Thought for the Week

With special sales of fairly traded goods being held around the Island in the coming weeks, here's another chance to listen to a group of children from St Mary's School in Douglas, as they explain why they believe it's important for us to think carefully about what we buy

Another chance to hear Bishop Peter offering some suggestions for keeping our spirits up whilst we're locked down - all of them linked in some way with the hope that comes to us in the message of Easter

Paul Moores is an Area Representative for the The Leprosy Mission, with responsibility for the Isle of Man. The Leprosy Mission is an international charity with 141 years of experience, currently working in around 30 leprosy-affected countries. Through The Leprosy Mission's global family, the charity serves a population of around 305 million people. Here's another chance to hear Paul talking about some of his favourite Super Heroes !

Monsignor John Devine is Parish Priest of the Roman Catholic Churches in Douglas, Onchan and Willaston - he's also the senior Catholic priest on the Island. Reflecting on the events of first Holy Week, he sees many links with our present situation - fighting the Coronavirus pandemic.

In this Thought for the Week, five real people from various walks of life talk about the difference that faith in God makes to their life. Graham Kendrick is a well-known worship leader, musician and songwriter; Sheila is a computer programmer, Beryl is a housewife, Trevor is a deputy head teacher and Helen is a nursery nurse, and the mother of three children.

You've probably seen Messy Church advertised somewhere around the Island, or heard someone talking about it - but what exactly IS it? And who is it for? Nancy Clague has been looking for answers!

Peter Shimmin is a Reader in the Church of England, and can often be found taking services in churches around the North of the Island. But it's his faithful friend - his dog Jacko - who's giving him inspiration for this series of thoughts for the week.

For some years, Rev'd Dr Dee Dee Haines was an active leader in the Methodist Church on the Island. We're pleased that she can still join us to share her thoughts with us - this week, the world of school is giving her much to consider.

Pioneer Minister for Douglas, Reverend Alex Brown, joins us with some thoughts specially for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Five members of the Isle of Man Freethinkers join us with their thoughts on subject ranging from the environment, coping with personal loss, the writing of Alan Bennett - and going for a picnic with Eeyore! They're Muriel and Jeff Garland, Rob Crichton, Stuart Hartill and Vicky Christian

Norma Cowell is a born storyteller - take a few minutes to listen to this collection of entertaining tales that will make you think!

Monsignor John Devine is the senior Roman Catholic priest on the Island. In this podcast, he reflects on his experiences of Christmas, and has a few ideas for us to take into the New Year

Reverend Richard Hall is the leader of the Methodist Church on the Island. In this podcast, he reflects on the deeper, lasting meaning of the Christmas season

Michael Manning is the Community Worker for local charity GRAIH (the Manx word for LOVE) which offers a home to the homeless. This week, Michael shares stories and thoughts - and a different look at Christmas - inspired by the people he meets round the kitchen table at the GRAIH drop-in,

Christmas parties, nativity plays, Christmas dinner, Christmas stockings and Christmas puddings - they're all part of the 'history of Christmas'. Each day this week, people from a variety of backgrounds share their memories, and their thoughts for those for whom this season is more of a struggle than a celebration

WRITE A LETTER, CHANGE A LIFE - that's the message of Amnesty International's WRITE FOR RIGHTS current campaign. This week, five local members of Amnesty International - Phil Matthews, Jane Crellin, Stuart Hartill, Vicky Christian and Vinci Pabellan - share true stories of young people around the world who are fighting for freedom, justice and equality. It only takes a few minutes to write a letter or a Christmas card - but it's a powerful reminder to those who risk their life to defend human rights, that they are not alone.

Joan Ryder finds that everyday situations and conversations with friends and family give her plenty to think about!

This week, John Christian tackles some tough questions - if Jesus came among us now, how would we react? Would we even recognise him? And if we say we're following Jesus, why don't we do the same things He did? And what about prayer - does it really work? And star-gazing - what can we learn from that?

During this week of Remembrance, Major-General Sir Laurence New reflects on different acts of selflessness and bravery in times of conflict, and finds that they point him to the heart of his Christian faith.

David Shirtliff discovers that there's nothing new about phone-in radio shows. It seems they had one in Jerusalem around 2,000 years ago - where a man called Jesus was certainly ruffling a few feathers!

Just fairy tales ..... or maybe something more? Nancy Clague thinks again about the familiar stories her children loved when they were small, and wonders what was REALLY happening to Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, The Gingerbread Man and The Billy Goats Gruff

This is One World Week, and five different contributors each explain what caring for our world means to them. Here you'll find Rosemary Clarke, Phil Craine, Mgr John Devine, Henry Uniacke and Rev'd Rebecca Ingrouille

Retired teacher Norma Cowell is a great storyteller! If you enjoy tales that make you think twice, you'll love what Norma has to tell you

Marilyn Cannell is well-known and much loved as a talented entertainer - singing, playing piano and writing topical and amusing songs to suit all occasions. She's also a popular Methodist Local Preacher - so she's got lots of experience to draw upon..... but for her 'Thoughts' this week, she's got FRIDGES on her mind!!

Louise Whitelegg is our Christian Aid representative on the Island. She's also actively concerned about the climate change crisis, and this week she shares some personal memories and hopes for the future.

Well-known local musician Eric Kelly looks at everyday life through the lens of his Christian faith

Paul Moores is a Regional Manager with The Leprosy Mission, and the Isle of Man is part of his 'territory' On a recent visit here, he shared some. thoughts on the difference which a little bit of help can make to someone's life.

Sheila Sutton is a wife, a mother and a grandmother - join her now, as she shares a few thoughts inspired by her life and her faith

Reverend Alex Brown is an Anglican clergyman, based in Douglas. He enjoys talking with - and listening to - people who are interested in finding a deeper meaning to life, but don't feel they belong in an organised church. This week, words and music are giving Alex a lot to think about .....

Reverend Iaen Skidmore and Steve Parker are passionate about their bikes - and their faith. They've just been away to the Christian Motorcyclists Association Annual Rally in the Vale of Evesham, and they've come home with a lot to think about

Reverend William Mackay is an Anglican Priest and founder of Long Life Ministries. He's never actually ridden a bike - but the Festival of Motorcycling has reminded him of some interesting stories to reflect upon this week!

Reverend Richard Hall is leader of the Methodist Church on the Isle of Man. He's been looking into the Bible's ancient Book of Proverbs, and finding some very modern-day wisdom there

The Mothers' Union is an international Christian membership movement. Here, 5 local people explain why they are amongst its 4 million members, actively supporting families and communities in 84 countries. It was founded by one woman - Mary Sumner - in 1876 - but it remains constantly fresh and relevant through campaigns and programmes which address present day needs. Find out more at www.mothersunion.org