This Advent, we shall be supporting the Anglican Diocese of Goma in the Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo (Province de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo), a fellow member of the Anglican Communion.Please see the notice board at the back of Church or visit the following websites for further information:Gordons in Gomagordonsingoma.orgGoma Call for Peacegomacallforpeace.orgChurch Mission Society (CMS)churchmissionsociety.org/people-in-mission/martin-gordon-dr-congoAnglican Communion News Serviceanglicannews.org/tag/Goma.aspxStewardshipstewardship.org.uk/pages/gomaA Prayer for Good to Overcome Evil, and for Peace to Come to Goma and DR Congo:We thank you, Lord, for the peacemaking happening in Goma and across DR Congo. Thank you that you are bringing peace within people’s hearts, between individuals, among tribes. We pray for peacemakers to be raised up in communities big and small across the country, for good to overcome evil. We ask for your peace for DR Congo: not just a lack of conflict but a true, lasting peace that allows people to feel safe and know joy and hope for the future. Amen.Church Mission Society.
Sunday, 14th December 2025 - The Third Sunday of Advent11am Parish Eucharist6pm Christmas Carol ServiceMonday 2:30pm The Funeral of Janet Nichol RIPWednesday 10am Holy CommunionFriday 9:15am St. Oswald’s School Christmas ServiceSunday, 21st December 2025 - The Fourth Sunday of Advent11am Parish Eucharist6pm EvensongWednesday, 24th December 2025 - Christmas Eve10am Holy Communion4pm Nativity Service8pm Christmas Night MassThursday, 25th December, 2025 - Christmas Day11am Holy EucharistSunday, 28th December 2025 - The Holy InnocentsReadings: Jeremiah 31:15-17; 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; Matthew 2:13-18***No Evening Service***Please see the Calendar of services attached, including Christmas Services.Please see also David’s Music Notes for Advent.The Christmas Tree has come from High Grange Farm, Shincliffe and will cost, with a small reduction, £70. Anybody who would like to contribute to the cost is most welcome, to Roz or Andy!Evening Services - For Your Prayers: Please join the Christmas Carol Service on Sunday evening.Advent Outreach: This Advent we shall be supporting the Anglican Diocese of Goma, please see the attached information about this diocese.Epiphany Lunch: Sunday, 4th January 2026 after Parish Communion, approximately 12.30pm. The price is £8 in cash please and there are forms to fill in for your dietary requests. Please contact Jenifer or Sondra for more details. Closing date is Sunday, 21st December.Foodbank - Weekly message from Lynda Delf: On 7th December a carton of fruit juice and £30 was donated in Church, a Parishioner gave me £10 and 8 kg of food, also £40 was posted through our letterbox. Many thanks for your continuing support, the food will provide meals for 10 people.This week we have had corporate volunteers at the foodbank to help sort donations and fill the festive boxes, we are hopeful that everyone who has visited the foodbank this year will receive a Christmas hamper. This week we need sugar, jam, rice, biscuits, coffee, tinned meat, fish, potatoes, tomatoes, rice pudding and fruit. We always need household cleaning materials, toilet rolls, long life milk and fruit juice. Thank you so much for all you do to support our local food banks.Please pray for the repose of the soul of Janet Nichol, and for her sons James and John.Amongst the sick please pray for Angie Robley, Carol Simmons.With All Good Wishes and Prayers, PeterThe Reverend Peter Kashouris St Oswald's Vicarage, Church Street, Durham pzkashouris@gmail.com
