Chelmsford Colours of Hope

Chelmsford Cathedral will create a vibrant space of colour and light against which they will gather prayers and reflections to mark the incredible spirit of hope that has grown out of the darkness of the pandemic.

Chelmsford launches Colours of Hope campaign.

It has just launched its Colours of Hope campaign which is inviting people to add their prayers and candles to a prayer tree that sits in front of a wall of colour and a specially commissioned piece of art to commemorate the year that explores lockdown loss and hope.

The art work has been created by the cathedral’s Music and Liturgy Assistant Elspeth Manders, a talented artist. Postcards of her piece will be available to take away.

The Dean of Chelmsford, the Very Revd Nicholas Henshall said:

“On the 23rd March 2021 the UK will have spent a year in lockdown, an unprecedented moment in our national life.

“This last year has been one of loss and grief, challenges and hardship, but also of communities coming together, of kindness and care.

“We will be marking this unique day, and the incredible spirit of hope that has grown out of the darkness of the pandemic, with the Colours of Hope, a chance for us to pause and reflect as a community and move forward with renewed hope and faith.”

Colours of Hope runs from Saturday March 20 to Thursday March 25 and everyone is invited to write their own personal prayer and either bring it to the cathedral to place on the tree or send it in. Prayer candles will be suspended in the air around the tree and every prayer will be read.

On Tuesday March 23, the lockdown anniversary, the Dean will lead a short act of reflection livestreamed on the Cathedral’s Facebook page @chelmsfordcathedral.

You can share your images with the hashtag #coloursofhope.

Send your prayers and candles to: Colours of Hope, Chelmsford Cathedral, 53 New Street, Chelmsford CM1 1TY