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.

Wednesday, 19th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: World Humanitarian Day

The Collect of the Day:

O God, who declarest thy almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; 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

Verses from the Second Reading Appointed for Today's Morning Prayer:

‘Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight; and as he approached to look, there came the voice of the Lord: “I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, “Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them. Come now, I will send you to Egypt.”

(Acts 7:30-34, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition) 

A Prayer for World Humanitarian Day:

Saviour God, 

You are with us through all of life's challenges and help to still the storms. On World Humanitarian Day, we bring before you all those affected by disaster: the devastation of earthquakes, the overwhelm of floods, the desolation of droughts, and communities torn apart by violence.

We pray for humanitarian workers who run towards danger to bring aid, shelter, and hope, and for local organisations that work to prepare communities and reduce the impact of future disasters. Sustain them in their service, protect them in times of risk, and fill them with courage and hope to continue. 

In your mercy, hear us and deliver us.

Amen.

All We Can

A Prayer for All Communities Affected by the Floods, Droughts and Wildfires Currently Occuring Across the World:

Almighty God, 

As floods, droughts, and wildfires wreck lives, homes, and livelihoods, our hearts break as we recognise the injustice at the heart of the climate crisis – it’s the communities who have done the least to cause it who are most affected. 

We pray that as these communities act to recover from climate disasters, and look to adapt to the changing conditions, you will provide protection for them as you did for Noah and his family. 

We pray that polluting corporations and nations will listen to the calls of affected communities and change their ways, so all your people may live a full life in peace, love, and prosperity. 

Amen.

Christian Aid

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

August 2026 - Auckland Deanery

A Prayer of St Oswald:

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

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. 

The Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People