UPUMC University Park Academy

THE SCHOOL OF ESSENTIAL WISDOM

Spring 2026 Session

March 5th - May 21st

You’re invited to register for the Spring session of the School of Essential Wisdom. We’ll kick off the season in March with our theme, “Education and the Ways We Learn,” exploring how growth and discovery shape both our faith and our daily lives. In April we will welcome guest speakers on the topic of "Fire in the Heart: The Foundations of Methodism." Join us weekly on Thursdays at 11 am as we learn together in community.

• APRIL: "Fire in the Heart: The Foundations and Roots of Methodism"

  • 2nd: Maundy Thursday, no meeting
  • 9th: Stephen Fleming presents "Methodism Roots, Organizing to Beat the Devil:
  • 16th: Mary Jo McCurley speaks on "Forming a Reformer: Susannah Wesley's Influence on the Mind of John Wesley"
  • 23rd: Johnny Mollet join us for "I Was Methodist Born, Bred, and When I Die, I'll be Methodist Dead: The Heart & Soul of Methodism."
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• MAY: " May Scramble"

  • 7th: DPD Keith Gemmell, an Investigation Support Specialist will present "Financial Crimes Fraud Prevention"
  • 14th: "Shake, Rattle & Roll: The Birth of Rock & Roll"
  • 21st: Field Trip to Spring Valley Gallery at the Vogel Estates

Summer 2026 Session

June 18, July 9, August 6

Join us this summer for the School of Essential Wisdom’s Summer Session! Meeting once a month from June through August, this series offers engaging speakers and thought-provoking topics designed to inspire learning, reflection, and conversation. 

This summer’s sessions include:

June 18: Almas Muscatwalla presenting “Pluralism in the Quran – The Key Messages"

July 9: Fred Dobbs speaking on “Thinking about Thinking” 

August 6: Tony Pederson sharing “Memories of Bishop Hardt and the Civil Rights Movement in Beaumont” 

The summer session cost is $30 which inlcudes all three sessions. An optional lunch for $20 per session is also available.