Year A
Finding the Lost Sheep: Every One Matters
A shepherd, a sheepdog called Clea, and a missing old ewe bring Jesus' parable of the lost sheep to life. Rev. Prof. Bill Loader tells a story where every voice — even the unhelpful ones — has something to teach us about caring.
Speaker: Rev. Prof. Bill Loader
Message type: Intergenerational Message
Date: Sunday 14 June 2026
Lectionary: Year A, Pentecost 3
Bible references: Matthew 18:10–14
Other lectionary readings: To be confirmed
Summary
Rev. Prof. Bill Loader tells an original story about a shepherd and a sheepdog called Clea who refuse to leave an old ewe lost in the cold, dark night — even when the goats, the donkey, and other sheep insist she doesn't matter. Despite every obstacle, they find her stuck in a thorn bush and bring her home, where even the stable with baby Jesus has room for her, because "everyone matters, even an old sheep." The story opens into Jesus' parable of the shepherd who loses one of a hundred sheep, showing "that's how much God cares for us, and that's how much we need to care for each other."
Reflective Questions
- Which animal in the story are you most like — Clea, the shepherd, or one who said "don't bother"?
- Tell about a time someone came looking for you when you felt lost or left out.
- How does our congregation make sure no one is left out in the cold?
- Where do you see people in our community going out to find those who are missing?
Notes for editor: The main Bible reference is identified from the content (the parable of the lost sheep) rather than being named by the speaker; Matthew 18:10–14 fits the Year A, Pentecost 3 lectionary, but Luke 15:1–7 is also possible. Other lectionary readings marked "To be confirmed." The video title abbreviation "IG" has been interpreted as "Intergenerational Message."