Christmas at Zionsville UMC

Advent Devotional

Every year the Zionsville UMC Writers Group creates an advent devotional to help prepare ourselves for the Christmas season. You can find a printed copy in the church lobby or download a digital copy here once it is available.

Hanging of the Greens, November 29, // 10:00am (one service only!)
“Hanging of the Greens” is a service where we decorate the sanctuary as a way of entering the season of Advent. During the service, we learn about the symbolism of the decorations we use (wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, etc.), and then place those decorations while the congregation sings carols. It is a wonderful way to begin our journey to Christmas!

We are excited to bring back this tradition to Zionsville UMC this year. We will have one special service at 10:00am, during which our sanctuary will be decorated for Christmas. We hope you will plan to join us for this special service, especially if you have never experienced it before.

Children’s Christmas Musical, December 13 // 9:30am and 11:00am
Journey through ancient Bethlehem with The Daughters of Ezra, who manage the Inn which would soon have no room for Jesus. Join the townspeople in the “Census Slide” as they creatively navigate the challenges of a town overrun by people traveling for the census. Meet a young, spunky Mary and her lovable donkey, Yipyip, as they mambo through the town. Experience some unique, rapping shepherds in a way you never have, and reflect on how people so long ago might have had the same longings for hope and deliverance that we have today.

Our children will lead us in worship on this Sunday.

The Longest Night Service, December 21 // 7:00pm
December brings high expectations, which can quickly turn into disappointment. While depression doesn’t necessarily rise during the holidays, studies show anxiety and stress often do. Christmastime often feels out of sync for people carrying heavy burdens, especially when the season around them insists on nonstop cheer. The last thing they need is forced joy.

Just days before Christmas may not seem like the obvious time for a quiet service about finding God in life’s darker moments. But during the rush of last-minute errands, crowded gatherings, and even the winter solstice, The Longest Night offers comfort for anyone facing loss, mental health struggles, or the holiday blues.

Join Stephen Ministry on December 21, at 7:00pm, for a time of prayer, reflection, and worship in the chapel.

Christmas Eve Services, December 24 // 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 11:00pm
Take a break from the holiday craze and join us for Christmas Eve services at Zionsville UMC. This year, Zionsville UMC will host four services. All services are available both online and in-person.

  • 4:00pm is directed to families with young children. This service includes our contemporary band, a shorter message, and songs from the Children's musical.

  • 6:00pm & 8:00pm are more traditional services with blended special music from instrumentalists and vocalists.

  • 11:00pm - for those who welcome an 11 o’clock service as part of their Christmas tradition, we will gather at the last hour of Christmas Eve to welcome in Christmas Day. This service will be a simplified service with familiar Christmas music and short Christmas reflection.

All services will feature candlelight and Silent Night. Everyone is invited to this wonderful celebration of the hope and joy that is found in the birth of Jesus.

Childcare will be offered for the 4:00pm and 6:00pm services.

Sunday Service After Christmas December 27 // One service only at 10:00am
While many people, including church staff, will still be traveling for the holidays, we will host one service, at 10:00am only on December 27. As always, the service will be live-streamed online (zumc.org/livestream).

Christmas Offering

TBD