On this page you will find information about Lent, Holy Week and Easter events and services across the diocese, and a range of resources for churches, individuals and schools.
On this page
Resurrection Journeys
A course for use during Lent or at any time during the 100 days of prayer
Resurrection Journeys is a course that can be used during Lent or at any time during the current diocesan 100 Days of Prayer.
You can find out more and access the course materials on the link below
Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent
The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-giving habits for Lent.
This year’s resources have at their heart the theme of a ‘rhythm of life’ – habits and patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.
"Draw Near is all about teaching us how we can cultivate the habits and practices that will draw us nearer to God. And we will find that, in doing so, God will draw nearer to us, too." - Archbishops Sarah Mullally and Stephen Cottrell
The Church of England has developed a range of resources to help churches, worshipping communities, individuals, families, and schools to join in with the ‘Draw Near’ campaign this Holy Week and Easter.
Reflections for adults
As part of The ‘Draw Near’ campaign, the Church of England have produced reflections for adults.
Full-colour Church House Publishing booklets are available to order now.
The Everyday Faith app carries reflections for adults every Monday to Saturday throughout Lent, based on the Draw Near booklet. And, the Everyday Faith app will continue to offer content into the season of Easter and beyond throughout 2026.
For families and children
The Church of England has produced a booklet for families and children to explore the life-giving habit of generosity this Lent with 40acts.
The full-colour Church House Publishing booklets for families and children are available to order now.
Webinars from the Church of England
The Church of England are offering free webinars to help churches prepare for Lent and Easter. Watch them on the links below:
Resources for children, young people, and families
The Mustard Seed Team at the Diocese of Chelmsford has developed seasonal resources for children, young people, and families. Click the link below to access a range of resources for Lent and Easter 2026.
Easter message from The Bishop of Chelmsford
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford, has recorded an Easter message. You can watch the message and read the transcript by clciking on the links below.
Lent, Holy Week and Easter video sermons
Weekly Sermon for Palm Sunday with the Rev'd Canon Phil Ritchie
Sunday 29 March
Weekly Sermon for the fifth Sunday of Lent with Carrie Prior
Sunday 22 March
Weekly Sermon for Mothering Sunday/the fourth Sunday of Lent with The Revd Dr Rachel Pennant
Sunday 15 March
Weekly Sermon for the third Sunday of Lent with Archdeacon Kate
Sunday 8 March
Weekly Sermon for the second Sunday of Lent with the Revd Tom Warmington
Sunday 1 March
Weekly Sermon for the first Sunday of Lent with Bishop Lynne
Sunday 22 February
Services across Essex and East London
AChurchNearYou.com lists details of events and serives services taking place during Lent, Holy Week and Easter across the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Sharing your church and its events on AChurchNearYou.com is a huge outreach and evangelism opportunity. Find out how you can update your page and add your events and services below.
Share your photos
We would love to see photos of Easter celebrations from across our diocese. Please share them with us on social media by tagging @chelmsdio on Facebook, Instagram and Bluesky.
You can also upload your photos to the ‘Life across our Diocese’ section of our website or email communicationsdept@chelmsford.anglican.org
Services at Chelmsford Cathedral
For details of events and services at taking place at Chelmsford Cathedral during Lent, Holy Week and Easter, download the Spring programme on the link below.