Welcome to University United Methodist Church! We are a community committed to seeing the love of Jesus Christ transform lives. To get to know us, we hope you will take a look through our website and then visit us for a Sunday service.
University offers two different worship opportunities with two distinct services on Sunday mornings, one traditional at 9:15am and one contemporary at 11:15am. In both services, worship is designed to allow anyone the chance to encounter the presence of the living God. Join us in either service any week of the year!
University is a welcoming and loving congregation located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. We believe in an abundantly amazing God and live out our faith in worship, community, and ministry. Click below to get to know our staff and consider joining us on a journey of faith!
We archive recent sermons via podcast and blog regularly about life and faith in Fort Worth. Give them a look/listen to get a hint of who we are and where are hearts and minds are. Interested in discussing in person? We hope you’ll say hello sometime so we can chat over some delicious coffee.
University is in Fort Worth, between Paschal High School and TCU. The main parking lot is located on the Forest Park side of the church, immediately off Berry Street. A second lot is available further down Forest Park. For Sunday worship, enter through the Berry Street doors or the side entrance off Forest Park; during the week, visitors are invited to use the entrance at the end of the covered walkway.
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University is a welcoming and loving congregation located in the heart of Fort Worth, Texas. We believe in an abundantly loving God and live out our faith in worship, community, and ministry. Click below to get to know our staff and consider joining us on a journey of faith!
Faith formation is an important part of our practice at University. We provide numerous ministry settings where you can explore and deepen your faith in community. As you learn more about our various ministries, we hope you’ll consider joining us!
University United Methodist Church is proud to offer a faith based preschool for your children and your family. Our Child Development Center (University CDC) is here to help raise children of faith.
At University, we value every opportunity we have to share the transformative love of Jesus Christ with the world around us. We encourage all of our participants to use their talents in acts of mission. Want to get involved right away? Click below to learn all about our ongoing local missions!
At the heart of University is our Sunday morning worship gathering. In worship, we come together to share the joys and struggles of life and find God in the midst of all of it. Visitors are always welcomed! Click below for details regarding our worship.
Would you like to know something else about University? There’s only so much that can be learned from a website. We would love to hear from you with any questions you might have.
We rely on your support to carry out our mission and ministry. To give a financial gift to University United Methodist Church, simply click below to be taken to our donation page.
Joseph Brandley 0 Comments
“Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very…
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Luke 12:13-21 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds…
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Joseph Brandley 0 Comments
Philippians 1:3-11 I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among…
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Philippians 3:12-16 Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I…
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Joseph Brandley 0 Comments
Friends, This Sunday as we studied the Wisemen’s journey to Jesus, we talked about the way they were guided to His presence by a star. This led us to consider the things in our lives that guide us to Jesus. Maybe it is a conversation, studying the Bible, prayer,…
Read MoreSam Hamann 0 Comments
Mark 2:1-12 What is happening in this Scripture? Last week, we considered Jesus’ healing of the leper in the wilderness. The news of this encounter drove Jesus further away from town and prevented him from entering anywhere. Now, after letting some of the excitement calm down (or so Jesus…
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Joseph Brandley 0 Comments
Sam Hamann 0 Comments
Exodus 4:14-20, 27-31 What is happening in this passage? In this passage, Moses takes the first steps in following God’s call to liberate the people of Israel from captivity and slavery in Egypt. Moses meets up with his brother, Aaron, and goes into Egypt to talk to the leaders…
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Joseph Brandley 1 Comment
Scripture for the week: Exodus 4:1-13 What is happening in this passage? The story of Moses’ call continues. In these verses, Moses replies to God’s call to go to Pharoah and call for the freedom of the Israelite people. Moses responds in about the same way I think most of…
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Matthew 18:1-5 What is happening in this passage? This is the beginning of a series of teachings in the Gospel according to Matthew (Jesus’ 4th in Matthew). He reminds the disciples that the Kingdom of God looks different. They are wondering who is the greatest – likely considering wealth…
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FLOATER
My name is, Tiffany Brown, I am an Assistant Teacher/Floater here at CDC. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, TX. I am a happy mother of 3 children (2 girls and 1 boy).
My passion is working with children. Everywhere my family and I go, children naturally gravitate to us. We make friends everywhere we go!
I have experience in being the leader and active member of the P.T.A group in Grand Prairie ISD, where I received a parent volunteer award. After being a stay at home mom for a few years, I decided I wanted to help other parent’s childcare. Therefore opened a registered home daycare at my family’s home. I provided this service for 2 years. I’ve also worked part time in the Fort Worth Charter school district as the lunch coordinator.
I’m happy to be back in the childcare field! I feel my calling has always been working with our next generation, teaching morals, Christ, and early education.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Tiffany
FLOATER
Hi! I’m Jamie Morgan and I am a Floater/Assistant Teacher here at CDC. I am excited to begin my first year at CDC! I am originally from Virginia and attended Virginia School of Massage Therapy. My husband and I have been together for 13 years and have three sons. We moved to Texas in 2011.
I began teaching at a local Christian Preschool in 2015, where I fell in love with my job! I have taught ages 18 months to 4 years old. Also during the 2018-2019 school year, I was an after school program teacher to children ages 5-12 years old.
I am looking forward to a great year with your kiddos as we grow and learn!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jamie
FLOATER
Hello! My name is Maria Carmen Valles, I prefer to be called Carmen. I am an Assistant Teacher/Floater here at CDC. I was raised in Fort Worth, Texas. I graduated from Paschal High School in 2010, shortly after I married my high school sweetheart and then had our miracle daughter.
I have been blessed to work in childcare for over 5 years and I honestly do not see myself making a living any other way. Working with children is my passion which has led me to pursue my college major in Education.
I’m a strong believer in shaping the minds of the next generation. I look forward to working with your child.
When I’m not studying or working or attending church on Sundays at UUMC. I enjoy spending time with my fur babies.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Carmen
Jose is originally from Puerto Rico, but grew up in the Bronx, New York. He moved to Texas in 2003 to start a new journey of his life. Jose has served in many different roles throughout his career in environmental services, and enjoys helping others. He loves to cook, eat good bar-b-que, listen to music, and spend time with his wife Misty, and his dog Tego.
As the daughter of a Methodist minister, Erin developed a unique love for the United Methodist Church at a very young age. Erin was shaped by her experiences in the church, from listening to her mom talk about committee meetings, to hearing about the amazing work done on youth mission trips and later participating in those mission trips, and to volunteering with CCYM (Conference Committee on Youth Ministries). Erin is deeply committed to helping churches grow in their ministry with God through organization and structure in the church office. She is also passionate for helping transform lives through youth ministry. Erin graduated from Texas Women’s University with her Bachelor’s degree in General Studies in 2011. She loves spending time with Beau, her husband, their 1 year old baby boy, and their two crazy dogs!
Bridgette Griffin is the Director of Music for the traditional service. She and her husband David are retired and live on the East side of Fort Worth. She is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University and Texas A&M at Commerce. She taught in the Texas Public School System for 34 years, twelve of which were in the field of music and choral directing. For many years she also directed children’s and adult choirs in her church. She has been on University staff since October 2010. In her free time, Bridgette quilts, reads, and spends time with her grandchildren.
A proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Class of 2013, Virginia is a lifelong United Methodist from Dallas who decided to move across the metroplex to pursue studies in ministry after her plans to be a zookeeper fell through. Virginia loves singing loudly to Disney and 90’s music, working on puzzles, playing Scrabble and other board games, reading, bowling, and may accept love offerings of coffee. She is excited to make new friends of all ages and looking forward to empowering all of God’s beloved children to care the way God cares by using all of our hearts, minds, strength, and souls.
Austin native Joseph Brandley grew up in San Jose, California, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hope International University in Orange County (Go Royals!). The classically trained pianist also dabbles in guitar and armchair economics, and will staunchly defend the honor of In-n-Out cheeseburgers versus other inferior fast food. He is passionate about joining in the creation of more and better worshippers. After joining University as the Director of Contemporary Worship, Joseph happily accepted the additional position as the Director of Student Ministries. In 2019, along with Dr. San-Ky Kim, he founded Funkytown Music Academy as a new ministry of University to engage grow the worship teams and offer exceptional music education opportunities in the TCU area.
San-ky Kim serves as our Director of Discipleship as part of his supervised ministry through Brite Divinity School. San-Ky was born and raised in South Korea but had varied international sojourns. He had been singing professionally in Europe before starting to teach opera and voice at TCU. He and his Russian born wife Katja have two daughters, Eva and Phoebe. With their furry friends, Toffee and Chester, they live in a multilingually challenged household. San-Ky is constantly amazed with the multitude of ways God loves us and excited to learn and share the abundant love received with fellow faith seekers. In 2019, he co-founded Funkytown Music Academy.
As a child, Chatty moved quite often with her Air Force family. They finally landed in San Antonio, where she graduated from high school. She then attended Southwestern University in Georgetown and Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, TN. She is an ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church and has served churches in South Texas for longer than you can believe. In her spare time, Chatty also became a certified teacher and school librarian, and currently serves an elementary school in the Birdville ISD. She has two great daughters and is super excited about the new relationship University UMC has with Clarke Elementary through the Academy 4 mentoring program.
Sam grew up in a small town in central Maine. After his family moved to San Antonio when he was in high school, he wandered up to Fort Worth to attend TCU (Go Frogs!) and enjoyed living in the Fort Worth area so much that he never left. After graduating from TCU, Sam earned his law degree from SMU Dedman School of Law and practiced tax and corporate law at a firm in downtown Fort Worth. In 2016, he left his legal career to follow a call to full-time ministry and is currently studying at Brite Divinity School for his Masters of Divinity. In his spare time, Sam enjoys spending time with his wife, Berkeley, and their two dogs, Major and Zeus.
Beth is originally from a small town in Illinois, but always knew she was a city girl at heart. She has been in ministry since 2001 when she and her husband served a church together. It was there they began their journey as Texans. Beth loved her time at Northern Illinois University and even reigned for a brief moment as the Homecoming Queen, but couldn’t bring herself to wear the crown. She studied for her MDiv at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. She and her husband, Todd, have three kids and they love to travel whenever they can. Beth’s passion for ministry is to help people experience the reality of God’s love for them – just the way they are. She believes University has the unique ability to serve our diverse and transforming neighborhood in powerful ways. Beth has served at University since 2012.
PRE-SCHOOL/PRE-K CO-LEAD
Hello, my name is Carolina Rivera, I am the co-lead teacher in the Pre-School/Pre-K; I have I have 6 years’ experience in early childhood, I also have my Associates in Arts. I have been working here at UUMCDC since 2018.
My husband and I are Texas natives, and live in Fort Worth with our two dogs.
In our spare time we like to go to the movies or walk our dogs.
I look forward to getting to know your children and helping to get them prepared for kindergarten.
PRE-SCHOOL/PRE-K LEAD
Hello, my name is Sandra DeLaPaz, I’m the Co-Lead Preschool/Pre-K Teacher. I have been working here at the CDC since 1995.
I love working with children and have done so for 29 years. I consider myself a highly motivated and creative person. I received my CDA in 2015.
I have two handsome sons and three lovely grandchildren.
Sincerely,
Ms. Sandra
TWO’S LEAD
Hello, my name is Chasidy Warren, I am the lead teacher in the two year room; I have been working here at the CDC since 2015.
I have over nine years of early childhood experience and have enjoyed every minute of it! I love how every day is a different day when working with children.
When I’m not working I get to go home to my two handsome boys, Trae and Trenton, who are the light of my life.
Sincerely,
Ms. Chasidy
TWO’S ASSISTANT
My name is Hazel Nunez, I am the Teacher Assistant in the 2 year old class. I have been working with children for 3 years. I enjoy working with children and watching them learn and grow each day.
I was blessed to be born and raised in a Christian home, where God was a central part of our lives.
I recently got married and moved to Texas with my husband, who is my best friend.
I am very happy to join the UUM CDC Team.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Hazel
TODDLER ASSISTANT
Hello, my name is Maribel Smith, I am starting off my first year at United Methodist CDC. I have been blessed throughout my career having been employed in the field of early childhood education for over 25 years. I began my career in the public schools system in Southern California where I spent 19 years working in Adult School childcare centers. Through the years in the USD I had the opportunity to work at several different sites and with several teachers that I owe a debt of gratitude for allowing me to learn from their experiences. The diversity of moving from site to site gave me an insight into various different cultures and belief systems. In 2011, I accepted a position with Quality Children’s Services which is a Montessori style program. The transition from public to private education proved to be a blessing as we were focused more on the child.
I relocated to Texas at the end of the 2017 school year along with my wonderful husband of 32 years, my daughter and one grandchild. I took some time off to acclimate to my new surroundings before returning to my passion of educating. I have raised 2 children and have been blessed with 4 wonderful grandchildren. In my free time I enjoy cooking, taking walks and spending quality time with my family.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Maribel
TODDLER LEAD
Hello, my name Ittsi Vallin I’m the lead teacher in the toddler’s classroom.
I have worked with children for over 7 years and have been here at the CDC since 2011.
I love working with children and seeing how each day they grow and learn something new.
In my spare time I like to read and spend time with my family.
PRE-TODDLER ASSISTANT
Hello, My name is Mckenzie Lowrey (Kenzie). I am an Assistant Teacher in the Pre-Toddler class here at CDC. I’m originally from the Waco area. I graduated from Riesel High School, and continued my education at MCC.
I have been working in child care for over 5 years. I was an teacher’s Aide for two in half years and then a lead teacher in the two’s class for two in half years at St Paul’s Episcopal School in Waco TX.
I am a mommy to an amazing little boy, Trace. He is almost two years old. I love working with children and helping them grow and learn. I have only lived in the Fort Worth 9 months. I’m very excited to have the opportunity to work with your child, and very excited about my future in Fort Worth.
Sincerely,
Miss. McKenzie
PRE-TODDLER LEAD
Hello. I am Paula Mabunga. I am the Lead Teacher in the Pre-Toddler class here at CDC. I’m 41 years old and I have lived in Texas most of my life. I graduated High School from Amon Carter Riverside High School. I have a little over 1 year experience in childcare where I worked at Children’s Lighthouse, a licensed childcare facility. I was the Lead Teacher for the 12 mo. To 18 mo. age group while working at this center.
I have 5 children of my own (ages from 5 years old – 17 years old), 3 step children (ages from 15 years old – 29 years old), and a grandson (age 4).
I enjoy arts and crafts in my free time. At home I make dreamcatchers and many other crafts. It has always been my dream to become a teacher. I believe that with the Lord’s help and guidance I will succeed at my dreams. I have a loving husband and family. I have been married to my husband for 6 years and been together for 9 years.
I believe to be a teacher it is important to show guidance through love to each child. They are our future. I look forward to each moment shared with every child that cross my path. Whether they be my own children, my student, or the child I see in the grocery store. I love them all and appreciate every moment I have with them.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Paula
INFANT ASSISTANT
My name is Ms. Sharlett Thomas, I came from a family of five other siblings it was six of us total. Three girls and three boys. The person that inspired me to become the Teacher I am today was my mother. She took care of me and my siblings and other children so their parents could work. My oldest sister and I decided that we are going to be Teachers to help the children of the world have a better future.
My first Childcare position was in 1982, I have been working on and off in childcare for over 28 years. I worked for Head start for 8 years. I received Early Childhood Development experience early on. In 1999 I received my CDA while working at Head Start.
I also worked for a private owned childcare facility. I have worked with many ages including 2 year olds, 3 year olds and Infants. The infants are my favorite age group. They are the beginners of the world, so remember I wanted to be a Teacher to help children of the world have a better future. This is why I enjoy working with this age group. ALL children are special and this is why I have chosen to be a Teacher.
INFANT ASSISTANT
Hello my name is Kayla Crabtree, I am an Assistant Teacher/Floater here at CDC. I started in child care in March 2014 as an Infant Teacher in Farmers Branch Texas. Before I started this journey I worked in retail for 8 years. Working with babies is my passion it’s something I feel like I was born to do. It just comes naturally to me.
I am also a strong believer in our Lord Jesus Christ. I think it’s a beautiful thing teaching these beautiful little ones about his love for them by singing songs about him. Teaching them in the way they should grow and learn it’s truly an amazing thing, I wouldn’t have it any other way. With that said I’m truly honored and blessed by this opportunity that UUMC Child Development team as given me. They have taken me under their wings and that is truly the sweetest blessing there is. So thank you UUMC family. I can’t wait to grow more with you and your children.
Sincerely,
Kayla Crabtree
INFANT ASSISTANT
Hello, my name is Diana Ireri, I’m from Kenya, where my daughter still lives, and I am now a citizen of the United States.
I have been working here at the CDC since 2004. It’s my joy to work with children and to see them grow from day to day. I feel that this is my calling from God to work with children.
I also work with people who feel like there is no hope for them; it gives me great joy to bring the hope and strength back to them. I like to make peace where there is none and encourage people to love each other without judging.
INFANT LEAD
Hello, my name is Luljeta Xhakupi; I’m the Lead teacher in the infant #2 classroom.
I’m married and have two children and three grandchildren.
I have over 31 years working with children and have been working here at the CDC since 2007.
I feel I’m very dedicated to the profession of teaching young children. I create a welcoming environment for the children that come into my classroom. I enjoy making a difference in their learning experience and early education in life.
I love teaching and hope to be doing it for as long as I can.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Luljeta (Luli)
INFANT LEAD
Hello, my name is Vera Siljegovic; I am the lead teacher in the infant classroom. I have my CDA in infant /toddlers. I have been working here at the CDC since 2013
I came to the United States 22 years ago from former Yugoslavia/Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Due to the war, my family and I moved to Fort Worth where we found a peaceful place to live.
I have been married for 32 years and have two children, a son and a daughter.
I have been working with children for over 17 years. I love working with children because they are at a very tender age where they learn everything from adults. I want to be a part of their learning process.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Vera
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Hello, my name is Mary Larson, I am the Administrative Assistant for the CDC.
I started my childcare career in 1986 and have been working here at the CDC since 2006.
I love working with young children and one of my greatest joys is when I run into a former “kid” and they remember Mrs. Mary! It makes me feel good to know I was important in the life of a child.
I’m married and have 4 daughters and 9 precious grandchildren.
In my spare time I love spending time with family and friends. I also love to travel.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
My name is Kari Hinz and I am the Assistant Director here at CDC. I have worked in Early Childhood Education for 28+ years and have been a director for nearly half of that time. I am so thankful to be a part of this program.
Even in my youth, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. As I grew, I began to really understand the Importance of Early Childhood Development and how strongly a preschool experience – positive or negative – can affect a child’s future. I strive to create learning environments that support each child as whole. I look forward to the opportunity to serve your family and our community through the services we provide here at the Child Development Center.
My husband and I have 4 wonderful daughters and an amazing son. We share a love of music and song. I look forward to getting to know all the families involved with University United Methodist Child Development Center and sharing my passion for quality care with children, families, and staff, alike.
DIRECTOR
Hello! My name is Angela Johnson, I am the Director at the CDC. I was blessed with this opportunity to join the staff in September 2018. I have worked in the childcare field now for 24 years and I have been a licensed Director for the past 14 years. This is more than a job to me and I feel God has called me to work with children in this position. I also have 3 wonderful children of my own, Kolton is 22 years old, Dakota is 19 years old and my daughter Calysa is 16 years old.
My experience consists of working in a center as an infant teacher, 3 year old teacher, Pre-K teacher, I have even taught an aerobics class for preschool age children. I have been a Director at a public and private after school program, worked for a family as a private Nanny. I ran my own in-home childcare center and I have been a licensed Director of a Christian Childcare Center for the last 14 years.
I am a strong Christian and attend church regularly. Jesus is my Lord and savior and I love him with all my heart. In God’s word it says, Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. I feel that giving our children a strong biblical foundation will set them up to succeed in their lives. I am truly blessed to be the Director at University United Methodist Child Development Center.
