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.

Thursday, 6th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord

The Collect of the Day:

Heavenly Father, whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain, and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem: grant us strength so to hear his voice and bear our cross that in the world to come we may behold him as he is; who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship

The Gospel Reading Appointed for the Day:

The Transfiguration

Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, ‘Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah’—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. Then from the cloud came a voice that said, ‘This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!’ When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.

Luke 9:28-36, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

The Post Communion:

O holy God, we behold thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ: grant that we who are partakers at his table may reflect his life in word and deed, that all the world may know his power to change and save; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen. 

Common Worship

A Poem for the Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord:

Of the Transfiguration of our Lord

Yee that in lowly valleyes weeping sate,
And taught your humble soules to mourne of late
For sinnes, and sufFrings breeding griefes and feares,
And made the riuers bigger with your teares,
Now cease your sad complaints till fitter time,
And with those three belou'd apostles clime
To lofty Thabor, where your happy eyes
Shall see the sunne of glory brightly rise :
Draw neere, and euer blesse that sacred hill,
That there no heate may parch, no frost may kill
The tender plants ; nor any thunder blast
That top, by which all mountaines are surpast.
By steepe and briery paths ye must ascend :
But if ye know to what high scope ye tend,
No let nor danger can your steps restraine—
The crags will easie seeme, the thickets plaine
Our Lord there stands, not with hispainefull crosse
Laid on his shoulders, mouing you to losse
Of precious things, nor calling you to beare
That burden which so much base worldlings feare.
Here are no promist hopes obscur'd with clouds,
No sorrow with dim vailes true pleasure shrowds,
But perfect ioy, which here discouered shines,
To taste of heauenly light your thoughts inclines,
And able is to weane deluded mindes
From fond delight, which wretched mortals blinds.
Yet let not sense so much your reason sway,
As to desire for euer here to stay ;
Refusing that sweet change which God prouides
To those whom with his rod and staffe he guides.
Your happinesse consists not now alone
In those high comforts, which are often throwne
In plenteous manner from our Sauiour's hand,
To raise the fall'n, and cause the weake to stand:
But ye are blest, when being trodden downe,
Ye taste his cup, and weare his thorny crowne.

John Beaumont

A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan:

God of mercy and compassion,

We pray for the people of Japan following the devastating earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Hold close all who mourn the loss of loved ones. Bring healing to those who are injured and comfort to all who are frightened, displaced or waiting for news of family and friends.

Protect those who remain trapped or missing. Give strength, wisdom and endurance to rescue workers, medical teams and all who are providing emergency assistance.

We pray for those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. May they receive shelter, food, clean water, medical care and the practical support they need.

Strengthen our sisters and brothers in the Nippon Sei Ko Kai, the Anglican Church of Japan, and all churches and communities offering comfort and care.

Amid grief and destruction, sustain the people of Japan with courage and hope, and guide them through the long work of recovery.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our refuge and our strength.

Amen.

The Anglican Communion 

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month: 

August 2026 - Auckland Deanery