Best Firstunitarian Podcasts (2025)

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Rest of the Story | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 23:17

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26m ago23:17

23:17

Rest of the Story — After so many stories and visits, we pause and reflect on the ways the stories we tell impact us still today. 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…

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LGBTQ Belonging & Freedom in Unitarian Universalism | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 054 15:12

6d ago15:12

15:12

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald dive into what it truly means to be an LGBTQ-affirming church and why it matters now more than ever. This conversation explores queer inclusion in faith, Unitarian Universalist values, and the radical idea that church should be a place where everyone can be fully…

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We See A Great Light: A Unitarian Universalist Sermon for Advent | Rev. Beth Dana | 12.14.2025 7:07

11d ago7:07

7:07

In this Unitarian Universalist Advent sermon, Rev. Beth Dana invites us into the quiet and often uncomfortable space of waiting. As we light candles and prepare for Christmas, we explore how Advent is less about rushing to joy and more about holding hope in the dark. Through story, tradition, and reflection, this message reminds us that waiting can…

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Barren Earth: A Unitarian Universalist Sermon for Advent | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | 12.07.2025 20:16

18d ago20:16

20:16

In this Unitarian Universalist Advent sermon, "Barren Earth," Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter reflects on how hope can appear in the hardest seasons of life. Through stories of poets, and spiritual teachers, he invites us to see how even what looks empty or frozen can still hold the promise of new life. When the world feels heavy and the ground feels bare, …

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Authoritarianism is the Worst, Am I Right? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 053 11:46

20d ago11:46

11:46

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 …

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How Are Recent Legal Shifts Affecting Immigration Justice? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 052 11:12

1M ago11:12

11:12

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…

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Blues Christmas: A UU Christmas Sermon for Those Who Are Struggling | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 21:33

2M ago21:33

21:33

This Fourth Sunday of Advent sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald reflects on grief, addiction, loss, and the quiet pain many people carry during the holidays. Drawing on James Baldwin's Sonny's Blues, the wisdom of the blues tradition, and personal stories of love and endurance, this message speaks to those who feel cracked open by life and wonder how th…

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Trim the Hearth: A Unitarian Universalist Sermon for Advent | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | 11.30.2025 15:56

2M ago15:56

15:56

"Trim the Hearth" is Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter's Unitarian Universalist sermon for the first week of Advent, inviting us to slow down, clear space, and make room for warmth and renewal in our lives. He reflects on what it means to tend the center of our lives with intention, honesty, and care. Advent becomes a season of gentle preparation, rather than…

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Hand in Hand | Guest Minister Rev. Jen Crow | Celebrating Rev. Beth Dana's 10-Year Anniversary of Ordination 20:12

2M ago20:12

20:12

This Sunday, we welcome guest minister Rev. Jen Crow as we celebrate Rev. Beth Dana's 10-Year Anniversary of Ordination. Across the generations, across the country, across theologies and untold multitudes of experiences, we name and nurture and sustain the faith that has the power to transform us individually and collectively. Today we celebrate th…

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A UU Thanksgiving Message for a World in Need | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | UU Sermon 11.23.2025 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

Join us for this Unitarian Universalist Thanksgiving reflection with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald. Rev. FitzGerald reminds us that giving thanks is not about pretending the world is fine, but about finding the courage to say "yes" to the future, to forgive what cannot be changed, and to stay rooted in wonder and compassion. In a season when many feel weig…

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Unitarian Universalist Rituals for Every Season of Life | Rev. Beth Dana | UU Sermon 11.10.2025 15:47

2M ago15:47

15:47

In her sermon "Milestones on the Journey," Rev. Beth Dana reflects on the power of milestones and rituals in our spiritual and everyday lives as Unitarian Universalists. She explains that birthdays, transitions, and life events matter because they help us find meaning, reflect on change, and remind each other that we are loved and seen. In our UU f…

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All Souls | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | UU Sermon 11.02.2025 17:38

2M ago17:38

17:38

In his All Souls sermon, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter reflects on the fragile beauty of life and the lasting echoes of love, laughter, and memory. Through stories of family and friends who have passed, he reminds us that even as life floats away like feathers, the warmth of connection endures in our smiles, our laughter, and our care for one another. Our…

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How Our Church Finances Work | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 051 14:25

2M ago14:25

14:25

Ever wondered how a church with a $2.4 million budget and 28 dedicated staff members keeps everything running with integrity and transparency? In this episode, Revs. Daniel Kanter and T. J. Fitzgerald break down how our church's finances really work — from pledges and balanced budgets to collective generosity and community trust. What you'll learn:…

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Are You A Humanist? | Rev. Beth Dana | UU Sermon 10.26.2025 19:50

3M ago19:50

19:50

In her sermon "Are You A Humanist?" Rev. Beth Dana reflects on her journey with Unitarian Universalism and humanism, exploring how these values shape faith, meaning, and community. She discusses the evolution of humanism, emphasizing awe, wonder, and reverence as experiences that connect us to each other and the world. 💚 Consider making a one-time …

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Being Ungovernable | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | UU Sermon 10.19.2025 20:25

3M ago20:25

20:25

In his sermon "Being Ungovernable," Rev. T. J. FitzGerald takes us from the streets of Boston to the waters of Walden Pond, following the life and lessons of Henry David Thoreau. Through stories of Thoreau, Gandhi, Dr. King, and others who stood up to injustice, we explore how real freedom begins when we follow our conscience instead of just obeyin…

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What is Permanent in Unitarian Universalism? | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | UU Sermon 10.12.2025 24:01

3M ago24:01

24:01

In this sermon from the Ancestors of Our Faith series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores the radical faith of 19th-century Unitarian minister and abolitionist Theodore Parker, whose ideas reshaped the course of liberal religion. Drawing inspiration from Parker's distinction between what is "transient" and what is "permanent" in faith, Rev. Kanter inv…

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The Unitarian Trinity | Ancestors of Faith Series | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter 21:00

3M ago21:00

21:00

This series honors those whose courage and conviction formed the soul of our tradition. They were not perfect, but they were faithful: to truth, to love, and to the possibility of a better world. In honoring these ancestors of faith, we ask: What do we inherit from them? What do we carry forward? We begin with the 4th-century Unitarians who challen…

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Making Perfect | Return to the Home of Your Soul | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 25:34

4M ago25:34

25:34

We hear "practice makes perfect" all the time. But what does a spiritual practice do for us, really? Return to the Home of Your Soul Series We begin the church year by returning not just to a place, but to each other. This four-part series invites us to reconnect with the essence of our shared spiritual life, the center that holds us through practi…

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The Ties That Bind | Return to the Home of Your Soul | Rev. Beth Dana 19:41

4M ago19:41

19:41

As the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur approaches, let's explore the covenants that bind us and how we return again and again to the home of our soul. Return to the Home of Your Soul Series We begin the church year by returning not just to a place, but to each other. This four-part series invites us to reconnect with the essence of our shared spiritua…

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Reason to Hope | Return to the Home of Your Soul | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter 24:15

4M ago24:15

24:15

Coming home to our faith includes an examination of the use of reason in a world that challenges it everyday. Return to the Home of Your Soul Series We begin the church year by returning not just to a place, but to each other. This four-part series invites us to reconnect with the essence of our shared spiritual life, the center that holds us throu…

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Superheroes Among Us | Rev. Beth Dana | 08.31.2025 21:13

4M ago21:13

21:13

What is your superpower? What is its source and sustenance? Let's explore how our superpowers collectively make a difference when we come together in community. 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 …

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Ingathering Sunday: Return Again | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 23:24

4M ago23:24

23:24

ngathering is our kick–off to the church year. Let's come together once more to renew our bonds and celebrate the journey ahead. Return Again Finding the sacred ground where we are made and remade Return again, Return again, Return to the home of your soul. Return to who you are, Return to what you are, Return to where you are born and reborn again…

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Unitarian Universalism 101 - So You Wanna Be a Universalist? | Rev. Beth Dana | 08.24.2025 19:43

4M ago19:43

19:43

In the second sermon of our UU 101 series, Rev. Beth Dana explores the heart of Universalism, rejecting fear-based religion and embracing the radical truth that all people are worthy of love. This sermon calls us to "love the hell out of the world" by confronting injustice, resisting evil with compassion, and working toward collective liberation. D…

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Unitarian Universalism 101 - So You Wanna Be A Unitarian? | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 08.17.25 24:00

4M ago24:00

24:00

What does it mean to be a Unitarian? In this sermon from our Unitarian Universalism 101 series, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald explains the history and heart of Unitarianism in simple, practical terms. He shares the story of the hymn By the River, the debates at the Council of Nicaea, and why Unitarians believe that God is One and God is Love. This message …

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Caribbean Radical | Guest Minister Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer | 08.10.25 22:18

5M ago22:18

22:18

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Adam Lawrence Dyer. Caribbean Radical Caribbean immigrants in the 1920s were among some of the most powerful voices protesting the violence of lynching and other racial oppressions. It is often from immigrants that we learn what it means to value freedom. About Adam Lawrence Dyer…

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Proud to be an American | Guest Minister Rev. Adam Lawrence Dyer | 08.03.25 18:13

5M ago18:13

18:13

First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Adam Lawrence Dyer. Proud To Be An American At a time when our country seems determined to tear itself apart, how do we answer this question from a Unitarian Universalist perspective? About Adam Lawrence Dyer. Adam Lawrence Dyer is an ordained minister and was the lead minister a…

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Jonathan Larson | Artists Who Inspire Series | 07.27.25 21:00

5M ago21:00

21:00

Through works like Rent, Jonathan Larson gave voice to a generation grappling with love, loss, and the search for meaning. This Sunday, we'll reflect on his legacy and how his art reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and measure our lives in moments that matter. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a movin…

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Dolly Parton | Artists Who Inspire Series | 07.20.25 21:00

5M ago21:00

21:00

With wit, wisdom, and a generous heart, Dolly Parton has become a beloved cultural force. Join us as we explore her life and music, celebrating themes of compassion, humility, and joyful resistance to the status quo. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the hum…

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Celebrating 50 Episodes of Tiny Pulpit Talks! 4:40

6M ago4:40

4:40

In this special 50th episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. Beth Dana and Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald take a moment to reflect on how this podcast began - born out of a desire to show a more intimate look at the church's values and mission beyond what you might see in the Sanctuary on Sundays. Together, they share stories from the early days of the podcast, …

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Frida Kahlo | Artists Who Inspire Series | 07.13.25 20:24

6M ago20:24

20:24

Bold, raw, and deeply personal, Frida Kahlo's art continues to challenge and inspire. This Sunday, we'll consider how Kahlo's unflinching self-expression and embrace of pain as part of the creative process call us to authenticity, resilience, and radical love of self. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a mo…

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Duke Ellington | Artists Who Inspire Series | 07.06.25 21:13

6M ago21:13

21:13

More than a jazz legend, Duke Ellington was a visionary who used music to speak to the soul. We'll reflect on how his life and compositions invite us into the divine rhythms of life and justice. This is part of our Artists Who Inspire Sermon Series. Join us this July for a moving exploration of creativity, courage, and the human spirit in our annua…

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What is Universalism? Exploring the Theology of Universal Salvation | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 050 9:52

6M ago9:52

9:52

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana dive into the theological roots and modern-day relevance of Universalism within Unitarian Universalism. 🙌 In this episode, they ask the bold question: "If Jesus came to save all, are we already saved?" From John Murray's radical message of universal salvation in early Ame…

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Juneteenth and the Legacy of Opal Lee: A Unitarian Universalist Perspective | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 049 11:51

6M ago11:51

11:51

In this special episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald reflects on the deep significance of Juneteenth, a celebration of freedom rooted in Texas soil, and the legacy of Opal Lee, the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," whose tireless advocacy made June 19th a federally recognized holiday. Join us as we explore: The history of Juneteenth and i…

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Protest Ready: A UU Guide to Showing Up with Courage and Care | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 048 18:20

7M ago18:20

18:20

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana sit down for a timely and practical conversation about how Unitarian Universalists can prepare to show up at protests with courage, compassion, and responsibility. Many of us feel the urgent call to take to the street - for racial justice, climate action, reproductive fr…

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What You Might Not Know About Immigration Rights with Jiroko Lopez, Texas Immigration Attorney | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 047 35:44

7M ago35:44

35:44

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald sits down with Dallas-based immigration attorney Jiroko Lopez for a conversation about what it really means to seek legal status in the United States. Rev. T.J. and Jiroko unpack the myths, the fear, and the staggering complexity of immigration law in this country. They talk about red cards…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "The Way Way Back" | Faith and Film Series | 06.29.25 22:39

7M ago22:39

22:39

In the final sermon in our Faith & Film series, Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter explores what it means to live courageously in a world that often demands our silence and compliance. Drawing inspiration from the film The Way Way Back, the abolitionist legacy of Thaddeus Stevens, and the struggles we face in today's political and personal climate, this messag…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "The Grapes of Wrath" | Faith and Film Series | 06.22.25 28:14

7M ago28:14

28:14

The Grapes of Wrath, based on John Steinbeck's classic novel, is a powerful exploration of human dignity, social justice, and the pursuit of a better life. The film challenges us to reflect on economic inequality, the struggles of the marginalized, and the enduring power of hope and solidarity in the face of adversity. It calls us to act with compa…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "Babe" | Faith and Film Series | 06.15.25 26:01

7M ago26:01

26:01

Babe, the heartwarming story of a pig who dreams of becoming a sheepdog, reminds us that kindness, empathy, and the courage to be ourselves are at the heart of transformation. Through Babe's journey, we are invited to reflect on the importance of compassion and how it transcends species, class, and expectations. The film underscores the power of lo…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "Spider-man Into the Spider-verse" | Faith & Film Series | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald 23:26

7M ago23:26

23:26

In this Unitarian Universalist Pride Sunday sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald weaves together the story of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, queer theology, and the lived realities of LGBTQ+ people. From Miles Morales' transformation into Spider-Man to the words of Audre Lorde and James Baldwin, Rev. Fitzgerald explores how heroism, guilt, and surviva…

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Exploring the Spiritual Lessons of "Moana 2" | Faith and Film Series | 06.01.25 21:08

7M ago21:08

21:08

In this sermon, Rev. Beth Dana opens our Faith and Film Series with a deep look at Disney's Moana 2 through the lens of Unitarian Universalist faith, Pacific Island history, and womanist theology. Moana's journey to reconnect her people becomes a powerful metaphor for how we find our way in hard times - when the path isn't clear, when we feel lost,…

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5 Rules for Resistance | Rev. T.J. FitzGerald | 05.25.25 20:39

7M ago20:39

20:39

In this Unitarian Universalist Memorial Day sermon, Rev. T. J. Fitzgerald reflects on the legacy of faith, resistance, and sacrifice. Drawing on the stories of Michael Servetus and John Calvin, and the painful truths of war, from the Civil War to World War I to modern-day Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, this sermon challenges us to honor the fallen not j…

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How Unitarian Universalism Helps Rebuild Faith After Religious Trauma | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 046 11:29

7M ago11:29

11:29

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, wh…

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Rituals for Uplifting Youth in Our Unitarian Universalist Community | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 045 10:29

8M ago10:29

10:29

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 thes…

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Written on the Heart | Bridging Sunday for Coming of Age & Graduating Seniors | Rev. Beth Dana 14:49

8M ago14:49

14:49

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, work…

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Pilgrimage to the Khasi Hills: A Deep Dive into Our UU Partnership in India | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 044 9:30

8M ago9:30

9:30

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 Villa…

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Progressive Religion vs Progressive Politics: What's the Difference? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 043 11:46

8M ago11:46

11:46

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 th…

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Justice Is Love: A Mother's Day Sermon for the World We Must Build | Aurora Levins Morales | 05.11.25 18:45

8M ago18:45

18:45

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 i…

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Singing the Songs of Solidarity, Imagination, and Hope | Aurora Levins Morales | 05.04.2025 UU Sermon 19:54

8M ago19:54

19:54

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 st…

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Rise Up, New Flame | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald | 04.27.2025 23:06

8M ago23:06

23:06

In a time when books are banned, histories are erased, and injustice burns through our communities, Unitarian Universalists are called to something greater - to rise, to resist, and to create a future shaped by love, justice, and fierce compassion. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald's sermon "Rise Up, New Flame" reflects on the life and legacy of Maya Angelou, …

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Where in the World is Our Minister? Sabbatical Update + New Adventures! | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 042 13:29

8M ago13:29

13:29

Welcome to another episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks with Reverends T. J., Beth, and Daniel. This week, they dive into the meaning and practice of sabbatical—not just as a ministerial break, but as a spiritual discipline rooted in the ancient rhythms of Sabbath and renewal. Reverend Kanter shares reflections from his current sabbatical journey, includin…