The Christian Shop in Palatine to celebrate 25th anniversary

Twenty-six years ago, Susan Rheaume decided to figure out what to do with the rest of her life.

Rheaume, then a regional manager for a fine jewelry company, said she felt the urging of the Holy Spirit to take a different path. After a lot of prayer and her husband’s blessing, they opened The Christian Shop.

Today, the store is a staple in Palatine for Christian books, music, video and gifts.

“Being a ma and pop store nowadays, we feel blessed that we’re still here,” co-owner Mike Rheaume said.

The husband and wife team will mark their 25th year in business with a three-day celebration Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 17-19, featuring sales, discounts, refreshments, giveaways and drawings at the store, which is located at 325 E. Dundee Road.

Six authors will make appearances Saturday, Oct. 19, including Joan Wester Anderson, a Buffalo Grove resident and New York Times best-seller; Pat McCaskey of the Chicago Bears; and sports writer Mike Sandrolini. Authors Tom Cavenagh, Heidi May and Donn Ziebell also are scheduled to attend.

The Christian Shop, which originally opened near Rand and Hicks roads and moved to its current location about 12 years ago, has had to adapt with the times. It maintains a digital media center and has increased its volume of gift items.

“I like to call us a not-for-profit business, because we don’t make a big profit,” Rheaume joked. “But this is a ministry, and we’re just doing the Lord’s work.”

The store will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 17-18 and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 19. For more information, visit christianshopltd.com or call (847) 991-8994.