Here is a list of all our upcoming events. Click on the image or text summary to find out more about any of our events and to book your place. If you are planning to attend a number of events, click here to download a copy of the 2018 programme and become a subscriber.
If you would like to attend an event but find the costs prohibitive, please contact us about our straightforward bursaries programme.
2018 Subscription Series
Annual Subscriptions available
It’s not too late to purchase an annual subscription at $175 for adults and $155 concession. The events listed below are all included in the subscription, with the exception of the Retreat in September which incurs an additional charge. Click here to book your subscription.
Book Discussion Group
The Return of the Prodigal Son
by Henri J. M. Nouwen.
Thursday evenings 24 May, 28 June, 26 July, 23 August and 27 September. All welcome. Click here to find and more and to register your place.
Mid-Year Studies: The Creeds
Leaders include Fr Andrew Sempell, Fr John Stewart, Sue Mackenzie, Christopher Waterhouse
Various times and venues, commencing Monday 4 June. Drawing on materials from Book 5 of the ‘Pilgrim’ course, our mid-year studies will focus on the Creeds. Groups meet in the city and sububrs of Sydney for four weeks. Sessions are free to attend. $10 for booklet. Click here to register.
The Rainbow in Asia: Homosexual Law Reform in Asia and the Pacific
Presented by the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG
Wednesday 20th June, 4:30pm-6:00pm
Michael Kirby reviews the prospects of improvement in the treatment of gay people in Asia and the Pacific and maps the develops in law reform in relation to the rights and treatment of LGBTIQ people. He will refer to the role played by Faith communities in resisting change and even in increasing hostility, and what can be done to improve the present situation of inequality, discrimination, danger and injustice. Click here for further information.
Documentary Screening
In the Footsteps of St Paul: David Suchet
The Eve of Saints Peter and Paul, Thursday 28th June 6:30pm-9pm.
The St James’ Institute has been given special permission to screen David Suchet’s outstanding documentary on the life and ministry of St Paul. Tickets for this screening are strictly limited and must be booked in advance. Click here to find out more.
My Song is Love Unknown: Towards a Theology of Desire
The Reverend Dr Gregory Seach
Australians have decided for whom the State can authorise marriages. The Church(es) remain somewhat confused. One way to begin to emerge from such confusion might be to think theologically about the notion (and feeling) of ‘desire’: an idea theologians have considered for millennia. This afternoon will introduce some of that thinking, and attempt to chart a way to some more coherent, theological, thinking about desire. Click here for more.
Ways of Seeing: Theology and Art
Christopher Waterhouse
Sunday 15th July, 2pm-4pm (a repeat of the seminar given in May)
St James’ Institute Director Christopher Waterhouse repeats his recent seminar on the signs, symbols and styles of sacred art. Examining art from around the world and across the centuries, Christopher looks at several theological themes and how artists have tackled them, and looks at three modern artists and their work in churches. Click here for more information.
St James’ Talk: St James the Greater
Saturday 28 July, 3pm-4:30pm
On our Patronal Festival weekend we discuss our patron saint; St James the Greater. We explore who he was and how he has been remembered in art, music and popular culture.
The St James Choir Concert ‘For All The Saints’ follows at 5pm.
2018 Retreat: The Divine Office
with the Reverend Catherine Eaton
5pm Friday 7 to 2pm Sunday 9 September
The Reverend Catherine Eaton leads us on a journey through the development of the Daily Offices. With a focus on forms of corporate and monastic prayer, the retreat will feature a group of singers from the Choir of St James’ who will lead us in the offering of the Divine Offices from Evensong on Friday to lunchtime on Sunday, including Sung Matins, Compline, and the offering of the ancient offices of Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext and None.
In Memoriam
Saturday 15 September, 3pm-4:30pm
How do we as a church, society and as individuals commemorate those who have died? We examine poetry, prayer, music, art, and literature that has been written ‘in memoriam’ of people from across the ages. The St James’ Choir concert ‘In Memoriam’ follows at 5pm.
God in the Warzone
Saturday 3 November, 3pm-4:30pm
As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, this seminar explores the role of Defence Force Chaplains in history and in the present time. We will explore poetry, prayers and liturgies used in conflict zones and hear first-hand from two Australian Defence Force Chaplains about their ministries. The St James’ Choir concert for Remembrance-tide follows at 5pm.
Advent Studies: The Lord’s Prayer
Leaders include Fr Andrew Sempell, Fr John Stewart, Sue Mackenzie, Christopher Waterhouse
Various times and venues, commencing Monday 26 November. Drawing on materials from Book 2 of the ‘Pilgrim’ course, our Advent Studies will focus on the Lord’s Prayer and prayer generally. Groups meet in the city and suburbs of Sydney for four weeks during Advent. Sessions are free to attend. $10 for booklet.