St Michael’s
Programs
February - April 2016
Contents Sundays at St Michael’s 1 Music ast St Michael’s 2 Spirituality Research 3 Cairnmillar Connections 4 Pillar of St Michael’s 5 Mingary Counselling Service 6 Mingary The Quiet Place 7 Communion 9 Baptisms 9 Gumnut Crèche 10 Weddings 10 Processional Staff 11 Morning Teas 11 Flower Donations 12 The St Michael’s Library 12 Bayside Book Club 13 Global Concerns 13 Membership at St Michael’s 14 Contact and Care 14 Weekday Tours 15 Mobile Minds Workshop 15 French Conversations 16 Exhibition Opening 16 S.A.G.E. Healthy Ageing 17 New Faith Discussion Group 18 Meditation 18 Paul Tillich Seminar 19 HOPE 20 Palm Sunday 20 Maundy Thursday 21 Good Friday 21 Easter Sunday 22 Joesph Camilleri Seminar 22 Cairnmillar Graduation 23 Trivia Event 23 ANZAC Day Service 24 Philosophy for Beginners 24
Contact Us 120 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC, 3000 Phone: (03) 9654 5120 Website: stmichaels.org.au Facebook: stmichaelsmelbourne
Message from the Executive Minister Dr Francis Macnab This booklet sets out some new programs and some that have been a vigorous part of St Michael’s identity over many years. We propose that many of these programs will continue. A new ministry will become a reality in 2016. This will bring many changes, but some things will remain a strong part of St Michael’s in the future. Our Pastoral Care program has been an astonishing engagement of many people – from the Weekday Tours to the Mingary Quiet Place and Counselling Service, from the welcoming team at the church doors to the caring support of many in their times of stress and sadness. As we enter a time of change, our aim will be to sustain our focus and our cohesion, to keep alive our gratitude for what St Michael’s has been, and our enthusiasm for what it can be in the future. Over the last 45 years we have carried the people of St Michael’s, and many from outside St Michael’s, into a different appreciation of faith for the 21st century and what a city congregation would be in our time. We have accepted that our attending congregations have fluctuated in face of many challenging concerns, but the online connections we have experienced via our website have been amazing. The Pastoral Care program has become one of our model programs. It will continue to have high priority in the opening of this year. Mingary and the Coracle Program has been thoroughly established and researched and will continue to give a unique identity to St Michael’s.
SUNDAYS AT ST MICHAEL’S St Michael’s is a unique church dedicated to presenting relevant, contemporary preaching that embraces inner wellbeing as a core message. Sunday services include a mix of traditional and contemporary presentations. Inspirational music is integral and most services include guest musicians who perform between readings. Here at St Michael’s we believe faith, spirituality and a meaning to life are vital ingredients for our health and wellbeing. We believe that there is a need to get hold of a more authentic religious understanding and to express it more confidently and diversely.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH 10AM, SUNDAYS MORE INFORMATION stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 1
MUSIC AT ST MICHAEL’S Music forms a vital part of the life of St Michael’s, just as it unifies and brings joy to people across cultures. Each week world-class artists perform as part of the Sunday Service. St Michael’s is a truly stunning place to enjoy high quality musical performances. Every Thursday at 1pm, the St Michael’s carillon is sounded and the grand organ comes to life for a free 30 minute recital. Performed by organist and Manager of Music Rhys Boak and visiting artists, the recital brings the joy and beauty of live music to all who attend. Throughout the year a number of concerts are held in the Church to raise funds for important causes such as The Big Tent Project and mental health programs at St Michael’s. Visit our website for more information about upcoming music events.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH THURSDAYS & SUNDAYS MORE INFORMATION stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 2
SPIRITUALITY RESEARCH For the last few years, we have given increasing attention to the Spiritual Intelligence and Spiritual research. The visit of Professor Lisa Miller of Columbia University, New York, gave strong affirmation to our achievements and to our possible direction in the future. In early 2016, steps will be taken to explore the possibility of establishing a target for Spiritual Intelligence and Research as a major construction of St Michael’s to the increasing discussion of the spirituality ‘movement’. To proceed with some additional vigour in early 2016, we will be establishing a new deanery; the Deanery for Community Engagement and Understanding, headed by Roger Hersey. More information about will be available soon.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 3
CAIRNMILLAR CONNECTIONS The Big Tent Project For more than 25 years, The Big Tent Project has been a joint venture of St Michael’s and the Cairnmillar Institute. Its focus on children – identified as having emotional and psychological problems. If we provide early help, we could prevent these early childhood problems settling in and affecting these children in their growing up years and beyond. The Big Tent has provided many Kindergarten Field Officers with support and skills to be vital people in the whole therapeutic environment of young children, their kindergarten and their families. S.A.G.E. For more than 30 years, this program has focused on the psychological and mental health of older people – 55 years to 103 years of age. People are living longer. The stresses of life and their anxieties are increasing. S.A.G.E. has been a major contributor to the health and courage of thousands of older people over the last 35 years. It is available to the people of St Michael’s; but many from country Victoria – Warrnambool, Mildura, Bairnsdale have also been affected by it.
MORE INFORMATION stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 4
BECOME A PILLAR OF ST MICHAEL’S
You are invited to become a part of St Michael’s history in a new initiative, The Pillars of St Michael’s. The Pillars of St Michael’s offers a unique way to be a part of the church and contribute to the preservation of St Michael’s. This initiative gives members of the St Michael’s community the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Have your name or the name of a loved one inscribed on a dedication plaque placed on one of the pillars in the church. All funds from the plaques will go towards the conservation of St Michael’s and is an ongoing initiative. If you have any queries please contact the office at office@stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH ONGOING 5
MINGARY COUNSELLING SERVICE The Mingary Counselling Service provides confidential counselling for a broad range of issues, within a caring and professional setting. The low cost service provides high quality counselling for an affordable fee. Male and female counsellors are available and there are no waiting lists or limits on the number of sessions you may attend. The Mingary Counselling Service operates under the auspices of St Michael’s Uniting Church but does not promote religious beliefs. Our services are available to all members of the community, regardless of background. Cost: $30 initial consultation and $20 subsequent consultations.
ST MICHAEL’S ADMINISTRATION BUILDING MONDAY - FRIDAY 9AM to 5PM MORE INFORMATION www.mingarycounselling.com.au or call 03 9654 5120 6
MINGARY THE QUIET PLACE
A peaceful, non-denominational, sanctuary for people of all religions and cultures. Occasionally we need time to refocus: time to pause, time to reflect, time to let positive thoughts and positive emotions be strengthened. For this purpose Mingary, the Quiet Place was constructed. Mingary is a place for personal reflection and a peaceful escape from the hectic demands of city life. It offers a haven where people may restore a sense of strength and vitality. You are invited to visit Mingary, the Quiet Place and experience the healing, restoration, inspiration, vision and empowerment it can foster within you. HOURS 8AM - 5PM, MONDAY - FRIDAY 8AM - 1PM, SUNDAY ADDRESS Russell Street entrance of St Michael’s MORE INFORMATION stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 7
JOIN THE MINGARY CORACLE
Join “The Mingary Coracle” and help spread the word about Mingary, The Quiet Place. In times gone by, people living on the many small islands of Scotland would travel carrying food, comfort and friendship to their neighbouring islands in a small boat called a Coracle. With this in mind “The Mingary Coracle” focuses on carrying the words of Mingary, The Quiet Place to those in need. By joining “The Mingary Coracle” you are helping to spread the word about this unique space in the heart of Melbourne. Reach out to your friends and family and tell them about Mingary, The Quiet Place. Invite them to experience its soothing quietness, its silence and strength. • Write a letter to someone you think might benefit from visiting Mingary, The Quiet Place. • Visit our website and share our mini-documentary on your social media networks. • Give the Mingary Meditation Book to a friend. Collect a copy from The Quiet Place, the St Michael’s office or download a digital version of the book from our website www.stmichaels.org.au/mingary.
MINGARY, THE QUIET PLACE ONGOING 8
COMMUNION
BAPTISMS
Communion takes place on the first Sunday of every month during Morning Service.
The baptism ceremony is a special occasion for you and your family and St Michael’s can make it a memorable experience.
The bread and wine are held up as symbols of life, nurture and strength in all the exigencies of our existence. The bread and wine are then taken to all to share. Visit www.stmichaels.org.au for more information.
Baptisms usually occur on the second Sunday of every month, during the orning service, however this is subject to change so please call to discuss. Sunday service begins at 10am. Baptisms occur at the start of the service. If you have any queries please, do not hesitate to contact us on 03 9654 5120 or email office@stmichaels.org.au. Download an information booklet from www.stmichaels.org.au.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH FIRST SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH VARIOUS TIMES
GUMNUT CRÈCHE
WEDDINGS
The Gumnut Crèche is located on the 1st Floor of the St Michael’s Administration building.
For a relevant ceremony in a magnificent church, St Michael’s has been the church of choice for weddings since 1867.
The crèche is for children whose parents/carers are attending the Church Service at St Michael’s. It is staffed by accredited professional childcare workers. There is no charge for this service. Crèche hours are: • Sunday morning 9.30am-11.30am. • Good Friday 8.30am-10.30am. • Christmas Day 8.30am-10.30am.
LEVEL 1, ADMIN BUILDING SUNDAYS
St Michael’s is a beautiful heritage listed building in the heart of the city, complete with a welcoming warmth and an unsurpassed ambience. We are accepting of couples regardless of religious beliefs and previous marital experience. A comprehensive Information Kit is available from our website www.stmichaels.org.au.
MORE INFORMATION stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 10
PROCESSIONAL STAFF
MORNING TEAS
The Processional Staff is carried each Sunday by a person who is wishing to remember an occasion or person in their lives.
Throughout the year we hold special morning teas to enable members and visitors an opportunity to meet the Minister after Sunday Service in a quieter setting than the usual morning tea for the entire congregation.
Carrying the Staff is a great way of participating in the Sunday Service. Those wishing to volunteer to carry the staff are encouraged to put their name down at the Enquiries Table in the Hall any Sunday.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH SUNDAYS 11
Provide contact details at the Visitors and Information Table in the Hall after service if you would like to be part of a ‘Meet the Minister’ morning tea.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH VARIOUS TIMES
FLOWER DONATIONS
ST MICHAEL’S LIBRARY
Each week there is a beautiful display of flowers in the church donated by people like you.
The library at St Michael’s has been a valued resource for many years.
If you would like to donate the flowers for a Sunday service in celebration or remembrance of a special person or moment please contact the office on 03 9654 5120.
There is a wide selection of books about psychology, theology and spirituality, plus biographies and some fiction; Dr Macnab’s books are well represented. Loans are available (two books per loan) for four weeks at a time. Open after the service each Sunday, there are comfy chairs for a quiet read, and everyone is welcome. Drop in to browse and/or borrow, and enjoy the best view at St Michael’s!
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH ONGOING
LEVEL 1, ADMIN BUILDING OPEN SUNDAYS 12PM - 1PM 12
BAYSIDE BOOK GROUP
GLOBAL CONCERNS
The Bayside Book Group meets every six weeks in the homes of group members on a Sunday afternoon from 2.30pm.
Global Concerns is an organisation within St Michael’s which raises funds for various social justice programs. The hard-working Global Concerns team raises the majority of their funds through a stall each Sunday after morning service selling a variety of books, CDs, home-made food and a range of other items.
Members live in the general Bayside areas of Brighton, Beaumaris, Cheltenham, Bentleigh, Malvern and South Yarra. For further information please contact Lyndell O’Brien via the office.
Donations are made to a diverse range of organisations including PLAN; an annual donation to support a child in Ghana; Homeless Persons Program in St Kilda; ISHR Afghan Appeal; Catholic Teachers College in Bacau, East Timor; Children First Foundation; Darfur Emergency relief; and Biala Box Hill, an early intervention program for children with disabilities.
MORE INFORMATION 03 9654 5120
ST MICHAEL’S HALL SUNDAY’S AFTER SERVICE
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MEMBERSHIP AT ST MICHAEL’S
CONTACT AND CARE
Becoming a member is about making a commitment to being part of St Michael’s.
As a city church with a strong internet presence and a rich history St Michael’s has developed many ‘congregations’ including people who attend the church, those who attend programs, internet and social media followers, people who join us for special events such as marriages and baptisms, and those who are overseas or cannot come in person but continue to see St Michael’s as ‘their’ place.
You may have been coming to St Michael’s for many years or you may have only attended a few events, if you would like to affirm the work of St Michael’s, create a new understanding of what the faith can mean to people in the 21st century, then you may wish to become a member. St Michael’s consistently seeks to blend a helpful integration of psychology and religion, and a positive voice in the Interfaith movement.
Our Contact and Care Team aims to assure all who see themselves as associated with St Michael’s, that they are part of a network of caring. The team, drawn from the church council keeps ‘watch’ for people needing or welcoming some care.
If you would like to know more or talk to someone about becoming a member, please contact the office on 03 9654 5120.
We welcome you keeping in touch with us, especially at important or difficult times in your life.
MORE INFORMATION 03 9654 5120
MORE INFORMATION 03 9654 5120 14
WEEKDAY TOURS
MOBILE MINDS WORKSHOP
If you are interested in finding out more about the history of St Michael’s, do join us for a free tour Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 1pm. Our volunteer tour guides have much to share and would be delighted to see you.
Get more out of your mobile device with these ‘show and tell’ sessions designed to allow users to share interesting apps and ideas with others.
Bookings are not required, however, please call us if you are coming in especially to see the Church to confirm that tour guides will be present on that day. If you have a group wishing to tour the Church we can arrange a time to suit. Social and school groups are very welcome.
Current users of a smartphone or tablet are invited to attend. Both Apple and Android users are welcome. Take advantage of the life-boosting potential of your mobile device with interesting, informative, entertaining and helpful apps. Bring your mobile device and your ideas to share with others. After the workshop, try out the ideas that interest you.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH MON - FRI 10.30AM-1.30PM
WARATAH ROOM SUN 7 FEB 11.45AM SUN 3 APR 11.45AM
Call 03 9654 5120 to confirm availability
FREE EVENT
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FRENCH CONVERSATIONS
KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON CARING
Join native French speaker, Johanna Hersey, for a fun and informal French conversation class where all are welcome to practice their French and receive some pointers in basic French conversation skills.
Members of the St Michael’s congregation and community display their artwork in an exhibition dedicated to caring.
Beginners and fluent speakers alike will find someone to chat to in French with help and guidance on hand.
The St Michael’s Gallery is the visual embodiment of the ideals of the church, exhibiting artwork that connects with the ethos of St Michael’s. The theme for this exhibition is “Caring”, one of the fundamental beliefs of St Michael’s. Celebrate the opening of this exhibition on Sunday 14 February.
WELLBEING STUDIO SUN 7 FEB 11.45AM SUN 6 MAR 11.45AM SUN 3 APR 11.45AM FREE EVENT
ST MICHAEL’S GALLERY OPENING CELEBRATIONS SUN 14 FEB 12PM - 1PM EXHIBITION DATES 14 FEB - 10 APR 16
SUCCESSFUL AGEING FOR GROWTH AND ENJOYMENT A monthly seminar offering psychological insights into healthy ageing in a friendly interactive forum. Dr Francis Macnab created S.A.G.E. to help people build strategies to cope with the big stresses in the years post-55, reshape their meaning of life, deal with the fears that flit through these years, learn and live well. “The S.A.G.E. seminars attract so many older people and I’m not surprised considering the important topics they discuss, all of which help older people to age well.” - Noeline Brown
ST MICHAEL’S HALL FRI 26 FEB 11AM - 1PM THU 31 MAR 11AM - 1PM FRI 29 APR 11AM - 1PM TICKETS $20 (including tea/coffee and a light lunch) 17
NEW FAITH DISCUSSION GROUP
GUIDED AWARENESS AND MEDITATION
A study group led by Neil Blood, to discuss new faith philosophy, values and ethics as presented at St Michael’s by its minister of 45 years Dr Francis Macnab.
Join meditation practitioner Sian Ellett and discover the energy of your body and the world around you through guided awareness.
Our theme for 2016 is: A Creative Faith For Our Times. You are invited to join the conversation as we consider: Our times ---- Our lives ----- Our faith.
This 1 hour session will include: • a welcome and introduction to the concept of guided meditation. • a guided body awareness meditation, utilising movement, visualisation and breath. • discussion of experiences and time to ask questions. Sian is a writer and meditation practitioner specialising in health, wellbeing, meditation and personal development.
GREVILLEA ROOM SUN 28 FEB 11.45AM SUN 10 APR 11.45AM
WELLBEING STUDIO SUN 28 FEB 11.45AM SUN 10 APR 11.45AM
FREE EVENT
DONATION ON ENTRY 18
PAUL TILLICH
THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE THEOLOGIAN OF THE 20TH CENTURY. Don’t Throw Stones. Embrace Your Greatness. Get Courage To Face The Basic Question. Dr Francis Macnab presents this free public lecture exploring the psychology and theology of Paul Tillich. 2016 marks 51 years since Tillich’s death but his work still echos in modern day psychology. 6pm refreshments 6.30pm lecture starts
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH THU 3 MAR 6PM FREE EVENT PLEASE RSVP via www.stmichaels.org.au or call 03 9654 5120 19
HOPE: HELPING OUR PLANET EARTH
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE
St Michael’s environment group, exploring the environmental issues of concern for the wellbeing of our planet.
Join us for a special Palm Sunday Service.
There will be guest speakers to inform and enlighten you and a discussion about the actions we can take in our home and workplaces to better care for our world. Gain credible information, to become more aware and more active in environmental matters. Every individual can help care for the environment and these workshops will help you to do that. Please bring with you an inquisitive mind and some good ideas to add to the discussions.
WARATAH ROOM SUN 13 MAR 11.45AM FREE EVENT
The story of Palm Sunday is a story that throws up many conflicts. But good stories can have a happy ending. If some things had not happened, other things would not have happened. For some, we are talking doom and gloom. For others, we have a positive life-changing event. Do such events just happen? Are they already ‘written in’ to the future? Or is our human scene affected and changed by the players in it? Martin Buber wrote “Reality is new every day, and every morning it asks anew to be shaped by our hands.”
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH SUN 20 MAR 10AM 20
MAUNDY THURSDAY
GOOD FRIDAY
On such an evening as this, Jesus gathered in an upstairs room, with his disciples for the Passover Meal. As was the custom, he took some bread and wine. Before giving it to all to eat and drink, he told them that the bread and wine, from that point onwards, would take on a new meaning for them.
After the Service on Good Friday, members of the congregation often make a reflective, silent pilgrimage through the evocative and beautiful Mingary Sanctuary, beside the main Church.
It would always remind them of the ordeal he would endure, and of its significance for the world and the future. He then said the prayer, went out into the garden, where he was arrested, taken to prison and to his crucifixion.
This is an inspiring and deeply reflective ritual where we lay our hands on the ancient rock sculptural centerpiece of the sanctuary to ground ourselves with its symbolic timeless presence. We touch the water running over the rock to symbolise the energy of faith and flow of life force through all things. We feel the Good Presence within us and surrounding everything.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH THU 24 MAR 7PM 21
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH FRI 25 MAR 9AM
EASTER SUNDAY
JOSEPH CAMILLERI LECTURE
On Easter Sunday service commences at the usual hour of 10am. Symbols and music during the service mark the special significance of Easter Sunday.
Will Terrorism and the ‘War on Terror’ Ever End?
Life is more enjoyable when you know you are listening to a good idea, a new idea – when you are walking on a new path, a good path; when you are seeing something new, something good. That’s engagement. That’s enhancement. That’s looking at a segment of life at its best. And that’s part of the story of Easter.
The United States launched the war on terror at 9.30pm on September 11th 2001. Since then, over 61,000 terrorist attacks have killed more than 140,000 people. Many more have died in the wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Libya. Many millions have had to flee their homes. Is there an end in sight to this mayhem? In this lecture, Professor Camilleri will discuss what lies behind the killing and how best to respond. Refreshments from 6pm Lecture beings at 6.30pm
ST MICHAEL’S HALL THU 7 APR 6PM - 8.30PM ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH SUN 27 MAR 10AM
TICKETS $15 (includes refreshments) 22
CAIRNMILLAR GRADUATION
TRIVIA
Celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Cairnmillar class of 2016.
Have you ever envisaged yourself as a contestant on “Eggheads” or “Hot Seat”?
Since 1961, Cairnmillar been at the forefront in the delivery of foundation training and in the field of counseling, psychotherapy and trauma therapy.
Then this is your chance to make use of all the knowledge you have gained over the years, by participating in St Michael’s Trivia Challenge.
Following the ceremony please join us for refreshments.
Come as a team or an individual and join with others. It will also be a fun session with your fellow members in testing your knowledge in an enjoyable way over topics such as history, sport, films, politics, food and drink, music; in fact a question could pop up on any topic. Teams of no more than six and no less than one. You may even learn something new. Presented by John and Val Little
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH THU 14 APR 6PM
WARATAH ROOM SUN 17 APR 11.45AM - 1.30PM
FREE EVENT
FREE EVENT
ANZAC DAY SERVICE
PHILOSOPHY FOR BEGINNERS
This year marks the 101st anniversary of the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli.
Thinking Outside the Square.
Join us at St Michael’s Church as we host a special service commemorating the courage and sacrifice of those who have served Australia during periods of war and peace.
ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH SUN 24 APR 10AM
A lively, interactive discussion group, presented by Dr Peter Kingsbury, focusing on thinking outside the square. Designed to inspire innovative thinking.
creative
CAMELLIA ROOM SUN 24 APR 11.45AM FREE EVENT
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