Manx Radio's Praise

A special programme of thoughts, music, readings and prayers for this Remembrance Sunday, including the story of the Menin Gate Memorial in Ypres, Belgium; the Women in Song choir directed by Karen Elliott, singing 'Flanders Field'; Rev'd Alec Smith with the story of 'Woodbine Willie'; Folk group Show Of Hands with The Padre, and Rev'd Steve Ingrouille reads a poignant extract from a family diary.

A Jesuit priest who describes himself as a 'jovial Lancastrian' and loves every moment of being a priest, talks with searing honesty and understanding about brokenness - he's Father Denis Blackledge, Parish Priest of a busy inner-city church in Liverpool - and a conversation recorded with Terry Waite some 20 years ago, still has a powerful message for us today. And do please look at the PRAISE ON PILGRIMAGE blog - we'd love you to join us as an armchair pilgrim in the Holy Land.

God and The Big Bang - how does scientific fact fit with belief in God? That's the question we're asking on PRAISE today- in conversation with three scientists who work for 'God and the Big Bang' - a project developed for young people aged 10 and 18, to support the teaching of Evolution, and to give them the opportunity to discover, discuss and debate the compatibility of science and faith. 'God and the Big Bang' gives them the tools they need to form their own opinions, and engage in well-reasoned, thought-provoking discussions about the place of science in God's world. Three key members of the 'God and the Big Bang' project - Dr Matt Pritchard, Sarah Moring and Suzanne Kalka (Project Co ordinator) discuss their schools' work, their own faith - and so much more - PLUS from the PRAISE archive, there's an interview recorded over 20 years ago with Rev'd Dr John Polkinghorne - considered to be one of the finest theologian/scientists of our time, and the recipient of the £1million Templeton Prize for 'an excep

This week's PRAISE podcast has extra value - it includes a much longer version of a fascinating conversation I had with two members of Mission Aviation Fellowship - the charity that quite literally is 'flying for life' A team from MAF visited the Island this weekend - they came to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the donation of a Kodiak plane by Ramsey-based AFD Software, to the charity - I talk with the Chief Executive Officer Ruth Whitaker, and one of the pilots, Steve Machell, to find out what the plane has been doing during the first ten years of its life (spent in Kalimantan, Borneo) and on the way, learn a lot more about this Christian charity that uses a fleet of light aircraft to reach isolated and vulnerable communities - bringing essential supplies, healthcare and so so much more. And we meet 16-year-old local teenager Grace Harrison, who is about to be assessed for her suitability to be trained to be a MAF pilot! Definitely a story we'll be coming back to, in the future! I go to the Vill

The making of a Saint - and a popular BBC presenter, author and tireless charity worker returns! In this edition of PRAISE we reflect on the road to Sainthood for an exceptional English priest - John Henry Newman - and we feature two of his best-loved hymns, too. And we welcome back Pam Rhodes, who explains exactly why she's so passionate about the work of the Leprosy Mission (of which she is Vice President) She also talks about her work as a TV presenter, and why she welcomes change on BBC TV's Songs of Praise

On PRAISE today - we hear from Rev'd Susan McIvor, District Safeguarding Officer for the Methodist Church in Nottingham and Derby, who was the guest speaker at an Ecumenical Safeguarding Seminar organised by our Safeguarding Officer, Tony Connell, and attended by members of local churches of all denominations, working together to achieve best safeguarding standards. Bishop Tom Williams, from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool, is on Visitation on the Island - we find out what that means, and also get an update on Synod 2020. And we find out how the hard work of two regular guests on PRAISE has been recognised - with a national award.

On the programme this week, we explore the hidden powers of storytelling - finding out more about Godly Play in conversation with trainers Rachel Bainton and Susie Steel (the national website is www.godlyplay.uk) Then we take a first look at local farmer John Anderson's Walk For Freedom - he's covering 1,000 miles from Lands End to John O'Groats, to celebrate his 60th birthday, and to raise funds (and awareness) for International Justice Mission UK - the international charity which works to rescue the millions trapped in slavery and people trafficking - many of whom are children. Follow his progress and read his daily news bulletins at www.johnswalkforfreedom.co.uk And we hear how a story told by TV and radio broadcaster and charity worker Pam Rhodes, during her recent visit to the Island, inspired John 'Dog' Callister to write a prize-winning poem - AND there's music too - two of the most popular hymns for Harvest Thanksgiving.

Looking back on Spring Harvest Local, as some of the hundreds of people who gathered at Mountain View Innovation Centre share their thoughts on an evening of music, worship, prayer and teaching. Alongside comments from Onnee Ayres, Ruth Walker of Scripture Union Ministries Trust, Rev Alex Brown and Bob Jeavons, we hear from event leaders Gavin Calver, Lisa Holmes and singer/songwriter Lou Fellingham, who, along with her worship band, provided the music (which is featured on the podcast too!) Lea Milligan was there too, talking about the amazing work done by Mercy Ships - which operates the largest charity-run hospital ship in the world. And the man who made the whole thing possible - David Dorricott - has the last word! PLUS EXTRA PODCAST CONTENT THIS WEEK! The whole of The Buchan School sing for peace! Hear them sing 'One Wish' as part of the 'ONE DAY ONE CHOIR' global peace initiative that uses the power of singing together to unite people around the World on Peace Day. Thank you to Mrs Sue Mills for

A week of local campaigning for climate change starts on Friday 20th September - Christian Aid rep Louise Whitelegg is one of the organisers, and has all the details - the Right Reverend Frank White is on a flying visit to the Island and calls into the studio to talk about his concern for those in the margins of society, a new way of thinking about vocations, and how it feels to be the only Bishop in the UK to be married .... to a Bishop! And another visitor to the Island - BBC TV's Songs of Praise presenter Pam Rhodes - talks about her love of hymns and all types of music for worship. It's a small part of a much longer conversation which will feature in a future edition of PRAISE And did you know that our daily Thought for the Day is now available as a podcast? At the end of each week, the 5 individual 'Thoughts' are put together in one podcast, and it's called 'Thought for the Week' - well worth a listen!

A new Isle of Man registered charity has its official launch next Saturday - Elly Duchars and Paul Halliday explain what The Leprosy Mission IOM will achieve and why its needed - and everyone is welcome to the official launch on Saturday 14 September at 6.30pm in the Cathedral in Peel. And we go behind the scenes to check on the progress of Spring Harvest Local, which is on 17 September. David Dorricott - a long time supporter of Spring Harvest - explains why it's important for him to have this event on his premises at Mountain View Innovation Centre in Ramsey and Abby Guiness - who organises all the Spring Harvest events - explains why she believes gathering in groups is the best way to open ourselves to God's transforming power - and there's music too! To book for Spring Harvest in Ramsey, go to www.springharvest.org/local and the Isle of Man event is the first one on the list To find out more about The Leprosy Mission go to www.leprosymission.org.uk

Gavin Calver wants everyone to come and meet him when he's in Ramsey later this month - on PRAISE today we find out why; Georgia from Churches Bookshop in Douglas is organising another free admission 'Meet The Author' event, and joins us with all the details, and my special guest is Rosie Shirtliff, with the story of her life-changing trip to Uganda. And of course there's music too!

Nowadays, it takes a brave person to go into a church building alone, or to start a conversation about God. Michael Harvey believes that we have to overcome this by developing a culture of invitation, which will lead to transformation. On PRAISE today he explains why he thinks it's so important to do this - and much more! And Judith's been in the PRAISE archives - and found a special service to celebrate the work of St John Ambulance on the Island - it was held in St George's Church, Douglas, 21 years ago - and the guest speaker was Rabbi Lionel Blue! There wasn't sufficient time to include Rabbi Blue's complete talk in the programme, but you'll find it ALL HERE in this week's ADDED VALUE PRAISE podcast - ENJOY!

It's a tale of two books in this edition of PRAISE - Methodist Minister Steve Ingrouille explains how he came to write a book by accident, and Father Nicolas Stebbing, of the Community of the Resurrection in Mirfield, believes that a book written over 1,500 years ago could offer solutions for many problems of present-day living. There's music, too - and we end with a challenge!

On PRAISE today - being a Mother and a Minister; bravery at the Beach Mission - and music from featured artist Katherine Jenkins. Vicar's wife and grandmother Mary Sumner founded the Mothers' Union over 140 years ago. Today it's the largest Anglican movement in the world, operating in 84 countries with over 4 million members, and on August 9th each year members meet to celebrate the life and achievements of their Founder. Local Mothers Union members were at Kirk Andreas on Friday night for a service at which the guest preacher was Rev'd Canon Janice Ward, vicar of Marown and Baldwin. Hear her thoughts on being a Mother - and being an ordained minister! The Port St Mary Beach Mission is over for another year, but two members of the Scripture Union team won't be returning to their usual roles - Schools Worker Jon Taylor and his wife Ali - who coordinates the programmes offered to Primary Schools - are taking a leap of faith! They're leaving SU - and the Island - with no jobs and no plans - just a desire

If you're currently finding life a bit of a challenge, then I hope my special guest on PRAISE today might give you a little bit of inspiration and encouragement to face whatever lies ahead. EMILY OWEN is an author and speaker - with a remarkable story to tell. And we'll hear from a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool who has a growing number of friends here on the Island - she's Reverend Dawn Harrison and she'll be talking about her ministry on Merseyside, and her great affection for the Holy Land - plus we've music from Handel - and Graham Kendrick!

The true story of a travelling Bible which came home to Kirk Braddan this week - 185 years since it left the Island! We meet Margaret Fourie - loving her life as a (retired) Anglican priest, and there's an update on Spring Harvest Local that's coming to the Island on 17 September. It's just been announced that the new CEO of the Evangelical Alliance - Gavin Calver - will be the speaker - we listen to part of a talk he gave when last he was on the Island - just to remind ourselves what a powerful and challenging leader he is! And there's music too!!

On PRAISE today we reflect on some of the lesser-known aspects of that historic moon landing, 50 years ago; Pioneer Minister Reverend Alex Brown shares some more of his vision for churches that aren't churches; we have a first mention for SPRING HARVEST LOCAL that's coming to the Island on 17th September, and the Manager of Churches Bookshop has a plan to take care of his customers Island-wide, whilst access to the shop is affected by the major works on Douglas Promenade - plus music from Maddy Prior and Lou Fellingham!

On PRAISE today, I'm talking with Zoe Anderson, who's left the family farm in Patrick to work with the world's largest anti-slavery charity in the world. But surely slavery belongs to a bygone age? Sadly, it doesn't - it's modern, it's massive - and most worryingly, there's a good chance that - without realising - we're all involved. But it can be changed - and Zoe has some success stories to share, as well as challenges to suggest. There's music from The Kingdom Choir (of Royal Wedding fame!) plus we look ahead to next week .... when Rev Alex Brown will be talking about churches that aren't necessarily churches ......

This week's programme is all about music - it's also about teenage rebellion, maternal love - and lots of FAITH! On PRAISE today, we discover a new CD of beautiful harp music that's been recorded with a unique purpose - and take a first look at the Miss M.L. Wood Song School at the Cathedral in Peel.

Reverend Andy Fishburne talks about his road to ordination in the Methodist Church. Rosemary Clarke previews the new exhibition about the origins of the Bible in Manx which forms part of the Cathedral's involvement in the IOM Flower Festival. This year's festival involves 18 venues all around the Island and runs from 30 June - 6 July with venues open daily between 11am and 5pm