St Michael's Uniting Church

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-04-11 13:00 - 13:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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 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
Today, Rhys Boak will play the following program:

Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C BWV 564 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Au Soir – Edward d’Evry (1869-1950)
Finlandia Op. 26 – Jean Sibelius (1865-1957) arr. Herbert Fricker

Download the program for Thursday, 11 April here
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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.

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2024-04-14 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: “Young Gazan”, 2016, artist-unknown
Third Sunday of Easter – 14 April 2024, 10 am
“When promised peace eludes us”
Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Zoe Black (Violin), Joe Chindamo (Piano) & Shauna Beesley (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
2024-04-18 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 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 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
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: In church and online
2024-04-21 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Photo by John Torcasio from pexels.com

Fourth Sunday of Easter – 21 April 2024, 10 am
“Care of the Soul”
Guest Minister: Rev David Dawes
Music: Rose Riebl (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

Living the Questions: Debunking the Rapture
2024-04-21 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 13: Debunking the Rapture
FOCUS: Failing to understand the message of hope offered in the Book of Revelation, many Christians have
been misled by 19th century doomsayers and modern-day apocalyptic preachers who proclaim their vengeful god’s impending extermination of the apostate masses. Just what part of “love your enemies” doesn’t their god understand?
Facilitator: Peter Kahane

For session resources please email your request to office@stmichaels.org.au

No organ Recital - 25 April 2024
2024-04-25 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
There will be no organ recital this Thursday, 25 April due to ANZAC Day public holiday.
The organ recitals resume Thursday 2 May at 1 pm (doors open 12:30 pm).
Where: St Michael’s Uniting Church

Free event – donations towards the St Michael’s music program are welcome.

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2024-04-28 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Photo: Arch of Victory (detail) by John from Wikimedia
Fifth Sunday of Easter – 28 April 2024, 10 am
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

Exploring Belonging Session postponed
2024-04-28 11:45 - 12:45 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
The Exploring Belonging session has been postponed to a later date.
At St Michael’s we seek to offer you more than a warm welcome.
We are holding two ‘Exploring Belonging’ Sessions with Rev Dr Margaret Mayman in April, each covering different content on the opportunities we can offer for you to belong, however that is appropriate for you.
Please email the office if you are interested or fill out a ‘Connecting Card’ in church on Sunday.
When: Sundays, 14 & 28 April
Where: Waratah Room

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-05-02 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-05-09 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-05-16 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-05-23 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-06-06 13:00 - 13:30, 2024-06-13 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 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 - In church and online
2024-05-05 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Sixth Sunday of Easter – 5 May 2024, 10 am
“Bridges or Piers”
Guest Minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music: Michael Petrucelli (Tenor), 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

Meditation in Mingary
2024-05-05 12:00 - 12:30 | Mingary, The Quiet Place, St Michael's Uniting Church, Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Breathe in. Breath out.
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset in the beautiful space of Mingary, The Quiet Place
Facilitator: Pamela Blood
About Mingary:
Mingary is a peaceful sanctuary for people of all religions and cultures. The space has been developed as a place for personal reflection and offers a peaceful escape from the hectic demands of city life. It offers a haven where people may restore a sense of strength and vitality following trauma and tragedy. Mingary is devoted to healing, restoration, inspiration, vision and empowerment.
St Michael’s Uniting Church (stmichaels.org.au)
Mingary is the perfect space to enjoy a meditation session under the guidance of Pamela Blood.

Sunday Gathering
2024-05-12 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: ‘Mother and child’ by Larry Andreoff
Seventh Sunday of Easter – 12 May 2024, 10 am
“Ordinary people make an extraordinary difference”
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 services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Continuing Bonds in Loss and Bereavement
2024-05-12 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Image: Photo by Valeria Boltneva from pexels.com
Join Dr Irene Renzenbrink in participating in a discussion about healing loss and grief by establishing a nourishing connection with the person you have lost either through death or separation.
Please 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.
Facilitator Dr Irene Renzenbrink is a Social Worker, Expressive Arts Therapist and a member of the St Michael’s faith community serving on the Care and Connect Committee.

Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2024-05-19 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: Red Canna (detail) by Georgia O’Keefe
Pentecost – 19 May 2024, 10 am
“Pentecost – what makes you come alive”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
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
2024-05-19 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Photo: Graham Holtshausen from www.unsplash.com
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 14: Honoring Creation
Focus: While human beings have been gifted with a beautiful and complex world in which to live, its systems and resources are being stressed by our behaviors, lifestyles, and arrogance. Care for the environment is not only deeply biblical and practical, but increasingly critical – for both the present spiritual life and for our collective future.
Facilitator: Neil Blood

For session resources please email your request to office@stmichaels.org.au

Sunday Gathering - In church and online
2024-05-26 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Reconciliation Sunday: Now more than ever”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
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

Artwork: Maggie Douglas. The 2024 theme design incorporating the artwork is by Carbon Creative.
Learn more about National Reconciliation Week here

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-05-30 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 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
The guest artist today is Jennifer Chou. She will play the following program:
1. Fandango from Seven Dances, Op. 60 – Margaretha Christina de Jong (1961-)
2. Trois Danses – Jehan Alain (1911-1940)
I. Joies (Joys)
II. Deuil (Mourning)
III. Luttes (Struggles)
3. Llamarada – June Nixon (1942-)
Share our flyer
About Jennifer Chou
Jennifer Chou began her role as the Associate Organist at Scots Church in February 2023, after having been the Director of Music at Toorak Uniting Church for 11 years.
She has taught the organ for the Australian Catholic University, since 2015 she teaches the organ for Melbourne High School.
As a recitalist, Jennifer has given organ concerts in major Australian town halls and Cathedrals. Overseas, she has appeared as soloist in places including the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris and the Westminster Abbey in London, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Esplanade Concert Hall in Singapore, the International Bamboo Organ Festival in the Philippines, and many more.
Jennifer obtained a Master of Music degree in organ performance and church music at Northwestern University USA where her teacher was Wolfgang Rübsam, she furthered her studies in Paris and Toulouse with world sought after teachers including Susan Landale, Michel Bouvard and Jan Willem Jansen. She was awarded the Premier Prix d’Orgue à l’unanimité to conclude her studies in the Cycle de Perfectionnement in Toulouse. She won Special Mention Award in 2003 at the Biarritz International Organ Competition.

Sunday Gathering - In church and Online
2024-06-02 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: Provided by Reconciliation Australia featuring contributions from Gubbi Gubbi artist Maggie Douglas.
Second Sunday after Pentecost – 2 June 2024
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano) and Dr. Rob Stove (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

Meditation Session
2024-06-02 12:00 - 12:30 | Wellbeing Studio, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Breathe in. Breath out.
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset.
In the Wellbeing Studio, St Michael’s Administration Building
Facilitator: Pamela Blood

Sunday Gathering - in church and online service
2024-06-09 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Third Sunday After Pentecost – 9 June 2024, 10 am
“For God so loved the Earth”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman

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 - In church and online
2024-06-16 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Dana Tentis www.pexels.com
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – 16 June 2024, 10 am
Anniversary of the Uniting Church in Australia
“Celebrating our Diversity”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Reflection: President Rev Sharon Hollis
Music: Hoang Pham (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

Q & A: Community Conversation with President Rev Sharon Hollis
2024-06-16 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Act2 is a major transformational change project focused on discerning and deciding on the future of the Uniting Church in Australia.
It’s taking place across our whole Church.
Uniting Church in Australia President Rev Sharon Hollis will hold a Q & A Community Conversation about the Assembly and what Act2 means for St Michael’s and the UCA.
Stop by to the Waratah Room after Morning Tea (Level 1, St Michael’s Administration)
Click here to read the new Act2 Report
About President Rev Sharon Hollis:
Rev Sharon Hollis is the 16th President of the Uniting Church in Australia, and along with the General Secretary, offers leadership to the Assembly, the national council of the Church.
Sharon was ordained as a Minister of the Word in the Uniting Church in 1994. She has served as minister in two congregations in the Eastern suburbs of Naarm (Melbourne), as Continuing Education Coordinator, as Resource Minister in the Culture of Safety Unit, all in the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. She was Moderator of the Synod of Victoria and Tasmania from 2016-19. Sharon has been a member of numerous Synod and Assembly committees including Church Polity Working Group, the Baptist-Uniting Church dialogue and the Salvation Army-Uniting Church dialogue.
Sharon is a Fellow and Council member at Queen’s College, University of Melbourne Sharon is a member of Wesley, Lonsdale St, Uniting Church in Melbourne’s CBD. The theme Sharon has chosen for her three years as President is “Dwelling in Love” and reflects her belief that we are held constantly in God’s love and this gives us the courage and grace to enable us to face the challenges of Church and world in ways that are both loving and transformational.
From: “Our People” Uniting Church in Australia Assembly Rev Sharon Hollis – Uniting Church Australia

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-06-20 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 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 - In church and online service
2024-06-23 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.
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – 23 June 2024, 10 am
World Refugee Day
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Hoang Pham (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

Living the Questions: A Kingdom without Walls
2024-06-23 11:45 - 12:45 | Waratah Room, 120 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Art: A Living Situation with all Creation by Suzie-Spiers
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 15: A Kingdom Without Walls
FOCUS:
The good news of the gospel tells of a radical hospitality where boundaries, barriers, and walls are overcome by a grace that knows no bounds.
Facilitator: Neil Blood

For session resources please email your request to office@stmichaels.org.au
