Our attention is on Christmas and the comings of Christ. Before we know it, it will be 2025! A new year is a chance to set patterns shaped by what matters….
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“‘The true light ... was coming into the world.’”
John 1:9
Celebrations of Christ’s birth are getting close. It’s right we celebrate: ‘The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world’ (John 1:9).
The timing of Christmas celebrations are not connected to the historical date of his birth, but capture a spiritual truth.
In the northern hemisphere, it’s mid-winter; just after the shortest day of the year. Christmas is celebrated in the physical cold and dark. It’s a powerful way to make sense of Jesus’ arrival. The true light come into the world, when humanity most needed him.
Our Australian Summer may not capture what those who set the date experienced. We enjoy long, hot days – remembering that a greater light shines. Christ comes to bring life to the full!
We’d love to welcome you at St Michael’s this Christmas as we explore from John’s gospel about God’s son, the true light, who came into our darkness to draw us into his wonderful light!
Events & Services
FRIENDSHIP SERVICE with CHRISTMAS LUNCH
Wednesday 11 December, from 10:30am
A traditional service at St Michael’s, Wollongong followed by a light lunch in the Hall
CAROLS AT CORRIMAL
Saturday 21 December
6:00pm BBQ dinner (bring a gold coin donation), 6:30pm carols begin
CAROLS ON THE LAWN – WOLLONGONG
Sunday 22 December
6pm – food trucks; 7pm – carols
CAROLS IN THE CATHEDRAL – WOLLONGONG
Tuesday 24 December
Carols in the Cathedral, services at 5pm & 7pm
CHRISTMAS DAY
Wednesday 25 December
9am – Corrimal (all ages contemporary Christmas celebration with carols, clips & a kids talk)
7:30am – Wollongong (Holy Communion service with carols & readings)
9:30am – Wollongong (all ages contemporary Christmas celebration with carols, clips & a kids talk)
Followed by our Summer Services (29 Dec, 5 & 12 Jan): 8:45am, 10:30am & 6pm at Wollongong, 10am at Corrimal.
FAQ
How do I get to St Michael's?
We are one church at two locations!
Our Wollongong site is located at 74 Church Street (on the corner of Church and Market Streets). Click here for a map.
Our Corrimal site is at 121 Princes Hwy, Corrimal. Click here for a map.
Where do I park?
Corrimal:
There is a small carpark on site, however we try to save these spaces for people with young children or those with accessibility needs. For street parking, try Coxs’ Lane (one-way), or look for spots on Midgley Street or Underwood Street.
Wollongong:
On Sundays (and public holidays), we recommend parking in the Thomas St carpark across the road from church – on the northern side of the Church Hall.
There is limited parking available within the church grounds, including disabled parking spots. However, on Sundays we have a no-traffic zone in the driveway space between the two staircases and the Church Hall, in order to keep people safe as they move between the cathedral and the Hall.
There are also paid parking meters in surrounding streets, and parking stations nearby. Street parking is usually free on public holidays!
What should I wear?
Wear whatever clothes you feel comfortable in. Our regular members don’t really ‘dress up’ for church.
What time should I arrive?
Most people arrive within 5-10 minutes of the service start time to find a seat. Arriving at least 10 minutes early for our indoor services (especially Carols in the Cathedral) is the best way to secure a seat! Overflow seating options will be available in the office building.
What is church like?
Church is a regular gathering where we hear from God’s word and respond to him in worship. Each of our Christmas events and services will have their own ‘flavour’, but they also have a lot in common. Sunday services usually include singing, a time of prayer, a reading from the Bible and a 20-25 minute Bible talk (usually called a sermon) which explains its relevance for our lives today. After the more formal service, we spend time getting to know each other over tea/coffee and refreshments.*
* There will be a complimentary supper after Carols on the Lawn, on Sunday 22 December.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely! Children are welcome at all our services. At Christmas time and during school holidays, our regular kids’ programs take a break, so we encourage children to stay with their parents during the service.
Corrimal:
You are welcome to sit in the ministry centre, or there is a parent room to the right of our church space. This room has large windows with volume controllable audio feed and a large screen. There is a change table in the disabled toilet.
Wollongong:
You are welcome to sit in the cathedral or the church office foyer (across the courtyard from the cathedral). This space is used as a family room or cry-room with an audio-visual feed of the service, and men’s/women’s toilets available. If you require a change table, there is one in the accessible toilet room in the Church Hall.
* During school terms, our regular Sunday services at 9:45am, 10am, 11:30am and 5pm offer weekly kids’ church programs (for children in pre-school to Year 6). Our 9:45am, 10am and 5pm services also have a crèche available (for children under 5 years of age). Read more about our kids’ programs here.
Accessibility at St Michael's
Corrimal:
Wollongong:
At the Cathedral, there are several disabled parking spaces available, and a wheelchair-accessible ramp connecting the carpark to our cathedral. We also have an accessible toilet in the church hall, a hearing-aid loop in the cathedral, large print Bibles, and vision-friendly data projections. We’d love to help make things more accessible for you, so please ask us if you need anything! Click here for more information.
