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, 9th April 2026: Easter Season - Thursday of Easter Week

Alleluia!

We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 

Alleluia!

Romans 6:9, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

A Passage of Scripture from Today's Morning Prayer:

Otherwise, what will those people do who receive baptism on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized on their behalf? 

And why are we putting ourselves in danger every hour? I die every day! That is as certain, brothers and sisters, as my boasting of you—a boast that I make in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:29-31, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

The Collect of the Day:

Lord of all life and power, who through the mighty resurrection of thy Son hast overcome the old order of sin and death to make all things new in him: grant that we, being dead to sin and alive to thee in Jesus Christ, may reign with him in glory; to whom with thee and the Holy Spirit be praise and honour, glory and might, now and in all eternity.

Amen.

Common Worship

A Prayer for Responsible Stewardship of God’s Creation:

Eternal God, whose Spirit moved over the face of the deep, bringing forth light and life; by that same Spirit, renew your creation, and restore your image in your people. Turn us from careless tenants to faithful stewards, that your threefold blessing of clean air, pure water and rich earth may be the inheritance of everything that has the breath of life, and one generation may proclaim to another the wonder of your works; through Jesus Christ, your living Word, in whom the fullness of your glory is revealed.

Amen.

The Right Reverend Libby Lane - Bishop of Derby

A Poem for Easter Week:

Easter Week

See the land, her Easter keeping,
Rises as her Maker rose.
Seeds, so long in darkness sleeping,
Burst at last from winter snows.
Earth with heaven above rejoices;
Fields and gardens hail the spring;
Shaughs and woodlands ring with voices,
While the wild birds build and sing.

You, to whom your Maker granted
Powers to those sweet birds unknown,
Use the craft by God implanted;
Use the reason not your own.
Here, while heaven and earth rejoices,
Each his Easter tribute bring—
Work of fingers, chant of voices,
Like the birds who build and sing.

Charles Kingsley

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

April 2026 - Chester-le-Street and Houghton Deanery

The Prayer of Oswald of Northumbria:

Let us together implore the living and true and almighty God in his mercy to defend us against the pride and fierceness of our enemy; for that God knows our cause is just, and that we fight for the salvation of our nation.

Amen.

(Prayed by King Oswald with his Army on the Battlefield on the Eve of the Battle of Heavenfield, AD634)

Wishing you a blessed Easter filled with the joy of the Resurrection, the warmth of God’s love, and the hope of new beginnings, from all at St Oswald's.