On this page you will find information about Remembrance events and services across the diocese, along with a range of resources for parishes and individuals.
On this page
This year, Remembrance Sunday falls on 8 November 2026. Across the Diocese of Chelmsford, churches and worshipping communities will come together with local communities to mark the day through acts of remembrance. These may include special services, moments of silence, the laying of wreaths and community commemorations that honour those who have died in war and conflict, while remembering all who continue to serve today.
Reflection for Remembrance
The Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, has recorded a video reflection for a Remembrance 2026.
View the video reflection and download the transcript below.
Sermon for Remembrance
Our weekly video sermons are written and recorded by clergy and lay ministers for people who want to watch online, or for ministers looking for sermon ideas.
The Chelmsford Diocese Weekly Sermon Video for Remembrance Sunday has been recorded by The Rt Revd Roger Morris, Bishop of Colchester.
Watch the video sermon and download the transcript on the links below:
To have the latest weekly sermon delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for our mailing list below.
Prayers for Remembrance
The links below contain prayer resources from the Church of England.
Resources for parishes
Remembrance resources pack
These free downloadable resources from the Church of England contain a prayer card which has a poppy design and a simple prayer, along with space for any church information you would like to add.
The pack also contains an A4 poster which can be displayed inside and outside your church, and around the community, to let people know what is happening in your parish around Remembrance Sunday/Armistice Day, and to support individual private prayer. It includes QR codes that link to relevant prayers on the Church of England website.
If you would prefer not to print the poster yourself, professionally printed copies are available to purchase from the Church of England Publishing website: CofE Remembrance - Customisable Poster.
If you would like to buy ready-printed cards, this Invitation Card for All Souls’ or Remembering can be purchased from CPO Shop. This is a professionally printed card that has a generic design rather than featuring poppies.
Resources for children, young people and families
The Diocese of Chelmsford's Mustard Seed Team has compiled a range of Remembrance resources for use at home, in churches and in schools.
Services across Essex and East London
Churches across the Diocese of Chelmsford will be holding Remembrance services, acts of remembrance and commemorative events. Visit A Church Near You to find details of services taking place near you. Simply enter your postcode, town or village into the search box, select a church, and view its upcoming services and events.
Update Your A Church Near You Page
If you help manage your church’s A Church Near You page, now is a great time to make sure your Remembrance services and events are listed. Adding services and events to your page helps your local community discover what's happening in your church and can be an important opportunity for outreach and welcome. For guidance on updating your page or adding events and services, visit the A Church Near You Help Centre on the link below, where you'll find step-by-step instructions, resources and answers to frequently asked questions.
Services at Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford Cathedral are hosting services for Remembrance, details can be found below.
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Remembrance Evensong – Friday 6 November 5.15pm
This special Remembrance Evensong welcomes Chaplain to HM Armed Forces.
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Remembrance Sunday – Sunday 8 November 9:30am - 11:15am
This Remembrance Sunday service will be led by The Revd Canon Louise Williams.
For the full range of events at Chelmsford Cathedral in the Remembrance season, please visit the Chelmsford Cathedral website by clicking the link below.
Chelmsford Cathedral’s poppy display for Remembrance
In the summer, over 200 volunteers gathered at Chelmsford Cathedral for community knitting sessions to handknit and crochet thousands of individual red, white, and purple poppies. The handcrafted poppies are being attached to a 131-foot (40-meter) display which will feature across prominent city landmarks — including Chelmsford Cathedral, the Civic Centre War Memorial, Shire Hall, Chelmsford Market, and the High Chelmer Shopping Centre — leading up to Remembrance Day.
Poppy displays across our Diocese
If your church has created a poppy display or another Remembrance-themed display, we’d love to see it and share it more widely.
You can:
Submit your photos to our Life Across the Diocese gallery.
Tag us on social media using @chelmsdio
Email your photos to the Diocese of Chelmsford Communications Team at communicationsdept@chelmsford.anglican.org.