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.
Friday, 26th December 2025 - Christmas Season; The Feast of St Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr
Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and others of those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up and argued with Stephen. But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke.
Acts 6:8-10, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition.
The Collect of the Day:
Gracious Father, who gave the first martyr Stephen grace to pray for those who took up stones against him: grant that in all our sufferings for the truth we may learn to love even our enemies and to seek forgiveness for those who desire our hurt, looking up to heaven to him who was crucified for us, Jesus Christ, our mediator and advocate, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen.
Common Worship.
Holy Spirit, gift of Jesus,
Shed thy light upon our eyes,
That we may behold with Stephen
That fair realm beyond the skies,
Where the Son of Man in glory
Waits for us at God's right hand,
King of saints and hope of martyrs,
Lord of all the pilgrim band.
Stephen, First of Christian Martyrs - Christopher Wordsworth, 1807-85 (alt.), 201, The New English Hymnal.
A Prayer for Peace in the Holy Land:
O God of life and love and peace,
We witness the violence and injustice in your Holy Land
And our hearts break.
Our hearts break for the people of Palestine and Israel
For the victims of violent attacks by Hamas
For those who live with fear and insecurity
For those who suffer from the inter-generational trauma of violence
For the victims of violent attacks by the Israeli military
For those being denied water, electricity, and medical care
For those who are refugees, long displaced from their homes.
We especially pray—
That weapons of war be laid down
That walls of separation be dismantled
That prisoners be released
That demonizing of “the other” cease
That political leaders seek the good of all people in Israel and Palestine
O God, whose heart breaks for the world,
Rain down justice to dwell in the land
Let righteousness abide in fruitful fields
Give quietness and trust forever
And may the effect of justice be peace—enduring peace.
We pray in your holy name and because of Jesus Christ, the prince of peace.
Amen.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine, New England, USA. (Adapted from the Mennonite Central Committee by Bishop Thomas J. Brown, June 2024).
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.
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
