First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Monthly Service | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Beth Dana
2025-03-23 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy Ave., Dallas, TX, 75205, United States
What change do you want to see around you? How we serve our communities says a lot about who we are and what we value.
This sermon is part of our Spiritual Practices to Light the Way series – Supported by the strong foundation of our living Unitarian Universalist faith and our vibrant church community, we are each called to deepen our spiritual lives so that we can have a positive and meaningful impact on the world around us. In this series, we’ll explore the five spiritual practices that light the path forward as we work toward a more just and peaceful world.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Music provided by Kindred Voices. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Weekly Worship | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2025-03-16 09:30 - 12:00
Some tell us “You are what you worship.” We talk about what worship means and all it offers us as members of this community.
This sermon is part of our Spiritual Practices to Light the Way series – Supported by the strong foundation of our living Unitarian Universalist faith and our vibrant church community, we are each called to deepen our spiritual lives so that we can have a positive and meaningful impact on the world around us. In this series, we’ll explore the five spiritual practices that light the path forward as we work toward a more just and peaceful world.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Library Committee Author Talk - Rosalyn Story
2025-03-09 12:30 - 13:30
Sunday, March 9th, 2025
12:30 pm, Tom and Charley Crow Library
Register in Realm.
Join the First Unitarian Church of Dallas Library Committee in the Tom and Charley Crow Library for a special author talk series featuring members of our congregation. Our own writers will share their books, discuss the ideas that shaped them, and offer insight into their creative journeys.
Our first author in this series is Rosalyn Story, author of Sing Her Name. Light refreshments will be served.
About Rosalyn Story
Rosalyn Story, author of Sing Her Name, is a professional classical violinist, journalist, and author of both fiction and non-fiction. She plays violin in the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in Fort Worth, TX, and divides her time between performing and writing about the visual and performing arts.
Sing Her Name, a novel based loosely on the life of the 19th century black diva Sissieretta Jones, is Story’s fourth book. Her articles have appeared in numerous magazines including Essence, Stagebill (the magazine of Lincoln Center), The Crisis (the magazine of the NAACP) and Opera News. Her first book, And So I Sing: African American Divas of Opera and Concert, the first comprehensive book on the history of black women in opera, was the inspiration for the PBS documentary Aida’s Brothers and Sisters: Black Voices in Opera. Her first novel, More Than You Know, was published in 2004. Her novel Wading Home, set in post-Katrina New Orleans, was an Essence magazine book club pick and “recommended read,” and was also a 2011 nominee for the Hurston Wright Foundation Legacy Award. In 2012, Wading Home was chosen by Clemson University (Clemson, SC) as the “common read” book and was distributed to 3,500 freshmen and new students. In August 2012, she presented Wading Home before an assembly of all freshmen and new students at Littlejohn Coliseum on the campus.
In 2012, Story was inducted into the Texas Literary Hall of Fame by the Friends of the Fort Worth Public Library in Fort Worth, TX. In 2014, she received a $40,000 MPower artists’ grant from the Sphinx Organization based in Detroit, MI to produce Wading Home: An Opera of New Orleans, based on her novel. With a cast, orchestra, and chorus of internationally-recognized artists, it was performed in Dallas and New Orleans, and in Port Elizabeth, Stellenbosch, and Pretoria, South Africa.

Daily Practice | Spiritual Practices to Light the Way | Rev. Beth Dana
2025-03-09 09:30 - 12:00
Our Lenten journey begins with what our days lived together may hold. We reflect on what daily attention to our spiritual life can mean to us.
This sermon is part of our Spiritual Practices to Light the Way series – Supported by the strong foundation of our living Unitarian Universalist faith and our vibrant church community, we are each called to deepen our spiritual lives so that we can have a positive and meaningful impact on the world around us. In this series, we’ll explore the five spiritual practices that light the path forward as we work toward a more just and peaceful world.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Music provided by Kindred Voices and Les Sellers. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Remembering Black Dallas Bus Tour
2025-03-08 09:30 - 12:00
Date: Saturday, March 8, 2024
Gathering Time: 9:30 AM (Enjoy coffee & donuts)
Tour Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meeting Location: Preston Circle Driveway in front of First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Cost: $30 per person
REGISTRATION IN REALM IS REQUIRED.
Start your morning with coffee and donuts at 9:30 AM before we embark on a custom two-hour bus tour for First Church members and friends exploring Dallas’ Black history. This tour, tailored specifically to the area near First Unitarian Church of Dallas, will visit:
1️⃣ Neighborhood near North Central and McKinney up to Caruth Haven, which was a historic Black neighborhood
2️⃣ Freedman’s Town
Led by Remembering Black Dallas Inc., an organization founded in 2015 by Dr. George Keaton, Jr., this tour offers a powerful look at the past, honoring the legacy and contributions of Black communities in Dallas. RBD continues its mission to preserve and promote African American life, history, and culture through education, advocacy, and historical research.
Hosted by the Racial Equity Task Force

Ash Wednesday Service
2025-03-05 18:00 - 19:00
We invite you to begin the season of Lent with us at our contemplative Ash Wednesday service, in which we reflect on our mortality from a Unitarian Universalist perspective. All are welcome to join us in the Sanctuary at 6:00 pm. In-person only.

Easy Grace | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2025-03-02 09:30 - 12:00
We explore the roots of Mardi Gras and hold close the place that brings those traditions to so many, even still, New Orleans.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Music provided by the First Church jazz band.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Becoming | Youth Sunday
2025-02-23 09:30 - 12:00
Join us for a much loved and meaningful tradition – Youth Sunday! Our YRUU teens lead the service, sharing their musical gifts and reflections on the theme of “Becoming.”
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

The Untold History of Race with Frank Morris
2025-02-16 12:30 - 14:00
Frank will share about the discipline of history, how it has been taught, and the ways that understanding how history is taught can help us to push back against so much of history that is being erased and remains untold.
Click to register in Realm.

The Doctrine of Our Church | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2025-02-16 09:30 - 12:00
Love’s in need of love today. We gather to feel love’s power and discern what it calls us to do in hard times.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Faith = Trust | Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Guest Preacher
2025-02-09 09:30 - 12:00
First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Rev. Ruth MacKenzie.
Faith = Trust
What is faith in such times as these? Caught in the spin cycle of tortured truths, and the siren call of influencers, where do we put our trust? How do we ground our faith? This Sunday we explore faith, stripped down and essential.
Music provided by the Sanctuary Choir.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care, and received Minister Emerita designation upon her retirement in 2020. Having served as Minister in Residence at First Unitarian of Dallas in 2021/2022, Ruth is happy to return in February to this congregation that she holds dear during Rev. Daniel’s sabbatical.
Ruth has continued her ministry as Adjunct Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester MN, adjunct professor of worship at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and volunteers as a chaplain at Lino Lake prison of Minnesota.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Ruth moved to Minnesota to pursue a singing career. She toured the country and began to write her own plays and music in her late thirties with much success, produced by major theaters of the Twin CitIies.
In her late forties, Ruth answered an insistent calling of a deeper spiritual life and ministry. She attended seminary and embarked on a new professional journey of discovery about how the arts and creativity can enliven the life of worship, and the life of the spirit, while bringing our imaginations and resolve to the work of racial justice, and healing this broken and beautiful world. It is with much joy and anticipation that Ruth joins our community of faith.

Clothes Encounters - Shop for lovely new and gently-used women’s clothing
2025-02-07 - 2025-02-09
Join us for a pop-up boutique the weekend before Valentine’s Day! Shop for lovely new and gently-used women’s clothing, jewelry, handbags and accessories donated by women in our church and their friends. Make a generous donation and take home a treasure!

Clothes Encounters is a Women’s Alliance Fundraiser for local charities and church programs.

Shopping Hours:

Friday, February 7, from 4:30-7 pmSaturday, February 8, from 10 am – 2 pmSunday, February 9, from 9 am – 2 pm, with a Clothing Bag Sale from 1 – 2 pm

New This Year:

Toffee raffle! Buy raffle tickets to win Rhonda Koetting’s legendary toffee!

Clothing Bag Sale! On Sunday from 1:00-2:00 pm, shoppers can fill a bag with clothes for a donation of $20.

Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust | Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Guest Preacher
2025-02-02 09:30 - 12:00
First Unitarian Church of Dallas is pleased to welcome guest preacher Rev. Ruth MacKenzie.
Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust
We often want to know the answers before we are tested. We want to know the ending before the story has even begun. Yet that is not the way of life, nor the way of faith. Risk and trust are entwined in an intricate webbing we navigate everyday. In the days ahead, how will we risk trust and trust risk?
Music provided by pianist, saxophonist, and vocalist Matthew Babineaux.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

About Rev. Ruth MacKenzie
Rev. Ruth served First Universalist Church of Minneapolis for ten years as Minister of Worship and Pastoral Care, and received Minister Emerita designation upon her retirement in 2020. Having served as Minister in Residence at First Unitarian of Dallas in 2021/2022, Ruth is happy to return in February to this congregation that she holds dear during Rev. Daniel’s sabbatical.
Ruth has continued her ministry as Adjunct Minister at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Rochester MN, adjunct professor of worship at United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities and volunteers as a chaplain at Lino Lake prison of Minnesota.
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Ruth moved to Minnesota to pursue a singing career. She toured the country and began to write her own plays and music in her late thirties with much success, produced by major theaters of the Twin CitIies.
In her late forties, Ruth answered an insistent calling of a deeper spiritual life and ministry. She attended seminary and embarked on a new professional journey of discovery about how the arts and creativity can enliven the life of worship, and the life of the spirit, while bringing our imaginations and resolve to the work of racial justice, and healing this broken and beautiful world. It is with much joy and anticipation that Ruth joins our community of faith.

Warmth of Community | Kindle the Spirit | Rev. Beth Dana
2025-01-26 09:30 - 12:00
The flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism is a symbol of the warmth of community. We will explore our experiences of religious community and how this connection deepens our spiritual lives.
This sermon is part of our Kindle the Spirit series – A new year calls us to ignite our spiritual lives in impactful ways, bringing the rich history and core principles of our faith into our daily lives. We begin by burning away that which no longer serves us, then we find meaning and motivation in the symbolism of the chalice. Together we’ll ignite the light of truth, build a fire of commitment, and bask in the warmth of a community that fuels us to act with integrity as spiritual people.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Music provided by Kindred Voices. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Fire of Commitment | Kindle the Spirit | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2025-01-19 09:30 - 12:00
The flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism is a symbol of the fire of commitment. On this Sunday when we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we reflect on what kindles our fire of commitment and calls us to act for justice.
This sermon is part of our Kindle the Spirit series – A new year calls us to ignite our spiritual lives in impactful ways, bringing the rich history and core principles of our faith into our daily lives. We begin by burning away that which no longer serves us, then we find meaning and motivation in the symbolism of the chalice. Together we’ll ignite the light of truth, build a fire of commitment, and bask in the warmth of a community that fuels us to act with integrity as spiritual people.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Light of Truth | Kindle the Spirit | Rev. Beth Dana
2025-01-12 09:30 - 12:00
The flaming chalice of Unitarian Universalism is a symbol of the light of truth. Let’s explore how the light of truth guides our faith and our actions.
This sermon is part of our Kindle the Spirit series – A new year calls us to ignite our spiritual lives in impactful ways, bringing the rich history and core principles of our faith into our daily lives. We begin by burning away that which no longer serves us, then we find meaning and motivation in the symbolism of the chalice. Together we’ll ignite the light of truth, build a fire of commitment, and bask in the warmth of a community that fuels us to act with integrity as spiritual people.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

The History and Future of Dallas Civil Rights Panel
2025-01-11 17:30 - 20:00
The Racial Equity Task Force is proud to welcome Rev. Peter Johnson – former Southern Christian Leadership Conference member and decades-long Dallas civil rights activist and renowned historian Michael Phillips the author of White Metropolis, about the history of race in Dallas, to present on the history, present, and future of civil rights in Dallas. Amber Sims, noted author, activist, trainer, and visionary leader, will moderate a discussion with the panelists and the audience. Dinner and discussion to follow. Please register in REALM to attend.

Front Porch Conversation with David Marquis, Author and Naturalist
2025-01-05 12:30 - 14:00
The Climate Action Team and The Ned Fritz Legacy will host this Front Porch event with David Marquis, author of The River of Goodness. David will read from his work and then discuss First Unitarian’s long tradition of advocacy and engagement with Rev. T. J. FitzGerald. Bring your questions for David, too! Deep Vellum, David’s publisher, will be onsite with copies of David’s book and he will sign copies.
REGISTER IN REALM
About The River of Goodness
Every day, posits Marquis, every single human has to make a choice: accept the world the way it is or work to make it better. Each of us can pursue the work of goodness in many ways. The River of Goodness, the second volume in Marquis’s River Trilogy, provides real-world examples of people who have taken on the work of goodness, whether through thankless tasks or in dangerous and challenging circumstances.
This follow-up to Marquis’s beloved first volume, The River Always Wins, argues that making the world better is rooted in the hard daily work of creating change that lasts.
About David Marquis
David Marquis is a long-time committed activist for environmental and social change in the Dallas area. He is the author of I Am A Teacher (Simon & Schuster), which became a series of widely performed plays. He founded the Oak Cliff Nature Preserve in Dallas and has consulted with the Texas Conservation Alliance since 2011. The first book in this series, The River Always Wins, was published by Deep Vellum in 2020.

Service of Renewal | Kindle the Spirit | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2025-01-05 09:30 - 12:00
We gather for our annual Service of Renewal, in which we burn away and let go of that which no longer serves us and set intentions for the year to come.

This sermon is part of our Kindle the Spirit series – A new year calls us to ignite our spiritual lives in impactful ways, bringing the rich history and core principles of our faith into our daily lives. We begin by burning away that which no longer serves us, then we find meaning and motivation in the symbolism of the chalice. Together we’ll ignite the light of truth, build a fire of commitment, and bask in the warmth of a community that fuels us to act with integrity as spiritual people.

Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching. Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Found | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter | One Service at 11 am CT
2024-12-29 11:00 - 12:00
Daniel will preach this last sermon before he takes part one of his sabbatical. The roots of the sermon ask what kind of compassion is possible in this time. Send him off by attending the 11am service.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music TBD.
One Service at 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm REBROADCAST

All Generations | Christmas Eve | 5 pm
2024-12-25 17:00 - 18:00
Bring your family and friends and celebrate Christmas Eve with us. All are welcome for this multi-generational service!
In-person and livestream at 5 pm CST.
View the complete holiday schedule here.

Lessons & Carols | Christmas Eve | 9 pm
2024-12-24 21:00 - 22:00
The “big” Christmas service – featuring a brass quintet, the Sanctuary choir, and carol singing by candlelight.
In-person worship only, no livestream.
View the complete holiday schedule here.

Candlelight & Communion | Christmas Eve | 7 pm
2024-12-24 19:00 - 20:00
A quiet, reflective service. All are invited to receive communion.
In-person worship only, no livestream.
View the complete holiday schedule here.

Blues Christmas | Advent 4 | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-12-22 09:30 - 12:00
This is not the easiest time of year for many of us. Come and share in this special service when we explore the power of naming and feeling the blues at this time of year.

Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching, special blues music
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Parish Meeting
2024-12-15 12:30 - 14:00
Voting members are invited to enjoy pizza, hear updates from church leaders, vote on the 2025 budget, and celebrate the 2025 elected leaders.
Childcare is available for this event. Click here to register.

Christmas Pageant | "Coming Home to the Stable" | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-12-15 09:30 - 12:00
Join us for the annual Christmas Pageant, acted out by the children of the church. Child dedications will take place in both services.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Prepare the Way! | Advent 2 | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-12-08 09:30 - 12:00
Advent calls us to get prepared not through to-do lists but through the spiritual response to the season. Let’s have a look at that.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music TBD.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Hanging of the Greens
2024-12-07 18:00 - 20:00
Get ready to deck the halls and jingle all the way to our annual “Hanging of the Greens” extravaganza! The Hanging of the Greens isn’t really about sprucing up our space for the season; it’s about bringing our vibrant community together to take part in a joyful tradition. Bring your holiday spirit and let’s make merry memories together!
The evening will include skits from our ministers, a performance from the Children’s Choir, special music, games, interactive elements for the kids, and cookies & punch from the Women’s Alliances. Don’t miss it!
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We will also be collecting blankets for the Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center’s Holiday of Hope Program
The holidays can be a difficult time, especially for children living in the aftermath of criminal child abuse. Each year, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center (DCAC) brings a smile to thousands of our client’s faces when we provide them with gifts and toys through our annual Holiday of Hope program.
This year, we’re asking the kids of First Unitarian Church of Dallas to help their peers by contributing a fuzzy blanket for Dallas Children’s Advocacy’s Center’s Holiday of Hope toy drive. There will be a table in the foyer before and after Hanging of the Greens where you can drop-off blankets. For more information please visit https://dcac.org/getinvolved/holiday-of-hope/

Holiday Homecoming
2024-12-07 14:00 - 16:30
Exclusively for church members 70 and better, a festive afternoon of great food, socializing and holiday caroling. Watch for the invite in your inboxes!
To Volunteer to help at the celebration: If you can bake cookies, assemble cookie tins, drive attendees, decorate, host, set up, clean up, photograph the event, and/or deliver cookie tins click here to sign up.

In Dreams | Advent 1 | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-12-01 09:30 - 12:00
Rest and dreaming are essential components of our health and shaping a future. Together we will explore the power of dreams.

Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching, music by the Sanctuary Choir.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY
