Hermeneia

Last time we saw each other was at the founding conference of the Augustana Ministerium. I trust that the Lord has placed you in a congregation that hears (akouo/shamah) Christ through you. I am still serving out my first call but suffering. The congregation cut my pay by 50% last month even though members drive around in BMWs, Cadillacs, Lincolns, Lexus' and take cruises to the Greek islands, Caribbean, the Canadian Maritime Provinces and can afford to fly to Spain. But this is nothing new for the shepherds of the Crucified One. What surprises me is that I am disappointed that what I have been preaching has not penetrated and very concerned about their spiritual welfare rather than my natural reaction, to be angry. The bottom line is I am seeking a call. I want to guts it out here but the strain is tearing up my wife and younger son and making my older son very bitter.

What you write about New Testament studies resonates with me. There is not a week that goes by that I am not dealing with the Greek. Wish I had spent far more time at CTS in exegesis. When I told Cameron MacKenzie my regrets he said seminary is meant to teach us how to learn theology on our own. For the past six years I have been dabbling with the Christological implications of the passive perfect participle. Art Just told me the way I translate "esfagmenon" (The Butchered One) in Rev. 5:12 ain't wrong. The implication is that in eternity the Lord's passion and death will continue to be a hot topic.

By the way, nice gothic chasuble. Is the vesica chi-rho or iota-chi? Can't tell from the photo. Are you on a campaign to replace the nekked cross on your chancel wall with a proper crucifix? Did that within three months of installation, courtesy of my Methodist father who underwrote my purchased of a lindenwood crucifix carved in Oberammergau. Got it on eBay from a Baptist who got it as a present and had no use for it.

May the Lord richly bless your ministry in Lowell.

Semper sub Crucem Christi, Wes Kan

Pastor,
I am very sad that this congregation has cut your salary. That is the practice of unworthy people. My brother is a retired LC MS pastor who was abused much like that. The result is that his children have turned against the Synod. His oldest daughter attends, on purpose, an ELCA congregation with her family, his second daughter is married to a RC and she attends there. She has not converted, but it sends a message, and his only son was married in an ELCA church. I don't know what his Sunday practice is. Defend you children from the worst of this abuse. There are many people in the church who love you and your faimly. I wish you God's richest blessings. I hope by this time you have found another call.