“ Meaningless , meaningless, meaningless “ Ecclesiastes 1:1
Last Sunday was the year anniversary of my leaving the Floradale Mennonite Church. I was the pastor there for 25 years. They were good years for ministry and good years for our family. I felt it was time for me to go, and explore another calling. That is not quite true because I did not pursue anything until a few weeks before I left, because I realized in late August I needed a job. Maybe my calling for a while could be called uncertainty
So, how am I ? It has been a long year for me. I left a community I really loved. I could not stay worshipping there, because I needed my own space, and there needed to be space for the interim pastor and the congregation. I understand the politics of this policy, but it is not easy. One Sunday I was pastor, and the next Sunday it was no longer my worshipping community
I gave my heart and soul to the Floradale church and community, and was blessed by the people and the community of Woolwich township. Being pastor is tough and lonely work, but I am part of a community. So, I am still living here, in Elmira, but am not allowed to worship with the same people. I see people around town at events, or walking downtown, but it is not the same. We have attended a few churches, and feel comfortable at most.
So, what is God telling during this time of starting a new journey for my life ? I have two part-time jobs. I like them both, but I am still looking for my new calling, or new job, or new being. I am not sure what God is saying.
The Philosopher from the book of Ecclesiastes ( from the Old Testament ) speaks of his life and work that has no meaning. The Hebrew work can be translated vapour as well. You can hardly see vapour, and it travels in the midst of the wind. It vanishes, and then reappears at at a whim. Why would the synagogue and the church see that this book should be in the Bible ? God, I believe, inspired the writer to reflect on the world and God in this way, but it is the leaders of the people of God that allowed it to be in the sacred scriptures. When would you read the first few verses from the Philosopher ? At a wedding or a funeral or a baby dedication ? I do not think so. So I am trying to find myself in an uncomfortable biblical text .
I have not found my life, after Floradale, to be meaningless. But it has been long and hard this past year. Though, I have had many opportunities to continue to preach the Gospel for MCC and the church, something is unfinished and unsure. I am still moving toward wholeness. Hundreds of people read the Observer article from last summer about me retiring, and they ask me often, “ ….so how is retirement going ?” . I am not quite there. I hope next year is not quite as long. Shalom and strength for me, and for you.
Fred Redekop
Ponder Anew 