Sunday,  April 26, 2026
Fourth Sunday of Easter Year A
John 10:1-10 |"By the Gate"

Call to Worship (inspired by Psalm 23)
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us enter with thanksgiving and praise!
Many: The Shepherd restores our souls, satisfies our needs, and leads us on the right path.
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us live with courage and conviction not fear and timidity.
Many: Through valleys and storms, chaos and confusion, threats and concerns, the Shepherd comforts us with power and strength, love and compassion, hope and peace.
One: The Good Shepherd is the gate. Let us worship in the presence of the Holy One!
Many: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all our days of my life. Let us dwell in God's presence forever!

Invocation
God who is Shepherd, Gate, and Way, we join together as a community in your presence and in your protection. Shield us from apathy and isolation. Fortify us against resignation and despair. Nudge us toward justice and righteousness in your name. As we gather to worship you, may we be transformed by your love, strengthened in grace, and rooted in fatih for your glory and your kindom come. Amen.

Prayer for Transformation and New Life
Shepherd of our lives, like sheep, we wander and stray. We come to you for sustenance yet distance ourselves from your realm when you require more from us. We bite one another with words that cut and attitudes that reflect more apathy than care. We lie down and become stuck when you would expand our territory and sphere of belonging. We give you thanks for not giving up on us and continuing to lead us by your Spirit. Give us courage and confidence to do your will and to love with our lives. We devote ourselves anew to your teaching, to community, to the sacramental life, and to prayer. Lead us in the ever full and renewed life in Christ.  Amen.

Words of Grace
Beloved, the Shepherd cares for you and rejoices whenever you turn back to follow God's holy way. Life in the promise of glorious, flourishing life and the kindom of God manifested on earth. There is no detour you may take where the Shepherd cannot find you and urge you back into their loving embrace. You are redeemed and restored in Christ. Receive the goodness of God whose grace is sufficient and available for you to begin anew.

Invitation to Generosity
Community of faith, let us hold true to the ethos of the early church and hold "all things in common" (Acts 2:4). Let us share our abundance to enjoy shared life, to meet the needs among us, and to demonstrate our commitment to the kindom of God. 

Prayer of Dedication and Thanksgiving
Generous God, may these gifts bless our life together, fortify our ministry, and transform our community. Receive them as we give them—with gladness and thanksgiving. Amen. 

Benediction
Beloved, as you go, note the encouragement of the Shepherd:
The Gate is open and with you.
In your coming and going, 
The Shepherd leads you.
Go, have life and have it abundantly. 

By the Gate:  Service Prayers for the Fourth Sunday in Easter Year A was written by the Rev. Dr. Cheryl A. Lindsay, Minister for Worship and Theology for the United Church of Christ.