Unitarian Universalist Sermons and Conversations from First Unitarian Church of Dallas
406 episodes - English - Latest episode: 26 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
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.
04.16.23 SERMON: "We Are of the Earth" - Rev. Beth Dana
April 16, 2023 22:04 - 17 minutes - 13.5 MBWhat does it mean for humans to be in solidarity with the Earth? Celebrate Earth Day with us!
04.09.23 Sermon: "Don't Waste Easter" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
April 10, 2023 14:20Join us to celebrate Easter! Rev. Kanter shares a special resurrection story.
04.02.23 SERMON: “Redeeming Words: Revelation” - Rev. Beth Dana
April 02, 2023 20:52 - 16 minutes - 12.4 MB“Redeeming Words: Revelation” - Rev. Beth Dana Revelation is a scary word for some Unitarian Universalists. We’ll explore what it has to do with us and what the Palm Sunday story of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey revealed then and now.
03.26 23 SERMON: “Redeeming Words: Virtue” - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
March 27, 2023 19:27 - 22 minutes - 16.8 MBAlong our Lenten journey, we reflect together on the meaning of virtue in our lives and in our shared wider community. What can old notions of virtue tell us? What new virtues are with us today?
031923 SERMON: “Redeeming Words: Sin” - Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
March 20, 2023 17:25 - 24 minutes - 18 MBLittle is more human than sin. It touches all of our lives. As part of our Lenten series, we’ll talk about what sin really means to us…and what it doesn’t.
03.12.23 SERMON: “Faith for All People” - Rev. John Young
March 13, 2023 19:48 - 26 minutes - 19.6 MBGuest preacher Rev. John Young, author of the new book “Nurture Your Spiritual Path,” joins Rev. Kanter to explore what we can learn from the many religious pursuits of faith and truth. Rev. Young served as the minister of Central Unitarian Church in Paramus, NJ, from 1977-1991, during which time Daniel’s family were members of his church.
03.05.23 SERMON: “Redeeming Words: Sacrament” - Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
March 06, 2023 00:50 - 23 minutes - 17.1 MB“Redeeming Words: Sacrament” Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald Special events and experiences mark many of our lives. Together we’ll consider how to decide which of those experiences are sacred and which aren’t. ••• MUSIC: violinist Harvey Wechsler and pianist Alan Dyer
02.26.23 SERMON: "Words We Can’t Say in Church; Like Redemption” Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
February 27, 2023 18:59 - 20 minutes - 15.1 MBWe start a Lenten series on theological terms that need reinterpretation and reimagination with ‘Redemption.’ Join us as we start this period of reflection as liberal religious people in a world that assumes a lot about theology and church.
02.19.23 SERMON: “Choose Joy” - Rev. Beth Dana
February 20, 2023 18:22 - 12 minutes - 9.81 MBJoin us for a message about finding joy in this moment.
02.12.23 SERMON: “What We Keep” - Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
February 13, 2023 20:31 - 22 minutes - 15.1 MBWorking for justice and equity is hard. How much of ourselves do we give to the work? And how much do we keep? And how do we care for ourselves and each other in the process? A WADE worship event.
02.05.23 SERMON: "Wade in the Water – Take a Step" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
February 05, 2023 23:38 - 26 minutes - 19.3 MBWADE (Worth and Dignity Engagements) has been part of our effort to celebrate racial equity work and what it means to step into the actions of liberating ourselves and each other in the spirit of love. We will honor WADE and step into the water together this Sunday.
01.29.23 SERMON: “Covenant Matters” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
January 30, 2023 21:14 - 23 minutes - 17.3 MBWe will explore what our covenant is and what promise-making, breaking, and repairing mean in a spiritual community such as ours. Reflect on the promises you make to yourself and others and how this church can help you center them in a larger narrative.
01.22.23 SERMON: “Reflection in Action” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
January 23, 2023 19:27 - 23 minutes - 17.6 MBReflection is not a passive act. As we tie together the uniquely spiritual practice to our faith of Pause, Discern and Reflect we ask ourselves what is worthy of our reflection and how does it lead us to actions that make a difference.
01.15.23 SERMON: “Long Time Coming” - Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
January 16, 2023 17:30 - 21 minutes - 15 MBThe discernment of peacemakers is holy. We celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. this Sunday and how his discernment speaks to us still.
01.08.23 HOMILY: "Service of Renewal" - Rev. Beth Dana
January 09, 2023 21:24 - 14 minutes - 11.3 MBOur annual burning service, in which we pause to let go of what needs to be let go and look forward to the year ahead.
01.01.23 SERMON: "The Resolving Door” - Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
January 02, 2023 06:00 - 16 minutes - 12.3 MBWhat resolutions are worth making this year? And which must we keep?
12 25 22 SERMON (Stories): "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to All" - Rev. Beth Dana
December 26, 2022 16:50 - 17 minutes - 13.2 MBChristmas Day stories and music celebrating the role of Unitarian Universalists in beloved Christmas traditions.
12.18.22 HOMILY: “A Time for Wonder” - Rev. Beth Dana
December 20, 2022 20:19 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MBIn her Homily “A Time for Wonder,” delivered before our annual Christmas Pageant, Rev. Dana asks, "How can a familiar story inspire wonder?"
12.11.22 SERMON: "Mystery of Faith" - Reverand T. J. FitzGerald
December 12, 2022 19:30 - 21 minutes - 16.2 MBAt the center of every faith lies a mystery waiting to be solved.
12.04.22 SERMON: “Longing Time” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
December 05, 2022 21:15 - 16 minutes - 12.5 MBWhat we long for is what we are.
11.27.22 SERMON: "Apocalypse Now" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
November 28, 2022 19:35 - 19 minutes - 14.4 MBWhat endings mean to beginnings. Advent begins.
11.20.22 SERMON: “Just for Today” - Rev. Thomas Fitzgerald
November 20, 2022 23:37 - 22 minutes - 16.9 MBA practice of gratitude can change our lives and the world.
11 13 22 SERMON: "Keep On" - Rev. Beth Dana
November 15, 2022 16:07 - 14 minutes - 10.9 MBWhat keeps us going in hard times? We’ll explore optimism and hope and the movements that sustain us.
11.06.22 SERMON: "Democracy Now" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
November 06, 2022 22:30 - 23 minutes - 17.4 MBDo we have a democracy and what is spiritual about it? This sermon will be given and received days before election day.
10.30.22 SERMON: “All Souls Day” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
November 01, 2022 20:15 - 17 minutes - 13.4 MBReflection on those we love who have died and how they live in us.