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 11am, 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 6pm 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 10am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5pm (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.
Sunday, 18th January 2026 - Epiphany Season: The Second Sunday of Epiphany; The Commemoration of Amy Carmichael, Founder of the Dohnavur Fellowship, Spiritual Writer, 1951; The First Day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU), "One Body, One Spirit"
Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, ‘Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the Lord, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’
Isaiah 49:7, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
The Collect of the Day:
Almighty God, in Christ you make all things new: transform the poverty of our nature by the riches of your grace, and in the renewal of our lives make known your heavenly glory; 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
The First Day of WPCU - Our Call to Unity:
Bible Verse for the Day -
I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
Ephesians 4:1, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition
Prayer for the Day -
Loving God, you have called us to unity. May our response to your call lead us to actively seek justice and reconciliation and share your light with the world.
Amen.
A Prayer of Amy Carmichael:
And shall I pray thee change thy will my Father,
Until it be according unto mine?
But no, Lord, no, that shall never be, rather
I pray thee blend my human will with thine.
I pray thee hush the hurrying eager longing
I pray thee soothe the pangs of keen desire.
See in my quiet places wishes thronging,
Forbid them, Lord, purge, though it be with fire.
And work in me to will and do thy pleasure.
Let all within me, peaceful, reconciled,
Tarry content my Wellbeloved’s leisure,
At last, at last, even as a weaned child.
Amen.
My Prayer, Amy Carmichael
A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Unrest in Iran:
Heavenly Father, please give courage, protection and perseverance to our brothers and sisters in Iran. May this period of unrest be resolved in peace, justice and huge leaps in religious freedom. Give wise counsel to decision-makers and may the persecuted church in Iran show the true light of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Open Doors UK & Ireland
Durham Diocesan Deanery Monthly Prayer Intention - January 2026:
Easington Deanery
The Collect for the Epiphany:
O God, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles: Mercifully grant, that we, which know thee now by faith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer
St Oswald's, Durham Charity No. 1196296
