Upcoming Events at UPUMC
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.
Sunday Bible Study in February
Sundays @ 4 pm | Room 103-104
Join us for The Words of Jesus, a Sunday afternoon Bible study led by Bishop Stanton, exploring the teachings of Christ and their meaning for our lives today. The group meets Sundays at 4:00 pm throughout February, and all are welcome to take part in this thoughtful and engaging study.
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.
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)
Carter Bloodmobile Blood Drive
February 8 | 9 am - 1 pm
The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and you can help by donating at the Carter BloodCare blood drive on February 8th from 9 am - 1:00 pm at UPUMC. Help your neighbors in need and sign up at upumc.org/events. Walk-ins are welcome.
February Parent's Night Out
February 13 | 5-7 pm
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s weekend? Drop the kids off for our Parents' Night Out on February 13th from 5-7 pm! While you enjoy a quiet dinner or an early Valentine's date, your children will have a fantastic time with themed crafts, high-energy games, and a pizza party. It’s a win-win for the whole family! Register HERE.
For more information, contact Ellie Ford at eford@upumc.org.
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.
Highpoint Chamber Singers in concert at UPUMC
Saturday, February 21 at 6:00 pm | UPUMC Sanctuary
Sunday, February 22 at 11:00 am (during worship services)
This elite ensemble is known worldwide for its artistry, having performed at Carnegie Hall, major international venues, and national broadcasts. Join us for a powerful and inspiring concert you will not want to miss.
UWF Connected Gathering
February 23 | 11:00 am | Activity Center
The United Women in Faith invites you to their February Connected Gathering featuring guest speaker Cynthia Rives, Jerri Savuto Charitable Foundation Board President. This is the new member and annual pledge meeting, and all are encouraged to bring a salad to share. RSVP to Kim Brannon at KimBrannon5@gmail.com.
VBS 2025 God's Garden
SAVE THE DATE: June 8-11 | 9am - 11am
Summer is just around the corner, and we are so excited to announce this year’s VBS theme: God’s Garden! Our kids will dig into the wonders of the natural world, exploring what it means to practice creation care and become faithful stewards of God’s earth.
Registration coming soon! For more information, email Ellie Ford at eford@upumc.org
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.
