St Michael's Uniting Church

Sunday Gathering - Awake to the Sacred
2023-12-03 10:00 - 11:15 (Australia/Melbourne) | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Hope by Lois Armstrong
First Sunday of Advent – 3 Decmber 2023, 10am
“Awake to the Sacred“
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church and online: Edwina Cordingley (Cello) & Rhys Boak (Orga & Piano)
Music online: Amir Farid (Piano), Bruno Siketa (Trumpet) & 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

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2023-12-07 13:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Free event.
Doors open at 12:30pm
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Don’t forget to check out our Christmas Reimagined Servie: Carols and Readings
Thursday, 21 December at 7:30pm

Advent Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2023-12-10 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Bethlehem New Light by Mike Torvelli
Second Sunday of Advent – 10 December 2023, 10am
“Preparing a space…for peace” “
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Peter Sheridan (Flute) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Music online: 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

Lunchtime Organ Recital
2023-12-14 13:00 - 13:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
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.
Free event.
Doors open at 12:30pm
Share our flyer
This is the last Lunchtime Organ recital for 2023.
There will be a small break over the Christmas break and no organ recitals on Thursday 21 & 28 December and 4 January 2024.
We look forward to seeing you Thursay, 11 January 2024 at 1pm.

Advent Sunday Gathering - in church and online
2023-12-17 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Magnificat (detail) by JanRichardson
Third Sunday of Advent – 17 December 2023, 10am
“Desiring God“
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Joe Chindamo (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Organ)
Music online: Zoe Black (Violin), Joe Chindamo (Piano) & 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

Christmas Reimagined: Carols and Readings
2023-12-21 19:30 - 20:30 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Join our Christmas Festivities with joyful Carols and Readings.
This special service is one with an uplifting difference.
Rev Dr Margaret Mayman leads the service and is joined by guest reader, Greta Bradman.
Listen to joyous carols performed by soloist Georgia Wilkinson, the St Michael’s Singers and Brass Ensemble conducted by Rhys Boak and enjoy an oppotunity to sing along to some carol favourites.
Free event. Doors open at 7pm.
Download the Christmas Reimagined: Carols and Readings Order of Service here
Let your friends know about Carols and Readings and share our flyer

Sunday Gathering - In church and online - Anticipating the Holy
2023-12-24 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image: Nativity by Erland Sibuea
Fourth Sunday of Advent – 24 December 2023, 10am
“Anticipating the Holy“
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church and online: The St Michael’s Singers & 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

Christmas Day Gathering - In church and online
2023-12-25 09:00 - 10:00 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Christmas Day – 25 December 2023, 9am
“Imagine Peace and Act for Peace“
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano), The St Michael’s String Quartet & Rhys Boak (Piano)
Music online: Georgia Wilkinson (Soprano), the St Michael’s String Quartet, The Academy of St Michael, Joe Chindamo (Piano) & Rhys Boak (Piano)
Please note the change of time of 9am.
For those unable to attend, online services still continue and are available in the afternoon.
Watch the Online Gathering here

Sunday Gathering: In church and online - "Continuity Amidst Change"
2023-12-31 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image from pexels.com
First Sunday after Christmas – 31 December 2023, 10am
“Continuity Amidst Change”
Guest minister: Rev Peter Burnham
Music in church: Rhys Boak (Organ)
Music online: Francesca Hiew (Violin), David Paterson (Piano), 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

Sunday Gathering - in church and online: What is emerging for you?
2024-01-07 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Image by David Dawes
First Sunday after Epiphany- 7 January 2024, 10am
“What is emerging for you”
Guest minister: Rev David Dawes
Music in church: Hoang Pham (Piano) & Shauna Beesley (Organ)
Music online: Paulina Vayenas (Piano), Dr. Kim Tan (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

Sunday Gathering - in church and online: Whose voice will you listen for this year?
2024-01-14 10:00 - 11:15 | St Michael’s Uniting Church, 120 Collins Street, Melbourne, Australia
Second Sunday after Epiphany- 14 January 2024, 10am
“Whose voice will you listen for this year?”
Minister: Rev Dr Margaret Mayman
Music in church: Hoang Pham (Piano) & Shauna Beesley (Organ)
Music online: Michelle Nelson & Meredith Connie (Guitars), Bruno Siketa (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
2024-01-18 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
Download the program for today Download the program for Thursday, 18 January here
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1. Prelude and Fugue on ‘Nun danket alle Gott’ – Percy E. Fletcher (1879–1932)
2. At Eventide – Sir Charles Villiers Stanford (1852–1924)
3. Interlude XXXIX – Dom Gregory Murray (1905–1992)
4. Capriccietto – Leonard Butler (1869–1943)
5. Élégie Héroïque – Harry Farjeon (1878–1948)
6. Dance – Christopher Steel (1938–1991)

Day of Mourning Sunday service - In church and online
2024-01-21 10:00 - 11:15 | 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 | 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
