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, 2nd September 2026 - Ordinary Time (Creationtide): The Feast of the Martyrs of Papua New Guinea, 1901 and 1942 [Commemoration]

The Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, who hast called thy Church to witness that thou wast in Christ reconciling the world to thyself: help us so to proclaim the good news of thy love that all who hear it may be drawn unto thee; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship 

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

King David sent this message to the priests Zadok and Abiathar, ‘Say to the elders of Judah, “Why should you be the last to bring the king back to his house? The talk of all Israel has come to the king. You are my kin, you are my bone and my flesh; why then should you be the last to bring back the king?” And say to Amasa, “Are you not my bone and my flesh? So may God do to me, and more, if you are not the commander of my army from now on, in place of Joab.” ’ Amasa swayed the hearts of all the people of Judah as one, and they sent word to the king, ‘Return, both you and all your servants.’ So the king came back to the Jordan; and Judah came to Gilgal to meet the king and to bring him over the Jordan.

2 Samuel 19:11-15, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

A Prayer for the New School Year:

Heavenly Father,

At the start of a new school year, we give you thanks for the work of all schools (and particularly St Oswald's Primary and Nursery School in our own parish).

We pray for all children starting at new schools, and for those returning. Help them to explore what they can achieve, and give them confidence to play their part in shaping our world.

We pray for all those who work in schools. Care for them as they care for our children.

We pray for all governors of schools. Grant them wisdom and sound judgement, and help them to keep children's well-being at the heart of everything they do.

We ask this in Jesus' name.

Amen. 

The Church of England

A Prayer for the Feast of the Martyrs of Papua New Guinea:

Almighty God, there is no greater love than to give our lives for your friends. Grant us and the people of Papua New Guinea the courage to make our own sacrifice. And may we, in the company of your Martyrs, gaze with joy upon the face of Christ. 

Amen.

The Anglican Board of Mission (Australia)

A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Incident at Big Church Festival in West Sussex:

Heavenly Father,

We bring before you the heartbreak at Big Church Festival.

We pray for the loved ones who are grieving. Surround them with your comfort and peace.

We pray for those who were injured, asking for your physical and emotional healing.

We lift up the emergency responders, volunteers, and all who witnessed what happened.

When words fail, your presence remains.

Draw near to this community today and in the days ahead.

Amen. 

Tearfund

We pray in particular at this time for the repose of the soul of Pastor Robert Guanco of Jesus Living Water Church in Eastbourne, East Sussex, who died in the recent incident at Big Church Festival, and for comfort and strength for his family, friends, loved ones and those whom he served in his ministry.

Rest eternal grant unto Robert, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise in glory.

Amen. 

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

September 2026: Durham Dales Deanery

A Prayer of 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. 

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

A Reading for Creationtide 2026 - Living Water:

Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be very many fish, once these waters reach there. It will become fresh; and everything will live where the river goes.

On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.’

Ezekiel 47:9, 12, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition