The worshipping heart of parish life; a Common Worship service including Holy Communion, with refreshments afterwards in the Institute across the road.

All are very welcome.

Sunday, 16th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Eleventh Sunday after Trinity

Parish Eucharist followed by Refreshments in the Institute

Officiant:
Visiting Preacher - The Reverend Canon Rosalind Brown (Residentiary Canon Emerita at Durham Cathedral)

Hymns:
Please see boards in Church

Psalms:
Please see boards in Church

Readings:
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
Matthew 15:21-28

The Collect of the Day:

O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we, running the way of your commandments, may receive your gracious promises, and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure; 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.

The Gospel Reading:

The Canaanite Woman’s Faith

Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, ‘Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.’ But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, ‘Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.’ He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.’ But she came and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, help me.’ He answered, ‘It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.’ Then Jesus answered her, ‘Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.’ And her daughter was healed instantly.

(Matthew 15:21-28, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition)

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Intentions for the Day:

University Chaplains - Durham University: the Reverend Canon Gavin Wort (Lead Chaplain), the Reverend Dr Julia Candy (Hatfield College and St Cuthbert's Society), the Reverend Peter Kashouris (St Mary's College), the Reverend Dr Samuel Hole (University College), the Reverend Fiona Hill (Hill Colleges), the Reverend Marie Edwards (College of St Hild and St Bede) and the Reverend Dr Kate Eaton-Wells (St Chad's College); University of Sunderland: the Reverend Chris Howson

Anglican Communion Prayer Cycle Intentions for the Day:

The Church in Wales - The Most Reverend Cherry Vann (Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Monmouth)

Durham Diocesan Prayer Cycle Deanery Intention for the Month:

August 2026 - Auckland Deanery

The Post Communion:

Lord of all mercy, we your faithful people have celebrated that one true sacrifice which takes away our sins and brings pardon and peace: by our communion keep us firm on the foundation of the gospel and preserve us from all sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

***Unless otherwise stated, all hymns are from Common Praise: A new edition of Hymns Ancient and Modern (2000); *SP = Sing Praise: Hymns and Songs for Refreshing Worship (2010).***