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 11am, 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 6pm 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 10am on Wednesdays, and the church is usually open from 9:30am till round about 5pm (or dusk, if earlier) on weekdays.

Sunday, 11th January 2026 - Epiphany Season: The Baptism of Christ

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. 

Matthew 3:13-15, New Revised Standard Version - Anglicized Edition 

The Collect of the Day:

Eternal Father, who at the baptism of Jesus revealed him to be your Son, anointing him with the Holy Spirit: grant to us, who are born again by water and the Spirit, that we may be faithful to our calling as your adopted children; 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.

Common Worship

A Prayer for All Those Affected by the Recent Escalation of Violence in Aleppo, Syria: 

Loving God,

We hold up to you the people of Aleppo.

Draw near to all those affected by the recent fighting.

Bring comfort to those who have fled their homes,

And those struggling with the fear of what may come next.

We pray that the ceasefire may hold,

And that all sides can work together to build a safer, just and peaceful future for Syria.

We lift our Christian partners there before you.

Please be their shield and their strength as they continue to serve their neighbours, providing vital medical, social and psychological support.

In Jesus’ name, 

Amen.

Embrace the Middle East

Durham Diocesan Deanery Monthly Prayer Intention - January 2026:

Easington Deanery

A Prayer for the Season of Epiphany:

Almighty and eternal God,
Brightness of faithful souls,
you brought the Gentiles to your light,
and made known to them him who is the true Light,
and the bright and morning Star.
Fill the world with your glory,
and show yourself by the radiance of your light to all nations;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

Prayers through the Centuries: A Revision of Prayers of the Early Church and Prayers of the Middle Ages, Paul C Stratman (Originally Edited by James Manning Potts)