Was David optimistic when he slain Goliath? The story says everyone was afraid. What role does optimism play in stories of triumph and in our lives. In uncertain times our theologian James Luther Adams calls for ‘Ultimate Optimism.’ Let’s look at that more closely. This sermon is part of our Foundations series – inspired by John Luther Adams’ essay in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Bill Holston, Chief Executive Officer of Dallas Eviction Advocacy Center, to talk about his organization's mission to serve tenants facing housing insecurity with pro bono legal advice and representation, housing assistance, rent relief and a clearinghouse of tenant and eviction information. DEAC assists all Dallas County tenants regardless of income, race, immigration status, or native language. Text DEAC for help:...

Have you ever wondered why Unitarian Universalists seem so focused on justice and equity. Some of the theological foundations of our faith are about mutuality between one another and the agency we believe all persons should have. We will deepen our understanding of these concepts together. This sermon is part of our Foundations series – inspired by John Luther Adams’ essay in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward...

Unitarian Universalism is a living tradition that remains open to new truths that shape our faith. Let’s explore the evolution of Unitarian Universalism taking place around us today. We will also celebrate our annual Back to School Blessing, inviting students and educators of all kinds to bring their backpacks or school bags and to receive a gift. This sermon is part of our Foundations series – inspired by John Luther Adams’ essay in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Beth and T. J. talk about our upcoming sermon series "Foundations," which is inspired by James Luther Adams’ essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith." In his essay, Adams introduces the 5 smooth stones of liberal religion, ideas that we use throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education. Whether you’re new to our church or looking to deepen your understanding of Unitarian Universalism, this series is perfect for you. Join us on...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, you get the chance to meet our new Director of Music, Grant Wareham. Learn more about Grant and hear what he has planned for the music program in the coming year. 00:00 - Welcome Grant! 02:23 - Get to know Grant. 04:22 - Grant share about his experience at Rice University. 06:41 - How to bring out the best in a choir. 08:31 - The beauty of group singing. 09:46 - An invitation to join a First Church choir this season. 12:08 - Grant reflects on his first...

Celebrate the artistic genius of Beyoncé, a global icon whose music, performances, and activism have transcended boundaries and inspired millions. Explore how her work celebrates Black culture, empowers women, and challenges societal norms. Reflect on the intersection of art, fame, and social responsibility in shaping our collective consciousness. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of artistic brilliance and spiritual resonance. We are delving...

We are thrilled to announce the 125th anniversary of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas! In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Kanter and FitzGerald reflect on the church's founding and share the fun ways we can celebrate together this year. Find all things related to the 125th anniversary here: 00:00 - Welcome to this special 125th anniversary edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks. 00:43 - Going back in time to 1899. 02:40 - Remembering Daniel Limbaugh, a teacher who started First Unitarian...

Through her masterful blend of traditional Chinese techniques and contemporary themes, Hung Liu brings to life the stories of the overlooked and forgotten. Her art, steeped in symbolism and cultural resonance, challenges us to reflect on themes of migration, identity, and resilience, transforming the canvas into a powerful narrative of human endurance and the quest for dignity. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of artistic brilliance and...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Beth Dana answers questions from our members and friends. Learn more about Rev. Beth, get tips on how talk to your teenagers that don't want to come to church, and hear what Rev. Beth is looking forward to in the coming church year. 00:00 - Rev. Beth is ready to answer your questions 01:02 - If you hadn't gone into ministry, what career would you have pursued? 03:22 - What do you advise parents when they tell you that their high school age kids who...

Ludwig Van Beethoven’s music transcends barriers of time and space to touch the depths of the human soul. Despite facing profound personal challenges, Beethoven composed symphonies of unparalleled beauty and resilience, reminding us of the transformative power of art in times of adversity. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of artistic brilliance and spiritual resonance. We are delving into the lives, works, and philosophies of five remarkable...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Deneen Robinson, Executive Director of Truth Pregnancy Resource Center in Dallas, Texas for a conversation about caring for pregnant people in a state where abortion is illegal, making dignity a non-negotiable in reproductive care, and how faith can inform social work and healthcare. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald welcomes Deneen Robinson, Executive Director of Truth Pregnancy Resource Center 00:42 - What is Truth Pregnancy...

  Join us as we delve into the powerful storytelling of Aurora Levins Morales, a writer, activist, and artist. Explore how her work amplifies marginalized voices, advocates for justice, and celebrates the resilience of oppressed communities. Reflect on the role of art in activism and its potential to inspire social change. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of artistic brilliance and spiritual resonance. We are delving into the lives, works, and...

Can you be Agnostic, Atheist, or Humanist AND Unitarian Universalist? In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Beth Dana and T. J. FitzGerald discuss the differences between these systems of thought and how they fit into our Unitarian Universalist community. 00:00 - Welcome to episode 13 of Tiny Pulpit Talks. 00:43 - "Is it okay if I come to this church if I'm an atheist?" 01:11 - Exploring what atheism means. 03:19 - Young people's journeys with atheism throughout the course of our Coming...

Explore the transformative power of performance art as we reflect on the groundbreaking work of Marina Abramović. Through her daring and provocative performances, Abramović challenges conventional notions of art, time, and the self, inviting us to contemplate the profound connections between body, mind, and spirit. This sermon is part of our Artists Who Inspire series – a journey into the world of artistic brilliance and spiritual resonance. We are delving into the lives, works, and...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Sherri Cook, Executive Director of Wholly Informed Sex Ed (WISE) for a conversation about inclusive and affirming sexuality education, literacy about our emotions and our body, and helping youth to grow into sexually healthy adults. 00:00 - Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald welcomes Sherri Cook, Executive Director of WISE  01:00 - What is WISE and how did it get started? 04:30 - Creating innovative and updated sex ed curriculum 05:42 -...

This week’s film: The Princess Bride –  Storybook endings are usually reserved for storybooks. Life is rarely what you plan, though. What can we make of our lives while we are living?  The Princess Bride is a timeless tale of love, adventure, and the triumph of the human spirit. Its blend of humor, romance, and swashbuckling action serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to unite us and ignite our imaginations. It celebrates the values of courage, friendship, and the pursuit of true...

Welcome to a very special Sumfun edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks! In this episode, Rev. T. J. is talking to some of the campers attending our Unitarian Universalist day camp to find out what's Sumfun is all about and to answer questions like: What's it like being a minister? What's your favorite book? Do you ever get nervous before your sermons? And...how many dragons can I hold? (We highly recommend watching the video version of this episode on ) Privacy note: We respect the privacy of everyone...

If you’re hoping to go to heaven, we’ve got some good news for you. Come and join us this Sunday to hear all about it. This week’s film: Field of Dreams –  Field of Dreams intertwines themes of faith, redemption, and the power of following one’s dreams. It challenges us to trust in the unseen, to have faith in our visions, and to build bridges between the past and the future. Through its portrayal of second chances and the importance of community, it reminds us of the transformative power of...

Every Unitarian Universalist church has a unique way of approaching faith, community, and care. In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald shares three (plus) ways First Unitarian Church of Dallas differentiates itself from other churches. 00:00 - Welcome to episode 10 of Tiny Pulpit Talks! 01:11 - A commitment to intentional, cohesive faith development 01:50 - The Faith Forward curriculum 03:59 - A collaborative approach to worship 05:45 - A robust Pastoral Care program led...

This week’s film: Soul –  Soul takes us on a journey exploring the meaning of life, purpose, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through the eyes of its protagonist, it prompts us to reflect on our own passions, dreams, and the beauty of simply being alive. It inspires us to cherish each moment and find fulfillment in the pursuit of our true passions. Join us for our first summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald answers one of our most commonly asked questions: Are Unitarian Universalists Christian? - Welcome to episode 9 of Tiny Pulpit Talks! - A brief history of Christianity - Are we Christian? - Practicing the religion of Jesus - Is our church more Christian-based than other UU churches? - The Cathedral of the World - Why do we celebrate Christmas, Maundy Thursday, and Easter? - Subscribe to the podcast and send us your questions!...

This week, as part of our Faith & Film series, we are exploring the spiritual lessons and themes from the film “The Brother from Another Planet.” Join us for our first summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film. Each Wednesday evening we will gather in community to view a diverse selection of films that captivate the heart and mind. Each screening will be followed by a discussion where we unpack the film’s...

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Revs. Daniel, Beth, and T. J. discuss what we can expect from this month's Faith and Film series and a little bit of UU history as Beth plans to take our Coming of Age 9th graders on the Boston Heritage Trip this week. 01:36 - Palm Springs with Andy Samberg 02:35 - The myth of Sisyphus 04:09 - The Brother from Another Planet 06:20 - The Coming of Age Boston Heritage Trip 07:28 - Boston Public Garden, Charles Sumner, Walden Pond 08:21 - Whale watching on...

  This week’s film: Palm Springs – In this existential rom-com, Palm Springs invites us to ponder the cyclical nature of life and the transformative power of love and connection. Through its exploration of time loops and self-discovery, it prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of embracing the present moment. Join us for our first summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film....