This Advent, we shall be supporting the Anglican Diocese of Goma in the Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo (Province de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo), a fellow member of the Anglican Communion. There is a short introductory video to the Diocese of Goma by the Right Reverend Martin Gordon, Bishop of Goma at the bottom off this page. Please see the notice board at the back of Church or visit the following websites for further information:Gordons in Gomagordonsingoma.orgGoma Call for Peacegomacallforpeace.orgChurch Mission Society (CMS)churchmissionsociety.org/people-in-mission/martin-gordon-dr-congoAnglican Communion News Serviceanglicannews.org/tag/Goma.aspxStewardshipstewardship.org.uk/pages/gomaA Prayer for Good to Overcome Evil, and for Peace to Come to Goma and DR Congo:We thank you, Lord, for the peacemaking happening in Goma and across DR Congo. Thank you that you are bringing peace within people’s hearts, between individuals, among tribes. We pray for peacemakers to be raised up in communities big and small across the country, for good to overcome evil. We ask for your peace for DR Congo: not just a lack of conflict but a true, lasting peace that allows people to feel safe and know joy and hope for the future. Amen.Church Mission Society.
Sunday, 28th December 2025 - The Holy Innocents11am: Parish Eucharist6pm: EvensongWednesday 10am: MatinsSunday, 4th January 2026 - The Second Sunday of Christmas11am: Parish Eucharist12:30pm approx: Epiphany Lunch6pm: EvensongMerry Christmas Everyone!! It was lovely to be at St. Oswald’s for the Christmas services. The Christmas season continues over the next days, and ends on Epiphany Tuesday, 6th January. (There will be a service at St. Mary’s Coxhoe at 9:30am on that day.) Many thanks to Andy and our team for setting up everything so well. And many thanks to David and the choir for their uplifting contributions throughout the season.Please see the Calendar of services attached.Please see also a Christmas greeting to the Churches from the Prime Minister.Advent Outreach: This Advent we shall be supporting the Anglican Diocese of Goma, please see the attached information about this diocese.Epiphany Lunch: Sunday January 4th, after Parish Eucharist, approximately 12.30pm. The price is £8 in cash please and there are forms to fill in for your dietary requests. Please contact Jenifer or Sondra for more details. Closing date is Sunday December 21st.Foodbank - Weekly message from Lynda Delf: Our current shortages include long life milk and fruit juice, kettle food such as instant soup and noodles, tinned tomatoes, potatoes, fish, meat, rice pudding and fruit. We always need household cleaning materials and toilet rolls.The food bank will be closed between 24th December and 5th January I am not there on 22nd and 23rd, all donations will be collected as usual by Steve on Sunday 21st and 28th and taken to the food bank on 5th January.Thank you for your support throughout 2025, best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Lynda.Amongst the sick please pray for Angie Robley, Carol Simmons.A SERVICE FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE AT 5.30 pm IN DURHAM CATHEDRALAll are warmly welcomed to Durham Churches Together's traditional all-age candle-lit service, arranged with the generous support of the Salvation Army Bands, the Durham churches' choir and the Cathedral clergy and vergers. Join the musical procession from the Market Place at 5 pm on New Year's Eve or make your own way to the Cathedral in good time for the 5.30 pm start. On entering the Cathedral you will be offered a lit candle in a glass candle-holder to hold.Please direct any questions to Charles Jolly, DCT Chair charles.jolly13@btinternet.comWith All Good Wishes and Prayers, PeterThe Reverend Peter Kashouris St Oswald's Vicarage, Church Street, Durham pzkashouris@gmail.com
