Best First Universalist Church Podcasts (2024)

1
From the Pulpit to the Polls: Understanding the Intersection of Religion and Politics | TPT: 028 11:30

2h ago11:30

11:30

In this Election Week edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we dive into the fine lines between politics and political speech within churches. Rev. T. J. FitzGerald unpacks how these concepts differ and how history has shaped the complex role of religion in public life. From the origins of religious freedom to the nuances of what churches can say political…

1
Day of Remembrance Stories 15:23

3d ago15:23

15:23

By Rev. Chris Jablonski and Rev. Martha Durkee-Neuman

1
What Do Unitarian Universalists Believe About the Afterlife? | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 027 16:01

9h ago16:01

16:01

With Halloween arriving today and our All Souls worship service happening on Sunday, we are diving into one of life’s biggest questions: What happens after we die? Join the ministers as they explore this profound topic from different perspectives, offering insights on how our actions, relationships, and legacies live on after death. From soul discu…

1
Climate Justice Revival 22:52

3h ago22:52

22:52

with Rev. Meredith Garmon Come be a part of something bigger than yourself. Climate Justice intersects with all other forms of justice– economic justice, racial justice, social justice and more. Together we are enough! Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
10.27.24 Sermon - “What Will We Be : Chart and Compass” - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald 21:49

3d ago21:49

21:49

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 …

1
Listening to Our Ancestors 1:14:10

3d ago1:14:10

1:14:10

"Listening to Our Ancestors" Sunday, October 27, 2024 On this day, we honor and celebrate the time of year held sacred in so many traditions to recognize our continued connection to our ancestors. Although it is not lined up with Samhain, All Saints and Souls Day, and Día de Los Muertos, we will hold that legacy and step into that sacredness of tim…

1
Listening to Our Ancestors 30:10

3d ago30:10

30:10

"Listening to Our Ancestors" Sunday, October 27, 2024 On this day, we honor and celebrate the time of year held sacred in so many traditions to recognize our continued connection to our ancestors. Although it is not lined up with Samhain, All Saints and Souls Day, and Día de Los Muertos, we will hold that legacy and step into that sacredness of tim…

1
Self-Care for Turbulent Times | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 026 14:23

6d ago14:23

14:23

Welcome to this week's episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks! Today, we dive into a topic that's on everyone's mind: how do we find peace and grounding when the world feels overwhelming? With a looming election, global conflicts, and personal challenges, it's easy to feel lost in the storm. So, how do we find our footing? Do we retreat, take a break, or ste…

1
Our Universalist Heritage 22:58

6d ago22:58

22:58

with Meredith Garmon We're still living out lessons the great Universalist Minister Hosea Ballou (1771-1852) preached. Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
10.20.24 Sermon - “God is One and Love : Chart and Compass” - Rev. Beth Dana 15:55

12d ago15:55

15:55

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 & Comp…

1
Skilling up for Love 1:21:27

10d ago1:21:27

1:21:27

"Skilling up for Love" Sunday, October 20, 2024 Being human is not just something we are born into; it is something we practice. Being human in a person who loves deeply and loves well is the same. And nothing is more crucial to a strong and loving relationship than deep listening—the kind that is seductive, gorgeously affirming, and brings us extr…

1
Skilling up for Love 23:00

10d ago23:00

23:00

"Skilling up for Love" Sunday, October 20, 2024 Being human is not just something we are born into; it is something we practice. Being human in a person who loves deeply and loves well is the same. And nothing is more crucial to a strong and loving relationship than deep listening—the kind that is seductive, gorgeously affirming, and brings us extr…

1
Follow the Yellow Brick Road 20:07

10d ago20:07

20:07

By Rev. Diane Miller

1
Finding a Spiritual Home, Wherever You Are with Sharon Thompson | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 025 19:47

12d ago19:47

19:47

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we dive into the heart of community and connection with Sharon Thompson, Director of Membership and Hospitality. Sharon shares stories about welcoming newcomers to the church, the simple process of becoming a member, and the meaningful tradition of signing the Book of Names. She highlights the inclusive and fle…

1
Healing Religion’s Harms with Paul Nelson 14:48

13d ago14:48

14:48

Paul Nelson is a member of First Unitarian Church, and was formerly an ELCA/Lutheran pastor (1994-2009). He is looking forward to offering some thoughts on our monthly theme, "Fear." Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
The Porcupine Siblings Make It Right 5:41

18d ago5:41

5:41

By Rev. Chris Jablonski

1
Making the Space to Make It Right 14:49

17d ago14:49

14:49

By Rev. Chris Jablonski

1
10.13.24 Sermon - “A System of Inquiry : Chart and Compass” - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald 24:27

17d ago24:27

24:27

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 applicati…

1
The First American Thanksgivings 21:09

17d ago21:09

21:09

Presented 10/13/24 Presider: Rev. Kellie Kelly Recorded via Zoom for Miami Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship, Dayton OH USABy Rev. Kellie C. Kelly

1
Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right 1:16:19

23d ago1:16:19

1:16:19

"Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right" Sunday, October 13, 2024 Storytelling is powerful. Maybe the most powerful tool we have to move human hearts and wills—a nation, a family, people—all of us tell and live into a lot of stories and their truths. Which means stories also need to be interrogated, and we only do that by listening deep…

1
Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right 26:30

17d ago26:30

26:30

"Listening Deeply to Hear if We Got the Story Right" Sunday, October 13, 2024 Storytelling is powerful. Maybe the most powerful tool we have to move human hearts and wills—a nation, a family, people—all of us tell and live into a lot of stories and their truths. Which means stories also need to be interrogated, and we only do that by listening deep…

1
The Radical Unitarian Universalists Who Shaped Our Faith | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 024 13:34

20d ago13:34

13:34

In this special edition of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we step inside the Minister's Study with Revs. Daniel, Beth, and T. J. to reflect on our recently wrapped-up sermon series on Luminaries of Truth & Justice. This conversation digs deep into the powerful legacies of justice-seekers within Unitarian Universalism and how their work connects to today's effo…

1
What Are We Afraid Of? 21:42

20d ago21:42

21:42

with Meredith Garmon Our theme for October is "fear." We all fear. What lessons can we learn from fear — and how can we prevent it from hijacking our better judgment? Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
10.06.24 Sermon - “We Celebrate 125 Years! : Chart and Compass” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter 22:29

23d ago22:29

22:29

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.” …

1
Accountability to What We Hear Inside 1:22:30

24d ago1:22:30

1:22:30

"Accountability to What We Hear Inside" Sunday, October 6, 2024, 10:50 am As we enter into the Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and as we launch into an examination of the theme of Deep Listening, I find myself reflecting on how deep listening to ourselves, our inner voice and feelings, is foundational to our personal discernment. Perhaps …

1
Accountability to What We Hear Inside 31:28

24d ago31:28

31:28

"Accountability to What We Hear Inside" Sunday, October 6, 2024, 10:50 am As we enter into the Holy Days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and as we launch into an examination of the theme of Deep Listening, I find myself reflecting on how deep listening to ourselves, our inner voice and feelings, is foundational to our personal discernment. Perhaps …

1
Embracing a Lifelong Path of Spiritual Growth with Brennan Greef | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 023 15:18

27d ago15:18

15:18

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Reverend T. J. FitzGerald sits down with Brennan Greef, Director of Adult Ministries and Leadership Development, for a heartfelt conversation you won’t want to miss! Brennan shares how she guides the congregation through their spiritual journeys, creating spaces for deep growth and transformation. Whether you'r…

1
On Repentance and Repair with Rev. Meredith Garmon 23:30

27d ago23:30

23:30

We'll be looking at Danya Ruttenberg's insights from her book "On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World." The book is the UUA Common Read for 2023-24. Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
09.29.24 Sermon - “A Dream Pursued: Luminaries of Truth and Justice” - Rev. T.J. FitzGerald 21:40

1M ago21:40

21:40

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 voice…

1
UU Climate Justice Revival 14:24

1M ago14:24

14:24

Presented 9/29/24 Presider: Rev. Dr. Alice Diebel Recorded via Zoom for Miami Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship, Dayton OH USABy Rev. Dr, Alice Diebel

1
The Turbulence of Invitation 1:14:20

1M ago1:14:20

1:14:20

"The Turbulence of Invitation" Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10:50 am Invitation sounds so easy and lovely, but already this month we have unpacked some of both what it opens up for us and what it requires. What about the ways invitations throw the unexpected our way? In ways small and large, it requires courage and bent-knee flexibility and readines…

1
The Turbulence of Invitation 24:52

1M ago24:52

24:52

"The Turbulence of Invitation" Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10:50 am Invitation sounds so easy and lovely, but already this month we have unpacked some of both what it opens up for us and what it requires. What about the ways invitations throw the unexpected our way? In ways small and large, it requires courage and bent-knee flexibility and readines…

1
God the Adjective 22:15

1M ago22:15

22:15

"God" is, most usually and commonly, a noun. Last week we explored how to think of "god" as a verb. This week we'll look at the adjective option. It’s not about what exists; it’s about the qualities of existence: is it wondrous, mysterious, beautiful, awesome? Those adjectives are the crux of the matter. Support the show…

1
09.22.24 Sermon - “Leading with Love: Luminaries of Truth and Justice” - Rev. Beth Dana 20:48

1M ago20:48

20:48

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…

1
#VoteLove 20:17

1M ago20:17

20:17

Presented 9/22/24 Presider: Rev. Kellie C. Kelly Recorded via Zoom for Miami Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship, Dayton OH USABy Rev. Kellie C. Kelly

1
Two Invitations 13:20

1M ago13:20

13:20

By Kyle M. Belmont, Rev. Chris Jablonski

1
From a Wave to a Welcome: Invitation as a Spiritual Practice 1:19:51

1M ago1:19:51

1:19:51

“From a Wave to a Welcome: Invitation as a Spiritual Practice” Sunday, September 22, 2024 How do UUs embody the core value of liberating love? Perhaps we commit to “invitation” as a conscious practice, continually inviting new experiences and new ways of being to co-create a better world. This week we’ll consider how an everyday welcome might trans…

1
From a Wave to a Welcome: Invitation as a Spiritual Practice 27:12

1M ago27:12

27:12

“From a Wave to a Welcome: Invitation as a Spiritual Practice” Sunday, September 22, 2024 How do UUs embody the core value of liberating love? Perhaps we commit to “invitation” as a conscious practice, continually inviting new experiences and new ways of being to co-create a better world. This week we’ll consider how an everyday welcome might trans…

1
The Intersection of Religion & Reproductive Justice with Rev. Angela Tyler-Williams | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 022 24:29

2M ago24:29

24:29

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald hosts an inspiring conversation with Rev. Angela Tyler-Williams, co-Executive Director for Movement Building of SACReD (Spiritual Alliance of Communities for Reproductive Dignity). They delve into the power of bringing one's whole self into the intersection of faith and reproductive justic…

1
Gratitude and Generosity as Spiritual Practices with Martha Norton | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 021 20:24

2M ago20:24

20:24

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, we dive into the important work behind the scenes at the church with special guest Martha Norton, a long-time congregant and staff member who currently works in stewardship and finance. Martha shares her journey of gratitude and how she has spent the last decade helping sustain the church’s mission by thanking …

1
09.15.24 Sermon - “Luminaries of Truth and Justice: How to be a Radical” - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter 23:02

2M ago23:02

23:02

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…

1
You Matter: Suicide Prevention Awareness 22:06

2M ago22:06

22:06

Presented 9/15/24 Presider: Rev. Kellie Kelly Recorded via Zoom for Miami Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship, Dayton OH USABy Rev. Kellie C. Kelly

1
Invitation to Participate in the Democratic Process 1:20:59

2M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

"Invitation to Participate in the Democratic Process" Sunday, September 15, 2024, 10:50 am How do we as UUs live into our values as we engage the democratic process? How is this a spiritual practice? As we sort through all the chatter, let us find ways to ground ourselves in what we believe to participate in the democratic process intentionally. Re…

1
Invitation to Participate in the Democratic Process 27:56

1M ago27:56

27:56

"Invitation to Participate in the Democratic Process" Sunday, September 15, 2024, 10:50 am How do we as UUs live into our values as we engage the democratic process? How is this a spiritual practice? As we sort through all the chatter, let us find ways to ground ourselves in what we believe to participate in the democratic process intentionally. Re…

1
Gathering In with Meredith 18:29

2M ago18:29

18:29

We gathered to celebrate the church year ahead in the waning days of summer (autumn begins on September 22). Each brought a small sample of water to represent the last 12 weeks. We then reflected together on our September theme: hospitality. Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
Caring for Each Other as a Church Community with Jean Ann Powers | Tiny Pulpit Talks: 020 14:48

2M ago14:48

14:48

In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald welcomes Jean Ann Powers, Director of Pastoral Care, to dive into the heart of her ministry at the church. Jean Ann shares the incredible work of her 125+ volunteers, describing them as the "foot soldiers" who bring warmth, connection, and care to the congregation. She talks about the impo…

1
09.08.24 Sermon - "Keeping the Flame: Then, Now, and Always" - Rev. Dr. Daniel Kanter 19:28

2M ago19:28

19:28

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…

1
Worship for All Ages: Water Communion 8:22

2M ago8:22

8:22

Presnted 9/8/24 Presider: Rev. Kellie Kelly Recorded via Zoom for Miami Valley Unitarian Univeralist Fellowship, Dayton OH USA (First service at St. John's UCC)By Rev. Kellie C. Kelly

1
Universalism and Labor Day 22:10

2M ago22:10

22:10

with Rev. Meredith Garmon Railcar magnate George Pullman was a Universalist, born and bred. He had a certain recognizable Universalist idealism – but it went horribly, instructively, awry. As a result, we have Labor Day. Support the showBy Rev. Amy Petrie Shaw and guests

1
09.01.24 Sermon - "Foundations: We Are The Ones We’ve Been Waiting For" - Rev. Beth Dana 17:44

2M ago17:44

17:44

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 John Luther Adams’ essay in w…

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