The current outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has now spread to Goma. This is a different strain of the disease from previous outbreaks, and development of a vaccine will, at best, take months. People who contributed to our appeal may like to watch ‘Diocese of Goma Ebola update and response’, a short YouTube video available below and on the web, in which the Anglican Bishop of Goma, Martin Gordon, explains very clearly the impact of this outbreak on the city and the role of the churches in combatting it. He stresses three priorities for our prayers – for the containment of the Ebola outbreak, for peace to return to eastern DRC, and that the churches in the Diocese of Goma will continue to be beacons of hope.I am grateful to Beth for this information following up on St Oswald's 2025 Advent Appeal.PeterA Prayer for all who are Affected by the Outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda:Heavenly Father,You are our healer. You restore the sick and comfort people in their suffering.We bring before you the Ebola virus outbreak in DR Congo and Uganda. Please be with the local authorities and the World Health Organisation as they seek to respond rapidly and effectively. Give them wisdom as they make decisions, provide them with the resources needed for treatment, and help them contain the spread. Protect health workers from the virus and keep them healthy.For those who are sick, we ask that you would heal them. Give them access to treatment and skilled medical staff. Comfort them in their pain. For those who are suffering the loss of a loved one, be with them in their grief. Make your love known and provide for their daily needs.We also pray for the church in the regions of DR Congo and Uganda affected by this outbreak. Please give your people opportunities to share Christ’s love as they help the sick and comfort those who are living in fear of being infected.Lastly, we ask for peace and stability in the region. End political conflict and put people in power that will govern wisely.Lord God, we ask all this knowing that you can do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.The National Council of Churches in Australia (Adapted from Anglican Aid)Websites Containing Further Information:Gordons in Goma: www.gordonsingoma.orgThe Bishop of Goma's YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@bishopofgomaChristian Aid: www.christianaid.org.ukChurch Mission Society (CMS): www.churchmissionsociety.org/blog/news/church-leaders-mobilise-for-ebola
Saturday - Ordinary Time: The Feast of Elizabeth Ferard, first Deaconess of the Church of England and Founder of the Community of St Andrew, 1883 [Commemoration]12:30pm - The Marriage of Ian Roberts and Laura HarriesSunday, 19th July 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Seventh Sunday after Trinity11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW) followed by Tea and Coffee in the Institute6:00pm - Said Evensong with Hymns (BCP) Wednesday - Ordinary Time: The Feast of St Mary Magdalene10:00am - Midweek Holy Communion (BCP)7:00pm - PCC MeetingSunday, 26th July 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Eighth Sunday after Trinity11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW) followed by Tea and Coffee in the Institute6:00pm - Said Evensong with Hymns (BCP) Wednesday - Ordinary Time: Mary, Martha and Lazarus, Companions of our Lord [Lesser Festival]10:00am - Midweek Holy Communion (BCP)Sunday, 2nd August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Ninth Sunday after Trinity11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW) followed by Tea and Coffee in the Institute6:00pm - Said Evensong with Hymns (BCP) Wednesday - Ordinary Time: The Feast of our Patron, St Oswald, King of Northumbria and Martyr, 64210:00am - Midweek Holy Communion (BCP)Sunday, 9th August 2026 - Ordinary Time: The Tenth Sunday after Trinity11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW) followed by Tea and Coffee in the Institute6:00pm - Said Evensong with Hymns (BCP) ***Please see the Calendar of Services attached.*** Parish Magazine: All regular subscribers should now have received a copy of the Summer issue of the magazine. As usual, extra copies are available (£2.00 each) from the back of church.Foodbank: Weekly Message from Lynda Delf - On Sunday 12th July, 4kg of food was donated in Church; this will provide meals for five people. Thank your continuing support for our local foodbanks.This week, our shortages include long-life fruit juice, sugar, rice, jam, teabags and kettle food (such as noodles and instant soup). We also need tinned meat, fish, tomatoes, potatoes, fruit, rice pudding and household cleaning materials. Thank you so much.Roadworks on Church Street: Roadworks will be taking place on Church Street from Monday 20th July, and are expected to last for a couple of months. During this time, a one-way system will be operating down Church Street.My Sabbatical: I will be on sabbatical leave from August until 3rd November. The church services will continue as normal. During this period please send all items for these notices to Jane Walker at the parish office.For your Prayers: Amongst the Sick - Angie RobleyFor the Repose of the Souls of the Faithful Departed - Lucy Sarland RIP (Lucy is Sarah Knight’s sister)With All Good Wishes and Prayers, Peter.The Reverend Peter KashourisSt Oswald's VicarageChurch StreetDurhamDH1 3DQpzkashouris@gmail.com
