First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Stepping into Risk and Landing in Trust | Rev. Ruth MacKenzie, Guest Preacher
2025-02-02 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy Ave., Dallas, TX, 75205, United States
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

The Welcome Table | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-11-24 09:30 - 12:00
As we gather around Thanksgiving tables this week, how will we practice our values of generosity and welcome?
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music by Kindred Voices
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association
2024-11-17 09:30 - 12:00
Join us for a special worship service at First Unitarian Church of Dallas, where we are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, as our guest minister.
music by the Sanctuary Choir
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY
About Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt
The Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt is the tenth president of the Unitarian Universalist Association. She was elected in June 2023. As president of the Association, she is responsible for administering staff and programs that serve its more than 1,000 member congregations. She also acts as principal spokesperson and minister-at-large for the UUA.
Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt’s twenty-year ministry has included serving as a parish minister, seminary professor, scholar and environmental ethicist, and public theologian. Rooted in her lived identities as a queer, multiracial, AfroLatine first-generation daughter of immigrants from Chile and Panamá, Rev. Dr. Betancourt has already helped Unitarian Universalism live further into its commitments to be a radically welcoming, counter-oppressive, pluralistic faith movement. In addition to her many years of service as Director of the UUA’s Office of Racial and Ethnic Concerns and on many denominational leadership bodies, she also has previous experience with the role of president—in early 2017 she was appointed interim co-president to finish a vacated term, making her the first woman to lead the Unitarian Universalist Association. She most recently served as Resident Scholar and Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee.
Rev. Dr. Betancourt has contributed to the education of future faith leaders at Yale Divinity School, Starr King School for the Ministry, and Drew University Theological School, teaching courses on topics such as ministerial leadership, theologies, womanism and Earth justice, and combatting oppression. Her own scholarship focuses on environmental ethics of liberation in a womanist and Latina feminist frame. She holds Ph.D., M.A., and M.Phil. degrees in Religious Ethics and African American Studies from Yale University, an M.Div. from Starr King School for the Ministry, and a B.S. from Cornell University with a concentration in ethnobotany. Rev. Dr. Betancourt is the author of Ecowomanism at the Panamá Canal: Black Women, Labor, and Environmental Ethics (2022). She lives in the Washington, DC, area.

The Love of Liberty | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-11-10 09:30 - 12:00
In Lincoln’s speech in Edwardsville, Illinois on September 11, 1858 he said our only strength is our love of liberty. Not knowing what will happen on Nov. 5th and on the days following we will come together on Sunday to give ourselves a chance to find a way forward.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music by Rosana Eckert
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

All Souls | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-11-03 09:30 - 12:00
Together we remember and honor the lives of those who have died this year in our annual service of All Souls. You are invited to bring a photo of a loved one you have lost for the altar.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music by the Sanctuary Choir
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

What Will We Be? | Chart & Compass | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-10-27 09:30 - 12:00
We finally unpack a last part of Daniel Limbaugh’s founding sermon of our church from 1899 in which he said, “What shall I do with my life? How can I make the most of it?” They had answers to these questions, let’s see if we can find some for today.
This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from “old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds.” On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being “at sea without a chart or compass.” This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh’s pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern times.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music by Kindred Voices
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Behind the Chalice: Understanding How Your Church Works
2024-10-20 12:30 - 13:30
Learn about your Church! From history to governance to staff to budgets this overview will give you a fascinating peek at the church you thought you knew. Presented by Martha Norton, Director of Finance and Stewardship.
Register in Realm.

God is One and Love | Chart & Compass | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-10-20 09:30 - 12:00
We unpack more of Daniel Limbaugh’s founding sermon of our church from 1899 in which he said, “We believe God to be one, not three or more; an intelligent first cause, not an ultimate blind force… We have said that we believe God is love.” Let’s look for God in our version of faith for today through his eyes.
This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from “old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds.” On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being “at sea without a chart or compass.” This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh’s pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern times.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music by the Children’s Choir and Sanctuary Choir
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Freedom to Read Day of Action: Communities Unite Against Book Bans
2024-10-19 14:00 - 16:00
Saturday, October 19th, 2:00 – 4:00 pm, Crow Library at First Unitarian Church of Dallas
Join First Unitarian Church of Dallas and Wholly Informed Sex-Ed (WISE) as we celebrate the freedom to read! We will set aside phones and enjoy a good book in the Crow Library. Browse the collection or bring your own.

In 2023, book banning and censorship reached an all-time high, with a record 4,240 unique book titles targeted for removal, a 65% increase over the 2,571 unique titles targeted in 2022 and a staggering 128% increase over 2021 numbers. 47% of the books targeted for censorship were titles representing the voices and lived experiences of people of color and people who identify as LGBTQ+. Coordinated censorship attempts continue to happen at an alarming rate, impacting schools and public libraries nationwide and threatening the First Amendment rights of all Americans.
Public and school libraries should be safe havens of knowledge and community, offering access to diverse viewpoints and empowering students and the public to engage with the issues of our time. The Freedom to Read Community Day of Action will unite libraries and elevate the voices of readers nationwide. Stand with us against book bans on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Financial Safety & Security As We Age: Elder Frauds, Scams and Financial Exploitation
2024-10-13 12:30 - 14:00
As part of our “Aging Well” series, this workshop will focus on recognizing and preventing financial fraud and scams that target older adults.
Presented by Steve Benton, Financial Counselor at the Elder Financial Safety Center, this session will equip you with the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming victims. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to enhance your financial safety!
Registration is required. We hope to see you there!

A System of Inquiry | Chart & Compass | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-10-13 09:30 - 12:00
We continue to explore Daniel Limbaugh’s 1899 founding sermon for our church by finding in it kernels of interest for them and for us today. In it he said, “Ours is not a system so much as it is a tendency. It is embraced by the spirit rather than by any formal statement of language. The seeking of truth, actuated by a love for it and its application to the religious nature of man is the spirit that animates us in all our investigations, statements and work.” We will unpack this for today’s spiritual needs of our church.
This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from “old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds.” On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being “at sea without a chart or compass.” This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh’s pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern times.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

125th Anniversary Church Picnic
2024-10-06 12:00 - 14:00
Sunday October 6, 2024, immediately following the 11 am service.
Bring the whole family to celebrate at our 125th Anniversary Picnic.
Food, fun and fellowship for all ages. Please register in Realm so that we can plan for food and beverages.
Click to register in Realm.

We Celebrate 125 Years! | Chart & Compass | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-10-06 09:30 - 12:00
The church was founded this day in 1899 with the words of Daniel Limbaugh who preached, “Many souls are hungering and thirsting for religious knowledge, truth and righteousness, to whom the old dogmas, doctrines and creeds appear outgrown. These persons are at sea without chart or compass, and many are making shipwreck of their religious natures.” His call was for Unitarians to gather and become a church that addressed these issues of the day. Let’s look back on our history and see who we have become and why.
This sermon is part of our Chart & Compass series – Our Unitarian Universalist faith is a beacon of hope for people seeking a religion free from “old dogmas, doctrines, and creeds.” On May 12, 1899, Mr. Daniel Limbaugh gave a talk on the Unitarian religion at Temple Emanu-El where he described such seekers as being “at sea without a chart or compass.” This sermon led to the founding of the First Unitarian Church of Dallas. In this series, we will take a closer look at Limbaugh’s pivotal message and explore how Unitarian Universalism can serve as our chart and compass in modern times.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY
