Programs
Sunday Programs
What's happening on Sunday at St Michael's?
Click here to view our Sundays at St Michael's 2011 event Calendar.
For all events happening on all other days, please refer to our events page.
St Michael's Saving Planet Earth
Convened by Sally Clarke, this program is looking at environmental issues facing our community, our city and the world, and initiating activities and directions to contribute to the ecological care of our planet. Each week we will provide suggestions for you to consider.
Meditation with Marion Robertson
On Sunday mornings after morning service from 11.45am sharp until 12.00pm, a short meditation session is offered for anyone to participate in for a moment of reflection. This session of meditation is free and is facilitated by Marion Robertson in the Acacia Room on the 2nd Floor.
Global Concerns
Global Concerns is an organisation within St Michael's who raises funds to donate to various social justice programs. The hard-working Global Concerns team raises the majority of their funds through running a stall every Sunday after morning service with a variety of books, CDs, home-made food and a range of other items. Donations are made to a diverse range of organisations including PLAN; an annual donation to support a child in Ghana; Royal District Nursing Service Homeless Persons Program in St Kilda; ISHR Afghan Appeal; Catholic Teachers College in Bacau, East Timor; Children First Foundation; Darfur Emergency relief for victims of Sudan crisis; and Biala Box Hill, and early intervention program for children with disabilities.
Please contact John Kelly for further information.
Wellbeing
Wellbeing Welcome
The concept of wellbeing represents a proactive stance towards health in all its aspects, and encompasses the many ways we can activiely work towards a happier and more fulfilling life.
Wellbeing may best be defined in terms of elements that support it so we can actively strengthen those aspects in our lives. For many people, connecting to a sense of meaning, purpose or faith in life, is central to a sense of wellbeing. Internal conflict is lessened when we develop personal values from our sense of meaning, and let those values guide our choices and actions.
Contemplative practices such as meditation, or experiences of 'flow' (when we are absorbed in creative or intellectual pursuits), can also assist a feeling of contentment in heart and mind through inspiration, greater 'aliveness' and teh development of mindful self-awareness.
Mindful self-awareness is important to wellbeing because it allows us emotional freedom. Mindfulness empowers us to make choices in regard to unhelpful habits of mood and thinking, rather than feeling trapped in our suffering and anxieties.
For most people. social connections form part of a sense of meaning and self-worth, so that satisfying, trusting relationships are also important facets of wellbeing. It is supportive to feel connected to a sense of something larger than just oneself in the world and being part of a community can offer such support.
Not least, care of the physical body is a vital component of whole person wellbeing.
From 2012, St Michael's will offer new and diverse programs for enhancing individual and community wellbeing, in addition to the current vibrant repertoire.
Click here to view the Centre of Wellbeing prospectus
Arts for Rights
The environment at St Michael's helps stimulate many of us in wanting to learn and enjoy more in the area of the Arts, Theatre, Ballet, Opera and Exhibitions. Arts for Rights was started in 2008, to help raise funds for Human Rights while learning about and enjoying the many varied and exciting areas of the arts.
The group provides a fantastic opportunity to raise important funds for human rights programs, as well as meeting others who share your interests.
Outings are scheduled for once a month* and anyone is welcome to attend.
*Please note that many outings are not on a Sunday.
To see the current programs guide click here.
Sunday Morning Discussion Space
Discussion Space is a place to share your thoughts on what each Sunday's service means to you. It also provides people with an opportunity in the spirit of New Faith to explore different thoughts about their spirituality and spirituality in general. The discussions are facilitated to ensure everyone is able to have a voice and be heard. Please come along we are looking forward to hearing what you think!
Please check the Sunday notices to see where Discussion Group will be held each week.
Facilitated by Adam Jones.
Poetry Group
A chance to share your favourite poem or be creative and write your own. Facilitated by Peter Kingsbury and held on the third Sunday of the month.
Sunday Lunch Group
Each Sunday after service a group meets for lunch. To meet up with the group, see Susan Robinson after service in the library.
Amnesty International
The St Michael's arm of Amnesty International hosts many events during the year with the aim of raising money to aid the fight for human right and stop the persecution of men, women and children throughout the world. Concerts, candle days, letter writing and guest speakers are just some of the activities planned for the year that you can lend your support to.
Walking Group
We meet each Month on the second Saturday at 10.00am walking approximately 3-4 kilometres.
Walks to be organised by one of the group each month.
A folder of the walks around Melbourne and outer Melbourne is now available for the group.
Twice a year, a day excursion further afield will be organised.
Walks will be cancelled if the weather exceeds 32 degrees.
Contacts are Alma Hexter, Lyndell O'Brien and Peter Kahane.
Sunday Triple R: Review Reflect Respond
Connect with the energy of faith - your chance to hear and share views about the morning address.
This vibrant new group meets every Sunday after church to discuss the morning address. The group has a leadership team of six: Dr Julie Hall, Gabriele Buzatu, Simon McCall, Clive Smith, Neil Blood and Adam Jones. Each week, one of the leaders facilitates the group discussion and summarises the participants' views and ideas. This feedback is posted on our website on the ‘Have Your Say' page so that the conversation can continue on-line throughout the week. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Sunday discussion - and all are invited to view the group's feedback and post a comment on the web.
Enquiries: Dr Julie Hall