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| Columns Section: 世紀網站專欄區 世纪网站专栏区: 008-001 王浩 專欄 王浩 专栏 Pastor Frank Wang Column 作者：王浩 王浩 Pastor Frank Wang Frank's Monthly Pastoral: 2009 November |
November 5, 2009
Dear Family and Friends,
A dear Chinese sister in the Lord was overjoyed in telling me that through all her fifteen plus years at Bethlehem she
had never seen our church packed and full of people like on November 1st. Many come away amazed by the beauty
of Lutheran liturgy as fully expressed on the ordination service.
Of course I was overwhelmed by the big turnout. As a matter of fact, as I am writing this pastoral, I am still immersed
in the joy and many blessings I have received on the celebration. One of them is a joyous sense of a new identity. As
I looked at an invitation I just received from Bishop Nelson, I realized that I am now officially a “Reverend.”
What does it mean to be a Lutheran pastor? A German shepherd, often joke in our circles as the real Lutheran, told
me that I am now wedded to the Means of Grace. I will enjoy wearing a robe and a stole when serving in the pulpit
and at the altar. I understand my teaching and counseling is an application of the Law and the Gospel. I know my life
is a roller-coaster that mirrors the liturgical year: my times on the Mount of Transfiguration always prepare me for
Lent, and my time in the Lent always bears the promise of Easter… As I carry on theology of the Cross and ministry of
Grace, I realized that ordination and installation is just the beginning of a life to be nothing more and nothing less than
the ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
The core of this new identity is Christ. I am a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The old has gone, the new has
come! The Lord has chosen, called, transformed, and installed me through all of you at Bethlehem. At ordination we
affirm and celebrate our prayerful discernment and decision. I grew up being taught not to be emotional. But my eyes
were watery upon your acclamation. My soul was rejoicing when Bishop pronounced “The office of Pastor is now
committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” I know those were tears of joy.
“My joy I give unto you.” My spiritual mother’s singing reminded me of prophet Nehemiah and his declaration “The
joy of the Lord is my strength!” The joy of the Lord sustained the prophet through opposition to the rebuilding of the
Wall of Jerusalem. My beloved, the joy of the same Lord will also see us through the many challenges to our work of
rebuilding Bethlehem. In faith, hope, and love, you have just begun a new chapter in the Bethlehem story. Let us all
carry on together and be part of a new and joyful history: His – story!
In God’s grace,
Pastor Frank
Dear Family and Friends,
A dear Chinese sister in the Lord was overjoyed in telling me that through all her fifteen plus years at Bethlehem she
had never seen our church packed and full of people like on November 1st. Many come away amazed by the beauty
of Lutheran liturgy as fully expressed on the ordination service.
Of course I was overwhelmed by the big turnout. As a matter of fact, as I am writing this pastoral, I am still immersed
in the joy and many blessings I have received on the celebration. One of them is a joyous sense of a new identity. As
I looked at an invitation I just received from Bishop Nelson, I realized that I am now officially a “Reverend.”
What does it mean to be a Lutheran pastor? A German shepherd, often joke in our circles as the real Lutheran, told
me that I am now wedded to the Means of Grace. I will enjoy wearing a robe and a stole when serving in the pulpit
and at the altar. I understand my teaching and counseling is an application of the Law and the Gospel. I know my life
is a roller-coaster that mirrors the liturgical year: my times on the Mount of Transfiguration always prepare me for
Lent, and my time in the Lent always bears the promise of Easter… As I carry on theology of the Cross and ministry of
Grace, I realized that ordination and installation is just the beginning of a life to be nothing more and nothing less than
the ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
The core of this new identity is Christ. I am a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). The old has gone, the new has
come! The Lord has chosen, called, transformed, and installed me through all of you at Bethlehem. At ordination we
affirm and celebrate our prayerful discernment and decision. I grew up being taught not to be emotional. But my eyes
were watery upon your acclamation. My soul was rejoicing when Bishop pronounced “The office of Pastor is now
committed to you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” I know those were tears of joy.
“My joy I give unto you.” My spiritual mother’s singing reminded me of prophet Nehemiah and his declaration “The
joy of the Lord is my strength!” The joy of the Lord sustained the prophet through opposition to the rebuilding of the
Wall of Jerusalem. My beloved, the joy of the same Lord will also see us through the many challenges to our work of
rebuilding Bethlehem. In faith, hope, and love, you have just begun a new chapter in the Bethlehem story. Let us all
carry on together and be part of a new and joyful history: His – story!
In God’s grace,
Pastor Frank