We Are the Church Together
A reflection on what it means to be the church — not a building, but people who follow Jesus, come together, and serve the world.
Bill Loader
Retired Professor of New Testament and UCA Minister, William (Bill) Loader is a retired UCA minister and Professor of New Testament, now living in Orange. He taught for 40 years in the Perth Theological Hall and at Murdoch University. He has written many books on the gospels, sexual issues, and early Judaism. He also has a website with a wide range of resources from children’s stories to weekly commentaries on the lectionary: wwwstaff.murdoch.edu.au/~loader
We Are the Sent Ones: What It Means to Be God's Representatives
Exploring the ancient concept of being 'sent' on someone's behalf, Bill Loader reflects on how the Church is called to be God's envoys — carrying love and compassion into the world as a community of faithful representatives.
Finding the Lost Sheep: A Story About How Much Every One Matters
A creative retelling of Jesus' parable of the lost sheep reminds us that God cares deeply for every single one of us — and calls us to care for each other in the same way.
Go and Do What Jesus Did: Where the Church Began
Reflecting on the origins of the church's mission, we discover that the call to the first disciples is the same call to us today: go and do what Jesus did — reaching out with justice, peace, and love.
28th June, 2026 (Year A – Pentecost 5) “Telecommunication For God”
Before any technology was developed people often had to send ‘envoys’ to deliver messages and to make business arrangements, especially if they were not able to go themselves. Jesus was God’s envoy, the disciples were Jesus’ envoys – these ‘Apostles’ were sent out to share the heart of God which is love and compassion. Down the generations we are now God’s envoys and the ‘sent’ ones to be committing ourselves and sharing God’s vision for the world.
28th June, 2026 (Year A – Pentecost 5) “Telecommunication For God”
Before any technology was developed people often had to send ‘envoys’ to deliver messages and to make business arrangements, especially if they were not able to go themselves. Jesus was God’s envoy, the disciples were Jesus’ envoys – these ‘Apostles’ were sent out to share the heart of God which is love and compassion. Down the generations we are now God’s envoys and the ‘sent’ ones to be committing ourselves and sharing God’s vision for the world.
14th June, 2026 (Year A – Pentecost 3) “Like Sheep without a Shepherd”
Having sheep in the time Jesus was in Israel, was very different to being a sheep farmer now. In this story Jesus sends disciples out to the lost sheep (people) of the house of Israel. They were to go and do what He did – face all the challenges and spread the gospel to all the nations. They were to belong to and continue, the movement Jesus began.
14th June, 2026 (Year A – Pentecost 3) “Like Sheep without a Shepherd”
Having sheep in the time Jesus was in Israel, was very different to being a sheep farmer now. In this story Jesus sends disciples out to the lost sheep (people) of the house of Israel. They were to go and do what He did – face all the challenges and spread the gospel to all the nations. They were to belong to and continue, the movement Jesus began.
Go and Enjoy Your Dog — Go and Enjoy Your God
A playful reflection on the letters D-O-G and G-O-D, and how the faithful love of a family pet can teach us something real about the kindness and forgiveness of God.
Not Waiting for Change — Being the Change
Jesus shared John the Baptist's call to turn to God, but he didn't stay in the waiting room. He stepped into the world and began bringing God's kingdom to life — and he invites us to do the same.
Kindness Is Like Water
Just as water makes seeds sprout and grow, God's kindness brings life and healing — and God invites us to be partners in sharing that kindness with others and with ourselves.
Getting Back to the Beginning: The Message of John the Baptist and Jesus
John the Baptist and Jesus shared the same foundational message: turn to God, because God's kingdom is coming and things are about to change. But forgiveness of sins is only first base — the real gospel is about what comes next.