Chaplain’s Letter: Honest Faith, Rooted Joy – Walking into 2026
“Though the fig tree does not blossom… yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” As we enter 2026, Vinod reflects on Habakkuk’s powerful words of honest faith. What does it mean to rejoice not because everything is flourishing, but because of who holds us?
Alpha at the ACF – starting 19th Jan
Discover Alpha, starting 19th january, on Mondays at 7 pm! Join us for 10 weeks as we explore the Christian faith in a friendly, low-pressure environment. Invite your friends, or come yourself.
This group is especially for those wondering about the meaning of life and people new to the Christian faith. Together, we’ll delve into life’s big questions and build meaningful connections. Head over to our Alpha webpage for more information. Please do note that you’ll have to register in order to take part.
We need your help too! Be a prayer support, lend a hand, or provide food. Let’s journey together and experience the joy of faith. To get involved or provide support, please contact us!
Weekly Photo: Sacred Places & People on the Move
Each week, we are presenting to you one of the entries of the ACF photography contest. All photos will in turn be added here to the ACF website.
Enjoy!
“This photo was taken in front of the Theater Freiburg, where people often gather to sit, talk, and pause in the midst of their day. To me, this spot carries meaning because it shows how even an ordinary public place can become a space of rest, connection, and shared presence. What is sacred about this space is not the theater itself, but the way people transform its steps into a meeting point where stories, silences, and lives come together, reminding us that sacredness can be found in simple acts of being with others..”
Lakshmy
Mark Your Diary: Special Events
Shared Lunch – 11th Jan, after the service
On Sunday, 11th Jan we’ll have our first Shared Lunch of 2026! Please bring food for the buffet and look forward to a nice time of fellowship, chatting, and good food.
Ecumenical Opening Service of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 – Fri, 16th Jan
As Christians in Baden, we want to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in 2026 together in ecumenical solidarity. The theme of the 2026 Week of Prayer is: “One body and one Spirit, as you are also called to one hope in your calling” (Eph 4:4). The materials for the Week of Prayer were prepared by Christians from Armenia and highlight the special importance of working for the unity of Christ’s Church in a world full of divisions.
When & where:
Friday, January 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Old Catholic Church of St. Ursula, Rathausgasse 50, Freiburg
Contributors include Prelate Dr. Marc Witzenbacher (Evangelical Church in Baden), Auxiliary Bishop Dr. Peter Birkhofer (Archdiocese of Freiburg), Pastor Dr. Diradur Sardaryan (Armenian Community BW), and representatives of the ACK Freiburg.
All interested parties are welcome!
Online Event: Exploring Spiritual Accompaniment for Your Faith Journey – Sat, 17th Jan
As we begin a new year, perhaps you’re thinking about what you’d like to cultivate in 2026. Instead of (or alongside!) the usual resolutions, what if you had someone to walk alongside you in your faith journey—not to tell you what to do, but simply to help you notice where God is already at work in your life?
Spiritual accompaniment (also called spiritual direction) offers exactly this: a safe, confidential space to explore your relationship with God and discern where the Spirit might be leading you. It’s not therapy or problem-solving—it’s about paying attention to God’s movement in your everyday life.
Whether you’re navigating a big decision, feeling stuck in prayer, experiencing doubt, or simply wanting to grow deeper in faith, a spiritual companion can offer gentle guidance through thoughtful questions.
Join an open online session on Saturday, 17th January, 2:00-4:00pm. Members of our diocesan ‘Soul Friends’ team will explain what spiritual accompaniment is, answer your questions, and help you explore finding a spiritual director if you’re interested.
No prior experience needed—just bring your curiosity!
When: Saturday, 17th January 2026, 2:00-4:00pm (CET)
Where: Online
Register: Please email polly.freeman@churchofengland.org
Questions? sister.julian@europe.anglican.org
More info here.
Save the date: Weekend Away – 14th-17th May 2026
Friends, it’s time for you to mark your diaries for one of the absolute ACF highlights each year: During the Ascension Day Weekend (Himmelfahrt) we will spend some lovely days in the Alsace mountains as a church family. You can come for 1, 2 or 3 nights – whatever your schedule allows. All necessary information will follow later.
News and Reflections from the Diocese in Europe
Here are some blog posts and news from the Diocese in Europe. You can read about carol services, join Bishop Robert in prayer following the tragic fire at Crans-Montana, and learn about advent fellowship with our sisters and brothers in Kyiv/Ukraine.
- From the North to the South
See the story of our most Northerly and most Southerly carol services this Christmas - Friends of the Diocese Winter 2025/6 Newsletter
Reflections from the new Chair of the Friends in his first newsletter - Message following the tragic fire at Crans-Montana
Bishop Robert shares a pastoral message and prayer - A Christmas Message from Bishop Robert
Bishop Robert shares his Christmas message to our diocese - The light of candles
In fellowship with our chaplaincy in Kyiv this Christmas
This Week & Regular Rhythms
This week at the ACF
- Compline
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9:00 pm
on zoom - Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 8:00 am
at church - Morning Worship
Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 11:30 am
Led by Daphne Norwood - Shared Lunch
Sunday, January 11, 2026 after the service
Time to catch up with new and old friends over a meal. Bring some food for the buffet.
Click here for the ACF zoom link and here for the ACF calendar for the coming months.
Regular ACF Groups
- Wise Ones – gathering of the older ACF members, aged 55+
Coffee Afternoon at Café Schwarzes Kloster, Rathausgasse 48 at 3 pm on 30th Jan, 27th March, 29th May, 31st July & 30th Oct 2026
Wine & Cheese Evening at church at 6 pm on 20th Feb, 24th April, 19th June, 25th Sept & 27th Nov 2026 - Young Adult Group – for young people 18 years+
every last Saturday of the month at 6 pm at the vicarage (Ludwigstr. 6) - Men’s Breakfast
every first Saturday of the month at 8 am at church - Freiburg North Homegroup
Fortnightly on Thursdays at 8 pm – at a private home in Gundelfingen or Sexau. Check the church calendar here for our upcoming meeting dates. - Freiburg Central Homegroup
every second Saturday of the month at 6 pm at a private home in Freiburg Herdern / near Habsburgerstraße - Women’s Prayer Group
monthly on Thursdays, either on zoom or in person at church. Check the church calendar here for our upcoming meeting dates. - Men’s Prayer Group
every first Wednesday of the month at 7 pm at the vicarage (Ludwigsstr. 6, Freiburg) - ‘Unboxed’ – fun community events
once or twice a months at different times & locations. Check the church calendar here for our upcoming meeting dates.
To learn more about our regular groups and gatherings click here, and to view & subscribe to the ACF calendar click here.
The pastor is just a call away!
Call, text or WhatsApp Rev’d Vinod Victor on +49-176-46614418 or +91 9447 151017,
or email him at chaplainfreiburg@gmail.com.
Service & Events Calendar
News Archive
Find past news items on the following pages:
- The Anglican Church Freiburg – Our News Archive!
- The Church of England
- The Diocese in Europe and
- Our ecumenical friends in Germany
Craft Materials for Refugee Children Wanted!
For our regular ‘Fragrance in Freiburg’ work at the refugee center various craft materials are needed to be able to offer the kids during our visits something fun and creative to do. Find below a list of items that would come in handy and send a message or contact Roberto if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support!
- Luftballons (balloons)
Example: different colours and sizes. - Moosgummi (EVA foam)
Example: colourful sheets for craft projects. - Aufkleber (Stickers)
Example: children’s stickers with shapes, animals or symbols. - Schleifenband / Band (Ribbon)
Example: decorative ribbon for crafts or packaging. - Kartonschachteln (cardboard boxes)
Example: empty small cardboard boxes (e.g., from pasta, cosmetics or cookies), clean and in good
condition. - Knete (Modelling clay)
Example: colourful clay for children. - Raffiaband (Raffia ribbon)
Example: natural raffia craft ribbon for decoration. - Filz / Filzstoff (Felt fabric)
Example: felt pieces in various colours. - Perlen von 4–5 mm (Beads)
Example: plastic or wooden beads for threading. - Flüssigkleber (Liquid glue)
- Farb-Filzstifte (markers)
Example: craft glue for paper, cardboard or light materials,
Alpha at the ACF – register now
Join us for 10 weeks as we explore the Christian faith in a friendly, low-pressure environment. Invite your friends, or come yourself. The meetings will take place on Monday evening, starting when enough participants have registered.
This group is especially for those wondering about the meaning of life and people new to the Christian faith. Together, we’ll delve into life’s big questions and build meaningful connections. Head over to our Alpha webpage for more information.
Supporting the ACF financially
We’re so grateful for your support and prayers for our church. We are independent from any external funding sources, such as German taxes (Kirchesteuer), the Church of England, or other institutions. We depend on the generous donations of our members and friends to cover all our expenses (the minister’s salary, rent, insurances, diocese contributions, …). Unfortunately, our reserves are running low and we need your help to keep going.
We want to continue to serve God and our community with love and faithfulness. That’s why we’re asking you to consider donating to the ACF on a regular basis. By setting up a standing bank order, you can help us plan our budget and resources more effectively. It’s easy and secure, and you can cancel or change it anytime. Thank you for your generosity and God bless you!
Would you like to help fund the work of the ACF?
The best way to help is setting up a monthly direct debit to
Anglican Church Freiburg e.V.
Sparkasse Freiburg
IBAN: DE29 6805 0101 0002 5119 20
SWIFT / BIC: FRSPDE66
Other giving options, such as online donations, are laid out here on our website.
If you have any questions at all, do not hesitate to contact our treasurers at treasurer@anglican-church-freiburg.de or pick up a Donate Flyer from church.
Praying for each other
If you have personal matters that you would like to be included in the public intercessions during our Sunday morning church services, we encourage you to reach out to our chaplain Vinod Victor (see contact details below). Your concerns, joys, and requests can be shared with the congregation, allowing us to support and uplift one another in prayer. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with the chaplain and let your voice be heard during our Sunday services.
Freiburg Anglican Church 