Episodes
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...
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...
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 mi...
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 - th...
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 ove...
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 Joh...
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 th...
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 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 cou...
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 lett...
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 ...
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, ...
Earlier this month, St Paul's Church celebrated 200 years of service to ...
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...
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 ...
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 Myl...
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 ba...
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 d...
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 misund...
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'...
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 Thoma...
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 joi...
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 sh...
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
- 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
- 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 M...
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 Thoma...
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 instant...
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 n...
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 peo...
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 cou...