Episodes
The Island has a lively Interfaith Group which meets regularly to develop friendships and promote understanding between people from different faith backgrounds.
Earlier this month, to mark Interfaith Week 2020, the local Interfaith Group took part in the Buddies project which involved two people from different faiths meeting regularly to discover - through informal conversation - their differences and similarities.
On At Your Service today, we're eavesdropping on the conversations of three pairs of Interfaith Buddies - as Cat and Joanna, Deborah and Simin and Tim and Rosemary - find...
During his career, multi-talented artist Archibald Knox designed everything from silver teapots to slate gravestones and grocer’s bank cheques.
His innovative designs were in the vanguard of the Art Nouveau movement and his work continues to influence many Manx artists to this day.
But it’s an ancient prayer which inspired what is regarded by many as Knox’s greatest work. It’s a prayer which has been set to music and transformed into hymns, and is known either as The Deer’s Cry, or St Patrick’s Breastplate.
Yvonne Cresswell, who is Curator of Social History at Manx National Heritage...
A special edition of AT YOUR SERVICE for Remembrance Sunday.
A selection of true stories reveal the impact of the two World Wars on the lives of ordinary people - there's a pause for reflection on some verses from the Bible, and a time of prayer for our world.
There's music, too - I Vow To Thee My Country, Let There be Peace on Earth, and a brand new version of a popular hymn by the Military Wives Choirs.
'Abide With Me' was sung in Westminster Abbey on Armistice Day 1920, as the Unknown Warrior was laid to rest there - representing the 165,000 who died in battle, and who were either...
Exactly one year ago this week, a group of folk from the Island met up with a group from the UK, to make a ten-day pilgrimage to the Holy Land, led by Rev'd Steve Ingrouille (Onchan Methodist Church) his father Rev'd Rod Ingrouille from Weston-Super-Mare and Rev'd Dawn Harrison, and Anglican Priest in ministry on Merseyside.
After a year of change and challenge, and at a time when no one could consider making the same journey, some of the pilgrims reflect on their journey - Chido Maunze, Margaret and Colin Brown, and Howard and Sandra Parkin share the memories they'll never forget. This ...
This is BIBLE SUNDAY and Andrew Ollerton of The Bible Society believes that reading and understanding the Bible really has the power to change lives, as he explain how some verses from the Old Testament have a remarkably modern message.
Author Liz Babbs encourages us to make the message come alive by imagining ourselves in stories from the Bible - and there's music from hymn writer Isaac Watts, alongside live worship from Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and a beautiful musical setting of words from chapter 6 of St Matthew's Gospel.
There's church notice board news, too - and if you...
As nationwide Prisons Week draws to a close, Rev'd Dr DeeDee Haines shares some thoughts from her experience as a prison chaplain; Cheryl Cousins, local minister for Dalby Village and St James' church finds interesting comparisons between plants and people in her call for a fairer world, and Rev'd Alex Brown, Pioneer Minister in Douglas, takes a fresh look at what St Matthew's gospel tells us about prayer.
And there's music too - we begin with a little oasis of calm - a requested choice from young choir Libera, then some vintage folk music from Sydney Carter, new music from British gospel...
Reverend Richard Hall leads the Methodist Church on the Island; he joins us this morning to tell A Tale of Three Trees.
Reverend Jo Dudley is Vicar of Christ Church in Laxey, and the season of Harvest Thanksgiving always takes her back to schooldays and childhood memories, and Phil Craine brings us a prayer through poetry - this week his choice is from the works of R.S. Thomas - The Bright Field.
Music this week includes another great 19th century hymn tune by Arthur Sullivan - 'To Thee, O Lord, Our Hearts We Raise', a version of 'Morning Has Broken' by Aled Jones and Nell Bryden, a...
Another joyful celebration at the Cathedral yesterday, as Rev'd Ruth Walker was ordained priest by Bishop Peter -she will continue as a curate at the Cathedral, working with the Dean, The Very Rev'd Nigel Godfrey.
October 4th is the Feast of St Francis of Assisi - one of our best-loved Saints, known for his love and respect for all creation, and his desire to live a simple life - but what does the life of St Francis have say to us, nearly 800 years after his death? Deacon Keith Fournier believes it's a message we simply cannot ignore.
And Reverend Andy Fishburne, a Methodist minister in...
It's Autumn - and the season of Harvest Thanksgiving services - we've a couple of favourite harvest hymns on today's programme, along with news of several harvest celebrations and other special events where you'll be made very welcome.
Rev'd Jon Barwood and Rev'd Steven Herron were ordained as Deacons in the Church of England by Bishop Peter in the Cathedral in Peel on Saturday afternoon. We bring you a flavour of their special ordination ceremony.
Pioneer Minister in Douglas, Reverend Alex Brown, is always looking for new ways to show that the message of Jesus is as relevant and lif...
Five years ago this weekend, the Island lost one of its finest Manx men - a respected farmer - a member of the Manx Farmers Union for over 50 years and its longest serving President - a Commissioner, Justice of the Peace, Captain of his Parish for over 20 years - and a very popular presenter here on Manx Radio. You’ve probably already guessed that description could only be John Kennaugh, who died on 21st September 2015 after a short illness.
On this fifth anniversary of John’s death, we reflect on another aspect of his life which actually underpinned everything else that he did - and ...
The Bible tells us that, to build a truly loving community, we must be ready to forgive when we've been hurt by the actions of others - and that's everything from petty insults to the killing of someone we love.
This week we tackle the big questions - is it really possible to truly forgive - and why should we even try?
To find some answers we have a look at the Bible, and then go back to a remarkable conversation with retired Isle of Man Chief Constable Robin Oake, who stunned everyone when he said he forgave the killer of his son, Detective Constable Stephen Oake, who was stabbed through ...
Congratulations and all good wishes to Alison and Steve Taylor, and to Colin and Margaret Brown who each celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversaries this weekend. Our first hymn on the programme has been chosen by Colin and Margaret, as it was sung on their wedding day.
Long marriages have inspired Rev'd John Powell, pastor of Onchan Elim, to reflect on Jesus' teaching about the mustard seed - and the possibility that something tiny can grow into something mighty which will benefit many.
John's church - Onchan Elim - meets at 10.15am every Sunday in the Onchan Family Centre on Second ...
Described as "A gathering in prayer and reflection, as we mourn those who have died, weep with those who weep, and give thanks for those who labour faithfully for all our sakes" a special Service of Reflection, organised by the Isle of Man Government, was held in St George's Church in Douglas on Friday 28th August, to reflect and give thanks for all that has been achieved in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic, and to place into God's care, whatever may lie ahead for us.
Led by the Archdeacon of Mann, the Venerable Andie Brown, who is both Vicar of St George's and Chaplain to the House of ...
An AT YOUR SERVICE special programme - the Isle of Man Government National Service of Reflection, recorded on Friday 28 August 2020 in St George's - the Civic Church of the capital town of Douglas.
The service is described as "a time to gather in prayer and reflection, as we mourn those who have died, weep with those who weep, and give thanks for those who labour faithfully for all our sakes"
The service is led by the Archdeacon, the Venerable Andie Brown who, in addition to being the Vicar of St George's, is also Chaplain to the House of Keys.
Those present included Mr Speaker and the Ch...
Nineteen individual gardens, created in the grounds of the Cathedral in Peel, tell in wonderfully imaginative ways, the development of Christianity and culture on the Island from the 6th to the 21st century.
Gardeners, conservationists and lovers of wildlife will find endless interest here - there's history to explore, legends to learn - and a labyrinth to walk - and for the children, there are woodlands specially planted for them, and a dinosaur trail.
But possibly strongest is the peaceful, prayerful atmosphere that draws people of all faiths and none, back to the gardens again and a...
Nearly a hundred and fifty years ago, a vicar's wife in Hampshire started an organisation which she hoped would help local women, by supporting and strengthening their family life. Today, that same organisation - the Mothers' Union - has over 4 million members and operates in 84 countries world-wide.
In August each year, the work of Mothers' Union founder Mary Sumner is celebrated in a special service that draws together MU members from all around the Island. This year, our Founders Day service was in St Matthew's Church in Douglas and At Your Service brings you the key moments from ...
At the heart of AT YOUR SERVICE today are two stories from the Gospel according to St Matthew - both involve miracles, but one of them involves taking a leap of faith - it's the story of Jesus walking on the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee, and disciple Peter trying to do the same.
For Reverend Jo Dudley (Vicar of Christ Church in Laxey) this story took on a whole new significance after she had the chance to actually be in a boat on the Sea of Galilee.
But for Pioneer Minister Reverend Alex Brown, walking on the water - taking a leap of faith - is something he tries constantly to...
AT YOUR SERVICE today is full of stories!
Liz Babbs - who describes herself as a creative communicator - explains why it's so important for us to take time to stop and think - then invites us to be an active part of a very special story. If you'd like to discover more of Liz's Bible-based meditations, you'll find lots of information on her website - lizbabbs.com
Another set of stories takes us to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne through the words and music of singer/songwriter Andrew Lobb, author David Adam (for many years the Vicar of Holy Island) and Ray Simpson (founder of the Retreat ...
The famous Port St Mary Beach Mission has been providing two weeks of fun, games, friendship and Bible teaching every year since 1901 - only missing the years of the two World Wars! It's an impressive record, and still attracts around 400 local children and young people each summer. It's organised by Scripture Union Ministries Trust, and the Beach Mission Headquarters are at Mallmore on the Promenade in Port St Mary.
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Beach Mission Leaders David and Evelyn Stewart realised that it wouldn't be possible to run the usual event in August - so they set to wo...
AT YOUR SERVICE goes out into the glorious Manx countryside his week, as we prepare to celebrate the Feast of St Maughold on 31 July.
We reflect on the life of this great Celtic saint and his place in our Island's Christian heritage, as we spend a little time in the keeills (remains of tiny chapels), in the nearby Cross House, and in Maughold Parish Church itself, in the company of Clare Faulds, Church Warden at Kirk Maughold.
Clare explains why these places are so important to her, and what she is planning for everyone to share in, around the feast day
Pioneer Minister Rev'd Alex Brow...
Do we hear God prompting us to do something in His name?
And if we do, how do we respond?
Everyone taking part in At Your Service this week has answered that call to serve God, in very different ways.
Over 4 million Mothers' Union members working in 84 different countries serve God by meeting the needs they find in their local communities - and during the Covid-19 pandemic those needs have ranged from providing food for people who are starving, to making face coverings and supporting low-income key workers separated from their families. Recently, Mothers' Union leaders put a special se...
On 29 June, the Christian church celebrates two great saints - Peter and Paul - who dedicated their life to serving God and serving God's people.
On today's programme, we reflect on these two very different men, and ask the question - what does it mean today - two thousand years later - to dedicate your whole life to the service of God, and of the community?
Reverend Marc Wolverson, who is an Anglican priest in Lancashire now, but for nearly 5 years was the Vicar of All Saints Church in Douglas, and Captain Dylan Nieuwoudt, leader of the Salvation Army on the Island, each share their ...
Peter Shimmin is a Reader in the Anglican Parish of the Northern Plain. He often finds that life with his faithful dog Jacko has strong parallels with the words of Jesus - today he reflects (with Jacko's help!) on the words of the much-loved 23rd Psalm - The Lord is my shepherd.
Bethan Cannell tells her own lockdown story that's brought her back to the Island and interrupted her voluntary work with Operation Mobilisation - the world's biggest floating Book Fair. If you'd like to know more about Bethan's work, take a look at the website www.om.org/en
And the Reverend Andrew Moughtin-...
On AT YOUR SERVICE today we've a bit of nostalgia for Father's Day, then Rev'd Alex Brown reflects on some verses from St Matthew's Gospel that are really appropriate, now that the Island has achieved local elimination of Covid-19, and we can now stop social distancing and move out of lockdown.
But Alex's specially-written reflection called "Whispers" asks some tough questions .....
What have we done with all the lessons we learned over the last three months?
Are we going back to our old way of life - or can we do so much better?
Rev'd Alex has an interesting music choice, too - How Grea...
It's all about relationships on AT YOUR SERVICE today - a couple of people share precious memories of family relationships, and TIM PRICE - who is a member of the Ministry Team at Ramsey Independent Methodist Church, shares some thoughts on the ultimate relationship - the one between God and each one of us.
And as we prepare to move out of lockdown, Father Denis Blackledge, a Jesuit priest in Liverpool, suggests that this would be a great time for us all to go viral! Louise Beckett reads his words.
And of course we have music - more of your hymn choices - this week from Mrs Jean Collis...
Reverend Dr Barbara Glasson, and Professor Clive Marsh are - respectively - President and Vice President of the Methodist Conference - joint leaders of the Methodist Church in England, Wales, Scotland, the Shetlands, the Channel Islands and - yes - the Isle of Man too!
They planned to be here on the Island this weekend, but as that's not possible, they've each recorded messages which are at the heart of today's programme.
President Barbara believes there's a great richness in sharing our stories, and listening carefully as others share theirs - working at her spinning wheel as she ta...
Today is PENTECOST SUNDAY - often called the Birthday of the Church.
It's the day we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.
When Jesus went back to Heaven, he promised his closest friends that He would not desert them - that God the Father would send a 'helper'
On the first Feast of Pentecost, the power of the Holy Spirit came down on the Apostles in the form of a rushing wind and tongues of fire - transforming them from fearful men to fearless missionaries - ready to take Jesus' message to the ends of the earth - and so, the church of Jesus Christ on earth was born...
THY KINGDOM COME is a call to prayer, started in England just five years ago by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, which has now become a global movement. Each year, for ten days between Ascension Day (21 May) and Pentecost (31 May) there's a world-wide invitation for Christians everywhere to pray that more people will come to know Jesus, and experience His love and His power in their life.
Emma Buchan is the Project Director for Thy Kingdom Come, working for the Archbishop of Canterbury, with Chris Russell who is the Archbishop's advisor on Evangelism and Witness - she joins us to...
This week, Reverend Andy Fishburne (Methodist Minister in the west of the Island) finds that some words from St John's Gospel have a strong message for us today, as we take some more steps out of the Covid-19 lockdown.
Reverend Dawn Mather (leader of the United Reformed Church on the Island) draws on her extensive experience as a hospital chaplain, to share a story that shows how helpful it is to have the conversation we all dread - the one about end of life.
But when someone we love is seriously ill, and wants to talk about how they wish their death to be, we need to be willing to be '...
Had it not been for the Covid-19 pandemic, Services of Celebration and Commemoration would have been taking place around the Island, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of the war in Europe - VE Day - the 8th of May 1945.
So, using prayers, hymns and reflections which would have formed a major part of those services, and presented by people who would themselves have been taking part, AT YOUR SERVICE today pays tribute to the millions of men and women at home and abroad, who gave so much, so we can now know freedom.
The hymns today are the same ones used at the very first Service ...