Manx Radio's Praise

Churches have now stopped all public worship services, to avoid the spread of the corona virus, so we're launching a new programme here on Manx Radio. Starting on Sunday 29 March, AT YOUR SERVICE will be an ecumenical act of worship - presented each week by at least two different denominations, blending music, a Bible reading, reflections, thoughts and a time of prayer - and maybe some folk will share stories of their faith journey too - In fact, all the elements of a church service - but in a radio programme! We'd love you to choose a hymn or some sacred music which is meaningful to you, and, as many people are now self-isolating, or practising social distancing, could you invite friends to listen 'together' and in that way be united by sharing the programme, each in your own home? AT YOUR SERVICE will be available as a podcast, to download or listen via our website - and on PRAISE today we preview the style and content of the new programme with help from two Methodist ministers - Rev'd Steve Ingrouille a

Rev Daniel Norris was born and educated on the Island before leaving to study modern foreign languages and theology first at Durham and then at Cambridge Universities. In 2015 he was ordained priest in the Church of England, and now serves in the Diocese of London, where he is part of the ministry team at St James's Church in Piccadilly. He is also Executive Head Teacher of St Jerome's Church of England Bilingual School in Harrow. He visited the Island at the invitation of the Island Spirituality Network, to lead a morning, reflecting upon what It might mean for us to 'live a Eucharistic life' - to be 'blessed, broken, and given' to the world. On PRAISE today, Daniel explains what that means, and we hear a response from leaders of other Christian denominations as they share thoughts on the difficult issues that have to be faced on the road to unity. Daniel also talks about the joys and challenges of leading a bilingual school, and why it's equally attractive to pupils, parents and teachers - PLUS - there

Today is International Women's Day so it's appropriate that PRAISE should feature two very different women, linked by their deep faith. The Rt Reverend Dr Emma Ineson, Bishop of Penrith, made history when she became the first woman to hold the position of Central Chaplain to the Mothers' Union, making her in charge of the spiritual care of Mothers' Union staff and members in the UK. She brings a wealth of experience, and her passion for Mothers' Union is evident as she talks about her new role within the largest single organisation in the world-wide Anglican Church. Angela Dudley lives on a ranch in Virginia, USA, with her husband and 5 children, and definitely does not need another job - but some experiences simply cannot be ignored! Find out how Angela discovered the Isle of Man - and became an author. And acceptance - we all long for it - but do we believe we can really be accepted, just as we are? Dylan's story explores these questions - and there's music, too!

On PRAISE today we're celebrating St David's Day with a great hymn - For All The Saints .... Reverend Nigel Uden is the Moderator of the United Reformed Church General Assembly - we find out why he's on the Island, and why he wants us to think differently about Christmas and Easter. He also chooses a favourite piece of music from JS Bach Paul Moores is our link between The Leprosy Mission Isle of Man, and The Leprosy Mission world-wide - he joins us to talk about this year's big project - a bid to recruit more Hospital Heroes - doctors and nurses willing to work in the hospital in Myanmar (formerly Burma) to bring help, hope and rehabilitation to people affected by leprosy.

Russ Bravo and Patrick Woodward discuss Shrove Tuesday, pancakes, Ash Wednesday and the positive purpose of the church's season of Lent. They mention that Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness. Have you ever felt you're in a 'wilderness' ? There are many reasons we can find ourselves feeling lost and alone - Lynne's story is one of going into - and coming out of - her own 'wilderness'. And PRAISE goes on pilgrimage again - Suzi Rosedale is the guide who led the Manx pilgrims when we were in Israel last November - in a rare quiet moment in our Jerusalem hotel, Suzi shares a little of her fascinating life. Suzi will be the guide on the pilgrimage from the Island which Rev'd Steve Ingrouille, his father Rev'd Rod Ingrouille and Rev'd Dawn Harrison from Lancashire will jointly lead in Spring 2021. If you'd like some information about it, have a word with Rev'd Steve (Minister in Onchan Methodist Church) on 01624 674 464

For the last 20 years, Ramsey based husband and wife Steve and Alison Taylor have been raising funds for projects, and delivering humanitarian aid, to help some of the world's poorest people, through their Drop Inn Ministries charity shops here on the Island. Now their focus has slightly altered and as well as continuing to support global aid projects, they are also developing and supporting an important local outreach for anyone wanting a little gentle help with their mental or emotional wellbeing - Renew Wellbeing Spaces are places where it's OK to be not OK. Alison and Steve provide Renew3 in Ramsey (in Water Street opposite the War Memorial at the end of Parliament Street) and they are involved in the Renew Space open each Monday in the Community Centre in Jurby, too. There's also a Renew Well, next door to Broadway Baptist Church in Douglas. Renew spaces are simple cafe-style places where hobbies, activities and often food is shared, and there's a quiet room or space where the inner practices

Hugh Stowell Brown was the older brother of our National Poet Thomas Edward (T.E.) Brown. At the age of only 23 he went to Liverpool to preach at Myrtle Street Baptist Church - and stayed there for the next 40 years! What he achieved was astounding, and has so inspired Baptist Minister Wayne Clarke that he has researched and written a biography of Hugh Stowell Brown, and joins me on the programme to tell the story of A READY MAN. A Ready Man is published by Instant Apostle and costs £8.99 - Churches Bookshop in Howard Street in Douglas have copies, some of which may be signed by the author, Wayne Clarke. Valentines Day on Friday the 14th will be popular with florists, the postal service and restaurants, as it's THE day for romantic gestures - and maybe some marriage proposals, as this is a leap year! But who was the REAL St Valentine? We have the story! And finally something from the PRAISE archive. On Sunday 1st August 1999, a very special service was held at Trinity Methodist Church at Rosemount

Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus - the religious order for women based on the spirituality of St Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits - but what does that really mean? We find out, in conversation with Sr Gemma, whose own ministry isn't just global - it even includes the world wide web! And PRAISE is on pilgrimage again this week, with interviews with two women, recorded in the Holy Land in late 2019. One is an ordained priest, the other a deacon in the Anglican Church - they share their challenges and their triumphs. And if you'd like to know more about the next pilgrimage to the Holy Land led by Rev'd Dawn Harrison and the Rev'ds Rod and Steve Ingrouille, have a word with Rev'd Steve on 01624 674464 or email steve.ingrouille@methodist,.org.uk

Holocaust Memorial Day invites us to stop and reflect upon the millions of people murdered in the Nazi holocaust, and the genocides in later years in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. On PRAISE this week, through listening to the stories of holocaust survivors, we are made to realise that genocide does not happen suddenly - it grows steadily when regimes deliberately fracture society by marginalising certain groups. But these tactics can be challenged by individuals standing together with their neighbours and speaking out against oppression. There is nothing more compelling that survivors telling their own story. There's also an interesting story from Gemma Simmonds CJ - a nun who recently spent time in Jerusalem, and found a man with an exceptional attitude to peace-making.

This is the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and the Christian churches in Malta have chosen the theme "Unusual Kindness" - inspired by the shipwreck of St Paul, as recorded in the Bible (Acts of the Apostles Chapter 27 vs 18 to end, and Chapter 28 up to vs 10) When Paul and his companions were washed up onto the shore of Malta, the people of the island immediately helped them - with food, shelter and even fresh supplies when they were able to set sail again - even though they had absolutely no idea who these unfortunate strangers were. The people who showed "unusual kindness" to Paul and the other victims of the shipwreck did not know Jesus Christ, yet, through their "unusual kindness" a divided people were drawn closer together. Will our own Christian unity be discovered through loving encounters with those who do not share our language, culture or faith ? On PRAISE today, I'm joined by Louise Whitelegg and Rev'd Alex Brown who each bring stories of "unusual kindness" and share their thoughts on how thi

On PRAISE today we've something old and something new ..... Methodist Minister Andrew Roberts talks about his book HOLY HABITS - a way of life for anyone exploring - or already actively living out - the call of Jesus to 'follow me'. HOLY HABITS is a way of life for anyone of any age or culture - a way of life based on the portrait of the community of followers of Jesus which Luke describes in Chapter 2 of the Acts of the Apostles - a way of life that nurtures whole life discipleship, and encourages others to join the adventure of following Jesus. There are lots of resources to help you to make best use of the book - find out more on line at www.holyhabits.org.uk PLUS we dip into the PRAISE Archive from 16 years ago, to recall when, in 2004, the Isle of Man hosted the Mothers' Union annual General Meeting, with over 1,500 visitors from around Britain and Ireland. Listen again to the sermon preached by Rt Reverend Graeme Knowles (Lord Bishop of Sodor and Man at the time) at the Service of Thanksgiving f

The Coming of the Magi - Epiphany is the Christian festival that draws the Christmas season to a close, and it is celebrated on PRAISE today in Bible readings, poetry and music - Plus there's the first in our new series - PRAISE ON PILGRIMAGE - interviews with those who went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Reverend Steve Ingrouille in November 2019, as they share their thoughts on the places they visited, and the memories they will treasure - plus interviews with people they met on the journey. Today's interview is with Very Reverend Richard Sewell, who is a Canon of St George's Anglican Cathedral in Jerusalem and also Dean of St George's College which is located close to the Cathedral and is a centre for pilgrimage, education, hospitality and reconciliation.

On PRAISE today we start with a challenging little reflection on the TRUE meaning of Christmas (and a beautiful piece of music) then we find out why John Anderson's 1,000-mile journey from Land's End to John O' Groats became his "Walk For Freedom" So far, he's raised a staggering £37,500! This is truly life-changing - for the people who will receive that money - but maybe for John and his wife Fiona, too. Listen - and decide for yourself! This is the last PRAISE programme for 2019 so it's a good opportunity to thank you for downloading and listening - and to wish you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year! May God richly bless you, and those you love. And if you'd like to know more about the charity who will receive the money John has raised, search on line for International Justice Mission

A traditional celebration of the Birth of Jesus in Bible verses, poetry and some of the most beautiful carols and seasonal music. In the space of one hour you will hear : Once in Royal David's City (The Choirboys) Bible Reading - Isaiah Ch9 Vs 1-7 read by David Suchet For Unto Us Child Is Born (from Handel's Messiah, performed by the Glasgow Festival Chorus and Orchestra Bible Reading - Isaiah Ch9 11 Vs 1-9 read by David Suchet Unto Us Is Born A Son (Huddersfield Choral Society) Bible Reading - Luke Chapter 1 - The Annunciation - read by David Suchet The Angel Gabriel From Heaven Came (Celtic Christmas Collection) Bible Reading - Luke tells of the Birth of Jesus - read by David Suchet The Nativity Carol (John Rutter - performed by the Clare College Singers and Orchestra) Poem - Mary's Burden by Eleanor Farjeon - read by Anne Clarke Coventry Carol (Celtic Christmas Collection) Poem - BC - AD by U.A. Fanthorpe - read by Anne Clarke O Little Town of Bethlehem (The Coventry Singers and The St Mic

Rev Alex Brown, pioneer minister in Douglas, reflects on some good, positive things which can come from changed plans, and explains why he loves being Chaplain to the Island's Scouts- and 9-year-old Jorja Bradshaw shares some thoughts on a memorable trip to Zimbabwe - plus we have some great Advent music, and a couple of really thought-provoking pre-Christmas reflection. Enjoy!

On PRAISE this week - Lt Dylan Nieuwoudt talks about taking part in CHRISTMAS LIVE on December 19th, and taking the Salvation Army on the Island 'out of its comfort zone' as it looks at new ways to be a church serving the community. There are extracts from the recent Tynwald Carol Service in St Mary's Roman Catholic Church - including music from the Tynwald Choir, the Government Staff Choir and a brass ensemble, directed by Jonathan King, Deputy clerk to Tynwald. Listen out for some fine choir pieces - 'Gaudete' and the sweet and melodic 'Shine, Star, Shine' with music by Frank Woolley and words by Breesha Maddrell. And we finish with a few thoughts on .... parties!!

Cafe Lingo was established at the Promenade Methodist Church to offer English language teaching and general support to people moving to live on the Island. Founder Karen Norton joins us today, to explain how Cafe Lingo is now so much more than just language learning - and if, after listening to Karen, you want to contact her, the number is 07624 458340. Reverend Alex Brown is Pioneer Minister in Douglas, and is always looking for ways to take the Gospel message to where people are - so he jumped at an invitation - from Douglas Town Centre Manager Oliver Cheshire - to create CHRISTMAS 'LIVE' into the centre of Douglas - the whole story is on PRAISE today - and the ticket website is www.pioneerminister.im Tickets are FREE and there's a choice of 2 performances on Thursday 19 December - 6pm and 7.30pm - both in Villiers Square, Regent Strteet, Douglas.

Today is the start of the four weeks of December which the church calls Advent - a time of preparation for the great feast of Christmas - preparation that has nothing to do with money, shopping or stress! We've got some great music, and an exchange of very different views on Christmas cards - are you in favour of them? Or not? And special guest Reverend Chris Foxon - a semi-retired Methodist minister from Scotland - shares his experience as a teacher of religious education, to talk about the questions young people ask.

Reverend Ken Benjamin, a visitor to the Island, talks about his 23 years as senior pastor in Chichester Baptist Church, his present additional role as President of Baptists Together, and the new position he'll take. up next year when he joins the London School for Contemporary Christianity .... and Louise Whitelegg explains why she's a member of Methodist Women in Britain, and how everyone can get involved in creating a unique piece of art. And there's music too - great hymns for the Feast of Christ the King

Recent visitor to the Island - Reverend Helen Bent - is Head of Ministerial Development at the Royal School of Church Music. Her greatest wish is for people to discover that the RSCM isn't a stuffy old-fashioned organisation, but instead is a place where all types and genres of church music are drawn together and celebrated with equal value. Find out more about their work by copying and pasting this link into your browser : https://www.rscm.org.uk Helen - who is a music teacher, a singer, an instrumentalist and an author, as well as being an Anglican priest - is passionate about empowering churches to make the most of whatever resources they have, and to enjoy enriching their liturgy with music. Her book INSPIRING MUSIC IN WORSHIP - is a short course of 5 guided conversations to help churches do this - look at sample pages and content by copying and pasting this link into your browser: https://www.rscmshop.com/features/inspiring-music-in-worship Lindsey Corkill is Charities Manager at Ramsey-based AF