Sean Fletcher finds out how Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany, and the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin explains its meaning. In Durham, Christian astronomer the Rev Professor David Wilkinson talks to the Rev Kate Bottley about the scientific theories behind the star of Bethlehem. And in Coventry, at a baby baptism service in the Greek Orthodox tradition, a member of the congregation explains why baptism is so important to their faith. Hymns come from around the UK on the theme of Epiphany. Music: O Worship the Lord from St Michael's Southampton Brightest and Best from Church of St Cross, Winchester Be Still for the Presence of the Lord from St Elisabeth's Church, Reddish Indescribable from Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester Lord I Lift Your Name on High from LSO St Lukes London Shine Jesus Shine with Graham Kendrick from St David's Exeter All Night Vigil performed by Katie Melua and Gori Women's Choir.

Aled Jones explores one of Jesus's best-known teachings Love Thy Neighbour and discovers how it is being put into action on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Aled meets local historians to discover Sheppey's amazing hidden heritage - the island was the cradle of British aviation with an intrepid group of pioneers, led by the Short Brothers, establishing themselves on the island in the early 1900s. It also has a rich maritime history having maintained a dockyard of great strategic importance for over 300 years. Students from the local high school get Aled involved in their award-winning Dementia Cafe, where residents of local care homes are invited for afternoon tea, entertainment and conversation, all organised and performed by the teenagers. The Rev Cindy Kent tells Aled about moving to the island and the great sense of community she has found there. She also reflects on her pop star past as the lead singer of the group The Settlers in the 1960s and 70s. And JB Gill visits Sheerness Youth Club, where one youth worker has been serving the young people of Sheppey for nearly 60 years! With hymns and songs from across the UK to celebrate the love of God and the Christian call to love our neighbour. Music: Love Divine from St Asaph Cathedral I, the Lord of Sea and Sky from St Patrick's Church, Dungannon Make Me a Channel of Your Peace from St James the Greater, Leicester I Have Decided to Follow Jesus from Hackney Empire Once Again from Albert Hall, Nottingham When I Needed a Neighbour from Southwark Cathedral How Deep the Father's Love For Us from Kendal Parish Church.

Rev Kate Bottley talks to Padre Alistair about what led him to start up an open-water swimming club and the incredible benefits it brings. Claire McCollum heads to London for a fitness class with a difference, and we meet Chris Andrews, who is working with junior school kids to incorporate strong faith with strong fitness. Music: Hymn books at the ready! Here's what we're singing this week. Morning Has Broken - The Church of St Cross, Winchester Everything Is Possible - St Thomas the Martyr's Church, Newcastle Revival - Performed by Jenn Bostic The Lord's My Shepherd - Kendal Parish Church. Strength Will Rise - Pontio Arts Centre The Day Thou Gavest - Bangor Cathedral.

The Rev Kate Bottley and JJ Chalmers join a mass charity sleep-out in Edinburgh city centre raising funds for homeless people and meet Christians helping those who have slept rough. Kate joins charity workers on a food van visiting a homeless hostel, and meets those who've survived life on the street and are now moving on with hope. In Manchester, one enterprising Christian describes an ingenious solution - a hostel on wheels he's created by converting a tour bus. Many of the hymns and songs come from Stockbridge Church in Edinburgh. Music: Let All the World in Every Corner Sing We Cannot Measure How You Heal Will You Come and Follow Me Meekness and Majesty from St David's Church, Exeter, with Graham Kendrick Leaning on the Everlasting Arms from St Elisabeth's Church, Reddish. Before the Throne of God Above from St Thomas the Martyr, Newcastle, with Philippa Hanna And a lovely performance of Be Thou My Guardian and My Guide.

Katherine Jenkins visits the magnificent Salisbury Cathedral to celebrate Candlemas - the commemoration of the infant Jesus being presented at the temple in Jerusalem. She discovers the origins and meaning of this ancient feast day with the canon chancellor and learns more about the cathedral's fascinating history from one of the tour guides. Sean Fletcher visits Charles Farris Candles, a firm that manufacture and supply ten million candles to churches each year. And nearly 12 months on from the devasting nerve agent attack in Salisbury, the cathedral's new dean, Nick Papadopulos, tells Katherine how the city is striving for peace and unity. With hymns and songs from across the UK celebrating God's light shining in the darkness. Music: Light of the World (Here I Am to Worship) from Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes Nunc Dimittis from Salisbury Cathedral Like a Candle Flame from Derby Cathedral Lux Aeterna from Pershore Abbey Hear the Call of the Kingdom from Albert Hall, Nottingham Faithful one from St Thomas the Martyr's Church, Newcastle The Day Thou Gavest from Salisbury Cathedral.

As St Valentine's Day approaches, Katherine Jenkins visits the Tower of London where it is thought the earliest recorded valentine was written in the 15th century. She explores the tower's two beautiful chapels and meets the first female beefeater. We find out about Christian digital dating and join two young people hoping to find their valentine. Finally, Sean Fletcher hears from the couple passing on the secrets of their long and happy marriage to those planning to tie the knot, and Gregory Porter sings about love. Music: Hymn books at the ready! Here's what we're singing this week. God Is Love, His the Care- Albert Hall, Nottingham The King of Love My Shepherd Is - The Church of St Cross, Winchester Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord - St Thomas the Marty's Church, Newcastle When Love Was King - Performed by Gregory Porter O Jesus I Have Promised - Bangor Cathedral The Church's One Foundation - Christ Church Oxton, Birkenhead God Is Love, Let Heaven Adore Him - All Saint's Church, Northampton.

The Rev Kate Bottley pays a half-term visit to Whitby in North Yorkshire to discover how Quaker values impacted the life of explorer Captain James Cook, and how the life of St Hilda of Whitby influenced the town. Josie d'Arby visits a Christian-run project in Newcastle which makes lunches during the half-term holiday for children who normally have free school meals. On board a replica of Captain Cook's boat Endeavour, author Vanessa Collingridge explains how Cook conducted himself with honesty and integrity influenced by the Quakers of Whitby. Most of our hymns are from churches across northern England, including One More Step, King of Kings Majesty, Mighty to Save, Oceans, and He Who Would Valiant Be. Music: One More Step Along the World I Go from Albert Hall, Nottingham He Who Would Valiant Be from Christ Church, Birkenhead King of Kings, Majesty from Kendal Parish Church The Lord Is My Shepherd from Our Lady's Church, York, performed by Ischia Gooder and Raphael Bellamy Plaice Mighty to Save (Everybody Needs Compassion) from Sale Salvation Army Oceans from St Aidan's Church, Leeds performed by Jessica Clemmons The Old Rugged Cross from the Church of St Thomas the Martyr, Newcastle upon Tyne with Philippa Hanna

Aled Jones explores the amazing network of man-made caves under the streets of Nottingham and discovers the hidden Christian history of the city. In the company of city archaeologist Scott Lomax, Aled learns that there are 860 caves carved out of the soft Nottingham sandstone, some dating back over 1000 years, and they could have been the setting for secret Catholic worship. Aled also goes in search of Nottingham’s most famous son – the legendary Robin Hood – and discovers that his unique brand of social justice may have sprung from a strong Christian faith. One of the earliest references to the outlaw has him praying in St Mary’s Church in Nottingham before he is arrested by the Sheriff’s men. Aled explores an ancient dungeon underneath the National Justice Museum that could just possibly have been where Robin was held. JB Gill visits Pulp Friction, a Nottinghamshire charity that aims to help people with learning difficulties to develop skills for employment. Having started with a bike that uses pedal power to make smoothies, the enterprise has grown and now runs the canteen at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Headquarters. For many of the volunteers it’s a reflection of what Jesus did – loving and empowering those who are often marginalised. And we meet Goose, a former paratrooper who rides a motorbike known as The Preacher – it’s a custom bike covered in scripture and artwork of Jesus. Goose explains how he uses his own experience to support ex-military personnel in his new role for the charity Care After Combat. With wonderful hymns old and new from Nottingham's Albert Hall.

Katherine Jenkins visits one of Britain’s most eco-friendly churches and meets the Christians who are caring for God’s creation by going green. Josie d’Arby joins a crafty family who are turning old glass and lead into beautiful, eco-friendly stained-glass creations. As we enter Lent we meet a Christian who went plastic free for 40 days last year, and Katherine discovers how churches are helping third-world farmers as part of Fair Trade Fortnight. Katherine also finds out how an inner-city church in London is saving energy and has brought wildlife back into the heart of the capital. Music: All Things Bright and Beautiful, St Michael’s Church, Southampton I The Lord of Sea and Sky, St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish Beautiful One, Ruach City Church, Brixton All Creatures of Our God and King, The Church of St Cross, Winchester In Christ Alone, Aled Jones and Russell Watson Praise to the Lord, The Almighty, St Patrick's Church, Dungannon Immortal Invisible, St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen

It’s the first Sunday of Lent and Sean Fletcher visits the university city of Oxford to take on a generosity challenge where, instead of giving something up for Lent, he joins in with a new movement of Christians who ‘give back’. At the St Aldates Centre he serves a meal for others and helps to improve a local garden. Claire McCollum meets Rev. Rose Hudson-Wilkin and hears about the meaning of this important time for Christians, and how it is marked in many churches. And Mary Foley, whose daughter was tragically murdered, explains how her Christian faith helped her on a journey of forgiveness. Hymns and songs come from around the UK and include Crown Him With Many Crowns, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, and the Wesley favourite And Can It Be.

Katherine Jenkins visits the Titanic Quarter in Belfast for St Patrick’s Day. She learns about the rich history of the area once occupied by the Harland and Wolff Shipyard, where Titanic was built. On board the Titanic’s tender vessel, the SS Nomadic, she meets Maureen McKinney, whose grandfather worked on the construction of the famous liner. Katherine also visits the Dock Cafe at the heart of the growing new community of Titanic Quarter. Supported by six different Christian denominations, it runs as an honesty cafe, where customers pay whatever they feel is fair, and hosts a weekly event for international residents. On St Patrick’s Day, Claire McCollum visits a unique Belfast church that’s built in the shape of a shamrock. The rector tells Claire how Ireland’s patron saint used the simple shamrock to explain the doctrine of the holy trinity as he preached across Ireland in the fifth century. Music To God Be The Glory – St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen Be Still And Know That I Am God – St Colmcille’s, Holywood I Bind Unto Myself Today – St Patrick's Church, Dungannon What A Friend We Have In Jesus – Banbridge, Northern Ireland Bless This House – Margaret Keys (performance) This Is Amazing Grace – Green Pastures Church, Ballymena – led by Nathan Jess Be Thou My Vision – St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon

Claire McCollum hears the story of the largest Lampedusa cross in the UK, and how it has become a symbol of hope for thousands of asylum seekers. She meets the woman whose vision of a drop in centre for the homeless and the lonely has become a reality. JB Gill is on the university campus talking to students about the role of faith in their lives and he pays a visit to the National Library to learn about the Welshman who wrote the much loved hymn Guide me o Thou Great Redeemer. Music: Here I Am to Worship – Aberystwyth Arts Centre When I Needed a Neighbour – Christ Church, Port Sunlight Jesu Lover of My Soul – Aberystwyth Arts Centre The Church’s One Foundation – St. Asaph Cathedral Beauty for Brokenness – St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer - Tabernacle Welsh Baptist Church Praise Is Rising – Aberystwyth Arts Centre

To celebrate Mothering Sunday, Katherine Jenkins visits the National Trust’s Tyntesfield Estate in Somerset to find out more about the history of this Christian festival, to learn how to make the traditional Simnel cake and to explore the stunning Gothic chapel there. We meet the remarkable mother who, in a lifetime dedicated to caring, has fostered over 800 children, and we hear from a group of mothers who came up with a clever solution to the challenge of helping their disabled adult children leave home and live independently. The music reflects this special day, and there’s a very personal new song from Katherine, inspired by the birth of her son.

For the fifth Sunday of Lent, Sean Fletcher is in Brighton with Christian music-makers whose faith inspires their work, and Josie d’Arby meets a music therapist. Church musician Simon Lole describes how faith and music have inspired him through a time of illness, and Katherine Jenkins performs How Great Thou Art. Music: Before the Throne of God Above – Eastbourne Bandstand. Led by Lou Fellingham and band How Deep the Father’s Love – Holy Trinity Platt, Manchester Living Lord – Blackburn Cathedral He Turned It – performed by Shalom Chorale Everything Is Possible – St Thomas The Martyr, Newcastle led by Philippa Hanna How Great Thou Art – performed by Katherine Jenkins Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Eastbourne Bandstand. Led by Lou Fellingham and band.

Aled Jones and a choir of Christians make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land to walk in Jesus's last steps, visiting some of the most sacred Christian sites on the planet. These include the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where Jesus is believed to have been crucified, buried and resurrected. All our hymns are sung by our choir in Jerusalem. Shaun Escoffery, star of the West End musical The Lion King, performs Andrew Lloyd Webber’s song Gethsemane, from Jesus Christ Superstar. Music: My Song is Love Unknown, Songs of Praise Choir and local Jerusalem singers in St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem Ride On! Ride On In Majesty!, Songs of Praise Choir in the Tower of David, Jerusalem Tell Me the Story of Jesus, Songs of Praise Choir in the Tower of David, Jerusalem Gethsemane, Shaun Escoffery in Kidron Valley, Jerusalem When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Songs of Praise Choir in the Tower of David, Jerusalem All Glory, Laud and Honour, Songs of Praise Choir and local Jerusalem singers in St George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem

In an Easter Sunday special filmed in Jerusalem, Aled Jones and Helen Bond, professor of Christian origins, visit the sacred site where many Christians believe Jesus’s resurrection happened over 2,000 years ago. With Easter hymns recorded in the Holy Land, and special performances by Aled Jones, West End star Shaun Escoffery and English soprano Laura Wright.

After the recent terrorist attacks in Sri Lanka, many of which deliberately targeted worshipping Christians, we meet members of the Sri Lankan Christian community in the UK who share their grief, their prayers and their hopes for a better future. Also following the major fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Josie d’Arby asks how it’s possible to recover from such disasters, revealing how Britain’s York Minister was rebuilt following a similar incident 35 years ago. She also explores some of the nation’s great galleries and discovers how the Christian faith is celebrated and expressed through art. In the National Gallery she meets Ben Quash, Professor of Christianity and the Arts at King’s College London, to discuss Caravaggio’s famous depiction of the resurrected Jesus at Emmaus as an example of art’s power to illuminate scripture. He tells Josie about a new free online resource which uses art to explore the Bible. Josie also meets National Gallery director Gabriele Finaldi in front of one of the gallery’s most precious treasures, The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo Da Vinci. Exactly 500 years since Leonardo’s death, Gabriele explains why his work is so revered and how his painting has a deep impact on people of faith. At St Martin in the Fields, Josie meets Christian painter Oliver Pengilley, who often paints during church services as an act of worship. He explains how he believes God sends him images to paint and that God uses his art to speak to people. Oliver paints a picture and the finished piece is revealed at the end of the programme. Hymns: Praise to the Holiest In the Height – Our Lady’s Church, York Ave Maria – Mary-Jess and Joanna Forest We cannot measure how you heal – Southwark Cathedral Angel Voices Ever Singing – Pershore Abbey God I look to you – Aberystwyth Arts Centre Praise My Soul The King of Heaven – St John the Baptist Church, Tideswell

The Reverend Kate Bottley is in the north east to mark the 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Way, one of Britain’s favourite national trails. She joins a group walking the part known as the pilgrimage route, from Helmsley Castle to Rievaulx Abbey. There she speaks to historian Dr Michael Carter to discover what life was like for the 600 monks who lived there during the 12th century, and Katherine Jenkins performs John Rutter’s beautiful Gaelic Blessing among the ruins of the abbey. JB Gill is north of the Cleveland Way in Middlesbrough, at a restaurant giving people a second chance in life, and we visit Scargill House in Yorkshire, the Christian centre that’s been welcoming visitors for 60 years. Plus music from all around the country, celebrating the beauty of God’s creation. Music Praise To The Lord The Almighty – Our Lady’s Church, York For The Beauty Of The Earth – Church of St Cross, Winchester We Say Yes – Aberystwyth Arts Centre Joyful, Joyful – Finalists from the Gospel Choir of the Year 2018 Let Us Build A House – St Machar’s Cathedral, Aberdeen Gaelic Blessing – Katherine Jenkins On Eagles Wings – Our Lady’s Church, York

Sean Fletcher visits the 20,000-strong Christian event Spring Harvest in Minehead, Somerset, for its 40th anniversary. Sean speaks to those who have been running the event for four decades and hears how it inspires and equips thousands of Christians to learn more about their faith. Radzi Chinyanganya meets a family in Manchester whose lives were radically changed by attending Spring Harvest – it inspired them to move home and start running a community project. With worship songs from the event as well as hymns from around the UK. Music: This Is Amazing Grace – led by Andy Smith at Spring Harvest, Minehead Meekness and Majesty – led by Graham Kendrick at St David’s Church, Exeter Lord I Lift Your Name On High – St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish The Servant King – Our Lady’s Church, York Amazing Grace – Albert Hall, Nottingham Knowing You Jesus – Kendal Parish Church Living Hope - led by Andy Smith at Spring Harvest, Minehead

It’s the junior semi-final of the 2019 Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year competition from Victoria Hall in Bolton. Five fabulous choirs made up of singers aged 12 and under sing for a place in the grand final in a fortnight’s time. They’re hoping to impress the expert panel of judges: Russell Watson, Carrie Grant and JB Gill. Music: Circles of Motion – Bax Choir, Heath Mount School The Gospel Train - Blackheath Preparatory School Chamber Choir How Can I Keep From Singing- Kent College Choristers Kumbaya -Perfect Pitch Chariot’s Comin’! ( Swing Low Sweet Chariot)- Amherst School Choir My Jesus, My Saviour – Junior Semi Finalists

Six of the best young choirs in the country compete in the final of the Songs of Praise Young Choir of the Year competition at Victoria Hall in Bolton, presented by Aled Jones. They’re hoping to impress the expert panel of judges, Classical Brit award-winner Russell Watson, celebrity vocal coach Carrie Grant and Mobo award-winner JB Gill from JLS, and be named the Junior and Senior champions for 2019. I’m Goin' Up a Yonder - Bax Choir, Heath Mount School The Lamb - Amherst School Choir Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet - Perfect Pitch Faithful One - Francis Holland School Senior Chamber Choir Steal Away - Tring Park Choir Shine Down - NChant, The Rochester Grammer School How Great Thou Art - Aled Jones and Russell Watson

On 6th June 1944 the largest invasion force ever assembled landed on the beaches of Normandy. D-Day, as it became known, was a turning point in the Second World War that led to the liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe, but it came at a heavy cost. Almost a hundred thousand of the Allied forces and local civilians lost their lives on that day and in the fierce Battle of Normandy that followed. To mark this 75th anniversary, Aled travels to Normandy with 93-year-old Christian veteran Harry Billinge, who was just 18 on D-Day. He is aware this is one of the last trips he will make. On Gold Beach, where Harry came ashore, he recalls the sound of the guns and the memories of the men he fought alongside, as well as those in his group who were killed. And later, in the immaculate war cemeteries in Bayeux, Harry shares with Aled memories of how he used to pray with his fellow soldiers in the heat of battle and how his faith has helped him in his tireless efforts not to forget those who gave their lives. Former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers visits the Imperial War Museum in Duxford to read the diary of chaplain Leslie Skinner, a Methodist Minister who was the first Padre to land on D-Day. He meets Padre Skinner’s daughter Annette and hears how this modest man carried 46 wounded men back to boats, even though he was injured himself, and how his Bible - tucked carefully away - took a bullet and saved his life. We also learn about the top secret planning for D-Day that began years before the invasion at Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire. Home of the genius code-breakers including Alan Turing and Bill Tutte, Bletchley Park decoded millions of intercepted enemy messages giving invaluable intelligence to the forces on the frontline. We hear from 95-year-old Christian veteran Rena Stewart about her time at Bletchley and how after living through war, peace becomes even more precious. The episode has a very special performance of Abide With Me from Aled Jones on the beaches and a

For Father’s Day, Sean Fletcher is in London to meet a dad whose personal sacrifice saved his son’s life when he donated a kidney in a televised operation watched by millions. We hear how music-making has strengthened one father’s bond with his son, and we discover how a mobile youth club, based on a bus, is bringing faith, hope and positive role models to teenagers. Laura Wright visits St Pancras station to sing along with a pianist who plays hymns to entertain passers-by, and we launch the vote to find the UK’s favourite hymn. Music: Lord of All Hopefulness – Southwark Cathedral Total Praise – LSO St Luke’s London How Deep the Father’s Love – Kendal Parish Church The Lion and the Lamb – Aberystwyth Arts Centre What a Beautiful Name – Performed by Laura Wright Give Thanks – Warwick Rd URC Coventry Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Pershore Abbey

The Rev. Kate Bottley visits New Lanark, 25 miles south of Glasgow, where in 1786 Christian businessman David Dale ran one of the most successful cotton mills in Scottish history. Kate meets with Paige Hughes from the New Lanark Trust to discuss how Dale’s faith impacted the way he managed his workers, providing high quality accommodation and giving the child workers an education and encouraging them to attend church. Claire McCollum meets Susan Boyle, who is currently celebrating ten years in show business. And in Alloa, Kate visits St Mungo’s Church as it marks its 200th anniversary. She meets the Rev. Sang Cha to learn how the church is engaging with the local community to help support their brand new youth initiative, Connect Alloa. Music O Worship the King – Glasgow Cathedral Spirit of God Unseen as the Wind – Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh Beauty for Brokenness – Paisley Abbey Immortal Invisible – Perth Cathedral, St Ninians’s Jesus Christ Is Waiting - Glasgow Cathedral Amazing Grace – Susan Boyle Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation - Glasgow Cathedral

On 1st July 1969, a 20-year-old Prince Charles was formally invested with the title The Prince of Wales in Caernarfon Castle. It was an event watched by a worldwide audience of half a billion people. 50 years on, Katherine Jenkins returns to the historic castle to reflect on that momentous occasion and to explore the rich religious history of North Wales, including discovering a 700-year-old book of worship preserved in Bangor University. Along the coast from Caernarfon, local Christian Jay Lusted shares how his faith has helped him to accept his physical disability. Born with a rare form of dwarfism, he explains how he believes God made him for a purpose and helped him realise his dreams of becoming an actor and having a family of his own. Pam Rhodes explores a subject close to Prince Charles’s heart today – the plight of persecuted Christians. She reflects on a special service she attended with Prince Charles in Westminster Abbey which highlighted the suffering and challenges faced by many Christians. She then meets Archbishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church and a Christian family who fled Pakistan to hear first-hand accounts of religious persecution. With hymns and worship songs from across Wales. Come, Now Is the Time to Worship – Pontio Arts Centre, Bangor Thy Hand O God Has Guided – Bangor Cathedral In Heavenly Love Abiding – St Asaph Cathedral Here Is Love Vast as the Ocean – Tenby Harbour This Is Amazing Grace - Aberystwyth Ars Centre When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – performed by Katy Treharne Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah – St Asaph Cathedral

The Rev Kate Bottley is at Glastonbury, home of the world famous music festival, to meet its Christian founder Michael Eavis. Kate finds out how it all began, and how the Somerset farmer’s faith has been important to him throughout the growth of the event. Also, Kate finds out how this summer, for the very first time, the Quakers are pitching a tent on the Glastonbury site for festivalgoers to experience Quaker worship. She meets Jon, who’s heading up the Quaker team, to hear why a Christian denomination known for silent meditation has decided to come to one of the country’s loudest events. Plus there’s another chance to see when Josie d’Arby met Chris Sayburn, the head of worship for one of the biggest Christian gatherings in the UK, New Wine, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this summer. We also catch up with the man behind the plans to build a new British Christian landmark, the Wall of Answered Prayer, now that the winning design has been chosen. With hymns and songs come from across the UK.To God Be The Glory - Eastbourne Blinded By Your Grace - Stormzy at Glastonbury Festival Dear Lord And Father Of Mankind - St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen Holy, Holy, Holy - St Elizabeth’s Church, Reddish Spirit And Truth - New Wine Lord Of The Dance - Christ Church, Birkenhead Praise My Soul The King Of Heaven - Tenby Harbour

Sean Fletcher and the Rev Kate Bottley hear how the Christian faith sustains those affected by cancer, including former Blue Peter host and TV presenter Simon Thomas, Baptist minister the Rev Andy Stammers, campaigner Della Ogunleye and cancer specialist nurse Mary Mountford-Lister. Sean visits Maggie's Oxford, a centre that specialises in support and care for those diagnosed with cancer. Kate meets a support group for black women who are dealing with effects of breast cancer. Music includes In Christ Alone, Break Every Chain, God Is Love His The Care, and Keep You Here, a special song from Stuart Townend written after his late brother's cancer diagnosis. Music: Crown Him with Many Crowns from Holy Trinity Platt Church, Manchester I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say from All Saints Church, Cheltenham In Christ Alone from Pontio Arts Centre, Bangor Keep You Here by Stuart Townend & Family Break Every Chain from Birmingham Christian Centre God Is Love, His the Care from St James the Greater, Leicester.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the moon landing Claire McCollum reveals the extraordinary story of how astronaut Buzz Aldrin took Holy Communion on the moon. The programme visits Ely Cathedral, where a giant replica of the moon is on display as part of their science festival. A former British NASA engineer, who worked on the space programme, gives his first-hand account of the Apollo 11 mission, and in Ely itself, we visit the house where Oliver Cromwell lived at the start of the English Civil War. Plus there’s the launch of the Young Choir of the Year Competition 2020. Music How Great Thou Art – Hereford Cathedral Abide With Me – Glasgow Cathedral Indescribable – Holy Trinity Platt Manchester O Lord Of Every Shining Constellation – Christ Church Port Sunlight Underneath The Stars – Voces 8 All People That On Earth Do Dwell – Old Royal Naval College Greenwich Immortal, Invisible – St Macartin’s Cathedral Enniskillen

Aled Jones visits the annual MotoFest event in Coventry, a huge free festival of motoring, car racing and exhibitions in the city centre. He meets its founder James Noble, a former car industry expert who is now a church leader. Local singer Rob Halligan explains how Coventry Cathedral inspired him to write songs, and the Reverend Kate Bottley meets young Christian entrepreneurs helping the city’s refugees. Most of the hymns and songs come from Warwick Road United Reformed Church, also in Coventry.

Katherine Jenkins visits St Mary’s University Twickenham, the oldest Catholic University in the UK, to explore the power of faith. Radzi Chinyanganya is in Trafalgar Square for the Christian family festival Thy Kingdom Come. Here, church leaders including the archbishop of Canterbury and thousands of Christians from across London unite in prayer and worship. Radzi also visits the Sutton Eagles pan-disability football club to find out how faith and football are helping 16-year-old Thomas. Music Jerusalem – St Elisabeth’s Church, Reddish Thy Hand O God Has Guided – Glasgow Cathedral Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah – Tenby Harbour Bless The Lord – LSO St Luke’s The Lord’s Prayer – Only Boys Aloud All Things Bright And Beautiful – St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Eastbourne Bandstand with Lou Fellingham

The Rev. Kate Bottley gets a taste of life on campus at Ripon College in Oxfordshire, where for over 160 years Christians have trained for the priesthood. She meets a heavy metal singer whose life changed direction when she felt God calling her to become a vicar. There’s another chance to hear the moving testimony of Baroness Lawrence whose son Stephen was tragically murdered in 1993. We meet up with her again to hear about the exciting new research centre she has helped set up in memory of her son. We look back on Kate's meeting with an inspirational couple whose Christian calling involved alpacas and running a community house in Birmingham. We catch up with them to find out how their brand new Church in a Yurt is helping transform their neighbourhood. Our music comes from right across the UK and celebrates the theme of God’s calling on the lives of Christians. Music Rejoice the Lord Is King - Kendal Parish Church Will You Come and Follow Me - Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh We Seek Your Kingdom - Church of Christ the Cornerstone, Milton Keynes Be Still for the Presence of the Lord - St Elisabeth's Church, Reddish Be Thou My Vision – Holy Trinity Platt Church, Manchester Locus Iste – The Templar Scholars We Say Yes - Aberystwyth Arts Centre

During the summer wedding season, Claire McCollum celebrates faith and marriage by visiting a couple in Cheshire whose church wedding was staged for just a thousand pounds thanks to Christian volunteers from the congregation. The Rev. Kate Bottley meets members of the United Reformed Church who three years ago voted to allow same-sex marriages in their churches, and a Christian same-sex couple who are able to marry in church as a result of this change. JB Gill discovers the secret of a successful marriage with a couple who share very different beliefs – Aidan is an avowed atheist but his wife Jennie is a committed Christian. Popular wedding hymns come from across the UK including Praise My Soul The King of Heaven and Love Divine.

Claire McCollum explores the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales via motortrike and meets the Christian woman behind the trike tours who feels close to God whilst on three wheels. They make a stop at a spiritual landmark, Jervaulx Abbey. We look back on the Rev. Kate Bottley’s visit to the Yorkshire coast, when she found out about the patron saint of Whitby, St Hilda, whose life and teachings inspired the community of nuns living in the area. We pop back to see how the sisters have settled into their new building, which was being built when we last visited. There’s also another chance to see when Kate visited one of the largest agricultural shows in the UK, the Great Yorkshire Show, and met up with Christian farmer Kate Dale. A year on, we catch up with Kate at her farm in the Vale of York. Claire’s final stop on her trike tour of the Yorkshire Dales is Wensleydale Creamery, where she finds out about the famous Wensleydale cheese invented hundreds of years ago by Cistercian monks. Claire sees how the monks’ recipe is still used today, and gets to sample some of the cheese herself. With hymns and worship music from across Yorkshire and beyond.

Aled Jones visits the magnificent Burghley House near Stamford in Lincolnshire. Often described as the finest Elizabethan house in all of England, Aled discovers how Christianity is woven through Burghley’s 450-year history and explores some of its most spectacular features including the ornately painted hell staircase and heaven room. From one fine country house to another – ahead of the premiere of the Downton Abbey movie, Aled meets its creator and writer Lord Julian Fellowes. In Brompton Oratory, a chapel where Lord Fellowes often worships, he tells Aled about the film and his Catholic faith. And back in Lincolnshire, Sean Fletcher marks 45 years since the disaster at the Flixborough chemical plant. He meets survivor John Irvine, who was blinded in the explosion, and finds out how he came to faith in the years that followed. With hymns from St Martin’s Church in Stamford, including O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go.

Katherine Jenkins explores 'heavenly designs' 350 years after Christopher Wren’s began work on his masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral. She meets Christian architect Niall McLauglin, who specialises in sacred buildings and explains why Wren remains such an inspiration to him. The Dean of St Paul's describes the time the cathedral nearly lost its iconic dome, and jewellery designer Ruth Mary Chipperfield explains how her faith informs her work. Josie d’Arby meets the Christian modern art collective Morphé Arts, which supports young artists embarking upon their careers. And Christian couple Rev. Dr Giles and Kate Kendall show how the faith-inspired design of their zero-carbon vicarage is leading the way in sustainability. Hymns and songs come from across the UK and include Christ Is Made the Sure Foundation and Cornerstone.

In this special episode, the Reverend Kate Bottley visits the sacred Christian pilgrimage site of Lourdes in south west France, revealing how she first went as a child. Each year around six million people make a pilgrimage to this small town where many believe miracles can happen. Back in 1858 a young girl saw a vision of the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, in a grotto on the edge of her village of Lourdes, and ever since many Christians have considered it to be a place of spiritual and physical healing. We hear the remarkable story of one man who believes his terminal illness was cured here over 50 years ago. Around 100 people each year claim to have been cured in Lourdes, and Kate meets Dr Alessandro Franciscis from the International Medical Committee of Lourdes, who assess people’s claims to have been miraculously healed. A highlight of the trip for Kate is when she joins a pilgrim from the Leeds diocese and together they bathe in the holy waters. And music from around the UK, including a stunning performance of Ave Maria from Mary Jess and Joanna Forest. Music: Praise To The Holiest In The Height – Our Lady’s Church, York We Cannot Measure How You Heal – Stockbridge Church, Edinburgh Ave Maria – Mary-Jess and Joanna Forest I Will Give Thanks – Aberystwyth Arts Centre Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace – All Saints’ Church, Northampton Christ Be Our Light – St Patrick’s Church, Dungannon Tell Out My Soul – St John The Baptist, Tideswell

The Rev Kate Bottley visits the magnificent Norwich Cathedral to discover how a 50-foot helter-skelter in the nave is attracting families, allowing them to see the beautiful ceiling sculptures and bringing the Bible to life in a new way. She meets Canon Andy Bryant, the man behind the idea of installing the helter-skelter, and cathedral dean Jane Hedges, who explains that the cathedral’s central purpose has always been to offer a sacred place where all can reflect and celebrate the whole of life. A short walk from the cathedral, Kate embarks on a personal pilgrimage to St Julian’s church to learn more about the city’s most famous daughter, Julian of Norwich, a medieval Christian mystic who wrote down her reflections on the visions of Christ she received in 1373. Still inspiring Christians today, Julian’s book Revelations of Divine Love is the oldest English book written by a woman. At a time when many churches are celebrating their harvest festival, Kate also travels into the Norfolk countryside to join farmer Robert More and help bring in his wheat harvest. Robert’s family have been working the same land for over 300 years, and he tells Kate how his strong Christian faith has helped him through the tough times and why he is always thankful to God at harvest time. New presenter Simon Thomas returns to Norfolk – his home county – to discover the remarkable East Anglian tradition of angel roofs. In the parish church of Swaffham, he is introduced to 192 beautifully carved wooden angels that have looked over worshippers for over 500 years. Simon discovers the powerful symbolism of angels in Christianity’ past and present.

From Leicester’s De Montfort Hall, Aled Jones counts down the UK's top ten favourite hymns as voted for by you. The ten hymns were recently chosen as the UK’s most popular by Songs of Praise viewers in an online vote and include three by living hymn-writers, each of whom takes part in the programme. But which one will be the UK’s favourite? A congregation of a thousand voices joins Aled, and there are special performances of hymns from all around the UK, including Katherine Jenkins and Wynne Evans singing in St. David’s Cathedral, Daniel O’ Donnell performing In Christ Alone on the coast of Northern Ireland, and Fairground Attraction’s Eddi Reader singing Amazing Grace on the coast of Scotland. The star of Hollywood blockbusters Black Panther and Venom, Sope Aluko, talks about her love of hymns and how much comfort she gains from them, and poet John Cooper Clarke and comedian Lloyd Griffith each talk about their own particular favourites.

Claire McCollum visits St George’s cathedral in Hertfordshire to meet members of the UK’s thriving Coptic Orthodox community and to discover how its roots can be traced all the way back to first-century Egypt. She meets archbishop Angaelos to discover how the Coptic Orthodox tradition fits in the worldwide family of the Church and what makes their worship unique. She learns that they have a pope and that the tradition was the cradle of monasticism. Claire also meets Fadi Mikhail, a young iconographer whose work can be seen in churches and cathedrals across the world. He explains the great significance of icons in worship and the deeply spiritual experience of creating them. In central London, young Coptic Orthodox Christians speak about putting their faith into action through the Coptic City Mission. Each week for the past 20 years the group has run a project to help the homeless, offering food, company and long-term support. And Laura Wright meets classical-crossover stars the Ayoub Sisters. She asks them about growing up in a Coptic Orthodox family in Glasgow and how the worship of their church influences their music today. The sisters then perform a beautiful arrangement of an Arabic hymn. With hymns and songs from across the UK celebrating the truths that unite the worldwide family of God.

Aled Jones travels to the Isle of Wight, famous for music festivals, yacht racing and as the family home of Queen Victoria. On the day that Cardinal John Newman is declared a saint, the Rev Kate Bottley finds out all about him by visiting one of his enduring legacies, the Oratory in Birmingham, and she talks to members of the Catholic church about the significance of his canonisation to Christians everywhere. Aled takes to the sea around the Isle of Wight with Christian sailing couple Rick and Angie Ganley, whose adventures at sea have brought them closer to God. Rick tells the story of how his faith helped him through a near death experience, and both reflect on the peace and proximity to God they enjoy whilst out on the water. Also in the programme we hear from a Christian who lives on the Isle of Wight and has dedicated her life to writing and illustrating books about Jesus for children. We learn about the history of Northwood House, which was transformed from a luxurious summer residence into a stately home and then into a sanctuary for an exiled order of nuns and the wounded of two world wars. There’s congregational singing from the grounds of Northwood House and two hymns written by Cardinal John Newman, to mark the day of his canonisation. Music Will Your Anchor Hold – The Wight Proms, Isle of Wight Praise to the Holiest in the Height – Our Lady’s Church, York The Lord’s My Shepherd - The Wight Proms, Isle of Wight I, the Lord of Sea and Sky – The Wight Proms, Isle of Wight Lead, Kindly Light – Arundel Cathedral God I Look to You – Aberystwyth Arts Centre The Day Thou Gavest – The Wight Proms, Isle of Wight

The Rev. Kate Bottley visits the beautifully restored Gorton Monastery in Manchester. Songs of Praise has followed the story of this magnificent Franciscan church and friary over many years and has witnessed its transformation from ruin to restoration. In the latest chapter of the story, Kate hears how new research is revealing the monastery to be a fine example of sacred geometry in architecture. For centuries, people have observed that certain ratios and proportions are found again and again in the natural world. These phenomena are known by some as sacred geometry because they are believed to replicate the architecture of the creator. Many sacred buildings have been designed along these principles and now Gorton Monastery is being recognised as one of the best examples. Kate also visits the Oasis Centre in Gorton, a Christian project at the heart of the community that offers everything from free meals to crisis support and literacy lessons. It was set up by Victoria Armstrong, who tells Kate that it all began when she came to Gorton as a student and had an extraordinary encounter with God. 26 years on, she’s still in Gorton and the community have just raised £1.1 million for a brand new, purpose-built centre. Bishop of Manchester David Walker shares his childhood memories of Gorton Monastery and tells Kate about a new initiative to help the homeless this winter. Churches of all denominations across the city are coming together and working with the Muslim community to open churches and mosques as night shelters throughout the coming months. And JB Gill is in the centre of Manchester meeting those behind a new Christian movement that aims to reconnect the Church with the radical teachings of Jesus. The movement is called Red Letter Christians, a name inspired by Bibles that print Jesus’s words in red. JB meets the founders, US Christian activists Dr Tony Campolo and Shane Claiborne, as well as the British church leaders that are bringing the movement to th

Katherine Jenkins is in the picturesque county of Pembrokeshire in Wales, where she visits one of the smallest chapels in Britain, perched on a sea cliff and built in memory of the hermit monk St Govan. Katherine performs Make Me a Channel of Your Peace in front of St. Govan’s tiny seaside chapel. We follow the journey of a brand new statue of Wales’s patron saint, St David, from its birthplace in Wales to its new home in the Valley of the Saints in France and hear about the inspiration that drove its sculptor. Katherine also takes a historical tour around the Bishops Palace close to St Davids, once the most majestic building in Wales. Radzi Chinyanganya visits a Christian retreat in the north of the county to meet Chrissie Bailey, who attributes her recovery from a debilitating illness to the power of prayer she experienced there. Plus rousing congregational singing from the cathedral in St Davids and from around the country.

Singer Russell Watson tells Aled Jones how a near-death experience transformed his Christian faith. Born and bred in Salford, Russell explains how he took his first musical steps and then got his big break when he began to perform at sporting events. He quickly became affectionately known as the Voice. However, at the height of his career, Russell was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and although a successful operation saved his life, this brush with his own mortality was to change him. Russell is reunited with the Christian surgeon who saved his life and he reveals how, after his illness, his faith became stronger. At his home, Russell and Aled reflect on music, singing and faith, and Russell's family describe how his life has changed since he became a person of faith. This special episode also features performances by Aled and Russell, including In Christ Alone, The Lord's My Shepherd and Ave Maria. Other hymns include Be Thou My Vision and My Jesus My Saviour.

Katherine Jenkins marks Remembrance Sunday by visiting the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) near Lichfield in Staffordshire to see how its tranquil surroundings bring comfort and hope to those who’ve lost loved ones in the armed forces. Sean Fletcher hears from Chelsea Pensioner and Britain’s Got Talent winner Colin Thackery, who performs a special arrangement of the inspirational song You Raise Me Up. The chaplain at the NMA explains how the loss of his young son gives him empathy for those coming to remember loved ones. Katherine discovers how faith sustains a trustee of the War Widows Association whose husband died in the Falklands conflict. And Sean meets a young soldier who found comfort from New Testament words in a treasured family Bible, as he mourned the loss of his friend in the Afghanistan conflict. Music: O God Our Help in Ages Past, from Salvation Army, Sale, Manchester For the Healing of the Nations, from Christ Church, Birkenhead Abide With Me, from St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen I Vow to Thee My Country, performed by members of Military Wives Choirs in St Michael’s Church, Southampton Eternal Father Strong to Save, from St Michael’s Church, Southampton You Raise Me Up, performed by Colin Thackery at the National Memorial Arboretum O Christ the Same, from St Macartin's Cathedral, Enniskillen

YolanDa Brown hosts a highlight in the Songs of Praise calendar, the Gospel Choir of the Year competition 2019. In the first of two programmes, five of the best amateur choirs from across the country take to the stage at Reading Town Hall to sing in front of this year’s judges. Our gospel choirs have to impress three new judges - leading gospel vocal coach Mark De-Lisser, West End star Brenda Edwards and pop icon Rick Astley. This year the choirs are from all around the country. From Hull comes G Choir, from Preston in Lancashire it’s One Voice Community Choir, there’s Cambridge University Gospel Choir, from Coventry Nexus ICA Gospel Choir, and in their home town is Reading Community Gospel Choir. Plus we have a guest performance from MOBO award winner Lurine Cato. Which choir will be your favourite?

YolanDa Brown hosts the grand final of the Gospel Choir of the Year competition 2019. Five of the best amateur choirs in the country perform at Reading Town Hall. Our choirs have to impress leading vocal coach Mark De-Lisser, West End musical theatre star Brenda Edwards and pop icon Rick Astley. The choirs are G Choir from Hull, One Voice Community Choir from Preston, Cambridge University Gospel Choir, Nexus ICA Gospel Choir from Coventry and Reading Community Gospel Choir, and the highlight of the programme comes when all five choirs join together to perform I Go to the Rock, led by one of the biggest names in British gospel music, Lurine Cato.

For the first Sunday of Advent, Sean Fletcher visits a Christmas fair in the stunning Blair Castle in Perthshire and meets Christians preparing for the Christmas season. TV star and singer John Barrowman reflects on his personal faith and performs a song close to his heart, Be Thou My Vision. Sean also meets stallholder Jean Alexander, who makes unique teddy bears. Her faith has sustained her and helped her to forgive those who killed her husband in 1997. Sean learns about the Christian history of the Blair Castle estate from archivist Keren Guthrie. In Aberdeenshire, Claire McCollum joins ultra-marathon runner Mark Calder to raise awareness of Christians living in Iraq. Together, they reflect on peace during the advent season. Advent hymns and songs include Hills of the North Rejoice, Here I Am To Worship, and Come Down O Love Divine.

Claire McCollum steps back in time to experience an Edwardian Christmas at Beamish open-air museum near Durham. From carol singing in the old pit village to making seasonal sweets, Claire discovers how faith was at the heart of festive traditions a century ago. She also speaks to Rev. Rachel Mann about Christina Rosetti, the remarkable woman who wrote one of the nation’s favourite carols, In the Bleak Midwinter. JB Gill meets Jonathan Bryan, an extraordinary young Christian who is telling his story against all odds. Jonathan, 13, has severe cerebral palsy and is able only to move his eyes, and yet by picking letters from a special board with the movements of his eyes he is able to communicate and has now written an autobiography. He wants to tell the world about his life and his faith in Jesus. JB finds out why Christmas is especially important to Jonathan. With wonderful music for the second Sunday in Advent and an exclusive performance by Rick Astley.

Aled Jones celebrates Christmas with a feast of festive carols from the Assembly Hall in Belfast, including Hark The Herald and O Little Town Of Bethlehem. With special guests Katherine Jenkins, G4, Alexis Ffrench and The Lion King star Shaun Escoffery.

Aled Jones celebrates Christmas with a feast of festive carols from the Assembly Hall in Belfast, including Hark The Herald and O Little Town Of Bethlehem. With special guests Katherine Jenkins, G4, Alexis Ffrench and The Lion King star Shaun Escoffery.

Claire McCollum is in Belfast for a Big Sing spectacular from the fabulous Assembly Hall. With special guest performances from Dana, Margaret Keys and The Priests. Hymns with Irish origins include Be Thou My Vision and In Christ Alone.