St Michael's Uniting Church

Day of Mourning Sunday service - In church and online
2024-01-21 10:00 - 11:15 (Australia/Melbourne) | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Interwoven story-telling by Grace Williams
Third Sunday after Epiphany
“Day of mourning – truth-telling and justice-seeking”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Peter Sheridan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online church services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here
As we move into 2024, the Uniting Church in Australia, invites the community to mark the Day of Mourning. This Sunday,
St Michael’s will join with other Uniting church communities across the country and hold a service that invites us to listen to the truths of our past and recommit to justice and truth-telling. Importantly, we are asked that we find ways to connect with the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress (UAICC) or First Peoples in our local community and consider how we will continue to live out the covenant as a faith community.
Our service will include a short Survival Day video message from UAICC National Chairperson Rev Mark Kickett and UCA President Rev Sharon Hollis which can be viewed here:

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-01-24 08:00 - 17:00
“Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital series this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is guest, Dr R J Stove
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Download the program for today Download the program for Thursday, 25 January here
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Program for Thursday, 25 January

Intrada – Johann Hermann Schein (1586–1630)
Chorale Prelude Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund
(‘Since Jesus hung upon the cross’), BWV 621 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Sostenuto in A Minor – Carl Umbreit (1763–1829)
Prelude in G Major, Op. 170, No. 1 – Gustav Merkel (1827–1885)
Chorale Prelude Christ ist erstanden (‘Christ is risen’) – Carl Piutti (1846–1904)
Two Intermezzi from Six Intermezzi, Op. 9, Nos. 4 and 6 – Hermann Schroeder (1904– 1984)

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-01-25 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
“Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital series this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is guest, Dr R J Stove
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Share our flyer
The Program for Thursday, 25 January

Intrada – Johann Hermann Schein (1586–1630)
Chorale Prelude Da Jesus an dem Kreuze stund (‘Since Jesus hung upon the cross’), BWV 621
– Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
Sostenuto in A Minor – Carl Umbreit (1763–1829)
Prelude in G Major, Op. 170, No. 1 – Gustav Merkel (1827–1885)
Chorale Prelude Christ ist erstanden (‘Christ is risen’) – Carl Piutti (1846–1904)
Two Intermezzi from Six Intermezzi, Op. 9, Nos. 4 and 6 – Hermann Schroeder (1904– 1984)

Download the program for Thursday, 25 January here

St Michael's Midsumma Gathering: "Your People shall be my People"
2024-01-28 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Jesus the Includer by David Hayward

“Your People Shall be my People” – A Celebration of Spiritual Belonging
A joyful service celebrating inclusive community and the courageous faith of queer people, as we claim our place in the church.
Led by St Michael’s LGBTIQA+ minister, Rev Dr Margaret Mayman with St Michael’s members and friends.
Featuring uplifting music by the amazing The Consort of Melbourne LGBTIQA+ choir, singing from their Midsumma 2023 ‘Homophonic!’ repertoire.
All are welcome to this gathering of inspiring liturgy, peaceful reflection and joyful music.
Read about the moving celebrations in 2023 from The Gaurdian – “Spirituality and sexuality – people shouldn’t have to choose’: the Australian church celebrating queer joy”
View the article about St Michael’s Uniting Church from The Guardian Monday January 30th 2023 by Sian Cain here

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-02-01 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital series this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is guest, Rhys Boak
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm

Sunday Gathering - In church & Online
2024-02-04 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany- 4 February 2024, 10am
“On being good ancestors”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Edwina Cordingley (Cell0) & Rhys Boak (Organ & Piano)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online church services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Meditation Session
2024-02-04 12:00 - 12:30 | Mingary, The Quiet Place, St Michael's Uniting Church, Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Image: Close up image photography of pink lotus from Pixabay

St Michael’s offers the opportunity to take a moment for yourself in the beautiful Mingary, The Quiet Place.
A monthlymeditation session is a space designed for rest and mediation.
Faciliated by Pamela Blood.
Entry to Mingary the Quiet Place via the Russell Street stairs.

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-02-08 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital series this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is Rhys Boak.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm

Progressive Pages - Online Book Club
2024-02-08 19:00 - 20:15, 2024-02-15 19:00 - 20:15 | Online
Progressive Pages is an online book club for progressive theology, running again Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom starting on the 8th of February. We will be reading “The Church as Salt” by Sally Douglas, a chapter a Reflection questions will be published afterwards online to ponder during the week.
Expressions of Interest
We’re looking forward to creating a safe and inclusive environment to be able to explore theology and spirituality.
Before we begin in February we have a few questions we that can help us make sure we have everything adequately set up.
After submitting this form and verifying your identity we will email you the zoom meeting details.
Progressive Pages operates under a Code of Conduct which can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/47lWIOB. Agreement to operate under this Code of Conduct is mandatory to participate in Progressive Pages.
Where to find ‘The Church as Salt’ by Sally Douglas:
To buy a physical copy online:
– https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-church-as-salt-sally-douglas/book/9780648982265.html
– https://coventrypress.com.au/the-church-as-salt
– https://www.amazon.com.au/Church-Salt-Becoming-Community-Speaks/dp/0648982262
– https://www.bookroom.stpeters.org.au/product-page/the-church-as-salt
To buy a physical copy in person:
– try St Peter’s Bookroom on 15 Gisborne St, Melbourne
– St Michael’s Uniting Church has copies available to borrow thanks to the Otira Book Club.
Please get in touch with the office at office@stmichaels.org.au
‘The Church as Salt’ does not have a published ebook version. If for accessibility reasons you cannot use a physical copy please get in touch with Chris Phillips and we will try to work something out.
Dates for your diaries are:
February 8 – Discussing Chapter 1
February 15 – Discussing Chapter 2
February 22 – Discussing Chapter 3
February 29 – Discussing Chapter 4
March 7 – Discussing Chapter 5
March 14 – Discussing Chapter 6
March 21 – Discussing Chapter 7

Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2024-02-11 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: “Transfiguration” by Armando Alemdar-Ara

Transfiguration Sunday – 11 February 2024, 10am
“Sacred encounters in our midst”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: 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

Postponed - Continuing Bonds in Loss and Bereavement
2024-02-11 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
This event has been postponed for a later date. Details can be found on our website and in our weekly eNews.

“Death ends a life but not a relationship.” – Morrie Schwartz
St Michael’s and Dr Irene Renzenbrink provide an opportunity to participate in a discussion about healing loss and grief by establishing a nourishing connection with someone who has died.
This concept arose out of research with bereaved children and families who rejected the idea that they had to forget, let go and move on after the death of a significant family member or friend.
Facilitator: Dr Irene Renzenbrink
Social Worker, Expressive Arts Therapist and a member of the St Michael’s community serving on the Contact and Care Committee.
What to bring: A linking object such as a photograph, a piece of jewelry, a special memento or keepsake that represents a continuing bond with a loved person who has died.
Meet at the East door in the church, near the morning tea station to go up to the Waratah Room together.

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2024-02-18 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image by David Dawes
First Sunday in Lent – 18 February 2024, 10am
“Lent in an era of resistance”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Dr Elyane Laussade (Piano) & 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

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-02-22 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for the St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital series this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is Rhys Boak
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm

Progressive Pages - Digital Bookclub
2024-02-22 19:00 - 20:15, 2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:15 | Online

Sunday Gathering
2024-02-25 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image (detail) by Brian Gomes from unsplash.com

Second Sunday in Lent – 25 February 2024, 10am
“Soulful living in Lent”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Joe Chindamo (Piano) & 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

We know what we don't believe...but what do we believe?
2024-02-25 11:45 - 12:45 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
We know what we don’t believe…but what do we believe?
A discussion of Progressive Christianity with Rev Dr Margaret Mayman​ after morning tea

St Michael's MSO Outing: Beethoven, Tchaikovsky & Rossini
2024-02-28 19:30 - 21:15 | Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Kings Domain Gardens, Linlithgow Ave, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
You are invited to join a group of St Michael’s people who are attending the free MSO free musical event “Summer Serenade: Beethoven,Tchaikovsky and Rossini”.
If you are interested, speak with Lyndell O’Brien or Catherine Jones, or let the office know you would like a phone call.
When: Wednesday 28 February, 7:30pm
(Gates open at 5:30pm. Lyndell and Catherine will reserve the seating for our group)
Where: Sidney Myer Music Bowl
BYO picnic food.
For information about the program or venue please visit https://admin.mso.com.au/performance/2024-smmb-summer-serenade

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-02-29 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
“Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for a St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s organist is Rhys Boak
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm

Progressive Pages - Digital Bookclub
2024-02-29 19:00 - 20:15
Progressive Pages is an online book club for progressive theology, running Thursdays at 7pm on Zoom.
We will be reading “The Church as Salt” by Sally Douglas, a chapter a Reflection questions will be published afterwards online to ponder during the week.
If you would like you can join in future weeks – sign up at bit.ly/Progpages
Take home questions
The group had some thoughts from their first session – Chapter 1 of The Church as Salt.
These are some discussions we had as a group this week, and some questions to ponder:

What does salt from the ocean look like?
Dirty and unrefined – are the additives what makes different salts distinctive and special?
How can we use this to inform our understanding of the metaphor that Jesus used of being “salt of the earth”?
What would it mean for the church to be constantly and primarily be mindful of the violence it can potentially do?
What is the story of how you and your family used to attend church? How has that changed over generations? How have you and your family engaged with spirituality and faith? Is there a difference between them?
What is a story that you have been told about the church/modern Australian Christianity that didn’t resonate with you? Why?

Expressions of Interest
We’re aim to create a safe and inclusive environment to be able to explore theology and spirituality.
Before you join, we have a few questions that can help us make sure we have everything adequately set up.
After submitting this form and verifying your identity we will email you the zoom meeting details.
Progressive Pages operates under a Code of Conduct which can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/47lWIOB. Agreement to operate under this Code of Conduct is mandatory to participate in Progressive Pages.
Where to find ‘The Church as Salt’ by Sally Douglas:
To buy a physical copy online:
– https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-church-as-salt-sally-douglas/book/9780648982265.html
– https://coventrypress.com.au/the-church-as-salt
– https://www.amazon.com.au/Church-Salt-Becoming-Community-Speaks/dp/0648982262
– https://www.bookroom.stpeters.org.au/product-page/the-church-as-salt
To buy a physical copy in person:
– try St Peter’s Bookroom on 15 Gisborne St, Melbourne
– St Michael’s Uniting Church has copies available to borrow thanks to the Otira Book Club.
Please get in touch with the office at office@stmichaels.org.au
‘The Church as Salt’ does not have a published ebook version. If for accessibility reasons you cannot use a physical copy please get in touch with Chris Phillips and we will try to work something out.
Dates for your diaries are:
February 8 – Discussing Chapter 1
February 15 – Discussing Chapter 2
February 22 – Discussing Chapter 3
February 29 – Discussing Chapter 4
March 7 – Discussing Chapter 5
March 14 – Discussing Chapter 6
March 21 – Discussing Chapter 7

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2024-03-03 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Third Sunday in Lent – 3 March 2024, 10am
“Not nice, but tender”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Reflection: Chris Phillips
Music in church: Peter Sheridan (Flute) & 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 in Mingary
2024-03-03 12:00 - 12:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Regroup and refocus.
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset in the beautiful space of Mingary, The Quiet Place
Facilitator: Ann Kinnear

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-03-07 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
“Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
The St Michael’s organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the maginificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church.
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for a St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Share our flyer

Progressive Pages - Digital Bookclub
2024-03-07 19:00 - 20:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia

Sunday Gatherings - In church and online
2024-03-10 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Michaelangelo’s Moses (Detail) by Fr Barry Braum
Fourth Sunday in Lent – 10 March 2024, 10am
“Look and Live”
Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music in church: 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

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-03-14 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
“Music is the food of the soul” – Arthur Schopenhauer
The St Michael’s organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the maginificent sound of the Grand Pipe organ while taking in the beautiful surrounds of St Michael’s Uniting Church.
Make an organ recital part of your lunch plans and join us for a St Michael’s Lunchtime Organ Recital this Thursday.
The recitals series feature St Michael’s organist, Rhys Boak and guest artists.
Today’s guest artist is Jennifer Chou
Free event. Doors open at 12:30pm
Share our flyer

About Jennifer Chou:
Jennifer Chou made her Melbourne Town Hall debut as soloist with the Orchestra Victoria soon after she settled in Australia in 2004. She has performed as a soloist across the country in major town halls and Cathedrals including Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Newcastle, and Sydney. Overseas, Jennifer has appeared as soloist in Europe including venues such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Westminster Abbey in London, elsewhere such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore, Cathedrals in New Zealand; and in the International Bamboo Organ Festival in the Philippines.
Jennifer is a sought-after organ teacher. She had taught the organ for the Australian Catholic University in Melbourne. Since 2015, she has taught the organ at Melbourne High School teaching both beginners who have neither musical nor religious backgrounds, as well as pianists who want to also master the art of organ playing. She also has taught masterclasses in Hong Kong, Singapore and within Australia, and she has adjudicated the New Zealand Organ Competition, and the Ringwood Eisteddfod organ section in Melbourne.
Born in Hong Kong, Jennifer graduated from The Chinese University of Hong Kong majoring in the organ. She studied the organ with Wolfgang Rübsam at Northwestern University where she obtained a Master of Music degree and the Certificate of Performance with Honour. She furthered her studies at the Conservatoire National de Région de Rueil-Malmaison in Paris in the organ class of Susan Landale and obtained the Prix de Virtuosité à l’unanimité avec les félicitations du jury. Following that, she specialised in French Classical and North German repertoire with Michel Bouvard and Jan Willem Jansen at the Centre d’Etudes Supérieures de Musique et Danse in Toulouse in Cycle de Perfectionnement. Her graduation concert awarded her the Premier Prix d’Orgue à l’unanimité in the frame of the Toulouse les Orgues International Festival in 2001. In 2003 she won “Mention Speciale” in the Biarritz International Organ Competition (France).

Sunday Gathering: in church and online
2024-03-17 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: ‘Red Flower’ by Anthony www.pexel.com
Fifth Sunday in Lent – 17 March 2024, 10am
“Discerning the Way of love”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: 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: Practising Resurrection
2024-03-17 11:45 - 12:45 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, 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 12: Practising Resurrection
FOCUS: While much has been made of Jesus’ literal and physical resurrection being the core historical event of Christianity, the Biblical texts themselves present conflicting evidence. For many today, the resuscitation of Jesus’ body is less important than the idea of resurrection as a credible and meaningful
principle for living.
Facilitator: Neil Blood

Free Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-03-21 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The St Michael’s organ recital is the perfect opportunity to take a break and enjoy the maginificent 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 a 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
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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.
