Year A
We Are the Church Together
Rev. Prof. Bill Loader asks a simple question — what is the church? — and answers it not with buildings but with people, as congregations mark the Uniting Church's birthday.
Speaker: Rev. Prof. Bill Loader
Message type: Sermon
Date: Sunday 28 June 2026
Lectionary: Year A, Pentecost 5
Bible references: To be confirmed
Other lectionary readings: To be confirmed
Summary
Rev. Prof. Bill Loader reflects on what it means to be the church, beginning with the reminder that the church is not a building but people — all who follow Jesus. He walks through what the church does when it comes together: praying, listening to Bible stories, growing in the way of Jesus, helping the sick and troubled, and caring for the poor. "I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together," he declares, closing with birthday wishes for the Uniting Church.
Reflective Questions
- What does it mean to you that people, not buildings, are the church?
- Tell about a time when being part of the church helped you find your way.
- How does our congregation make sure there is a place for everyone?
- Where do you see the church caring for the poor or troubled in our wider community?
Notes for editor: No specific Bible passage was named or clearly drawn on in this message; the Bible references field is marked "To be confirmed." The message appears to be for the Uniting Church anniversary (22 June). Other lectionary readings are also marked "To be confirmed." The transcript may be an intergenerational or all-age message given the repeated-line style, but the video title does not specify a message type, so "Sermon" is used.