St Michael's Uniting Church

Philosophy for Beginners
2015-04-26 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-03-29 11:45 - 12:45 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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
2015-04-26 10:00 - 23:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
With special guest Dr Steven Koski

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: Bruno Siketa
Music between the readings: Lascia ch’io pianga – G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
This piece is one of Handel’s most celebrated. This melody, which has remained cherished for centuries, was originally written for soprano, but has been arranged for trumpet & organ especially for performance at St. Michael’s.
Music during the offering: Trumpet tune and air – Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
There can be no doubt that the great Henry Purcell had a gift for melody. This familiar trumpet tune is still often requested, hummed and whistled more than three centuries after the composer’s death. Today’s arrangement for Trumpet and Organ was also made for use at St. Michael’s by the St. Michael’s organist & manager of music.
The Postlude: Csárdás – Vittorio Monti (1868-1922)
This popular concert piece dates from 1902. Originally scored for violin and piano, the piece seeks to emulate a traditional Hungarian dance, the Csárdás. Many arrangements exist of this work, but as far as we can tell, this is the first for trumpet and organ.
Artist Bio:
Currently a freelance trumpet player and music teacher based in Melbourne, Bruno Siketa started playing trumpet and piano at the age of nine. He studied at the Victorian college of the Arts with Rob Sims, Anthony Pope and Geoffrey Payne and has played in orchestras in New Zealand, China, and in Australia with the Melbourne, West Australian, and Queensland orchestras. He has performed with artists such as Diana Krall, Jose Carreras, Lang Lang, Patrizio Buanne, and Bobby Shew.

SAGE - Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-04-24 11:00 - 13:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Join us for this special SAGE event with two energizing speakers who will deliver an informative seminar about healthy ageing in a friendly environment.
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 we are delighted to have special guest speaker Dr Steven Koski from Bend Oregon, U.S.A. present alongside Dr Macnab.

Cost: With the support of ACSAG April SAGE seminar tickets are available at the discounted price of $10 (which includes a light lunch.)
As seating is limited, please email or call 9654 5120 reception@stmichaels.org.au to reserve your seats.or

Thursday Organ Recital
2015-04-23 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-04-16 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-04-02 13:00 - 13:30, 2015-03-26 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.

ANZAC Service
2015-04-19 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us as we mark the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli.
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.

Living Mindfully
2015-04-17 11:00 - 12:00 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Living mindfully is not just about meditation, although it is a good way to start. Living mindfully is about deepening your perspective on life and gradually experiencing the world with less fear and worry and more confidence and calm.
Learning mindfulness skills will not only lessen your stress and anxiety – it will transform the way you experience your mind and emotions.
In this workshop you will learn two breathing techniques and a meditation exercise for mindfulness and be directed to further learning resources.
You will also receive ample inspiration and information to carry you forward to live more mindfully.
Cost: $10

The Cairnmillar Institute Graduation Ceremony with Dr Angela Mackenzie
2015-04-16 17:45 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia

Searchers’ Group Excursions
2015-04-12 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.

New Faith Discussion Group
2015-04-12 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Dean of Programs at St Michael’s, Neil Blood, leads a study group to discuss the theology of St Michael’s as presented by its Minister of 44 years, Dr Francis Macnab in his book, Discover a New Faith: Energy for a Better Life.
Discussions follow a particular theme each session and involve taking an in depth look at the humanistic philosophy of this unique place, as described through the chapters of the book.
Cost: free
Bookings not required

Poetry Group
2015-04-12 11:45 - 12:45, 2015-03-08 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
2015-04-12 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Dr Francis Macnab will be interviewing St Michael’s Medallion recipient Rev Ric Holland as part of this Sunday Service.
Rev Ric Holland
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.

Today the flowers in the Church were donated by Diane Berkley “with loving memories of our parents on their wedding anniversary.”
The Processional Staff was carried by Russell Handasyde in gratitude for all that
St Michael’s has done for him.

All Weather Walkers/Searchers visit to the Islamic Museum
2015-04-11 10:15 - 14:00
A friendly walking group meeting on the second Saturday of each month, walking 3-4km or more, at varied locations around Melbourne.
The pace is steady but gentle. Walks are only postponed in the event of extreme weather forecasts Twice yearly there is also a full-day excursion organised for walkers.
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Meet at Rushall Station at 10.15 am for a walk along Merri Creek stopping at Ceres Café for coffee and arriving at the Islamic Museum around 12 for a Middle Eastern lunch and an optional conducted tour of the museum. [Note the train from Flinders St leaves at 9.49 – South Morang line ]
Those who just want to join the tour can either drive to 15A Anderson Rd. Thornbury or take Tram 8 from Federation Square travelling up Swanston St to Stop No 129 [ Note the 11.06am tram arrives at 11.33 ] then it is an 11 min walk to the Museum.
Please note the cost of entry into the museum is $10 .
Contact Janette 0409139404 / Simon 0450216440 for further information

Thursday Organ Recital
2015-04-09 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.

We are delighted to have Roland Voit perform today’s lunchtime recital.
The program will include:
1. Concerto (Bb major) appropriato all’ Organo per Johann Gottfried Waltherlther – Giulio Taglietti (~ 1660 – 1718)
– Adagio
– Allegro
– Adagio à 2 Clav.
– Allegro

2. Sonata V g minor – Giovanni Battista Martinirtini (1706 – 1784)
– Prelude
– Allegro
– Adagio
– Allegro
– Sarabande
3. Fuga d minor (Andante moderato) – Domenico Scarlatti (1685 – 1757)
4. Concerto (F major) – del Tomaso Albinoni appropriato all’ Organo per Johann Gottfried Walther – Tomaso Albinoni (1671 – 1750/51)
– Allegro
– Adagio
– Allegro

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.

Easter Sunday Service
2015-04-05 10:00 - 11:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Come and celebrate Easter Sunday at St Michael’s
Life is more enjoyable when you know you are listening to a good idea, a new idea – when you are walking on a new path, a good path; when you are seeing something new, something good. That’s engagement.
That’s enhancement. That’s looking at a segment of life at its best. And that’s part of the story of Easter.
Some things will happen to you, and you will find Life is beautiful. You can make some things happen and you know you are doing beautiful things. Life is at its best when we know we are in a beautiful life despite its dark and dreary and depressing events.
Easter is a surprise. What happened; nobody expected it! When your eyes are really opened to good surprises, life is worth living – surely.

Guest Artists: Greta Bradman (Soprano), The St. Michael’s Singers, The Orchestra of St. Michael led by Rebecca Adler, The St. Michael’s brass ensemble led by Bruno Siketa.
Soprano Greta Bradman
Music between the readings: Let The Bright Seraphim from Samson (HWV 57) – G.F. Handel (1685-1759)
Music during the offering: Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen (“Praise God in all lands”) – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
The postlude: Marche Triomphale – Jean Francaix (1912-1997) arr. Rhys Boak

Good Friday
2015-04-03 09:00 - 22:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
We gather in silence.
The Church is in darkness.
We are confronted with the stark realities of human destructiveness and violence of human grief and sorrow.
Good Friday focuses again on the image of Jesus and the symbol of hope for our dark times.
Good Friday focuses also on our search for healing andtransformation, for consolation and renewed hope.
Today, in the darkness the candles burn—small symbols of thelight of hope, pointing to the ongoing search for a non-violent world. The search is for people all over the world to embracecompassion as a better way of being in the world. In this hopethe candles burn.
There are no flowers in the church.
There is no music before or after the service.
The Minister wears black.
At the conclusion of the Service, the bells will sound their slownotes across the city. It is a day of remembering. It is a day thathopes for a better day.

Artist: The St. Michael’s singers
Music: Jesu, dulcis memoria – T. L. de Victoria (1548-1611)

Maundy Thursday Service
2015-04-02 19:00 - 20:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join us for a special Maundy Thursday service.
We say the sacred words of “The Last Supper.”
Jesus gathered his disciples, took Bread and Cup, gave thanks for the gift of life, prayed for courage to meet the future, and together they sang their hymn of Faith.
As we take the Bread and Wine we are linked to all who have gone before us; We are here part of the great Family of Faith; We are here in quiet Communion with the Good Spirit of Life; We are here strengthened by that Good Presence, that is around us as we receive the Bread and Wine of the Sacrament.
Guest Artist: Peter Sheridan (Flute)
Music: Adoro Te Devote – Charles Callahan

Palm Sunday Address
2015-03-29 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, 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. Inspirational music is integral to the services and most Sunday services include guest musicians, who perform in-between readings from the Bible, New Scientist Magazine, Time Magazine, Australian and International poets as well as current news articles.
In short, you don’t have to be Christian in order to attend a Sunday service at St Michael’s. One of our congregation recently stated that she had ‘been coming to this church since 1984 and I wouldn’t call myself a Christian. I love the feeling of hope and the conversations that are started each week”
St Michael’s offers a wide variety of experiences for growth and change. It is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but thought numerous wellbeing programs and its commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and well-being and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

During the service Dr Francis Macnab will speak with Professor Emeritus Brian Smith, AO about his book “The Confessions of Dudley Sims”.
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Guest Artist: Bruno Siketa (Trumpet)
Music between the readings:
Romance from ‘The Gadfly’ – Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975)
This well known melody was composed by Shostakovich for the film ‘The Gadfly’ which was an adaptation of Ethel Lillian Voynich’s 1897 book of the same name. It is heard here in an arrangement for trumpet and organ, and is a favourite of many at St. Michael’s.
Music during the offering:
Trumpet Voluntary – John Stanley (1712-1786) arr. Rhys Boak
John Stanley was a noted organist and composer, admired by Handel and many of his era. Notably, he was blind from birth. Although the title of this piece is Trumpet Voluntary – it was not written for the trumpet, but rather for the organ. As it is such a lovely tune, many trumpet players have adapted the work and many versions of it exist, including this recent arrangement for trumpet and organ.
The postlude:
Final from the Organ Symphony No. 1, Op. 14 – Louis Vierne (1870-1937)
Written in 1895 by the then organist of Notre Dame de Paris, this joyous work is one of the most celebrated works for the organ. Vierne was a world famous teacher, composer and organist.

SAGE - Healthy Ageing Seminar
2015-03-27 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.
Join Dr Macnab and learn core techniques to help you gain better psychological health.
Cost: $20 includes tea, coffee and sandwiches
As seating is limited, please email or call 9654 5120 reception@stmichaels.org.au to reserve your seats.
or book online

Sunday Address
2015-03-22 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, 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. Inspirational music is integral to the services and most Sunday services include guest musicians, who perform in-between readings from the Bible, New Scientist Magazine, Time Magazine, Australian and International poets as well as current news articles.
In short, you don’t have to be Christian in order to attend a Sunday service at St Michael’s. One of our congregation recently stated that she had ‘been coming to this church since 1984 and I wouldn’t call myself a Christian. I love the feeling of hope and the conversations that are started each week”
St Michael’s offers a wide variety of experiences for growth and change. It is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but thought numerous wellbeing programs and its commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and well-being and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Guest Artist: Evgeny Chebykin (Horn)

Music between the readings: Ave Maria – J.S. Bach (1685-1750) & Charles Gounod (1818-1893)
This well known piece began life as a keyboard prelude by J.S. Bach. Gounod, more than a century later, wrote a melody to go over the top, and it became known as ‘Ave Maria’ and become a much loved work.
Music during the offering: Chant Lontain – Eugène Bozza (1905-1991)
Bozza was a highly active French composer who studied at the Paris Conservatoire. He is best known for his chamber music and instrumental works.
The postlude: Humoresque – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Artist Bio: Evgeny was educated in former Soviet republic of Moldova and later at The Purcell School of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London. Whilst at the RAM, Evgeny won the coveted Dennis Brain Prize and had the honour of playing principal horn in Schumann’s Konzertschtuck under late great Sir Charles Mackerras.
Evgeny regularly appears as guest principal with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and London Sinfonietta as well as on numerous film soundtracks including the Harry Potter series. Closer to home, he played in Melbourne run of Love Never Dies and currently can be heard from the pit of the State Theatre playing with Orchestra Victoria. Evgeny is pleased to have survived unprecedented four consecutive Ring Cycles by Wagner in the recent Melbourne season.

Sunday Address
2015-03-15 10:00 - 11:30, 2015-03-08 10:00 - 11:30 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, 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. Inspirational music is integral to the services and most Sunday services include guest musicians, who perform in-between readings from the Bible, New Scientist Magazine, Time Magazine, Australian and International poets as well as current news articles.
In short, you don’t have to be Christian in order to attend a Sunday service at St Michael’s. One of our congregation recently stated that she had ‘been coming to this church since 1984 and I wouldn’t call myself a Christian. I love the feeling of hope and the conversations that are started each week”
St Michael’s offers a wide variety of experiences for growth and change. It is a place which affirms and encourages the best expression of who you are and who you can be, not only through the Sunday service but thought numerous wellbeing programs and its commitment to counselling and psychotherapy.
We believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and well-being and that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding and to express it more confidently and diversely.
Sunday services commence at 10am.
Free Entry.

Legalwise
2015-03-13 11:00 - 12:30 | St Michael’s Hall, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Lawyer and Estate Planner Alan Farrar presents an informative seminar exploring the ins-and-outs of Powers of Attorney, Wills and Estate Management.
The laws regarding Powers of Attorney and Estate Management and Wills have recently changed which means many people who have made arrangements in the past need to learn about the new legislation in order to ensure that their wishes have been recorded in a legally valid manner.
This is a great opportunity to gain valuable information from a professional who will share his wisdom and experience on this sensitive and very important issue.
Cost: $10

Mobile Minds
2015-03-08 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
2015-03-08 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

Yo Mama: Mothering in the 21st Century
2015-03-05 18:30 - 20:00 | St Michael’s on Collins, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Comedy Festival favourite Nelly Thomas teams up with ABC Radio’s George McEncroe and Australia’s favourite Octogenarian Ethel Chop to honour mums this International Women’s Day.
From nappies to naughty nannas, Minecraft to (parenting) minefields, rest to respite; these three funny women will explore all the wonderful – and not-so-wonderful – aspects of contemporary parenting.
With several husbands and nine children between them – ranging from two to sixty-two years of age – this show promises to be a no-holds barred expose on maternal matters.
Tickets: $30 full, $20 concession
