A shopping trip you can be proud of

For those looking for spiritual gifts this holiday season, Christ Church in Oak Brook is holding its 10th annual Spirit Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the church, 31st and York Road, Oak Brook.

The family-oriented event is run by church volunteers and features Christian mission stalls offering various services and products in a town set up to resemble an old English village.

"People can buy spirit-based rather than materialistic gifts,"said Mary Lederleitner, a church member who has been the chairwoman for Spirit Village for the last three years.

Shoppers can wander the village and visit the Livery, where they could buy a goat for someone in India, or visit the Bookstore and purchase books for a deaf child in Bolivia or provide school tuition for students in need.

At the General Store, shoppers can support the Love Christian Clearinghouse and its mission of assisting refugee families resettling in DuPage County or buy food for families in need. Shoppers can also visit the Apothecary to purchase equipment for a hospital in Pakistan or pay for an eye exam and treatment for a farmer.

When shoppers make their purchases, they will receive a gift card that can be sent in recognition of the items or services purchased.

"Those who participate in Spirit Village are buying for people who really need things around the world. In our world right now, where there's such a focus on materials things, parents want to bring the true meaning of Christmas to their children. They tell me this has really shown children how blessed they are, and it helps parents at this time of year to keep their children from getting too greedy and materialistic," added Lederleitner.

Visitors will also find balloon artists, face painting and a petting zoo, as well as music provided throughout the day by local bands and choirs. The day will end with a Christmas carol sing-along.

"This event is so much fun," Lederleitner said. "It is a great way to do a church-focused event where we have all gotten together to do something good."

Christ Church member Carol Dill started Spirit Village 10 years ago after she realized that, while the church supported Christian mission groups, church members just didn't feel a connection with what the missions around the world were doing.

"Carol Dill researched how to bring the idea home and decided on a Dickens Village theme," Lederleitner said.

"Most of us don't need things, but we buy things for Christmas while there are so many people in the world who need basics, Lederleitner said. "Carol Dill felt that the Holy Spirit gave her the idea, so she called it Spirit Village.

"It's become a family tradition."

Each year the church puts together a catalog of Christian mission group and Christian social service group projects that they think will connect most with members of the congregation. Lederleitner said that many families have gotten into the habit of looking at the catalog at Thanksgiving to choose what projects they will support.

Then when Spirit Village opens, shoppers can just go to the stalls that support their chosen projects and purchase the goods or services. Catalogs also are available at Spirit Village today .

Shoppers who want to make a day of it can buy lunch from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The fee is $6 per adult, $3 per child for a chicken pot pie, vegetables and apple crisp. During the day, free homemade Christmas cookies and punch will be served.

Those unable to attend can get a catalog from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the church office and purchase services or goods through New Year's Eve.

"Spirit Village is an event where everyone gets something out of the day," Lederleitner said. "Shoppers can spend $1 up to thousands of dollars, and everybody can do something to make a difference to someone in need."

For details, call (630) 654-1882.

If you go…

What:Christ Church of Oak Brook will hold its 10th annual Spirit Village, offering services and products in a town set up to resemble an old English village. The purchases benefit those in need around the world.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today

Where: Christ Church of Oak Brook, 31st and York Road, Oak Brook.

Cost: Free; lunch is available from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. for $6 per adult, $3 per child

Call: (630) 654-1882.