Sunday Service
2015-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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

Artists: The St. Michael’s Singers
Music between the readings: Cantate Domino – Guiseppe Ottavio Pittoni (1657-1743)
This motet, Cantate Domino has the text “come ye with joyfulness, come, sing ye a new song to your Maker. O praise him with the saintly congregation. Israel, be joyful and glad in him. Rejoice and be glad in your King.
Music during the offering: Lord, I trust thee – G.F. Handel (1685-1750)
Handel is of course, best remembered for his oratorio Messiah. However he wrote a truly vast amount of excellent music. This anthem comes from his 1716 oratorio The Passion of Christ.
The Postlude: Toccata in B minor – Eugène Gigout (1844–1925)
Gigout was a pupil of Camille Saint-Saens and a renowned organist, composer and teacher. His toccata in B minor is perhaps his best known work.
Artist Bio: Founded in 2007, The St. Michael’s Singers are based here at St. Michael’s Melbourne. Many of the singers here today have been singing for us regularly now for nearly a decade. This choir is made up of professional and semi-professional singers, many from the now defunct, but internationally famous Choir of Ormond College and other choirs throughout Melbourne. The St. Michael’s Singers are with us during our bigger services to help boost the confidence of the St. Michael’s Congregation, (who are excellent hymn singers) and are also often present at communion services. The St. Michael’s singers are one of three groups that regularly enrich our worship, the others, the St. Michael’s Brass Ensemble and the Academy of St. Michael’s fulfil a similar role. Many of the members of this group worship with us regularly, and have done so over many years.

French Conversation
2015-08-02 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-09-06 11:45 - 12:45 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join native French speaker, Johanna Hersey, for a fun and informal French conversation class where all are welcome to practice their French and receive some pointers in basic French conversation skills.
Beginners and fluent speakers alike will find someone to chat to in French and help and guidance on hand.
Cost: free
Bookings not required

Lunchtime Recital
2015-08-06 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-08-13 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-08-20 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-08-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-09-03 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-09-10 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Every Thursday at 1 pm, the St Michael’s Carillon is sounded and the grand organ comes to life for a free 30 minute recital. Now into their seventh year, these recitals are well attended by the public.
Performed by organist Rhys Boak, and visiting artists, brings the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Please check your orders of service or our Facebook page each week to see who will be performing the following Thursday.
Music has an important role to play in the functioning of society and has had for many thousands of years. No human culture appears to be without music. Singing, in particular, seems to be universal. Music is invariably expressed in relation to religion. The music program at St Michael’s each week brings us some of the best musicians and music that Australia has to offer to enrich our experience during our Sunday services at special events during the year.

What is Spiritual Wellbeing?
2015-08-06 18:30 - 19:30 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Due to unforeseen circumstances this events has been cancelled.

ST MICHAELS ALL WEATHER WALKERS
2015-08-08 10:30 - 14:00
Join us for a pleasant “green” walk along the Diamond Creek Trail and Alister Knox Park in leafy Eltham.
We will gather at Eltham Rail Station at 10.35 AM. Train on the Hurstbridge Line leaves Number One Platform at Flinders Street at 9.39 AM to arrive Eltham at 10.35 AM. An earlier Train leaves Flinders Street at 9.19 AM.
Morning Coffee will be at the unusual Tea Pot Café adjacent to the Eltham Library.
After communing with the lovely parklands and wetlands we will take lunch at the Corner Café in Arthur Street Eltham (just one street east of Main Street in the Shopping Centre.)

Contact Nancy Doherty 0468373413 or David Doherty 0402000729

Hiroshima Peace Sunday
2015-08-09 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s will commemorate Hiroshima Peace Day on Sunday, 9 August 2015, at 10.00am with a special service in the presence of Mr Takeshi Tanabe, Deputy Consul-General of Japan and members of the Japanese community.
Remembering the 140,000 irreplaceable human lives that were lost, either on the day of the bombing or in the ensuing months, and the numerous atomic bomb survivors who still suffer from its aftereffects even to this day.

In cooperation with the Japanese Consult and Caulfield Primary School we will be holding a display of artwork created by year 5 and 6 students as part of their cross-cultural bilingual studies after the service in the St Michael’s Administration building.

Guest Artists: Chiemi Shepherd (Koto) & Bruno Siketa (Trumpet)
Music between the readings & During the offering: Music for the Koto by Chiemi Shepherd
The Postlude: Ave Maria – Vladimir Fyodorovich Vavilov (1925-1973) arr. Rhys Boak
This famous piece, originally for Soprano was infamously attributed to the Italian early Baroque composer Giulio Caccini (1551-1681). It was in fact, an entirely new work, composed by the Russian composer Vladimir Vavilov in 1970. It has since become extremely popular. The composer sadly did not live long enough to enjoy the work’s success, dying in poverty from pancreatic cancer at age 48.

Searchers’ Group Excursions
2015-08-09 12:00 | Various, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
Today we are privileged to be the guests of the Nalandra Buddhist Meditation Centre , 2 pm at 1F Ailsa street, Box Hill South. Please feel free to join us as this is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the practice of mindfulness from Zimwock Rinpoche .
If you are interested in attending this event please meet us in the hall after the service and we will arrange transport for you. Janette 0409139404 / Simon 0458272709

Sunday Service
2015-08-16 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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: Zoe Wallace (Cello)

Music between the readings: The Swan – Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
This well known and enduring favourite comes from Saint-Saëns larger work The Carnival of the Animals (Le carnaval des animaux). Composed in 1886, this suite of 14 movements was originally intended as a piece of fun, each movement depicting an animal.

Music during the offering: Largo from the Sonata for Cello & Piano – Fryderyk Franciszek Chopin (1810-1849)
Chopin’s Cello Sonata (1845-46) dates from the troubled final years of his life; it was in fact his last published work. Chopin wrote little music for instruments other than piano, but he appears to have had a special fondness for the cello, for he wrote three different works for cello and piano.
The Postlude: Toccata from the 5th Organ Symphony Op. 42 No. 1 – Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
A very well known and often played work – this piece is a favourite of many. The manager of music is often asked when he will play it again, and keeping with the other two works both written in France at about the same time as this piece – well…today is the day.
Artist Bio: Zoe Wallace is a freelance cellist living in Melbourne and performs regularly with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Victoria. Zoe has toured extensively with Oz Opera and Co-Opera and has performed with the Melbourne, Adelaide, Tasmanian and Darwin Symphony Orchestras and the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Zoe has recently attended the Banff Winter Music Residency, the St Lawrence String Quartet Seminars in San Francisco and the Mt Buller Chamber Music Summer school. In 2012, she became a founding member of the Kharites trio and will performed a concert tour in Tasmania with the ensemble in 2013.
Zoe completed her studies at the Australian National Academy of Music in 2010, where she was a full scholarship holder and received tuition from Howard Penny and Nicholas Bochner. Prior to that, Zoe completed a bachelor degree with high distinction at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen, The Netherlands. During her four years in The Netherlands, Zoe played with the North Netherlands Orchestra, Camerata Ardesko and the Alinga Duo and received a scholarship from the Makarov Foundation for the duration of her studies. She received cello tuition from Jan-Ype Nota and Michel Strauss. Prior to that, Zoe studied with Janis Laurs in Adelaide and Christian Wojtowizc in Hobart, and was awarded a Bachelor of Music with first class honours from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music.

Poetry Group
2015-08-16 11:45 - 12:45 | Camellia Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Due to unforeseen circumstances this event has been cancelled.

The Laborastory
2015-08-19 19:00 - 21:00 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
An evening dedicated to the stories of science; the heroes, the egos, the breakthroughs and the mistakes. From forgotten history and lonely laboratories, science and scientists quite literally take centre stage.
Five scientists from diverse background share remarkable stories of the heroes of their field. They tell the tales of the tragedies and triumphs of the men and women who made science their passion, leaving legacies of ground-breaking discoveries that inspire the scientists of today.
St Michael’s is proud to host this special National Science Week edition of The Laborastory.
The shows have proven very popular and sell out fast, so make sure you book your tickets early!
Cost: $20 full, $15 concession
Doors Open at 7pm, Event starts at 7.30pm

What is Spiritual Wellbeing?
2015-08-21 18:30 - 19:30 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, this event has been canceled.

Sunday Service
2015-08-23 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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: Greta Bradman (Soprano)
Music between the readings: My Hero from The Chocolate Soldier – Oscar Straus (1870-1954)
Oscar Straus’ operetta The Chocolate Solidier dates from 1908 and is based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1894 play Arms and the man. The work had great success in the first half of the 20th century, and this song, My Hero, has become famous in its own right and has been recorded by many fine sopranos, including recently by today’s guest artist on the Decca label with Sir Richard Bonynge conducting the English Chamber Orchestra.
Music during the offering: I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls from The Bohemian Girl – Michael Balfe (1808-1870)
This aria from the now largely neglected operetta The Bohemian Girl was a favourite of the late Dame Joan Sutherland and is perhaps now the only performed part of the operetta. The heroine of the drama sings this aria in which she reflects on vague memories from her childhood.
The Postlude: Carillon de Westminster – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
This well known organ work is based on the theme of the chimes of ‘Big Ben’, (the nickname given to the world’s largest four faced chiming clock in London’s Houses of Parliament). This work is from a larger collection of similar programmatic pieces by French composer and organist, Louis Vierne known as the 24 pieces de fantasie. This piece is dedicated to the great English organ builder, Henry Willis.
Artist Bio: Australian soprano Greta Bradman is recitalist, concert and stage performer. Greta has been awarded critics choice awards including an APRA/AMCOS “Performance of the Year” award (2013) and numerous OzCart awards. She has been nominated for Helpmann, MusicOz and ARIA awards and was Limelight Magazine’s vocalist shortlisted as “best newcomer” in 2010. Greta was the 2013-14 recipient of the Australian International Opera Award. Greta has previously recorded for Sony Music, ABC Classics and independently, including two solo albums that topped the Australian classical charts for some weeks. In 2015 Greta recorded her debut operatic recording with Richard Bonynge conducting the English Chamber Orchestra, “My Hero” for international release on Decca. Later this year she will present the role of Eurydice in Haydn’s opera L’anima del filosofo under the baton of Richard Bonynge, will tour internationally with Zubin Mehta and the Australian World Orchestra, will tour internationally with Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson and Lisa McCune, and will present concerts around the Asia pacific, UK and Europe.

“Exquisite soprano Greta Bradman made the strongest possible impression, winning a legion of admirers in her role debut as Rodelinda. Throughout the night, Bradman exhibited extraordinary control of her voice. Her skill for beginning phrases with rock-solid pitching of high notes was heard in act two’s “Spietati, io vi giurai”, while her incredible sustained pianissmo was heard in “Ritorna, o caro e dolce mio tesoro”, in which her voice seemed to float upwards on scarcely a whisper of breath. A magnetic stage presence and a great beauty, Bradman’s further appearance in fully staged works is highly anticipated.”
– (SimonParrisManInChair, 2014)
“Soprano Greta Bradman, winner of the 2013 Australian International Opera Award and in the title role of Rodelinda, demonstrated regal splendor and human heart. In Rodelinda’s opening two arias of Act 1, “Ho perduto il caro sposo” and “L’empio rigor del fatto”, Bradman impressed with dramatic expressive shift from loss to determination; the heart and the queen on full display.
“Elegantly poised and in effortless form, Bradman mesmerized with expansive vocal range, piercing strength and accelerative agility from brave, grounded low notes to glistening highs. Later, as Rodelinda realises her husband is still alive, her Act 2 aria “Ritorna, o caro edolce mio tesoro”, exhibited stunning textural layering, a glassy fragility and striking gossamer-like pianissimo. The role is demanding and Bradman was clearly savouring the part all along.”
-(Aussie Theatre, Oct 2014)

S.A.G.E. Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-08-28 11:00 - 13:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
SAGE is a monthly seminar program that is presented by renowned psychotherapist and author Dr Francis Macnab. Each month we choose a theme and bring you a series of strategies and tools to help you cope with the big stresses in the years post 55, reshaping your meaning of life, dealing with the fears that flit through these years, living well and knowing the books to read, the music to listen to that will inspire wellbeing.

This month Dr Macnab will be exploring:

Cost: $20 (which includes tea, coffee and a light lunch.)

Sunday Service
2015-08-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2015-09-13 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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

Philosophy for Beginners
2015-08-30 11:45 - 12:45 | Kurrajong Room, 120 Collins, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Thinking Outside The Square
A lively, interactive discussion group, presented by Dr Peter Kingsbury, focusing on thinking outside the square. Designed to inspire creative and innovative thinking.
Cost: free
Booking not required

Risks & Opportunities: A World in Ferment
2015-09-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2015-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2015-09-15 18:00 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
We are delighted to have one of Australia’s leading International Relations scholars and commentators, Professor Joseph A. Camilleri OAM present this insightful lecture series.
This series aims to shed light on the critical psycho-social, economic, environmental and security challenges of our times as they affect us personally and our life prospects, our networks and communities, Australia and the world. Opening new ways of thinking about the past and present and new possibilities for reshaping the future.

Program
6pm- 8pm, September 1 – Life on Planet Earth
Sustaining hope in the midst of fragility and uncertainty
6pm- 8pm, September 8 – The World Economy: An ‘ocean liner without lifeboats’
Financial crises and the myths of the free market: the case for regulation
6pm- 8pm, September 15 – Islam, Islamism and Islamophobia
Religion and politics; terrorism and the ‘war on terror’
6pm- 8pm, September 22 – The Democratic Deficit
What it is and what to do about it
6pm- 8pm, September 29 – State of the Nation
How is Australia faring? A fresh look at its society, economy and politics

Please note there is limited seating for this series, book early to secure your tickets.
Cost: $15 per lecture or $50 for the whole series

Mobile Minds
2015-09-06 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Unfortunately this event has been cancelled
Please keep an eye out for the next one which will be held on Sunday 1 November

Bayside Book Group
2015-09-06 14:30 - 17:00
The next Bayside Book Group meeting will be held on Sunday 6th September at 2.30pm at Lyndell O’Brien’s home in Beaumaris.
We are reading ‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ by Thomas Hardy.
For any further details please contact Lyndell on 0408 577 357.

Poetry Group
2015-09-13 11:45 - 12:45 | Camellia Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
A group that meets to read poetry, share work and be inspired about all things poetry.
This group aims to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone is encouraged to explore the wonders of poetry in a supportive and fun environment.
Facilitated by Dr Peter Kingsbury this program is free of charge and there is no need to book in advance.
Cost: free
Bookings not required

Pope Francis and other Prophetic Voices
2015-09-17 08:30 - 17:30
Calling Us to Reshape the Public Sphere
a conference to reflect on and respond to Pope Francis’ pontificate.

Pope Francis’ vision of faith challenges us to renew our commitment to the public good, be inclusive and just and to welcome the poor and the vulnerable. It is a vision which embraces people of all faiths, cultures and all people of good will.
Speakers
The conference speakers include:
• Fr Frank Brennan sj AO
• Dr Rachael Kohn
• Professor Patrick Dodson
• Fr Jerry Rosario sj (India)
• Dr Jenny Te Paa Daniel (New Zealand)
Who should attend?
Members of all faiths, cultures and communities are warmly invited to join us in this unique event where together we will listen, speak, reflect and engage in a common effort to renew the public sphere. Post conference conversations and reflections will ensure together we continue to action conference outcomes.
Conference Details
Pope Francis and other Prophetic Voices:
Calling Us to Reshape the Public Sphere
Thursday 17 to Friday & 18 September 2015
St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne
Two options: Registration $125 or
Registration-PLUS at $150 or $200 (see this website for details)
Supporting Events
Youth Forum: 9am-4pm Wednesday 16 September 2015Registration: $35
Venue: St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne
Public Forum: 7.30pm – 9.30pm Thursday 17 September 2015
Venue: Australian Catholic University, Cathedral Hall,
20 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne
For more information: www.acu.edu.au/popefrancis
Facebook: #reshapingthepublicsphere
e: iace@acu.edu.au
t: +61 2 9701 4176
Register now at: www.acu.edu.au/616950

Lunchtime Recital - Cancelled
2015-09-17 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Please not that there will be no lunchtime recital at St Michael’s this Thursday
