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.

Saturday, 27th December 2025 - Christmas Season; The Feast of St John, Apostle and Evangelist 

Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you have had from the beginning; the old commandment is the word that you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. 

1 John 2:7-8, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition. 

The Collect of the Day:

Merciful Lord, cast your bright beams of light upon the Church: that, being enlightened by the teaching of your blessed apostle and evangelist Saint John, we may so walk in the light of your truth that we may at last attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ your incarnate Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship.

A Prayer for the Church, Especially in Places of Conflict:

Father,

We praise you for every blessing. You are the great Creator of heaven and earth, and all of creation bows to your name and your will. We worship you as our Father, and our God.

We pray, according to the riches of your glory, that you would strengthen your church, especially those who are facing persecution today. We pray that your Spirit would bring power and perseverance to your people as we dwell in your presence, day by day and moment by moment.

We pray, Father, that being rooted in our faith and love for your son, Jesus, that your church will be strengthened to comprehend the immeasurable love you have demonstrated through the gift of Jesus Christ, that we would be filled with the fullness of God - the fullness that enables us to transcend human understanding and submit ourselves to your perfect will.

Father, we pray for those who stand in the face of opposition today. We pray for their protection, and we also pray that their words, appearance, and actions will radiate the love of Christ to their oppressors. And that their faith will bring honour and glory to your name.

We acknowledge your power and wisdom, Father, and we pray for courage and understanding in the name of your son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Outreach Canada Ministries. 

A Prayer for the Christmas Season:

God of the waiting and the watching ones we praise you that you sent your Son to meet us.

God of the frightened and the lonely ones we praise you that you sent your Son to calm and surround us.

God of the oppressed and marginalized ones we praise you that you sent your Son to liberate and include us.

God of the bereaved and hurting ones we praise you that you sent your Son to comfort and heal us.

This Christmas fill our hearts with your love, that like Mary and Joseph we would be willing to take risks to proclaim your love to a hurting world, stand up against injustice and share the hospitality of your kingdom.

We ask all this in the precious name of the Baby of Bethlehem.

Amen.

Embrace the Middle East.

Everyone at St Oswald's wishes you a Christmas filled with the peace of God, the joy of the birth of Christ, and the hope of the Holy Spirit.