Progressive Pages - Digital Bookclub
2024-03-14 19:00 - 20:15, 2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:15 (Australia/Melbourne) | 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
2024-03-17 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
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.

Palm Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2024-03-24 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: “Entry of Christ into Jerusalem” by Wilhelm Morgner
Palm Sunday – 24 March 2024, 10am
“Palm Sunday: when Jesus stops traffic”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano), 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

Easter Re-imagined: Maundy Thursday Service
2024-03-28 18:00 - 19:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: The Last Supper by Margaret Ackland

Maundy Thursday – 28 March 2024, 6pm
“As I have loved you”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: The St Michael’s Singers directed by Rhys Boak (Organ)
The Maundy Thursday Gathering is in church at 6pm.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Easter Re-Imagined: Good Friday Service
2024-03-29 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Christ is condemned to death

Good Friday- 29 March 2024, 10am
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: The St Michael’s Singers directed by Rhys Boak (Organ)
The Good Friday Gathering is in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Easter Re-Imagined: Easter Sunday in church and online
2024-03-31 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Easter Morning by James Janknegt

Easter Sunday – 31 March 2024, 10am
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Judith Dodsworth (Soprano), the Academy of St Michael & Rhys Boak (Organ and Harpsichord)
Sunday Gatherings are in church at 10am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available Sunday afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

St Michael's Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-04-04 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
Below is the program for today, Thursday 4 April with organist Rhys Boak:

Allegro from the Concerto in A minor – Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741) arr. J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Two Chorale preludes from ‘Das Orgelbüchlein’ – J.S. Bach:
i) Christ lag in Todesbanden [Christ lay in the bonds of death] BWV 625
ii) Heut triumphieret Gottes Sohn [Today the Son of God triumphs] BWV 630
Gavotte from ‘Le Temple de la gloire’ – J.P Rameau (1683-1764) Transcr. E. H. Lemare
Cantabile – A. Guilmant (1837-1911)
March on a Theme of Handel – A Guilmant

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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 Gatherings - in church and online
2024-04-07 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Art: “Christ shows himself to Thomas” by Rowan & Irene LeCompte
Second Sunday of Easter – 7 April 2024, 10 am
“Faith and doubt are not opposites”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music: Anthony Halliday (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

Meditation in Mingary
2024-04-07 12:00 - 12:30 | Mingary, The Quiet Place, St Michael's Uniting Church, Russell Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia
Regroup and reset.
Join this calming meditation session to help you reset in the beautiful space of Mingary, The Quiet Place
Facilitator: Ann Kinnear
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.
Mingary is the perfect space to enjoy a meditation session under the guidance of Ann Kinnear.

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2024-04-11 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 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 | 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
