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.
The latest editions of the weekly news-sheet and music notes are in the 'News' tab, and please ask if you'd like to join the mailing list. Here are links to bell ringing and
choir and concert info. We have a strong connection with
St Oswald's Primary and Nursery School, and with our neighbouring parishes within the Benefice of The Three Saints;
St Mary's Shincliffe,
St Mary's Coxhoe and
St Helen's Kelloe.
Thursday, 25th December 2025 - Christmas Season; Christmas Day
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition.
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, you have given us your only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin: grant that we, who have been born again and made your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by your Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ your 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.
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours!’
Luke 2:14, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition.
A Prayer for Christmas Morning:
Loving Father, Help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds, and worship of the wise men.
Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.
May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children, and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus’ sake.
Amen.
Henry Van Dyke.
A Prayer for the Season of Christmas:
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.
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
