Metropolitan Community Church Sydney
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE 2023
For over 25 years MCC Sydney has given Sydney a gift: A place to be on Christmas Eve where everyone is welcome with no exceptions. A place to reflect on the meaning of Christmas and to experience something memorable.
2023 continues the tradition with another very special night. This year we are gathering at Pitt Street Uniting Church. Come and join us as we sing carols together, reflect on the meaning of Christmas and experience something unique and memorable. Enjoy the music from the grand Pipe Organ and our performers and hear a message from our guest speaker Rev. Dr. Josephine Inkpin.
The event is Auslan interpreted.
WELCOME
On behalf of all of us at MCC, I would like to personally invite you to our carols service. We are really excited to be partnering with Pitt Street Uniting Church and are looking forward to seeing your face light up as we sing carols and celebrate the birth of Jesus. Read down and learn more about what to expect on the night.
Pj Dwyer - Board Member
JOIN THE CHOIR!
Rehearsal time: Sunday 24/12/23
Rehearsal from 5:00pm to 6:30 pm at Pitt Street Uniting Church, 264 Pitt St, Sydney.
The Carols Service will begin at 8:00pm and we aim to finish around 9:30pm.
A choir booklet will be available for download before the service so you can see what the carols are and a printed booklet will be provided for the service. There will be no charge for the booklets.
As in previous years, dress is semi-formal with a single coloured collared shirt or blouse and black pants or skirt. No hats or flashing antlers.
If you would like to sign up for the Choir, please reply to this email or fill out the form at this link:
Rev Dr. Jo Inkpin
GUEST SPEAKER
Our guest speaker Rev Dr Josephine Inkpin, is Minister of Pitt Street Uniting Church and the first out transgender Anglican priest in Australia. Originally from England, she has served in various capacities including for the National Council of Churches in Australia and is co-chair of Equal Voices, a national network of LGBTIQA+ Christians and allies.
Michael Honeyman
PERFORMER
Michael has been a Principal baritone with Opera Australia for over a decade and has performed all over the country. His roles with Opera Australia include the title roles in: Wozzeck (Helpmann Award), King Roger (Green Room Award) and Simon Boccanegra; Ezio (Attila), Miller (Luisa Miller), Valentin (Faust), Escamillo (Carmen), Ford (Falstaff), Di Luna (Il trovatore), Donner (Das Rheingold), Amfortas (Parsifal) and Sharpless (Madama Butterfly), Germont (La Traviata), Amonasro and Escamillo (Carmen) for Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour. Michael has also appeared with Opera Queensland, State Opera South Australia, Sydney and Queensland symphony orchestras, West Australian Opera and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. He recently featured for Opera Queensland in his solo recital "A Queer Romance".
OUR VENUE
Pitt Street Uniting Church
264 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Doors open at 7:30pm
MAGIC FINGERS
At the keyboard of the Grand Organ is Rev Gavin Ward, a former pastor of MCC Sydney. Rev Gavin has delighted thousands with his magnificent playing. We're equally delighted to have Gavin back with us again for Christmas Eve 2023. Gavin also plays the keyboard for us in some of the more contemporary performances.
CHRISTMAS GIVING
Support MCC Sydney's Christmas Eve Carols Service by making a one-off donation via PayPal. Click the logo to be taken to the 'Donate Now' page of our website. Your generous contribution helps ensure that we're able to continue bringing a special Christmas Eve event to the people of Sydney each year.
GETTING THERE
Pitt Street Uniting Church
264 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Click the red dot to open in Google Maps
Pitt Street Uniting is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest train station is Town Hall. Nearby bus stops are Park Street near Pitt Street, Castlereagh Street between Park and Bathurst Streets, and Elizabeth Street near Bathurst Street.
For trip planning via public transport, visit transportnsw.info or call 131 500
Parking
The nearest parking building is Wilson Parking - St Andrew's House-Town Hall at 464 Kent Street.
SPONSORSHIP
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ACON
ACON is a New South Wales based health promotion organisation specialising in HIV prevention, HIV support and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health. ACON helps LGBTI people take control of their health so they can look after themselves as well as their partners, family and friends.
MCC WELFARE SERVICES
MCC Sydney acknowledges MCC Welfare Services, which provides a range of welfare assistance and support services to those within the LGBTQIA community, as well as offering programs that connect communities through events promoting social inclusion and diversity. MCC Welfare Services has assisted over 3000 people and looks forward to adding to the lives of many more.