Jan 23 2025 11 mins 3
In this episode of Tiny Pulpit Talks, Rev. T. J. FitzGerald (Minister of Community Care and Engagement) and Rev. Beth Dana (Minister of Faith Development) kick off the 2025 season with an honest and heartfelt discussion about the power of community in times of resistance. As we navigate feelings of fear, unease, and even despondency, we explore the essential role of community in both holding us together and launching us into meaningful action. From the core principles of Unitarian Universalism—like the inherent worth and dignity of every person—to the practical steps of resistance and self-care, this conversation dives deep into how we can stand up for justice while taking care of ourselves and each other. We reflect on: ✨ The revolutionary roots of Unitarian Universalism. ✨ How communities can inspire powerful social change. ✨ The balance between action, rest, and self-preservation. ✨ Tuning out the noise and finding your unique contribution to the cause. Whether you're ready to march, organize, or simply find moments of joy in a chaotic world (even if that means binging The Great British Baking Show or RuPaul’s Drag Race), this episode is here to remind you: You are not alone, and you are enough. 🌱 Enjoy the podcast? Considering a one-time gift to support the staff & resources required to keep it going. 💲 Give through PayPal, Venmo, & Apple Pay here: ✨ (Member & pledge-holders, please give in Realm.) 00:00 - Welcome to Tiny Pulpit Talks (2025 Season) 00:49 - Starting with despondency, fear, and finding joy 02:01 - Community as a launching place for resistance 02:27 - Unitarian Universalist roots in justice and action 03:31 - Theology centered on inherent worth and dignity 04:42 - Action doesn’t require expertise—community matters 05:06 - Margaret Mead’s wisdom on small groups and change 05:29 - Personal stories of community organizing 06:19 - Learning and educating as forms of resistance 07:37 - Self-care as part of sustainable resistance 07:55 - Recognizing weaponized anxiety in media 09:31 - Support and action from your faith community 10:11 - Advice for finding your sustainable path 10:31 - Permission to rest and recharge (Baking shows and Drag Race) 10:58 - Closing: Stay connected, stay organized, and we love you First Unitarian Church of Dallas is devoted to genuine inclusion, depth and joy, reason and spirit. We have been a voice of progressive religion in Dallas since 1899, working toward a more just and compassionate world in all of what we do. We hope that when you come here your life is made more whole through experiences of love and service, spiritual growth, and an open exploration of the divine. Learn more at New sermon every week. Subscribe here: Follow us on Instagram: Follow us on Facebook: Watch the livestream on Sundays at 9:30am, 11am, & 7pm CST: Give - your support allows us to transform lives and make UU values real in our community and beyond:
