At Your Service - Manx Radio: Recent Episodes
Manx Radio
Manx Radio is 'At Your Service' with a chance for people of all faiths and none to share a time of reflection, prayer and music - spiritual strength in challenging times.
Rev Dr Ian Faulds previews St Maughold's Week and explains the significance of the Isle of Man's Patron Saint; Dr Tim Grass explains the importance of the new Translators' Trail - something else to mark the 250th Anniversary of the Bible in Manx, and all the information you need for Port St Mary Beach Mission - which starts on 26 July - is here. Plus music from John Bell, and another packed notice board.
Kristina Reeves, CEO of Scripture Union Ministries Trust, shares new research results which will help to shape their on-going work of putting faith within reach of young people; Sue Yardy reflects on 8 years as a schools worker for SUMT, and Sam Rotchell, Acting Head Teacher of St Mary's RC School in Douglas, talks about the power of one person. Plus - we remember the late Miss Ann Widdecombe, with a challenging thought from an archive interview.
Rev'd John Mann has a new book - Imagining The World - due to be launched in the Cathedral in Peel at 4:15pm on Sunday 12 July. It's intended for use during the Creation Season which begins on the first Sunday of September. John is joined by the Diocesan Net Zero Officer Louise Whitelegg and CEO of Manx Wildlife Trust, Graham Makepeace-Warne, to discuss the book and its implications.
Diocesan Bishops are often required to take on additional responsibilities outside their own Diocese - to make a contribution to the wider church. Bishop Tricia joins us to explain the new role she has been asked to undertake.
Plus there's music and another packed notice board.
Rev'd Daniel Norris was born and educated on the Island. He left as a student and now returns as Rector of 5 churches in Ramsey and the North East. He shares his experiences as a teacher and a priest in London, and explains why he believes we're all on a pilgrimage together. Author, broadcaster, lecturer and podcaster Richard Littledale reflects on how we feel when our plans don't work out - with a moving story that makes a powerful point. Plus there's music and another packed notice board.
Bishop Tricia - Bishop of Sodor and Man - sets out the Diocesan vision and commitment to safe caring, not just safeguarding - something that should involve everyone - and we explore a life-changing music project.
Father John Hindley has been appointed. to care for the Roman Catholic churches in Ramsey and Peel. He reflects on his own call to priesthood, his training, his prison ministry - and the particular challenges he faces, following Father Brian O Mahony who was Parish Priest in Peel and Ramsey for almost 30 years, right up until his death in April this year. Plus there's music, and our usual notice board.
Lt Col Dr Martin Gliniecki QGM, Executive Director of SASRA - The Soldiers' and Aviators' Scripture Readers Association - talks about his own faith journey, and the work of SASRA today. For more information, see www.sasra.org.uk. Plus there's music from John Bell and The Wild Goose Community - and a full notice board too.
St Ninian's Church, at one of the busiest spots in Douglas (at the Glencrutchery Road traffic lights) is rapdily becoming a very special haven, building community through committed care for all creation - and there's music involved too! Get the whole story in this week's programme.
Founder of SAT-7 International, Dr Terry Ascott, and UK Executive Director Rachel Fadipe, talk about starting the satellite broadcasts to give the churches and Christians of the Middle East and North Africa an opportunity to deepen their personal faith through inspirational, informative, and educational television services. Find out more at sat7uk.org Plus this week's notice board is full of TT cafe info!
20-year-old Genesis Padgett is the current Youth President of the Methodist Church - here they share the vision and vitality they bring to the role - and we're back in the Keystones programme archive for a visit to the ruins of St Trinian's church - plus notice board news and music too.
Praying the Keeills Week is 21 years old - and the new programme of walks starts next Saturday 16 May - all the details are here with comments from organisers Phil Craine and Catherine Wareing. Tobit Curteis talks about his work, mixing the art and the science of caring for historic buildings - and author and broadcaster Richard Littledale has an unusual answer to prayer - plus music, and our usual notice board.
The last chapters of Rev'd Steve Ingrouille's sabbatical journal, written when he travelled recently to Israel and Palestine - seeing where, and how, God is at work in places of deep-seated conflict and challenge. Plus music, and our usual packed notice board!
Taking the Mothers' Union Prayer Baton to the top of Snaefell - as part of its journey around interesting landmarks in the Province of York as part of the MU 150th anniversary celebrations - and we've the story of a fine collection of Celtic Crosses moving into more fitting new surroundings in Kirk Andreas - plus music, and our usual notice board too.
Paying tribute to the late Moya Brennan - the voice of Clannad, and a hugely popular Celtic singer, songwrirter and harpist - in her own words and music - and remembering Father Brian O Mahony - a local Roman Catholic priest who has died suddenly, after serving the churches in Ramsey and Peel for almost 30 years.
Rev'd Steve Ingrouille talks more about the people he met on his recent sabbatical visits to Israel and Palestine, who are working tirelessly for peace in the region, and Richard Littledale has found that his life-long interest in model railways is now turning into material for a new series of podcasts - we have the story here - plus music and notice board news.
On this Easter Day, Bishop Tricia finds new significance in a familiar ritual, and a strong link between the message of Easter and recent events locally and globally. Plus notice board news, well-known Easter hymns, and the voice of John Kennaugh
This is the week that the Christian church calls holy - but why? The full story is here - with music, including a first airplay of a poignant setting of 'There Is A Green Hill Far Away' by musicians Naomi Bedford and Paul Simmonds. And broadcaster and writer Richard Littledale explores the pull of the podcast!
Rev'd David Hardman is the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem. On today's programme, he talks about his road to ordination, his ministry supporting the groups working for peace in the Holy Land, and explains exactly why he will find it so difficult to leave.
Celebrating St Patrick in music, reflecting on the various emotions around Mothering Sunday, and Rev'd Steve Ingrouille - recently on sabbatical in the Holy Land - brings us into the reality of life in a war zone.
We celebrate the 3 students from King William's College who represented the Diocese of Sodor and Man in the recent prestigious Thomas Cranmer Awards in London, then, from the archives we learn about the history of the College chapel with former Principal Dr Paul Bregazzi, and finish with music from the College chapel choir. And there's an update on the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, as a unique monument starts to take shape!
Rev'd Professor David Wilkinson - astrophysicist, theologian, astronomer and academic - and director of the project Equipping Christian Leaders In an Age of Science - explains - in his clear and compelling style - how an informed partnership between faith and science, benefits everyone.
Stephanie Gray is a respected Methodist Local Preacher, an enthusiastic member of her church, and an accomplished actor - she's also got a daughter who stepped away from her profession as a midwife, to spend some months doing voluntary work in a hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone - and thanks to Mum Stephanie sharing daughter Pia's story, you too can listen to it here - plus another packed notice board - with all your Lent Lunch info!
Sam Stockill is a Community Relationship Manager with The Leprosy Mission. On today's programme he tells tragically true stories that explain the challenges faced by the charity that's been working for the last 150 years to eradicate this treatable disease that continues to wreck lives. And there's music - plus a thought for the start of Lent, and another packed notice board.
Current President of the Methodist Conference, Rev'd Richard Andrew - on a recent visit to the Isle of Man - shares some of the stories of people and places that have shaped his life as an ordained minister - and Rev'd Professor David Wilkinson has a very original way of showing how science and religion - far from opposing each other - actually help our understanding of both. Plus music from hymnwriter Fanny Crosby, and our usual notice board.
For 50 years, the Promenade Methodist Church in Douglas has been a beacon of light, with its distinctive illuminated cross visible even when out at sea. The Prom Church has always served the needs of the local community, and that's as true today as it was when it opened. Historian, architect and life-long Methodist, Frank Cowin shares some stories of the building of the present church - and in a second programme I'll be going to The Prom church to find out more about their plans and why it's now being called The Prom Space.
With the approach of Holocaust Memorial Day, Carol Jempson of the Jewish community on the Isle of Man, and Bishop Tricia, Bishop of Sodor and Man, explain why they will each be placing a lighted candle in their window, at 8pm on Tuesday 27 January. But there's a bigger story to reflect upon in this mix of words and music around. the theme of genocide.
The national charity Care for the Family works to support family life in all its forms and Starfish Asia works with the poorest children in Pakistan. They were two of over 80 charities who shared in £1.8m given away at the recent AFD Software annual charity night. Listen to their stories here - plus music from Lindisfarne and notice board news too.
Reflecting on the journey of the Magi from the East, to find the infant king (including words recorded in 2007 in Peel Methodist Church and music from Foxdale School, also 2007) and talking with Chris Wildman about the 30th Anniversary celebrations at the church in a pub - Sunday at Ten at The Cat With No Tail on Governors Hill, Douglas
As we begin to pack away the decorations and move into a New Year, Howard Thurman's poem The Work of Christmas reminds us of the real meaning of the season - and Baptist Pastor Richard Littledale explains why rest is not idleness - instead, it's being obedient.
Programme includes music by Graham Kendrick, Balanced Voices and Macapella with the Wild Goose Collective.
A New Year hymn (and more good music too!) plus guests in this review of 2025 include the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, Ruth Keggin-Gell, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Canon Philip Gillespie, Sam Stockhill, and Rev'd Dr Inderjit Sing Bhogul
Being a community at Christmas - in the village hub that is St James' church and schoolrooms - in conversation with Local Minister Cheryl Cousins, and Dalby residents Ann Quirk, John Mylchreest Corrin, Rosie Evans, Margie Killey, and Priscilla Mayle
Aifric O'Shea, Oliver Lenihan and Leo Fosdil have just returned from a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Papua New Guinea - why did they go? and what did they learn there? Find out here - alongside the story of Village Carols told by Andrew Cole -with music from Kate Rusby. Plus there's another packed notice board!
Through Advent with Bishop Tricia - Week Four - Love that will not let go of us ....
There's a short video, and a booklet containing a full transcript of this podcast plus some questions for thought and discussion, and suggestions for action. They can all be downloaded via this link :
https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brown looks and the positives, the negatives and the bigger picture, following the cancellation of this year's Christmas Live - a casualty of the recent stormy weather - and Heather and Tim Price explain why they're preparing a festival of light in New Life Church(Ramsey Independent Methodists) - plus there's music and (another!) packed notice board
Through Advent with Bishop Tricia - Week Three - Joy, beyond all joys ....
There's a short video, and a booklet containing a full transcript of this podcast plus some questions for thought and discussion, and suggestions for action. They can all be downloaded via this link :
https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
Why would someone give away £1.8 million that they could keep for themselves?? And what's so different about this year's Christmas Live in Douglas? All the answers are here - plus music, another packed notice board and details of part 2 of Bishop Tricia's new 4-part series of Advent reflections - see the separate At Your Service podcast - THROUGH ADVENT with Bishop Tricia - and find more resources here https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
Through Advent with Bishop Tricia - Week Two - A different kind of peace ....
There's a short video, and a booklet containing a full transcript of this podcast plus some questions for thought and discussion, and suggestions for action. They can all be downloaded via this link :
https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
As Rev'd Catherine McFie begins her new ministry as the Island's first-ever Ecumenical Church Minister, we bring you the full story here - plus music, another packed notice board and details of Bishop Tricia's new 4-part series of Advent reflections - see the separate At Your Service podcast, and find more resources here https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
Through Advent with Bishop Tricia - Week One - Hope, even in times of darkness.
There's a short video, and a booklet containing all the material from this podcast plus some questions for thought and discussion, and suggestions for action. They can all be downloaded via this link :
https://www.sodorandman.im/prayer/advent-study-2025/
Recent visitor to the Island, Rev'd Cyprian Yobera, has dedicated his life to reaching out to those on the margins - finding hidden gems in the neglected children living on the streets in one of Africa's largest urban slums - and Peel Commissioner Katryna Baptist is creating some hidden gems for everyone to discover on a Live Nativity Trail - their stories are here - with music and another packed notice board!
Sarah Morris believes that when we say 'you're welcome here' we shouldn't exclude dogs and she, and her labrador Daisy, are on a pilgrimage to find all the dog-friendly Cathedrals in the UK - and the Isle of Man, of course! Listen to their story here - along with Ellen Blacker - an apprentice with the Anglican Church Building Support team. But it's not church buildings Ellen is talking about here - it's the quiet revival -and a unique way of living! Plus music - and another packed notice board.
A special programme first broadcast on Remembrance Sunday -a mix of music, thoughts and prayers for this time of reflection on those we have loved and lost from this life.
Just over a year ago, the Rt Rev'd Tricia Hillas was ordained and consecrated as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man, and moved to the Isle of Man with her husband Andrew, to begin what should have been a happy new phase of life on the Island they both knew and loved. But the reality was a year marred by Andrew's unexpected death. At this season of Remembrance and as she returns to full-time ministry after her period of compassionate leave, Bishop Tricia reflects with searing honesty on the events of the past few months, and considers how they are shaping her faith - and her future.
Caring for heritage buildings - a huge responsibility - or an opportunity to be imaginative and even adventurous ? Recent visitor ADRIAN FOX (Environmental and Sustainability Officer for Cathedrals and Church Buildings in the Church of England) and LOUISE WHITELEGG (Anglican Church Building Support Officer in the Isle of Man) discuss. Louise's contact number is 07624 474 275. Manx Language Development Officer Ruth Keggin-Gell has an invitation - and there's music and notice board news too.
Rev’d Liz Crumlish is a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church, She is also an author, a poet and has a blog. She’s going to be on the Island next Saturday to lead a day exploring a different way of church leadership. On today’s programme she explains more. Details of. the day - 18th October - can be found on the Thie Dy Vea website - retreathouse.im
Neil Rees of The Bible Society talks about celebrating the 250th anniversary of the printing of the first complete Bible in Manx, with the creation of a brand new app which will put the complete Bible in Manx on any smart phone or suitable device - and a new printed edition of the Bible will follow next year. There's music - including a Canticle for the Feast of St Francis of Assisi - and a notice board packed with news of Harvest services.
Rev'd David Halliwell is the Team Rector of St Luke in the City and Priest in Charge of the church of St Margaret of Antioch in Liverpool - he's also blind. Rev'd Kate Jacobs is also an Anglican priest, caring for two very different churches near John Lennon Airport. Listen to their fascinating faith-filled stories here! Plus music and a packed notice board
Prayers and music for this - World Peace Day - plus a conversation with Stephen Hoyland, a spiritual director with the Jesuit Institute - about his work leading retreats and preparing on line resources - see jesuitinstitute.org for more details.
Retired Baptist Minister, author, teacher and regular contributor to the Daily Service on BBC Radio 4 Extra, and BBC Radio Wales, Richard Littledale is back today - talking about the power of podcasting, and his brand new book - What Happened Next? - exploring the ripple effects of stories from the Bible.
Rev'd Dr Janet Corlett - Chair of Isle of Man District of the Methodist Church, and Dr Tim Grass, academic and reader in the Anglican church, talk about the 250th anniversary of the Bible in Manx which will be celebrated through a variety of events later this year. There's Manx music from Caarjyn Cooidjagh, and David Winter shares a story about 7th Century Saint Cuthbert, whose feast was on 4 September.
Monsignor John Devine is preparing to retire to Liverpool, after 10 years as senior Roman Catholic priest on the Island. Retirement is his 'one last adventure' but on today's programme he reflects on some of the other adventures that have made up over 50 years of priestly ministry - and he chooses our hymns.
We're dipping into the archives again, to explore the history of Santan Parish Church in a recording made nearly 40 years ago - and featuring churchwarden Donald Gelling! And we've news of a new appointment to the Island's churches - not just a new face, but a completely new role too - we have all the details - plus music and our usual notice board.
We mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day with a poignant story from an 11-year old girl, and Anna Pitt, Executive Director of the Association of English Cathedrals, presents The Big Table team at Peel Cathedral with the Cathedral Volunteers of the Year Team Award, national recognition of their voluntary work producing a 3-course community lunch each Monday.
Kiran Wimberly is a Presbyterian minister living and working in Ireland where her husband leads the Corrymeela Community - Ireland's oldest peace and reconciliation organisation. She's developed a valuable music ministry blending the Psalms with traditional Celtic tunes - assisted by The McGraths - and their story is here!
Why is Manx-born Robert Burdett living and working in Illinois ? What has drawn him and his wife Kathleen back to the Island ? What are the benefits of 'twinning' two churches? And why does Bishop Tom Demby from Sierra Leone believe he's found his spiritual home on the Isle of Man? All the answers are in this week's programme!
Rev'd Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE is a minister in the Methodist church and a leading theologian and campaigner for peace and reconciliation. He was the first person from a minority ethnic background to be appointed President of the Methodist Conference and it was in that capacity he first visited the Isle of Man in 2000. 25 years later he's back on the Island with very definite views on the real path to peace.
26 July to 30 August is St Maughold's Week - with a huge programme of different events to celebrate the heritage of the Isle of Man's patron saint. Historian and Anglican Priest, Rev'd Dr Ian Faulds, explains why he's organising this - plus it's Beach Mission time in Peel and Port St Mary - and we've got the details!
An interview with Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, who visited the Island recently as part of his Lord's Prayer Tour - and the Alpha Course raises its game - to meet the needs of the quiet revival!
One church but two vicars for St Ninian's in Douglas; Scripture Union invite you to a family-friendly thanksgiving and we visit a major flower festival at St Andrew's United Reformed Church in Douglas.
AFD Software - the Ramsey-based Postcode People - are famous for their high level of support for local and global charities, including the purchase of an aircraft for Mission Aviation Fellowship, the world's largest humanitarian air operator. David Dorricott - Managing Director of AFD Software, talks about the new plane and the difference it will make to some of the world's most disadvantaged people.
Matt and Katrina Baptist are based in Peel, and are planting a Vineyard Church on the Island - the full story is here! And there's music too - and another packed notice board.
Sam Stockhill is the Community Partnership Manager for The Leprosy Mission in the North of England, and the Isle of Man. The Leprosy Mission on the Isle of Man is a separate Manx-registered charity, but benefits from visits from Sam to support their fundraising projects. In this first conversation with Sam, be prepared for an amazing display of true faith in God - as well as moving stories about his work in Nepal.
And two more people take a deeper look at some familiar words from The Lord's Prayer - anticipating the visit of the Archbishop of York to the Cathedral in Peel on 6 July at 6pm - all are welcome!
Plus there's music - and another packed notice board
This week - we celebrate The Big Table community outreach, based in the Cathedral in Peel, winning a national award for Cathedral volunteeers; Roman Catholic Archbishop John Sherrington comes to take his seat in the Co-Cathedral of St Mary of the Isle in Douglas, and Rev'd Alex Brown looks again at the Lord's Prayer and finds a new message in its familiar words. Plus music - and the usual notice board
The Archbishop of York has launched a movement called Faith in the North, with The Lord's Prayer at its core - he explains more about it on today's programme. Plus - Very Rev'd John Mann talks about his new book "Be Still, Be Silent" about the priest and poet David Scott - and there's an invitation to meet Kiran Wimberly and The McGraths of the Corrymeela Community who will be visiting the Island on 14th June offering two sessions of conversation and music with a strong Celtic influence. And there's our regular notice board, too.
A first chance to hear from Archbishop John Sherrington who has now been installed as the head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool - and Cardinal Vincent Nichols - Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales - reflects on the experience of being in a REAL Conclave. Plus music, and our usual notice board.
The Benevolent Society of Kirk Andreas was founded on Ascension Day in 1812 - providing financial help with doctor's bills, sickness benefits and funeral expenses - 132 years before the invention of the NHS! Bryan Radcliffe of Rye Hill Farm explains how you can help to keep history alive - and Canon Philip Gillespie reports on the significance of events in Rome in the last week.
Plus there's music - and another packed notice board!
Rev Dr Dee Dee Haines ministered in Trinity Church at Rosemount, Douglas for over 10 years, and works now within the Hospice movement in Minneapolis, USA, where she is Bereavement Coordinator and Supervisor of Spiritual Care & Music Therapy.
She enjoys returning to the Isle of Man each year for a holiday - and a chat about the big questions of life!
And from the Manx Radio archive, we turn the clock back 40 years for a visit to Colby Methodist Church, and a conversation with Cecil McFee - a Methodist Local Preacher for 60 years!
There's music, too - and another packed notice board!
Canon Philip Gillespie joins us again from Rome, to consider the future with a new Pope, and Bishop Tom Naylon - Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Liverpool - joins in, to shares his views, too.
Praying the Keeills Week starts on 17 May - on behalf of the organising team, Phil Craine explains what the week offers, and adds a beautiful poem by Kathleen Faragher.
And there's music (including The Deer's Cry) and another packed notice board!
Another report from Rome - Canon Philip Gillespie who is currently Rector of the Beda College, explains the preparations for the Conclave to elect a new Pope, which begins on Wednesday 7 May.
Christian Aid Week starts on 11 May - lOM Representative Louise Whitelegg looks forward - and looks back, too.
Plus there's the usual notice board, and music too.
In this programme : Canon Philip Gillespie, Rector of the Beda College in Rome reflects on the life of Pope Francis, and the experience of attending his funeral; Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Leader of the Catholic church in England and Wales, shares thoughts on being one of the 135 Cardinals who will choose the new Pope, and closer to home, Monsignor John Devine, based in the Co-Cathedral of St Mary of the Isle in Douglas, and Archbishop Emeritus Malcolm McMahon - the outgoing leader of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, reflect on the life of Pope Francis, and the role of a Pope in a challenging world. Plus - could change be coming to the Roman Catholic church on the Island this summer?
Easter - Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, is at the very heart of the Christian faith. But what do events 2,000 years ago say to our modern world? Well - quite a lot, according to the Bishop of Sodor and Man - the Rt Rev'd Tricia Hillas, as she explains in today's programme of thoughts, readings - and some great Easter music!
Today is Palm Sunday - the start of a week that begins with celebrations, and ends, just days later, with death. Today, using words and music, we tell the story that's at the very heart of the Christian faith.
And we hear the reactions of the young choristers as they visit Ypres, walk in the steps of a young Peel-born soldier who died in the First World War, and sing at the famous Menin Gate.
Plus there's a notice board packed with events for Holy Week
The first-ever BUBBLE CHURCH on the Isle of Man will be at 9:30am on Easter Sunday in Christ Church in Laxey. We've got the full story of a unique FREE church service specially for babies and children up to the age of 7 - and their families.
Book in via at www.bubblechurch.org or search for Christ Church Laxey on Facebook, to book via a private message. Don't forget to come 10 or 15 minutes early, to enjoy hot or cold drinks, croissants and fresh fruit - before the service begins!
And on Saturday morning, the identity of the new Archbishop of Liverpool was revealed. We hear from incoming Archbishop-elect John Sherrington and outgoing Archbishop Malcolm McMahon
Plus there's music and another packed notice board
CONVERSATIONS WITH JESUS is a series of reflections written and presented by Bishop Tricia, specially for these weeks of Lent - the time of preparation for the great feast of Easter.
This is PART SIX - THOSE WHO CAME TO BURY HIM.Who were they ? Why were they prepared to take such risks ? The final CONVERSATION will be part of AT YOUR SERVICE broadcast on Easter Day at 09:30am and available as a podcast immediately after.
CONVERSATIONS WITH JESUS is a series of reflections written and presented by Bishop Tricia, specially for these weeks of Lent - the time of preparation for the great feast of Easter.
This is PART FIVE - THE ROMAN GOVERNOR AND THE PUPPET KING
CONVERSATIONS WITH JESUS is a series of reflections written and presented by Bishop Tricia, specially for these weeks of Lent - the time of preparation for the great feast of Easter.
This is PART FOUR - THE DISCIPLES WHOSE FEET HE WASHED
Very Rev'd John Mann, former Dean of Belfast Cathedral, now living in Laxey, talks about the launch of his latest book - Moments of Love - and about the pilgrimage TO the Isle of Man that he's leading in July - plus music, a reflection for Mothering Sunday - and another packed notice board!
PART THREE of Bishop Tricia's weekly online Lent Course "Conversations with Jesus" - an invitation to pause and reflect, using Bible verses, music and some thoughts from Bishop Tricia. This week - The Family at Bethany
The United Reformed Church on the Isle of Man are seeking a new minister - but the post has been transformed into something to benefit both church and community - Rev'd Geoff Felton and Rev'd Catherine McFie have the full story.
And the choristers from the Cathedral in Peel are visiting the First World War battle sites and graves in Belgium - but with a special local focus. Director of Music Dr Peter Litman explains what the trip involves. And there's music and another packed notice board.
PART TWO of Bishop Tricia's weekly online Lent Course "Conversations with Jesus" - an invitation to pause and reflect, using Bible verses, music and some thoughts from Bishop Tricia.
This week - The Tax Collector
Rev'd Chris Howson is an Anglican priest with a heart for social justice and a passion to support students in his role as Lead Chaplain at the University of Sunderland. Hear the story of his journey from riots in Sunderland to a centre dedicated to peace and reconciliation at Taize in France. Plus Bishop Tricia previews her Lent podcasts and we've another packed notice board!
Conversations with Jesus - a series of 6 weekly podcasts for the season of Lent - a mix of music, with Bible readings and reflections written and presented by the Rt Rev'd Tricia Hillas, Bishop of Sodor and Man.
Part ONE - The men - and the woman they accuse
A new podcast arrives every Monday morning.
An introduction to a series of 6 weekly podcasts for the season of LENT - a mix of music, Bible readings and reflections written and presented by Rt Rev'd Tricia Hillas, Bishop of Sodor and Man. A new episode is added each Monday.
Part ONE - 'The men - and the woman they accuse' - is ready to listen/download now
The President and Vice President of the Methodist Church in Britain are visiting the Island this weekend - we meet Rev'd Helen Cameron and Carolyn Godfrey. Bishop Tricia invites you to share some conversations during these weeks of Lent, and there's a chance to learn more about The Surprising Middle East.
As Luke Jerram's Museum of the Moon enters its final day on display in the Cathedral in Peel, Bishop Tricia reflects on the power of darkness - and of light and RICHARD LITTLEDALE launches his brand new podcast BESPOKE WORDS - and it's all about friendship.
The miraculous healing of John (Jack) Traynor in 1923 has only now been officially proclaimed the 71st Miracle of Lourdes, the place of pilgrimage in Southern France. We have the full story on this week's programme, featuring Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, Dr Kieran Moriarty and Fr Grant Maddock.
Talking about her life, her faith, her love of music and her love of people - and choosing the music for the programme - today's special guest is Area Debt Advice Co-Ordinator for the Salvation Army, Debbie White
Debbie is based at the Salvation Army in Ballacottier Crescent on the IOM Business Park in Braddan and her phone number is 01624 675702
The Museum of the Moon is in Cathedral Isle of Man from today until 2nd March. Artist Luke Jerram explains his creation, and Rev'd Alex Brown explains why he's so keen to be under the moon with the gospel according to Luke. Plus there's a Valentine's card waiting for you - and notice board news too.
Celebrating St Brigid's Feast Day in words and music, and theologian and social activist Dr Ruth Valerio explains WHY Christians should care about the environment.
When it re-opened after the time of Covid, and Island-wide church closures, the Promenade Methodist Church in Douglas formed a Working Party of church members, to forensically examine all aspects of church life - its purpose, its finances and most importantly its future - they asked some searching questions, and even considered whether the best stewardship would be to sell the site, re-invest the proceeds in other Methodist church ministries, and form a new worshipping community elsewhere.
But after much research, talking and listening it was agreed that the church on the Prom should remain - a beacon of hope - its illuminated cross visible from the ferries coming into Douglas harbour - but its outreach should now be re-shaped to meet the needs of today's local community.
And so The Prom Space was born - same church - but with a new purpose! And on today's programme, two members of that Working Party - Stephanie Gray and Amanda Walker - talk about the past, the present and the future - at The Prom Space!
There's also a mention of Holocaust Memorial Day on 28th January, commemorated by a special programme here on Manx Radio as part of our Island Life series of programmes, presented by Siobhan Fletcher at 5:30pm on 28/1/25 and available afterwards as a podcast.
On the programme this week .....
RICHARD GAMBLE explains how his passionate belief in the power of prayer has resulted in a 20-year quest to fulfil his dream of creating the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer - a stunning piece of architectural art, made up of a million bricks, and designed to provoke a conversation about prayer.
Richard was a guest on the programme a couple of years ago, when this project was just beginning - he's back this week, not just with an update - but with an invitation for each of us to be permanently involved- listen here for everything you need to know ..... and the website address is
www.eternalwall.org.uk
KEYSTONES was a series of programmes which formed part of our Sunday broadcasting on Manx Radio in the 1980's. Researched and presented by former Vicar of Marown, Rev'd David Bush, each episode told the story of a particular church or chapel on the Island - with David in conversation with the present minister or vicar, and with some members of the congregation.
Today we delve into the archives to listen again to the story of Bride Parish Church, dedicated to St Brigid - as Rev'd David Bush talks to Canon John Sheen, the Rector of Bride in the 1980's, and parishioner Mrs Mary Weller.
And together with our usual notice board, there's some very varied music this week!
The beautiful prayerful hymn 'O God you search me and you know me' - with words and music by Bernadette Farrell, and based on Psalm 139
A 'first' for the programme - the first time we've featured music for worship from Ed Sheeran -Jesus, lift my soul
And A Hymn to St Brigid - words by Mother Cecilia (1863-1902) and music by Jack Oades - Jack will be remembered as a former organ scholar at the Cathedral in Peel. He is now Master of Music at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh
Special guests this week are leaders at the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity - Chief Executive Officer Paul Woolley, and Director of Church Relations, Ken Benjamin - they're asking - how might Jesus live your life? - or my life ?
The LICC exists to 'join the dots' between church life and life outside the church - to show that in a healthy and caring society, there really should be no divide between the two - all life belongs to God - which means that everything we do is sacred .....
And Anglican priest Rev'd Sharon Grenham Thompson returns to talk about St Francis of Assisi - and the power of a single sunbeam ....
Plus we have music - from the St Michael Singers, Graham Kendrick and Paul Baloche, and Katherine Jenkins - and our usual busy notice board!
Guests today are Ruth Keggin-Gell and Gareth Moore talking about the peaceful Taize style of worship - with an invitation to join Ruth to learn some beautiful prayerful chants translated into the Manx language, then go to a service in Ballagarey led by Gareth - and sing what you have learned!
A visit to newly re-opened St Catherine's Church in Port Erin gives Vicar of the parish of Rushen, Canon Joe Heaton, a chance to talk about the completion of the re-ordering of the 4 churches in his parish - and what they can now offer to their congregations and to the local community.
Plus - there's music for the Feast of the Epiphany, and a New Year Carol - as well as another well-filled notice board.
Looking back over 2024 with some of the guests and the stories they shared - and there's music too!
Guests featured in this review of 2024 are :
A tribute to the late Marilyn Cannell
Richard Littledale - author and broadcaster - on his book to help children discover the joys of gardening, growing things, and taking little steps towards saving the planet....
Bishop Mark Davies - Bishop of Middleton in Manchester and Commissary Bishop of Sodor and Man - until a new one comes along
What's in a name? A brief word from Bishop Tricia Hillas!
Jenny Sinclair - daughter of Anglican Bishop David Sheppard -looks back to the 1970's and 80's in Liverpool - and the legacy of her father's work with Roman Catholic Archbishop Derek Worlock. The charity she has now established is called Together For The Common Good (togetherforthecommongood.co.uk)
Chris Lane recalls moving to live on a notorious Salford housing estate in Greater Manchester - the early struggles, the little triumphs - and the church planted there, where he is still the co-pastor, after 25 years.
From the archives - Norman Barron from Kirk Michael looks back over his 40 years as a Methodist Local Preacher.
Lay Reader from Andreas, Peter Shimmin, remembers his dog, Jacko
And there's some notice board news too
Rt Reverend Tricia Hillas has just completed two months as a newly-consecrated Bishop, now in ministry here on the Isle of Man, as Bishop of Sodor and Man.
In this hour-long special programme, Tricia talks about her family and her life and work before (and after!) ordination, as well as sharing some thoughts about the deeper meaning of the Christmas season.
The programme includes a great spread of seasonal music across the genres - and a few surprises, too!
Three local church leaders reflect on the importance and the challenge of Christmas - Rev Dr Janet Corlett, Chair of District of the Methodist Church; Monsignor John Devine, Senior Roman Catholic Priest from the Cathedral Church of St Mary of the Isle, Douglas, and the Rt Rev'd Patricia Hillas, Bishop of Sodor and Man.
There's two contrasting pieces of Advent music, and a modern carol from Ballacottier School Choir conducted by Katie Lawrence and accompanied by Dave Holland.
And from the archives - a Christmas poem - The Gift - recited by Mrs Pat Corrin
Plus a HUGE notice board!!
Anglican Priest and radio broadcaster Rev'd Sharon Grenham-Thompson talks about her work in Christian broadcasting on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 4 and Radio 4 Extra - and reveals how a radio programme forced her to re-visit a tragic death - and find her faith renewed in a way she didn't expect.
Richard Littledale has a Mexican story for the Christmas season
There's a Manx Carval telling how John the Baptist announced the coming of the Messiah - and the same story is told in a traditional English Advent carol, too
And there's music from our archive too - the Manx Children's Choir singing One Day In Time - a recording made 20 years ago - with Mrs Adele Parsons conducting, and Mrs Jennifer Bird accompanying.
And there's a packed notice board with services and special events in the week ahead!!
At their recent annual Charity Event, Ramsey-based AFD Software distributed £1.2 million from Company profits, between 91 local and global charities. As the sophisticated use of postcodes is at the heart of their business, the company is also known as The Postcode People - and the annual charity event has become The Postcode Party - a chance to celebrate the generosity which isn't a one-off event - AFD Software has done this every year of the Company's 42 year history - allowing the staff to nominate charities to receive a share of the total amount given away each year.
After this year's Postcode Party, I talked with Company Director David Dorricott, to dig a little deeper and learn more about why giving away the profits is so important to him, and to his wife and Co-Director, Alison Dorricott.
And it's Christmas Live time again - Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brown has once again been asked by Oliver Cheshire, City Centre Manager from Douglas City Council, to provide an outdoor nativity to coincide with late night shopping - it's this Thursday 12th December and Alex and Oliver join me to explain what we'll see on stage on the North Quay outside St Matthews Church.
There's music from Celtic Worship and the choir of the Cathedral in Peel - plus another packed notice board. Notice board news can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
Caroline Devlin is Chair of the Friends of Ballaugh Old Church - a community group committed to protecting and preserving the iconic little church with the famous 'leaning' gateposts - and to exploring and interpreting its fascinating history. Her love for the church has inspired her to write a Christmas song - listen to its first play during today's programme - featuring Caroline on vocals together with the children of Ballaugh School, and orchestration by David Kilgallon - and hear how the song and the beautiful new video which accompanies it, are being used to raise funds for work on the church.
And we find out about Alternativity, in conversation with Rev'd Liz Hull, Vicar of St Thomas's Church in Douglas, and World Development Committee Members (organisers of Alternativity) Christine Sugden and Phil Craine. Alternativity is in St Thomas's Church, Finch Road, Douglas at 7:30pm on Thursday 5 December - all are welcome!
And there's Advent music from Aled Jones and Graham Kendrick - plus another packed notice board!
"Ordinary Miracles: Meals, Mess and Meeting Jesus in Unexpected Places" is the title of a book written by my guest this morning - and it pretty accurately sums up the life of Pastor Chris Lane - as you’ll understand when you listen to him talking about planting a pioneering church in inner-city Salford, Greater Manchester, over 20 years ago, and where he is still the co-leader.
Plus there’s music on the theme of service, and a new setting of Psalm 18 by Dave Hopwood and Simeon Wood - and of course there’s this week’s notice board news too
The full Enthronement Service of the Right Reverend Patricia Hillas as Bishop of Sodor and Man - recorded in the Cathedral Church of St German, Peel on 16 November 2024
All those taking part in the service are named at appropriate points throughout the recording.
With special thanks to Justin and his team at the ELS Group who kindly provided and sponsored all the sound for this service.
The Rt Reverend Patricia Hillas was Enthroned as the 88th Bishop of Sodor and Man in the Cathedral Church of St German in Peel on Saturday 16th November. This week's programme brings you edited highlights from that service. There's also a separate podcast of the complete unedited service - search for AT YOUR SERVICE Podcast Special - Bishop Tricia's Enthronement Service
True stories (including some Manx ones!) together with thoughts and music for this time of Remembrance, recalling the sacrifices and the suffering in the two World Wars.
Rev'd Simon Sutcliffe is a Methodist Minister, and the Free Church Chaplain at Keele University. He's also passionate about the environment, and today - through some remarkable facts about our world - he asks us to think again about what God might be saying to us with, and through, creation.
Baffled by Buildings is a new event organised by Louise Whitelegg - the start of a process to support our Island churches as they preserve for the future, whilst reducing their carbon footprint for the present.
Plus we've music - and the usual notice board too
This week, we talk to Kristina Reeves, Chief Executive of Scripture Union Ministries Trust IOM to find out why their participation in the upcoming Global Week of Prayer is so important, and we visit Churches Book and Gift Shop inside St Thomas's Church in Finch Road, Douglas, to find out what's in store!
Plus there's more hymns specially for the season of Harvest Thanksgiving, and another packed notice board.
The completion of Phase One of the reordering of the Cathedral Church of St German in Peel was marked last Thursday morning by a Service of Thanksgiving in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
On today's programme, Cathedral Director of Music Dr Peter LItman, Mrs Ravina Talbot and the Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev'd Nigel Godfrey, share some thoughts on the story of the Cathedral so far, and on Thursday's special service.
Rev'd Richard Littledale - author, broadcaster and teacher - has added another title to his extensive range of books. IN STEP WITH GOD was published last Friday and Richard joins us to tell us about it - and what's on his mind now!
Plus we have another notice board - and music too!
Island folk from different churches, denominations, and walks of Manx life, gathered with over 1,000 others in York Minster on 10th October, for the Ordination and Consecration of three new Bishops, one of whom was The Venerable Tricia Hillis - who is now the new Bishop of Sodor and Man.
In this programme we bring you thoughts and reflections from some who were at the service (plus a couple of great hymns sung during the ceremony!)
Rosemary Clarke (Warden of Readers)
Rev'd Alex Brown (Pioneer Minister)
Rt Rev'd Robert Paterson (former Bishop of Sodor and Man)
The Venerable Irene Cowell (Archdeacon of Man)
Rev'd Jo Dudley
Monsignor John Devine (Senior Roman Catholic Priest of the IOM)
Paul Craine MLC
Jonathan King (Clerk of Tynwald)
Laurence Skelly (President of Tynwald)
A newsletter, a news story, and a new Bishop are all linked by one worship song - find out which one - and hear the stories that join them all together - in this week's programme.
Plus there's a Harvest thought from priest and poet Rev Dr Malcolm Guite - inspired by a recent walking holiday in Dorset and music from Katherine Jenkins
And we finish with another packed notice board - Harvest services and celebrations - and much more!
In this programme we return to Mountain View Innovation Centre, Ramsey - the home of The Postcode People - AFD Software - to take part in a live link with an aircraft factory in the United States, to take a first look at the new Cessna light aircraft that AFD Software have bought and donated to Mission Aviation Fellowship - the world's largest humanitarian air operator. AFD Software Director David Dorricott shares some thoughts on getting a first look at the Cessna - destined for work in Papua New Guinea, and explains what happens next ....
We once again dip into the Keystones series presented by Rev'd David Bush, exploring the Island's churches and their history, in conversation with the clergy and parishioners of the time. The series was recorded and broadcast over 40 years ago - this week we're at the Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea and St Maughold on Queen's Promenade in Ramsey where David chats with the then Parish Priest, Father Jim Lynch, and parishioner Mrs Kitty Richmond.
This week's music includes a traditional harvest hymn, and familiar words to a different tune - from Graham Kendrick and Martin Smith - and the Notice Board is packed with harvest celebration information for next weekend - 5th and 6th October - and other things too!
Rt Rev'd Mark Davies is the Bishop of MIddleton in Manchester - he's also the Commissary Bishop appointed to take care of the Diocese of Sodor and Man until Bishop-Elect Tricia Hillas takes up her ministry on the Island in mid-November.
In his capacity as Bishop of Sodor and Man, Bishop Mark was on the Island recently to ordain Rev'd Ian Quayle as Deacon, Rev'd Joanna Fisher as priest, and to confirm some members of Kirk Maughold.
On today's programme, Bishop Mark talks about the significance of this busy weekend and we also hear from Rev'd Matt Allen, lecturer at Emmanuel College where Rev'd Ian and Rev'd Joanna have been studying, who preached the sermon at Rev'd Joanna's ordination.
And there's music - and a packed notice board too!
Items for inclusion can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Almost 40 years ago, former Vicar of Marown, Rev'd David Bush, made a series of programmes - Keystones - in which he explored the history of our Manx churches. Kerrowkeill Chapel is no longer a place of worship but its history will never be forgotten. In a vintage episode of Keystones, we meet again the characters and hear their stories - and there's music too!
Husband and wife Methodist Ministers Rev'd Sylvester and Rev'd Rachel Deigh are mission partners serving the Methodist Church in Sierra Leone. For the last 13 years the Methodist Church there has been twinned with the Methodist Church on the Isle of Man. On today's programme Rachel and Sylvester talk about life, faith and their 'great adventure' - plus music, and another notice board packed with news of local events and services
Rev Dr Michael Brydon explores the links between the railways and the church, using a fascinating collection of serious and not-so-serious stories - and with a selection of music to match! Plus - another packed notice board.
Mission Aviation Fellowship is an international charity using specially-adapted aircraft to bring all kinds of aid to otherwise inaccesible places. In this programme, Dom Sant and his 11 year old son Isaac talk about MAF's work in Papua New Guinea, where they live - and local businessman David Dorricott explains why he's donating a brand new plane to MAF. Fantastic faith in action here!
Retired Methodist Minister Rev'd Paul Davis and his wife Elizabeth have just spent over two months on the Island, as Paul assisted the local Methodist churches whilst our own Chair of District, Rev'd Dr Janet Corlett, was on sabbatical.
On the programme today, we discover why the Island is a home-from-home for this Lancashire couple, and learn more about their life, and Paul's ministry - including his work on BBC Radio Lancashire. They also choose the music, and Paul leaves us with a final challenging thought - about what HE considers is the one thing that REALLY matters .....
And there's music chosen by Paul and Elizabeth, plus our usual notice board.
Items for inclusion are welcome and can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme we tell the story of the new Port Erin Methodist church - from plans that began 8 years ago, to the official opening ceremony yesterday morning.
It's next to - but separate from - the 1903 church building on Station Road, and incorporates the hall and Sunday Schoolrooms added to the 1903 church in 1973.
But what we have now is a beautiful chapel, a fine refurbished hall and other facilities that make this new development into a hub to be shared and be of benefit to the local community.
Contributors to the programme include Rev Dr Sean Turner, Mrs Judy Matthews, Mr Keith McArd, Mrs Muriel Nixon and Mrs Jean Karran.
The hymns are those used in the opening thanksgiving service.
And there's notice board news too - notice board items can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
On the programme today :
Jen Casson talks about her new community outreach under the GOD FOR ALL banner of the Methodist Church on the Island. It starts on Thursday 5th September at 11.30am in Castletown Methodist church lounge - if you'd like to know more, or lend a helping hand, email Jen - jen.casson@methodist.org.im
Rev'd Andrew de Smet is an Anglican priest and trained psychotherapist with a deep desire to encourage everyone to be happy and fulfilled, whatever their chosen path. Listen out for a simple technique that could be life-changing for us all!
Music is from Aled Jones and The Priests - and there's our usual notice board
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Trying something a little different with a mid-week AT YOUR SERVICE - there's still lots on offer as we celebrate the Island's Patron Saint - Maughold - with walks, talks and food all based around Kirk Maughold - the Parish Church (set in the most stunning countryside with amazing coastal views!)
The Choristers from St John The Baptist Parish Church in Broughton, Lancashire are back on the Island for their annual choir school and holiday- hear them on the programme - and in person in Douglas this week!
The 2-week Port St Mary Beach Mission is under way - fun games and faith for 0 - 17 year olds - no need to sign up for the whole 2 weeks - come for as many or as few days as you wish - all welcome - go to psmbm.im to get all the information and enrol your child(ren)
One of the Beach Mission Leaders has a couple of stories to share - her first-hand experiences of true humility ......
And of course there's notice board news too - and music (including a VERY popular hymn!)
Rev'd Katy Canty is a teacher, an ordained priest in the Anglican Church, a wife, a mother and an author. She's also worked for 14 years as chaplain in a Liverpool prison, and joins us on the programme this week to share what she's learned from her time 'inside'
She also explains how retirement from prison chaplaincy led to another role - this time working with chaplains in all walks of Liverpool life.
And a visit to the Manx Radio Archive Room uncovers the history of the Colby Ale House that fooled a Press Gang, was turned into three cottages, and then became Belle Abbey Chapel - remaining a place of worship until 2016, when the wheel of change came almost full circle, and the chapel became a private house.
There's notice board news too - and music.
Items for inclusion on the noticeboard can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
The Rt Rev'd Mark Davies is Bishop of MIddleton in Manchester - and at the same time he's taking care of the Diocese of Sodor and Man until Bishop-Elect Patricia Hillas takes up her ministry in October - this week he's talking about vocations - and reminds us that we've all got one.
And from the archives, another chance to listen to Loretta Minghella who tells the story of a tiny request that transformed her faith journey, and the U-turn that changed her life.
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
As their annual Conference celebrates 50 years of women's ordination as presbyters - ministers - in the Methodist Church, Past President of Conference, Rev'd Sonia Hicks, tells her story that reveals the path to progress was not always an easy one.
We've music - and comments from organist Gareth Moore - recorded in St Thomas's Church in Douglas last Sunday afternoon at the Festival of Hymns - the first event organised by the re-launched Isle of Man Church Music Association.
And Angela Southern takes us on a journey from her home church of Ballagarey Chapel in St Marks, to Sierra Leone ....
Plus we have another packed notice board - items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
As we celebrate 60 years of broadcasting on Manx Radio, today's programme features a few of the guests and topics we've covered on Sunday mornings over the past years.
Rev'd Marc Wolverson and Gareth Moore discuss REV - the TV sitcom that took the lid off clergy life; we recall the characters we met, and stories we heard, during the long-running series of Thought for the Day and Just a Minute, with contributions from Rev'd Norman Kelly, Rev'd Ian Davies and Rev'd Alex Brown, and Rabbi Lionel Blue adds his familiar mix of chat - and challenge!
And there's music too - plus another packed notice board!
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
The Isle of Man Church Music Association seems to have been founded in 1897 and over the years has had some celebrated leaders, including Miss M L Wood, founder of our beloved Manx Music Festival.
In recent years, the Association's influence has waned - but all that is set to change as leadership has recently been picked up by Dr Peter Litman, Gareth Moore and Rev'd Joanna Fisher. A Festival of Hymns is planned for June 30th where all who love singing are welcome.
We have the full story in today's programme - plus a musical tribute to celebrate the Knighthood of composer John Rutter
And of course there's other music too - including some great nostalgia from an event 24 years ago (you might very well have been there in the 800-strong choir!) - and there's our usual notice board.
For more information about the IOM Church Music Association - email iomchurchmusic@gmail.com
To add items to the notice board email judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme, three people share poignant stories about their late Father - and Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brown, who lives and ministers in Douglas, explores what it means to be fully human.
And there's music too - and our regular Notice Board.
Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Susan McIver is the Safeguarding Officer in the Nottingham and Derby District of the Methodist Church. She visited the Island recently, to lead a study day - open to members of churches of all denominations - on SILENCE in the context of safeguarding ..... when it's necessary and helpful, and when it's recognised as a tool, used to manipulate, or make a person powerless.
On this programme, I talk with Susan about her own childhood - the hard lessons she learned - the choices she made - and her passion to see all people flourish and have life in all its fullness.
There's music from Wallingford Parish Church Choir, and a dip into the religious programming archive for another episode in the 40-year-old KEYSTONES series. This week, Rev'd David Bush explores the history and interesting characters associated with Lonan Old Church - St Adamnan's - which continues to be a much-loved peaceful, prayerful church in a glorious country setting. See their Facebook page for service and special event details.
There's also notice board news - email information for inclusion to judithley@manxradio.com
Thursday 6 June, 2024 is the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings - lone pipers throughout the British Isles have been taking turns to each play a poignant piece of music at various locations at 8am each morning. By the time we reach the anniversary on 6 June, the piece will have been played on 80 consecutive mornings, at 80 different locations - and the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums have the privilege of playing for the final ten mornings at locations around the Island.
What is the piece of music, and where will it be played? We have all the information in this programme.
The nuns of the Poor Clare Convent in Arundel, West Sussex are - by their own admission - a community of women who 'live an unusual life' when measured by the standards of the secular world. But it's a very productive life, and their musical ability has produced one massively popular CD and a second one has just launched, which is set to become even more popular.
We have the full story - and a couple of tracks from the new CD (called My Peace I Give You)
And today's special guest is Rev Dr Isabelle Hamley - Principal of Ridley Hall College in Cambridge - a centre for training clergy, youth workers etc. Her own life experience of a difficult childhood in a secular family wouldn't suggest she was heading for ordination and a life dedicated to God - so her story is an interesting and honest one - but her passion in ministry now, is to see churches of all denominations make appropriate and helpful responses - in love and honesty - to people of all ages who have mental health issues.
And there's a notice board too (full of TT Cafe details for Race Week!) - you can add items for future programmes by emailing judithley@manxradio.com
Thank you for listening to this podcast
Earlier this year, Angela Southern, a member of Ballagarey Methodist Church, was selected to represent not just the Isle of Man, but the whole of the British Isles, at the All Africa Conference of Churches - an ecumencial body which accounts for over 200 million Christians across the African Continent.
Our local Christian Aid Rep Louise Whitelegg chose to go with Angela (at her own expense) to learn more about the host country - Sierra Leone - and ten days ago Angela and Louise set off for captial city Freetown, for Angela to explore the Conference, and Louise to explore the Methodist churches that tell the story of past slavery struggles and a deep and lively faith that flourishes today.
On this programme we share the audio diary Louise has been sending day-by-day, as well as meeting one of the key conference leaders - and there's some great local music too - from our own Lon Vane Ladies Choir conducted by Christine Bregazzi.
Plus notice board news - specially those upcoming TT Teas!!
Praying the Keeills Week has started and between now and Saturday 25 May, there's a daily programme of walks - both long and short - an evening talk, a coach trip - and even the blessing of the Peel Lifeboat! Catherine Wareing explains that this week is a chance to visit some of the Island's keeill sites - the ruined but sacred chapels dotted around the Manx landscape - to enjoy their beauty, soak up their atmosphere, and learn a little of their history. And walk leader Phil Craine adds a Bible passage that inspires him at this time, and a reflection by an Australian writer. All are welcome
For all the details, see the website - https://www.prayingthekeeills.org/
The Venerable Patricia Hillas and her husband Andrew were on the Island last Thursday, for the announcement that she is to be the next Bishop of Sodor and Man - successor to the Rt Rev'd Peter Eagles who retired in October last year. On the programme this morning, we share extracts from her first interview with Manx Radio's News Journalist Beth Espey - which gives some clear indications of her priorities - including her enthusiasm for becoming a real part of Island life, and getting to know - and be known by - people of all faiths and none.
There's music for Pentecost from Keith and Krystin Getty, our own Curjin Cooidjak, and Simeon Wood
Plus notice board news too - items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Christian Aid Week starts today and the project for this year is to use the mighty pigeon pea to transform the lives of the people of Malawi - people living in extreme poverty, but with the capacity to raise their standard of living with help to farm - and use - the hardy pigeon pea crop more efficiently. Local Christian Aid Representative, Louise Whitelegg, joins us with all the details.
And the Independent Methodist Church in Ramsey has a new vision - and a new name!
New Life Ramsey have a big weekend planned - and their partners in this revival are Kingdom Living Ministries based in England. Their Senior Leader, Lauren Crook, joins us on the programme to explain everything!
And we have our usual notice board - items for inclusion can be emailed ; judithley@manxradio.com
We conclude our coverage of the official opening of the new Salvation Army Church and Community Centre in Ballacottier Crescent on the Isle of Man Business Park in Braddan which took place over the weekend of 27th and 28th April 2024.
In this programme we share words and music from a time of worship, recorded during the Sunday morning service on the celebration weekend, led by Captain Rachael Nieuwoudt - Captain Rachael and her husband Captain Dylan, are Commanding Officers in the Salvation Army Isle of Man, and Major David Taylor, Divisional Leader of the Salvation Army in the North of England.
Major David also shares some thoughts on the journey that has brought the Salvation Army Isle of Man to this point, and we catch up with old friends who began their faith journey at the Salvation Army in the Lord Street Citadel, but who are now ministering with the Army in other places.
And we have our notice board - as usual
Items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Commissioners Paul and Jenine Main are the Territorial Commanders - or leaders - of The Salvation Army throughout the UK, Ireland - and the Isle of Man. But between 1991 and 1997, they were young Corps Officers, leading the Salvation Army based in the Lord Street Citadel in Douglas.
Now - nearly 30 years later - they're back on the Island for the official opening and dedication of the new Salvation Army Church and Community Centre in Ballacottier Crescent in Braddan.
But - as this programme reveals - they found themselves suddenly playing a leading part in the special service on Saturday 27 April.
When General Lyndon Buckingham - the leader of The Salvation Army world-wide - was suddenly unable to travel due to illness, Commissioners Paul and Jenine stepped in to take his place!
In the first of two programmes, I bring you the dedication of the building and re-naming of The Salvation Army to reflect its Island-wide ministry, plus new music, and thoughts and reflections in conversation with Commissioners Paul and Jenine.
In next week's programme there'll be more from the dedication service, and interviews with other visitors who have been an important part of Salvation Army life on the Island over the years.
And there's notice board news too - items for inclusion can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
On the programme today, Salvation Army Corps Officers Captains Dylan and Rachael Nieuwoudt are looking forward to the Official Opening of their magnificent new Church and Community Centre in Douglas - and to welcoming General Lyndon Buckingham to perform the ceremony - the first visit of a Salvation Army world-wide leader to the Isle of Man since the mid-1930's
We go deeper into the earth art installation GAIA in conversation with Justin McMullin of Manx company ELS who has worked in partnership with Ben Osborne, representing the artist Luke Jerram, to put GAIA in place in St Thomas's Church in Douglas.
And we pop into The Archive Room for some fascinating stories about the history of St Thomas's church - and some comments that are as fresh and relevant today as they were when first made, 40 years ago!
Tickets and details of all special events in St Thomas's church during the time GAIA is there, can be found at sponsor Net Zero's website - netzero.im
Rev'd Liz Hull, Vicar of St Thomas's Church in Finch Road, in the Cultural Quarter of Douglas, joins us today to tell the GAIA story .... the giant illuminated 3-dimensional globe which will seem to float - framed inside St Thomas's magnificent archways, and its famed Nicholson Murals. A chance for us to see our Earth as never before ..... For details of tickets, special events, opening times etc., visit the website of one of GAIA's major sponsors on the Island - netzero.im
GAIA at St Thomas's opens on 20 April 2024
Christian Aid Isle of Man Representative Louise Whitelegg is here with an invitation to a great party - to celebrate all the work that's been achieved in Burundi, thanks to the generosity of the Manx public and the IOM Government Overseas Aid - and to say goodbye to all those completed projects - because it's time now to turn our attention to Malawi - a country in the grip of serious poverty - but whose fortunes could be changed by the Pigeon Peas Project - expect to hear much more about this in Christian Aid week next month (May)
Rev'd Leslie Newton is Methodist Chair of District of North and East Yorkshire - and joins us on the programme to talk about his new book - getting back to the basics of John Wesley's teaching as a basis for growth in our present age. REVIVE US AGAIN by Leslie Newton is available as a Kindle download or a printed book, via Amazon
And we return to a conversation we had a few weeks ago, with Karen and Tim Norton - founders of the very successful Cafe Lingo - an place to learn English and all about Island life, specially for those who are new to the Island and for whom English is not their first language. When we met, Karen and Tim were about to hand over the reins of Cafe Lingo to their very able successors, and enjoy a well-earned retirement - but here's one last story from Karen - a real lesson in how a little idea turned into something much much bigger - and very special.
CAFE LINGO resumes in the Promenade Methodist Church here in Douglas on Saturday 13 April at 10am
No charge - all welcome - creche available during language classes, so children are welcome too
Easter Day celebrates events which took place over 2,000 years ago, but which still remain at the very heart of the Christian faith.
In words and music, we explore the first Easter, and reflect on what it is saying to our world today.
Includes music from the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars of St German's Cathedral in Peel, conducted by the Cathedral's Director of Music, Dr Peter Litman, singing Tom Kirkland's setting of 'Thine Be The Glory' with organist Stuart Corrie and trumpets played by Ash Cole and Ryno Potgieter - and 'Christ The Lord Is Risen Today' by Maddie Prior and The Carnival Band.
The spoken word includes thoughts and reflections from Rt Rev'd Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton and Commissary Bishop of Sodor and Man, the late John Kennaugh - and others with powerful stories to share.
And there's our usual notice board - items for inclusion can be emailed to : judithley@manxradio.com
This is the week that the Christian Church calls HOLY - and although it recalls events that happened over two thousand years ago, its message is central to the Christian faith, and the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, continues to offer hope to people exposed to almost unbearable suffering.
Today, through the spoken word, music, conversations - and a tragically true story - we reflect on the power of Holy Week - and the promise of Easter.
The programme features the Rt Rev'd Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton in Manchester, and Commissary Bishop for the Diocese of Sodor and Man
Also includes a Notice Board - items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
After establishing Cafe Lingo 8 years ago based in the Promenade Methodist Church in Douglas - offering a relaxed and welcoming hub for anyone new to the Island, and for whom English is not their first language, Karen Norton and husband Tim are taking a well-earned retirement. But it'll be business as usual at Cafe Lingo - the Nortons join us today to tell us who is taking over - and they're inviting everyone to their farewell party at SPRINGFEST in the Promenade Methodist Church, Douglas on Saturday 23 March between 10am - 12.30pm - Cafe Lingo is celebrating Spring with music, dancing, food, games and much much more! And it's all FREE
Jenny Sinclair joins us again to tell the second part of the story she began in last week's programme
(see podcast - At Your Service for 10 March 2024)
This week she finds her faith in a different Christian tradition, and despite it being the last thing she intended to do, has now discovered that being the Founder of the Christian charity Together For The Common Good is her all-consuming vocation in life.
Plus there's music and notice board news too .....
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Jenny Sinclair is the founder director of the charity Together For The Common Good - but what is 'the common good' and why should we care about it? In this first of two programmes featuring conversations with Jenny, she sketches out her background as a teenager in Liverpool during the 1970's, when her Father, David Sheppard, was Anglican Bishop of Liverpool - and what she has learned by looking back on his 22-year-long partnership with Roman Catholic Archbishop Derek Worlock, and their work for social justice in Liverpool.
On next week's programme, Jenny will talk about the work she now regards as her vocation - promoting the common good through her own charity.
Plus there's music - including a special song for this Mothering Sunday
And another packed notice board!
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Today has been chosen as a National Day of Reflection - a time to pause and remember all who died during the Covid pandemic, and those who still mourn their loss - we make a space to mark the day with words and music; Mike Hardie is the Community Partnerships Manager for The Leprosy Mission and he's back on the Island to meet supporters of the charity, make some new friends and share stories from his recent visit to India; and Rt Rev'd Mark Davies is back on the Island - he's the Bishop of Middleton in the Diocese of Manchester, and he's been appointed to take care of the Diocese of Sodor and Man until a new Bishop is chosen. He's loving his 'dual role' and his time on the Island - and shares some thoughts on faith in young people - and the Bishop's vote in Tynwald
Plus there's music and notice board information too
Email items for inclusion to judithley@manxradio.com
Paul Keeys, Director of Walking Through the Bible will be back on the Island on 2nd March to lead a day walking through the New Testament in St John's Methodist Church from 10am - 4.30pm - he joins us to explain why this is such a valuable and entertaining day!
Jacko the dog achieved fame when Peter Shimmin introduced us to him on Thought for the Day almost ten years ago - Peter is back ..... with the end of the story.
There's a very special time capsule in the Cathedral in Peel - and everyone can be in it! We explain where it is and how you can get involved.
And we listen to worship leader and songwriter Graham Kendrick chose the song for which he wants to be remembered.
Plus there's music - and our usual packed notice board (including details of the famous Lent Lunches)
Information for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Jo Smart came to the Island in September 2022 and is a Methodist minister based in Peel with care of the churches in the West and in Douglas. But her early life suggested a very different career - as a dancer! In conversation today, we find out what it took to make that life-changing decision - and how her skills as a dancer shapes her ministry.
We also discuss the season of Lent - and explore some suggestions for making the most of the time of preapration for celebration of the great feast of Easter - the very heart of the Christian faith.
Rev'd Jo chooses our music today - and we've our usual notice board, with details of all the Lent Lunches starting this week.
Notice board news is always welcome - email to judithley@manxradio.com
This is the start of National Marriage Week - and Valentine's Day is just around the corner - but that's not what we're talking about, as I take author, broadcaster and Baptist Minister Richard Littledale out for a walk in Glen Mooar. As we explore St Patrick's Chapel - Cabbal Pherick - the site of an 8th century keeill, we talk about the great gift of FRIENDSHIP ..... and the ultimate friendship with God - which has nothing to do with cards and gifts!
There's poetry from Phil Craine, and music from Margaret Rizza
Plus our usual notice board
Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
On the programme this week, Rev'd Richard Littledale, Baptist Pastor, preacher, author, BBC broadcaster and expert storyteller joins us to talk about his new book LET IT GROW - written for children, it's a collection of garden projects and fun facts to help them learn how to care for God's planet.
Manx-born Very Rev'd Canon John Mann has recently retired as Dean of Belfast Cathedral, and so is back in his native Laxey and enjoying his new ministry as an author. He joins us to talk about his latest book, due to launch on the Island on 12 February at 7pm in the Cathedral Church of St Mary of the Isle, Hill Street, Douglas. It's a Lent book, suitable for both individual and group use - it's called Christ's Seven Words from The Cross.
HOW GREAT THOU ART is one of the nation's best loved hymns - it was written 75 years ago and to celebrate the anniversary, a new verse has been added - we have the new verse - and the full story - in the programme. Plus music from John Rutter, and our usual notice board.
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
27th January each year is Holocaust Memorial Day - a time to reflect on the 6 million Jews, and thousands of others who died in the Nazi persecution during World War 2, and the millions who have died in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Leonard Singer was a prominent member of the Isle of Man's Jewish community -and during his time as an MHK for Ramsey, around 20 years ago, established an annual National Holocaust Memorial Service, which involved not only the local Jewish community, but also visiting speakers, alongside secondary school students, and people representing all walks of Island life. Leonard died exactly one month ago, and today's programme includes a poem and a prayer given by Leonard at one of the services we recorded several years ago.
Today is also World Leprosy Sunday - and Mike Hardie - Community Partnerships Manager with The Leprosy Mission - urges us never to forget that leprosy is sadly not just a disease mentioned in a Bible story, but - over two thousand years later, it still remains a real threat to poor and vulnerable communities.
Mike's reason for caring so deeply about people with leprosy goes right back to childhood days - find out how that happened - and what his more recent experience has been, on today's programme.
Plus - there's quite a variety of music - and of course this week's notice board
Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to
judithley@manxradio.com
Poet, Anglican priest, academic, singer/songwriter, lecturer and biker, Rev'd Dr Malcolm Guite made his first visit to the Island at the end of last year - and loved everything he saw. In the first part of an interview recorded during his visit, he talks about his childhood in Nigeria, and the power of poetry - to change the course of a life, and to take on a life of its own.
The second part of the interview will be included in another episode of the programme in a few weeks' time.
Norman Barron was born in 1909 and in 1958 became a fully accredited Local Preacher, serving the Methodist Church on the Island in a voluntary capacity for some 40 years. In a conversation recorded in 2000 when he was 91, Norman explains to David Callister how it all happened.
Our music today is on the theme of Christian Unity, as this is the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and there's the usual notice board news too.
Items for the Notice Board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
President of the Methodist Conference of Britain, Rev'd Gill Newton, and Vice President, Deacon Kerry Scarlett, are visiting the Island this weekend as part of their year of office, during which they will visit as many Methodist circuits as possible.
The Methodist Conference is the governing body of the Methodist Church in Britain, of which the Methodist Church on the Island forms a part - and a more appropriate title for Gill and Kerry would be The Presidency - as they are equals in their leadership duties.
In conversation with them both on this week's programme, we'll discover what their theme of Hidden Treasures really means - as well as discovering what led them both to ordination, and what they hope for the future of Methodism.
Plus we have music in English and Manx - and our usual notice board.
Items for the Notice Board can be emailed -judithley@manxradio.com
One By One is an international charity dedicated to preventing the exploitation of vulnerable people - particularly children and young teenagers - and today in conversation with founder and CEO Becky Murray we find out how it all began - quite by accident - during a trip to Sierra Leone, with 50p and a pair of pink flip flops.
We were all deeply saddened to learn of the death of Marilyn Cannell BEM - a gifted musician, teacher, composer, and Methodist Local Preacher. Marilyn gave so much to music on the Island - but on today's programme we celebrate her deep faith by listening again to some of her contributions to Manx Radio's Thought for the Day, mixed with just one of her many musical compositions - The Celtic Cantata drew together words and music from the Celtic tradition, mixed with new music written by Marilyn. The singers are Mandy Griffin and Karen Elliott and the pianist is - of course - Marilyn herself.
May she rest in peace - and rise in glory!
And there's notice board news too - items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Looking back over a year of weekly opportunities to be AT YOUR SERVICE - today's specially extended programme includes extracts from interviews with the Most Reverend and Rt Honorable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, actress Wendy Craig, singer and Songs of Praise presenter Aled Jones, Academic and Scientist Rev'd Professor David Wilkinson, Baptist Minister Richard Littledale -and a feature about the spiritual side of Eurovision in Liverpool - plus lots of music too!
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
In 2024, the popular Broughton Boys Choir - or to give them their correct title - the choir of St John the Baptist church in Broughton, Lancashire - will make their 50th annual visit to the Isle of Man for their Choir School. Choirmaster John Catterall has accompanied the choir on every single one of those visits, and looks forward to a really special visit to mark the 50th anniversary. He's also looking forward to handing over leadership of the choir to a new young team, as he steps down as Choirmaster in early January.
To mark all these significant happenings in the life of the choir, we travel to Broughton for this one-hour Christmas Day special programme, to bring you interviews with the choristers, the staff team, clergy and accompanists - mixed with glorious singing of favourite Christmas carols by the choir.
In this special extended edition of At Your Service for Christmas Eve, my guest, country singer/songwriter CHARLIE LANDSBOROUGH talks about family life, finding - losing - and finding his faith again, being a schoolteacher before finally breaking into show business - and lots more!
Charlie talks about his faith with honesty and simplicity - a properly down-to-earth story of one man's personal journey, a journey through good times, and bad ....
And between the chat, there's a selection of popular carols, played and sung by Charlie
And of course there's our notice board, too!
On At Your Service today, we've words and music from the recent Tynwald Carol Service recorded in St George's Church, Douglas, plus three folk tales based on the message of Christmas, from author and broadcaster Richard Littledale.
Carlos Philips and the Hon Clare Barber MHK give the Bible readings, there's music from the Tynwald Choir directed and accompanied by Dr Jonathan King (Shine, Star, Shine with words by Breesha Maddrell and music by Frank Woolley) and from The Government Choir conducted by Dr Mandy Griffin and accompanied by David Holland (A Wild Mid-Winter Carol by Liz Dilnot Johnson)
Richard Littledale contributes three stories - Papa Panov, Babushka, and Pepita - the message of Christmas told through folk tales - and of course there's another giant notice board!!
Items for inclusion can be sent via email - judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme I talk with the Rt Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Middleton in the Diocese of Manchester about his life and vocation to the priesthood. Bishop Mark is set to become a regular visitor to the Island, as he has been chosen to be Commissary Bishop, taking care of the Diocese of Sodor and Man until a permanent appointment is made.
Over the years, Bishop Mark has taken many young people on pilgrimage to the monastic community at Taize in Southern France - today we hear some thoughts from Brother Matthew who has just been announced as the new Prior of the Taize Community - a community of Brothers formed after the Second World War, to pray for peace and unity in the world and in the church. It was founded by Brother Roger (who was Swiss) and he was followed by Brother Alois (a German) Brother Matthew, who is from Yorkshire, is the first Englishman to become Prior.
The programme includes music from the Taize community, a hymn for Advent, and of course the notice board!
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Ramsey-based business AFD Software celebrated the Company's 40th Anniversary at their recent Annual Charity Event - and they marked the milestone by donating a total of £1million, divided between over 80 local and global charities, nominated by the staff of AFD - The Postcode People.
But there was more - a further £2.2million will be used to buy an aircraft for Mission Aviation Fellowship, the charity which works globally, transforming the lives of people living in remote and isolated communities in around 24 countries.
On the programme this week, we hear from Mission Aviation Fellowship CEO Dominic Palmer and Joanna Roberts, Partnerships Manager with the charity, as they explain how and where they work, and how important the gift of a plane is, in developing their outreach.
AFD Managing Director David Dorricott shares his philosophy of giving - and we hear about the challenge given to every person who attended the Charity Event!
And Richard Littledale makes a welcome return - the author and broadcaster has chosen 4 of his favourite stories, each one about Christmas Day, and each one designed to help us see beyond the preparations and the pressures that can crowd out the real message of Christmas. This week's story is about a Christmas tree .....
There's Advent music from Aled Jones and our usual notice board.
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
The Anglican churches in Arbory and Castletown have a new Priest In Charge - he's Rev'd Simon Archer and he's recently moved to the Island with his wife Tasha and their four children. But many people - scattered all over the world - also know him as The Gaming Vicar.
On today's programme we discover how he moved from a pub to a pulpit, why he and Tasha chose to come to the Island, and of course we've got the story of The Gaming Vicar!
Music is from the St Michael Singers, and from Josh Garrels and the Porters Gate Project
And there's another packed notice board ...
items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
David Dorricott has commissioned possibly his most ambitious piece of Bible-inspired artwork to enhance the 25-acre site at Mountain View Innovation Centre, on Jurby Road, just outside Ramsey, where his business - AFD Software - has its headquarters. The work of artist James Sutton, the piece - which took some 3 years to create - was fully installed recently and on today's programme both James and David reflect on it. Visitors are welcome at Mountain View - walk in the grounds, or have a coffee or a snack in Babbage's Bistro, which is also on the site.
In October, twelve young people from the Island attended 3Generate - the children's and young people's assembly of the Methodist Church. Six of them - Onnee, Ailish, Ealish, Kitty, John and Daniel explain why it was such an amazing experience - and they've got an invitation for YOU too!
Music is from The Enchanted Voices, and 80's worship band 2nd Chapter of Acts
There's notice board news, too - email your items for inclusion to judithley@manxradio.com
This special programme for Remembrance Sunday includes spoken word contributions from Simeon Wood, David Suchet and Sean Bean, with reflections and poetry from poet, singer/songwriter, author and academic Rev'd Dr Malcolm Guite
Prayers are led By Rev'd David and Mrs Jacqueline Shirtliff
Music includes the Hymn for the Fallen, Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep; I vow to thee my country, and Let there be peace on earth
Plus notice board news for the coming week.
Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Today's programme brings you highlights of the service on Friday 3 November 2023 in which a Douglas parish church becomes the Cathedral Church of St Mary of the Isle, Co-Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Liverpool - the first Co-Cathedral in the British Isles.
It was made possible by the award of city status to the town of Douglas as part of the late Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which led the City Council to approach the Roman Catholic Church on the Island, to see if it would be possible to have a Cathedral in the City of Douglas ....... the answer was YES - and all the details are in this episode of AT YOUR SERVICE, along with some thoughts from two priests with special connections to St Mary of the Isle Roman Catholic Church - Canon Philip Gillespie and Father John Hindley
Plus notice board news too - items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
After 6 years as Bishop of Sodor and Man - the smallest but one of the very oldest Diocese in the Church of England - the Rt Reverend Peter Eagles is moving on. He and his wife Gail are leaving the Island to live in Walsingham, Norfolk.
As he retires from leadership of the Manx Diocese, he looks back over some 30 years in ordained ministry, and at the years on the Island in particular, and imagines what the future might hold for him, and for his successor.
Today's hymns are chosen by Bishop Peter, and we have our usual packed notice board!
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Scripture Union Ministries Trust has been active on the Island for some 40 years - helping young people to explore issues of faith for themselves. Now it's no longer in partnership with SU in England and Wales, but stands alone as part of Scripture Union International - and they have a new Chief Executive. She is KRISTINA REEVES, and on the programme today she explains not just her own role, but the work of SU on the Isle of Man, and the significance of now being an independent part of the bigger Scripture Union picture.
The Very Reverend JOHN MANN - former Dean of Belfast Cathedral, and recipient of the Lambeth Cross for Ecumensim in 2018 - is now living in retirement with his wife Helen in her native Laxey. He is writing devotional books for Messenger Publications, and the first has just been released. On today's programme he discusses JOURNEYING TO THE LIGHT - daily readings through Advent and Christmas. The book is available now but will have its official Isle of Man Launch Evening at Thie Dy Vea in Peel at 7:30pm on 9th November. The evening (which includes refreshments) is free - but please reserve your place via the website - retreat house.im
And writer, broadcaster and Baptist Minister RICHARD LITTLEDALE returns for the last in the series 'WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?'
Today it's all about a prison cell and a lot of broken locks .....
Plus there's music, and notice board news too
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Christian Aid have been working in the Middle East since 1950 - so how are they responding to the current escalation in violence there? We have comments from our local Christian Aid representative, Louise Whitelegg along with thoughts from those in the area now.
The most likely date for the second reading of the Assisted Dying Bill is 31 October. In anticipation of this, a few days ago nearly 100 people from Christian churches of all denominations came together to pray and think deeply about the issues surrounding this proposed legislation. On the programme we hear the views of Pastor Bill Leishman of Broadway Baptist Church in Douglas, Pastor Adrian Porter of Living Hope Church, and local businessman David Dorricott.
Music is from the Taize monastic community in Southern France, and from The Thirteen choir.
And there's notice board news too.
Items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
When roads are impassable, terrain is treacherous and walking vast distances is your only option, a curable illness suddenly becomes deadly. Those who live in isolated areas around the world, are cut off from the things we take for granted - like healthcare and education.
MISSION AVIATION FELLOWSHIP is a Christian aviation charity operating around 130 light aircraft in more than 25 of the world's poorest countries - bringing help, hope and healing to the most remote communities.
On this programme I talk with their newly appointed CEO Donovan Palmer
Find out more at www.maf-uk.org
Baptist Pastor, writer and broadcaster Richard Littledale returns with another in his occasional series 'What Happened Next' - this time, reflecting on a very special picnic.
Plus we have a Harvest hymn, and music from Margaret Rizza and Graham Kendrick
And our usual notice board
Email information for the notice board to judithley@manxradio.com
God and The Big Bang is a project that runs interactive workshop days with young people aged between 10 and 18 giving them the opportunity to discover, discuss and debate the compatibility between science and faith. The events equip young people with the tools they need in order to form their own opinions about the part science plays in God's world.
In this programme I talk with Project Leader Michael Harvey and two of his team - Francesca Blondell and Sarah Moring - during their recent visit to the Island, where they spent time with some local schools, youth groups and youth workers.
There's a website - https://gatbb.co.uk
or contact Scripture Union Ministries Trust Team Leader, Sue Yardy, on 07624 267665 - note - this is the correct contact number - not as mentioned in the podcast
Music is from John Rutter, and Margaret Rizza
And there's our usual notice board
Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Another bit of Island history has been made this week, as Pope Francis has granted Cathedral status to the Roman Catholic church of St Mary of the Isle in Douglas. The church will be a Co-Cathedral to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, in Liverpool city centre.
Co-Cathedrals are very rare in the Roman Catholic Church, and this is the first-ever Co-Cathedral in the British Isles. Monsignor John Devine - parish priest of St Mary's and senior Catholic priest on the Island - explains in full why this has happened and what it means for the Island churches of other denominations.
Then, in a second conversation, Monsignor John reflects on his 50 years as a priest, and the adventures he's had along the way.
Music is from the Irish trio, The Priests - and we have our notice board as usual.
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Dr Naomi Graham is the founder and CEO of the Christian charity Growing Hope - providing free therapy for children with additional needs, and support for their families. She believes that churches are ideally placed to become truly inclusive and accessible places for everyone, and can help to meet the shortfall in mental health provision, which currently means children, young people and their families have to wait too long for the help they need.
Find out more as we talk with her on the programme this week.
Her website is https://growing hope.org.uk
And Rev'd Richard Littledale returns, with another in the series 'What happened next?"
This time he's taken a story from Mark's gospel, and is looking at a hole in the roof ....
Plus we have music, and another packed notice board.
Items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Jackie is Manx-born and retains a huge love and respect for the Isle of Man. Her husband Jay is American - a Lutheran pastor - and they met in Bangladesh but got married in Kirk Andreas! Hear their fascinating story on this week's programme, alongside music from Wallingford Parish Church choir, and Margaret Rizza. Plus there's our usual notice board
Items for the notice board can be emailed to : judithley@manxradio.com
Reverend Dawn Mather retired on 31st August after ten years in leadership of the United Reformed Churches in Ramsey and Douglas. On the programme this morning she reflects on those years, and talks about the years before she came to the Isle of Man - expect some surprises!!
We'll also hear from Reverend Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church who came to the Island for Dawn's final service, and who will be directly involved in finding her successor.
Music this week is from the International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army - tracks taken from a recently released CD collection called 'Lord, You Are The Song'
And there's notice board news too - items for inclusion can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Recently retired Baptist minister Richard Littledale returns to the programme today, with questions on his mind. Why are we so poor at talking about death? Why do we shy away from questions about end of life? Based on his own experience of losing his beloved wife to cancer when she was in her early 50's, Richard explains why the questions which are the hardest and most painful, are also the most important - and life-giving!
The Bible is packed with stories - but often leave us wondering 'What happened next?" That's the title of Richard's new series of features - taking another look at some Bible stories and imagining what might have happened ..... today, it's the story of the man possessed by evil spirits ...
There's music from the Southwestern Seminary Oratorio Chorus and Festival Brass, and from Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith.
Plus there's notice board news too - email your service/event information to judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme - Adam and Cathy Thomas complete their story (so far!) They explain what happened after they left the Isle of Harris, how Adam came at last to be ordained, why they came to Whalley Abbey - and where they're going now .... If you missed part one of their story, last week's edition of At Your Service (13 August) is still available as a podcast. And we pay tribute to a popular and respected clergyman who died a few weeks ago, by re-visiting a Thanksgiving Evensong recorded in St Thomas's church in the summer of 2005, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ordination of Rev'd Alec Smith. Plus music from Bernadette Farrell and Graham Kendrick, and notice board news too Information for the notice board can be emailed to: judithley@manx.net
Stephen Knott is the Archbishop of Canterbury's Appointments Secretary, and deeply involved in finding a successor to follow the Rt Reverend Peter Eagles as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man - he joins us on the programme today to explain his role, and the next stages in the selection process. And we meet Adam and Cathy Thomas - a couple with deep faith, a love of meeting and working with people in all circumstances, and an appetite for challenges- but what happens when the challenges become almost too much to bear? In this first part of their life story, there's a lot to interest and inspire - and maybe there are a few surprises too! Adam and Cathy return to the programme next week (20th August) to complete their story Music this week is from John Michael Talbot, and there's notice board news too Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
The much-loved Peel Beach Mission is 60 years old this year. In conversation with Anglican Priest Rev'd Paul Lewis - a key member of the present team - we reflect on this summer outreach which aims to offer something to everyone of any age, and we celebrate the life of charismatic Michael Clarkson who led the mission from its start, until 2021. Sadly Michael passed away in September last year but his wife Pam continues to be part of the team. The Cathedral will close its doors this weekend - and is not expected to re-open until next Easter at the earliest - the Dean, the Very Rev'd Nigel Godfrey explains why - and in the Cathedral grounds, lay reader Rosemary Clarke tells Ben Hartley all about Stride and Ride - a treasure hunt involving 69 churches around the Island. Download the map at https://rideandstride.online/ then use any means of transport you wish, to visit the churches, spot the symbols, and have a chance to win a £100 Steam Packet travel voucher. Entry forms costing £5 each are available from participating churches, and from The Welcome Centre in Douglas. There's music too - and our usual notice board news. Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
On Wednesday 2nd August 2023, the Island will remember the 50th anniversary of one of the darkest days in the Island's history - the Summerland tragedy which claimed 50 lives and injured 80 people. On today's programme we honour the memory of those who died and pay tribute to all those who were involved and touched in any way by the dreadful events of that night - not with material from 1973, but with a recording from an open air service held in September 2006, when the second Summerland was about to be demolished.
And Dean of Emmanuel Theological College - Rev'd Canon Dr Michael Leyden returns - with the story of a Liverpool schoolboy found by God - and given the chance to develop a fresh and imaginative way to empower lay and ordained people to serve and build the Kingdom.
Plus there's news of the two big beach missions which start this week in Peel and Port St Mary - and music too. Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Bishop Peter is due to retire in October this year, and the process to choose his successor as Bishop of Sodor and Man has now begun. It's a long and complicated procedure, designed to make sure the best possible person is appointed, to meet the needs of the Diocese now, and share a vision for its future. On today's programme we join the Archdeacon, the Venerable Irene Cowell, as she guides us through the process and shares thoughts on the importance of the Bishop's role in Island life. The open meetings mentioned in the interview are : Monday 24 July Kirk Michael Parish Church at 3:15pm The Abbey Church Hall at 6pm Both meetings are open to all, and both meetings will last for one hour
Rev'd Canon Dr Michael Leyden is the Dean of Emmanuel Theological College and was a recent visitor to the Island. He joins us on the programme to tell the story of this new college which serves the North West of England (including the Isle of Man) which brings a fresh new approach to ministry training - and came into being through a couple of miracles! Michael returns to the programme next week to tell his own story - it's really inspiring - don't miss it!
The boys of Broughton Parish Church Choir are back on the Island for their annual Training Holiday. We feature hymns from the men and boys of the choir on today's programme, and the young choristers would love to see you as they sing Choral Evensong around the Island's churches this week : Tuesday 25 July - St Paul's, Ramsey - 7.30pm Wednesday 26 July - Kirk Christ - Rushen Parish Church - Port Erin - 7:30pm Thursday 27 July - St Matthew's Church, Douglas - 7.30pm Friday 28 July - The Abbey Church, Ballasalla - 7.30pm Sunday 30 July - St Peter's Church, Cregneash - 3:15pm
PLUS another packed notice board! Send your news for inclusion to judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme, Reverend Liz Hull, priest in charge of St Thomas's Church in Douglas explains how she got a Flower Tower; Paul Moores, well known on the Island for his representation of The Leprosy Mission here, talks about his change of direction, and music includes the Choir of the Cathedral in Peel under the direction of Dr Peter Litman, with organist Stuart Corrie, and 'Make a Joyful Noise' composed by Jack Oades who was the Organ Scholar at the Cathedral some 7 years ago, and since then has written several pieces specially for our Cathedral Choir. And there's another packed notice board! items for the notice board can be emailed to : judithley@manxradio.com
Reverend Dr Andrew Walker is Parish Priest of the Anglican Church of St Mary Bourne Street, London - he's also a psychosynthesis Counsellor, the Founder of the London Centre for Spiritual Direction and Director of the London-based Ignatian Spirituality Course. In spite of his busy life, he found time to come to the Island briefly and explains how the particular approach taken by Ignatius in the 16th century has much to offer people of faith or no faith, about finding their own peace and happiness in a turbulent world.
Ignatian Spiritual Direction is offered on the Island - if you'd like to know more, contact our Retreat Centre in Peel - Thie Dy Vea - House of Life. You can message via their website - www.retreathouse.im
And we delve into the Manx Radio Archives to hear how the churches on the Island came together to play their part in the Millennium celebrations of 1979 with testimony from former Clerk to Tynwald, Robert Quayle, speaking at the Mission To Mann closing event in the Villa Marina.
Plus there's a full notice board and music from Gareth Moore, and from The Academy Singers. Items for the notice board can be emailed to : judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Canon Brendan Alger will be remembered by many for his long and active ministry on the Island as Parish Priest of St Mary of the Isle, Douglas, and Dean (or leader) of the Roman Catholic Churches on the Isle of Man from his arrival in 1989 to his retirement in early 2011. We mark his recent death - peacefully at his home in Onchan - with extracts from a service which he led, including his sermon, and music from St Mary's Church Choir. Throughout his life, Canon Brendan was a keen historian - and this is reflected in a celebration of the early Christian Saint Aidan in compelling stories from David Adam and music from folk singer Andrew Lobb Plus our usual notice board - and another invitation for you to choose your favourite hymns for inclusion in future editions of the programme. Contact me with your hymn requests and notice board news via email - judithley@manxradio.com
It's a magazine programme today as Paul Keeys, Regional Director of Walk Through the Bible reflects on the day of teaching he led on the Island recently, and also talks about his second job - as Chair of the Trustees of The Garden Tomb in Jerusalem. Linda Wildman is Schools Worker for Scripture Union Ministries Trust on the Island, and is trained to deliver the Walk Through The Bible course to 10 and 11 year olds. Listen as she explains the value of her work in equipping young people to make their own informed decisions - and why she loves presenting it so much. And the Anglican Cathedral in Liverpool is a great place to go for a tasty lunch - and to admire the most amazing architecture. But better even than that is the warm welcome given by members of the Cathedral's clergy team. I talk with Rev'd Debs Davies, about the life of the Cathedral, and the people who engage with it. Plus there's beautiful music from Tim Price's orchestral suite of original compositions "Gem Of God's Earth" inspired by the beauty of the Island, and an invitation to a very special film show at Ramsey Independent Methodist Church, based around the music and the images that inspired it. And there's a packed notice board with full details of 'Gem of God's Earth' and other events in the coming week. Notice board information can be sent via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Reverend Rod Ingrouille and his son, Reverend Steve (Minister in Onchan Methodist Church) love leading pilgrimages to the Holy Land - taking pilgrims to walk in then footsteps of Jesus, and then seeing how God will work in and through them.
Their next pilgrimage will be in October 2024 and will be the first when Steve's sister, Reverend Ruth, a Baptist Minister, will join them not as a pilgrim but as the third leader of the group. In today's programme Steve and Rod talk about the sacred sites in Galilee and Jerusalem, and share some personal thoughts on what still makes the experience so special for them both. The October 2024 pilgrimage is open to people of all faiths and none - all are welcome and there is no pressure to join in the times of prayer and reflection. More details can be found on the Tour Operator's website: http://www.maranatha.co.uk/holyland2024/ OR - better still - come along to the open night at Onchan Methodist Church at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 June - talk to people who have already been on pilgrimage with the Ingrouilles, explore next year's itinerary in detail - and ask any questions! If you need more information ahead of this, ring Rev'd Steve Ingrouille on 674 464 PLUS the programme includes music, and a look at this week's notice board. Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Dr Tim Macquiban is a recently-retired Methodist minister, currently a chaplain at Chester Cathedral, and a volunteer at Englesea Brook Museum and Chapel - the 'home' of the Primitive Methodist Church, where, for the last years of his ministry, he was Research Officer, with a particular interest in the life and ministry of Hugh Bourne and William Clowes, founders of Primitive Methodism.
On today's programme, Tim talks about his own ministry - deeply involved in both the past history and present mission of the Methodist church - that's taken him from Yorkshire to Rome via Salisbury, Bristol, Cambridge and Oxford! He also talks about the origins of the Primitive Methodist Church - and how it might influence our mission and outreach today. Music is by Maddy Prior with the Mellstock Band and Choir, and there's the usual notice board news, too Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Andrew Haynes is a sidecar racer with driver Greg Lambert - his first TT was in 2018 (with John Shipley) Yesterday (Saturday 3 June) Andy and Greg were 8th in Sidecar Race. Andy is also a Methodist Local Preacher, passionate about being a Christian in a relevant way, in a modern world. On today's programme we re-visit conversations we had with Andy in 2019 and again in 2022, to catch up on his life and ministry, and that of his wife, Louisa. Bringing a different aspect of the TT Festival to you!` Music includes : Brother, sister let me serve you I, the Lord of Sea and Sky and Such Love Plus notice board news - details of this year's TT Cafes around the Island Items for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Rod Ingrouille and his son, Rev'd Steve are both ordained ministers in the Methodist Church. Rev'd Steve together with his wife Rev'd Rebecca, are based in Onchan and have care of the 7 Methodist churches in the East of the Island. Rev'd Rod is becoming better known on the Island through his now-regular visits to work with those in training to be Methodist Local Preachers.
In conversation with them both on today's programme I discover what they hold in common, and where their respective ministries have led them ....and it seems to be a shared passion for the Holy Land! (There'll be more about that when they join in the programme again in mid-June)
Plus - there's music to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, and our usual notice board.
Information for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Imagine Peace was a major outreach throughout the city of Liverpool during the week of Eurovision this year. Supported by leaders of all the Christian denominations in the area, and led by the Evangelism and Growth Team of the Methodist Church in Britain, there were opportunities for meaningful conversations, and times of prayer throughout the week of Eurovision.
One of the main events was a Churches Together in Merseyside ecumenical service of worship in words and music, held in the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King - and on today's programme I bring you some highlights of a 2-hour service - asking us - whoever and wherever we are - to imagine ..... peace.
There's a notice board too - email items for the notice board to judithley@manxradio.com
Christian Aid Week starts today, and on the programme we're joined by Louise Whitelegg - the Island's Christian Aid go-to girl, and Nick Georgiadis, who is Director of fundraising and supporter engagement based at Christian Aid HQ.
Together they'll explain what the generosity of the people of the Isle of Man has already achieved in the world's poorest country - Burundi - and tell us what more can be achieved to give dignity and security to a nation in the grip of extreme poverty.
If you want to know more, or to get involved during Christian Aid Week, go to Facebook - search for Christian Aid Isle of Man - or ring or text Louise on 07624 474275
And a few words from Ukranian-born Katarina, now living with a host family and building a life in the UK, remind us that Eurovision is in Liverpool only because war in Ukraine still rages, still takes lives, and still separates families.
There's music too - and another packed notice board.
Items for the notice board can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
At the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla in Westminster Abbey, music - chosen by the King - played a huge part in the ceremony. On today's programme we feature the new Coronation Anthem composed by Sir Andrew - Lord Lloyd-Webber - 'Make a Joyful Noise Unto The Lord' and 'Alleluia, O Sing Praises Unto Our God' also composed specially for the Coronation, by Debbie Wiseman, using words from Psalm 47 and sung by The Ascension Choir - the first Gospel Choir to sing at a Coronation ceremony.
And we have an Island 'first' - the Choir of King Williams College, Castletown, were the only choir on the Island to be granted a licence to record the anthem specially commissioned by the Royal School of Church Music - 'The Mountains Shall Bring Peace' was commissioned by the RSCM and composed by Joanna Forbes L'Estrange. It's performed on today's programme by a choir of 40 - students and members of choirs Island-wide, including His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor Sir John and Lady Lorimer.
Musical Director is Head of Music at King Williams College, Steve Daykin, the organist is Stuart Corrie, and the music was recorded mixed and mastered by Gyp Buggane of Ballagroove Studios, Isle of Man
Before all the regalia and symbols of earthly power were presented to the new King, he was given a specially-bound copy of the Bible - the words spoken as it was placed into his hands, the oath he took whilst holding it, and the challenging words then spoken by the Archbishop of Canterbury directly to the King and Queen are a powerful reminder that this ceremony has always been - and still is - a time for deep prayer.
The giving of the Bible is also a link to an important event in St John's Methodist Church on Saturday 13 May when Paul Keeys of the international Bible-teaching ministry 'Walk ThroughThe Bible' will be presenting a day to put 'The Old Testament in a Nutshell'
There's lots of information in this podcast, and the contact details to reserve your place are :
Pauline on 01624 611 737
or email louisewhitelegg@hotmail.co.uk
And we have all our usual notice board news .....
Email items for the notice board to judithley@manxradio.com
Aled Jones was on the Island earlier this week to record interviews for a forthcoming edition of BBC TV's Songs of Praise. Here he talks about his music, and his love of the Island. There's lots of music too - including the voice of young Aled, too.
And we have a class-winning performance from this year's Guild - Onchan Silver Band who won the Hymn Tune with 91 marks - congratulations!
Plus we've notice board items too - news for the notice board can be emailed : judithley@manxradio.com
Wigan-born Stephen Alker trained for the Roman Catholic priesthood at St Joseph's College, Upholland in the 1960's. After ordination, and work in a couple of parishes in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, he got the chance to become an Army Chaplain. It was only intended to be a 3-year ministry, but he stayed for nearly 30 years, loved the life and its challenges, and - now in retirement - misses the work still, to this day.
On today's programme he talks about just some of his experiences in places of conflict, as his 30 year ministry included time spent in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Bosina and Iraq -and more!
Plus - there's this week's notice board and music from Katherine Jenkins and Bryn Terfel.
News for the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Gareth Moore is well known and respected across the Island as an organist, accompanist, teacher and church musician. But it was his work during the Covid pandemic, when churches were closed and public worship ceased, that brought his skill and dedication to the attention of others.
Gareth used his knowledge of both music and technology to prepare weekly music for on-line services, accompanying himself on piano, organ and harmonium and even multi-tracking harmonies, singing alongside himself.
Gareth's amazing efforts were noticed by the national administration of the Methodist Church in London and subsequently he was invited to produce musical resources for the wider Methodist churches on-line worship.
The Guild of Church Musicians Council were also struck by Gareth's devotion to his music, and in recognition of this, awarded him the Honorary Membership Diploma of the Guild of Church Musicians.
The award was presented to Gareth in a wonderful celebration service at Trinity Methodist Church at Rosemount in Douglas on Friday 14 April and today's programme is packed with music from choir and congregation at the church where Gareth is organist and Musical Director.
And how is this making history ?
You have to listen to the podcast to find out !!!
And there's notice board news too - items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
HAPPY EASTER!! Today, we're celebrating the day that's at the very heart of the Christian faith - through words and music - Bible readings and prayers - plus an honest and inspiring life story from Rev'd Graham Thompson, President of the Methodist Conference - a position of leadership of the Methodist Church in Britain which he shares with Vice President Anthony Boateng.
There's a brand new Easter poem - The New Songs - from 8th Manx Bard Michael Manning, and music from Graham Kendrick, alongside some favourite Easter hymns from the St Michael Singers - and there's notice board news too.
Items for the Notice Board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Today is Palm Sunday - the start of the week that the Christian church calls HOLY. It's a week that starts with rejoicing and celebrating, as Jesus rides into Jerusalem - just days later, those same crowds who greeted him so warmly, are shouting for his death - and this Holy Week ends with a sordid, agonising death by crucifixion.
So is this the end - or is it maybe just the beginning?
And what do these events say to our world, 2,000 years later?
We explore - in words and music, and in contributions from the 8th Manx Bard, Michael Manning, and from author, broadcaster and retired Baptist Minister, Richard Littledale.
And we visit a church that's at a crossroads - in more ways than one!
We go to Sulby Methodist Church to talk with Louise Whitelegg, Derek Jones and Doris Kermeen - to find out which road they're taking!
Plus there's notice board news too
Items for the notice board can be emailed : judithley@manxradio.com
MICHAEL HARDIE is the new Community Partnerships Manager for The Leprosy Mission, and when he visited the Island recently, to meet supporters of the Manx-registered charity Leprosy Mission Isle of Man, we chatted about Michael's childhood - some of which was spent living in a leprosy colony in Africa - and about the Leprosy Mission's work with the tea pickers of Bangladesh, where leprosy is rife (If you missed the programme, listen to the At Your Service podcast for 12 March 2023)
But we didn't have time to explore the amazing story of how Micael's father changed from being a sworn atheist into a passionate believer, and a dedicated and courageous missionary.
So Michael is back today - with his Father's story - and his own story too.
Plus, there's music from Judy Collins, and our notice board too.
Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
By pure coincidence, two Archbishops are visiting the Isle of Man this weekend!
The Most Reverend and Rt Honourable Stephen Cottrell is the Archbishop of York - second only to the Archbishop of Canterbury in seniority in the Church of England. He's also the Bishop of the Province of York which gives him care of all the Anglican Churches in the North of England - including the Isle of Man - hence this - his first - visit to the Island. In a packed schedule, Archbishop Stephen has met with people representing not only the Island's churches, but also from other walks of Island life, including Government, charities and community groups.
People and politics are just two of the topics we touch on in today's interview.
The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon is Archbishop of Liverpool - and as the Roman Catholic Churches on the Island form part of the Archdiocese of Liverpool, they fall within his care. As he's been leader of the Liverpool Archdiocese since 2014 this is by no means his first visit - but a welcome return. Our conversation was recorded when Archbishop Malcolm visited Thie Dy Vea - House of Life - the Island's first residential retreat house - on Tynwald Road in Peel. As well as the value of going on a retreat, we discuss the difficulties - and the rewards - of learning to listen.
There's music too - and our usual notice board.
Information for the notice board can be emailed to me - please - judithley@manxradio.com
Every 2 minutes, someone in the world is diagnosed with leprosy - if they don't get treatment, the results are devastating - paralysis, nerve damage and loss of limbs eventually mean that someone with leprosy becomes unable to work. This is a disease of poverty - thriving where there is malnutrition and poor sanitation, in communities where there is no support for those unable to support themselves.
MICHAEL HARDIE is the newly-appointed Community Partnership Manager for The Leprosy Mission, and during his recent visit to the Island he shared not only details of the current Leprosy Mission project to support the tea pickers of Bangladesh - where leprosy is rife - but also explained how his childhood experiences have uniquely prepared him for this work.
LISTEN TO THE PROGRAMME NEXT WEEK as Michael returns to tell his Dad's conversion story, and how he found faith for himself.
Author and Broadcaster RICHARD LITTLEDALE returns with - appropriately - another box of breakfast cereal, and there's music from the Iona Community and from Jimmy Owens - plus our notice board
Notice board news can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Find out more about the Leprosy Mission at www.leprosymission.org.uk
David Dorricott is - by any standards - a successful businessman - yet he and his wife Alison - Directors of Ramsey-based postcode software specialists AFD Software, choose to live simply, and regularly give away a huge proportion of the Company profits to local and global charities - benefitting people they don't know and will never meet.
They acknowledge that it's their staff who make the business successful, so it's they who nominate the charities who will each receive a substantial amount of money, to support their work.
On today's programme, David explains the origins of this philosophy and we hear from just two of the 90 charities who benefitted from a share in the most recent £1.6million distribution -
Sam Catchpole from Transforming Lives for Good - www.tlg.org.uk
and David Westlake of International Justice Mission UK - www.ijmuk.org
And our new Lent series starts today - writer and broadcaster Richard Littledale is back - and each Sunday between now and Easter Day, he'll be opening a packed of ..... breakfast cereal!
Plus there's great music - and notice board news too.
Do please email items for the notice board to me - judithley@manxradio.com
Thank you!
Today's programme features three very different journeys -
a journey of sadness, as we reflect in words and music on the massive cost of 12 months of war in Ukraine;
a journey to a place where many of us may find ourselves at some stage in life - in the wilderness;
and finally - a journey of discovery - new places, new friendships and maybe a new view on life .....
Phil Craine and Rosemary Clarke are leaders of walking holidays in places linked with Celtic Christianity - Wales, Scotland, and - of course - the Isle of Man, are destinations popular with modern-day pilgrims. Rosemary and Phil explain what a Journeying holiday involves - but if you'd like to know more - visit the website https://www.journeying.co.uk/
Or you can ring Rosemary Clarke on 01624 843262
Or ring or text Phil Craine on 07624 437248
Plus there's music - and Notice Board news too
Do please email if you have items for the Notice Board - my address is:
judithley@manxradio.com
This week, it's Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and the start of the six weeks of Lent, leading up to the great celebration of Easter - the feast at the very heart of the Christian faith ..... but what do these days, which have their origin in ancient times, have to say to us today? We'll offer some answers on the programme today.
And just how deeply do we love?
Amazing things have been achieved over the centuries, through the power of love ..... special guest Cheryl Cousins - a member of the Island's Environment Action Group - talks about the We Care campaign that's launched this month- an initiative not just of the EAG, which is chaired by Dr Tony Thick, the Diocesan Eco Officer, but also supported by Churches Together in Mann, Biosphere IoM and other eco and community groups on the Island.
The WE CARE workshop is on Friday 24 February in the Cathedral in Peel, open from 10.30am to 4pm with crafts and activities for all ages, and refreshments too. No need to book, and there's no charge (although donations would be welcome - thank you!)
For more information - see the website www.eag.im
And more details of the 'Lives to Inspire' Lent course also mentioned in today's programme can be found either by emailing course leader Rev Dr Janet Corlett on districtchair@methodist.org.im or by visiting the website - https://www.onlineprayer.net/saints/
Today's programme includes music by Paul Field and John Rutter - and there's notice board news too - the first of this year's Lent Lunches start this week!
Notice Board news is welcome - email judithley@manxradio.com
Valentine's Day is just around the corner - and for some it will be a celebration of love, while others will reject it as materialistic and commercialised.
But who started it?
Today we explore some of the stories .... we'll see where Chaucer (of Canterbury Tales fame) fits into the picture, and reflect on whether Valentine's Day really has anything to do with long-lasting, loving relationships?
Much-loved actress Wendy Craig has a love story of her own to share, and there's a real mix of music too - a beautiful arrangement of a popular wedding hymn, new music from Graham Kendrick, and Sir Harry Secombe sings a song written by our guest - Wendy Craig.
Plus there's notice board news - and if you have anything for the notice board, please email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Reverend Professor David Wilkinson is our special guest today, talking about his life, his work, and why we don't have to choose between science and religion - we need them both!
David is ordained in the Methodist Church, he's also a theologian and an astrophysicist. He's the current Principal of St John's College, Durham and a professor in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. He's the author of several books on the relationship between science and religion and is a regular contributor to Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4. He's also a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society - and whilst he is full of wisdom and experience, he's also full of humility, and a real sense of joy in life!
He is a gifted communicator - whatever your views, he is well worth a listen!
AND there's Grammy nominated music from Keith and Kristyn Getty - their latest album - Confessio - has been nominated in the "Best Roots Gospel Album" category in the 2023 Grammys.
Decision time is tonight (5 February) !
Items for the notice board can be emailed to me:
judithley@manxradio.com
Friday 27 January was Holocaust Memorial Day - a day to specially remember the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust, alongside the millions killed under Nazi persecution of other groups like Roma, Sinti, gay people and people with disabilities. It is also a day to remember all those killed in the more recent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.
Our world often feels fragile and vulnerable - we still live in a world scarred by genocide, and we cannot be complacent.
In today's programme, we reflect on this, in words and music - including heart-breaking words from survivors who are willing to bear the pain of re-telling the stories they cannot forget .... so that we can learn from genocide, for a better future.
The programme includes contributions from Olivia Marks Woldman, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Memorial Trust, TV Presenter Kirsty Wark, Sir David Suchet, and Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth.
There's also a beautiful arrangement of "There's a place for us" from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story, sung by The Fourth Choir, London's premier LGBT+ choir of professional classical voices
Items for the Notice Board can be emailed:
judithley@manxradio.com
Many churches see science as the enemy - a challenge to belief in God.
But what if science and religion were not opposites at all? Instead - what if they needed each other?
The man who asked THOSE questions is Revd Professor David Wilkinson - Theologian, Physicist and current Principal of St John's College, Durham, and he's coming to the Island next weekend.
In this programme, Rev'd Steve Ingrouille, Methodist Minister based in Onchan, who studied under Professor Wilkinson and invited him to the Island, shares some of his own thoughts and experiences regarding science and religion - and we hear from Revd Professor Wilkinson himself.
Details of his programme on the Isle of Man are as follows :-
Friday 27 January - Evening at IOM Observatory with Revd Professor David Wilkinson
"The Big Bang, Hawking and the Multiverse"
Call/Text Gary on 07624 496672 or email stars@manx.net to reserve your place
Saturday 28 January - Island Spirituality Network
St John's Mill - from 10am to 1pm
No need to book - just come along
Revd Professor Wilkinson is guest speaker, and has chosen the title for this morning
"Wonder, Wisdom and Worship - God's gift of science"
Saturday 28 January - Onchan Methodist Church - 6.30pm
David will share his testimony, speaking about how he holds science and faith together with integrity in his life. This evening starts with a bring and share supper. There'll be an opportunity for a Q&A session with David and - weather permitting - the evening will also include some stargazing outside the church.
Sunday 29th - David will preach in Onchan Methodist Church at the church's Anniversary Service at 10:30am
All are welcome
If you need more information, contact the Minister at Onchan Methodist Church, Revd Steve Ingrouille on 01624 674464
Second guest on the programme is Richard Littledale, talking about the retreat he'll be leading at Thie Dy Vea, our residential retreat house in Peel. It's from the 10th to the 12th February and it's called "Not Without Hope" - a refuge on the way of grief - and it's intended for anyone who has been bereaved - either recently or at some time in the past. Listen as Richard himself explains what he's offering, and why he's offering it to anyone and everyone ....
To find out more, or to book your place :
Email welcome@retreathouse.im
Phone - 01624 609299
Or take a look at the website www.retreathouse.im
Plus we have our regular notice board, and music chosen by Revd Steve Ingrouille
Items for the notice board can be emailed :
judithley@manxradio.com
Manx Language Development Officer Ruth Keggin Gell will be at our Retreat House, Thie Dy Vea (House of Life) in Peel next weekend to lead two events that are very different, but bonded together by the use of Manx Language.
On Friday 20 January, Ruth will lead GOW ARRANE - SING! an evening to learn and enjoy prayerful, peaceful chants from the Taize monastic community, translated (by Ruth) into Manx. The evening is in 3 parts - arrive at 6pm for a relaxed and informal workshop where we'll learn some of the most popular Taize chants - in Manx. Then we'll stop to share a simple tasty supper with time to chat, and we'll close the evening with a gentle time of worship in the style of the Taize community, using the chants we've learnt. The evening will finish around 8:30pm
COST - FREE (donations would be welcome, but there's no pressure to give anything except your time!)
On Saturday 21st January - God speaks Manx too, Yessir!
9.30am - 12.30pm
Discover simple ways to incorporate Manx language into church life and worship. This workshop will cover simple responses, prayers and blessings plus conversational phrases of welcome, useful Manx for service sheets, and much more.
Refreshments will be served from 9am
COST - FREE (donations would be welcome, but there's no pressure to give anything except your time!)
THERE'S AN OPTION to stay on for a snack and sandwich lunch with hot drinks, after the Saturday morning session - there's a set charge for this - £8 per person
NOTE:
Although the events are FREE, booking is essential, please, as we need to control numbers, so everyone gets the best from these two sessions.
Book via the website: www.retreathouse.im
or phone Monday - Friday during normal office hours - 01624 609299
or email - welcome@retreathouse.im
Thie Dy Vea is fully residential with comfortable double and twin en suite rooms - if you're thinking of coming to both Friday night and Saturday morning sessions, why not have a mini break and stay overnight Friday ?? see website for full details - www.retreathouse.im
Also on the programme - MEET THE HERO RODENTS !! Furry animals with exceptional scent detection skills are being trained to find landmines and other lethal explosives hidden in the ground in Cambodia (and other countries where hidden landmines cause thousands of deaths, and make huge areas of land too dangerous to use).
The light weight of these animals (about the size of an average domestic cat) means they don't detonate the explosives- but are fast and accurate at finding them so the disposal teams can follow on, and spend all their time making them safe without having first to find them.
Other scent detection animals are able to rapidly identify tuberculosis in humans - a disease still raging in many countries. Over one million people die each year through undetected and therefore untreated TB. We feature a report sent from Louise Whitelegg who is in Cambodia, and watched these amazing animals at work.
Well worth taking a look at the website - www.apopo.org
Plus there's some really beautiful music in the programme - and our notice board too
Please email items for the notice board :
judithley@manxradio.com
In April 2003, Ruth and Chris Baker went to Romania, to spend a couple of weeks helping at an orphanage. They believed that it would be a one-off trip - but - in their own words, God had other plans for them - and those plans involved Ruth and Chris buying a home in North East Romania and devoting their lives to Hands of Hope - a charity registered in the Isle of Man and in Romania, where they live alongside vulnerable and disadvantaged people, and where they work in the community, offering one-to-one education, befriending families, distributing aid, and giving all kinds of practical help.
On the programme today, Chris and Ruth - back on the Isle of Man to celebrate Christmas and New Year with family and friends - talk not only about their 20-year relationship with Romania, but also about their more recent involvement in Ukraine. Their Romanian community is close to the Romanian/Ukraine border, which places them in an ideal position to make regular trips across that border, taking specific items of aid to community groups, churches and doctors with whom they have established direct contact.
There's also a hint of how they might celebrate the 20th anniversary of the charity in April 2023 - with a special appeal for funds to further develop their community centre, to extend the teaching support they offer to children in the area.
To find out more, visit the website
https://www.handsofhope.org.im/
or find them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/handsofhopeiom
Churches Bookshop have a great idea for the New Year - Andrew Wedgewood-Main (joint Manager with their wife Georgia) invites you to complete and return a short online questionnaire - in return you'll get a 'prescription' for a book they think you'll enjoy - plus 25% discount and free post and packing if you choose to buy the recommended title from them - plus a 10% voucher to use against any future purchase.
The questionnaire is online at :
https://www.churchesbookshop.im/
And there's music too - chosen by the Bakers - Every Nation sung by Living Hope church here on the Island, and Be Still and Know - based on Psalm 46 and sung in a mix of English and Ukranian by Southlands Church.
There's notice board news too - items for the notice board can be emailed:
judithley@manxradio.com
Blein vie noa! Happy New Year!
Welcome to a specially extended New Years Day edition of At Your Service - looking back at some of the guests, stories and music that featured on the programme during 2022.
Philip Longworth has never let his sight problems be an obstacle to serving others - and now he's living and working on the Island - with a mission that's church-based but aiming to benefit everyone!
We hear a moving story from Holocaust Memorial Day 2022, and love was very definitely in the air in the programme closest to Valentines Day! Listen again to a beautiful story of love, patience, prayer and trust in God - it's the story of a Nepalese baby girl, and a little boy called Finn.
At Easter time, composer John Rutter was so moved by the situation in Ukraine that he responded with some deeply moving music - here's a chance to listen again, and to pray for peace with Louise Whitelegg, our local Christian Aid representative.
The important subject of mental health was mentioned by different guests a number of times during the year, but it was the painfully honest account of his own mental health problems which touched people most profoundly ..... listen again as Onchan-based Methodist Minister Rev'd Steve Ingrouille tells his true story.
The Feast of Celtic Saint Columba is remembered in music by Marlene Hendy and Dilys Sowrey, and we re-visit the time when the late Bill Turnbull and the BBC TV Songs of Praise team recorded a programme the Island during our Island of Culture Year - 2014. This extract features Bill in conversation with John Kennaugh, talking about his love of our national poet T.E. Brown - and his love of the Manx countryside.
We end with an invitation from Manx Language Development Officer Ruth Keggin-Gell - and with a very short reflection to send us out into another year.
It was very difficult to know what to include in this review programme - so I chose the features which had attracted the most comments - but every guest and every topic was special in its own way, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has contributed to the programme.
And thank YOU for downloading/listening !
Our usual notice board will resume next Sunday - so do please email me with information for it:
judithley@manxradio.com
Celebrating the reason for the season - the birth of Jesus Christ - in words and music.
In this Christmas Day specially-extended programme, I'm joined by Richard Littledale - a recently-retired Baptist pastor, who is also a published author, and regular broadcaster on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4. Richard shares stories from his ministry, his family life, and his work as an author - and explains why he stands alongside all those who cannot be merry and bright at this time.
The programme is packed full of carols and Christmas music - most of it from local churches and choirs, and includes another chance to hear some vintage recordings!
This is the music list:
Once in Royal David's city - The Choirboys
The Angel Gabriel - The Choristers and Choir of the Cathedral in Peel with organist Stuart Corrie and Musical Director Dr Peter Litman
The Angel's Carol - Manx Children's Choir 2005 - Musical Director Mrs Adele Parsons with accompanist Mrs Jennifer Bird
O Little Town of Bethlehem - Kirk Braddan Choir 2005 - Directed and accompanied by Graham Kirkland
The Sussex Carol - The Choristers and Choir of the Cathedral in Peel with organist Stuart Corrie and Musical Director Dr Peter Litman
The Holly and the Ivy - Kirk Braddan Choir 2005 - Directed and accompanied by Graham Kirkland
Candlelight Carol - Manx Concert Brass from their Christmas CD
Carol of the Children - Manx Children's Choir 2005 - Musical Director Mrs Adele Parsons with accompanist Mrs Jennifer Bird
Coventry Carol - Cliogaree Twooaie - MD Clare Kilgallon
Ding Dong Merrily on High - Castle Rushen High School Christmas Concert - 2006
Away In A Manger - Dhoon School
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen - Instrumental - Wildwood Kin
This is a special weekend in the life of a much-loved church in the North of the Island, as the Old Church in Ballaugh opens its doors once more. Caroline Devlin is the driving force - looking to find new ways for this historic church to serve the local community.
Author and broadcaster Richard Littledale is back, with something else from his collection of over 70 nativity sets from around the world. His choice this week is something a little different .....
And Tim Price is a thoughtful shepherd - reflecting on a night he'll never forget.
Plus there's music - from Matt Creer, and from Libera
And a notice board packed with information about carol concerts, nativities - and much more!
Notice board news is always welcome - email judithley@manxradio.com
Why are so many young people - from primary school age children to late teenagers - keen to join church and cathedral choirs?
What is the important anniversary being marked later this week in Malew?
When you want to buy something a little different for a special friend or relative, where do you look?
And which of his 50 nativity sets has Richard Littledale brought with him today??
On today's programme I'll offer some possible answers!
The Broughton Boys Choir with their Musical Director John Caterall will be there to help me - and there'll be music too - from the choir, and from the Iona Community.
Plus there's a well-stocked notice board - lots of opportunities to get into the real spirit of the season ...
Items for the notice board can be emailed to me - judithley@manx.net
Welcome to AT YOUR SERVICE EXTRA - an occasional podcast that - as the name suggests - brings you interviews and stories that I just haven't had enough time to include in our regular weekly edition of AT YOUR SERVICEThis week I've been to QEII High School in Peel, to talk to four Year 12 students who have set themselves a real challenge! Listen as they tell you who they are and what they're doing.If you'd like to find out more, you may find these websites/social media links helpful :The International Refugee Trust - irt.org.ukThe team's Instagram is giveforgood.im - great for following their own fundraising and their preparation for the finalsAnd if you'd like to know more about the One World Charity Challenge in general, their website is kept fully updated and is very informative - oneworldcharitychallenge.com
Christmas is going 'live' again - at the request of the Douglas Town Centre Management, who have invited churches of all denominations to work together to present an outdoor re-telling of the Christmas story. It's going to be on one of the late night shopping nights - Thursday December 15th at 6.30pm and it's completely free - but to keep everyone safe and comfortable, we need to be careful about numbers so we must issue tickets - go to the website www.christmaslive.im and the link is there to claim free tickets.This year's presentation has lots of different people involved, bringing the Christmas story alive in a different way! Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brown joins us with the full story!Richard Littledale joins us, with another nativity set, selected from his personal collection of crib sets from around the world. This one (featured in our photograph) tells a particularly touching story.Richard's story and reflection are taken from his book '37 Kings and a Budgerigar' published by Authentic Media (authenticmedia.co.uk)And you can find out more about Richard on his website - www.richardlittledale.co.ukAs you might imagine, our notice board is packed with services and events where you'll be made most welcome and can share in the true spirit of Christmas Notice board news can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.comAnd today's music is from the St Michael Singers conducted by Paul Leddington-Wright (Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending) and from Margaret Rizza (The Lord Is My Light)
This is the first Sunday of Advent - four weeks to prepare ourselves for the great celebration of Christmas. A chance to reach beyond the vague outline of the Christmas story, and ask ourselves 'What is really happening here?" If we don't think carefully about our answer to that question, then we risk missing the greatest love-gift of all - which is God, in human form. Author, broadcaster, and recently-retired Baptist Pastor, Richard Littledale is back with us again, and using his book '37 Kings and a Budgerigar' offers a reflection based on his collection of nativity sets from around the world. He'll be joining in the programme each week during Advent. Louise Whitelegg, Methodist Local Preacher and IOM representative for Christian Aid, reports on a day spent reflecting on the theology of the climate crisis. Listen out for the hummingbird story! Today's music is from Graham Kendrick (Thorns in the Straw) and young chorister Aled Jones joins with his adult self, to sing the popular Advent hymn, O Come O Come Emmanuel. Plus there's another packed notice board - full of details of Advent Services and Christmas Fairs! Email items for the notice board to: judithley@manxradio.com For more information about Richard Littledale and to follow his blog, go to www.richardlittledale.me.uk and to purchase his Advent book - 37 Kings and a Budgerigar - contact the publisher, Authentic Media www.authenticmedia.co.uk
Manx-born Ruth Rice founded the charity Renew Wellbeing following the breakdown of her own mental health, some 12 years ago. Renew Wellbeing helps churches to create safe spaces where basically it's OK to not be OK - all are welcome, no one is judged or labelled - but everyone is gently encouraged to find their own pathway to mental and emotional health - through hobbies and interests, relaxation and quiet time, professional help if its needed, and through making new friendships. Ruth has been sharing her personal A to Z of wellbeing - things that have helped her emotional health - and might help us too. This week she finishes off the alphabet - but she'll be back on the programme in January, with something brand new - and VERY Manx!
And Methodist Local Preacher Caroline Salmon (pictured) has an invitation to a day in Peel Methodist Church on Saturday 26 November -and explains why she's proud to be a Christian feminist!!
Plus there's music, and another packed notice board - it's Christmas Fair time again!!
Email items for the notice board to: judithley@manxradio.com
On this day of Remembrance, we use words and music for a time of reflection on the high price that others paid during two World Wars, for the freedom we enjoy today. And - in conversation with Very Rev'd John Mann - we consider that we can learn from more recent conflicts. John (who is married to Manx-born Helen and now lives in retirement in Laxey) has spent most of his adult life, and his ministry as a priest, in Northern Ireland - during some of its bleakest and bloodiest years. He recently ended his ministry in Ireland as Dean of St Anne's Church of Ireland Cathedral in Belfast - the first non-Irish person ever to hold the post. He joins us today to share some of his life story - and the lessons he learned through living in troubled times.
Plus we have our usual packed notice board - and some beautiful music from The Choirgirl Isabel, too.
Notice board items are always welcome - email judithley@manxradio.com
On 22nd October, Mrs Olive Dobson died peacefully, after a short stay in hospital. Olive was 92 and is probably one of the longest-serving church organists the Island has ever known. Olive was the organist at Abbeylands Chapel for 81 unbroken years, and for 47 of those years she was also organist at the Methodist Church on the Main Road in Onchan. This programme is a celebration of Olive's dedicated service, using an interview she gave in 2016, to mark her 75th anniversary as organist at Abbeylands - It's a fascinating insight into her life, her music and the changing face of church over those long years. The programme also features some of Olive's favourite hymns. Ruth Rice is here again, with another letter from her A to Z of wellbeing - this week we reach the letter U Plus we have another packed notice board! Email items for the notice board, please, to judithley@manxradio.com
John Boles had a good job, a steady girlfriend and a love of travel. But it was his deep Christian faith - and the unshakeable belief that God was calling him to some greater service - that changed the course of his life forever. Today, Father John Boles is a Roman Catholic priest and the Director in Britain of the Columban Missionaries - an international order of missionary priests who go into some of the poorest and most deprived countries around the world, and work to establish peace with justice for some of the most marginalised and abused communities. On this week's programme, Fr John talks about his own life, and about the work of the Columban Missionaries. To find out more visit the website - https://columbans.co.uk/ Ruth Rice joins us again with another letter from her A to Z of mental wellbeing, and there's music too - including an African American spiritual from the Broughton Boys Choir who are visiting the Island at present. Find out how you can meet them and listen to their music by listening to the Notice Board at the end of the programme - it's packed with other news of events happening around the Island during the coming week. Items for the Notice Board can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
If the name of today's special guest is familiar to you, it may well be that you have heard him sharing a Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 2 ore leading Sunday Service and Prayer for the Day on BBC Radio 4 He's Rev'd Richard Littledale and - to use his own description - he's been making good use of words for the past 35 years! Richard has just retired as Pastor of Newbury Baptist Church in Berkshire, and recently made his first-ever visit to the Island, at the invitation of the Island Spirituality Network. The talk he gave to that group was entitled "I don't believe in prayer" - but is that really true?
We'll find out as we talk about his ministry, his broadcasting, and his writing - including his recent book written following the death of his beloved wife Fiona. They'd been married for around 30 years when Fiona died, following a 7-year battle with cancer.
The programme also includes music composed by Ralph Vaughan Williams, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of his birth this month. It's sung by Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band.
There's also a packed notice board - if you have items for the notice board, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
And if you'd like to know more about Rev'd Richard Littledale, you can find him on line at https://richardlittledale.co.uk/ If you'd like to read Richard's blog - called "The Preachers' Blog - reflections on preaching, communication and story" - go to http://richardlittledale.me.uk/
Ruth Rice is back too - with another letter from her personal Alphabet of Wellbeing - and there's still time to book into Ruth's wellbeing retreat at Thie Dy Vea - our retreat house in Peel. Look on line for more details - www.retreathouse.im
Reverend Doctor Janet Corlett is the first woman to become Chair of District - the leader of the Methodist Church on the Isle of Man - and we think she may also be the first Manx-born Chair of District in living memory! This morning we have an in-depth conversation about Janet's life and ministry - a life that turned from science to ordination and which has taken her from 'the land of her birth' to places as diverse as The Philippines, India, Italy, Zimbabwe and Honduras - as well as Yorkshire and London! Now the circle is - in a way - complete, as Janet returns to the Isle of Man to lead the Methodist Church here. Our conversation today covers her working life as a scientist, her appointments after ordination, her experiences as a representative at the World Council of Churches, and her thoughts on her new ministry on the Isle, which includes developing bi-lingual services using both Manx and English in worship. And Janet isn't afraid to address the difficulties and the vulnerability that comes with positions of leadership - talking openly about her own experience of being stalked whilst working in London. Ruth Rice is back, with an invitation to join her on a Wellbeing Retreat at Thie Dy Vea in Peel on 28, 29 and 30 October - there are still some places left! Find more details at www.retreathouse.im or email welcome@retreathouse.im We've a real mix of music today (no spoilers - listen and enjoy!!) and our usual notice board too. Notice board items can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
The two words Spiritual and Abuse don't sit comfortably together - we don't want to think of our churches, places of prayer, or religious organisations as being places where people can feel uncomfortable or distressed - so exactly what is spiritual abuse - and how can we make sure this doesn't happen? Psychologist Dr Lisa Oakley shares the results of her extensive research and studies of this subject. If you have been affected by any of the issues Lisa mentions, you are welcome to contact the Island's Safeguarding Advisor, Tony Connell, on 01624 829 353 Tommy and Brooke Harrison are a couple of Street Angels - but what do they do ? and could YOU be the next Street Angel? Brooke and Tommy have all the answers! And if you want to find out more - or become an Angel - ring or text Tommy on 07624 451 831 or search on Facebook for Street Angels Isle of Man and message them from there. And Ruth Rice - founder of the mental health charity Renew Wellbeing - joins us again with another letter from her personal A to Z of wellbeing - tips and coping strategies which have helped her through her own breakdown -and Ruth will be on the Island to lead a Wellbeing Retreat at Thie Dy Vea, our retreat house in Peel. Find all the details on the website - www.retreathouse.im Plus we have another packed notice board - full of Harvest Services where you'll be made very welcome - and our music is inspired by the harvest season, too. Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
Scientist Dr Douglas Fox and his wife Carol - an ordained minister in the Methodist Church - divide their year between their home in the United States, and their home in Peel, where they can be found from Easter to October. But the Island is far, far more important to them than just an attractive holiday destination. It's become an essential part of their faith journey - and on this week's programme, Doug Fox tells his story - sharing some significant moments in his life as a scientist, which have challenged and energised his life as a Christian.
And Ruth Rice is back - with another letter from her personal alphabet of wellbeing - Find details of Ruth Rice's Wellbeing Retreat in late October at Thie Dy Vea Retreat House in Peel on the website retreathouse.im
There's notice board news too, and music this week is from the Celtic musicians CAIM Items for the notice board can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
The second of our At Your Service special programmes to give thanks for the remarkable life of dedicated service given by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the eve of her State Funeral. In this programme, a time of prayer and reflection, based on the 23rd Psalm - The Lord Is My Shepherd - is led by the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and includes music by St Martin's Voices. The voice of Her Late Majesty - reflecting in typically unselfish style - gives us insights into the many aspects of her life of true service, carried out with natural humility. The programme also includes new lyrics for the hymn "Tears and Celebration" by Andy Flanagan and Sam Hargreaves, sung by Katherine Jenkins.
A programme of words and music, celebrating the faith of the late Queen Elizabeth II - contributors include King Charles III; the Rt Reverend Peter Eagles, Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man; Monsignor John Devine; Rev'd Dr Janet Corlett; the UK Prime Minister Liz Truss and the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev'd Sarah Mullally Music includes three hymns from the Service of Thanksgiving and Remembrance held in St Paul's Cathedral; Taverner's Song for Athene, and the special Platinum Jubilee composition - In His Service
We were saddened to learn of the death of popular radio and television presenter BILL TURNBULL, at the age of just 66 - his life and career cut short by prostate cancer. For some time, Bill was one of the team of presenters on BBC TV's Songs of Praise, and in 2014 the programme team came to the Island, to record an edition during our Island of Culture year. We feature extracts from that programme, including some moving words from the late John Kennaugh, and part of an interview with Bill himself.
RICHARD LITTLEDALE is Pastor of Newbury Baptist Church in Berkshire. He's also an author, broadcaster and a trainer in effective communication. He's coming to the Island to lead a session for the Island Spirituality Network which he describes as an interactive and reflective morning on the topic "I don't believe in prayer" but adds - "at least prayer as it's commonly understood" It's at St John's Mill from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 10 September and all are welcome -there's no need to book - just come along. And if you want a taster of Richard's style of presentation, on today's edition of At Your Service you can hear Richard in conversation with Elliot Frisbee, talking about his book 'Postcards from the Land of Grief" which he wrote following the death of his beloved wife Fiona, after a 7-year battle with cancer.
And finally, CANON PHILIP GILLESPIE, Rector of the Beda College in Rome is back on the Island for his summer break. He joins us to reflect on the life of The Smiling Pope - John Paul 1 - who was Pope for only 34 days before his death. The year 1978 became the Year of The Three Popes - and this weekend, the Roman Catholic Church takes a step closer to declaring Pope John Paul 1 a saint - his beatification will be celebrated by Pope Francis during Mass in St Peter's Square today - Canon Philip reflects on the significance of this for people of faith, today.
And we've music, too, and another packed notice board - items for future notice boards can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Earlier this month, St Paul's Church celebrated 200 years of service to the community in Ramsey and the north of the Island. Three days of special events including a flower festival and a display of fascinating photographs of old Ramsey, culminated in a great service of thanksgiving, led by the Lord Bishop, the Rt Rev'd Peter Eagles.
St Paul's parishioners were delighted to welcome back two former Vicars from the 1990's - Rev'd Canon David Foster, who was Vicar of St Paul's from 1987 to 1991 and Rev'd Peter Robinson who followed him - being Vicar of St Paul's from 1992 to 1999. After the service, I caught up with Canon David and Rev'd Peter, together with his wife Rosi, and I invited them to share memories of their time on the Island, and to talk about what they've each been doing in the intervening 30 years! And there's music, and notice board news too Do please email me if you have items for the Notice Board (which is also repeated on Sundown each Sunday night from 9pm) My email is judithley@manxradio.com
Dr Andrew Ollerton is a theologian, a preacher, a skilled communicator and a lover of the great outdoors! He loves God - and he loves The Bible, and works with The Bible Society to develop guides to help us explore the book that he believes is a limitless source of guidance and hope, in the face of so much uncertainty in our modern world. In AT YOUR SERVICE today, Andrew takes us walking with him in the Brecon Beacons and as he crosses a lake and climbs a hill, he uses the first book of The Bible - Genesis - to answer some of life's biggest questions. This talk is based on a part of Andrew Ollerton's book 'The Bible - A Story That Makes Sense of Life' published by Hodder and Stoughton and available from Churches Bookshop at St Thomas's Church, Finch Road, Douglas. There's a video of Andrew's walk and talk in the Brecon Beacons - go to YouTube and search for WILD BIBLE And Ruth Rice shares another letter from her alphabet of wellbeing - the letter is O and it comes with a warning! Plus - music from The London Fox Singers and Stuart Townend, and our usual Notice Board Items for the Notice Board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
St Paul's Church in Ramsey has been at the heart of the community for the last two hundred years. We talk to church members Martin Barrow and Viv Hare who are leading four days of celebration, starting with a hog roast and children's games in the church gardens from 2pm on Thursday 18 August. On Friday and Saturday 19th and 20th, St Paul's will be open each day from 10am to 5.30pm with a flower festival and displays of rare vintage photographs in the church, and refreshments in the Cafe San Paulo in the church lounge - the celebrations culminate in a Thanksgiving Service of Holy Communion at 10am on Sunday 21 August when the celebrant will be the Lord Bishop, Rt Reverend Peter Eagles - all are welcome! Three years ago, young husband and wife Jon and Alison Taylor left the Island with no jobs and no clear plan for their future - but they felt strongly that God was calling them to make a move - so they took a leap of faith! Today - three years later - we catch up with them and find out what happened ...... And Ruth Rice - founder of Renew Wellbeing mental health charity - joins us again to share another letter from her personal A to Z of things she finds good for her mental and spiritual health - and today she suggests that being needy isn't necessarily a bad thing! Plus we've music - and notice board news too. Items for the notice board can be emailed to me : judithley@manxradio.com
Myles MacBean is the National Director of Scripture Union England and Wales, and was on the Island this week to experience at first hand the Port St Mary Scripture Union Beach Mission. Scripture Union works around the world to create opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, discover the message of Jesus for themselves, respond to that message if they wish, and then grow in their personal faith. Scripture Union provides resources, trains volunteers, and supports churches and partner organisations who want to make that journey of discovery with young people. As Myles himself says - 'there's no brainwashing here' On today's programme, Myles talks about his work, his vision for Scripture Union, and his own faith journey. Plus there's some really contrasting music - Keswick Ministries give new life to a classic Primitive Methodist hymn, and deliver a rousing version of 'Thou whose almighty word' and there's an achingly beautiful version of Jesse Labelle's song 'I Met A Man' sung by Robinson-Stone. Ruth Rice has reached the letter M in her alphabet of well-being - and there's notice board news too. Email items for inclusion on the notice board to : judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Tina Hodgett is an Anglican priest who is passionate about the power of pioneer ministry to change people's lives - she's got a wealth of experience in the challenges and joys of this particular type of outreach, and now teaches and supports not just Anglican but Methodist and United Reformed Churches too, as they find new and imaginative ways to form relationships with the many people who would never go inside a church. Tina is full of stories and practical advice - and she also has an impeccable Manx background! And someone else with deep Manx roots is Ruth Rice - and today she's back with another letter from her alphabet of wellbeing - today Ruth talks about Love - as a choice ...
There's music, too, and another packed notice board Items for inclusion on the notice board can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
There's a rumour that there won't be any sweets in the Port St Mary Scripture Union Beach Mission this year ... but don't worry - it's only the group names that are changing! A fortnight of fun, games, crafts, contests and interactive Bible-based games are on offer for ages 0 - 17 years, from 31 July to 12 August. Go to the website - www.psmbm.im - for full details of groups, times etc And follow the Beach Mission on Facebook - go to www.facebook.com and search for Port St Mary SU Beach Mission.
Sheran Harper is World Wide President of Mothers' Union - leading 4.5. million women in 84 different countries, who work where they live, to support family life in all its forms, and to empower the marginalised and the abused, who are usually women and children. Sheran has been on the Island this week, meeting Mothers' Union members here and learning more about their service to the Island community, as well as unveiling a sculpture in the Bible Garden in the grounds of the Cathedral in Peel, and presenting a very special award to 100-year-old Mrs May Corlett - the oldest MU Branch Leader in the world!! (May is the Branch Leader in Marown!)
The Notice Board has full details of the very varied programme of events for St Maughold's Week, 24 - 31 July, culminating in the celebration of St Maughold's Day on 31 July - and there's music, too - from The Salvation Army, Dave Bilbrough and Stuart Townend
Do please email me if you have items for the Notice Board - judithley@manxradio.com
On today's programme, we explore the role of the Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Church, in conversation with Graeme Easton, a parishioner of St Columba's church in Port Erin.
On Saturday 23 July in St Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Hill Street, Douglas, Graeme will be ordained as a Permanent Deacon, by Bishop Tom Williams, an Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Liverpool, of which the Catholic Churches on the Island form a part.
Graeme talks about the selection process, his training, and his future role in Church life on the Island. Along the way, he dispels some of the misunderstandings about what a deacon is - and what he is not!
There's a warm welcome for all to come to share in Graeme's ordination Mass on Saturday 23rd at 5pm - it's in St Mary's Catholic Church on Hill Street, Douglas and music will be provided by Rushen Silver Band.
And if you're interested in learning more about becoming a Permanent Deacon, there's a MEN'S INFORMATION MORNING next Saturday, 23rd July, in St Anthony's Parochial Centre, Onchan from 11am to 1pm, when Director of the Permanent Diaconate, Canon Chris Fallon, and his team, will be making a presentation on the role of the deacon, and answering any questions. There's no need to reserve a place - just come along - and wives are most welcome too. We've another packed notice board, with details of services, concerts and summer fairs for you to enjoy - and our very own wellbeing warrior, Ruth Rice, founder of the charity Renew Wellbeing, pops in to share another letter from her A to Z of things she's found to be good for her emotional and physical health. Today Ruth says .... Just Do It!! And of course there's music, too .... News for the notice board is always welcome - email me - judithley@manxradio.com
In the whole world there are only just over 200 of them, and only two of them are in the UK - who are they? They're Cardinals- the most senior officials in the Roman Catholic Church whose duties include electing the Pope, acting as his principal advisors and generally aiding in the government of the Roman Catholic Church throughout the world. Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald now lives in retirement in Liverpool, and works as an assistant priest in an inner city parish there. But during his long ministry, and as a distinguished academic, Cardinal Michael was for many years the Catholic church's leading expert on inter faith dialogue. He's making a brief visit to the Island, and is a special guest on the programme, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities he's experienced in Rome, and in many other countries. Plus we have another letter of the alphabet of wellbeing from Ruth Rice - And another packed notice board! And there's music too - from Leeds Cathedral. Notice board items can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
In Autumn 2021, Reverend Liz Hull was appointed Priest in Charge of St Thomas's church in Finch Road, Douglas and was excited to see the plans already drawn up, to re-develop this most beautiful church to preserve its artistic and architectural qualities, whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the local community. On today's programme we meet Reverend Liz and hear the story of her journey from childhood in India, to ordination on the Isle of Man, and get a sneak preview of the ideas proposed for the re-ordering of St Thomas's church. Today is also the start of an open week at St Thomas's, where you're invited to pop in any time, share refreshments (or even lunch on Friday 8 July!) You can also view the plans and have your say - comments, ideas and suggestions are still welcome - nothing is set in stone!
Ruth Rice - founder of Renew Wellbeing - pops in again, with a word to share from her alphabet of wellbeing - and this week, she's praising the power of a good laugh!
And we have another packed notice board .... and great music too! News for the notice board is always welcome - email judithley!@manxradio.com
This week, we go to Rushen Abbey to investigate a week-long event organised by Scripture Union Ministries Trust, which will attract around 700 of the Island's Year 5 schoolchildren. It's called LIFEPATH and involves teachers, leaders and an army of volunteers - two young volunteers, Rosie and Xander Shirtliff explain their role, SUMT out-going Team Leader Ruth Walker reflects on her 12 years of Lifepath, as she looks forward to a new ministry off-Island in the late summer, and her successor as SUMT Team Leader, Mrs Sue Yardy, shares her hopes for her future in her new role. Phil Craine joins us with a beautiful poem by Kathleen Faragher, and Ruth Rice, founder of the mental health charity Renew Wellbeing shares another word from her personal A to Z of things she's found helpful for her own mental and spiritual health. She hopes that what's good for her, might just be good for us, too. And there's a packed notice board, with truly something for everyone! Email notice board items to me - please - judithley@manxradio.com
This weekend, the first female Archdeacon of Man will be installed, the first female priest-in-charge will be licensed to the parish of St George and All Saints in Douglas, and the first female will begin her ministry as Chaplain to the House of Keys. Happily, it's the same person who is undertaking all three roles, and she is my special guest on today's programme. Join me, in conversation with The Venerable Irene Cowell and her (Manx!) husband Tom, talking about the past, the present - and the future! Irene chooses our hymns today, which reflect her dedication to her ministry, which she sees as one of service at every level - and Tom shares his understanding of Irene's role, and his part in it. And as we move into the season of chapel anniversaries, you're warmly invited to celebrations around the Island in the coming week - plus we have concert news, too - as well as a book signing, an afternoon tea and a jubilee party! If you have event information for the notice board, email me, please - judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you!
On AT YOUR SERVICE this week: - Rev'd Canon Margaret Burrow, an Anglican priest involved in the life of the church in the West of the Island, shares some thoughts on being part of the historic tradition of receiving Maundy Money
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The feast of Celtic St Columba was on 9th June - we celebrate his inspirational life in words and music - a beautiful poem by Scottish poet Kenneth Steven and equally beautiful music from Manx musician Emma Christian
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Prolific author, retreat leader and speaker Margaret Silf will be on the Island next Saturday 19 June, leading a day at Ballagarey Chapel in St Marks. Margaret is committed to helping people of all denominations and none, to find a spirituality that's right for them. She's here at the invitation of the Island Spirituality Network, who share her views and of whom she is Patron. Her theme next Saturday will be 'Through Turmoil To Transformation' and on today's programme we can get a taste of what she might be saying, by listening to her talk about a book she wrote on that subject. If you want to meet and listen to Margaret, go to Ballagarey Chapel in St Marks on Saturday 19 June at 10am. Bring a packed lunch - drinks will be provided - and the day will finish at 4pm. All are welcome.
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Ruth Rice is back again, with the word of the week - and this one, from her alphabet of wellbeing, begins with the letter F - F for Failure ! Ruth is the founder of Renew Wellbeing - cafe-style safe spaces where everyone's mental wellbeing is the main priority. Renew Spaces on the Island are at The Well in Broadway, Douglas, and in the Methodist Church in Athol Street in Peel, opposite the Centenary Centre.
There's our usual notice board, and music too - listen out for Aled Jones and Nell Bryden! And notice board news can be sent via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Andrew Haynes is an experienced sidecar passenger and a regular competitor in the TT Festival - he's also known as The Racing Preacher. In conversation, we find out how faith and racing work in partnership - as well as discussing harnessing the best of social media, and what we can learn from a pandemic. And Andy explains why there's no TT for him this year.......
The Royal School of Church Music - which supports and encourages choirs of all ages and sizes, has commissioned a new anthem in celebration of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. It's called IN OUR SERVICE and the composer is Thomas Hewitt Jones who joins us to explain how he was inspired to use the Queen's own words for the lyrics of the piece, and how he hopes that the anthem will develop a life of its own, and continue to be sung and enjoyed in years to come. The Royal School of Church music has invited as many choirs as possible to sing the anthem at some point on or around the Jubilee weekend, and register their intention to do so, on line. This has enabled the RSCM to create a 'musical map' that extends around the Commonwealth - and includes the Isle of Man, thanks to King William's College and The Buchan School who came together to perform and record their singing of IN OUR SERVICE This is YOUR chance to hear it, in full, in today's programme!
In Ruth Rice's Alphabet of Wellbeing, we've reached the letter E ...
And there's a notice board as usual, plus music from Huddersfield Choral Society, and Graham Kendrick Items for the notice board can be emailed - judithley@manxradio.com
Rev'd Dr Dee Dee Haines spent over ten years on the Isle of Man, leading the Methodist Church at Rosemount in Douglas, and despite being in ministry in various other countries, the Island still holds an incredibly special place in her heart. Back here for a brief visit, and to share in Praying the Keeills Week, Dee Dee joins us to share what she has learned through her present ministry in a Hospice in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she is the Supervisor of Spiritual Care and Music Therapy, with responsibility also for bereavement support. Multi-tasking isn't perhaps a term we would instantly associate with priestly ministry - but it's a reality in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, of which the Isle of Man forms a part. Rev'd Canon Aidan Prescott joins in the programme, to explain how it works for him - and for his colleagues. And Ruth Rice is back again, to share another letter from her personal alphabet of wellbeing, in case what's good for her, might be good for us, too. Ruth is the founder of Renew Wellbeing - cafe style safe spaces where everyone is welcomed, supported and gently encouraged to find their own pathway to mental health and wellbeing. We've got Renew spaces at The Well in Broadway, Douglas, and in the Methodist Church in Peel - opposite the Centenary Centre. And there's a couple of beautiful hymns from The London Fox Singers As well as lots of notice board news - including details of those TT Cafes - back in business again! If you have notice board news, or would like to request a favourite hymn or sacred song, email : judithley@manxradio.com
A book written 60 years ago, but which remained in manuscript form and was never published, has been lovingly brought to new life by the author's three children, and is launched this week, to coincide with the diamond Jubilee of the present Coventry Cathedral. The book's author is Rev'd Canon Joseph W. Poole who was the first Precentor of the new Cathedral with a special responsibility for planning services there. Considered by his peers to be 'one of the greatest liturgists in the Church of England in this century' his book is a record of some of the complete services he created, plus numerous ideas on different themes, to enrich worship. His deepest wish was that Coventry Cathedral services would speak to the people in style and in language which would be familiar and relevant to them. Gill Poole - one of Canon Poole's three surviving children who worked together on the manuscript, talks about her Father and the ministry which was the inspiration for the book.
PRAYING THE KEEILLS WEEK started on Saturday 21 May and continues up to and including Saturday 29 May, with a rich programme of varied events to suit all tastes and walking abilities. Phil Craine, one of the key organisers of the week, is back on the programme, taking us through the week will details of what's on offer. All the details can be found on www.prayingthekeeills.org or go to www.facebook.com and search for praying the keeills Even if you don't plan on joining in any of the events, keep an eye on the web and on social media, as photos will be posted following each days' activities.
And Ruth Rice is back again, with another letter from her own personal alphabet of wellbeing. Ruth shares from her personal experience, in case something that helps her mental health and wellbeing might just help us, too! Ruth is the founder of Renew Wellbeing - cafe-like safe spaces where everyone is welcomed, supported and encouraged to find their own pathway to mental health and wellbeing. (There are Renew Spaces at The Well in Broadway, Douglas, and in the Methodist Church in Peel, opposite the Centenary Centre)
And there's notice board news -and music too. Items for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymn or sacred song can be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to a close, three people share their thoughts and experiences. PAUL MARTIN has Manx roots but for the past 23 years has lived and worked in Missouri - where he is State Representative for Celebrate Recovery - a world-wide Christ-centred recovery programme. REV'D STEVE INGROUILLE is a Methodist minister, in charge (in partnership with his wife, Rev'd Rebecca) of seven Methodist Churches in the east of the Island. He shares the painfully honest story of his own mental health breakdown, and RUTH RICE, founder of Renew Wellbeing - safe spaces where people are welcomed, supported and encouraged to find their own pathway to mental health - shares something that's good for HER mental and emotional wellbeing .... anyone for a beach brunch? PRAYING THE KEEILLS WEEK starts on Saturday 21 July and PHIL CRAINE pops into the programme to share details of the opening weekend - he'll be back next week with more information about the rest of the week, but if you want to see it all now, head for the website - www.prayingthekeeills.org And as usual there's a packed notice board, and some music too Items for the notice board (and requests for favourite hymns) are always welcome - email me - judithley@manxradio.com
On Saturday 14 May, the Cathedral in Peel will join with Cathedrals round Europe for 'Cathedrals at Night' - a free event designed to encourage everyone to explore our Cathedral 'after hours' - to help people to understand that our Cathedrals are both sacred spaces and a resource available to the whole community. Running from 4.30pm to 10.30pm there'll be games, challenges, poetry, music, stargazing and a sound and light presentation - and of course hot and cold drinks, and food too. And the Cathedral isn't just the building - take time to explore the Cathedral Gardens too - telling the story of Christianity in the Isle of Man, through a series of specially-designed individual gardens There's a programme (with approximate timings for various elements) on the home page of the Cathedral website - www.cathedral.im and on Cathedral Isle of Man Facebook page.
Mental Health Awareness Week starts on 9 May, and on today's programme, Ruth Rice (Founder of Renew Wellbeing - cafe-style safe spaces where it's OK to not be OK) launches a new series called 'The A to Z of Ruth' - it's tips, tricks and thoughts based on Ruth's own experience of a complete breakdown around 12 years ago. The aim is to use Ruth's ideas, over the weeks, to find your own personal toolkit for peace and wholeness. Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered recovery programme that has helped people all round the world to better understand their mental health. PAUL MARTIN is their State Representative Missouri and will be one of the main guests on next week's programme. Ahead of that, Paul shares one powerful reason why we should never ever ignore our mental health. PLUS - Graham Kendrick at 50! The singer/songwriter/worship leader released his first CD 50 years ago this year- and he shows no sign of slowing down - we review the special EP he'd released to mark his anniversary. PLUS our usual notice board - and a space to pause and pray for Ukraine and everyone affected by war, Items for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymns, can all be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK starts on 15 May and this week Louise Whitelegg - our local representative for the charity on the Isle of Man - joins us, not just with information about the last campaign, or even with news about the new appeal (although all that information IS there!) but Louise uses her own thoughts, Bible readings and prayers to put this year's appeal into its proper context. If you would like to get involved in this year's Christian Aid Week campaign, search for Christian Aid IOM on Facebook, or ring or text Louise Whitelegg on 07624 474275 GREATER HEIGHTS is the vitally important appeal launched by The Leprosy Mission, to re-build their hospital and research laboratory in Nepal. The present building is unfit for purpose and will not pass the upcoming Nepali Government inspection. Without this laboratory, the chance to end leprosy in our lifetime will be lost forever. Paul Moores, the Leprosy Mission representative who supports the Leprosy Mission Isle of Man, joins us today to share the call for us all to reach greater heights. The Leprosy Mission Isle of Man are active on Facebook - search for their page and Elly Duchars, Christine Sugden and the team would love to hear from you! Plus - there are hymns from Stuart Townend and Charles Wesley, and our usual notice board If you have news for the notice board, or would like to request a favourite hymn, do please contact me - judithlet@manxradio.com
As soon as the severity of the Russian attacks on Ukraine was known, at the end of February this year, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool launched its #liverpool4ukraine fundraising appeal. To date (end April) it has already raised well over £100,000.00 through individual donations, and scores of fundraising events. It also inspired a group of people from the Liverpool Archdiocese to actually take a consignment of aid to the Polish/Ukraine border, where they handed it over to Bishop Gregory Komar in the Diocese of Sambir-Drohobych in the Lviv region. When the volunteer drivers saw the need in the region, they vowed to return with medical supplies, body bags and other essential items, as requested by Bishop Gregory and his team. So, just 4 weeks later, four more consignments of essential aid is leaving Liverpool over 24th and 25th April. On today's programme, I talk with Mike Sharkey who was on the first trip, and returns this weekend, accompanied by some first-time volunteer drivers, and Dave Lyon shares his most memorable moments from the first trip he made. Gill Boggan, Director of Finance for the Liverpool Archdiocese explains why she feels privileged to have a place as a volunteer driver on this second mission and as the vans were being packed on Friday morning, there was a chance to pause and to pray for the safety and success of this mission. Rev'd Canon Aidan Prescott - one of the senior clergy involved in the administration of the Archdiocese - leads the prayers and blesses the vans. There's also an opportunity to hear from Father Taras Khomych, a Liverpool-based priest in the Ukranian-Greek Church. Both he and his wife lecture at Liverpool Hope University, and Father Taras provides pastoral care to Ukranian-Greek congregations in Liverpool, Salford and Stoke on Trent. He leads worship for his congregation in Liverpool in St Oswald's Roman Catholic church in Old Swan, and took part in the time of prayer for the success of the relief expedition. He also talked with me about the reality of having parents in Lviv, who fear for what each new day will bring, and how the support of non-Ukrainians - showing their love by welcoming refugees into their homes and raising money for essential medical supplies - is making the Ukrania people stronger in the defence of their country. Plus - there's music from Aled Jone's CD - BLESSINGS - a beautiful, prayerful, reflective selection of hymns, texts and Scripture mixed with music, and reflecting a range of faiths including Roman Catholic, Muslim, Quaker, Buddhism and Christian. There's also our notice board - if you have items to add, and/or would like to choose your favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, email me - judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you!
On today's programme we're celebrating the life-changing message of Easter that's at the very heart of the Christian faith. There's great Easter hymns, worship songs from Graham Kendrick and Stuart Townend, a new composition from John Rutter, written to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and reflections and prayers too - and Ruth Rice from the charity Renew Wellbeing is back with three more letters from her alphabet of wellbeing - and, surprisingly, not one of them is E for Easter! And there's notice board news too. If you'd like to hear a favourite hymn or worship song in a future programme, or if you have items for the notice board, do please email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Today is the start of the week that the Christian Church calls Holy - it begins with Palm Sunday - a day which recalls the tremendous excitement of the crowds when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey - they greeted him as their King, spreading palm leaves and even their cloaks on the ground under his feet - yet just FIVE days later, these same crowds were calling for the same Jesus to be crucified. I invite you to join me as together we walk through the days that make up Holy Week .... immerse ourselves in the story and reflect on why the day when a man dies a hideous death, is called Good Friday ? Then, in the company of the Rt Rev'd Peter Eagles, Bishop of Sodor and Man, I discover what he's thinking about, at the start of this Holy Week - and what this story of betrayal, unfaithfulness, injustice and violence is saying to our modern world..... Plus there's music too -and a packed notice board with events round the Island during Holy Week, and services on Easter Day - and listen out for details of all the Sunrise Services early on Easter Sunday morning. For notice board news and hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Growing a supportive community ..... Scripture Union is an interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization, founded over 150 years ago - and works with churches and partner organisations, inviting children and young people to explore the difference Jesus can make to the challenges and adventures of life. Scripture Union England and Wales works on the Isle of Man through partner organisation, Scripture Union Ministries Trust, whose local team leader is Ruth Walker. Recently two members of Scripture Union England and Wales came to the Island to help Ruth to launch the results of some new research that offers a big challenge - and a big opportunity - to churches and faith groups here on the Island. Lucy Pearson is a Mission Enabler with Scripture Union England and Wales and Rob Steward is Team Leader for Scripture Union in the North of England including the Isle of Man, and along with our own Ruth Walker, they explain the reason for their visit …..and much more!
If you want to follow (or get involved in) the work of Scripture Union Ministries Trust on the Island, take a look at their website - all the information is there - www.sumt.im
Ruth Rice, founder of Renew Wellbeing, join us again with another letter taken from her Alphabet of Wellbeing - this week, it's G for Growing - it could also be for gardens and greenery - as Ruth offers us more ideas of how we might nurture our mental health, and find our own peace and wholeness - and perhaps even reach Easter with a new lease of life - and if you’d like to follow Ruth’s daily short videos, you’ll find them at ruthricebooks.online
Music is always an important part of At Your Service - today we have a lovely recording of the popular hymn 'Precious Lord, take my hand' performed by The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus which was founded - and began performing - hymns and sacred music in 1993. Such pieces—including Handel’s Messiah—were banned under Communist rule. As the Iron Curtain lifted and this music became known to Ukrainian musicians, they described it as “an explosion of light.” And those words challenged me - do I listen to hymns and sacred music and feel the words and the melodies touch me in that powerful way? We’re free to pray, sing, to belong to groups and fellowships exactly as we wish …. as we listen to the Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, let’s be uplifted by the music and give thanks for our freedoms.
A Prayer for Ukraine, has been added to that hymn - from Dr Justin Thacker, Scripture Advisor for Christian Aid - and another Christian Aid friend - local representative for Christian Aid on the Isle of Man - Louise Whitelegg - joins us, to share some local and some global thoughts. If you want to reserve your place for the evening of fun, food and facts, at St Andrews UR Church, Glencrutchery Road, Douglas at 6.30pm on Friday 8 April, contact Louise on 07624 474275
There's music from Alan Jackson, and another packed Notice Board
Items for the notice board, and requests for a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme can all be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
My special guests on this week's programme are different in many ways, but are united by a dedication to a powerful organisation that’s rooted in the Anglican Church, but whose four and a half million members reach out around the world to support family life in all its forms - helping it to thrive in all circumstances, particularly when difficulties come along. They are Rev'd JEANETTE HAMER and Mrs MAY CORLETT - Rev'd Jeanette is the vicar in charge of Kirk Michael Parish Church and she has just begun a 3-year term as Diocesan President (local leader) of the Mothers' Union - a charity with active branches all around the Island. Mrs May Corlett, of Glen Vine, is just weeks away from celebrating her 100th birthday, but describes herself as 'quite a newcomer' to Mothers' Union, having only been a member (and leader!) of the Marown branch for some 20-odd years!
Rev'd Jeanette looks forward to what the Transformation Now project is hoping to achieve, and Mrs May Corlett looks back ... to family life, and to her life in leadership in a local Mothers' Union branch.
And we welcome back RUTH RICE, who joins us each week during Lent with an invitation to spring clean our mental health!
Following her own breakdown some years ago, Manx-born Ruth Rice founded Renew Wellbeing - a charity which runs simple cafe style spaces where mental wellbeing is the top priority. And whilst everyone and anyone is welcome at Renew, without pressure or judgement, Ruth’s own deep faith puts God at the centre of all she does.
In her latest book - The A to Z of Wellbeing - Ruth uses every letter of the alphabet to help us find our own peace and wholeness and each week Ruth chooses a letter from her alphabet of wellbeing, to offer us some thoughts that we might use to spring clean our own mental health - and perhaps even reach Easter embracing a new life...
Today the letter is I - for interests.
There's music too - and notice board news for the coming week
If you have items for the notice board, or would like to request a favourite hymn, email me, please - judithley@manxradio.com
In The Bible we read ..... 'and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God' This is a verse that's often quoted by Christian Aid and similar charities, who share a vision for 'a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty' But what about the 'walking humbly' part of that Bible verse? What does it mean to 'walk humbly' with God whilst doing justice and loving kindness? That's the question Christian Aid is exploring in a series of podcasts called WALKING HUMBLY - the podcasts are intended to carry us thoughtfully through Lent to Easter - and beyond. You can find them on the Christian Aid website - www.christianaid.org.uk and I'm very grateful to the production team who have made the material available to me, so that I could include a small part in today's programme - it's my hope that you will find the material interesting and stimulating, and as we listen together, we might be refreshed and re-energised as we continue the long journey to climate justice. Don't forget to subscribe to the Walk Humbly podcast series via the Christian Aid website, so you will get alerts when new episodes are added. Today we're climbing a mountain in the company of David Coleman, full-time chaplain to Ecocongregations Scotland. Judith MacLeod, Programme Coordinator for Ecocongregations Scotland brings a Bible reading about a very different mountain, then David returns with some thoughts on his mountain climb, the Bible reading - and the challenge for us! He also explains the work of Ecocongregations Scotland. Ruth Rice returns with another letter from her A-Z Alphabet of Wellbeing - Ruth is the founder of Renew Wellbeing and is passionate about helping us to care for our mental health. Every week in Lent, she joins us with another idea to help us find our own peace of mind and wholeness .....thoughts we might use to spring clean our mental wellbeing - and maybe even reach Easter embracing a new life! You can find Ruth's short videos to accompany each letter of the alphabet by going to www.ruthricebooks.online There's some beautiful music to celebrate St Patrick's Day and our usual notice board. Suggestions for hymns to be included in future programmes, and items for the notice board (on both At Your Service and Sundown) can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
Ruth Keggin-Gell is the Manx Language Development Officer with Culture Vannin - dedicated to encouraging people to get interested and involved in wider use of the Manx language. When she thought of using Manx in our church services, she found an enthusiastic supporter in Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brown. On AT YOUR SERVICE today they discuss how this could be done, and Ruth has details of the half-day workshop she's leading - CREE AS ANNYM (Heart and Soul) using Manx for worship in easy and accessible ways. It's on Friday 25 March from 9:30am to 12:30pm with hot drinks served on arrival from 9am and an optional lunch (£7 per person) served at the end. The venue is Thie Dy Vea (House of Life) Ballawattleworth House, Tynwald Road, Peel More details of the workshop can be found at www.learnmanx.com To book your place(s) email Ruth - manxlanguage@culturevannin.im
Ruth Rice - who has herself come through a mental breakdown some 12 years ago - is the founder of the charity Renew Wellbeing - creating cafe-style spaces 'where it's OK to not be OK' and where mental wellbeing is a priority. Ruth invites us to spring clean our own wellbeing during the weeks of Lent, and each week she'll choose a letter from her alphabet of mental health, from her new book - The A to Z of Wellbeing. Today it's B for Breath ... And Ruth has a video series, based on the book, which you can view on line at www.ruthricebooks.online The videos are quite short, and a new one is posted each day.
There's some beautiful meditative music for peace, from Karl Jenkins, Manx music from Curjin Cooidjak, and a musical setting of a popular Bible verse from Ajax, Ontario. Plus notice board news, as usual. News for the notice board and suggestions for your favourite hymn choices are always welcome - email judithley@manxradio.com
The Season of Lent - six weeks of preparation for the celebration of Easter - started last week, on Ash Wednesday. But what are its origins - and what does it offer us today? We eavesdrop on a conversation between Patrick Woodward and Russ Bravo And this week's special guest is Manx-born Ruth Rice, founder of Renew Wellbeing, the charity which runs simple cafe-style spaces attached to a quiet room - where it's OK to not be OK. Ruth's latest book - The A to Z of Wellbeing - is an accessible introduction to help us care for our own individual wellbeing and live out our own 'alphabet of peace' Ruth offers us twenty-six words of wellness - for ourselves, and to help us share wellbeing with others. We'll be dipping into her book on At Your Service during the weeks of Lent - Ruth will be choosing some words of wellness to share each week - a chance to perhaps 'spring clean' our lives in preparation for the new life offered at Easter? The A to Z of Wellbeing by Ruth Rice is published by Authentic Media It's available from Churches Bookshop in St Thomas's Church, Finch Road, Douglas You can find the daily videos to support each letter of the alphabet at : ruthricebooks.online and you can find out more about Ruth's charity at : https://renewwellbeing.org.uk Music today is The Lord's My Shepherd (Crimmond) by the Wallinford Parish Church Choir, Oxfordshire and there's a time for prayer for peace for Ukraine with The Angel's Work, by Martin John Nicholls and Paul Field. And there's a full notice board, with details of all the Lent Lunches starting this week Items for the notice board, and hymn requests for future programmes can all be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
Friday March 4 is WORLD PRAYER DAY - there'll be services around the Island at different times on that day, which will link the Isle of Man with praying people all over the world, using the same theme "I know the plans I have for you". The service this year has been prepared by the Christian women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. But, in the light of recent developments, the services will also include special prayers for Ukraine, and for the peaceful resolution of the present international crisis. Some wording in the order of service has caused a problem for certain Christian denominations, and, as a result, they will not be joining in this year's World Day of Prayer. In conversation with Caroline Salmon, who co-ordinates the service in the North of the Island, we discover the full story. "A tonic for the mind and balm for the soul" is how one reviewer described the brand new book by Ruth Rice - founder of Renew Wellbeing - quiet shared spaces where it's OK not to be OK. Ruth's latest book - The A-Zof Wellbeing - is jam-packed with simple, practical, helpful ways to find your personal toolkit for peace and wholeness. The book launch - organised by Churches Bookshop - will be on Tuesday 2 March at 7.30pm in Peel Methodist Church (opposite the side gate to the Cathedral, and the Centenary Centre) It's free and there's no need to book - Ruth Rice will be there, talking about Renew Wellbeing and signing copies of her book (which will also be on sale at a special launch night discounted price) There'll be other books and gifts from the Churches Bookshop range, on sale, and there'll be a Renew Wellbeing space set up at the back of the church, for anyone who would like to know more about what's involved in running or visiting a Renew Wellbeing. For more information visit https://renewwellbeing.org.uk or https://ruthricebooks.online Music this week is taken from the World Day of Prayer service, and we finish as usual with a look at our notice board for the coming week. Items for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymns for inclusion in a future programme can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Ways to pray is the theme that links three guests on today's programme. Reverend Alex Brown has been a Pioneer Minister in Douglas for the last couple of years, having conversations with people of all ages who have either never had any contact with a church, or have tried it, and left. What has he learned? And what is the significance of his commissioning service taking place later today? Richard Gamble describes himself as 'an ordinary bloke' but he's got an astonishing vision to create a huge and permanent piece of artwork, rising up over the landscape in the Midlands, made up of a million answered prayers, gathered from all around the world - the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer. Today he explains how it all began, and how building work will start later this year .... and Daisy tells HER story of answered prayer - when the answer was no ...... There's music from the St Michael Singers, and from Dave Bilbrough - and our usual notice board. To find out more about Rev'd Alex Brown's Pioneer ministry go to www.pioneer.im To find out more about the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer (and add YOUR answered prayer!) go to www.eternalwall.org.uk
Love is in the air today! Ahead of the day when a billion cards will be exchanged world-wide, Saint Valentine tells his story - and Louise Timmins tells her story of patience, prayer and total trust in God's guidance, which eventually led to her chance to adopt two children. Russ Bravo reflects on the nature of another kind of love, and there's music from the Jane Lilley Singers, and from Aled Jones and Russell Watson. Plus there's all our usual notice board news. If you have items for the notice board, or you'd like to hear a favourite hymn in a future programme, do please email me: judithley@manxradio.com
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Lord of Man, is the first British Monarch to reach a Platinum Jubilee - on this day - the 6th of February 2022, she completes 70 years of devoted service to the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. This morning we pause for a moment of reflection, and pray God's blessing on her. Sunday 30th January was World Leprosy Day. Sadly, this crippling disease is not confined to the pages of the Bible, but continues to destroy lives today. But the new campaign just launched by The Leprosy Mission - called "Greater Heights" could well mark the beginning of the end of leprosy. On the programme we'll hear from Peter Waddup, Chief Executive Officer of The Leprosy Mission, and his colleague Louise Timmins, who is Head of Fundraising. Joining in the conversation is Elly Duchars, the 'face of the Leprosy Mission on the Isle of Man' - serving the charity as a Trustee of the Manx-registered charity The Leprosy Mission Isle of Man. To find out more about the work of The Leprosy Mission, and the Greater Heights appeal, visit their website www.leprosymission.org.uk To get involved in The Leprosy Mission on the Isle of Man, contact Elly Duchars : email: ellyduchars@manx.net mobile: 07624 423278 and to add news items to the notice board, or request a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
The theme for National Holocaust Memorial Day 2022 was 'One Day' - a stark reminder that life can fatally change for ever in the space of just one day. On today's programme we hear stories from three Holocaust survivors, and reflect on the horrifying fact that genocide can still happen today. Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald is a Roman Catholic priest belonging to the Missionaries of Africa - also known as the White Fathers. After studying psychology and theology, becoming fluent in Arabic, leading courses on Islam for Muslims as well as Christian students, living and working in the Middle East and in the Vatican, Cardinal Fitzgerald is now a leading expert on Islam, Christian-Muslim relations, and inter-religious dialogue. Illness has caused him to cancel his planned visit to the Island this weekend, but extracts from a recent conversation with Father Damian Howard, Provincial Superior - or leader - of the British Jesuits, gives us some insights into the life of a remarkable cleric. And there's music, too - plus this week's notice board. Notice board news, and suggestions for your favourite hymns to be included in future programmes can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Philip Longworth is a 'glass half full' person! Partially sighted all his life, Philip has faced every challenge with courage and positivity - and has dedicated his working life to reaching out with compassion and understanding to other people with their own challenges to face. Now he's living on the Island and has just started a new job with the Anglican Diocese of Sodor and Man - which has the potential to benefit everyone. Philip is our special guest today, talking about everything from going to boarding school, playing music on the Cavern stage, and getting us to look at our churches in a completely different way! And alongside award-winning Wallingford Parish Church Choir, there's music from Howard Goodall's Enchanted Voices - and The Dubliners! Plus we've our usual Notice Board, and news of the visit of Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald to the Island next weekend. Notice Board news is always welcome, as is your choice of hymns for inclusion in future programmes - email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Open Doors UK, and Kintsugi Hope are just two of around 90 charitable organisations who last year each received a share of around £2 million which AFD Software, the Postcode people based in Ramsey, gave away from company profits during 2021. On this week's programme, I talk with Diane Regan of Kintsugi Hope and Henrietta Blyth from Open Doors UK - Kintsugi Hope is dedicated to promoting mental health through largely church-based wellbeing groups - 'Discovering treasure in life's scars' and Open Doors supports the millions of Christians around the world who face extreme persecution and discrimination, because of their faith. Though each of them address very different present-day problems, their shared message is "You are not alone" There's lots more information on their respective websites : www.kintsugihope.com www.opendoorsuk.org
This week, we feature music from Manchester Cathedral Choir, Paul Field and Martin John Nichols, and Graham Kendrick. There's also our notice board - and if you have any information to add to the notice board, or if you'd like to choose a hymn for inclusion in a future programme, please do email me - judithley@manxradio.com
The 6th of January is the official end of the Christmas season - it finishes with the Epiphany - a feast that is celebrated in different ways, according to local customs, all around the world. In the Christian church, it is the day when we recall the 3 Kings, or Magi, following a star to find the Christ child, and is a reminder that the Son of God came to offer fullness of life to everyone - whoever and wherever you are. It's this gift of love that we must never let go - and indeed the true work of Christmas only starts when the festivities end. This is the theme of today's programme - explored in thoughts, words and a wonderful selection of music - from Peter Cornelius's magnificent 'The Three Kings' to Moya Brennan's version of 'Love Came Down At Christmas' - and more! And the words include some star gazing with Howard Parkin, and the late John Kennaugh, whose words are as fresh, powerful and relevant as they were 15 years ago! Notice Board news, and suggestions for hymns to be featured in future programmes, can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Traditionally, the sound of Big Ben heralds the start of a New Year - so our first At Your Service programme for 2022 takes bells and their traditions for its main theme. Anglican Priest, Father Michael Brydon, is Chaplain to the Rt Rev'd Peter Eagles, Bishop of Sodor and Man - but joins in the programme today with a wealth of stories and bell-ringing legends to share. Plus there's some great seasonal music - Ding Dong Merrily on High, I Saw Three Ships a-Sailing, and a beautiful reflective piece by Margaret Rizza - The Lord is my Light and My Salvation. There's notice board news too - if you have items to add, and/or would like to choose a hymn for inclusion in a future programme, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Celebrating the second day of Christmas in words, music and reflections. The children of Marown Primary School, assisted by their teacher Mrs Jacqueline Shirtliff, share a selection of poems on different aspects of the Christmas story. Church leaders - Anglican Bishop Peter and senior priest in the Roman Catholic Church on the Island, Monsignor John Devine - both reflect on celebrating Christmas at the end of a particularly challenging year - and there's great music, too! As this is the Feast of St Stephen, when good King Wenceslas went out in the winter weather to give alms to a beggar, the hymn celebrating his holy and selfless life is a definite choice today, alongside Hark the Herald Angels Sing, by The Priests, The Candle Song by Graham Kendrick and a Manx translation of The Coventry Carol by Cliogaree Twoaie - and listen out for a little bit of fun at the end, from Joseph Jennings and Santa Claws ..... If you'd like to request a favourite hymn or carol or if you have news for the Notice Board just email me on judithley@manxradio.com
Celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, with an hour of carols, Christmas songs, Bible readings and reflections. The music featured today is : Angel Tidings (Rutter) Once in Royal David's City Mary Did You Know? (Peter Hollens version) Gabriel's Message (Matt Creer version) Away in a Manger (Kings College Cambridge Live Recording In the Stillness (Kings College Cambridge - composer Sally Beamish) What Sweeter Music? (Choirboys) While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks The Shepherd's Pipe Carol (Rutter) The Little Road to Bethlehem (Adult Aled Jones and young Aled) The Nativity Carol (Rutter) Christmas Halleluia (Cassandra and Callaghan Star) O Little Town of Bethlehem We Three Kings (St Michael Singers) Silent Night (Aled Jones and John Williams) O come All Ye Faithful (The Priests)
Two very different Carol Services held this week provide words and music to help us prepare to celebrate the deeper significance of Christmas - that lies beyond gifts and gatherings. We have two carols - "Gabriel's Message" and "Jesus Christ, The Apple Tree" - sung by the Choir of King William's College, Castletown, conducted by their Director of Music, Mr Steve Daykin, and recorded during their recent Carol Service. The programme also features music and prayers recorded at the Tynwald Carol Service in St Mary's Roman Catholic Church earlier this week. The service was led jointly by Bishop Peter, in his capacity as a Member of the Legislative Council, and by Monsignor John Devine, Parish Priest of St Mary's and senior Roman Catholic Priest on the Island. During the service, Bishop Peter reflects on various kinds of giving, and Monsignor John finds the modern parallel between Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus, and our modern world. Plus there's a notice board packed with Carol Services, Christingles and services where everyone will be made most welcome. Face coverings are required in church, please (unless you are exempt) Sanitizer will be readily available on church premises, and there'll be scope for being socially distanced if you wish. Lateral Flow Testing is also recommended, before attending services etc. Items for the notice board can be sent via email - my address is judithley@manxradio.com
Welcome to Week 3 of Advent - the time which the Christian church uses to prepare for the great celebration of Christmas. The coming of Jesus Christ as a helpless baby - a human like us - sharing our earthly life, but leading us to an everlasting life - is often likened to the darkness of our world being driven out by the light of Christ. So it's appropriate that, at this time, we celebrate the Feast of St Lucy - Sankta Lucia - which falls on 13th December. We do this with a short Service of Light - a partnership between Birmingham Cathedral, and the Church of Sweden - with some glorious music from the Ex Cathedra Academy of Vocal Music, with soloist Charis Burden. And what would make someone cheerfully give away £2,000,000 - yes two million pounds? Not a lottery win - but money that's been earned ...... we have the answer - in conversation with David Dorricott. Plus there's a huge notice board of carol services, Christingles, concerts and more ...... Items for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymns, are always welcome - email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Pioneer Minister Reverend Alex Brown is constantly looking for ways to offer the powerful and life-changing Christian message in ways that will speak to the many people who don't feel drawn to formal, organised religion and attending church services. He's also passionate about keeping Christ at the very centre of everything about Christmas - and once again he's leading a re-telling of the Christmas story, on a grand scale, outdoors in central Douglas on 16 December. Listen to the full story here - and get your free tickets via the website - christmaslive.im plus there's an exceptional selection of events and services happening this week - from concerts to Christingles - and all the information is in our specially extended Notice Board - and there's music from Bernadette O'Farrell and the Thomas Moore Singers, and Peter Hollens. If you'd like to request a favourite hymn, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
A nostalgia podcast to celebrate the start of the season of Advent - the four weeks of preparation for the great feast of Christmas. We go back to the year 2006 when Oliver King and Nigel Pemberton led the music in the Cathedral in Peel - as Musical Director and Organist respectively, and Canon Brian Kelly was at the helm! There's a lovely piece by the Manx Children's Choir, directed by Adele Parsons, and Bible readings from members of the Cathedral and wider community, including Dr Fenella Bazin, Mrs Betty Deans and Mrs Helen Parry. There's also a Manx carval from Sarah Hewson and Julie Matthews - enjoy!
It's an Inter Faith Special on At Your Service this week, as we explore the Baha'i Faith in conversation with Dr Tim Anglin and David Joughin. Deborah Taubman, of the First Church of Christ, Scientist, has composed a prayer specially for Her Majesty the Queen, our Lord of Mann, and in our second feature today, I'm starting my Christmas shopping - in Churches Bookshop in its new home, in one of the rooms that form part of St Thomas's Church in Finch Road, Douglas. The Bookshop is open Monday - Saturday from 11am to 5pm with limited-time parking in the lane immediately outside the shop door - super convenient! But if you prefer to shop on line, go to www.churchesbookshop.im - and there's free postage AND gift wrapping on all orders placed on line between now and Christmas! There's a great mix of music on today's programme - a couple of wonderfully uplifting hymns from Huddersfield Choral Society, and a bit of Bob Marley, too! Plus our Notice Board for the coming week ... Items for the Notice Board, and requests for your favourite hymns to be included in future programmes can all be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
A special programme for this Remembrance Sunday - words and music for reflection and for hope - hope for better, peaceful world. Singer/songwriter Ralph McTell (of Streets of London fame) has always been interested in the First World War but it was a visit to the Menin Gate that compelled him to write his latest song - Unknown Soldier. On today's programme he not only sings the song, but talks in detail about his inspiration for it, and is moved to tears at the thought of the 50,000+ men who could never be identified, or went missing in action. Reverend Eddie Cubbon will long be remembered as a true Manxman and a respected Methodist Minister on the Isle of Man. But during WWII he was an Army Chaplain, and his story - as told to David Callister -vividly captures the horrors of jungle warfare against the Japanese. There's inspiring music, too - and if you would like to choose a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, or if you have items for the Notice Board, please email judithley@manxradio.com
On the programme this week ..... the similarities between Southwark Cathedral on the South Bank of the Thames and Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel might not seem instantly apparent - but they're there - and we explore them this morning in conversation with the Dean of Southwark Cathedral, the Very Reverend Andrew Nunn. We'll also discover why he and two colleagues are here on the Island for a few days, and discover the powerful lessons to be learned from two cats, playing an important part in the ministry of Southwark Cathedral! World Alzheimer's Month seeks to raise awareness and dispel the myths, the fear and the stigma surrounding all forms of dementia. It's these things which often make people reluctant to get a diagnosis, or ask for support. World Alzheimer's Month reminds us that support IS available for families affected by all forms of dementia, to help them take back control and face the future with more confidence. This morning, we reach out to anyone touched by dementia, with a beautiful peaceful blessing written by priest and poet John O'Donohue, for his Mother, Josie, who had the illness. There's our usual Notice Board, and a generous mix of music from Tom Paxton, Margaret Rizza, and the Huddersfield Choral Society. Email news for the notice board, and your favourite hymns for inclusion in future programmes, to : judithley@manxradio.com
Chine McDonald is Christian Aid's Head of Community Fundraising and Public Engagement. Ahead of the COP26 Climate Conference in Glasgow, she spent a day on the Island, meeting Government officials and fulfilling speaking engagements - she also recorded today's conversation about her own faith journey that led from her home in Lagos, Nigeria to London in the UK - where she found inspiration for her newly-published book - God Is Not A White Man, and Other Revelations. We might want to think that slavery belongs to the Victorian era - but Dan's story is a chilling reminder that it is still very much a modern problem. But Dan's life was transformed by the caring intervention and on-going support he received from the Salvation Army - with heart to God and hand to man .... Music this week is from John Rutter and the Cambridge Singers, and the International Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army - plus we have our usual notice board My email address for hymn choices and notice board items is judithley@manxradio.com
Author, broadcaster and Head of Community Fundraising and Public Engagement at Christian Aid, Chine McDonald will be visiting the Island on Tuesday 26 October to host an evening at the Manx Museum talking about COP26 and the impact of our changing climate, and after a networking break, an 'in conversation' session will explore Chine's own experiences of racial injustice and inequality. The evening - at the Manx Museum in Kingswood Grove, Douglas - is on Tuesday 26 October, starting at 7pm - to get your FREE tickets, register with Eventbrite using this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../tackling-cop26-climate... And ahead of her visit here, Chine has sent us a reflection for Black History Month, and chosen some truly inspirational music - find them both in this week's programme.
Reverend Kelvin Woolmer is convinced that God has a sense of humour - see if you agree, as you listen to the story of his journey from soldier, to policeman and ultimately to Anglican Priest - and chaplain to London's 2012 Olympic Village.
Plus there's a great mix of music - from Charles Wesley, The Priests, and Nathaniel Bassey - and our usual notice board, too
Do please email me your notice board news, and your hymn choices for future programmes - my address is judithley@manxradio.com
Manx-born Baptist minister Ruth Rice knows at first-hand how it feels to completely burn out. But from a personal crisis came a formula for wellbeing that's spread all over the UK. On this week's AT YOUR SERVICE Ruth tells her inspirational and searingly honest story - including the birth of Renew Wellbeing - quiet shared spaces where its okay not to be okay. There are two Renew Spaces developing on the Island, in Peel Methodist Church and at The Well at Broadway Baptist Church in Douglas. If you'd like more information or to contact Ruth herself, you can do so via the main website - www.renewwellbeing.org.uk Author, broadcaster, journalist and Christian Aid's Head of Community Fundraising and Public Engagement Chine McDonald is coming to the Island later this month - local Christian Aid rep Louise Whitelegg has all the details of Chine's evening at the Manx Museum on 26th October, and how to claim your free ticket for what promises to be a challenging and informative evening. Plus there's music - both traditional and new - and our notice board for this week. Notice Board news can be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Today is the start of Prisons Week - it's a call to pray for all those affected by crime and imprisonment - prisoners and their families, victims of crime, their families and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system, and the many people involved in caring for those affected by crime - inside and outside our prisons. Today's guest is Reverend Helen Dearnley, an Anglican priest and an experienced Prison Chaplain based in Leicestershire, who shares some views on her present role and the opportunities it offers for ministry in places of fear, loneliness and conflict.
You can find Prisons Week prayer resources at their website - www.prisonsweek.org
We have a celebration of the Feast of St Francis of Assisi in music, and another Notice Board packed with information about Harvest Thanksgiving Services around the Island this week - and much more!
The website address to find out more about the Simeon Wood Day Retreat - on Saturday 16 October 2021 at the Island's newest retreat centre - Thie Dy Vea - Ballawattleworth House - in Peel, is www.retreathouse.im And tickets for the Simeon Wood concert with Manx Voices in the Centenary Centre in Peel on Thursday 14 October can be booked on line at www.centenarycentre.com
Notice Board news, and your hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Just a few weeks ago, Roman Catholic priest Canon Thomas Neylon was ordained bishop by Archbishop Malcolm McMahon, in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in Liverpool. Warrington-born Bishop Tom is now an Auxiliary Bishop, ministering in the Archdiocese of Liverpool which covers a large area of the North West, and includes the Isle of Man. Immediately after his episcopal ordination, Bishop Tom spent a few days on the Island, meeting the Catholic communities, our ecumenical partners, and members of Government. He also recorded a conversation, looking back over his priestly ministry so far, and looking forward to his new ministry as a Bishop. We often talk about 'being the church' but what exactly do we mean? Rev'd Keith Price leads Ramsey Independent Methodist Church in the heart of the town, and over the past 18 months has made this into a 'hybrid' church - offering face-to-face worship at their regular services in church, but also offering on-line worship services, videos for reflection and meditation, and regular Bible studies. Rev'd Keith and his wife Heather join us today to share some thoughts on what it means to 'be the church' in today's world. If you'd like to explore more on the Ramsey Independent Methodist Church YouTube channel, copy this link and paste it into your browser - https://youtu.be/9TNnDg3xw5I As usual, there's music too - and news of Harvest Thanksgiving Services - and more - on this week's Notice Board. Items for the Notice Board, and hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, can all be emailed to me - my address is judithley@manxradio.com
The Annual Isle of Man Charity Challenge - sponsored by AFD Software of Ramsey - invites teams of 6th form students from the Island's secondary schools to select a Manx-registered charity, then learn about it, raise funds for it, engage in advocacy work to present its message to others, and then prepare an original presentation summarising its aims, achievements and objectives in the most compelling way possible. The presentations are judged by an independent panel, and the one judged best is awarded £5,000 - to be given to advance the work of the featured charity. The winning team this year came from Ramsey Grammar School, and their chosen charity is The Leprosy Mission, who was awarded the top prize of £5,000. On today's programme, the team tell their story - in a conversation between Team Leader Arabella Ayen, Tom Willis, Adam Shaw, Elliott Nash, Craig Huxon and Daniel Garrett. There's some nostalgic music, too, in the form of an Estelle White song, popular for so many years in primary schools at Harvest time - Autumn Days ... And music from the trio Selah - as well as notice board news for the coming week. Items for the notice board, and your favourite hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Songwriters Noel Robinson, Andy Flannagan and Graham Hunter took a familiar hymn tune and added words to inspire us all to understand that, wherever we are, and whatever we're doing, we can see our daily tasks through God's eyes, and through our very presence bring His kingdom here on earth - as in Heaven. Anne De Leyser believes we are all able to bless our community, our family, our colleagues and our friends, by allowing God to work through us - wherever we are. Anne travels the world, talking to people about establishing Local Houses of Prayer (you can do it with just 2 people!) and she's this week's guest on At Your Service, along with Andy Flannagan and his whole-life worship song, as we explore -in words and music - what it means to seek God's kingdom right where we are. There's music from Graham Kendrick, too, and notice board news for the coming week. If you want to know more about Anne de Leyser's ministry, visit the website www.localhousesofprayer.org And my contact email for notice board news, and to choose your favourite hymns for inclusion in future programmes is judithley@manxradio.com
This year marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11 - a series of airline hijackings and suicide attacks on targets in the United States - over 3,000 people were killed in New York, when two planes were flown into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Centre; 184 people died when another plane hit the Pentagon, and a further 40 people died in Pennsylvania, where another hijacked plane crashed in a field after passengers attempted to retake control - that plane was believed to be heading to the Capitol building in Washington DC. In New York, more than 400 police and firefighters were killed. As we listen to the thoughts of one person who was there, it's clear the passing of 20 years has done little to dull the painful memories. Anglican Priest Rev'd Dr Glynn Jones is on a short-term loan until the end of November, to assist the local ministry team, caring for the churches in North and South Ramsey, Maughold, The Dhoon and Bride, whilst they are without their own resident Vicar. But in his home Diocese of Carlisle, Rev'd Glynn is 'Chaplain to the Chaplains' - in conversation today, we find out exactly what that means. And lastly, are you ready to Ride and Stride? It's a new charity fundraiser, coming to the Island next Saturday 18 September - Rosemary Clarke has all the information, and you can download maps, a list of churches on the Island, and sponsor forms by going to the Diocesan website - https://www.sodorandman.im Hymns this week are 'Brother, Sister, let me serve you' and 'Praise my soul, the King of Heaven' The piano music is Einuadi's Nefeli, played by Gareth Deakin who - in addition to being a pianist - is also Musical Director of Sheeanyn Millish choir. There's also our regular Notice Board, with events for the coming week Notice Board items and your hymn choices for future programmes can all be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
3Generate is the children's and youth assembly of the Methodist Church, and it aims to create an inclusive and diverse space for the voice of children and young people to emerge and be heard. It enables them to speak courageously, and listen to God and each other. Through 3Generate, children and young people are equipped to understand and handle change and growth, and so have a positive impact in their local Christian communities. 3Generate calls the Church to listen to, and form relationships with and amongst children and young people, so that change can happen together, as a flourishing community.
Sue Yardy is the Scripture Union Ministries Trust Schools Worker, and Panda Dooley is the Methodist Church Youth Worker on the Island. Having taken a group of young people from the Island, to the last 3Generate conference pre-Covid, and seen how much they gained from the experience, Sue and Panda arranged for some of the 3Generate leadership team to visit the Island, to meet and talk with local young people of all Christian denominations. Today's programme explores the views, ideas and hopes of our young people, after they'd spent a couple of days with Methodist National Youth President Phoebe, and Methodist Youth Representative Roxy. And another recent visitor to the Island, Chair of the Liverpool District of the Methodist Church, Rev’d Dr Sheryl Anderson, shares her thoughts on the challenges and the chances created for all churches, by the Covid pandemic. The programme includes some great music - and our notice board for the coming week. Your hymn choices and notice board news, for inclusion in future programmes, can be emailed to judithley@manxradio.com
Manx-born Reverend Dr Janet Corlett is the new leader of the Methodist Church on the Island. We bring a flavour of her Service of Welcome held in Trinity Methodist Church at Rosemount, Douglas, on Saturday 28th August, as she becomes Chair of District, Superintendent of the Circuit and Minister of Trinity and Promenade Methodist Churches. Artist Anne House has been inspired to create a series of 34 silk paintings which tell the story of the Gospel from a fresh and unique perspective. The exhibition is opening in Onchan Methodist Church on 4th September, and it will be curated by Onchan's Minister, Rev'd Steve Ingrouille. Steve joins us on the programme with the story of the exhibition, and with a reflection on the gift of creativity. There's some great music too, and notice board news for the coming week. Items for the notice board, and your hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes can be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
No one could fail to be moved by the pictures and reports coming from Afghanistan this week - but local Christian Aid representative Louise Whitelegg was determined to put the despair she felt, into positive action. So in a matter of days, she had organised, and advertised Island-wide, a 4-hour Prayer Vigil - last Thursday evening in Trinity Methodist Church at Rosemount in Douglas - praying for Afghanistan and for Haiti - one country devastated by violence, the other devastated by earthquakes, storms and political unrest which is hampering the delivery of essential aid. On today's programme Louise shares her thoughts, music and a Bible passage, and Reverend Richard Hooton, Minister at Trinity Church, adds one of the prayers specially written for the Afghan crisis. Within 48 hours of the vigil being advertised, Louise had received over £27,000 in donations for the work of Christian Aid in Afghanistan and Haiti. If you would like to contact Louise for more information you can text or phone 07624-474275. This week we start a new feature - Why do you love YOUR church? I'm asking this same question to three members of Peel Methodist Church - will their answers be the same? Or very different? And if what they say interests you, Peel Methodist Church in Atholl Street has an Open Afternoon on Saturday 28 August from 2pm to 4pm - pop in and take a look! There's home made cakes and tea/coffee too. There's a reminder about Phil Craine's pilgrimage over the Big Bank Holiday Weekend - walking from Rushen Abbey to Maughold in 4 daily sections - phone him on 07624-437248 if you'd like to know more - but the beauty of the walk inspired local poet John Dog Collister to write an evocative poem - and you can hear it on today's programme. Plus there's notice board news, and some good music too! Your hymn choices, for inclusion in future programmes, and items for the notice board, can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
After an absence of two years due to the pandemic, Canon Philip Gillespie is back, spending summer on the Island, and taking care of the churches in Ramsey and Peel whilst resident Parish Priest Fr Brian O Mahony is on holiday. Canon Philip will be warmly remembered for his time on the Isle of Man as Parish Priest of St Mary of the Isle in Douglas, and as senior priest with oversight of all the Island's Catholic Churches. Now the Rector of the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, Canon Philip reflects on life during Italian lockdown, and shares some Scripture, prayers and hymns from the Songs of Praise service in St Adamnan's - Lonan Old Church - which he led earlier in the week.
Phil Craine is also a guest on the programme, with an invitation to walk the Triskelion Way, over the long Bank Holiday Weekend - 27th - 30th August. The full pilgrimage route of 36 miles which stretches from Rushen Abbey to Maughold, will be split into 4 sections - one for each day of the weekend - so you can choose to do as much or as little as you wish. No charge and no need to book - just a warm welcome for all. But if you would like more information, text or phone Phil on 07624-437248 or email philcraine44@gmail.com
And listen out for a beautiful Kathleen Faragher poem!
And there's notice board news, too Items for the notice board, and hymn suggestions for inclusion in future programmes, can all be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
On this exact weekend 15 years ago, a group of German visitors were enjoying exploring our Island and building strong bonds of friendship with their Manx hosts. I joined them for a service of Celtic Evening Prayer when they were in Maughold, and today's programme features that recording, and the story behind the visit. There's wonderful Manx music from Emma Christian, who entertained the group before and after the service, plus our usual notice board, and finally, a word of warning if you like cooking with onions ...... Information for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymns to be included in future editions of the programme, can all be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
Reverend Dr Janet Corlett is the new Chair of District - leader of the Methodist Church on the Island - and will take up her post at the end of August. In an interview first broadcast in. 2018, when she came to the Island to visit her parents, we learn something of her background, and the extensive experience she will bring to her leadership role in ministry on the Island. And Sheila Sutton joins us with some gentle thoughts with powerful messages! Hymns today are from the Lincoln Minster School Chamber Choir And there's notice board news, too. If you'd like to choose a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, or send in news items for the notice board, my email address is judithley@manxradio.com
The Venerable Andi Brown will retire in a few days' time, having completed ten years as Archdeacon of Mann and Vicar of St George and All Saints Church in Douglas. On At Your Service today, he talks about the challenges and blessings of doing two demanding ministries at the same time, and reflects on the other experiences he's gained during 41 years as a priest in the Church of England.
It's been over four years in the making, but this weekend a dream came true for Jean Faragher, as her project to draw together willing volunteers from local Christian churches of all denominations, to knit characters, animals, and scenery from major stories from the Bible. 'Puppets for Jesus' is now complete and offers a 'lending library' of 12 sets of puppets, each telling a Bible story, which can be borrowed for use in Messy Church, in schools, for displays etc. Jean tells her story, and we get some on-the-spot reaction to the puppets, on At Your Service this week. If you'd like to arrange to borrow the puppets or find out more details, Jean Faragher can be contacted on 01624 628374
There's music, as usual - this week Graham Kendrick's Servant King, and a Taize chant - and of course there's notice board news, too.
Your music choices for inclusion in future programmes, and items for the Notice Board, can be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
Research has shown that we fear dementia more than we fear cancer - and we find it such a hard subject to discuss - yet most of us know a friend or family member living with the illness. On the programme this week, three very different but hugely positive and inspirational women share their message. Gina Shaw was diagnosed with dementia when she was in her early 50's but she refuses to be worried or miserable - Jackie Kline is a teacher in Liverpool and she's thrilled that all the children in her school are dementia-aware, and love their weekly visits to the local care home - and Professor June Andrews is an international dementia specialist advisor with a wealth of experience gained through years of study and research, and more recently, now spends time translating the results of that research into practical help for those with dementia and their families and carers. June is also a committed Christian, and believes passionately that our church communities are ideally placed to offer support and understanding to people living with dementia, and those who love and care for them. June, Gina and Jackie will each share their thoughts, experiences - and their positivity - as we're all AT YOUR SERVICE today. There's some great music too - and a packed notice board! Items for the notice board, and your hymn choices for future programmes, can all be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
New storyboards have appeared in St George's Churchyard in Douglas - Archdeacon, and Vicar of St George's, The Ven Andie Brown, explains why they're there, saints and sinners - and if you go to St George's (Upper Church St, Douglas) on Saturday 17 July at 2.30pm you can hear more, and enjoy a strawberry tea, too! Tours of St George's Bell Tower will be available - and it's all free (but donations to Graih would be appreciated!) The Cathedral in Peel has been part of a Green Pilgrimage - encouraging us to be more eco-aware and live more sustainable lives - and their major exhibition is still in place and open daily from 9am to 6pm - supported by Scientists in Congregations - an organisation dedicated to developing existing links between scientists and the churches they attend. There's much more to be learned from Dr Henry Uniacke, the Diocesan Environmental Officer, Dean of the Cathedral, the Very Rev'd Nigel Godfrey, and Rosemary Clarke, who has had a major role to play in creating the Green Pilgrimage. And Pioneer Minister for Douglas, Rev'd Alex Brown, has an original poem, to inspire us to let go of the religious trappings that can so easily become our focus, and focus instead on God's Spirit, made known to us in Jesus Christ. And there's music And there's notice board news too! Items for the notice board, and your hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, can be emailed to me: judithley@manxradio.com
When a Methodist Minister retires, tradition says that they are 'sitting down'. So, having completed 9 years as Chair of the Isle of Man District of the Methodist Church, Reverend Richard Hall is 'sitting down' and he and is wife Ruth will shortly be leaving the Island. On today's programme, Richard reflects on his life as an ordained minister, hints at some of the challenges facing the Methodist Church, and chooses some music which is particularly meaningful to him. Mrs Olive Dobson first played the harmonium in Abbeylands Chapel on the first Sunday in July, 1941, for the Sunday School Anniversary Service - when she was just 11. 80 years later she is still playing in Abbeylands and shows no sign of stopping any time soon! She was also the organist in Onchan Methodist Church - the plan was for her to play whilst they looked for another organist, following the departure of Gordon Astill to the Parish Church ..... The temporary arrangement lasted for 50 years, during which Olive played in the morning in Onchan and afternoon and evening in Abbeylands! Olive tells her story of remarkable, quiet, steady dedication, on today's programme There's also lots of notice board information. Notice Board information, and your hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
This week, we're in the bell tower in St Thomas's Church in Douglas, to talk to Tower Captain Edwin Creer as he makes the Island part of a little bit of bell ringing history. Next, Pastor John Powell of the Elim Community Church explains why he's leading an hour of prayer for our Island from 7pm - 8pm on Tuesday 6 July - and as the Isle of Man Flower Festival prepares to open at St John's Mill from 3th - 5th July, we get the details from organiser Judy Matthews, and also chat with Pat Jackson and Eileen Speers - founder members of the original Manx Heritage Flower Festival back in 1991 - and there's music too! Items for the Notice Board, and your hymn choices for inclusion in future programmes, can all be sent to me via email: judithley@manxradio.com
Dr Graham McCall could be enjoying a relaxing retirement in Patrick, following a varied career in medicine, as a general surgeon and a GP in inner city Sheffield. But instead, he's reinstated his medical qualifications and works on the Covid 111 Helpline. He's also deeply involved in the life and ministry of his local church - Kirk Patrick - and keeps his vibrant Christian faith at the very heart of all he does. On At Your Service this week, he tells his story - chooses a favourite Bible passage, and adds some uplifting music. There's also a full Notice Board of events during the coming week. To choose YOUR favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme and to add items to the AYS Notice Board, email judithley@manxradio.com
Agneash Chapel, in the hills above Laxey village, has been a place of prayer and worship for over 1,300 years - since a monk first lived in a keeill (a tiny chapel) built on the boundary wall of the current chapel, in AD690. The present chapel was built in 1857 after 17 years of services being held in nearby cottages. In the 1800's Agneash was in a mining and farming community and often there would be around 200 people at services and events in the tiny chapel. Numbers are less now, but the chapel still has a dedicated congregation with a deep desire to preserve the 'specialness' of this place. So, Agneash has become the first place on the Isle of Man to be part of the Small Pilgrim Places Network (www.smallpilgrimplaces.org) Small pilgrim places are 'simple, quiet, unpretentious - with the presence of the Divine ......' they can be chapels, ruins, gardens, holy wells ....... A place where (according to Thomas Merton) 'your mind can be idle, forget its concerns, descend into silence and worship in secret' On today's programme, Reverend Steve Ingrouille (Methodist minister at Agneash) and Agneash residents Hilary Simm and Robin Sadler reflect on finding God in the natural world, and in 'thin places' like Agneash chapel. There will be a special coffee morning to 'launch' Agneash as a Small Pilgrim Place, on Saturday 19 June between 10am and 12noon - all are welcome to enjoy hot drinks and home made cakes, and find out more. Items for the At Your Service Notice Board, and suggestions for hymns you'd like to hear in forthcoming programmes, can be emailed to me - judithley@manxradio.com
The Port St Mary Beach Mission is a firm fixture on the Manx calendar - those two weeks of fun and faith-sharing, in August each year, began in 1901 - and the outreach has only ever been completely stopped by the two World Wars. It attracts around 400 children and teenagers, and a team of adult volunteer leaders give up their own holiday time, to help with the mission. Even last year, when border restrictions meant that the UK leaders couldn't travel to the Island, the Beach Mission went ahead - on line - with videos, games, music, and resources to use at home. But what makes the Beach Mission so special? Three guests today, share some thoughts and experiences :- - Rev'd Alex Brown, who for many years led Scripture Union on the Island and even now, in his role as Pioneer Minister, is happy to remain involved in the Beach Mission - Sarah Buss, a PE teacher who remembers going to Beach Mission as a child, and still enjoys the experience of being involved - Ruth Walker, who, as current leader of Scripture Union Ministries Trust on the Island, is right at the heartbeat of the Beach Mission each year. And there's a great mix of music - a wonderful arrangement of a traditional hymn by the Huddersfield Choral Society, and worship choruses from Chris Tomlin, and Michael W. Smith And there's a notice board for this coming week, too. Information for the notice board can be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com This year, there's going to be a scaled-down Beach Mission - from 1st to 7th August - and Mallmore on the Promenade in Port St Mary will once again be the Beach Mission HQ. All the details are on the website - www.psmbm.org.im
Laxey resident Sheila Sutton is no stranger to suffering, having recently undergone major surgery to remove a cancerous tumour - yet she remains happy - and hugely hopeful! On today's programme, she explains where her hope really lies, with a reflection, a favourite poem and a few moments of prayer.
Rev'd Nicky Gumbel is an Anglican priest based in Holy Trinity Church, Brompton, London, and is known as the developer of the Alpha Course - an 11-session programme which gives a basic introduction to Christianity, and which is supported by churches of many different Christian traditions. Alpha is now also available on line along with other opportunities for learning and growing in faith. This morning, we bring you highlights from Nicky's keynote address at the recent 2021 Leadership Conference, as he re-imagines a post-pandemic world.
And we end with a story from the much-loved Celtic writer David Adam, who drew inspiration for his many books of prayers, poems and reflections, from his passion for nature, the Celtic Saints and 'the mystery of existence' (his own words!) He was in active ministry for some 60 years, 13 spent as Vicar of the Holy Island of LIndisfarne.
And there's inspiring music, too - and our weekly notice board.
Items for the notice board can be emailed to me:
judithley@manxradio.com
Manxman Brendan O'Friel spent his entire working life in seven different penal institutions, including Strangeways Prison in Manchester before and during the riots of 1990. He's just published a fascinatingly detailed and informative book which has already been acclaimed as essential reading for anyone considering a career in the prison system, and joins us on the programme to explore how his Catholic faith has informed his choices, value systems and general approach to his working life.
Brendan's book - Prison Governor's Journal - is available from Lexicon Bookshop, 63, Strand Street, Douglas IM1 2RL
It can also be ordered on line - www.prisongovernorjournal.com
And today is the Feast of Pentecost - often called the birthday of the Church, because it marks the coming of the Holy Spirit which transformed the disciples from frightened men into powerful teachers who, against all opposition, spread the message of love, hope and everlasting life through faith in Jesus Christ - a message which remains true to this day. Reverend Alex Brown gives an eye-witness account of the events of that first Pentecost!
And we have Notice Board news too - items for inclusion on the Notice Board, and hymn choices for future programmes are all most welcome.
Email me:
judithley@manxradio.com
WELCOME to an AT YOUR SERVICE special podcast-only programme.
This is the full service to celebrate the Centenary of the Royal British Legion, recorded in St George's Church, Douglas, the Civic Church of the Isle of Man's Capital Town, on Sunday 16 May 2021. The service is led by the Archdeacon of Mann, The Venerable Andi Brown, in the presence of His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Sir Richard Gozney, and Lady Gozney.
The Lord Bishop, the Rt Reverend Peter Eagles, preaches the sermon, and there are musical items from a piper from the Ellan Vannin Pipes and Drums, Women in Song Community Choir directed by Mrs Karen Elliott, and the Lhon Doo Male Voice Choir directed by Mrs Wendy McDowell. Accompaniment for the hymns, plus other musical items including The Last Post and Reveille, is provided by Castletown Metropolitan Silver Band.
For the past sixteen years, Praying the Keeills Week has offered eight days of varied walks, talks, coach tours and times of fellowship - all in the glorious Manx countryside - exploring, with the help of well-informed guides - our Island's ancient keeill sites. Keeills are Christian chapels built on the Isle of Man between the 8th and 12th centuries. The earliest ones were small, and built of earth. Later they were made of stone, and were larger. It's believed that there were around 200 keeills, of which visible remains of only about 35 can be seen today. They had a variety of uses - family chapels, wayside shrines, places where a priest would rest whilst travelling round the Island, are a tangible link with our rich Celtic heritage. Some had a walled graveyard around them, and others were built near a well. Many can be found in some of the Island's most beautiful scenery , and were described by our ancestors as 'thin places' where we can draw closer to God. Prayer and meditation were important to those who worshipped in and around the keeills - and these ancient places of peace and tranquility offer us a chance to step aside from there busy-ness of life, and rediscover what we may have lost.
For the full programme of events during Keeills Week (22 - 29 May 2021) visit the website - www.prayingthekeeills.org
Only one event is chargeable - the Wednesday night coach tour (booking essential - see the website)
All other events are free and there is no need to book - just turn up!
And as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, we hear from Gemma Simmonds CJ - a sister of the Congregation of Jesus who lived and worked in Jerusalem, and discovered a most powerful and unexpected peace initiative. That also has a website - www.tentofnations.org
Plus there's Celtic prayer songs from folk duo CAIM - and notice board news too.
To add events to our AYS notice board, and to choose music for future programmes, email me - judithley@manxradio.com
Whereas our western 'wealth' affords us at least some certainty in difficult times, a combination of the pandemic and the effects of climate change have widened the gap between us, and our poorest global neighbours.
This year’s Christian Aid project will help young unemployed people in Burundi - still one of the world’s most poverty-stricken countries, with over 70% of the population who have no work at all, and as she launches the NO SMALL CHANGE appeal, Christian Aid’s local representative Louise Whitelegg wonders if she’s a lover? Or a fighter?
This year’s project will be life-changing for young people in Burundi. Using local Christian Aid partners, they’ll be helped to set up agricultural businesses suitable for the changing climate in their country, and taught about marketing and finance, so they can save money, and also set up loan groups to improve life in their villages.
If you want to be part of creating a more just world, Louise Whitelegg - our Island representative - is your best contact - you’ll find her on Facebook - and she’s always happy to get your text or a call on 07624 474275
There’ll be lots of events to support Christian Aid over the coming months - look out for local publicity and do please join in if you possibly can.
To find out more about the work of Christian Aid, look at their website: https://www.christianaid.org.uk
And we ask the question ….. what would make someone give up a high profile, well-paid, influential job ? Was it because all those seeming benefits just weren’t enough …..? An interview with Loretta Minghella, recorded some ten years ago when she visited the Island in her capacity as Director of Christian Aid, holds the answers.
Also on today’s programme, Phil Craine reads from a new book published to mark Christian Aid’s 75th anniversary - it’s called Rage & Hope: 75 Prayers for a Better World and is out now and available here: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/rage-and-hope
And there’s music too - including Paul Field and Martin John Nicolls who have written a number of songs inspired by the issues which Christian Aid confronts time and again.
News for the notice board, and requests for your favourite hymns to be included in future programmes can all be sent to me via email - judithley@manxradio.com
Lockdown is easing, Spring has sprung and today is the final day of National Gardening Week!
Run annually by the Royal Horticultural Society, the focus this year has been on encouraging people to keep growing things and enjoying green spaces for their proven benefits to health and general wellbeing.
This morning we hear three stories of how churches are using gardens to serve their local communities.
And we meet Maggie - one of a number of people who took part in The Bible Society's quest to find our favourite Bible verse - but for Maggie, the words of the 23rd Psalm really did become her lifeline
This week's programme includes music by John Rutter, and from The Choirgirl - Isabel Suckling
And there's Notice Board news too - if your church is planning a special event or service, email details to me: judithley@manxradio.com
That's also the address to use if you'd like to choose a hymn or sacred song for a future programme.
I'd love to hear from you!
Do you remember the KB Krew?
If the answer is 'yes' you'll love today's programme - and if you've never heard of them, you'll enjoy meeting them for the first time.
On At Your Service this week, we're delving into the archives to listen to a service recorded in Kirk Braddan in 2007, entirely prepared and presented by members of the KB Krew - the parish youth group who met every Sunday night under the guidance of Lloyd and Carolyn Shipstone, and with the support of the Vicar of Kirk Braddan at that time, Canon Philip Frear.
The KB Krew enjoyed sports challenges, picnics, and BBQ's, as well as taking part in charity and community events. But developing a strong Christian faith was always at the centre of the group. Although this recording is 14 years old, two things really impressed me - firstly, its message is still powerful - and relevant to people of all ages - and equally importantly, the teenagers prepared every part of the service themselves, so they chose Bible readings, prepared reflections and wrote prayers, all to exactly express their own lived experiences of being a young person exploring and developing their Christian faith.
KB Krew members taking part are:
Alexandra Ferrier
Tara Cubbon
Ian Molyneux
Natasha Ferrier
Lana Cubbon
Hannah Corrin
Charlotte Dudgeon
Jo McDonald
Gemma Williams
Nathan Shipstone
and Laura Davenport reflects on a familiar verse from Saint John’s Gospel.
Then, coming right up-to-date, modern teenager Lula Brown shows us how to be a real witness!
Plus there's music, and - as our churches are open again, we've re-started our Notice Board
If you'd like to choose a favourite hymn for inclusion in a future programme, and/or you have news of special services or church-related events for the Notice Board do please let me know - my email address is judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you!
We begin this week's programme with edited highlights from the ceremonial funeral for His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, held yesterday in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, under strict Covid restrictions.
Every detail of the service was planned in advance by the Duke himself, to reflect personal elements of his life and his close military ties. There was no eulogy singing his praises, no sermon, and no family readings. Instead, the Duke chose Bible passages, prayers and sacred music which reflected his deep Christian faith.
In death, there is no rank or seniority - we are all equal in the sight of God, and yesterday's service placed Her Majesty the Queen and her family alongside every other bereaved person.
As we listen to the extracts from yesterday’s service, my prayer is that anyone feeling lost and alone at this time might, in these moments, also feel the consoling love that is God’s gift, as He stands alongside all who are in pain or distress.
Later in the programme, we hear a story of re-discovering the joy in life, with some very unexpected help; the innocence of a 5-year-old brings joy and simplicity to the familiar words of the Lord's Prayer, and there's music from Aled Jones and Russell Watson, too!
With the reopening of our churches this week, events and special services will be resuming too, so do please let me have details for our Notice Board, and for inclusion in my Sundown community news too. My email address is judithley@manxradio.com and you can use the same address to send me details of your favourite hymn, for inclusion in a future edition of AT YOUR SERVICE - I'd love to hear from you!
Following the death of His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, we reflect in words, music and prayers on 'a life well lived' for the benefit of others - and including not only the late Duke, but all who have died recently.
We also recall an exceptional man who, at the age of 90, died in March - Reverend Canon Dr John Polkinghorne - a distinguished academic, an expert in quantum physics, and an Anglican priest who was awarded the £1 million Templeton Prize for his use of science to explore life's deepest questions.
In this programme, we listen again to an interview he gave when he visited the Island some years ago, sharing his thoughts clearly and simply, on the nature of God and the relationship between faith and science.
And we continue our celebration of the Easter season with uplifting music, and with a diary entry which is so gloriously joyful that it is almost a prayer in itself!
Music is an important part of At Your Service and if you would like to choose a favourite hymn or piece of sacred music, for inclusion in a future programme, do please email me - judithley@manxradio.com
The Easter Halleluia is here! At Your Service on this most important day, comes from St German's Cathedral in Peel, and includes a welcome from the Dean, the Very Reverend Nigel Godfrey, a challenging message from Bishop Peter, and Reverend Ruth Walker, curate at the Cathedral, shares a very vivid Easter memory. The St German's Cathedral choristers also play a major part in today's programme, as we premier their brand new recording of the Easter Halleluia - words by Kelley Mooney to a very familiar tune! The Easter Halleluia music video has been produced to mark the 40th Anniversary of St German's being the Island's Cathedral snd features Kelley herself playing piano and singing with the choristers. The programme includes the Cathedral's Director of Music - Dr Peter Litman - talking about the background to the recording, as well as the choristers reflecting on the experience. The choristers also lead a time of prayer, and read the story of the Resurrection from St John's Gospel.
The music video is available now on the Cathedral's YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4C1e-m6KT8
Today is PALM SUNDAY, the first day of a week that the Christian church calls HOLY - today we recall Jesus - riding into Jerusalem on a humble donkey - yet greeted like a king by the huge crowds cheering and shouting his praises So - how could a week that begins with so much joy and excitement - end with a sordid and painful death? But it did - and yet still we call it ‘Holy Week’ - and the worst day of all - we call it Good Friday.
But it IS a Holy Week
And Friday IS Good
And the events we’re reflecting on this morning still have the power to change lives today - if we let the story of Jesus become OUR story too ……
Lord, where are you now? - is the understandable question we all ask when life deals us - and those we love - the hardest, most bitter blows.
This week is called holy - because it’s our chance to reflect on something amazing - that God sent his son Jesus into this world - a human being just like you and me - who actually did nothing but good - but who was prepared to suffer hideously and die an appalling death - to sweep away all the sin in our lives and to offer to everyone the way to an everlasting life.
And Good Friday ?
Jesus - hanging on the cross - is saying to each one of us - in the most painful times of your life, I am with you …
We explore the story of Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Good Friday through Bible passages, thoughts, music - and an agonising story.
Your music suggestions for At Your Service are always welcome - email me - judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you.
At Your Service for Easter Day will be presented by the choristers and Ministry Team at the Island's Cathedral in Peel and will include the premier of some very special Easter music.
We now know that for the second year, our celebration of Easter will be different - with none of the special church services, walks of witness and other ways that we mark the feast that’s at the very heart of the Christian faith.
And although this might at first seem disappointing, it COULD also make the Easter message even more meaningful.
Because the message of Easter - the absolute core of the Christian faith - is that God sent his son Jesus Christ to live a fully human life, experiencing and understanding all the things that make up OUR lives - even to accepting an unjust and degrading death on a cross - but that death was not the end - His rising from the dead on the first Easter Day is our invitation to share that same life without end, which he offers every day to everyone, everywhere.
On today's programme, seven people from different backgrounds match their present-day experiences with some key words from the Bible account of Jesus' mock trial and death.
These first-hand stories show how events from two thousand years ago STILL speak to the situations we all recognise today.
Music today includes a bright and fresh recording of 'Be Thou My Vision O Lord of my heart' by the Chapel Choir from King William's College in Castletown, conducted by Head of Music, Mr Steve Daykin and 'The Servant King' by Graham Kendrick.
If you would like to choose a favourite hymn or worship chorus, I'd love to hear from you - email the details to me - judithley@manxradio.com
On this - Mothering Sunday - the programme looks at women - at loving relationships, and how they shape our lives.
For Margaret Tooth, Mothers Day has a double significance, and Reverend Jo Dudley, vicar of Christ Church in Laxey, speaks movingly of a truly life-changing relationship.
We also delve into the archives to hear from women who visited the Island some 15 years ago, and in so doing, made a bit of Methodist Church history at St John's. Remarkably, the organisation they represented then is still going strong - working in 71 countries and involving over three and a half million women, and the purpose of their visit was to honour the work of one local woman - Mrs Elizabeth Kissack. It's the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women, and their message is still as relevant and challenging today, as it was 15 years ago. If you'd like to know more, their website is https://wfmucw.org
And there's music too - and if YOU would like to choose a favourite hymn or piece of sacred music, for inclusion in a future programme, do please let me know.
Email me - judithley@manxradio.com I'd love to hear from you!