To motivate us in our new year resolutions, Sean Fletcher meets some incredible Christians who have been inspired by their faith to make big life changes. In Liverpool, he meets a former London barrister who left life at the bar for a career in gospel music ministry and who now teaches young gospel singers. The Rev Kate Bottley heads to York to meet a Christian entrepreneur who, after the death of two colleagues from drug addiction, was inspired to establish a not-for-profit cafe to give back to her local community. And in St Helens, Sean hears from a former soldier and triple amputee about how his faith has helped drive him to complete inspirational challenges to raise money for charity. In 2024, he’s aiming for base camp on Mount Everest!

The Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year is back! In the first of two programmes hosted by Mark De-Lisser, five of the best amateur choirs from across the UK take to the stage at The Monastery in Manchester. Listening to every note are three celebrity judges – the godmother of UK gospel and director of The Kingdom Choir, Karen Gibson, singer and broadcaster Muyiwa Olarewaju and TV’s favourite choir master, Gareth Malone. The five choirs have their first opportunity to impress the judges with their choice of song: From London, we have Faithworks Gospel Choir, who sing The Storm Is Passing Over; Nottingham’s Sing It Bold Community Gospel Choir perform Holy; Oxford Gospel Choir sing Praise The Lord; Soul of the City Gospel Choir from Exeter perform In The Sanctuary; and from London, Kudos Gospel Choir sing Count Your Blessings. Five fantastic choirs, but which one will be your favourite?

Music to lift the spirit and stir the soul… it’s the final of the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2024, hosted by Mark De-Lisser. In the previous programme, five of the best amateur choirs from across the UK took to the stage at the Monastery in Manchester. Now they have a second opportunity to impress the three celebrity judges: TV’s favourite choir master Gareth Malone, director of Kingdom Choir and godmother of UK gospel Karen Gibson, and singer and broadcaster Muyiwa Olarewaju. Each choir perform their own choice of gospel song: Faithworks Gospel Choir from London sing Trust Me, Nottingham’s Sing It Bold Community Gospel Choir sing Lean on Me, Oxford Gospel Choir perform Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, Soul of the City from Exeter sing Jesus Is the Man 2 (Bless The Lord), and Kudos Gospel Choir from London sing Perfect Praise.

Pam Rhodes marks International Holocaust Memorial Day and explores stories of when hope and refuge were offered by Christians to Jews fleeing the Nazis in one of the darkest chapters of human history. At the Wiener Holocaust Library in London, one of the world’s leading archives on the subject, Pam hears about the Dutch Christians who saved many Jewish families by building a hiding place in their home. Yvonne Bernstein, a former volunteer at the library, remembers the courage and comfort she found while being sheltered in a French convent as a young Jewish girl. And in Porth, South Wales, Pam meets 90-year-old Renate Collins, who escaped Prague on the last Kindertransport and found a place of safety in the home of a Baptist minister.

Rev Kate Bottley hears why faith and compassion are key to supporting prisoners and ex-offenders in on their journey through rehabilitation. In Newcastle upon Tyne, Kate visits Junction 42, a Christian charity dedicated to bringing faith into prisons and supporting offenders on their spiritual journey upon release. She joins a team of volunteers packing ‘Stories of Hope’ bags; resources offered to prisoners throughout the UK to help them engage creatively with faith. In London, Rev Paul Cowley tells the story of his journey from prisoner to priest and explains how the Bible inspires him in his latest role, helping to find employment for those leaving prison. And Sean Fletcher visits HMP Winchester, where children’s charity Spurgeons is continuing the legacy of its Baptist founder, Charles H Spurgeon, in providing support for children with fathers in prison. He discovers how their family days, baby-bonding sessions and homework clubs help inmates to maintain relationships with their

As we mark World Day of the Sick, Pam Rhodes hears stories of faith and hope from Christians who are unwell and those who care for them. At St Christopher’s Hospice in south east London, she discovers the story of the inspirational Christian founder of the modern hospice movement, Dame Cicely Saunders, and speaks to staff about why God’s love is so important in hospice care. Gemma Hunt meets an Exeter mother whose faith has helped her to live with the effects of chronic pain. And there are hymns and songs from across the country in praise of God’s love, including a special performance from internationally renowned musician Laura Mvula.

Claire McCollum meets Christians putting faith into action to care for the environment in different ways. In Northamptonshire, she discovers the remarkable technology at the heart of the Salvation Army’s processing centre for recycling clothes. The facility is one the largest of its kind in the UK and is helping to drastically reduce landfill waste. To witness it in action, Claire brings a bag of her own preloved items and watches them fly through a Fibersort machine, a clever automated system that uses infrared cameras and jets of compressed air to separate textiles. Claire speaks with Major Heather Poxon about the vision behind the new facility and how it stems from the Christian ethos of the organisation. Also, we hear from Dr Annabelle South, a scientist who developed an ecoscheme for Christians after witnessing first-hand the effects of climate change during field work in Africa. We meet Jon and Fiona, early adopters of the scheme, to find out how they’ve adjusted their lifestyle

Aled Jones shares his most cherished hymns and sacred music as he and Pam Rhodes embark on a journey across London to visit the iconic places that have been so important for his career and his faith. At St Paul’s Cathedral, Aled reminisces about his early days as a boy chorister in Bangor and his enduring love of the treble-singing voice. He and Pam also enjoy memories of time spent at the Royal Albert Hall and discuss his final recording before his voice broke. And at St George’s, Hanover Square, Aled tells Pam about his 40-year association with the church, the anthem that means the most to him and his all-time favourite hymn. With music curated by the man himself, from congregational worship to inspiring performances, these are the songs of praise that are most special to Aled.

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, the Rev Canon Kate Bottley joins the lifeboat crew in Scarborough to reflect on the Christian values at the heart of saving lives at sea. Kate takes to the high seas on board the Scarborough lifeboat for a training exercise and hears from the chaplain about the role faith plays in supporting the crew there. On the Northumberland coast, Kate explores the importance of faith to Grace Darling, a young Christian whose involvement in a courageous sea rescue in 1838 launched her to national fame and made her an icon of the RNLI.

On Mothering Sunday, Rev Kate Bottley is in Stockport, Greater Manchester, to meet mums and staff at Christian-inspired Charnwood Nursery where children with and without additional needs learn and play together. Kate discovers how the nursery’s inclusive ethos, founded on the principle that all children are equal in the eyes of God, is helping to support mums as they leave their little ones in someone else’s care for the first time. Plus the remarkable story of Dr Io Smith, a Jamaican Christian who became a leading figure in Britain’s growing Pentecostal Church scene during the 1970s and 80s. She died on Mother’s Day in 2008 but her daughter, Rev Sheila Belgrave, was determined to turn her sadness into celebration as she remembers the remarkable legacy of faith that her mother left behind. And Kate meets Lucy West, a Christian who always dreamed of having a big family but was left at an emotional rock bottom after struggling to conceive. She talks openly to Kate about the feelings of

To celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Claire McCollum is in Northern Ireland meeting Christians inspired by the saint’s extraordinary story and following in his footsteps. At Slemish Mountain in County Antrim, Claire meets local hillwalker Noel Hughes, whose faith has been inspired by the life of St Patrick since childhood. She discovers the story that Patrick was first brought to Slemish to work as a slave, only to return later as a missionary called by God. Did you know St Patrick is patron saint not only of Ireland but of Nigeria too? We hear from a Nigerian priest now ministering in Northern Ireland who feels a deep connection between Patrick’s story and his own. And Claire visits St Patrick’s Church in Belfast, where she gets up close to what is believed to be a relic of the very saint himself, and discovers what it means to local Christians.

On Palm Sunday, Sean Fletcher explores different ways Christians continue to retell and interpret the life of Jesus, through powerful performances to expressive works of art. Sean meets the theatrical troupe preparing for the annual Trafalgar Square Passion Play, watched by over 20,000 people every Easter, which is being rehearsed at the Wintershall estate in Surrey. He hears the remarkable story of the family behind the play and what inspires them to tell the story of Jesus on such a big scale. In London, Sean speaks to cast members from The Chosen, a groundbreaking TV series about the life of Christ which is drawing millions of viewers around the world. He hears how the faith of the actors has been deepened by the experience of bringing Jesus’ life to the screen. And back at Wintershall, Sean reflects on the journey to the Crucifixion through fourteen Stations of the Cross, sculptures placed in different parts of the estate depicting the suffering of Jesus on Good Friday. Sean mee

To celebrate Easter Sunday, Aled Jones is in Canterbury to explore what this sacred time means to Christians, and to reflect on how the powerful message of Jesus’s resurrection still changes lives today. Aled joins a dawn Easter service at St Martin’s in Canterbury, the oldest church in the English-speaking world and possibly the first place Easter was publicly celebrated in England. He meets their newly ordained priest the Rev Dr Charlotte Sleigh, who relates her faith to the experience of the women who first witnessed the resurrection of Jesus. Laura Wright’s Easter spirits soar when a Bermudan Christian introduces her to a unique Easter tradition from her homeland – flying kites to celebrate the joy of Jesus rising from the dead. Back in Canterbury, Aled hears what Easter means to the cathedral’s new dean, the Very Rev Dr David Monteith. He reveals why he believes this time in the Christian calendar reflects the triumph of good over evil and how an act of grace following the trag

To mark World Health Day, Sean Fletcher joins Christians at a spiritual retreat centre in north Wales to explore how faith can improve health and wellbeing for mind, body and soul. Sean spends the day in the beautiful surroundings of St Beuno’s Jesuit Spirituality Centre in Tremeirchion, Denbighshire, which draws people from all over the world to come on a spiritual retreat. He meets people leading and experiencing the retreats, which include spending time in silence and completing spiritual exercises based on the teachings of St Ignatius. Heading out on a silent prayer walk, Sean discovers how ‘finding God in all things’ can help people to pray and feel closer to God. And he meets Christians who have found St Beuno’s to be a place of great healing and sanctuary. In the hustle and bustle of Lambeth, south London, we also meet a busy Christian GP whose faith has called her to help people beyond the surgery walls. Dr Chi-Chi Ekhator provides pop-up health clinics at surprising locatio

Laura Wright has become one of the nation’s favourite sopranos over her 20-year career, from winning BBC Chorister of the Year as a teenager to singing in stadiums around the world. This week, in her home county of Suffolk, she reflects with Pam Rhodes on the hymns, worship songs and choral classics that have shaped her life and faith. Pam joins Laura and her family on the beautiful Aldeburgh Beach to look back at the difficult times of Laura’s childhood illness and the music that brought the family closer to God. And at her church and her old school in Framlingham, Laura reflects on the hymns that mean the most to her.

With St George’s day just around the corner, Rev. Kate Bottley is in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne meeting Christians whose acts of service and selflessness continue to make a positive and lasting impact on their communities. At St. George’s Church in Jesmond, Kate discovers the remarkable legacy of famous author Catherine Cookson and meets a Ukrainian family whose lives have been improved by her charitable Trust and the church. In London, we hear about a special set of awards given out by the Archbishop of Canterbury, which recognise extraordinary contributions to the Church and wider society, including for community service. We meet a recipient of one of these awards, Rev. Mark Nam, who was recognised for his work in supporting Chinese heritage clergy through a group he established called The Teahouse.

Sean Fletcher is at Way Church in Wigan, one of the fastest-growing congregations in the UK, to join hundreds in worship and to explore how it’s serving the community through its purpose-built centre. Sean learns that behind Way Church’s large ultra-modern building, is a hundred-year history of serving the people of Wigan, and young leader Ben Tarbuck explains the church’s mission of helping all people find their way to God. In one of the community spaces, Sean joins a creative clay class and meets people from different backgrounds who have found faith and friendship there. And in the church’s auditorium, Sean joins internationally acclaimed singer and worship leader Jake Isaac to get to know the man behind the music and how his faith journey brought him from London to Wigan.

Pam Rhodes celebrates the 75th anniversary of one of the most cherished and popular hymns in the world, How Great Thou Art, and explores the extraordinary story behind its composition. Many might think the hymn is centuries old, but although it has its origins in older works from across Europe, the version we know and love today was first published in 1949 by English missionary Stuart Hine. In the tiny south London church where it was first sung, Pam learns the very complicated history of the hymn from Jonathan Clark, a family friend of Stuart's. At the Salvation Army’s Regent Hall, Pam meets Phil Loose from the Stuart Hine Trust to explore why this combination of words and music continue to have such impact around the world. Phil introduces an updated version of How Great Thou Art, including a new verse, recorded to celebrate the 75th anniversary of its composition by some of the world’s top Christian artists, including the acclaimed Matt Redman.

For Dementia Action Week, Rev Canon Kate Bottley explores what part faith can play for people facing the profound challenges presented by dementia. Kate is in the congregation for an accessible service of worship in Lichfield Cathedral, joining Christians living with dementia and those who care for them. Kate meets Tony, who has lived with a diagnosis for ten years, and his wife Viv, ahead of a reading they have been invited to give at the service. Also at the service is legendary singer Tony Christie, who was diagnosed in 2021 and is now an ambassador for one of the dementia charities supporting the service. At his home in Lichfield, Tony tells Kate about his journey with dementia and the power of music and faith to help those living with the condition. And in Sheffield, we celebrate the success of a dementia support group designed for people with African and Caribbean heritages.

Claire McCollum is in Bognor Regis to celebrate Pentecost with the growing congregation of St Wilfrid’s Church on the seafront. Claire meets Christians taking the plunge and celebrating their faith by being baptised in the sea. The vicar, Rev Joel Mennie, dons his wetsuit to lead the baptisms and reflects with Claire on the new life he’s seen in the church and the power of the Holy Spirit. And in London, to celebrate Pentecost being 'the birthday of the church', Christian baker Chinelo Awa bakes a cake with a twist for the occasion and shares how it represents her very personal journey of transformation.

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, Aled Jones visits the National Gallery on London’s Trafalgar Square. Aled meets director Dr Gabriele Finaldi for an exclusive tour behind the scenes of the gallery, which boasts one of the largest collections of religious art in the world. He discovers the fascinating stories behind masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, just some of the paintings that attract three million visitors each year. Looking back over its 200-year history, Aled finds out about moments that have shaped the gallery’s place in British culture, including the war years when it became a home of free classical music concerts to inspire people at a time of suffering. Also, Aled meets Fr Patrick van der Vorst, the founder of a website that seeks to bring people closer to God through a deeper understanding of art. Patrick takes Aled to The Supper at Emmaus, a painting that depicts the moment Christ’s disciples recognise Jesus in his risen form.

To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Aled Jones travels to Portsmouth, where on 6 June 1944, the Allies' forces launched the largest seaborne invasion the world had ever seen. On board an original landing craft at the D-Day Story Museum, Aled meets 99-year-old Stanley Ford, a veteran of the Normandy campaign, who tells Aled why it’s more important than ever to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Stanley, who had just turned 18 in the week leading up to D-Day, tells his story of narrowly avoiding death when his ship was hit by a torpedo and why he believes God was protecting him. We also hear from Ken Hay, a veteran who was taken captive by the Germans during the Normandy campaign. In recent years, Ken has devoted his life to educating young people on the dangers of war, drawing on his own experiences of World War II. We follow Ken as he speaks to schoolchildren and shares why he believes love is the only answer to stopping war.

Ahead of Carers Week, the Rev Kate Bottley is in Norfolk, exploring the important role faith plays for those caring for loved ones. Kate meets Liz Grint, who cares for her husband and son, and finds out how prayer sustains her during the joys and challenges of life. She also visits 13-year-old Malachi and his family to find out how they have all drawn on their faith to care for him throughout his treatment for leukaemia. In Sheffield, we join a walking group run by a local charity to find out how important it is for carers to look after their own physical and mental health and to meet others with similar experiences. For two of the walkers, it’s also an opportunity for them to share in their Christian faith.

On Father’s Day, Aled Jones meets inspiring dads leaning on their faith through the joys and challenges of fatherhood. In east London, Aled joins a Father’s Day party to meet a dad and his daughter for whom the day is extra special. 999 call handler Estelle tells Aled how she turned to her training and help from above to save her dad’s life when he had a cardiac arrest. In Bournemouth, we meet Mark Arnold, whose son James has additional needs and requires round-the-clock care. Mark reflects on his special bond with his son and how faith is integral to helping them through the joys and challenges of family life. Mark also shares how he felt called to support other fathers in similar situations by writing a regular blog and building a support network.

To celebrate the RSPCA’s 200th anniversary, the Rev Kate Bottley visits an animal hospital in Birmingham. In the cat ward, Kate meets the charity’s CEO Chris Sherwood (and some feline friends) and hears the remarkable story of how the RSPCA was founded by prominent people of faith, including William Wilberforce. Chris shares how the same principles inspire their work to this day – striving to make a better world for animals. In his church in Steventon near Oxford, we meet the Rev Phil Sutton who often brings an unusual guest with him to worship. For over 20 years, Phil has trained hearing dogs for deaf people, and coming to services is part of their training. We also meet 16-year-old Zach, who firmly believes his hearing dog Echo is a gift from heaven that has changed his life. Back at the RSPCA, Kate meets education manager Rob, who has adopted a dog that came to the hospital. We hear how his faith helps guide him at work and why he loves his job so much. In the hospital, Kate disc

Katherine Jenkins is at RHS Chelsea Flower Show to explore a garden exhibited by St James’s Piccadilly, the first church to contribute a garden to this prestigious event. The Rev. Lucy Winkett, Vicar of St James’s, tells Katherine about the message behind their design, to 'imagine the world to be different', and shares how elements of the garden will provide permanent green places in central London. At the Sue Ryder display, Katherine explores a garden designed to help people through grief, described as a 'green hug' for all visitors. Designer Katherine Holland explains how her own bereavement inspired her to change careers and take up horticulture.

The Rev Kate Bottley celebrates the centenary of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral and meets Christians whose faith has been shaped by this remarkable building. Consecrated in 1924, Liverpool Cathedral stands today as the largest cathedral in the UK and a beacon of hope overlooking Merseyside. Veteran tour guide Alan shows Kate around. He was a schoolchild during the cathedral’s construction and has been volunteering there for over 30 years. He takes Kate to some of his favourite parts of the building, including the bishop’s throne, which incorporates three seats as a sign of unity and welcome to other denominations. Kate also meets Albert, a Ghanaian Christian invited to live in the cathedral community as part of the ‘Triangle of Hope' project. This initiative aims to promote peace and reconciliation in light of Liverpool’s historic role in the transatlantic slave trade. Across the Mersey, we discover the Christian history of Birkenhead Priory, the most ancient building still standing

Broadcaster and writer Fern Britton shares her journey of faith as she takes Sean Fletcher on one of her favourite walks along the Cornish coast. For Fern, walking is a time she feels closer to God, and along the journey, she shares some of her most spiritually significant moments. Amidst the stunning landscape, Fern reflects on times from her childhood and throughout her career on screen when she has felt God’s presence. She recalls some difficult moments where her faith has sustained her and the hymns that helped her through: 1. Eternal Father Strong to Save - St Mary’s Church, Scarborough 2. When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Holy Land (2019) 3. He Who Would Valiant Be - Hereford Cathedral 4. Breathe on Me Breath of God - All Saint's Church, Northampton 5. What a Beautiful Name - Laura Wright 6. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind - Salisbury Cathedral

As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin, Laura Wright is in Edinburgh to celebrate the faith of Olympians and Paralympians past and present. And she speaks to HRH the Princess Royal to reflect on the legacy of Scottish sporting hero and Christian missionary Eric Liddell. At St Giles’ Cathedral, Laura joins a special service commemorating Eric, 100 years after he dramatically won gold at the Paris 1924 Olympics. The story of Eric’s 400m triumph was later made famous in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, and Eric’s eldest daughter tells Laura about her father’s great faith and shares the story of him choosing not to run in his favoured 100m as the heats fell on a Sunday. And the Princess Royal, Patron of the Eric Liddell 100 initiative, reflects on Eric’s achievements and values, and what they can teach young people today.

Pam Rhodes marks 150 years of The Salvation Army in Wales by discovering the remarkable story of how it started its work there, and she looks back at stories that highlight how the 'Army' is still serving communities across the UK today. Pam travels to Merthyr Tydfil and the oldest Salvation Army church still in use in Wales, where she learns how two young girls were sent to this tough industrial town in 1848 to preach the gospel and – with God’s help – succeeded in bringing many people to faith. Aled Jones visits Liverpool and the Salvation Army’s community space ‘Strawberry Field’ to see how the place that inspired a classic Beatles song is now encouraging young people to find employment.

Reverend Kate Bottley is in Didsbury, Manchester, to explore what it means to be an inclusive church, and she finds out how a tragedy caused one parish to embark on a journey of great change. Kate meets Kevin and Hilary, the parents of a young girl who tragically took her own life in 2014 after wrestling with her faith and sexuality. Kate also speaks to Reverend Nick Bundock, the parish rector, to hear how this insurmountable loss caused the church to completely change their approach, embracing inclusion in all its forms. Plus, marking 400 years since the birth of George Fox, a look into how the faith group he founded, the Quakers, has championed equality and inclusion since it was founded in the 1650s.

Claire McCollum visits The Auckland Project in County Durham to explore the important role faith has played in the regeneration of Bishop Auckland’s historic palace and grounds, a residence of the Prince Bishops of Durham since the 12th century. And she meets the founder of the project, Jonathan Ruffer, who shares how a moment of quiet prayer led him to begin the dramatic transformation work. Claire also visits a brand new attraction to the site, The Faith Museum, which is the first of its kind in the UK. Senior curator Amina Wright reveals some remarkable treasures spanning 6,000 years of religious history, including a ring discovered at a nearby Roman fort which points to some of the earliest Christian worship in Britain. Additionally, we join a group of pilgrims as they enjoy a new route, which goes through Bishop Auckland. Keith Taylor, who leads the group, explains how the route is connected to one of the most famous Christian pilgrimages in the world, the Camino de Santiago in

Sean Fletcher visits the Chapel in the Fields, a Methodist retreat in Cheshire, where craft and carpentry help to build faith and friendship. Sean means the project’s leader, the Rev Kevin Johnson, who runs carpentry workshops for those struggling with loneliness and depression. While helping to craft some wooden keepsakes for a local primary school, Sean meets one of the volunteers, who has found comfort and strength at the chapel during a period of bereavement. Sean also revisits some of the inspiring and uplifting stories of Christian creativity we’ve encountered in recent years. There’s another chance to see a conversation with renowned stained-glass artist Thomas Denny, and Sean looks back to when he joined a kintsugi class, where the participants use the Japanese art form to learn the value of finding beauty in things that are broken.

To mark 100 years since the BBC first broadcast a service of worship, Pam Rhodes joins a packed congregation at St Martin-in-the-Fields on Trafalgar Square and hears inspiring stories from some of today’s Christian broadcasters. That groundbreaking first service was held at St Martin-in-the-Fields in 1924, and Pam joins the current vicar, the Rev Dr Sam Wells to reflect on how it was received – for some it was a thing of wonder, others were outraged! TV writer and regular contributor to Radio 2’s Pause For Thought, Paul Kerensa, takes Pam to a lesser-known landmark from the early days of religious radio. And Radio DJ and presenter of the BBC’s Daily Service, Swarzy Macaly, shares how she became a Christian and why she’s passionate about sharing stories of faith on air.

Claire McCollum visits Crathie Kirk in the Cairngorms National Park to discover why this church and its beautiful Highland location, which is close to Balmoral Castle, is so beloved by locals, visitors and the royal family. Claire meets Crathie’s minister Rev Ken Mackenzie to soak up the scenery, and to explore the history of the church and his close relationship with the royal family through his role as their domestic chaplain. Claire meets a local ghillie on the River Dee to see how faith and fly-fishing can go hand in hand, before taking a walk through the Cairngorms with an award-winning Christian writer to compose a poem reflective of her time there.

Celebrated actor and star of Bridgerton, Adjoa Andoh shares her journey of faith as she takes Sean Fletcher on a walk through the Cotswolds village of Wickwar where she grew up. They visit the village’s Congregational chapel, where Adjoa’s walk with God began as a young child, and continue into the surrounding countryside - where Adjoa says she feels closest to God, surrounded by the beauty of the natural world. Along their walk, Adjoa shares memories from her life and reflects on the gift of acting she says was given by God, and how she is giving this gift back to the church through her role as a lay reader. Sean finds out the hymns Adjoa most loves, as they enjoy the fields and woodland of the West Country.

Claire McCollum visits the Cornish coast to explore the remarkable history of ‘the church of storms’ - a place of prayer occupying a curious and beautiful position in the sand dunes, just a few steps from the roaring waves of the sea. Officially St Winwaloe Church in Gunwalloe, it is a sanctuary where Christians have worshipped for over 1,000 years. Local expert in Celtic history, Priscilla Oates, takes Claire to the place some believe to be St Winwaloe’s first hermitage, in the cliffs just off the beach. And the Rev Pat Robson tells Claire about Celtic Quiet Places, a project dedicated to keeping churches open so that visitors can find peace. Later, Melanie Chadwick, a local Christian artist, invites Claire to join a sketching group whose challenge is to capture their subject in just 15 minutes. Claire finds out about a time of challenge in Melanie’s life and how this inspired her to take up her paintbrush and share her creative calling with others.

Ahead of National Poetry Day, Aled Jones explores the art of putting faith into words through the poetry of the Bible, favourite hymns and the work of Christian spoken word artist Storm Cecile. In St Giles in the Fields, popularly known as the 'Poets' Church', in London, Aled discusses with Christian poet John Greening how faith and poetry have gone hand in hand for centuries. Aled finds out about the poets that have inspired John and hears some of his work. John also introduces a hymn composed by one of his favourite writers, William Cowper. Aled meets with Dr Daniel Johnson, an expert on the life and work of Sir Isaac Watts, one of the most prolific British hymn writers, whose 350th birthday is being celebrated this year. Daniel takes Aled through the poetry of one of his most enduring hymns, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, to explore how Watts wrote his hymns in a way that would excite the passions of the singer. And Christian performance artist Storm Cecile shares her story of

Claire McCollum introduces favourite harvest hymns from Jubilee Farm in County Antrim, Northern Ireland’s first Christian, community-owned farm. With wellies on, Claire joins staff and volunteers to lend a hand during the busy harvest season. Nestled on 13.5 acres, the farm is home to pigs, sheep, goats, fruit trees and vibrant wildflowers, all nurtured by a dedicated team. Claire talks to Dr Matt Williams, the farm's conservation manager, to learn how scripture shapes their approach to working the land. Jubilee Farm also supports vulnerable individuals through hands-on opportunities, and Claire meets Sunny, an asylum seeker from Nigeria, who shares how volunteering at the farm has renewed his sense of hope and belonging. Whilst on the farm, Claire also learns the centuries-old craft of making a St Brigid’s cross out of rushes, a symbol of one of Ireland’s patron saints.

Renowned choir director Mark De-Lisser celebrates gospel, his favourite genre of music, by meeting Christians at the heart of the gospel community and exploring the message behind the music. Mark meets acclaimed gospel artists and church pastors Volney and Angel Morgan to explore how gospel music enables them to express their faith with such joy. He then sings with renowned choir and viral internet sensations The Spirituals, discovering how they are re-imagining traditional hymns in a modern gospel style. We also learn how a former barrister is teaching gospel music to the new generation in the schools of Liverpool.

Laura Wright celebrates the faith of young people and explores what church means to the new generation today. Laura visits Trinity Church in Nottingham, where the youth group has grown so much that it now meets in its own church building for monthly nights of worship and games led by the young people themselves. She then meets Stephen Fischbacher, the Christian behind the charity Fischy Music, which helps the mental health and well-being of thousands of children every year by writing and singing uplifting songs with them. We also join the launch of Cheeky Pandas and the Jesus Storybook Bible, a series of free online videos for children bringing the Bible to life through cartoons and stories read by famous Christians like Mary Berry, Bear Grylls and the archbishop of Canterbury.

Aled Jones meets award-winning saxophonist and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, who shares the story of her faith through the cherished hymns and worship songs that have guided her through life. Most at home when she is performing, Aled meets YolanDa at a recording studio in east London – and even has a go at playing the sax under YolanDa’s expert tuition! Aled then discovers some of YolanDa’s earliest musical memories and how faith helped her navigate through some significant life decisions. YolanDa tells Aled about some of her biggest influences and how the faith of her beloved grandmother was a particular inspiration. She takes Aled to visit Greenleaf Baptist Church in Walthamstow, where her grandmother worshipped for 30 years.

Sean Fletcher is in London to find out about three remarkable journeys to faith, including how acclaimed 1980s BBC series Sea of Faith inspired broadcaster and vicar Giles Fraser to become a Christian. Sean meets 90s TV star Warren Furman, otherwise known as Ace, from the original hit series Gladiators to hear how he went on a deep spiritual searching after fame and fortune left him feeling empty. Sean meets Warren and his wife Dionne at their local gym and finds out how they journeyed together on a path which has led them all the way to training for the priesthood. And we hear an amazing real-life road to Damascus story. Author and disability advocate Jazz Shaban shares her story about a dramatic encounter with God in Damascus, Syria. Jazz, who was separated from her mother in her childhood, describes how the words of Psalm 139 transformed her faith.

Sean Fletcher visits Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon to meet service personnel past and present, and to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sean finds out about college life from Captain Andy Bray, who oversees the hundreds of cadets who train to become Royal Navy officers at the college. He then visits the college chapel, where he discovers a story of Remembrance, which still resonates with recruits today, about a former student who lost his life in the First World War, aged just 15. Down on the banks of the River Dart, Sean meets Jack Machell, a trainee whose faith inspired his decision to pursue a life of service in the Royal Navy. And Falklands veteran the Rev Brian Williams explains the lasting importance of Remembrance. He recalls his traumatic experience on HMS Sheffield and how his faith helped sustain him during the conflict and has done so ever since.