Episodes
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.
Th...
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.
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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, w...
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 rec...
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...
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 ...
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 inspir...
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 Ni...
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...
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
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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 noti...
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 t...
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 stories from ...
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...
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 the 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 s...
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,...
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 1 race. Andy is also a Methodist Local Preacher in the Hull area, and he's passionate about being a Christian in a relevant way, in a modern world.
On today's programme we re-visit conversations we had with A...
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...
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...
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 Christia...
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, Cast...
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, Bosin...
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 L...
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.
It...
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 ...
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 atheis...
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, includin...
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...