Said Evensong with Hymns on Remembrance Sunday

Occurring
for 45 mins
Venue
St Oswald's, Durham
Address
Church Street Durham, DH1 3DQ, United Kingdom

A prayerful and reflective service from the Book of Common Prayer. Roughly every other Sunday in term time, a full choral evensong is held.

All are very welcome.

Sunday, 8th November 2026 - Ordinary Time; Remembrancetide: Remembrance Sunday; The Third Sunday before Advent (The Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity)

Said Evensong with Hymns on Remebrance Sunday

Officiant:
The Rector

Hymns:
Please see boards in church

Psalms:
Please see boards in church

Lessons:
Judges 7:2-22
John 15:9-17

The Second Lesson Appointed for Today's Evening Prayer:

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another.

(John 15:9-17, King James Version)

A Poem for Remembrance Sunday:

On Somme

Suddenly into the still air burst thudding

And thudding, and cold fear possessed me all,

On the gray slopes there, where Winter in sullen brooding

Hung between height and depth of the ugly fall

Of Heaven to earth; and the thudding was illness’ own.

But still a hope I kept that were we there going over,

I, in the line, I should not fail, but take recover

From others’ courage, and not as coward be known.

No flame we saw, the noise and the dread alone

Was battle to us; men were enduring there such

And such things, in wire tangled, to shatters blown.

Courage kept, but ready to vanish at first touch.

Fear, but just held. Poets were luckier once

In the hot fray swallowed and some magnificence.

(Ivor Gurney, 1890-1937)

The Collect of the Day:

O God, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

***Please see the 'Sung Parish Eucharist' page for today's Durham Diocesan and Anglican Communion Prayer Cycle Intentions, as well as the Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the month.***

***Unless otherwise stated, all hymns are from Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (2000); *SP = Sing Praise: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship (2010).***

Photo Credit: Karen Jones

St Oswald's, Durham

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 11:00am, 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 6:00pm 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 10:00am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5:00pm (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). 

Upcoming Services and Events: 

Thursday, 5th November 2026 - Bonfire Night: Annual Community Bonfire in the Churchyard at 6:00pm (free admission)

Sunday, 8th November 2026 - Remembrance Sunday: Sung Parish Eucharist with Act of Remembrance at 10:50am, and Said Evensong with Hymns at 6:00pm

All are very welcome.

***Please note that we are currently experiencing an issue with our heating system in church, so please wrap up warmly when visiting us. Hot water bottles are available for use by those attending any of our services, or if you'd like to bring your own, we can fill them for you, either in the Institute before Parish Eucharist or in the vestry prior to Evensong, Oasis and Midweek Holy Communion. Blankets are also available. We apologize for any inconvenience that this issue may cause.*** 

Wednesday, 4th November 2026 - Ordinary Time; Remembrancetide

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty and everlasting God, who hast kindled the flame of love in the hearts of thy saints: grant to us, we beseech thee, the same faith and power of love that we, rejoicing in their triumphs, may be sustained by their example and fellowship; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen. 

Common Worship

Today's Epistle:

Shining as Lights in the World

My beloved, just as you have always obeyed me, not only in my presence, but much more now in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labour in vain. But even if I am being poured out as a libation over the sacrifice and the offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you— and in the same way you also must be glad and rejoice with me.

Philippians 2:12-18, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

A Prayer for the Memorial of St Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, 1584 

Almighty God, thou hast generously made known to human beings, the mysteries of thy life through Jesus Christ thy Son in the Holy Spirit. Enlighten my mind to know these mysteries which thy Church treasures and teaches. Move my heart to love them and my will, to live in accord with them. Give me the ability to teach this faith to others, without pride, without ostentation and without personal gain. Let me realize that I am simply thine instrument, for bringing others to the knowledge of the wonders that thou hast done for all thy creatures. Help me to be faithful to this task that thou hast entrusted to me.

Amen.

St Charles Borromeo

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

November 2026: Stockton Deanery

A Prayer for Renewal and Growth in our Benefice:

Almighty God, through whose servants the Blessed Virgin Mary, Oswald and Helena many heard and received the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ; grant to us the courage and the grace to follow their example, in declaring the praises of him who called us out of darkness into his wonderful light. And so, by the work of your Holy Spirit, may many in our benefice come to faith, baptism and confirmation, and take their place among your people, worshipping, witnessing and serving, to the glory of your holy name; through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

The Right Reverend Rick Simpson - Bishop of Durham, ad.

A Prayer of our Patron, St Oswald of Northumbria:

Let us all kneel, and together beseech the true and living God Almighty in his mercy to defend us from the proud and cruel enemy; for he knows that we have undertaken a just war for the safety of our nation.

Amen. 

St Oswald of Northumbria

(Prayed by King Oswald and his army on the battlefield on the eve of the Battle of Heavenfield)

Cover Photo Credit: Andy Jones



































Get in touch

The Reverend Peter Kashouris

St Oswald's Vicarage,
Church Street
Durham

DH1 3DG
Vicarage
0191 374 1681
Parish Office
0191 383 0830
What's on

Said Evensong with Hymns on Remembrance Sunday

Occurring
for 45 mins
Venue
St Oswald's, Durham
Address
Church Street Durham, DH1 3DQ, United Kingdom

A prayerful and reflective service from the Book of Common Prayer. Roughly every other Sunday in term time, a full choral evensong is held.

All are very welcome.

Sunday, 8th November 2026 - Ordinary Time; Remembrancetide: Remembrance Sunday; The Third Sunday before Advent (The Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity)

Said Evensong with Hymns on Remebrance Sunday

Officiant:
The Rector

Hymns:
Please see boards in church

Psalms:
Please see boards in church

Lessons:
Judges 7:2-22
John 15:9-17

The Second Lesson Appointed for Today's Evening Prayer:

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
These things I command you, that ye love one another.

(John 15:9-17, King James Version)

A Poem for Remembrance Sunday:

On Somme

Suddenly into the still air burst thudding

And thudding, and cold fear possessed me all,

On the gray slopes there, where Winter in sullen brooding

Hung between height and depth of the ugly fall

Of Heaven to earth; and the thudding was illness’ own.

But still a hope I kept that were we there going over,

I, in the line, I should not fail, but take recover

From others’ courage, and not as coward be known.

No flame we saw, the noise and the dread alone

Was battle to us; men were enduring there such

And such things, in wire tangled, to shatters blown.

Courage kept, but ready to vanish at first touch.

Fear, but just held. Poets were luckier once

In the hot fray swallowed and some magnificence.

(Ivor Gurney, 1890-1937)

The Collect of the Day:

O God, our refuge and strength, who art the author of all godliness; Be ready, we beseech thee, to hear the devout prayers of thy Church; and grant that those things which we ask faithfully we may obtain effectually; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

***Please see the 'Sung Parish Eucharist' page for today's Durham Diocesan and Anglican Communion Prayer Cycle Intentions, as well as the Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the month.***

***Unless otherwise stated, all hymns are from Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (2000); *SP = Sing Praise: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship (2010).***

Photo Credit: Karen Jones

Safeguarding

The parish of St. Oswald's, Durham is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults.

Please click through to our safeguarding page for more information.

St. Oswald's safeguarding page

St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296