Toorak Uniting Church, Toorak: A Welcome for Everyone, Sunday Music and a Quiet Space on Weekdays

"Wherever you are on your faith journey, wherever you have come from and wherever you are going to, whatever you believe, whatever you do not believe, you are welcome here." That's the open invitation from Toorak Uniting Church at 603 Toorak Road, which welcomes all people regardless of race, religion, political views, gender, marital status, sexual orientation or age.

A long history in Toorak

Toorak Uniting Church began as Toorak Presbyterian Church, established in 1875 with the Rev Murdoch MacDonald as minister. The Uniting Church in Australia was formed in 1977 as a union of the Methodist, Congregational and Presbyterian churches. Today the congregation is led by Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola-Tongotongo, Minister of the Word.

The church acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which it lives, works and worships.

Two ways to worship

There are two services most Sundays. The 9am service is a relaxed, less formal service held in the round and runs for about 45 minutes. The 10.15am service follows a more traditional format, with more music, a choir, more hymns and a musical postlude, and runs for about 45 to 60 minutes. Holy Communion is celebrated on the third Sunday of each month. Suits are worn by some, but casual clothes are fine too. If you're new, introduce yourself to one of the Welcomers outside the church and stay for coffee and a chat afterwards.

Come for the music

Music is a big part of life at TUC. "Come for the music, stay for the joy," says the church, whose choir rehearses each Sunday at 8.45am for the 10.15am service, supported by four section leaders. Newcomers are encouraged to come along.

A space for quiet

You don't need to wait for Sunday. The church is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays for prayer, meditation and contemplation. While you're there, take the self-guided tour of the beautiful stained glass windows; tour booklets are at the back of the church.

Neighbours and outreach

Since signing the Toorak Ecumenical Agreement in 1980, TUC has been part of the Toorak Ecumenical Movement, studying, worshipping and praying alongside St Peter's Roman Catholic Church, St John's Anglican Church and the Swedish Church. Together the congregations run the Toorak Opportunity Shop, and TUC's share of the profits funds outreach projects. Outreach is also supported by Communion offerings, and the church's Mission and Service contributions help fund the wider work of the Uniting Church, including aged care, Prahran Mission and remote and outback support.

The church has wheelchair-accessible entry, accessible toilets nearby and a small number of accessible parking spaces on site. It is close to Heyington Station on the Glen Waverley line and tram route 58 (stop 136).

Visit Toorak Uniting Church

Toorak Uniting Church is at 603 Toorak Road, Toorak. Sunday services are at 9am and 10.15am. The office is open Monday 12pm to 4pm and Wednesday to Friday 9am to 4pm. Call 03 9829 0300 or email office@toorakuc.org.au.

Contact

Toorak Uniting Church
603 Toorak Road, Toorak VIC 3142
Phone: 03 9829 0300
Email: office@toorakuc.org.au
Website: toorakuc.org.au
Hours: Sunday services 9am and 10.15am; church open weekdays 9am–4pm; office Mon 12–4, Wed–Fri 9–4 (closed Tue)

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