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 annual summer sermon series, “Artists Who Inspire.” Each Sunday, we will reflect on the life, legacy, and artistry of a cultural icon whose work continues to shape the world. Through music, visual art, storytelling, and performance, these artists help illuminate timeless spiritual truths and speak to the heart of what it means to be fully human.

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. 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 America to Hosea Ballou's tender imagery of a loving God, join the ministers as they explore the rich history and evolving theology behind the belief that no soul is ever damned.

What You’ll Learn:

What is Universalism and where did it come from?

The difference between “Restorationist” and “Ultra-Universalist” views

Why early Universalists were kicked out of pulpits and how some modern ministers still hide their universalist belief

How Universalism shaped the identity of Unitarian Universalism

Why we believe in original goodness, not original sin

🌱 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

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

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 its importance for all Americans
Why this day holds special meaning for Texans and Unitarian Universalists
How Opal Lee’s work embodies the UU values of justice, equity, and compassion

🌱 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

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

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 freedom, immigrant rights, and more. But before we show up, we need to slow down and prepare. Protest isn’t just about presence, it’s about being ready: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and legally.

They cover:
✅ Practical safety tips for being in the streets
✅ How to center and uplift marginalized voices
✅ Spiritual grounding and self-care in high-intensity spaces ✅ What to bring (and what to leave at home)
✅ Legal preparedness: knowing your rights, staying safe, and accessing support if needed
✅ Meaningful ways to show solidarity, even if you're not marching

Whether this is your first protest or your fiftieth, this episode offers grounding, guidance, and encouragement for faithful public witness. Listen now and let your values lead you to action.

🌱 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

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

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, the Fourth and Fifth Amendments, and the rights of undocumented people. They discuss how to prepare your family if you're living without status including how to build a safety plan, create a power of attorney, and gather the documents that could make all the difference in a crisis.

But more than that, this is a conversation about humanity. About the fear parents live with every time they drop their kids at school. About the quiet heroism of people working without protection, paying into systems they may never benefit from. About hope, and heartbreak, and stubborn love.

Jiroko brings her frontline experience in Dallas immigration courts, where policy meets real lives—families, children, and workers trying to navigate a system that often feels stacked against them. Together, they lift up voices too often silenced and share what communities can do, even when the law feels immovable.

About Jiroko Lopez -

Jiroko Lopez is a partner at Lopez & Freshwater, PLLC, an immigration law firm based in Richardson, Texas. Her passion for immigration law began during her undergraduate studies at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she was hired to interview immigrants in the Dallas–Fort Worth area as part of an anthropological study. Through these interviews, she witnessed firsthand the inequality and poor working conditions many immigrants faced—an experience that inspired her to pursue a legal career focused on immigrant advocacy.

After earning her law degree from SMU, Ms. Lopez began her career with Catholic Charities Legal Services. Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008, she led the legal orientation program for custodians of unaccompanied children. One year after, she co-founded her own firm and has since represented hundreds of clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Dallas Immigration Court.

In addition to her private practice, Ms. Lopez volunteers with the SMU Criminal Clinic, screening non-citizens for potential immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Her firm also holds one of the few contracts from the Mexican Government for External Legal Assistance, providing legal aid to victims of domestic violence and violent crime. In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Dallas, she has helped organize free legal clinics offering immigration consultations, power of attorney services, and human trafficking screenings for the local community.

Ms. Lopez has been recognized as one of D Magazine’s Best Immigration Attorneys every year since 2017. She remains committed to community outreach, regularly delivering “Know Your Rights” and immigration presentations throughout the DFW area, including at Genesis Women’s Shelter, local schools, places of worship, and other community organizations.

🌱 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

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

The Way Way Back is a poignant coming-of-age story about personal growth, resilience, and finding one’s place in the world. As the protagonist navigates a difficult summer, the film emphasizes the importance of community and support in overcoming life’s challenges. It reminds us of the value of nurturing and affirming relationships and the transformative power of being true to oneself, even in the face of difficult circumstances.

Join us for our summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film. During the week, we 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 themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship.

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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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 compassion and empathy toward those who suffer and to advocate for justice in the world.

Join us for our summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film. During the week, we 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 themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship.

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

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 love and understanding in breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections.

Join us for our summer sermon series as we journey through the realms of faith, humanity, and the divine, illuminated by the magic of film. During the week, we 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 themes, symbolism, and relevance to our shared journey. Films start at 6pm sharp in the Don Krehbiel Music Center. Discussion is from 7:45-8:15pm. On Sunday mornings, join us as we continue to explore the films and their lessons in worship.