme year “Waves of Purpose, Tides of Change.” Join us to explore the spiritual inner work required to transform our personal lives.
09.10.23 Sermon: Waves of Purpose, Tides of Change - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
September 10, 2023 19:10 - 19 minutes - 14.7 MBWhat does living with purpose really mean for a Unitarian Universalist? What does grounding ourselves in rituals and activating our spiritual lives look like? Where do we find resources to grow and guide our actions as UUs to make the world a better place? These are all questions we will be asking and discussing throughout the 2023-2024 theme year. Our goal is to locate ‘Faithful Geographies’ that become touchpoints for living impactful lives that matter. By creating depth in ourselves, con...
09 03 23 Sermon: Unitarian Universalism 101: Hell? No. - Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald
September 03, 2023 19:11 - 19 minutes - 14.5 MBWe draw from our Universalist heritage and seek to answer one of humanity’s burning questions together. This sermon is part 2 of our 2-part Unitarian Universalism 101 series, where we will be exploring the foundations of our faith. 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 c...
08.27.23 Sermon: "Essentially Good" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
August 27, 2023 21:09 - 21 minutes - 15.9 MBWhen we think about the world, how can we commit to the idea that Unitarians have protected for centuries that humanity is good?
08.20.23 Sermon: "This American Life: Neighbors" - Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald
August 20, 2023 19:41 - 25 minutes - 18.7 MBWho is our neighbor today? And how can we be good neighbors? Together we will hold all of the many things it means to be a neighbor today.
08 13 23 Sermon: "This American Life: The Promised Land" - Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald
August 13, 2023 21:33 - 20 minutes - 15.3 MB“Geography is destiny.” Where we are now and what is promised in the future is at the core of many beliefs. We look at what answers to these questions mean to our faith.
08.06.23 Sermon: "This American Life: Get a Spine! - Rev. Beth Dana
August 06, 2023 20:34 - 14 minutes - 11 MBIt takes courage to move past our fear in order to speak up, say what needs to be said, and do what we've been scared to do. It requires us to "get a spine!"
07 30 23 Sermon : "This American Life: Fiasco!" - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald
July 31, 2023 22:25 - 23 minutes - 17.2 MBWhat do we do when it all falls apart? For millennia religious people have been asking this very question. Let’s try to answer it together.
07.23.23 SERMON: "This American Life: Ends of the Earth" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
July 24, 2023 23:23 - 17 minutes - 13.5 MBOur summer sermon series “This American Life” is based on NPR’s famed radio show. We will explore various stories that illuminate the importance of story and particular experiences to help us recognize our common humanity.
07.16.23 SERMON: "This American Life: Burn It Down" - Rev. Daniel Kanter
July 18, 2023 21:15 - 24 minutes - 18.3 MBOur summer sermon series “This American Life” is based on NPR’s famed radio show. We will explore various stories that illuminate the importance of story and particular experiences to help us recognize our common humanity
07.09.23 SERMON: "This American Life: Spark Bird" - Rev. Beth Dana
July 09, 2023 21:06 - 16 minutes - 12.9 MBBirders talk about their “spark bird” – the first bird that got them hooked on bird watching. Each of us, whether we are birders or not, has a “spark bird” – something that grabbed our attention, kindled our passion, and changed our life. What is yours? Our summer series “This American Life” is based on NPR’s famed radio show. We will explore various stories that illuminate the importance of story and particular experiences to help us recognize our common humanity.
07.02.23 SERMON: "This American Life" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
July 03, 2023 00:07 - 23 minutes - 17 MBWe kick off this series by reflecting on our role as progressive religious people in patriotic celebrations. We will also hear from Rev. Nangroi Suting, minister to the Unitarian Universalist Church of North East India. ••• Our summer sermon series "This American Life" is based on NPR's famed radio show. We will explore various stories that illuminate the importance of story and particular experiences to help us recognize our common humanity.
06.25.23 SERMON: "Artists Who Inspire: Keith Haring" •• Rev. Beth Dana
June 25, 2023 22:57 - 18 minutes - 14 MBJoin us for this final Sunday in our Artists Who Inspire series, in which we affirm “art is for everybody!” We will explore the personal, public, and provocative pop art of Keith Haring in the 1980s.
06.18.23 SERMON: "Artists Who Inspire: Nina Simone" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
June 19, 2023 19:18 - 22 minutes - 16.7 MBWe look into the life of Nina Simone, her bold confrontation with race, and the power of her voice to confront the times she lived in.
06..11.23 SERMON: "Artists Who Inspire: Stevie Wonder" - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
June 12, 2023 18:27 - 21 minutes - 15.9 MB"Artists Who Inspire: Stevie Wonder" June’s Artists Who Inspire sermon series highlights performers, musicians, and visual artists who inspire our spiritual lives to persevere, adapt, find joy, and face obstacles in our way. artists who inspire our spiritual lives to persevere, adapt, find joy and face obstacles in our way. What makes them unstoppable? What does are do to us? How are we moved by their lives and their art? Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching
06.04.23 SERMON: "Artists Who Inspire: Josephine Baker" - Rev.Dr. Daniel Kanter
June 05, 2023 20:40 - 17 minutes - 13.2 MBWe kick off our Artists Who Inspire series looking into the life of Josephine Baker. Her life inspires persistence, the leveraging of fame for resistance movements and a commitment to sensuality on stage. Join us.
05.28.23 SERMON: “Piece of My Heart” - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald
May 30, 2023 23:38 - 20 minutes - 15.1 MBThe power of memory and honor are everywhere in our lives. We hold close those who gave the last full measure of their devotion in service this Memorial Day Sunday.
05.21.23 SERMON: “Praise to the Rituals That Celebrate Change” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
May 22, 2023 04:50 - 15 minutes - 12.1 MBWe have all come of age and graduated parts of our lives. What does it all mean?
05.14.23 SERMON: “Seen, Found, Beloved” - Rev. Beth Dana
May 14, 2023 23:22 - 15 minutes - 11.9 MBHow do you know when you belong in a community? We all know the experience of being seen, found, and beloved…and we know its opposite.
05.07.23 SERMON: Sermon: “Bound Together” - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
May 07, 2023 20:41 - 22 minutes - 16.5 MBLiberation does not happen overnight. We envision together building the Beloved Community and how to bring it to life.
04.30.23 SERMON: “A Prayer for Revolutionary Love” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
May 01, 2023 14:06 - 17 minutes - 13.2 MBWhat is the work of ‘Revolutionary Love?’ As we wrap up the theme year let’s get practical about how to continue to practice it.