Dear friends,
The advent 2023 here at the ACF has the theme ‘Celebrating Generosity’. Have a look here at the website, or the flyers at church to see what we have planned.
One of the things that is happening is us having our traditional Stewardship Sunday spread over the advent Sundays. We will explore how we as Christians can fill this time of the church year, and indeed our lives, with a generous attitude towards God and our fellow-humans. We are also invited to ponder with thankful hearts the multitude of gifts we have been blessed with.
Last Sunday we lit the first candle on the advent wreath. There can be traditionally two thoughts as we light this first candle. Firstly, we remember the Patriarchs, that is those of the Old Testament that built our faith. We can also remember those who helped build our chaplaincy here in Freiburg. From those who laid the first stones of old Anglican church in the Wiehre, to those who have and continue to support our chaplaincy with their time and financially.
The second thought when lighting the first candle, as we have sometimes sung, is the notion of hope. The light of the candle invites us to lift our eyes as we look towards the future. In financial terms, facing the ACF’s future is sobering: the reserves that currently keep us going are shrinking. If we are aiming to carry on employing a full-time chaplain much more regular funding is needed. What will a hopeful future look like and who will help build it?
So, during this first week of advent, please give thanks for all who have been giving their time and financial resources to the ACF in the past, prayerfully consider your own involvement with this, our ‘community of grace’ in the present, and bring the church’s future, and that of all those it serves before God in prayer.
We are looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, 10th December at church. After the service there will be an extraordinary general meeting where financial issues will be discussed. More information about this will follow shortly.
With blessings,
The ACF treasurers
N.G. & C.G.
The ACF Midweek Meditations
are written by a diverse group of our church members with the intention to seek God’s fingerprints in our lives. They range from somber to humorous and are inspired by all facets of live and faith. Written by ordinary people from all walks of life, they reflect a wide range of Christian backgrounds and spiritualities.
Each week’s text portrays the individual viewpoint of its author. They might not always resonate with everyone, and are not meant to be understood as representing the Anglican Church Freiburg as a whole. Yet, as a church that is aiming to ‘Build a Community of Grace’ we seek to practice learning from and listening to one another.
We pray that these humble ponderings add a small spark of blessing to your week.
Freiburg Anglican Church 