St Michael's Uniting Church

Healing Our Planet Earth (H.O.P.E.)
2017-09-10 11:45 - 12:45 (Australia/Melbourne) | Kurrajong Room, 120 Collins, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Today we will host a round-table discussion over nibbles with a look at little-known aspects of Seaweed, Cement & Plastic.
Drawing from research by the ABC Catalyst program, with Prof Tim Flannery & the Melbourne Univ think-tank Beyond Zero Emissions, Sally Clarke will host the session, including any news & views you are invited to share.
BYO lunch Tea & coffee supplied.
When: Sunday 10 September, 11.45 am
Location: Kurrajong Room, Level 1, St Michael’s Place.
Enquiries: Sally Clarke, Roger Hersey, Cheryl Power.

Sunday Service
2017-09-10 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.

Esther Schöpf (Violin) and Norbert Groh (Organ and Piano)
Visiting from Germany, the Duo Esther Schoepf and Norbert Groh is renowned for its diversity and liveliness – its broad repertoire spanning nearly all musical genres from classical concerts to so-called „easy-listening“ music.
Besides their own performances, Esther and Norbert regularly work together on numerous projects with theaters, film-makers, performance artists and also compose music for radio plays. Over the past years they have arranged the music for over 40 features and plays for the “Bayerische Rundfunk“ – including the six-part series „Die Kinder der Manns“ (The Children of the [Thomas] Mann Family) which also appeared as an audiobook.
The Duo´s latest CD production „Begegnungen“ (Encounters) was released in the Fall, 2015 under the label „Stringendo“ (Stringendo Music); under which they have also collected and recorded numerous chamber music works suitable for young aspiring musicians.

Music between the readings: Allegro moderato from the Sonata in A major for piano and violin – César Franck (1822-1890)
Music during the offering: Etude No 2 in C sharp minor for piano, opus 2 – Alexander Scriabin (1872-1915)
The Postlude: Romanze in G major for violin and organ, opus 26 – Johan Severin Svendsen (1840-1911)

Esther Schöpf (violin)
Born in the Odenwald region of southern Hesse (Germany), Esther started playing violin at the age of four and after graduation from high school went on to study violin and chamber music at the Music Conservatories of Munich (Germany) and Geneva (Switzerland). Together with her chamber music ensembles “Schwabinger Klaviertrio” and “NonSordino” she frequently performs at various national and international festivals (e.g. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, Würzburger Mozart Festspiele and Heidelberger Frühling). She is concertmaster of the Munich Daimler Orchestra and of the Chamber Orchestra Stringendo. In addition, Esther develops projects combining music and literature that regularly lead to co-productions with various theaters in Munich. Numerous CD productions document her artistic work.

Norbert Groh (piano, organ)
Born near Bamberg in Bavaria (Germany) Norbert started playing piano, organ, cembalo and accordion at an early age. His exceptional versatile musical talent soon earned him numerous awards in various competitions. He went on to study music at the “Musikhochschule” (University-level College of Music) of Munich, Karlsruhe and Vienna. In addition he studied conducting at the Richard Strauss Conservatory in Munich, which led to positions at the Augsburg Municipal Opera and the Bavarian State Opera in Munich.
As soloist (piano, organ, cembalo), as chamber musician and as conductor, Norbert regularly performs at various national and international venues such as the Schleswig-Holstein Festival, the Munich Opera Festival, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival and the festival “amici della musica, Milano”. Concert tours have led him to the USA, Spain, Finnland, and other countries. He also composes and arranges music for radio plays for the “Bayerischer Rundfunk” (Bavarian Radio) and an audio-book publisher. Numerous CD and radio productions document his artistic work.

Organ Recital
2017-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | 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 ninth 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.

Make Australia Great Again, or Make the Planet Great Again: Part One
2017-09-05 18:30 - 20:30 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
6.30pm, Tuesday 5 and 12 September
Back by popular demand, Professor Joseph Camilleri OAM will present this two-part lecture series.
These two lectures focus on Australia: how we see ourselves and ‘others’, how we understand our place in the world, what kind of future we envisage for ourselves and the Earth.
Ours is a time of turbulence, but now on a planetary scale. Many in the western world, Australia included, are anxious about the future, unsure where to turn for guidance or inspiration.
Some seek to exploit these anxieties, offering black and white explanations of our predicament. For some, the problem is immigration, for others Islamic fundamentalism, or simply Islam.
For others still, it is the conspiracy about global warming, or the forces driving globalisation. And so, for them the cure for all our ills is just as simple: cut immigration, or ban Muslims, or keep the coal industry going, or find security in the barrel of a gun.
Hence, Trump’s catch cry ‘make America great again’ and Marie Le Pen’s promise of a revolution of ‘patriots’. Australia’s equivalent voices are less well known but no less shrill.

The questions we need to ask – Tuesday 5 September
Australians are justifiably proud of having built a multicultural society in which people of widely different ethnic, religious and language backgrounds can live peacefully side by side. Yet, many remain suspicious of refugees and boat people, unconvinced of the benefits of immigration, disinclined to learn other languages, uncomfortable about acknowledging Indigenous Australians as custodians of this land.
This lecture will address some of the critical questions now before us:
Are we ready to enshrine in our constitution a ‘Voice for Australia’s First Nations’?
What should be the requirements of Australian citizenship?
How should we respond to the terrorist threat?
How can we best engage with Islam and with our Muslim communities?
What is the appropriate role of religion in the public sphere?
The choices that await us – Tuesday 12 September
Our political leaders often act as if the choice is between economy and environment. This lecture will argue that this is a false choice, and that reconciling economic and environmental priorities holds the key to Australia’s future.
Much has rightly been said about the fragility of Australia’s environment to which our agricultural and industrial practices, our lifestyles and patterns of consumption, and above all our carbon footprint have greatly contributed. Conventional wisdom has it that caring for the environment cannot come at the expense of our economic
prosperity. Similarly, responding to the challenge of climate change cannot mean placing international obligations above our national interests.
But the conventional wisdom may be mistaken. The lecture will canvas other ways of looking at ecological, economic and social wellbeing – and what this means for the national conversation and our public institutions. We have reached a critical point that calls for a radical rethink not just of policies, but also of institutions – and this includes parliaments, political parties, courts, media, schools and universities.

Time and Date: Doors open at 6pm, lecture starts at 6.30pm, Tuesday 5 and 12 September
Location: St Michael’s Place, Hall, Ground Floor, 120 Collins St, Melbourne
Tickets: $20 per lecture or $35 for both (Seats are limited, book early to secure yours)

French Conversation
2017-09-03 11:45 - 12:45 | Ministers Reception Room
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 with help and guidance on hand.

Sunday Service
2017-09-03 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.

Music between the readings: Beauty for Brokenness – Graham Kendrick (b.1950)
Music during the offering: “A Prayer of St. Richard of Chichester” – L.J. White (1910 – )
Music during communion: Ave Verum – W.A. Mozart (1756-1791)
The Postlude: Carillon du Longpont – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)

Organ Recital
2017-08-31 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-08-24 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-08-17 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-08-10 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-08-03 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-07-27 13:00 - 13:30, 2017-07-20 13:00 | 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 tenth 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.

Philosophy for Beginners
2017-08-27 11:45 - 12:45 | Camellia Room, 120 Collins St, 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.
FREE EVENT
No bookings required

Sunday Service
2017-08-27 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Guest Artists: Jenna Roubos (Soprano) & David Paterson (Piano)
Music between the readings: Après un rêve – Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)
Music during the offering: Gebet & Auf ein altes Bild – Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)
The Postlude: Mondnacht (Liederkreis) & Er der Herrlichste von allen (Frauenliebe und Leben) – Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Soprano Jenna Roubos holds a Bachelor of Music Performance from the Victorian College of The Arts and a Master of Teaching from Melbourne University.
Jenna’s awards and scholarships include Winner of The National Liederfest, the Bendigo Aria Vocal Award, The Robert Salzer Vocal Scholarship, and the Maroondah singers scholarship.
Jenna has appeared as a finalist in Australian Opera Scholars featured in ‘Opera in the Market’ performing with Orchestra Victoria, Semi finalist in the Herald Sun Aria, The German Opera Grant and finalist in the Armstead Singing Award.
Jenna’s debued her role as Belinda in Dido and Aeneas with the XL Arts Project and Georgie in “A Garden of Money” a lied production written by Noel Fidge.
Jenna has appeared in productions with the Victorian Opera, Melbourne Opera and Opera Scholars Australia. Recently returning from England, Jenna gave a recital with pianist Penelope Thwaites.
Founded in 2016, Jenna joined Trio Lorelei comprising of Mezzo-Soprano Alexandra Mathews and Pianist Georgina Lewis for vocal duet and piano.
Jenna has given numerous solo recitals for musical organisations including Australian Music Events Opera Scholars, BMW Edge, Federation Square, The Lieder Society of Victoria, The Musical Society of Victoria, The Team of Pianists, The National Gallery of Victoria and churches in Melbourne.
Born in Sydney, David began playing the violin at the age of 4, the piano at 7 and within five years had completed the initial eight grades of the A.M.E.B. piano scheme. At 12, David entered Newington College as a music scholar and in addition to his piano studies, studied composition and musicology with Richard Gill for a period of eight years before moving to London to complete his B.Mus (Hons) at the Royal College of Music where he studied with noted pianist and professor, Julian Jacobson. David has also received tuition from Boris Berman, Olli Mustonen, Paavali Jumppanen and Geoffrey Lancaster.
Whilst living in London, David worked extensively as a session pianist in addition to giving numerous recitals and concerts with a number of esteemed soloists and chamber groups. David has featured on a number of occasions on ABC Classic FM, Radio National, 2mbsFM and 3mbsFM in addition to having performed in many of the major concert halls and venues in Australia, Romania and the United Kingdom. David continues to work as a pianist specializing in chamber music in addition to his commitments as an avid educator.

Creative Faith Discussion Group
2017-08-20 11:45 - 12:45
Continuing our series The Things That Bring Meaning To Life, our next session we focus on our faith and our Spirituality, that undefined element of humanity that unites, enlightens, comforts and nourishes us.
We welcome you to this discussion group to join with a group from St Michael’s community, for a conversation about aspects of a faith that brings meaning to our lives.
Topic: Spirituality – so what – does it really matter?
Date: August 20. Time: 11.45 am to 12.45 pm
Location: Waratah Room, Level 1, St Michael’s Place. Tea and Coffee provided.

Exhibition Opening - Jane Downing "Gratitude"
2017-08-20 11:00 - 13:00
Join us as we celebrate the opening of Jane Downing’s vibrant and inspirational artwork in the St Michael’s Gallery.
Jane Downing focuses on things to be grateful for. Since embarking on her creative journey this sense of gratitude has been highlighted even more.
Jane started painting a year and a half ago. “It is my happy place; a place to ‘be’, reflect, ponder, be at peace and to explore and play.” She says.
Her bright paintings showcase her love of colour and expression. Jane paints from within, from her emotions, from her life experience; exploring the feeling of gratitude through art.
Jane aims to provoke thought, thanks, nurture, caring for each other through the paintings in this exhibition.

Sunday Service
2017-08-20 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.

Christopher Busietta (Tenor)
Music between the readings: Quanto è bella, quanto è cara – Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
Music during the offering: Una Furtiva Lagrima – Gaetano Donizetti (1797-1848)
The Postlude: Andante from Symphony No. 94 in G – ‘The Surprise’ – F. J. Haydn (1732-1809) transcribed for organ by King Hall.

St Michael's Membership - Information Session
2017-08-13 11:30 - 12:30 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Would you like to consider becoming a member of St Michael’s?
On Sunday 13 August, prospective New Members will be able to meet with Rev Ric Holland and the New Members Team in the Waratah Room following the service, where you will have the opportunity to hear more about St Michael’s and to ask questions.
Rev Ric will also talk about what becoming a member of the Uniting Church in Australia, and St Michael’s in particular means.

Sunday Service
2017-08-13 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.

Music will be performed by Timothy Reynold (tenor)
Music between the readings: An old German spring song – Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Music during the offering: ‘David of the white rock’ – Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
The Postlude: Cannonade – Claude Balbastre (1734-1799)
Artist Bio:
Timothy has recently returned from Europe where he performed with The Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, The Bach Akademie Stuttgart with Hans Christoph Rademann, Opera Holland Park, Philharmonischer Chor Esslingen and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He also understudied a number of roles at Opera Stuttgart. In Australia, he has worked with many groups including Victorian Opera, Opera Australia, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra with Simone Young and Sir Andrew Davis, the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, the Melbourne Bach Choir, Ludovico’s Band, La Compania and Gloriana. Timothy graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Music, a Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and a Master of Music – Opera Performance in conjunction with Victorian Opera.

French Conversations
2017-08-06 12:00 - 13:00 | Camellia Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join native French speaker, Johanna Hersey, for a fun and informal French conversation workshop 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 with help and guidance on hand.

Sunday Service
2017-08-06 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 Spirit is a group of people who aim to enrich Christian worship through music. Formed over 30 years ago to bring an alternative style of music to worship at Glen Waverley Uniting Church, Free Spirit also likes to be part of other congregations from time to time in addition to their regular part of the worship at Glen Waverley. The ages of members range from 13-80+ and their repertoire includes gospel, spirituals and traditional styles, plus some secular songs for concert use.

Open House Melbourne
2017-07-30 12:00 - 16:00, 2017-07-29 10:00 - 16:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
St Michael’s Uniting Church is proud to be part of the month long celebration of architecture, design and the city during Open House Melbourne.
We invite you to visit St Michael’s and experience this inspiring building filled with history and emotion.
St Michael’s, completed in 1867, is built on the site of the first permanent church in Melbourne. The interior design, though ahead of its time, is influenced by a theatrical style reminiscent of Florentine galleries. The exterior reflects Tuscan style with Romanesque features.
Experience the magnificence of St Michael’s bicentennial windows, created by renowned Australian artist Klaus Zimmer: a rare expression of visual theology and the largest display of existential-religious stained glass in the Southern Hemisphere.
Visit Mingary, The Quiet Place (on the west side) – a non-denominational peaceful escape from the hectic demands of the city.
___________________________________________
Saturday 29 July:
10am – 4pm Open House
Sunday 30 July:
10am – 11.30am, Sunday Service
12pm – 4pm, Open House

Creative Faith Discussion Group
2017-07-30 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
The word faith is generally avoided in everyday conversation, being associated with religious subculture, beliefs and superstitions.
At St Michael’s the Creative Faith discussion group distinguishes between faith and belief, providing an opportunity and the freedom to explore our personal faith and help find meaning in the course of our lives
All are invited to the Creative Faith sessions; you may join in the conversation or just come along to listen in while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee.
Join Neil Blood in the Waratah room 1st floor St Michael’s halls after morning service on the following dates.
Dates: July 30, August 20, September 17, November 19
Time: 11.45 to 12.45
Tea and Coffee provided

Sunday Service
2017-07-30 10:00 - 11:00, 2017-07-23 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.

That’s the Spirit
2017-07-24 08:00 - 17:00
Notes on the Sunday address by Rev Ric Holland, 2 April 2017
“I will put my spirit into you shall live” Ezek. 37.14
Ezekiel’s message is that something that was dead i.e. the disunity between the separated nations of the northern and southern kingdoms can be fixed. They can be re united and live again centring on the restored and revitalised city of Jerusalem and its Temple. He believed that God’s spirit can make that happen.
Do we believe that that same spirit can still bring healing and peace and unity to the nations across the world?
THE WORLD
As it was being applied to two ancient kingdoms can it still work? Can it be applied to North and South Korea? to Ireland and Northern Ireland? To Cyprus Greek and Turkish, can it still bring peace in the Middle East; can it reconcile Hungary and Serbia, between Spain and its Northern Basque territory? And yes even between Israel and Palestine?
Ah you say that’s too far-fetched. Not possible.
Well, tell that to Nelson Mandela as he rots away in his Robben Island cell recalling on every lonely and isolated day the two nations of South Africa, Black and white. Further divided by rich white and shockingly poor black. Ask him if they can ever be healed? At the same time ask Father Trevor Huddlestone, Albert Luthuli, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, fighting for the end of Apartheid.
Well you might hear some say “even if it were possible, there would be bloodshed and revenge”. Then stand back and look at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission demonstrating healing, and forgiveness and reconciliation. I think then you can see dead bones coming to life.
Then there was Rosa Parkes, forced to sit in the black section of the Mississippi bus and then give up that seat to a white person. Who, along with tens of thousands of other black citizens were told where to go to the toilet, where they could and could not eat, even who they were allowed to love and marry? Tell her that the spirit through her cannot change the world. Or that one day there would be a black President in the white house and tell that same thing to Rev Martin Luther King Jr himself inspired by Rosa Parks, a man who with the power of the spirit went on to change the world.
Offer that same pessimism to Angela Merkel who leads a country still living with the shame of the concentration camps, a country who itself within the last couple of decades was divided, East and West. Tell her that countries can’t change and listen to her words as she leads a country “Where nobody will be abandoned, and nobody excluded”. “To exclude groups of people because of their faith isn’t worthy of this country. It isn’t compatible with our essential values, and its humanly reprehensible. Xenophobia, racism, extremism have no place here and we are fighting to ensure that they don’t have a place elsewhere either”.
Tell Mikael Gorbochof that the spiritual influence of his grandparents has no place in breaking down the iron curtain and giving back liberty and freedom to millions of people across the then communist world.
No I truly believe that the spirit that dear old Ezekiel was talking about nearly 3000 years ago is alive and well and continuing to change the world.
THE CHURCH
O but then there’s the church, the immobile, rock solid bulwark of orthodoxy totally intransigent to change. Immoveable and for centuries dictatorial to its poor followers and which for 1500 years was able to totally control its worshippers by conducting its services in a completely foreign and dead language. Well this year, of course, we celebrate 500 years since the Reformation began with Martin Luther hammering on the door of Castle Church Vittensberg his declaration of belief. “Here I stand I can do no other” and whose spirit dramatically changed the course of church history, enabling people to worship in their own language and to play an informed part in the church’s future.
That act truly shook the very foundations of the church. We celebrate it this year in an event that is presently being organised by Melbourne City Churches in Action (Federation Square). This was the spirit moving in the church.
But what happened? Well the church is very good at being stimulated, enthused, inspired and then, going to sleep. And so it did. And throughout its history its needed re- awakenings. (This is what Ezekiel was doing in about 600BC).
Church history is littered with people rattling the cage. People like Robert Browne who in the 1620’s stood up to the orthodoxy and bureaucracy in the Church of England and fighting for an independent spirit within the church gave birth to the Congregational or independent church movement.
And then of course there is John Wesley who with George Whitfield and Charles Wesley changed the face of the church worldwide. He was an Anglican Priest who got really fired up with the irrelevance of the established church to ordinary people. His spirit was set alight on the 24 May, 1738 when as he says his “Heart was strangely warmed,” strangely warmed it was a burning furnace. The Anglican Church wouldn’t let him preach in their churches, so he went out doors. Then they banned him from preaching in any parish even outdoors. He replied by famously standing on his father’s grave and claiming they couldn’t stop that. He addressed huge social issues including Prison reform and slavery, introduced social justice as a natural part of the work of the church and smashed much of the accepted church orthodoxy of the day like apostolic succession which he described as a fable.
His spirit inspired influence spread around the world like a massive flame. It is said that the British counterpart to the French Revolution was diverted because of Wesley. I continue to be inspired by his life and his words including” Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can , at all the times you can, to all the people you can as long as you ever can.”
Yes, but of course, it didn’t take long before the very church which he founded itself had become an institution and it took other people in the 19th century like Hugh Bourne and William Clowes to break away from the middle class Wesleyan church which had become too formal and upper class controlled. So the Primitive Methodist Church came into existence which provided a birthplace and the nurturing of what became the Salvation Army, Pentecostalism, The Trade Union Movement and the Labour Party, all of which now no longer have the spirit and the energy where they began.
And so it goes on and on to today. Can this slumbering giant wake up?
Yes the church still needs the spirit to provide the wakeup call. It still needs the dynamism and progressive thinking of the best of its past to alert the present. It still needs that spirit. In the NT the Greek word dunamis is used 120 times. It’s from this word that dynamo comes. Dunamis is the power or the energy of the spirit. It’s this power which is claimed by people such as Paul Tillech, or Martin Buber, or Rudolph Bultman or Soren Kierkagaard or Bishop John Robinson, or John Spong or Francis Macnab and whoever is next, to keep on keeping on.
And we have a role in our church. We have a responsibility to influence and engage with other churches outside and within the UC, to wake up this sleeping giant. We don’t want in a few years a few tired surviving remnants to wake up like Rip Van Winkel and discover that the church had slept through a revolution.
This is a task for us, to carry the flame of reason to keep that spirit alive for the whole church. We might be small but a bit like the pilot light on a gas cooker, the ignite button can be pressed and bring on full heat in a second. Let’s bring these old bones back to life!
And then of course having fixed the world and the church – what about US?
We are reminded of Jesus’ words to you and me. Very personal and direct: “I came that you may have life… life in all its fullness.”
So what does this spirit bring to our old tired bones?
I believe it is powerful. It is “dunamis.” It lies within each one of us. It’s there for us to find…not as an outward gift but as inward personal revelation.
As the Dalai Lama said “Happiness is not something readymade. It comes from your own actions”.
But we know, don’t we, that as we seek for this perfect new life, we come across pretty awful barriers in the way. The bones are a bit creaky and sometimes don’t work at all.
So what does the spirit urge us towards to really grasp this what Wesley called “The path to perfection”?
Well there are many many things and we will be considering them over the next few months.
Let’s just remind ourselves of a handful:

Obviously the first one is relationships. We need each other. Not to be in each others pocket, but to get to each other story we need to make a conscious effort to find each other to share our own and to listen to others. Even in the church we can sit next to each other in the pew for years and only have a cursory knowledge of the lives of the people around us. Make an effort today to reach out. Move a little bit away from your familiar group and go find out stuff about one other person and in so doing you will be revealing something of yourself to them too. Relationships are being built and the spirit is moving.
Personal Resilience. This is about meeting life’s problems not as stumbling blocks but as challenges and helping someone else to meet theirs too with confidence and courage.
Create strengths out of weaknesses. Often what you might see as a weakness or a problem can be converted into a strength. E.g. what you might see as loneliness can be converted into the potential for meditation, or prayer or study, or remember my daughter Primrose with no script at the Nativity Play, she had freedom to do whatever she liked. Claim that freedom.
Inner strength. I believe we all have an inner strength… call on it. Destroy past negative feelings or mistakes made; dispose of guilt, opportunities lost. We need to separate ourselves from them and look forward, not backward.

We can do all this, calling on each other and the knowledge of others who have done it before us.
Then and only then can the world, the church and ourselves.
Dance, dance, dance to a new tune bring those old bones to life and Hear the word of the lord!
BLESSING: (From the Talmud, Rabbinic exposition on Jewish Scripture):
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obliged to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it”

Amir Farid and Quinton Morris in concert
2017-07-23 13:30 - 15:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
A unique opportunity to hear two of the world’s most sought after musicians performing in the architectural splendour of St Michael’s Uniting Church in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.
Experience a spiritually enriching performance full of cultural insight and uplifting music with New York-based Iranian-Australian solo Pianist, Amir Farid, and American Concert Violinist Dr Quinton Morris.
We are delighted to welcome Amir back to St Michael’s after his recent performance at Carnegie Hall New York and look anticipate a joyful afternoon of musical entertainment.
Time and Date: 1.30pm, Sunday 23 July
Duration: 90 min, no interval
Location: St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins St, Melbourne
Admission: $10
Tickets will be available for purchase at the door on the day

Amir Farid
Winner of the prestigious 2006 Australian National Piano Award, Amir Farid is a New York-based Iranian-Australian solo pianist, associate artist and chamber musician. He has been described as “a highly creative musician, a pianist of great intelligence and integrity.”
As one of the most versatile and loved musicians in Australia, Amir has performed concerti with major orchestras, collaborating with conductors such as Christopher Hogwood, Oleg Caetani, Johannes Fritzsch, Alexander Briger, Marko Letonja and Benjamin Northey.
Highlights include Rachmaninoff’s 2nd piano concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Mozart’s concerto No.14 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and “The Mozart Dances” with the Mark Morris Dance Group and West Australian Symphony Orchestra as part of the 2015 Perth Festival.
Dr Quinton Morris
Dr Quinton Morris enjoys a multifaceted career as a concert violinist, chamber musician, educator and entrepreneur. He performs solo concerts, recitals and chamber music and presents lectures all over the world: the United States, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.
Notable solo concerto performances have been performed with the Seattle, Thalia, Renton, Tacoma Youth and South Suburban Symphonies, Orchestra Seattle and the Everett Philharmonic. Dr Morris presented sold-out recitals in the renowned Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall for the past three consecutive seasons.
