Sunday,  April 12, 2026
Second Sunday of Easter Year A
John 20:19-31 | "So I Send You"

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 16)
One: Let us say to the Holy One: You are our God, we have no good apart from you!
Many: Holy One, you are our God, we have no good apart from you!
One: The Holy One is our chosen portion and our cup; God holds our lot.
Many: Holy One, you are our God, we have no good apart from you!
One: The Holy One provides us protection and refuge, keeps us in pleasant places, and gives a good heritage.
Many: Holy One, you are our God, we have no good apart from you!

Invocation
Gracious and Eternal God, you are the one who calls us together and the one who sends us out in the world. Remind us, as we gather, how good it is to dwell with you and one another. Stir our hearts to love boldly, freely, and joyfully. Let us praise you with our whole lives and magnify your name by our works. We bless and honor you, O Faithful One, from generation to generation and from community to community. Speak to our spirits and receive our worship. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Gracious and Eternal God, you never abandon us the way that we sometimes abandon you. We doubt your power and your compassion. We call upon your name, but too often without expectation that you will answer. We blame you for the things we have collectively caused or that life demands. Yet, we give ourselves credit for the good that comes our way. We offer empty apology devoid of real repentance. We want to be absolved without engaging in repair. Help us to cherish grace as a gift and mercy as a miracle.  
Have mercy on us, Holy One. Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved, the Redeemer of our souls meets us in our doubts, uncertainty, and questions When we call, God responds. When we do not call, God remains present with us. Receive the grace of God to trust the Holy One with our struggles, pain, and brokenness. Have life in the name of the One who came to us, comes to us, and will come to us again and again. 

Invitation to Generosity
Through Christ, we receive "an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading." (1 Peter 1:4) Let us express our gratitude to God by sharing the gifts we receive. Let us bring our material offerings for tangible ministry to spread good news in our community and world.

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous One, may these gifts be a blessing to those in need, a source of hope for those in despair, comfort for those who grieve, encouragement for those who doubt, a balm for those in pain. May our generosity reflect our gratitude and our giving be another source of praise. Amen. 

Benediction
Beloved, as you go know that you have been sent
By a Creator who endowed you with every gift you need
By a Loving God who stays with you on the journey
By a Sovereign God who protects and provides
By a Purposeful God who has a role for you in the kindom
By a Merciful and Gracious God who understands and anticipates your mistakes
By a Mighty God who offers refuge and hope in the raging storms
By a Kind God who blesses us with community
By a Challenging God who holds us accountable
By a Risen God who laid the path that you might follow
In love and hope, empowered and equipped, for honor and glory. Amen.

So I Send You:  Service Prayers for Easter 2A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.