St Michael's Uniting Church

Lunchtime Recital
2015-11-12 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-10-15 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-10-08 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-10-01 13:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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.

Sunday Service - Remembrance Service and Unveiling of St Michael's Pillars
2015-11-08 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.

Lunchtime Recital
2015-11-05 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.
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.
Today’s Program:
Rhys Boak

Toccata and Fugue in D minor ‘The Dorian’ BWV 538 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Elegy – George Thalben-Ball (1896-1987)
Grand Choeur Dialogue – Eugène Gigout (1844-1925)

Mobile Minds
2015-11-01 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Expand the usefulness and enjoyment of your phone and tablet in this friendly forum exploring how mobile technology can have a positive impact on our lives.
Bring out your inquisitive nature with these workshops designed to share new and interesting apps and activities, and learn new ideas for both Android and iOS devices. Participants are encouraged to “show and tell” their favorite apps and ideas.
This workshop is complemented by our blog which will contain notes from each meeting, ideas for upcoming meetings and general ideas and comments from any interested mobile device user. You can access the blog by visiting http://www.themobileminds.blogspot.com.au

French Conversation
2015-11-01 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-10-04 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

Sunday Service
2015-11-01 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: Megan Reeve (Harp)
Music between the readings: Nocturn – Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857)
Mikhail Glinka was the first composer to gain national fame in his native Russia. He is regarded as the father of Russian music, influencing later composers to write in a distinctive Russian style.
Music during the offering: Variations on a theme of Mozart – Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857)
The postlude: Grand Choeur Dialogue – Eugène Gigout (1844-1925)
After completing his studies as a student of Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns, Eugène Gigout served as organist at Paris’ Sainte-Augustin Church for an amazing 62 years. As the title suggests – this work is a musical dialogue between two of the organ’s choruses (groups of organ stops). Today we hear the organ’s trumpet stop (which has been heard at St Michael’s since 1867) pitched in musical battle against the rest of the organ. The result is thrilling and typical of the school of French organ composition that emerged at the end of the nineteenth century.
Artist Bio: Megan has been performing professionally on the harp for over twenty years. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree with Honours from the University of Melbourne, a Master of Music Performance degree from the Victorian College of the Arts, and a Master of Arts in Music, Culture and Politics from Cardiff University, Wales.
Megan has also completed a Summer Academy course in Salzburg, Austria. Megan has performed with a diverse range of music ensemble, from the Melbourne Symphony and the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, through to touring with Jose Carreras, the Bolshoi Ballet and Kanye West for the U2 Vertigo tour. Her television appearances include ‘Good Morning Australia’, ‘It Takes Two’, ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘Spicks and Specks’.
She has recorded on the Move and Naxos labels. Megan has performed with Chamber Music Australia for the Melbourne International Festival of the Arts and is a founding member of chamber music group the ‘Miscellany Ensemble’ and duo ‘voxArpa’. Her public speaking skills have seen her in demand as a guest speaker at events around the United Kingdom and Australia, where she has presented a paper at the 5th Australian Harp Festival.

S.A.G.E. Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-10-30 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 discuss the topic:

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

Lunchtime Recital
2015-10-29 01:00 - 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.
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.

Today’s Program:
Rhys Boak

Fantasia and Fugue in G minor BWV 542 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Claire de lune – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
Final from the first organ symphonie – Louis Vierne

music for david
2015-10-25 13:30 - 15:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Rhys Boak – organ, Michael MacManus – classical guitar, Nathan Lay – baritone, Jeremy Kleeman – bass baritone, with accompanist David Ross-Smith will perform a delightful varied program including instrumental works by Haydn, Elgar and Albeniz; opera arias by Mozart, Lieder by Schubert and Schumann, English Art-Songs, Ballads and vocal duets by Offenbach, Rodgers & Hammerstein and Sondheim.
The concert will be followed by refreshments.
Admission charge: $25 (children free)
Enquiries and bookings phone David Ross-Smith on 9809 0550 or 0429 907 908 or email:davidshrs927@gmail.com

More about the Music for David program
Music For David is a program of Uniting AgeWell (UA) Carer Respite Service and has been set up in memory of The Reverend David Hodges, AM. From 1969 he was Chairman of Presbyterian Social Services and a key person in the establishment of The Uniting Church and its Social Services in 1977. Before retiring from full-time ministry in 1983, David was Minister of Toorak Uniting Church and actively involved the Church in community programs to support the young, families and elderly; and through programs of the Arts, to enhance the spiritual life of people in the community and the Church’s congregation in Services of Worship.
David began to develop dementia about six years before his death in January 2012 and from 2011 UA Carer Respite Service supported him and his partner, the musician David Ross-Smith, during this period of physical and mental decline. Music played a significant part in David’s care. At David Hodges’ Service of Thanksgiving at Toorak Uniting Church, donations received for his book titled ‘Making Love Real’ were directed, on the request of his family, to UA Carer Respite Service to assist other carers who support a family member with dementia. This memorial gift became the foundation of the Music For David program.
The program supports carers of people living with dementia by giving short term respite through music. At the same time the program provides a meaningful, relevant and enjoyable activity for the person with dementia. Research has found appropriate and familiar music to be of great benefit to those living with dementia, helping ease symptoms of restlessness, anxiety or agitation.
The music must be customised to suit the individual. Finding the right music is at the core of the Music For David program.
Would you like to Donate?
This program is funded by donations and fundraising events organized by the Friends of Music For David. To donate to the program, please contact Carer Respite Services on 9845 3143.
For further information please contact:
Music For David— Project Officer
Carer Respite Services
Telephone (03) 9845 3143
Email: respite.east@unitingagewell.org
Ticket information
Enquiries and Bookings: David Ross-Smith 9809 0550 / 0429 907 908

Kenneth Ralph Book Launch - Conversations with the Author
2015-10-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
We are delighted to announce that on Sunday 25 October Kenneth Ralph will be launching his new book Your Final Choice – Hastening Your Death When Terminally Ill at St Michael’s on Collins.

10am, Dr Macnab will interview Mr Ralph duirng the Sunday Service
Book signing after service in the St Michael’s Hall
12pm-1pm, Conversation with the author in the Wellbeing Studio, first floor of the St Michael’s Administration Building

Kenneth’s book is a compelling analysis of the options available to terminally ill Australians and invites us to have a decisive say in how the drama of our last days plays out. It is full of stories, anecdotes and the lifelong experience of Ken Ralph, a well-respected family and mental health counsellor located in Geelong. Ken trained in philosophy at Otago, religion at Princeton and psychotherapy in Melbourne.
The book has been highly commended by Professor Rob Moodie, Professor of Public Health University of Melbourne, Dr Leslie Cannold, medical ethicist, author and Humanist of the Year 2011, Dr. Lindy Jeffree, Brisbane Neurosurgeon and Brain Cancer Specialist, Kenneth Davidson, The Age Columnist, Dr Ruth Webber, Sociologist and author and Dr. Roger Hunt, Palliative Care Specialist.
In order to arrange refreshments for this event we ask that if you would like to attend please click here to RSVP call 9654 5120

Philosophy for Beginners
2015-10-25 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

Sunday Service
2015-10-25 10:00 - 22:00 | 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: Joe Chindamo (piano)
Music between the readings: My Favourite Things – Richard Rogers (1902-1979)
Music during the offering: Saying Goodbye – Joe Chindamo
The Postlude: ‘Dead March’ from Saul – G. F. Handel (1685-1757)
Artist Bio: JOE CHINDAMO is musical polyglot in the tradition of Bernstein and Previn. He is routinely described as one of the best jazz pianists in the world, though his art transcends jazz, having composed concertos, chamber music and film music. He possesses an uncanny ability to personalise anything which enters his orbit, as is evident in his work with violinist and duo partner Zoe Black. With twenty three CDs in his wake, many of them topping charts in Japan, countless world tours and a plethora of awards, he can comfortably take his place amongst the best jazz pianists in the world. Joe has recently returned from Carnegie Hall in New York where he performed some of his classical compositions.

Martin Buber Commemorative Lecture
2015-10-22 18:00 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Moments that Matter
When Everybody Matters
I Speak. But Am I Being Heard?
I Listen. But What Are They Saying?
Dr Francis Macnab explores the continuing influence of Martin Buber, a great sage of the 20th century, on today’s psychoanalysis, politics and religion.
With special guest Rabbi Dr John Levi.

FREE PUBLIC LECTURE
St Michael’s Hall – located in the St Michael’s Administration building
Refreshments at 6pm, lecture starts 6.30pm

Lunchtime Recital
2015-10-22 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.

Today’s recital will be performed by Douglas Lawrence OAM

The program will include

From the Mass for the Parishes – Francois Couperin (1688 – 1733)
i) Plein Chant
ii) Fugue for the trumpets
iii) Recit
iv) Fugue for the Cromorne
v) Tierce en Taille (recitative in the tenor)
vi) Plein Chant

Ciacona in E minor – Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707)
Chorale Prelude: My heat is filled with longing – Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707)
Prelude and Fugue in F major Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707)

Le banquet celeste (the heavenly banquet) – Olivier Messiaen (1908 – 1992)

Prelude in E flat major – Gabriel Pierné (1863 – 1937)

The guest artists for 10am, Sunday 25 October: Joe Chindamo (Piano)
Next Thursday’s recital will be performed by Rhys Boak

Controlling Your Information
2015-10-18 11:45 - 13:30
We can feel overwhelmed by all the information we are bombarded with throughout the day: television, radio, digital, billboards, phone calls, meetings, conversations… We can often feel out of control and forget important tasks and information.
Help is available. Learn how to control the chaos and reduce anxiety in your personal and business lives.
This workshop will address:
– Identifying information that is important to us
– Capturing the information
– Organising and filtering the information
– Setting Priorities
– Retrieving the Information
– Getting things done

Bring any Windows, Mac, Phone or Tablet (iOS or Android) loaded with a copy of EVERNOTE (a free App) to the workshop.

Click here to learn how to set up your device

When: 11.45am for a 12pm start
Date: Sunday October 18th
Where: St Michael’s Hall Level 2 120 Collins Street
Cost: $5 (including a light lunch)
RSVP: help us arrange catering and book online by clinking the link below or call 9654 5120
BOOK NOW

Sunday Service
2015-10-18 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

Searchers’ Group Excursions
2015-10-11 12:00 | Various, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
This open and reflective group invites you to explore other religious and cultural institutions of Melbourne.
12 April: Islamic Museum
21 June: Jewish Museum
9 August: Buddhist Centre
11 October: Immigration Museum
Contact Simon McCall on 0450 216 440 for details.

Poetry Group
2015-10-11 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

Sunday Service
2015-10-11 10:00 - 23:00 | 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: Joshua de Graaf (Oboe)
Music between the readings: Air from the orchestral suite No. 3 in D major BWV 1068 – J.S. Bach
This well known work is perhaps best known by its nickname, the ‘Air on the G string’. The orchestral suite from which it comes was composed by Bach during his time in Leipzig, sometime around 1730.
Music during the offering: Allegro from the oboe sonata in G minor, Op. 6 No.1 – G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
This Sonata, published in London and written by Handel (born the same year as Bach) dates from 1732 and comes from a set of 12 sonatas.
The Postlude: Toccata in 7 – John Rutter (b. 1945)
This brief, and very contemporary toccata for organ demonstrates Rutter’s considerable rhythmic invention, using the unconventional time signature of 7/8. About the music of John Rutter, The London Evening Standard claimed “For the infectiousness of his melodic invention and consummate craftsmanship, Rutter has few peers.
Artist Bio: Joshua de Graaf began studying oboe at the age of 11 under the guidance of Neil Stafford. He went on to complete a Bachelor of Music Performance with Honours in 2004 at the Victorian College of the Arts, studying with Anne Gilby and Eve Newsome. In his final year he was a finalist in the VCA concerto competition, performing the Mozart oboe concerto.
In 2005, Joshua accepted a scholarship at the Australian National Academy of Music and studied with Jeffrey Crellin. In 2006, after two years at ANAM, Joshua won the position of Associate Principal Oboe in Orchestra Victoria, the position he holds today.
Joshua has also performed across the country as a member of the Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestras, and the Australian Chamber Orchestra. He has also performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. As a chamber musician, Joshua has performed with the Southern Cross Soloists, and has toured with AYO’s Young Australian Concert Artists Wind Quintet as well as Musica Viva’s Crosswinds Trio in rural Queensland.

Gilbert and Sullivan Performance
2015-10-04 13:00 - 14:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Whether you are a Gilbert & Sullivan devotee, a casual fan, or you are not even sure you know who they are; this uplifting concert of musical theatre will have you humming along in your seat.
Join us for an afternoon of wit, parody and song with a selection of your favourite songs performed by the infamous Savoy Opera Company Inc.
Featuring songs from The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, The Yeomen on the Guard, Gondoliers and many more…

Tickets: $10pp

Sunday Service
2015-10-04 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

Gilbert and Sullivan Performance
1pm, Sunday 4 October
Join us at 1pm, after the service, for a special musical event in the church
Whether you are a Gilbert & Sullivan devotee, a casual fan, or you are not even sure you know who they are; this uplifting concert of musical theatre will have you humming along in your seat.
Join us for an afternoon of wit, parody and song with a selection of your favourite songs performed by the infamous Savoy Opera Company Inc.
Featuring songs from The Mikado, Pirates of Penzance, The Yeomen on the Guard, Gondoliers and many more…
Tickets: $10pp
BOOK NOW

Risks and Opportunities - Australia: State of the Nation
2015-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | St Michael’s on Collins, 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.
6pm, Tuesday 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th September

In the final lecture, to be held in St Michael’s Church, Professor Camilleri will turn the spotlight on Australia: the aspirations and anxieties of a new generation; the changing fabric of Australian society; and the prospects of adjusting to the realities of a world in ferment.
He will also engage in conversation on these and related issues two leading thinkers and practitioners:

Professor Marilyn Lake, University of Melbourne, noted historian, author of prize winning books, and Immediate Past President of the Australian Historical Association

Julian Burnside AO QC, leading Australian barrister, author, and outspoken human rights and refugee advocate.

Audience members will be invited to join in the conversation.

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
Book Now

Art Competition - Winner Announced
2015-09-27 12:00 - 13:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
The winner of the first St Michael’s Day Art Competition will be announced in the gallery after the Sunday Service.
The winner will recive $1000 and a 2016 solo exhibition in the St Michael’s Gallery.

Harp Performance
2015-09-27 11:45 - 12:15
Experience the beauty of Mingary, The Quiet Place, with this inspirational performance.
Mingary is a place dedicated to inspiration and healing. It is here for your time to pause, to turn inward in reflection, for your time to turn outward for inspiration and seek the strength for a new beginning.

St Michael's Day Service
2015-09-27 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Each year during St Michael’s Week, St Michael’s Uniting Church presents two people with the St Michael’s Medallion in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the community.
Two organisations that embody the theme for St Michael’s Week of ‘Quietness’ have been chosen to receive medallions this year. Both organisations work quietly to make significant changes to the lives of many Australians.
The awards recognise the tireless efforts of these organisations to prevent trauma and violence and promote positive growth and wellbeing.
We invite you to join us for a week of events celebrating the power of quiet achievement.
Click here to download the St Michael’s Week Event Book

Music at St Michael’s
Guest Artists for the St Michael’s Day Service will include:
The St Michael’s Brass Ensemble led by Bruno Siketa
The St Michael’s Singers
The Academy of St. Michael
The Choir of The Scots’ Church Melbourne directed by Doulgas Lawrence OAM
Gunta Cēse – Soprano
Guest Conductor – Evgeny Chebykin
Musical Driector & Organist – Rhys Boak

A special thank you to artist Irina Sztukowski for her permission to use her beautiful artwork Calm Quiet Morning as the cover of this years St Michael’s Week Events Booklet – See more of her stunning artwork at her website www.artirina.com

The Blessing of the Rocks
2015-09-27 09:30 - 10:00 | St Michael’s Gardens, 120, Melbourne, 3000
Rocks have been placed in the gardens of St Michael’s as symbols. Millions of years old they remind us that we are here for but a fleeting moment in time. They also remind us of strength and stability.
All in attendance will scatter petals upon the rocks. The petals are symbols of softness, and our need for peaceful serenity.
The blessing of the rocks gives us the opportunity to pause and reflect on the time we have and how we wish to use it.
