Chaplain’s Letter: Bold Spaces as Important as Safe Spaces
Safe spaces protect us. But what if our churches need to be bold spaces too? In his August Chaplain’s Letter, Vinod explores what it means for ACF to be a place where people don’t just feel protected—but truly free to be themselves, ask hard questions, and challenge injustice.
ACF Summer Break
As we enter our summer proper, several church activities will be taking a well-deserved pause during August to allow our volunteers and participants time to rest and recharge. To view the up-to-date ACF calendar click here.
On pause:
- Compline (on break in August)
- Wednesday Email & Midweek Meditation (on break in August)
- Freiburg North Homegroup (on break in August)
- Women’s Prayer Group (on break in August)
- Wise Ones (on break in August)
- Men’s Breakfast (on break in September)
Amended schedule:
- Singing Group (summer practice on 9th August at 1 p.m.; from 6th Sept the usual pattern of first and third Sundays of the month)
Continuing as usual:
- Sunday Service (each Sunday at 11:30 am)
- Shared Lunch (9th Aug)
- Young Adult Group (25th July, 29th Aug, 26th Sept, …)
- Open Kitchen (30th July, 13th Aug, 10th Sept, …)
Please note that our weekly Wednesday Email will also take a break throughout August. We look forward to resuming our full schedule of activities and regular communications in September.
Have a fantastic summer!
‘Freunde von der Straße‘: Sharing God’s Love through Hospitality – Sun, 30th Aug
Freunde von der Strasse is a joint project among many churches in Freiburg, which aims to provide a meal and friendship to those people who are homeless or who live in difficult circumstances. We at the ACF are hosting a midday meal and afternoon ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ on Sunday, 30th August in the Petrusgemeinde. We need people to help set up on the previous day and on Sunday to serve meals, work in the kitchen, clear up or simply chat with our guests. We also request cakes for “Kaffee und Kuchen”, preferably cakes which are easy to cut and serve, and do not contain any alcohol.
Here’s how you can get involved:
- Saturday, 29th Aug – Setting up
We need 4 people, particularly men, between 4:30 p.m and 6 p.m. - Sunday, 30th Aug
About 10-12 people are needed for each shift. If 1 or 2 people could stay for both shifts, this would be very helpful.- 1st Shift: 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m
- 2nd Shift: 2.30 p.m. – ca. 5 p.m
- Cakes
20 – 25 cakes are needed. They can be left at the Petrusgemeinde between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Please mark your cake plate clearly and indelibly with your name, e.g. with ball-point pen on Leukoplast or by engraving.
If you have any questions, please speak to Helen Rose Wilson. To get involved, please sign up on the sheets that will be available after church services in July and August or get in touch here.
Also please note: The ACF Sunday Service on 30th Aug will start one hour early, at 10:30 am!
ACF Snapshot: Alpacas, Friendship and Sacred Rest – The Young Adult City Escape
Last weekend, a group of young adults from the Anglican Church Freiburg travelled to Birkendorf for a refreshing Alpaca Weekend, generously hosted by the Carhart family. Set amid the natural beauty of the Black Forest, the retreat offered a welcome opportunity to step away from demanding routines, daily commitments and digital overloads. Time spent in nature, community and spiritual reflection gave the young adults space to breathe, rest and rediscover the joy of being together.
The weekend included shared reflection on the deeper meaning of life, the responsibilities entrusted to each person and God’s beautiful purposes for their future. Cooking, eating, walking, talking and laughing together helped to strengthen friendships and deepen their sense of belonging. The gentle presence of the alpacas added a special warmth to the experience. Petting and spending time with these calm and sensitive animals can be therapeutic, bringing comfort, reducing anxiety and creating moments of quiet joy.
Through every shared activity, the young adults continued their journey of “unboxing” the gifts, possibilities and potential that God has placed within each of them. In a modern world where young people frequently experience pressure, loneliness and isolation, such spaces of togetherness are particularly important. They offer opportunities to form meaningful relationships, explore faith, ask deeper questions and discover a supportive community in which each person can flourish.
The Young Adult City Escape forms part of a developing series of events for those aged 18 to 30, an age group that has already been identified as a significant mission opportunity for the Church in Freiburg. Official city statistics confirm that the student-age population is especially prominent in Freiburg, with those in their twenties among the city’s most strongly represented age groups. This initiative seeks to create welcoming and creative spaces where young adults can encounter friendship, belonging, spiritual growth and the fullness of life that God desires for them.
Click here for some more photos.
Mark Your Diary: Special Events
Wise Ones cancelled!!! – Fri, 31st July
Owing to the potential heat alert, the Wise Ones will not be meeting this Friday in the Schwarzes Kloster.
Apologies for the short notice.
Stay cool.
Singen im Sommer at St Ursula’s – 1st, 8th & 29th Aug, 11 am
If you would like to sing “just for the pleasure of it” during August, you are invited to join in “Singen im Sommer” in the Old Catholic church of St. Ursula, Rathausgasse 50, Freiburg. Different types of songs will be sung and your suggestions are very welcome.
The sessions are between 60 and 90 minutes long, starting at 11 a.m., on the following three Saturdays: 1st, 8th and 29th August. If you have questions, please speak to Helen Rose Wilson – or simply come along and sing!
Shared Lunch – Sun, 9th Aug
On Sunday, 9th August we’ll hold our monthly Shared Lunch after the service. Please bring a dish for the buffet and look forward to a time of fellowship and nice food.
Open Kitchen: Helpers Wanted – 13th Aug & 10th Sept
On 13th Aug & 19th Sept we’re hosting again a group of refugees at church to cook a meal from their home country, chat, make connections, and eat together. (Here you can read more about these amazing events.)
Would you want to be part of this? We’re still looking for someone who can pick up our guests from the refugee center at around 4 pm and walk with them to church. Afterwards, you can be part of the fun: cooking, chatting, and enjoying a delicious meal.
If you can help or would like to know more, get in touch here or speak to Roberto, Vinod, or Christine.
‘Freunde von der Straße‘ & earlier Service Starting Time – 30th Aug
On 30th August we offer a meal and afternoon of friendship to homeless and vulnerable people.
Volunteer roles:
Saturday 29th Aug, 4:30–6 p.m. – Setup (4 people, particularly men)
Sunday 30th Aug – Serving, kitchen, clearing up, or chatting with guests (10–12 people per shift; 1st shift: 12:30–3 p.m.; 2nd shift: 2:30–5 p.m)
Cakes needed:
20–25 (alcohol-free, easy to serve). Drop off Sunday 12–2 p.m. at Petrusgemeinde. Mark your plate with your name.
Get in touch here or use the sign-up sheets at church. Questions? Ask Helen Rose Wilson.
Note:
ACF Sunday service on 30th Aug starts at 10:30 a.m. (one hour early).
Choral Music Festival in Basel – 4th-6th Sept
If you enjoy singing beautiful music, you’re invited to join a choral festival being hosted in Basel from the evening of 4th September to 6th September. The choir director is going to be Matthew Martin. These two services will be sung:
- Evensong — 5th September, 5.30 pm, Heiliggeistkirche Basel
- Introit: Matthew Martin, Vidi Aquam
- Preces and Responses: Sarah MacDonald
- Canticles: George Dyson, Evening Service in F
- Anthem: C.V. Stanford, For lo I raise up, Op. 145
- Philip Moore: Lord of all hopefulness
- Hymns and Psalm to follow
- Choral Eucharist — 6th September, 10 am, Predigerkirche Basel
- Introit: Matthew Martin, Vidi Aquam
- Mass setting: Lassus Missa super Bell’ Amfitrit’ altera, Kyrie/Sanctus/Agnus Dei
- Communion Motet: Giovanni Croce, In spirito humilitatis
- Hymns to follow
To receive all the details, get in touch and we’ll connect you with the organisers.
Blessing for the New Academic Year – 13th Sept, 11:30 am
The ACF is a church with lots of connections to academia at all levels. This is why each year one of our worship highlights is the Blessing for the New Academic Year.
On 13th Sept we will have a special service dedicated to honouring, supporting, and praying for students and educators of all ages.
After the service there will be the opportunity to connect over a Shared Lunch. Do bring some food for the buffet.
We can’t wait to see you to launch a new year of studying, exploring, and teaching!
Quick Reminders
Envelope Giving — Our fundraiser is still underway! Pick an envelope at church (€1–€100) and donate that amount. Pay by cash, card, or bank transfer — details on the display. Questions? Contact our treasurers.
Diocesan Stories — The Diocese in Europe is collecting stories from ordinary people across chaplaincies. If yours feels worth sharing, have a chat with Vinod or Christine, or get in touch via the church website.
This Week & Regular Rhythms
This summer at the ACF
- Compline
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 9:00 pm
on zoom - Open Kitchen
Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 4:00 pm
We are hosting people from the refugee centre to cook and eat together. This is not a drop-in event open to ACF members in general. Please get in touch if you’d like to volunteer. - Wise One’s Afternoon Coffee: CANCELLED!!!
Friday, July 31, 2026
Owing to the potential heat alert, the Wise Ones will not be meeting this Friday in the Schwarzes Kloster. - Deanery Youth Meeting
Friday, July 31 – Sunday, August 1
Hosted by the ACF - Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 8:00 am
at church - Singing in Summer
Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 am
A casual communal sing-along at St. Ursula Church, Rathausgasse 50
Sing well-known and new songs, mainly in German, with fellow music lovers. - Morning Worship
Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 11:30 am
Led by Rev’d Vinod Victor - Men’s Prayer Group
Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 7:00 pm
at the vicarage (Ludwigstraße 6, Freiburg. - Singing in Summer
Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 11:00 am
A casual communal sing-along at St. Ursula Church, Rathausgasse 50
Sing well-known and new songs, mainly in German, with fellow music lovers. - Communion Service
Sunday, August 9, 2026 at 11:30 am
Led by Rev’d Vinod Victor - Shared Lunch
Sunday, August 9, 2026 after the service
Bring some food for the buffet. - Singing Group Practice
Sunday, August 9, 2026 after the service - Open Kitchen
Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 4:00 pm
We are hosting people from the refugee centre to cook and eat together. This is not a drop-in event open to ACF members in general. Please get in touch if you’d like to volunteer. - Morning Worship
Sunday, August 16, 2026 at 11:30 am
Led by Rev’d Vinod Victor - Singing Group Practice
Sunday, August 16, 2026 after the service - Communion Service
Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 11:30 am
Led by Rev’d Vinod Victor - Singing in Summer
Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 am
A casual communal sing-along at St. Ursula Church, Rathausgasse 50
Sing well-known and new songs, mainly in German, with fellow music lovers. - Setting up for ‘Freunde von der Straße’
Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 04:30 pm
Please let us know if you can help. - Morning Worship – PLEASE NOTE: 10:30 am Starting Time!!
Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 10:30 am
Led by Rev’d Vinod Victor - ‘Freunde von der Straße’
Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 12:00 onwards
Providing good food and company to Freiburg’s homeless community.
Helping hands and cake donations needed.
Click here for the ACF zoom link and here for the ACF calendar for the coming months.
Regular ACF Groups
- Singing Group – practice usually on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month after the service. New singers of all levels are always welcome!
- Wise Ones – gathering of the older ACF members, aged 55+
Coffee Afternoon at Café Schwarzes Kloster, Rathausgasse 48 at 3 pm on 29th May, 31st July & 30th Oct 2026
Wine & Cheese Evening at church at 6 pm on 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. - 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
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 in 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.
ACF Safeguarding Policy
As a church community, we are committed to creating a safe environment for everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults. Please find here our safeguarding policy, which outlines our procedures and responsibilities. We ask all members to familiarise themselves with this important document as we work together to promote a safer church.
Most of our volunteers are currently undertaking safeguarding training to ensure we maintain the highest standards of care and protection. A big thank you to everyone who has already done so! If you’d like to learn more about safeguarding training, emergeny contact people, helplines and more, please visit our website here.
If you have any questions or concerns about safeguarding, please don’t hesitate to speak with our safeguarding officers Judith & Ceri, who are here to help and support you.
Freiburg Anglican Church 