Events 2026
Please support the activities and outreach of Pilgrim People Brisbane
This coming Sunday, 10th May 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the 6th Sunday of the Easter season, Mothers’s Day and Communion.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Mrs Ruth Duncan, a member of Pilgrim People Brisbane and a qualified and experienced lay preacher in the Uniting Church. Her sermon will be based on the Gospel reading, John 14: 15-21 (If you love me, you will keep my commandments).
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the 6th Sunday of the Easter season, Mothers’s Day and Communion.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Mrs Ruth Duncan, a member of Pilgrim People Brisbane and a qualified and experienced lay preacher in the Uniting Church. Her sermon will be based on the Gospel reading, John 14: 15-21 (If you love me, you will keep my commandments).
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
This coming Sunday, 3rd May 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, with our special guest speaker, Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO.
GUEST SPEAKER
Our special guest speaker is Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO, who will share her long and continuing journey of faith. Sister Angela who turned 100 last August is one of Queensland’s most distinguished Christian leaders having served as the head of the Mater Hospitals for 22 years and been a widely recognised public campaigner for the poor and marginalised. Her life of selfless service combines strict discipline, humility and unwavering faith in God’s call on her life which she accepted 84 years ago in County Clare, Ireland.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, with our special guest speaker, Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO.
GUEST SPEAKER
Our special guest speaker is Sister Angela Mary Doyle AO, who will share her long and continuing journey of faith. Sister Angela who turned 100 last August is one of Queensland’s most distinguished Christian leaders having served as the head of the Mater Hospitals for 22 years and been a widely recognised public campaigner for the poor and marginalised. Her life of selfless service combines strict discipline, humility and unwavering faith in God’s call on her life which she accepted 84 years ago in County Clare, Ireland.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
This coming Sunday, 26th April 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the 4th Sunday of the Easter season and including an Anzac Day segment. PREACHER Our preacher will be Cmdr. Dr Paul Davidson. The readings will include Psalm 23 (The Lord is my shepherd) and the Gospel passage, John 10: 1-10 (Jesus the Good Shepherd). REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard. VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane. |
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Sister Angela Mary AO and Queensland Great joins us for worship on May the 3rd
Sister Angela Mary AO will be our very special guest on May 3rd, 2026, where, through a face-to-face interview, she will share her remarkable and long journey of faith in God which continues to inspire her daily Christian service.
Born Kathleen Doyle 100 years ago in county Clare Irland into a family of 9 children, the family was sustained by a productive small farm. When Sister Angela felt a call to give her life to God at the tender age of 16, her parents, exercising wise earthly judgement, encouraged her to delay her response. It was only a year later that Sister Angela affirmed her response to God’s call on her life and by the age of 21 she, together with her beloved sister Nuala, were bound for Brisbane as Sisters of Mercy in 1947. First appointed as a teacher at St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point, a role which she loved, Sister Angela felt challenged when called to move to the Mater to train and work as a nurse. As with all challenges she has faced throughout her life, Sister Angela conquered her fears and became a highly accomplished contributor in the operating theatre.
When advised in 1966 that she was chosen to be the Administrator of the Mater Hospital, she thought “this was taking the will of God too far”. Her Mercy superiors clearly saw gifts in Sister Angela that personal humility had prevented her from seeing in herself. Knowing that she had no formal training in leadership or management, she undertook a course in Management at QIT from which she acknowledges she benefited greatly.
During her 22 years as leader of the Mater, Sister Angela emerged as one of Queensland’ greatest and most respected public leaders, becoming a powerful advocate for public health policies and services. Sister Angela displayed great courage and empathy when the AIDS crisis hit Queensland by ensuring that Federal funding and care for AIDS patients were available in Queensland.
Her compassion expended to anyone whose need was brought to her attention, never delegating the tasks required to provide practical assistance. To this very day, Sister Angela supports personally and takes up the cases of those in need of assistance. Picking up the phone to Ministers, Premiers, Prime Ministers, or the Governor General is never intimidating task for her. Those who receive her calls are reluctant to say ‘no’.
That the Mater remains where it is today is a further tribute to Sister Angela who resisted attempts to move it to Logan in the 1980s. Since her retirement, Sister Angela is, in effect, an Emeritus CEO, serving daily through fundraising, advocating, supporting and caring.
Sister Angela Mary credits the many outstanding medical and nursing staff, great business managers, and finance specialists who worked with her for the truly remarkable outcomes for which the Mater is now so widely known.
Her incalculable contribution sees the Mater Group today with the following reach and impact:
Sister Angela Mary AO will be our very special guest on May 3rd, 2026, where, through a face-to-face interview, she will share her remarkable and long journey of faith in God which continues to inspire her daily Christian service.
Born Kathleen Doyle 100 years ago in county Clare Irland into a family of 9 children, the family was sustained by a productive small farm. When Sister Angela felt a call to give her life to God at the tender age of 16, her parents, exercising wise earthly judgement, encouraged her to delay her response. It was only a year later that Sister Angela affirmed her response to God’s call on her life and by the age of 21 she, together with her beloved sister Nuala, were bound for Brisbane as Sisters of Mercy in 1947. First appointed as a teacher at St Joseph’s Kangaroo Point, a role which she loved, Sister Angela felt challenged when called to move to the Mater to train and work as a nurse. As with all challenges she has faced throughout her life, Sister Angela conquered her fears and became a highly accomplished contributor in the operating theatre.
When advised in 1966 that she was chosen to be the Administrator of the Mater Hospital, she thought “this was taking the will of God too far”. Her Mercy superiors clearly saw gifts in Sister Angela that personal humility had prevented her from seeing in herself. Knowing that she had no formal training in leadership or management, she undertook a course in Management at QIT from which she acknowledges she benefited greatly.
During her 22 years as leader of the Mater, Sister Angela emerged as one of Queensland’ greatest and most respected public leaders, becoming a powerful advocate for public health policies and services. Sister Angela displayed great courage and empathy when the AIDS crisis hit Queensland by ensuring that Federal funding and care for AIDS patients were available in Queensland.
Her compassion expended to anyone whose need was brought to her attention, never delegating the tasks required to provide practical assistance. To this very day, Sister Angela supports personally and takes up the cases of those in need of assistance. Picking up the phone to Ministers, Premiers, Prime Ministers, or the Governor General is never intimidating task for her. Those who receive her calls are reluctant to say ‘no’.
That the Mater remains where it is today is a further tribute to Sister Angela who resisted attempts to move it to Logan in the 1980s. Since her retirement, Sister Angela is, in effect, an Emeritus CEO, serving daily through fundraising, advocating, supporting and caring.
Sister Angela Mary credits the many outstanding medical and nursing staff, great business managers, and finance specialists who worked with her for the truly remarkable outcomes for which the Mater is now so widely known.
Her incalculable contribution sees the Mater Group today with the following reach and impact:
- Public & private hospitals – 11 facilities
- 11,000 employees
- Nearly 700,000 patients annually
- 600+ volunteers
- 400+ research led clinical trials & studies
- Pathology & allied health services
- $1.8b turnover
This coming Sunday, 19th April 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the 3rd Sunday of the Easter season.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson. The readings will include the Gospel passage, Luke 24: 13-35, recounting the story of Jesus meeting Cleophas and his friend on the road to Emmaus.
MUSIC
Music is a feature of all Pilgrim services with enthusiastic hymn singing by the congregation, glorious anthems by the Pilgrim Singers, and wonderful organ music on the amazing Allen G330 digital organ that produces an authentic cathedral organ sound.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the 3rd Sunday of the Easter season.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson. The readings will include the Gospel passage, Luke 24: 13-35, recounting the story of Jesus meeting Cleophas and his friend on the road to Emmaus.
MUSIC
Music is a feature of all Pilgrim services with enthusiastic hymn singing by the congregation, glorious anthems by the Pilgrim Singers, and wonderful organ music on the amazing Allen G330 digital organ that produces an authentic cathedral organ sound.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
This coming Sunday, 12th April 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the second Sunday of the Easter Season.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Harold Kilah. The readings will include the Gospel passage, John 20: 19-31, telling the story of Jesus and his encounter with Thomas.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the second Sunday of the Easter Season.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Harold Kilah. The readings will include the Gospel passage, John 20: 19-31, telling the story of Jesus and his encounter with Thomas.
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Sunday, April 5, Worship will be at 9.30am. The Preacher will be Rev Jenny Busch
Easter Day
The liturgical colour is white
Easter Day
The liturgical colour is white
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Handel’s Easter Messiah
On Good Friday, 3rd April 2026 at 2.30pm, Pilgrim People Brisbane’s service will feature a performance by the Pilgrim Singers of Handel’s Easter Messiah. Presiding Liturgist: Rev David Busch Readers: Lee Booth and Adrian McNeil The Pilgrim Singers: Conductor – Adele Nisbet Soprano – Zoe Catchpole; Mezzo soprano – Meg Russell-Hines; Tenor – Graham Godfrey; Baritone – Harry Hammett; Violin – Chen Yang; Trumpet - John Coulton Organ – Dr Steven Nisbet OAM |
This coming Sunday, 29th March 2026,
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating Palm Sunday.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Bernie Jarius. The readings will include the Gospel passage, Matthew 21: 1-11, recounting the story Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its church service at 2.30pm, celebrating Palm Sunday.
PREACHER
Our preacher will be Rev Bernie Jarius. The readings will include the Gospel passage, Matthew 21: 1-11, recounting the story Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
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Sunday, March 22, Worship will be at 2.30pm. The Preacher will be Mrs Ruth Duncan
Lent 5, The liturgical colour is purple
HOPE FOR NEW LIFE
This week, approaching the fifth Sunday in the Season of Lent, we read various expressions of unhappiness and longing for life in all its fullness. Lent is a time of waiting, and expectation of something better coming their way.
Psalm 130’s writer is in the depths of what is a very unhappy state, longing for hope. Lamenting, how long must I wait for joy to come – all night, Lord?
Ezekiel’s discourse about the dry bones reconnecting, regrowing tendons and flesh, and receiving the breath of life, gives us a vision of life being possible even if everything around us doesn’t seem very bright. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that if we set our minds on ourselves and our own desires, it is a slippery slope to a lacklustre view on the world around us. Instead, it is better to focus on the Spirit of God and all the goodness that brings life into
our being. And John’s message about Lazarus being brought back to life, even after his sisters thought Jesus was too late to save him, reminds us that God’s timing is always the right time for life to be restored. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Ruth
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Lent 5, The liturgical colour is purple
HOPE FOR NEW LIFE
This week, approaching the fifth Sunday in the Season of Lent, we read various expressions of unhappiness and longing for life in all its fullness. Lent is a time of waiting, and expectation of something better coming their way.
Psalm 130’s writer is in the depths of what is a very unhappy state, longing for hope. Lamenting, how long must I wait for joy to come – all night, Lord?
Ezekiel’s discourse about the dry bones reconnecting, regrowing tendons and flesh, and receiving the breath of life, gives us a vision of life being possible even if everything around us doesn’t seem very bright. Paul reminds us in his letter to the Romans that if we set our minds on ourselves and our own desires, it is a slippery slope to a lacklustre view on the world around us. Instead, it is better to focus on the Spirit of God and all the goodness that brings life into
our being. And John’s message about Lazarus being brought back to life, even after his sisters thought Jesus was too late to save him, reminds us that God’s timing is always the right time for life to be restored. “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.”
Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!
Ruth
REFRESHMENTS & FELLOWSHIP: Pilgrim Services are always followed by a time of fellowship over a delicious afternoon tea in the Merthyr Road Uniting Church courtyard.
VENUE: Pilgrim People Brisbane meet at Merthyr Road Uniting Church, New Farm, Brisbane.
Pilgrim People Diary for May
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Sunday, May 3 at 2.30pm
Sunday, May 10 at 2.30pm Sunday, May 17 at 2.30pm |
Easter 6 Mothers’ Day Easter 7 |
Guest Speaker: Sister Angela Mary AO
Preacher: Rev Ray Herrmann |
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This Sunday, 1st March 2026, Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its regular church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the second Sunday of Lent and Communion.
GUEST PREACHER Our preacher will be Dr Paul Davidson. His sermon will be based on the Gospel reading, John 3: 1-7, recounting the story of Nicodemus going to Jesus at night. |
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This Sunday, 22nd February 2026, Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its regular church service at 2.30pm, celebrating the first Sunday of Lent.
GUEST PREACHER Our preacher will be the Rev Ian Stehbens, a retired Uniting Church minister, and active peace builder. His sermon will be based on the Gospel reading, Matthew 4: 1-11, recounting the temptations of Jesus. |
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Pilgrim People Diary for February - April
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Sunday 22 February at 2.30pm
Sunday 1 March at 2.30pm Sunday 8 March at 2.30pm Sunday 15 March at 2.30pm Sunday 22 March at 2.30pm Sunday 29 March at 2.30pm Friday 3 April at 2.30pm Sunday 5 April at 9.30am Sunday 12 April at 2.30pm Sunday 19 April at 2.30pm Sunday 26 April at 2.30pm |
Lent 1
Lent 2 Lent 3 Lent 4 Lent 5 Palm Sunday Good Friday Musical Service: The Easter Messiah Easter Sunday Easter 2 Easter 3 Easter 4 Anzac Day |
Preacher: Rev Ian Stehbens
Preacher: Dr Paul Davidson Preacher: Dr Jennifer Wakeling Preacher: Mr Josh Blake Preacher: Rev Ian Wilson The service will be followed by the Pilgrim People Brisbane AGM Preacher: Rev Bernie Jarius Led by The Pilgrim Singers Combined service with Merthyr Road Uniting Church. Preacher: Rev Jenny Busch Preacher: Rev Harold Kilah Preacher: Rev Dr Lorraine Parkinson Preacher: Dr Paul Davidson |
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This Sunday, 15th February, Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its
regular church service at 2.30pm, celebrating Transfiguration Sunday. GUEST PREACHER Our preacher will be the Rev Mark Vincent, a retired Anglican minister. His sermon will be based on the Gospel reading, Matthew 17: 1-9, recounting the Transfiguration. |
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This coming Sunday, 8th February, Pilgrim People Brisbane will be holding its regular church service at 2.30pm, celebrating Epiphany 5.
Preacher: Ven. Michael Faragher Our preacher will be the Venerable Michael Faragher, a retired Anglican minister.
His sermon is based on the Gospel reading, Matthew 5: 13-20, stressing the importance of being a light to the world, and being the salt of the earth.
Sunday 22 February at 2.30pm
Lent 1
Preacher: Rev Ian Stehbens
Preacher: Ven. Michael Faragher Our preacher will be the Venerable Michael Faragher, a retired Anglican minister.
His sermon is based on the Gospel reading, Matthew 5: 13-20, stressing the importance of being a light to the world, and being the salt of the earth.
Sunday 22 February at 2.30pm
Lent 1
Preacher: Rev Ian Stehbens
Please support the activities and outreach of Pilgrim People Brisbane