Through the joy and wonder of our Christmas Pageant, we celebrate the light that children bring and the ways they might remind us of love's arrival in the world.

Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Music provided by Kindred Voices

Breaking Open Series

Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation.

Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root.

Even when the earth feels bare, seeds can still be planted. What are we planting in the barren earth these days?

Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir.

Breaking Open Series

Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation.

Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root.

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. T. J. Fitzgerald and Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter talk about the long history of churches speaking up during hard political times. They reflect on how faith communities have played key roles in major moments like the American Revolution, the fight to end slavery, and the civil rights movement. They explain that speaking from the pulpit is about sharing values of faith, not supporting political parties, and that this freedom is deeply protected in both their religious tradition and the U.S. Constitution.

They also share honest concerns about the current climate, where fear and uncertainty make some people feel less safe. The message is clear: First Unitarian Church of Dallas is here to face fear with faith, to care for neighbors, and to keep showing up with hope no matter what challenges come.

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

🌱 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

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

Our annual time to acknowledge the ways this time of year can try our spirits. The blues is a balm for your soul.

Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Featuring special Blues Music.

Breaking Open Series

Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation.

Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root.

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. T.J. Fitzgerald shares an honest update about the difficult realities of immigration work in Texas. He explains how major changes in the system are making it harder for people to stay with their families while their cases move forward. He also talks about the importance of courtroom observers and community partners who help shine a light on how people are treated in immigration court.

Even with these heavy topics, Rev. Fitzgerald reminds viewers that hope can still be found in community. He describes the weekly prayer vigil outside the Dallas immigration building, where families, friends, and supporters gather for comfort, encouragement, and shared faith. Being together in these hard moments can be uplifting, and he encourages everyone to stay connected, stay aware, and keep one another in prayer as they work toward a more just future.

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is a place you can return to - again and again - for love, connection, justice, and belonging. The support of members and friends of the church is what makes all of this possible. Make your 2026 pledge today - it matters! https://dallasuu.org/2026pledge/

🌱 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

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

Advent calls us to ready our lives for what is to come. As carefully as we prepare our homes, how might we prepare our hearts and spirits for the season ahead?

Breaking Open Series

Based on the beloved hymn "People, Look East," this Advent series invites us into a season of waiting that is also a season of preparing, softening, and opening. We will notice what is breaking open in us and around us — moments when cracks let in light, when hearts stretch to hold both sorrow and hope, and when breaking open becomes a path to transformation.

Our journey begins with an exploration of preparation that looks beyond the visible tasks of the season to the deeper work of readying our hearts and spirits for what lies ahead. We will plant seeds of possibility in seemingly barren ground, trusting in growth we cannot yet see. We will join in the joy and wonder of our community's Christmas pageant, welcoming the light that children so naturally carry. And we will create space for the tender truths of this season, acknowledging that sorrow and struggle are also part of our Advent journey, and that even in those places, healing and hope can take root.

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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Guest minister Rev. Jen Crow is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir & Kindred Voices
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

About Rev. Jen Crow

Rev. Jen Crow currently serves as Senior Minister at First Universalist Church of Minneapolis. She lives in Minneapolis with her wife and teenage children. She is a hockey mom, a track parent, and an erratic gardener who cherishes morning walks, time with her wife, and live music. Her commitment to recovery, spirituality, transformative love and authenticity is at the center of her life and work. Rev. Jen's primary spiritual practice is writing, and her most recent work can be found in her book, Take What You Need: Life Lessons After Losing Everything.

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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