In John 20, we read the story of Mary Magdalene, who went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. After she spoke with the angels who sat in the tomb,

She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

John 20:14-16

We don’t know why Mary couldn’t see Jesus. Perhaps his face was shielded from view by the hood of his cloak. Maybe the sun was shining brightly in Mary’s eyes. Or maybe her eyes were so filled with tears that she had trouble focusing. We don’t know why Mary didn’t recognize Jesus. What we do know is that when Jesus called, Mary heard, and responded. When Jesus instructed her to tell the others, she went.

That call from God happens to all of us, many times. Our choice is in how we respond.

It’s with mixed emotions, then, that I share God’s call to me for a new clergy appointment. In June, I will follow that call as I join Agape Resource and Assistance Center in Plano (www.hope4agape.com). At Agape, I’ll be working with others to provide safe, stable transitional housing and critical support services to homeless women, moms, and children.

Supplementing that ministry, I will continue to lead in worship, bible studies, retreats, and Sunday morning classes at Arapaho United Methodist Church, in Richardson.

As I look back on all we’ve done together here at Christ United over almost 5 years, I see so many of God’s children, each with your own call to discipleship. Are you a teacher? Maybe God is calling you to lead a bible study this summer. Maybe your gift is compassion, and you’d like to consider training to be a Stephen Minister. So many at Christ United have a gift of hospitality, which can be lived out at the welcome desk, as an usher, or a door greeter. And those who are gifted with service, you’ve found a home for yourselves with VOLT, Men’s Service Group, or School on Sundays.

Thank you for letting me share your church home for a season of my life.

 Cathy Sweeney