Upcoming Events at UPUMC
Guest Coffee
February 8 | 9:45 -10:45 am | Fiske Miles Library
Our guest coffee with the pastors is an opportunity to visit with Dr. Joe Stobaugh and Rev. Emma Williams in a small group setting, learn more about our church, and meet other newcomers. Childcare is available but children are welcome, too. Our next date is Sunday, February 8th, from 9:45 to 10:45 am in the Fiske Miles Library on the 2nd floor. We hope to see you there.
Sunday Bible Study
Sundays | 4 pm
You’re invited to join a Sunday Bible study hosted by Mark Parker and Mary Jo McCurley as we explore Words of Life by Adam Hamilton. This engaging study invites us to reflect on the Ten Commandments as guideposts for faithful living in today’s world, offering thoughtful conversation and meaningful insight grounded in Scripture.
Whether you’re new to Bible study or have participated for years, all are welcome to join this warm, discussion-focused class. Come learn, share, and grow together in faith each Sunday.
Caldwell Room and Fellowship Hall space consecration
We are delighted to invite you to a special moment in the life of University Park United Methodist Church—the consecration of our newly renovated Fellowship Hall and Caldwell Room on Sunday, February 1, at 9:45 am. We are ready to open these spaces to our congregation and to bless them for the ministry, fellowship, and community they will support for years to come. These rooms represent more than walls and floors—they are places where relationships will be built, faith will be nurtured, and God’s love will be shared.
Please join us as we gather to dedicate these spaces to God’s work and celebrate this milestone together. All are welcome, and we would love for you to be part of this joyful moment.
The Enneagram Journey
Wednesdays | Begins January 21 | 9:30-11:30 am
Looking for a meaningful way to grow in self-awareness and deepen your spiritual journey this winter? Join us for a 12-week group study beginning Wednesday, January 21st, as we explore the Enneagram using Suzanne Stabile’s Enneagram Journey curriculum.
School of Essential Wisdom Winter Session
Thursdays | January through February | 11 am
JANUARY SERIES: Are you smarter than ChatGPT? Artificial intelligence isn’t something coming someday—it’s already shaping how we work, learn, and live. Are you using it? Curious how it works? Unsure whether it’s helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between?
Join us this January for the School of Essential Wisdom as we explore the world of AI with engaging guest speakers who will help answer your questions, clear up the confusion, and expand your understanding. Come curious, leave informed, and discover what wisdom looks like in an age of artificial intelligence.
JANUARY WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Jan. 8 - Jason Moore: "The Perils and Promise of AI"
Jan. 15 - Mark Pope: "AI For The Rest of Us: Skills and Shortcuts for Modern Life"
Jan. 22 - Michael Knott, AI Professional Instructor: "AI's Future in Business and Medicine"
Jan. 29 - Dallas Police Department: Fraud Alert & Scams
FEBRUARY SERIES: "Mystics, Saints, & Rebels: The Medieval Christian World Today"
Speaker: Anthony Elia, J.S. Bridwell Foundation Endowed Librarian and Director of Bridwell Library, SMU since 2018.
Each lecture will explore a range of subjects related to Medieval Christianity, monasticism, saints, heretics, society, and the challenges facing many famous historical Christian characters, and what it might mean for us today.
FEBRUARY WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Feb. 5 - Paper, Print & Proto-Protestants
Feb. 12 - The Monastic World
Feb. 19 - Mystics, Saints, & Rebels (Part 1)
Feb. 26 - Mystics, Saints, & Rebels (Part 2)
Austin Street Serving Weekend
January 23-25
Join us in making a difference with our partners at Austin Street Center this month! We’re looking for volunteers to help with every step of our outreach—from preparation to serving. Whether you can help with one part or all three, your time and care make a real impact. To sign up or learn more, contact Matt Hopkins at Matthewhop1@outlook.com.
Friday, January 23: Shop for groceries and supplies.
Saturday, January 24: Help cook meals in the UPUMC kitchen.
Sunday, January 25: Serve meal and share fellowship with guests at Austin Street Center.
A Word from Pastor Joe Podcast
Join Rev. Dr. Joe Stobaugh each week as he shares reflections from his weekly column—now available in podcast form so you can listen anytime, anywhere. Each episode offers thoughtful insights on faith, community, and everyday life, helping you stay connected and inspired throughout your week.
UPUMC Sunday Podcast
Tune into UPUMC's sermon podcast for a dose of spiritual wisdom on the go! Each week, the previous Sunday's sermon will be available so you can listen whether you're commuting, exercising, or chilling at home. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean.
LOGIN TO PODBEAN HERE: https://upumc.podbean.com/
UPUMC Substack
Missed Pastor Joe's Sunday sermon or the weekly A Word from Pastor Joe email? Don’t worry—you can still stay inspired all week long through Substack . Each week, Dr. Joe Stobaugh shares a heartfelt message along with a full transcript of his sermon—perfect for listening on the go, reflecting during the week, or catching up if you weren’t able to join us in worship. It’s an easy and meaningful way to stay rooted in faith, no matter where you are.
Follow UPUMC on Substack and find reflections that connect faith to everyday life.
SUBSCRIBE TO UPUMC'S SUBSTACK HERE
UPUMC Youth Summer Trip
June 14-21
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! This summer, our youth will travel through New Mexico and Colorado to explore breathtaking sights, grow in faith, and enjoy meaningful time together with God and one another.
Want to learn more about this incredible trip? Contact Rev. Colin Craft and see how you can be part of this journey of discovery, connection, and spiritual growth! ccraft @upumc.org
<VIEW TRIP DETAILS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HERE>
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!
Words to the Wise, Senior Life Newsletter
Our Senior Life Ministries is brimming with vibrant activities and opportunities designed to keep you engaged, learning, and growing through every stage of life. Thanks to UPUMC member Maryam Mathis, you can stay in the loop with her thoughtfully crafted “Words to the Wise” newsletter — available to read online anytime! From upcoming events to heartfelt insights from fellow church members, there’s always something to uplift and inspire. Don’t miss out — click HERE to explore the latest edition!
Brown Bag Book Club
Wednesdays | 12pm-1pm | Room 105
Calling all book lovers! You're invited to bring your lunch and enjoy great conversation about Barbara Brown Taylor's "Always A Guest: Speaking of Faith Far From Home." The meetings are from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. in room 105. For more information, contact Linda Taylor at lataylor_tx@yahoo.com.
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.
