How do we keep the faith and find strength when facing personal and collective hardships? This Sunday, Ashley Roe will explore this question through the metaphor of the “Upside Down” (Stranger Things fans unite!), stories of personal struggle, teachings of other faith traditions, and principles of our own UU faith. Come and find connection and community, as we … Continue reading “Instructions for Living In The Upside Down”
Rev. T. J. FitzGerald and Rev. Beth Dana of First Unitarian Church of Dallas dive into the meaning and traditions of the Lenten season—a time of reflection, connection, and transformation. Lent isn’t just about giving something up; it’s about making space for something deeper. We explore the history of these 40 days, the significance of sacrifice and renewal, … Continue reading “What Does Lent Mean to Unitarian Universalists?”
Though we all experience Mardi Gras in South Louisiana, few of us consider Carnival’s purpose outside of king cakes and parades. Join us as Erica Merchant delivers a sermon inspired by the carnivalesque in the writing of François Rabelais and Mikhail Bakhtin, which will begin with Music for Dancing, as you’re willing and able. We’ll … Continue reading “The Unbearable Jubilance of Carnival”
Join us as our own Tamara Murray will share reflections on the recent UUs in Action trip to the New Orleans Collection exhibit, “Captive State: Louisiana and the Makings of Mass Incarceration.” Louisiana’s present-day distinction as the world’s incarceration capital is rooted in three centuries of history. Throughout its history, people in power have used systems of enslavement … Continue reading “From Slavery to Incarceration”
Happy Valentine’s Day, and also Black History Month! Both of these events occur in February, and at first glance seem not to be related. However, ultimately, they both have a foundation of caring and concern, albeit expressed differently. Come this Sunday to explore “What’s Love Got To Do WIth It,”and see how our UU “theology … Continue reading “What’s Love Got To Do With It?”
Inspired by “Langston Hughes: the Poet, the Man, the Message” by Rev. Ben Bortin and adapted by Erica Merchant, this service will honor the life and achievements of Langston Hughes, who was called the Poet Laureate of Harlem. The service will emphasize themes of struggle and resilience running through Hughes’ dynamic poetry. We will explore Hughes’ early years, his deep connection to jazz and blues, … Continue reading “Celebrating Jazz Poet Langston Hughes”
This service is being adapted from many different sources including Imbolc Reflections by Rev. Josh Pawelek and Peggy Gagne and Wiccan magazine. Here at the mid-point between Solstice and Equinox, here in the stirring of the season of new life, we can find wisdom and inspiration for how to live now by considering the ancient traditions … Continue reading “Deep Energies Of Life: Wisdom of Imbolc”
Delivered 1/21/2025 After beginning her homily by exploring the difficulty of forging a “kind of unity that fosters community across diversity and division, a unity that serves the common good,” the Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, singled out three foundational principles for the task: honoring the inherent dignity of every human … Continue reading Homily at the National Cathedral
by Rev. Beth Dana, First Unitarian Church of Dallas This Sunday we honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and recommit ourselves to the vision and the work of Beloved Community. Tamara Murray will lead the service. Greeters: Bert Green and Erik Barthels
by Rev. T. J. FitzGerald, First Unitarian Church of Dallas In his sermon “Kindle the Spirit,” Rev. T.J. Fitzgerald reflects on the transformative power of fire—both its destructive force and its ability to kindle connection, resilience, and renewal. Drawing from a personal story of a neighbor’s house fire, he explores the profound ways communities come together … Continue reading A Unitarian Universalist Ritual for the New Year
