As a focus for this year’s fundraising, Christian Aid is highlighting the urban farmers of Nairobi. In the crowded settlements of the Kenyan capital, many families face a frightening daily struggle to put food on the table. But with tools and training from their partner Beacon of Hope, parents are earning an income by farming vegetables right there in the city—and keeping their children fed.Please visit the 'Services and events' section for details of what we've got going on at St Oswald's for this year's Christian Aid Week; all are very welcome!The Collect for Christian Aid Week 2026:Gracious God, when we stand on the plains of uncertainty, with no path before us, we look to you. We remember what you have done before and our anxious hearts are comforted. Showing mercy, you delivered us then; in your love and faithfulness, you will do it again. Give us the strength to step forward in hope. Give us faith that changes us, hope that feeds us, love that moves us. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Bob Kikuyu - Christian Aid’s Global Theology Advisor, Nairobi, Kenya
Rick's consecration was one of three which took place simultaneously at a special service at York Minster, led by the Archbishop of York, along with with the consecration of the Reverend Canon Dr Michael Leyden as Bishop of Penrith and the consecration of the Very Reverend Simon Robinson as Bishop of Warrington. Our prayers and congratulations go to Rick, Michael and Simon at this time, and we pray too for their families, friends and loved ones and for all whom they will serve as shepherds of the Church.(Photo: Duncan Lomax)Almighty God, who by thy Son Jesus Christ didst give to thy holy Apostles many excellent gifts, and didst charge them to feed thy flock: Give grace, we beseech thee, to all Bishops, the Pastors of thy Church, that they may diligently preach thy Word, and duly administer the godly discipline thereof; and grant to the people, that they may obediently follow the same; that all may receive the crown of everlasting glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.A Collect for the Consecration of Bishops from the Book of Common Prayer, 1662
This year’s Thy Kingdom Come is all about the presence of God through his spirit. The God who is with us in the everyday – in the joys and sorrows of life (and everything in between) and the One who, through his spirit, longs to reveal himself to those who do not yet know him.From the story of Ruth to the story of Gideon, from the story of Elijah to the story of the early church who waited for the promised Holy Spirit to come—over the 11 days we will explore a different Bible story each day, which demonstrates God’s transformative presence, power and love at work in the lives of people and places.Our hope is that as we pray for our five people, they will also experience the life-changing love of God and choose to follow him.This year's Novena for Thy Kingdom Come has been written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE.Please click on the following link for further details:https://www.thykingdomcome.global/thy-kingdom-come-2026
Sunday, 10th May 2026: The Sixth Sunday of Easter; The Start of Christian Aid Week11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW) 12:15pm (approx) - Soup & Bun and Plants Table for Christian Aid in the Institute***Please see note below***6:00pm - Choral Evensong (BCP)Tuesday: The Commemoration of Gregory Dix, Priest, Monk and Scholar, 1952; Rogation Day2:00pm - Tea & Talk in the Institute (proceeds for Christian Aid)Wednesday: The Eve of the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord; Rogation Day9:00am - Oasis10:00am - Midweek Holy Communion (BCP)Thursday: The Feast of the Ascension of the Lord6:30pm - Deanery Ascension Day Holy Eucharist at Finchale Priory (CW)***Please see note below***Sunday, 17th May 2026: The Seventh Sunday of Easter (The Sunday after the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord)11:00am - Parish Eucharist (CW)6:00pm - Said Evensong with Hymns (BCP)***Please see the Calendar of services attached.***Christian Aid Week 2026: On Sunday 10th May, we will offer a Christian Aid Snack (not lunch!) of soup and a bun to prompt us to remember the very poor in the world—and to open our cheque books.There will also be a plants table for people to bring, buy and swap—for a donation of course! On Sunday 17th May, we hope to have a speaker or a film; TBC.Deanery Ascension Day Eucharist 2026: 6:30pm, Thursday 14th May at Finchale Priory, Durham.Preacher: Ms Joanne Nicholson - Chaplain at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.Please do come to this wonderful and very special occasion of celebration.***Please note: There is no roof, no heating and no seating. Please bring your own seat (or be prepared to stand or sit on the grass), and please be prepared for the weather!***Parish Magazine: The latest issue of the Parish Magazine is now available. As usual, magazines will be delivered to all regular subscribers, with extra copies available to purchase (£2.00 each) from the back of church. Good Citizen Award: Win Colman has received this award from the City of Durham Parish Council. A ceremony will take place on 20th May at 6.30pm at Durham University Business School. Everyone is welcome to attend and it should be a joyous moment to say thank you to Win.Deanery Confirmation Service 2026: The Confirmation Service this year will take place at 6:00pm on Saturday 6th June at St Nics, Durham. Please let Peter know if you would like to be Confirmed or indeed Baptised and Confirmed at this service. It will be taken by Bishop Frank White.Setting up for Services: Could you help set up for services once a month? We have a beautiful but currently too small rota to clean the candlesticks, find the passages in the Lectionary and prepare for communion - count the wafers, set up the water and wine. It takes around an hour once a month on either the Friday or Saturday. And it's more fun and quicker to do it with a friend, so do think about offering with someone else! Please speak to Beth, Sarah, Alison, Judy or Roz to learn more about it.Churches Together Trip to Lindisfarne: Durham Churches Together is hoping to organise a day trip to Lindisfarne, on Saturday 6 June this year, similar to those run, pre-Covid, by Churches Together in Elvet & Shincliffe. A decision depends on enough participants at a price not exceeding £20.00 per head for the coach. If you would be interested please let Boyd Sims-Williams or Stevie Taylor know as soon as possible. (boydsimswilliams@gmail.com, gsktaylor@outlook.com).Foodbank - Weekly Message from Lynda Delf: On 26th April, 4kg of food was collected in Church and £20.00 was anonymously posted through our letterbox.In April, £70.00 and 22kg of food was donated by parishioners; this will provide meals for more than 30 people. Many thanks for all you do to support our foodbanks.This week our shortages include rice, sugar, jam, biscuits, coffee, tinned tomatoes, potatoes, meat, fish, rice pudding and fruit. We always need household cleaning materials, nappies, toilet rolls, long-life milk and fruit juice. Thank you very much.Wedding: Jonathan and Angela would be delighted for members of St Oswald's to join them at their wedding here on Saturday 23rd May at 11:00am.Birthday Wishes: Congratulations to Claire Hedley on her 91st birthday on Monday!For your Prayers: Amongst the sick, please pray for Angie Robley.With All Good Wishes and Prayers, PeterThe Reverend Peter Kashouris St Oswald's Vicarage, Church Street, Durham pzkashouris@gmail.com
