When we envisaged the Fragrance in Freiburg project early this year our primary focus was to transform ourselves as a community to be more outward looking and understanding the pathos and agony of the marginalized communities around us. The significant elements of fragrance we focused were the facts that fragrance is inviting, and fragrance is permeating.
We looked at five of our strengths- hospitality, young people, academics, regional togetherness and the heart to give. We had an array of hospitality events that were part of the DNA of ACF organized during this period and we tried our best to be more inviting and reaching out. We had a clear focus on youth and young adults, and that group has grown to be a pillar of our community with regular meetings twice a month over a meal in our homes. We are building up a multi-cultural team that will now spearhead the children ministry.
Some of the key integration events we wished to organize need still to be done. We committed to expand the idea of inclusion and racial justice to the Baden Wuttenberg region and beyond and could spearhead another International Conference on Racial Justice that will be held in Bad Boll from the 4th to 7th of May. We ensured racial justice and inclusion were key aspects of the Synod and CAECG meetings. Our Campaigns and Advocacy for Justice and Inclusion will need to be strengthened. Our academicians are looking into studying deeper issues related to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees and that will gain further momentum. We will look at some key publications in this regard too.
Our fragrant Fridays provided space for creative expressions of the young. Few new initiatives we will have around Christmas would include a tryst with piñata making, a time around the fire, caroling to the homes of the marginalized and initiating gifts to strangers whom we would have never thought of. We would in the next year boldly be part of the friends of the street-dwellers initiative. And a major element of our initiatives was that our members were willing to bear the hospitality costs of most of the events we had almost fully.
The Second Phase of Fragrance in Freiburg
As we envisage the second phase of the project for 2025 we will continue to be following up on the basic facets of fragrance which are reaching out and inviting. The four new elements of fragrance we would add into the program would include
Touching Lives- A true fragrance delights the senses, bringing comfort, joy, or a calming effect. It serves as a metaphor for qualities or actions that bring peace and positivity to others.
Impactful Presence- Fragrance is not seen but felt, demonstrating that some of the most powerful influences in life are intangible yet deeply impactful.
Distictiveness- Every fragrance has a distinct identity, from floral to woody or citrusy. This uniqueness parallels the individuality of people and their distinctive contributions to the world.
Positive Influences- Fragrances often evoke strong memories and emotions, connecting us to specific moments or experiences. This feature highlights the enduring impact of positive influences.
Fragrance is a powerful metaphor for the qualities of a life well-lived—spreading goodness, delighting others, and leaving a lasting impression in the hearts of those it touches. That indeed is the essence of the gospel and the goal and purpose of being the church.
How would we do this?
We would want you to think of creative ways of being a more impactful church. While we would in no way compromise on our ministries to our members, we would try our best to be truly a fragrant community. If any one of you could think of any creative ideas that you are willing to volunteer and spearhead please do get in touch with us before we finalise the programmatic content of the program for 2025. I am sure this would be an exciting phase of our tryst with the ‘outsiders’ and in the journey of being part of the kingdom of God.
May we have a fragrant Christmas
As we prepare for yet another Christmas may I wish and pray that our celebrations around the birth of the saviour of the world would truly be a fragrant one. May our witness subtly and powerfully impact lives. May our presence bring comfort and peace to many. May our unseen influence be a soothing presence for those traversing turbulent terrains. May our distinctiveness be experienced through our actions of love and justice. May our reaching out create indelible memories in the lives of the people among whom we live and witness.
May God truly make us a fragrant community.
Vinod Victor
December 1, 2024
Freiburg Anglican Church 