We are a Church of England parish with a strong tradition of music in worship, where all are very welcome. As an ancient Church in the centre of Durham, St Oswald's is a reservoir of peace for all who enter it.

The Sunday Eucharist is at 11 am, and we have a play and books corner by the font for any younger worshipper who feels a parent or carer would enjoy it there. Evensong is at 6 pm on Sundays, either in the chancel, or roughly every other week during term time when the usual hymns expand to a full choral setting, in the body of the church. Midweek Holy Communion is at 10 am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30 am till round about 5 pm (or dusk, if earlier) on weekdays.

Thursday, 18th December 2025 - Advent

The Collect of the Day:

O Lord Jesus Christ, who at your first coming sent your messenger to prepare your way before you: grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready your way by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at your second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in your sight; for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship.

A Prayer for the Elderly and Their Carers:

Dear Lord, we pray for elderly, housebound individuals, who are often very lonely. We praise and thank you for their carers, who come into their homes and brighten their days by showing tenderness, kindness, and giving much needed practical support. Make us more sensitive to the needs of both groups and move our hearts and minds to seek ways in which we may become involved. Increase our awareness of the conditions under which carers do their work; often earning so little for such a valuable contribution and help us seek social justice for them.

Amen.

Eileen Simmons, Local Preacher and Chaplain at Wesley Methodist Church, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

A Prayer for All People Affected by the Recent Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia:

God of mercy and compassion, we grieve the lives lost in the violence at Bondi. We hold before you those who were killed, those who were injured, and all who are traumatised by what they witnessed. Draw near to the families and friends who mourn, and surround them with your comfort and peace. Strengthen first responders and all who care for the wounded. In the face of cruelty and fear, plant in us a deeper commitment to protect life, to resist violence, and to walk in your ways of peace. Through Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. 

Amen.

The Parish of Lower Glenelg - Part of The Anglican Diocese of Ballarat in The Anglican Church of Australia.

A Prayer for the Season of Advent:

During this month of Advent, as we make preparations for Christmas, let us remember people living away from home through strife, war, famine, fear and political instability. Just as there was no room for Mary and Joseph at the inn, there is often no room for people rejected by their own communities.

Let us pray for all political leaders to help them to make wise decisions about refugees and asylum seekers. We pray that your command to love our neighbour is lived out by our nation.

We pray for all those who work to help alleviate the suffering and poverty caused by war, famine and political crises. Lord there are those who work formally through the United Nations and those who minster through many charities. May they all be given the strength to carry on in all conditions and the knowledge that you are there with them.

We pray that through the love of Jesus many will find hope this Christmas.

Amen.

World Day of Prayer - England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

O Adonai, (O Lord):

O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush and gave him the law on Sinai: Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.  

Common Worship.