Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-07-18 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-07-25 13:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
Share our flyer
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
1920s Remodel
When the original Hill organ needed repair, the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons built a new instrument in 1923. They used some of the parts from the original. They also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system. This meant the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
In 1951, the organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, the organ needed another update.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time by George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
The console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in 1978 and the 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are electro-pneumatic.

Sunday Gathering: a Progressive Christian service in churh and online
2024-07-21 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
‘Breathe’ by Sibayak
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost – 21 July 2024, 10 am
“Rested and refreshed”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Dr Joel Brennan (Trumpet) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Living the Questions 2.0 - Social Justice: Realizing God’s Vision
2024-07-21 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Explore the biblical foundations, theological grounding, and spiritual practices at the heart of Progressive Christianity in this video-based discussion series.
Join us for Session 16 – Social Justice: Realizing God’s Vision
FOCUS: Being a person of faith demands balancing spiritual pursuits with action. In a society which is often unjust, inequitable, and whose very structures
are responsible for generating untold suffering and poverty, we are compelled to pursue social justice as an expression of hope in realizing a better world.
Facilitator: Peter Kahane

For session resources please email your request to office@stmichaels.org.au
Art: World of Peace and Justice by John August Swanson

St Michael's: Open House Melbourne
2024-07-27 12:00 - 16:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
We are thrilled to be participating in Open House Melbourne ‘Re/Discover Your City’ weekend.
The church will be open from noon to 4pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Self-guided tour information will be accessible by QR code.
We invite you to explore the unique architecture, take a moment in Mingary—the Quiet Place, or enjoy the music.
Volunteers will be available to provide information about the church’s architecture, history, and ethos.
St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak, will perform 10-minute recitals on the Grand Organ hourly from noon to 3pm both days.
Due to safety requirements, the upstairs gallery is closed to visitors.
Visitors are welcome to attend the 10am Sunday Service to experience the life of the current congregation.
About St Michael’s
St Michael’s Uniting Church, completed in 1866, is notable for its striking architecture and cultural heritage. The National Trust-classified building features Romanesque arches, a turreted spire and multicoloured brickwork. The theatre-inspired auditorium is unique in Melbourne and today the church is home to an inclusive, progressive Christian community committed to compassion, justice and full inclusion of LGBTIQA+ people.
Visitors can enjoy the contemporary stained-glass windows by artist Klaus Zimmer and the elegant sanctuary furniture, and hear the magnificent Grand Organ. Mingary—the Quiet Place, a peaceful sanctuary for people of all religions and cultures devoted to healing and restoration, will also be open.
For more information: St Michael’s Uniting Church | Open House Melbourne

Sunday Gathering - in church and online service
2024-07-28 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Red Flowers by Deb from unsplash.com
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – 28 July 2024, 10 am
“Abundance in shared sustenance”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Reflection by Chris Phillips
Music: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

St Michael's - Open House Melbourne
2024-07-28 12:00 - 16:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-08-01 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-08-15 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-08-22 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
Share our flyer
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 in England by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
The first organ was erected by George Fincham, Richmond, and opened 19 September 1867 by David Lee.
1920s Remodel
When the original Hill organ needed repair, the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons built a new instrument in 1923. They used some of the parts from the original. They also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system allowing the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
The organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action in 1951.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, so the organ needed updating.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time the builder was George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
In 1978 the console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position. The swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are still electro-pneumatic.

Sunday Gathering - in church or online service
2024-08-04 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: “Peace Earth” by Connie Larson
https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-peace-earth-image662842.
Royalty free image.
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – 4 August 2024, 10 am
“No peace without justice”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-08-08 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-09-05 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-09-12 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-09-26 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
Share our flyer
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
1920s Remodel
A new instrument was built in 1923 by the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons when the original Hill organ needed repair. Some of the parts from the original were used.
The rebuild also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system. This meant the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
In 1951, the organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, the organ needed another update.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time by George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
The console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in 1978 and the 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are electro-pneumatic.

Church Gathering - in church and online services
2024-08-18 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Sunday Gathering 10am in the church
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 18 August 2024, 10 am
“Invited to dine at Wisdom’s feast”

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Elyane Laussade (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)

Living the Questions - Incarnation: Divinely Human
2024-08-18 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Explore the biblical foundations, theological grounding, and spiritual practices at the heart of Progressive Christianity in this video-based discussion series.
Join us for Session 17: Incarnation: Divinely Human
FOCUS: The meaning of the incarnation has been debated since the beginning of Christianity. Although often associated with Jesus alone, the notion of incarnation can be understood most fully when it also includes Jesus’ followers, called, like Jesus, to enflesh the Spirit in divinely human ways.
Where: Waratah Room, Level 1, St Michael’s Administration Building

Church Gathering - Progressive Christian church service - in church and online
2024-08-25 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 25 August 2024, 10 am
“Called to community”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Peter Sheridan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

St Michael's Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-08-29 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia

Sunday Church Gathering - Progressive Christian Service in church and online
2024-09-01 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Season of Creation – 1 September 2024, 10 am
“What to keep and what to discard”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Music: Edwina Cordingley (Cello) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Meditation Session
2024-09-01 12:00 - 12:30 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Breathe in. Breath out. Take some time to yourself .
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset.
Facilitated by Pamela Blood.

Sunday Gathering - Progressive Christian services in church and online
2024-09-08 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Season of Creation – 8 September 2024, 10 am
“What don’t we hear and what don’t we speak of?”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Susie Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering - Progressive Christian services in church and online
2024-09-15 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Images: Turgay Koca from pexels.com
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Season of Creation – 15 September 2024, 10 am
“Soul work”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Living the Questions 2.0
2024-09-15 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Image: Francine Schaepper
Explore the biblical foundations, theological grounding, and spiritual practices at the heart of Progressive Christianity in this video-based discussion series.
Join us for Session 18: Prayer: Intimacy with God.
FOCUS: The idea of prayer as the primary method of interaction with God is best thought of as a way of life rather than an activity reserved for specific times, places, and formulas.
Please contact the St Michael’s office for LTQ2.0 reading materials.
Facilitator: Neil Blood

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-09-19 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s lunchtime organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the magnificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church in Melbourne.

The Organ Recital this Thursdays will be a little different with Joel Brennan (trumpet) playing alongside St Michael’s organist Rhys Boak.
The glorious program includes works by composers Handel, Greenbaum, Beethoven and Sachse:
1. Suite in D Major – G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
i) Overture
ii) Gigue
iii) Aria
iv) Bourree
v) March
2. The Lighting of the Candles – Stuart Greenbaum (b. 1966)
3. Adagio Cantabile – L. Van Beethoven (1770-1827) transc. Norman Fraser
4. Concertino – Ernst Sachse (1813-1870) arr. Rhys Boak

Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recital series features St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
For over the decade the free organ recitals have brought the joy and beauty of live music to many Melbournians and visitors.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Recital starts at 1:00pm
Share our flyer
__________________________________________________________________________________________
A History of the St Michael’s Organ
The first St Michael’s organ was built in 1866 by the famous London firm of Hill & Son (job number 1204).
It was a two manual, mechanical action organ that contained 18 speaking stops. Interestingly, the pipework and some of the wind chests were the basis for the subsequent instruments.
1920s Remodel
A new instrument was built in 1923 by the Melbourne company George Fincham & Sons when the original Hill organ needed repair. Some of the parts from the original were used.
The rebuild also included the then popular, tubular-pneumatic action system. This meant the organist could be seated away from the organ pipes and allowed them to have a lighter key touch.
1950s Rebuild
In 1951, the organ was rebuilt and fitted with electro-pneumatic action.
Prominent English organist and composer Eric Thiman opened the organ.
Current Organ
As the needs of the church outgrew, the organ needed another update.
The organ you see in St Michael’s today was built in 1958 by George Fincham and Sons (who also built the 1923 organ). This time by George Bowring Fincham, grandson of the original George Fincham who started the company in 1864!
The console was moved from its central location beneath the pulpit to the current position in 1978 and the 1979 the swell mixture stop was recast in 1979.
The present organ has 3 manuals and pedals, 44 speaking stops and approximately 2225 speaking pipes.
The keys and stop action are electro-pneumatic.

St Michael's Day Sunday Gathering - In church and Online
2024-09-22 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here
St Michael’s Day – Sunday 22 September, 10 am
“Peace in our hearts and peace in the land
A unique service led by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Peter Sheridan (Flute), The St Michael’s Singers, The St Michael’s String Ensemble and Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
______________________________________
Continue the celebrations with:
“Songs of Justice & Peace – A Special Concert Recital”
A free concert featuring Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano), Rhys Boak (Piano & Harmonium)
& the St Michael’s String Ensemble.
We celebrate St Michael’s and the Season of Creation with music that speaks of the beauty of unity and peace.
Donations to “Koorie Heritage Trust” welcome
Wednesday, 25 September, 7 pm | St Michael’s Uniting Church

Songs of Justice & Peace - a concert
2024-09-25 19:00 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Bertelli Fotografia (detail) from www.pexels.com
As part of the Celebration of St Michael’s Uniting Church and the Season of Creation, St Michael’s presents:
Songs of
Justice & Peace
Featuring:
Georgia Wilkinson – Soprano
Rhys Boak – Piano & Harmonium
& the St Michael’s String Ensemble
This special free concert will feature music that invokes a feeling of joy, and sense of belonging and peace.
Program
1. Pie Jesu – Andrew Lloyd-Webber (b. 1948)
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
Susie Ng violin
Rhys Boak piano
2. Ave Maria da Caccini – Vladimir Vavilov (1935-1973)
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
The St Michael’s String Ensemble
Rhys Boak harmonium
3. A Londonderry Air (Traditional)
Edwina Cordingley cello
Rhys Boak piano
4. Beau Soir – Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Helen Bower violin
Rhys Boak piano
5. A Chloris – Reynaldo Hahn (1874-1947)
Helen Bower violin
Rhys Boak piano Wednesday
6. Sicilienne – Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)
Edwina Cordingley cello
Rhys Boak piano
7. Pie Jesu – Gabriel Faure
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
The St Michael’s String Ensemble
Rhys Boak harmonium
8. From the Cello Suite in G major BWV 1007 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
i) Prelude
ii) Courante
iii) Gigue
Edwina Cordingley cello
9. A Blackbird Singing – Michael Head (1900-1976)
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
Rhys Boak piano
10. Ave Maria – Charles Gounod (1818-1893) / J.S. Bach
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
Rhys Boak piano
11. Je veux vivre from Romeo et Julie – Charles Gounod
Georgia Wilkinson soprano
Rhys Boak piano
________________________________________
Doors open at 6:30pm
Free event. donations to the Koorie Heritage Trust are welcome.
Share our flyer

Sunday Gathering at St Michael's - in church and online
2024-09-29 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Orlova Maria | Pexels
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – 29 September 2024, 10 am
“What’s the point of praying?”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Exploring Belonging at St Michael's
2024-09-29 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
St Michael’s is holding two ‘Exploring Belonging’ sessions with Rev Dr Margaret Mayman.
Session 1: Sunday 29 September:
An opportunity to hear from Margaret, learn about Progressive Christianity and the Mission and Vision of the St Michael’s.
All are welcome whether a long term attendee or a newcomer to St Michael’s.
Session 2: Sunday 13 October
For anyone interested in becoming a Member or Companion of St Michael’s. Margaret will cover the process of becoming a Member or Companion, and what this will mean for you and the church.
When: 11:45 am to 12:45 pm
Where: Waratah Room, Level 1
For further information please speak with Margaret, Lyndell O’Brien or Catherine Jones from the Contact & Care Committee or contact the church office on 9654 5120 or office@stmichaels.org.au

Sunday Gathering at St Michael's - In church and online
2024-10-06 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is a vibrant, inclusive, hospitable and community-focused congregation, sharing progressive Christian theology and practice in church in Melbourne and online.
Join us for an inclusive service based in Progressive Christian theology.
Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – 6 October 2024, 10 am
“Relationships of love and justice”

Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Susannah Ng (Violin) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here
