Christ Church to host annual Spirit Village and CarolFest Dec. 1-2

Christ Church in Oak Brook and Downers Grove is beginning Advent with two big events.

The Oak Brook church at 501 Oak Brook Road will be transformed into a Dickensian English main street with shops offering purchases that support the needs of people locally and around the globe. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, enjoy live music, treats, children's activities, including a petting zoo, and fellowship. This event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served for $5 per person.

Then return on Sunday, Dec. 2, for CarolFest. This seasonal concert will be presented twice: 3 and 6 p.m.

Performances will include the Christ Church Chancel Choir and Festival Choir with professional soloists and orchestra conducted by Noelle Combs.

The concert will feature selections from the Christmas portion of Handel's beloved "Messiah," as well as familiar carols of Christmas.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. Child care is provided.

A Christmas cookie and cider reception will be held between concerts at 5 p.m.

The performances will also be available on livestream at ChristChurch.us/online.

Christmas Eve services at the Downers Grove and Oak Brook locations will be as follows:

• Contemporary worship will be offered Sunday, Dec. 24, at 3 and 5 p.m. in the auditorium of the Oak Brook Church; and 6 p.m. at the Downers Grove church, 3500 Lacey Road.

• Candlelight Classic services will be 7, 9 and 11 p.m. Dec. 24 in the sanctuary of the Oak Brook church.

Child care will be available for children 4 years old and under at the 3, 5 and 7 p.m. services on Dec. 24 at the Oak Brook location.

The church's current sermon series "Christmas Presence" encourages others to avoid getting caught up in all the frenzied things to check off their to-do list, or perhaps feeling the loneliness holidays sometimes can stir up, but rather to find ways to make life better for themselves and those around them by truly being present during this special time of year.

Christ Church also seeks to reach those who cannot come to services through its online media library, livestream services twice Sunday morning, as well as its broadcast ministry on radio and television. For more information about Christ Church, visit ChristChurch.us.