This Sunday we will be unveiling the first Pillars of St Michael’s in the church and marking the 97th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the First World War.

St Michael’s is a unique church in the heart of the city. Unique for its relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces and inner wellbeing as its core message.

Sunday services include a mix of traditional and modern presentations interspersed with inspirational music performed by world-class musicians.

St Michael’s affirms and encourages the best expression of humanity, not only through the Sunday service but though our wellbeing programs and our commitment to counselling and psychotherapy. We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and wellbeing and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding.

Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry

Guest Artist: The St Michael’s Singers 

Music between the readings: Hail Gladdening light – John Stainer (1840-1901)

This favourite old hymn, chosen this morning by St. Michael’s Executive Minister, Dr. Francis Macnab, was penned by John Keble and set to music by John Stainer.

Music during the offering: Psalm 23 – Joseph Gelineau (1920-2008)

Joseph Gelineau was a Jesuit Priest and a composer of much liturgical music.  His settings of the Psalms are still used all over the world.  This setting of Psalm 23 is set with a Congregational response or refrain.  The organ will play the response, then the choir will sing it and then please join in with the words as printed.

The ANTIPHON is played first by the organ, then sung by the choir, and then (together) by the choir and congregation. It is then sung ONCE by all after each verse.

ANTIPHON: His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

CHOIR: The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose. Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

ANTIPHON: (Congregation) His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

CHOIR: He guides me along the right path; he is true to his name. If I should walk in the valley of darkness no evil would I fear. You are there with your crook and your staff; with these you give me comfort.

ANTIPHON: (Congregation) His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

CHOIR: You have prepared a banquet for me in the sight of my foes. My head you have anointed with oil. My cup is overflowing.

ANTIPHON: (Congregation) His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

CHOIR: Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. In the Lord’s own house shall I dwell for ever and ever.

ANTIPHON: (Congregation) His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

CHOIR: To the Father and the Son give glory. give glory to the Spirit: to God who is, who was, and who will be for ever and ever.

ANTIPHON: (Congregation) His goodness shall follow me always to the end of my days.

The Postlude: Grand Choeur – Th. Salomé (1834-1896)

Artist Bio: Although born in Melbourne, Victoria and retiring there in 2005, Gordon Atkinson has spent much of his life in England and North America. Following study in Melbourne with A.E.H. Nickson, he attended the Royal College of Music in London from 1950 to 1953, where Harold Darke, Patrick Hadley and William Lloyd Webber were among his teachers.

He moved to Canada in 1958, and his various activities there included teaching at the University of Western Ontario and Brock University. He was elected National President of the Royal Canadian College of Organists (1976-78), and served as Director of Music at Cathedral of St Catherine, St Catharines, Ontario (1981-87).  Following completion of a Master’s degree at the University of Michigan, where his organ teacher was Marilyn Mason, he held appointments in Florida and Virginia until his permanent return to Melbourne. To complete his doctorate he wrote Psalms and Doxologies for Soprano solo, SATB Choir and organ. It was first performed at Ascension and St Agnes Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. Dr Atkinson has performed numerous recitals in Australia, Denmark, England and North America. He has composed a number of organ works as well as vocal works ranging from anthems for various combinations of voices and instruments to a set of songs for soprano and oboe. In 2008 he was elected President of the Society of Organists, Melbourne, Victoria.