The Reverend Kristin Saylor

2021 - present

rector@stlawrencechurch.org 

As Rector of St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, Kristin serves as the parish's spiritual and strategic leader.  A Midwesterner by birth and at heart, Kristin grew up in Milwaukee and received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a graduate of the Virginia Theological Seminary. Kristin recently served as the Director of Formation at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco, where she focused her energy on social justice, adult faith formation, and innovative liturgical design. Prior to that, she served for three years as Priest Associate at St. Peter’s in Port Chester, New York, a primarily Latinx parish in the suburbs of New York City. 

Joining her on this chapter of life’s adventure are her husband, Kyle Oliver (also an Episcopal priest and proud Midwesterner!), and their almost one year-old daughter, Fiona. Kyle is finishing a doctoral dissertation in educational media. In Kristin’s not so abundant free time, she is an avid triathlete and enjoys finding new places to swim, bike and run around Libertyville. 

2014 - present

deacon@stlawrencechurch.org

As Deacon at St. Lawrence Hal nurtures our collective spirit participating in the liturgy, assisting acolyte development, acting as a resource for Lay Eucharistic Visitors, and making pastoral visits.

Growing up in Oak Park, Illinois, Hal earned his B.A. in English from North Central College and his Masters of Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago.  His career with MARS, Inc. spanned 35 years with alternating roles between Human Resources and Operations Management. In 1987, Hal was ordained a Deacon in the Diocese of Chicago after completing the diocesan formation program.  He served at the Church of the Incarnation in Bloomingdale, IL (1987-1999).  In September 1999, a job transfer took Hal to Arkansas where he served two mission congregations until 2006. Retirement brought him to Marion, IL where he and his younger son partnered in a home construction business. Returning to Bloomingdale in 2014, Hal began serving as Deacon at St. Lawrence on a regular basis. For 15 years he was engaged in Kairos Prison Ministry, serving on men’s teams at Menard and Stateville Correctional Facilities.  

Hal and his wife Linda have three grown children:  Jeffrey, Christine and John; son-in-law Phil and two granddaughters, Allie and Julia; Jeff’s significant other, Nodoka and her children, Angelina and Leo.  His interests include:  travel, music and grand parenting. 

2006 - present

music@stlawrencechurch.org 

As the Director of Music for St. Lawrence Episcopal Church, Mr. Whaley oversees all aspects of the liturgical music, directs the choir, leads the congregational singing, performs on the keyboard(s), and advises on liturgical matters.  He holds a Masters of Theological Studies in Music and Liturgy from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Music in choral and general music education from Western Michigan University. Before attending Seabury-Western, Mr. Whaley served for eight years as Director of Choirs at Benzie Central Middle and High School in Benzonia, Michigan.  As a church musician, cantor, and soloist, Mr. Whaley has served churches in Michigan and Illinois. 

In his time at St. Lawrence, Mr. Whaley has increased the musical development of the choir and the congregational song and broadened the breadth and depth of anthems, hymns, and spiritual songs used in the liturgy.  St. Lawrence's music expands from traditional hymns and classic motets/anthems to include in its repertoire spirituals, gospels songs, and music from various regions, from the Americas, Europe, Africa to the Solomon Islands. While diverse, the music is still directed toward guiding the congregation through the worship service's scriptural themes and supporting the liturgical actions.

Mr. Whaley also has a Certificate in non-profit Fundraising Operations from Rice University. When not directing the music of St. Lawrence, he is the Fund Development Data Analyst for The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International in Evanston, Illinois.

2003 - present

office@stlawrencechurch.org 

St. Lawrence is a beacon of light and faith in our community. I am continually impressed by the unconditional welcoming and openness. It is a community that embraces everyone and takes care of each other. From our littlest to the Young Episcopal Seniors, we are all included in God’s family.

I have two children, Claire (26) and Ben (24) and to round out the family Buck (3 years old Black Lab). One of my favorite places is in the field with my bees. I have been a beekeeper for five years. I enjoy hiking and kayaking with Buck, gardening, sewing, and spending time on the beach. And there is nothing better than sharing a meal with friends and family.