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 on sale now
We are pleased to announce the highlights of our 2018 programme and to offer our annual subscriptions 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.
Lent Studies: Pilgrim Course – The Commandments
Fr Andrew Sempell, Sue Mackenzie, Fr John Stewart, Christopher Waterhouse, Ross & Libby Hindmarsh, Kumar Rasiah
Various times and venues, commencing Monday 12 February 2018. In this six-part series drawing on materials from the ‘Pilgrim’ course we explore the Commandments. Groups meet in the city and suburbs of Sydney during Lent. Free to attend. $10 for the booklet. Click here for more information.
Chrism: Understanding Holy Oils
The Reverend Dr Daniel Dries
Exploring the scriptural references to the use of Holy Oil for anointing and a practical guide for the use of Holy Oils in our liturgies. Click here for more information and to book your tickets.
Understanding the Liturgy: Why We Do What We Do
Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh AM
or Thursday 15 and 22 March, 1pm-2pm
The style of our High Anglican liturgy at St James’ is full of symbolism and meaning. Associate Professor Michael Horsburgh explores the actions of our liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, and explains why we do what we do. Click here to book.
The Anglican Board of Mission: Current Projects
The Reverend John Deane
St James’ Hall
The Reverend John Deane discusses current mission projects of the Anglican Board of Mission. Find out how you can support the work and ministry of ABM. Choral Evensong follows at 6:15pm. Click here to find out more.
In Conversation: The Reverend Canon Dr Emma Percy
Our Holy Week Preacher in 2018
We are pleased to welcome the Rev’d Canon Dr Emma Percy to be our Holy Week preacher in 2018. Canon Percy is a Fellow and Chaplain of Trinity College Oxford and Chair of Women and the Church (WATCH) UK. Choral Evensong for Palm Sunday follows at 4pm. Click here for more information.
Clergy Status in the Age of the Royal Commission
The Inaugural Robin Sharwood Lecture in Church Law
The Hon Keith Mason QC presents the Inaugural Robin Sharwood Lecture in Church Law, presented by Trinity College, Melbourne. All welcome and admission is free. Click here for further information.
Ways of Seeing: Theology and Art
Christopher Waterhouse
Saturday 19 May, 3pm-4:30pm
St James’ Institute Director Christopher Waterhouse discusses the signs, symbols and styles of sacred art. Examining art from around the world and across the centuries, this seminar explores how art can help or hinder our theological ideas and understandings. Click here for more information.
Lectio Divina: Read and Pray Deeply
Thursday lunchtimes in May
1pm-2pm
A slow and reflecting reading of Holy Scripture. All welcome. Admission free.
Book 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.
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.
My Song is Love Unknown: Towards a Theology of Desire
The Reverend Dr Gregory Seach
Saturday 30 June, 2pm-4pm
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.
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 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.