Upcoming Events at UPUMC
Sunday Evening Bible Study
April 7-28 | 4-5 PM | Rooms 103/104
Discover the Good News in the Bible's earliest Gospel with Richard Hearne and Maryam Mathis as they lead a study of Amy-Jill Levine's book, The Gospel of Mark, on Sundays in Room 103-104. Walk through the Bible’s earliest source for the life of Jesus as we examine John the Baptizer, the Little Apocalypse, the Transfiguration, and several of Jesus's most notable stories and parables. The Good News of the gospel message comes alive in this book as readers see Jesus as divine and human, powerful and weak, approachable yet mysterious. The book features an in-depth study of select passages and illuminates the Gospel in its historical context and as a source for the other gospels.
UPUMC Blood Drive
Sunday, April 21 | 9 AM - 1 PM
UPUMC is partnering with Carter Blood Care for an emergency blood drive on Sunday, April 21. Your donation can make a significant impact in emergencies, surgeries, and for patients with chronic illnesses. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred to help alleviate possible wait times. Be a local hero – schedule your appointment to donate blood and make a difference in your community today!
Guest Coffee with the Pastors
Sunday, April 21 | 9:45-10:45 AM
Are you new to University Park UMC or interested in joining our faith community? Then this opportunity is for you! Please join us in room 105 from 9:45-10:45 AM for coffee, donuts, and time with our Senior Pastor, Rev. Joe Stobaugh. You will hear about our mission, ministries, and opportunities to connect. Please contact Christy Baker with any questions.
Dallas County Elections at UPUMC
April 22-30 | Various Times
Dallas County early voting and election day are coming up soon, and UPUMC is a key voting site! Every election cycle, we have an opportunity to welcome our neighbors by showing radical hospitality when they step inside our doors. If you can volunteer to help during the dates and times listed below, please get in touch with Christy Baker.
Monday, April 22 - Friday, April 26 | 8 AM-5 PM
Saturday, April 27 | 7 AM-7 PM
Sunday, April 28 | 12 PM-6 PM
Monday, April 29 - Tuesday, April 30 | 7 AM-7 PM
Election Day, Saturday, May 4 | 7 AM-7 PM
Love, Peace, and Unity Concert
Sunday, May 5 | 3 PM
Prepare your hearts and ears for a soul-stirring evening that transcends the ordinary into the realm of the divine. We warmly invite you to a unique hybrid service/concert, an experience that promises to uplift and inspire you through the power of sacred choral music.
At the heart of our gathering, we will immerse ourselves in the ethereal beauty of Joseph Rheinberger's Cantus Missae in Eb for double choir. This a cappella masterpiece, rarely performed and brimming with celestial harmonies, offers a glimpse into the divine. As we navigate through its intricate melodies, the "Sanctus" will resonate, a piece that's touching hearts and gathering acclaim in the wider world.
But the night holds more wonders. We are honored to premiere a brand new work by the acclaimed Scandinavian composer, Tormod Tvete Vik. Known for his captivating compositions, Vik returns to grace our community with another gem. Following the beloved anthem "Come Unto Me," commissioned for the UPUMC 80th anniversary, his latest creation promises to weave together tradition and innovation in a musical tapestry that speaks directly to the soul.
Join us for this extraordinary evening—a celebration of faith, music, and community. Whether you're a lifelong lover of choral music or simply seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this event is a rare opportunity to experience the sublime. Let's come together and be moved by the power of voices united in song, in the sacred space where music meets the divine.
Mark your calendars, and let your spirit be lifted. This is an invitation to not just witness but to be part of a moment that will echo in our hearts long after the final note fades.
Meet the Composer!
May 5 | 2:30-2:50 PM
We are thrilled to be hosting composer Tormod Tvete Vik for the world premiere of his new piece during our concert! Arrive early on May 5 for the opportunity to meet Tormod at 2:30 PM in Room 103/104!
UWF May Connected Gathering - Act of Faith
May 6, 2024 | 10:30 AM
The United Women in Faith 2024 Mission and Call to Prayer "Just Energy for All" calls all women of faith to be good stewards of the Earth. Join the UPUMC United Women in Faith for their quarterly social gathering and luncheon entitled "Act of Faith" on May 6 in the UPUMC Activity Center! Bring a dish to share (drinks will be provided) as you meet new UWF members and hear from Mindy Hail, Vice President of Development for CC Young in Dallas.
Mindy joined CC Young in 2014 and is responsible for managing all aspects of the Development Department, including the CCY Benevolence Fund, Grants, Planned Giving, Foundations, Major Gifts, CC Young Boards, Fundraising Events, Gift Shop, Wood Shop, and our CCY Scholarship Program. She graduated from LeadingAge Texas Leadership Institute in 2015. Prior to joining CC Young, Mindy spent 20 years in the clothing manufacturing industry, traveling extensively and living in Guatemala, where she managed clothing production and scheduling for numerous sewing factories in several countries. Mindy is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Clothing, Textiles, and Merchandising. Mindy’s strong sense of community has proved to be a highlight of her success. She has chaired many events and served on several Boards here in Dallas. She is currently Vice President of a local school board where her daughter attended. She also serves as a member of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League, AWARE, Body Mind Spirit Connection, Dallas Museum of Art, and Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Her favorite pie is pecan, her first job was working at K-Mart and her favorite childhood breakfast cereal was Cap’n Crunch.
Pentecost Sunday
May 19 | 8:45 & 11 AM
This Pentecost Sunday, immerse yourself in an unforgettable musical journey that breathes life into the very essence of our faith. Join us for the soulful reprisal of "Breath," a musical and liturgical masterpiece that captures the profound beauty and power of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives.
Commissioned by UPUMC and masterfully crafted by Dr. Marcell Steuernagel and John Thornburg, "Breath" weaves together the talents of the Chancel Choir, handbells, two cantors, and the congregation itself into a vibrant tapestry of sound and spirit. This work invites us on a journey through the spiritual exploration of breath—the breath of creation, the breath of life, and the breath that speaks peace and presence into the depths of our souls.
Pentecost is an experience not to be missed—an opportunity to find deeper connection, celebration, and inspiration in our faith journey. Mark your calendars for May 19, and let the spirit move you, let the music fill you, and let us all breathe together in the presence of the divine.
2024 Vacation Bible School
June 10-13 | 9 AM - 12 PM
Save the date for VBS 2024 at UPUMC: Camp Firelight! Camp Firelight is the perfect location for every Camper’s favorite summer activities! Just like our friends from the Old and New Testament, our campers will learn to trust God in the face of their own fears and will go on to do great things in God’s name. Click below for more information about what to expect as it becomes available or to register when it opens!
Summer Kids' Fellowships
May 29 | June 29 | July 26 | August 9
Have a blast this summer with your friends and church family at the Summer Kids' Fellowships! We'll have scavenger hunts, outdoor games, a pool party, and so much fun as we take monthly breaks from the routine of summer! Save the dates and check back for more information on the activities we'll do each month! Questions? Contact Jennifer Scott.
Ongoing Events at UPUMC
Sunday Evenings @ UPUMC
4-5 PM
Join us for a new time of fellowship, study, and worship for all ages! From 4-5 PM, there is youth small group programming in the new Youth Center, an all-adult Bible study on Amy-Jill Levin's book, "The Gospel of Mark" in Room 103/104, and children's free play with our childcare workers.
5:15-6 PM
Don't miss Upper Room Worship, a multi-generational opportunity to worship in our brand-new Youth Center. Join us every Sunday at 5:15 PM for a 45-minute worship service led by our talented youth and Minister to Youth and Families, Colin Craft. This promises to be a spiritually uplifting time for everyone! During this time, we will also have Yoga for KIDS! led by Cherry Fowler. The children will have fun learning yoga poses and breathing techniques through stories, games, and even creating their own yoga poses!
School of Essential Wisdom Spring Term
March 7-May 23 (No lecture on March 28)
Our School of Essential Wisdom is gearing up to begin its Spring '24 Term on March 7. Topics during this term will include Where Do We Go From Here? featuring UPUMC staff members discussing the future of program ministry, Spiritual Journeys with United Methodist Authors, and Paul's Letter to His Friends (Philemon, Timothy, Titus), a series of lectures by Bishop James M. Stanton. You won't want to miss all of our wonderful speakers this term! For more information, please contact Janet Hodge or Mary Jo McCurley.
UPUMC+WDS Book Study
1st & 3rd Wednesdays of February, March, & April | 9-10 AM
UPUMC and The Weekday School are partnering to start a new Wednesday morning book study! Led by Rev. Emma Williams, anyone is invited to join as we read and discuss Meredith Miller's book, "Woven: Nurturing a Faith Your Kid Doesn't Have to Heal From" on February 7 & 21, March 6 & 20, and April 3 & 17. In this inspiring parenting book, we'll learn how to create space for our children to get to know God in a way that focuses on trust instead of a list of rigid rules. Childcare is available as requested! For more information or to request childcare, contact Gillian Wiley or Rev. Emma Williams.
Tuesday Morning Prayer Service
Tuesdays | 9:30 AM | Sanctuary
All are welcome to the Tuesday morning prayer service in the sanctuary. The service is approximately twenty minutes long and includes song, scripture, and communion. Led by church worship staff, this is a time to connect with others over prayer and God’s word. We hope to see you there!
Yoga
In-Person Mat Classes
Tuesdays | 11 AM - 12 PM | Activity Center or Parlor
Zoom Classes
Tuesday Chair Yoga | 9:30 - 10:15 AM
Thursday Mat Yoga | 9 - 10 AM
Join Cherry Fowler and friends as they practice yoga each week. The first class is free, and it is $10/class for in-person or Zoom classes after. If you have any questions, want to join, or need the Zoom link, please get in touch with Cherry Fowler.
