This Memorial Day we take our lead from the generations before us as we draw strength and inspiration for the battles we face in our 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. 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/
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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: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal

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 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

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: https://tinyurl.com/firstchurchpaypal

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 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