2008 is behind us now,we are still adding titles to our collection.The past year we were able to purchase 25 new titles and are in the process of adding another 50 titles that were generouslyby our church supporters.Thanks to you all.We also accept monetary donations to our general fundfor the specific memory or honor of a loved one.you would like to recommend a book to us, just leave us a note in the library and we will do our best to meet the needs of our church patrons. NEW Children Books:
The Peace Book by Todd Parr.
A Gaggle of Geese and a Clutter of Cats by Dandi Daley Mackall.
You Can Do It by Tony Dungy.

"Richer than I you will never be, for I had a mother who read to me."

Are you in need of some adult conversation? Then MOPS can help! The Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) group of ZUMC begins their spring semester on Friday, January 9 from 9:15-11:15 a.m. All moms with children from birth through kindergarten are invited to join MOPS. The group meets every other Friday to celebrate the joys of motherhood and to encourage each other through the challenges. During the spring semester, MOPS meetings will be filled with creative activities, lively discussion, and informative speakers that pertain to moms. Children of MOPS members are cared for in a program called MOPPETS. MOPS dues are $40 for the spring semester. As a registered member of MOPS International, you will receive the book The Mommy Diaries, a one-year subscription to the magazine Mom Sense, and weekly e-mails full of encouragement! We would love for all moms of preschoolers to join us! Please contact Nichole Medvescek at (317) 733-0739 for more information.

Fire up your slow cookers and ovens!It’s time for an old-fashioned Chili Cook-off and Game Night at ZUMC!

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, January 24, 2009. Bring a chili to be entered in the cook-off, a dessert to be judged, or a side salad or dessert to share for a pitch-in meal. In addition to samples of the contest chili, for dinner we’ll offer regular chili, hot dogs and all the toppings.
Interested in entering your special chili in this cook-off? Plan on bringing a slow
cooker of your unique concoction to the Family Life Center at 6:30 p.m.Contact Christina Gibson (769-4495 or gibbys6@msn.com) to register your chili.

Not a chili lover but still love a challenge?Bring a baked good for the Dessert Bake Off!

The chili contest will begin at 6:45 p.m., and winners will be announced at 7:30.In the meantime, enjoy dinner, watch the kids have fun with activities, and catch up with friends old and new.After the winners are announced, we’ll start some wild games of BINGO and Euchre.

Contact Tracy Coussens (873-1754 or tmkmjc@aol.com) to help!

Senior Adult Ministry: The end of 2008 is nearing it's final weeks and SAM is preparing for theYear. On January 8th we will present the musical talent of Frank Jones and his Keyboard. We met Frank at the Lions Club Fair this summer and was absolutely stunned by his presentation of popular and gospel music. You don't dare miss this one!cost for the program and lunch is $10.00. Call Pat for reservations, 317-858-3262.

Holly Walpole, Dale Peterson, Amy Connelly, Michele Tyring and Geri Rogers have spent hours in training to learn how to walk along side of people who are hurting. In doing so, they are joining the other Stephen Ministers and Stephen Leaders here at ZUMC who unselfishly and compassionately give their time and energy caring for others in our church and in our community. Stephen Ministers take literally and lovingly Jesus' words "In as much as you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it to me." Please plan to be present and to take time to embrace, celebrate and congratulate Holly, Dale, Michele, Amy and Geri at the Stephen Ministry Commissioning Service to be held on January 10 and 11th, at all the services.

The children who participate in Praise Kids have been learning a special song that will be sung at the 5:00 service on Christmas Eve. Lyrics to the song are on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up a copy and have your child practice the song at home. The tune is that of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. These lyrics will also be distributed at the end of Sunday School. Questions, see Jeanne Chapman.

December 6 & 7—Journey to Bethlehem
Travel back to the very first Christmas.Beginning on Sat., Dec. 6 and continuing on Sun., Dec. 7 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. both nights.The 20-minute tours of Bethlehem will depart from the ZUMC sanctuary and continue throughout the evening.This is a gift from Zionsville United Methodist Church to all! There is no admission fee for this event.
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December 7—Christmas Kaleidoscope Community Concert @ 2:30 pm. Preceding the Walk thru Bethlehem in the Zionsville United Methodist Church sanctuary. Enjoy the sounds of the season with the Zionsville Community Band, the ZCHS Chamber Choir, and the Zionsville Festival Choir!
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December 13—Cookies!
1:30 p.m. Christmas Cookie Decorating for kids and dads
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December 14—Miracle on Main Street
9 & 11:15 a.m. Children’s Musical
From best-selling children's creator Celeste Clydesdale and arranger David T. Clydesdale comes their latest children's Christmas musical, Miracle on Main Street, The Little Pageant That Wouldn't Give Up! An engaging script and upbeat blend of new songs with traditional carols chronicle the dilemma of a group of children who want to celebrate Christmas in public, but face opposition from the politically correct local townsfolk. Despite the challenges, the children stand up for their beliefs and joyfully proclaim their faith.

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December 14—Every Voice Exalted: Handel’s Messiah
2:30 pm at Zionsville United Methodist Church
Encore Vocal Arts is delighted to be the featured choir in this perennial favorite produced by Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
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December 20—The Longest Night service at 5:30 p.m. a Service of light in the midst of darkness: In the Bradley Chapel of ZUMC at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 22 marks the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Moving toward darkness can be frightening and depressing. Advent reminds us that in the very midst of darkness God’s promise shines most brightly. Worship will include a time for acknowledging our darkness, and ultimately celebrating the Light of the World who comes to banish our pain. If you or someone you know would benefit from this kind of service, please invite them to come with you. “Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning” Psalms 30:5
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December 21, 22, 23—Nativity Walk
~ A personal & interactive experience to contemplate the miracle and joy of Christmas ~
December 21 * 6 pm – 9 pm
December 22 & 23 * Noon – 9 pm

Travel at your own pace to eleven different stations that highlight a specific event surrounding the birth of our Savior that will engage your senses, emotions, thoughts and beliefs of Christmas. You will be challenged, inspired and invited to respond. Approximate travel time is 45 minutes. This experience begins in the Chapel and is open to everyone. (Please note: reading is required.)
For more information please contact Jeanne Chapman @ jchapman@zumc.org.

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Celebrating Christmas Eve
at Zionsville United Methodist Church

December 24—Christmas Eve Services
5pm—Family Candlelight Service
8pm—Contemporary Candlelight Service
11pm—Traditional Candlelight Service

December 25—Merry Christmas!