An inclusive congregation committed to Christian worship and service to the community, St. John’s is a vibrant and diverse group of people of all ages, races, abilities, and identities, engaged in anti-racism and other transformative work. We offer two Sunday services, religious instruction for children, and an adult and youth choir. In addition to our annual Darwin Day celebration of science and religion, St. John’s offers a free series of concerts, sponsors a asylum seeking and refugee families, hosts an Electric Vehicle Charger for parish and community use, and is actively working to identify, disrupt, and dismantle racism in our church and community. Established in 1883 in Old Irving Park, the church is located on Chicago’s northwest side, on the corner of Byron and Kostner.
Mtr. Meghan Murphy-Gill, Interim Rector
The Rev. Meghan Murphy-Gill previously served as Curate at Church of the Ascension in Chicago where she walked with the congregation during their recent transition period, providing them with pastoral care and strong sense of stability as they searched for their Rector. She is the author of The Sacred Life of Bread (Broadleaf Books) and continues to write on spirituality and food.
Lisa Kra
ppman, Parish Administrator
Lisa Krappman is a graphic designer with extensive experience in the field of marketing communications. During her career, she has produced a broad range of corporate communications, identities, annual reports, advertisements and packaging for Fortune 100 companies to non-for-profit organizations. She holds a BA in Graphic Design from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Lisa is married and has a son who just graduated college. They are members of Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church.
Dee Murphy
, Music Director
Dee Murphy conducts the choir, coordinates worship music with the organist and other musicians and manages the St. John’s Concert Series, which introduces new performers and ensembles to our community. Dee teaches “Elementary Music Education Materials and Methods” at North Park University as an adjunct professor. After many years of teaching K-8 Vocal and General Music at Hawthorne Scholastic Academy in Lakeview, she enjoys sharing her passion for teaching music with young adults. Ms. Murphy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance from Simpson College in Iowa, and a Master’s Degree in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University, where she studied with Phyllis Hurt. Upon returning to Chicago from New York City with her family in 1997, Dee joined the choir as an alto, and has been affiliated with the music at St. John’s ever since. Dee enjoys singing, being with her` extended family, going on road trips, and attending plays and musicals.
Mio Nakamura, Organist
A native of Kyoto, Japan, Mio has performed in prestigious venues across Chicago and beyond. She graduated with honors from Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, earning her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Piano Performance, as well as a Performance Diploma.
Recipient of the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award, Mio currently maintains a private piano studio while serving as the Artistic Director for Emerging Artists Chicago. She is the organist and pianist for St. John’s Episcopal Church Chicago. In addition to being a supplementary keyboardist for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Mio is a visiting artist for their All-Access Chamber Series and MusicNOW Series. Hear recordings of Mio Nakamura and other great musicians on her website.
Abby Munz, Nursery Caregiver
Abby takes care of the young children in the nursery every Sunday from 7:45 am-11:30 am. She is assisted by Brennan, among others.
The vestry of St. John’s, along with the Rector, are the leaders of the church who discern, articulate, and direct the vision of our community. They care for the spiritual life of the parish, including pastoral care and Christian formation. They guide the work of evangelism and outreach to our community and world. They are responsible for assets of the church, maintaining financial health and the buildings and grounds. Members are elected in January to 3 year terms, and can serve two consecutive terms. The dates listed are the year they finish their terms.
Khara Gonzales, Senior Warden (President), 2025
Harry Burgan, Junior Warden (Vice-President), 2026
Olga Ivari, Treasurer (Ex-Officio)
Krystyna Gallagher, Assistant Treasurer (Ex-Officio)
Stephen Linam, Clerk (Secretary), 2026
Mike Underhill, 2025
Jeanie Wallenstein, 2025
Danielle Fitzsimmons, 2025
Michael McGovern, 2026
Juanita Raman, 2026
Brad Gehrig, 2027
Cheryl Jarvis, 2027
Laura Urbaszewski, 2027
We are part of the Diocese of Chicago, the Episcopal Church, and the Anglican Communion. Click on the logos to visit those websites.
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