At Your Service - Manx Radio

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 McMahonPlus 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 accuseA 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.ukKEYSTONES 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 139A 'first' for the programme - the first time we've featured music for worship from Ed Sheeran -Jesus, lift my soulAnd 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 alongWhat'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, JackoAnd 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 CorrinPlus 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 seasonThere'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, tooAnd 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 2024All 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