Second Sunday of Easter, Year A
April 12, 2026
† Stand as you are able
Organ Prelude
Welcome and Announcements
Choral Introit “Now Has Christ Arisen” Oudsen
Now has Christ arisen!
†Call to Worship
Peace be with you, says the risen Christ.
We receive Christ’s peace with gratitude.
Where there is fear, Christ comes near.
Where there is doubt, Christ meets us with grace.
Let us worship the God who turns locked doors into open futures.
Thanks be to God. Amen.
†Opening Hymn “Easter People, Raise Your Voices” UMH 304
Prayer of Illumination
Risen Christ, open our hearts and mind to your living Word. As the stone was rolled away, remove every barrier that keeps us from seeing your truth. Let your resurrection light awaken us, renew us, and draw us into the life you promised. Speak, Lord, your servants are listening. Amen
A Reading from the Old Testament Psalm 16 NRSV
Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble ones in whom is all my delight. Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows; their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out or take their names upon my lips. The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a goodly heritage. I bless the LORD, who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol or let your faithful one see the Pit. You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The word of God, for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Congregational Prayer
God of peace, we confess that even after Easter, we still carry fear. We lock doors around our hearts; we hold back our trust; we brace ourselves for disappointment. Yet the risen Christ comes to us—not with condemnation, but with peace; not with shame, but with mercy. Breathe your Spirit upon this church. Heal what is wounded. Restore what is fractured. Strengthen us to believe, to forgive, and to love with courage. Make Lovely Lane a community where Christ’s peace is practiced and shared. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Passing of the Peace “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” UMH 334
Sharing Joys and Concerns
Pastoral Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Choral Response “Alleluia” UMH 186
†A Reading from the Gospel John 20:19-31 NRSV
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ” Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.” But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
The Gospel of our Lord. Praise be to you, O Christ.
Sermon Reverend. Levon D. Sutton, Pastor
Responsive Hymn “Up from the Grave He Arose” UMH 322
Invitation to Offering
Our Savior Lives again, no more to die.
He lives to reign as Lord, enthroned on high.
Our Savior lives victorious, He has risen from the grave!
He lives, eternally to save.
Our Savior lives to calm our doubts and fears.
He lives to sooth and wipe away all tears.
Our Savior lives, our mansions to prepare.
He lives to bring us safely there.
Our Savior lives and love, He never leaves,
And every contrite soul He now receives.
Our Savior lives, with joyful hope He shall our hearts revive,
For Christ, our Lord, is yet alive!
Offertory “Our Savior Lives” Purifoy
Offering Prayer
God of peace, receive our offerings. Let these gifts become signs of your mercy—building bridges, opening doors, and strengthening witness to Christ. Amen.
†Closing Hymn “Spirit of the Living God” UMH 393
†Benediction
Go in peace. The risen Christ goes with you, and the Spirit empowers you. Live as people of mercy and hope. Amen.
†Benediction Response “Hallelujah” Trad. Caribbean, arr. Moore
Hallelujah
Ringing the Bicentennial Bell
Organ Postlude