Cantor Brad Whaley is a liturgical musician who recognizes and values the voices of God’s people in the assembly.  He oversees the liturgical life of the parish through the planning of worship and music and provides leadership for the Immanuel Choir. A champion for robust congregational song, Brad invites God’s people to join in singing through a variety of means, including the use of creative organ improvisations rooted in the Lutheran tradition.  He has conducted several major sacred works including Handel’s Messiah, performed in its entirety, John Rutter’s Requiem, J.S. Bach’s cantata Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott (BWV 80), Vivaldi’s Gloria, and Heinrich Schütz’s miniature oratorio The Seven Words from the Cross, among others.  As a recitalist, Brad has appeared across the Chicago metro area, most recently as a guest artist at Loyola University Chicago’s Madonna della Strada Chapel.

Brad serves as the Music Director and Vocal Coach for the Edge of the Wood Theatre School for Young Actors in Chicago.  Additionally, Mr. Whaley is a classically trained baritone, having had extensive performance experience on the operatic and concert stage, both nationally and regionally.  He has appeared with the Grant Park Chorus, William Ferris Chorale, St. Luke Bach Choir, and the Elgin Master Chorale.  He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from East Carolina University (Greenville, NC) and a Master of Music degree from North Park University (Chicago, IL.)  Brad is a member of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians and the Chicago Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Previously, he has served Epiphany Lutheran Church (Elmhurst), Trinity Lutheran Church (Des Plaines), and Grace Lutheran Church (Villa Park). Contact Cantor Brad at cantor@immanuelchicago.org

Mary O’Brien (gender Pronouns: she/her/hers- what’s this?) grew up in Melrose Park, Illinois. She attended Lutheran Grade School, Lutheran High School, and (you guessed it) Lutheran College.Mary attended Valparaiso University where she majored in Social Work. After college graduation, Mary went on to serve at both a social service agency in Roger’s Park and a Lutheran Church in Wicker Park through a year of service with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps.

When she’s not sitting at her desk down in the church office, you can find Mary at the gym, walking her dogs (Lucy and Linus) by the lake, or spending time planning her wedding with her fiancé, Jess.

Contact Mary at churchonelmdale@gmail.com

Our Parish Nurse, Marcia Smith is trained in Faith Community Nursing, which is a specialty practice of professional nursing.

Marcia has been a member at Immanuel for twenty-some years and a registered nurse for 40. She became the Parish Nurse in 2017. She started out life as a suburbanite but now loves living in the city. Marcia’s favorite activities include reading, birdwatching and botanizing. She is an avid environmentalist and can be seen biking around the neighborhood.

Contact Marcia at parishnursemarcia@gmail.com