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.

***A very warm welcome to all new and returning Durham University students! Please do join us this Wednesday, 30th September 2026 at 10:00am for Said Holy Communion (Book of Common Prayer) followed by tea and coffee. We look forward to welcoming you in Church.***

God of peace, as young people and young adults begin higher education, university, or enter the world of work, may they know your presence with them in this time of change. Grant them courage, wisdom, and confidence and inspire those they encounter to have welcoming hearts.

Amen.

Diocese of Bath & Wells

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

Romans 15:7, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

Monday, 28th September 2026 - Ordinary Time (Creationtide): The Eve of Michaelmas

The Collect of the Day:

O everlasting God, who hast ordained and constituted the services of angels and mortals in a wonderful order: mercifully grant that, as thy holy angels alway do thee service in heaven, so by thy appointment they may succour and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

Common Worship 

The Second Reading Appointed for Evening Prayer on the Eve of Michaelmas

True Greatness

At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a child, whom he put among them, and said, ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Temptations to Sin

‘If any of you put a stumbling-block before one of these little ones who believe in me, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.'

The Parable of the Lost Sheep

‘Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.'

Matthew 18:1-6, 10, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition

A Prayer for Single Friendly Church Week (Sunday 27th September - Sunday 4th October 2026):

Maker of us all, 

As you draw us into your love, may we love others in your name.

We pray that all churches would be places of welcome for single people, who seek community in an increasingly fragmented and isolated world. May we, as the Body of Christ, be your hands and feet, working together as one.

We pray for the work of Single Friendly Church Network and their vision for all single people to be valued in church. May we learn from single people and those who attend church alone about their experiences.

We give thanks for all the ways churches already create opportunities of invitation and belonging. May we, with the Holy Spirit, strive to help everyone flourish in our communities, whatever their relationship status.

We thank you for your grace, as we seek to be more like Christ.

Amen.

Single Friendly Church Network 

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)