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/
Œ

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

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

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter talks with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana about the annual First Church pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills of Northeast India, where over 10,000 Unitarians have built a deeply rooted, indigenous faith community.

He shares powerful stories from the Annie Margaret Barr Children's Village, and explores what it means to build lasting relationships across cultures. The India Pilgrimage is about more than service. It's about mutual growth, connection, and faith lived out in real time. Learn how this unique pilgrimage shapes lives and how members of the congregation can get involved.

To apply for the 2026 India Pilgrimage, fill out the form here: http://dallasuu.org/india

🌱 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 & introductions
00:37 – Why we travel to Northeast India
01:05 – The indigenous Unitarian movement
01:51 – Supporting the Annie Margaret Barr Children’s Village
02:48 – What the pilgrimage experience is like
05:19 – Ritual, prayer & interfaith learning
05:41 – Changes we've seen over the years
06:47 – Arts, music, & camp for the kids
08:30 – Who can go & how to apply: dallasuu.org/india
08:57 – Final thoughts & invitation to join

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 http://dallasuu.org/india

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

What does it mean to be a progressive Unitarian Universalist faith? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald, and Rev. Beth Dana sit down in the Minister’s Study to explore what it really means when Unitarian Universalists call themselves a progressive religious community.

They reflect on the bold ideas that shaped the earliest movements toward Unitarianism and Universalism, including the radical belief that Jesus could have been fully human and that revelation is never sealed. Together, they trace how these revolutionary beginnings have shaped a tradition that values growth, openness, and an ongoing search for truth and meaning.

In this conversation, they discuss:

🔥 The progressive roots of Unitarian Universalism
🔥 How Unitarian Universalists embrace a living tradition that continues to evolve
🔥 Why progressive faith differs from progressive politics
🔥 The enduring core beliefs of Unitarian Universalism, such as the oneness of God, the inherent worth and goodness of people, and salvation through character and action

Rev. Daniel, Rev. TJ, and Rev. Beth remind us that Unitarian Universalism is not static — it is a dynamic faith that grows alongside human understanding, rooted in deep commitments to love, justice, and hope.

🌱 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 to the Minister’s Study
01:35 - What is progressive religion, really?
02:07 - Early radical ideas about Jesus’ humanity
02:37 - Challenging orthodoxy in Christianity
03:00 - What a living tradition means for Unitarian Universalists
03:21 - Revelation is never sealed
04:00 - Core theological commitments of Unitarian Universalism
04:28 - Progressive religion vs. progressive politics
04:58 - How theology evolves with new understanding
08:49 - Universalism and God’s love for all
11:07 - Closing thoughts: Living our faith with love and justice

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

Join us for a special worship service at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, where we are honored to welcome writer, artist, historian, and activist Aurora Levins Morales as our guest minister.

Aurora Levins Morales is a Puerto Rican author, artist, activist, and historian. Her writing and activism persistently imagine a world in which the personal is understood as political and vice versa, the complexities of identity and heritage are explored rather than erased, and structures of oppression (racism, classism, sexism, imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, etc.) are recognized as interlocking, such that they must be simultaneously challenged to be dismantled. Her contributions have been critical to third wave feminism and its evolution, Puerto Rican and Latinx feminism, disability justice, radical Judaism, climate change activism, and grassroots organizing.

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

In this sermon, acclaimed poet, activist, and historian Aurora Levins Morales shares how she practices hope in an age of despair.

“We were made for these times,” she reminds us, quoting Clarissa Pinkola Estés. As corporate greed escalates and injustice deepens, Aurora draws on her Puerto Rican Jewish ancestry, liberation theology, and the global struggles of oppressed peoples to offer her vision: Another world is not only possible, it is necessary.

Aurora Levins Morales is a Puerto Rican author, artist, activist, and historian. Her writing and activism persistently imagine a world in which the personal is understood as political and vice versa, the complexities of identity and heritage are explored rather than erased, and structures of oppression (racism, classism, sexism, imperialism, colonialism, capitalism, etc.) are recognized as interlocking, such that they must be simultaneously challenged to be dismantled. Her contributions have been critical to third wave feminism and its evolution, Puerto Rican and Latinx feminism, disability justice, radical Judaism, climate change activism, and grassroots organizing.

💚 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/