First Unitarian Church of Dallas

Prepare the Way! | Advent 2 | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-12-08 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy Ave., Dallas, TX, 75205, United States
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

125th Anniversary Evening Gala
2024-10-05 18:00 - 20:00
Saturday October 5, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
Please join us for a gala evening event as members and friends of First Unitarian Church of Dallas recognize and rejoice in our 125th year of service.
A short service of celebration and reflection in the Sanctuary will be followed by live music, food, and dancing in Channing Social Hall.
Festive attire suggested. Please register in Realm so that we can plan for food and beverages.
Click to register in Realm.

A Dream Pursued | Luminaries of Truth and Justice | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-09-29 09:30 - 12:00
Unitarian Universalism and our church would not be what it is today without the people of color who have led our faith into the future. We will talk about how our faith and church have been shaped by these leaders and their prophetic vision.
This sermon is part of our Luminaries of Truth and Justice series – finding inspiration in the radical voices of our faith’s history, present, and future. As we embark on a new church year and prepare to celebrate our church’s 125-year history of truth and justice, we look to the radical visionaries of our past, present, and future for spiritual inspiration. How have radical voices shaped our church’s history? How do we find courage to lift our voices when it feels challenging? And, what do we proclaim to the world as Unitarian Universalists?
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Front Porch Conversation with Dr. Curtis Boyd, M.D. and Dr. Glenna Halvorson-Boyd, PhD, RN
2024-09-22 12:15 - 14:00
Sunday, September 22nd
12:15 pm, Sanctuary
Click to register
Join Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter for a conversation with Dr. Curtis Boyd, M.D. and Dr. Glenna Halvorson-Boyd, PhD, RN about their new book We Choose To: A Memoir of Providing Abortion Care Before, During, and After Roe
Abortion care has been the work of Dr. Curtis Boyd and Dr. Glenna Halvorson-Boyd’s lives, something between a cause and a calling that demanded of them empathy, innovation, and courage, all guided by a deep belief in women’s equal place in society.
Their new book We Choose To, which the Boyds began writing long before the Supreme Court decision that deprived Americans of the constitutional right to abortion, covers a fifty-year span of abortion care.
We Choose To is not about politics, public opinion, or even history, although it offers rare insight into all three. Instead, it is about abortion providers themselves, those who work alongside them, and the patients who shape and are shaped by their service.
Curtis Boyd, MD, is nationally known for developing abortion procedures and standards of care. He is also recognized for his expertise in pain management and minimizing surgery risk. Furthermore, Dr. Boyd was involved in establishing the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and is a founding member of the Federation’s Board of Directors. NAF serves as a forum for abortion providers and others committed to providing quality abortion services so that they remain accessible to all women.
Glenna Halvorson-Boyd, PhD, RN, served on National Abortion Federation’s Board of directors and as NAF’s president for two years (1984-1986). She is an accomplished counselor, trainer, and consultant with a national reputation for her training of professionals in this field. Dr. Halvorson-Boyd has a PhD in Human and Organizational Development. Her previous publications include the book Dancing in Limbo: Making Sense of Life after Cancer.
First Unitarian Church of Dallas has a deep commitment to upholding reproductive dignity and a long history of abortion advocacy, with ties to the movement pre-dating the Roe vs. Wade decision in 1973. The church recently established the Truth Pregnancy Resource Center, which provides fact-based care and counseling to pregnant persons in need of accessible prenatal care, safe and legal abortion, or inclusive and equitable adoption services.
The conversation will be followed by a book signing.
Click to register.

Connection Sunday
2024-09-22 10:00 - 14:00
With the start of a new church year, now is the perfect time to find your special place within our church community! Join us for an opportunity to connect with groups and service opportunities in the church. Grab some coffee and visit with group leaders in Channing Hall after each service. There will be extra fun for kids of all ages in the courtyard playground area.
Make sure to bring your mobile device with the Realm Connect app to make connecting with groups even easier!

Leading with Love | Luminaries of Truth and Justice | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-09-22 09:30 - 12:00
Unitarian Universalism welcomed and blessed women in leadership roles before any other tradition. Then and now, this is one of the great strengths of our faith and of this church.
This sermon is part of our Luminaries of Truth and Justice series – finding inspiration in the radical voices of our faith’s history, present, and future. As we embark on a new church year and prepare to celebrate our church’s 125-year history of truth and justice, we look to the radical visionaries of our past, present, and future for spiritual inspiration. How have radical voices shaped our church’s history? How do we find courage to lift our voices when it feels challenging? And, what do we proclaim to the world as Unitarian Universalists?
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

How To Be A Radical | Luminaries of Truth and Justice | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-09-15 09:30 - 12:00
Our faith is filled with radicals who fought for what was right and took on systems of injustice. Our own church is part of this fight and is in it for the long haul.
This sermon is part of our Luminaries of Truth and Justice series – finding inspiration in the radical voices of our faith’s history, present, and future. As we embark on a new church year and prepare to celebrate our church’s 125-year history of truth and justice, we look to the radical visionaries of our past, present, and future for spiritual inspiration. How have radical voices shaped our church’s history? How do we find courage to lift our voices when it feels challenging? And, what do we proclaim to the world as Unitarian Universalists?
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music TBD
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Ingathering Sunday - Keeping the Flame: Then, Now, and Always | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-09-08 09:30 - 12:00
Ingathering is our kick–off to the theme year. We will explore 125 years of progressive religious impact and what it means to be a Dallas UU today.
Keeping the Flame: Then, Now, and Always
Celebrating 125 Years of Progressive Religion in Dallas
Our 2024-25 theme year “Keeping the Flame: Then, Now, and Always,” is a call to action and reflection for our congregation. It’s an invitation to honor the legacy of our spiritual community, to engage deeply with the principles of our Unitarian Universalist faith, and to forge a future where the light of the flaming chalice continues to burn brightly, guiding us in love, justice, and truth. As we celebrate 125 years of liberal religion in Dallas, we recommit ourselves to keeping the flame alive—then, now, and always.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching, music provided by the Sanctuary Choir.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Foundations: We Are The Ones We've Been Waiting For | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-09-01 09:30 - 12:00
We can’t wait for someone or something to make good things happen, to bring about change, to do justice. Join us as we explore the prophethood of all and the foundations of Unitarian Universalism that call us to be part of building a just and loving community.
This sermon is part of our Foundations series – inspired by James Luther Adams’ essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith,” in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music provided by the Eckert family.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Foundations: Giants Like Goliath | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-08-25 09:30 - 12:00
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 James Luther Adams’ essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith,” in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter, music provided by Grant Wareham and Alan Dyer.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Foundations: All or Nothing | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-08-18 09:30 - 12:00
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 James Luther Adams’ essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith,” in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald, music provided by the First Church Summer Choir.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Foundations: Revelation is Continuous | Rev. Beth Dana
2024-08-11 09:30 - 12:00
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 James Luther Adams’ essay “Guiding Principles of a Free Faith,” in which he writes about the five smooth stones of liberal religion. We use these ideas throughout our Faith Forward offerings and religious education.
Rev. Beth Dana is preaching, music will be provided by Alan Dyer and baritone David Grogan.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Artists Who Inspire: Beyoncé Carter-Knowles | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-08-04 09:30 - 12:00
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 into the lives, works, and philosophies of five remarkable artists who have left an indelible mark on the canvas of human expression.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald preaching, music will be provided by George Cornelius, Debra Morrison, Jean Ann Powers, April Sellers, and Les Sellers.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Artists Who Inspire: Hung Liu | Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter
2024-07-28 09:30 - 12:00
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 spiritual resonance. We are delving into the lives, works, and philosophies of five remarkable artists who have left an indelible mark on the canvas of human expression.
Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter is preaching and music will be provided by our new Director of Music, Grant Wareham.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY

Artists Who Inspire: Ludwig Van Beethoven | Rev. T. J. FitzGerald
2024-07-21 09:30 - 12:00
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 artists who have left an indelible mark on the canvas of human expression.
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald is preaching, music provided by cellist Gayane Manasjan Fullford and Alan Dyer.
Worship at 9:30am and 11am CST in-person or online • 7:00pm ONLINE ONLY
