Email: wesleyknox@bellnet.ca

Website: Wesley-Knox Website



Office Hours:

Mon 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Tues 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Wed 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Thu 8:30 am - 3:00 pm

Fri 8:30 am —1:30 pm

Newsletter Submissions

Deadline Wednesday by 12 pm

Wesley-Knox Bulletin

United Church Church E-ssentials Newsletter



Minister's Musings

Dear Friends,

Today is March 25th, the feast of the Annunciation. It's the day we remember the angel Gabriel coming to Mary and announcing to her that God has chosen her to bear the Messiah. In the Gospel, we have this classic story followed by The Magnificat, Mary’s song of praise to God for finding her worthy.  “Be it done to me according to your word,” Mary told the angel. That's a strong statement, especially when saying “Yes” to God’s plan meant throwing all her own plans to the wind. She had a fiancé with a good career as a carpenter, she had a strong family (according to tradition), and her whole life was ahead of her.  Saying yes to God meant all of that was in jeopardy. And still, this young woman of faith said yes. Amazing!



I love that the Annunciation almost always falls in later Lent.  This year it is right as we begin to enter Holy Week. It may seem odd to think about Baby Jesus, Mary and the angel in Lent.  But I love it. It reminds me that Easter and Christmas are inseparable theologically. Without Easter, Christmas is just a birthday, afterall.  The Annunciation reminds me that the babe in Bethlehem is more than a cute baby, he is God incarnate. The saviour of the world. 

May you be blessed as we enter this holiest of weeks! And don`t forget to start your shopping and baking… Jesus is on the way in just 9 months! 

Have a blessed week,

Rev Rob +

Introducing our New Members

Marc Carruthers 

Before his retirement, Marc worked for many years in Calgary with disabled persons then later studied to become an immigration consultant. He moved to London in 2011. 

Doors Open London was Marc’s first connection with Wesley-Knox. There he met EJ who gave him a tour of the building. He also read the CBC article telling the story of how Rev Rob and Rob relocated to Canada. Learning that Wesley Knox is an affirming congregation resonated for Marc. 

Marc has spent long hours helping another church apply for sponsorship for a Syrian refugee and his family.  He volunteers at the Ark Aid Mission several times a month. He also plays tenor sax with the New Horizons program at Western University. 

Loonies for Lent

Wow! The Loonies for Lent donations last Sunday totalled $384.85.  The total for the 2 Sundays we've collected so far is $651.23. Thank you to everyone who has contributed Loonies and Toonies and $5 bills and more! The children will be coming around with their cups one more time - this Sunday, March 29. We appreciate donations of any size.

The collection will be divided between:

Black River Hospital in St. Elizabeth Jamaica - which was destroyed in Hurricane Melissa. The London AfroCentric Arts Association is fundraising for medical supplies for this hospital.  

Connecting Gaza - a group of volunteers providing emotional support and financial assistance to families in Gaza who are struggling to survive.

Donations can also be made by cheque or etransfer (to donate@wesleyknox.com). Clearly indicate that your donation is for Loonies for Lent. Name and address is necessary In order to receive a tax receipt.

Immigration and Citizenship e- Petition 7195

You may be aware that individuals and communities are significantly at risk in the US. The current administration is trying to erase and outlaw LGBQT+ individuals, causing increased persecution and violence for many. Anti - Transgender legislation has been passed in two states, with another 689 bills under consideration across the US. A change in Canadian immigration policy can help. 

Please consider signing a House of Commons, Citizenship and Immigration electronic petition e-7195 that is available for signing. E- petition wording follows: We, the undersigned, Citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons in Parliament assembled to alter the rules surrounding Canada’s LGBQT+ definition as the United States as a “safe third country” to make an allowance for American residents to file refugee claims to Canada for protection from imminent prosecution and potential violence simply for being themselves. The link to the e-petition can be found by an internet search for House of Commons e-7195. E- 7195 is open for signing until June 25, 2026

Thank you for considering supporting e-7195,

Affirm and Inclusion Committee

London's Climate Action Newsletter



Thames Talbot Land Trust is looking for new Board Members.

Please submit your letter of interest to Daria Koscinski (Executive Director) at daria.koscinski@ttlt.ca by March 30th, 2026. Please include “TTLT Board of Directors” in the subject of the email.

SCAN! (Seniors for Climate Action Now!) are calling on all SCAN! members, seniors and their allies to join in a national Day of Action on Friday March 27. Let this be the beginning of a senior tsunami demanding Climate Action Now!

• call, write or visit your MP (for sample scripts contact istahl@execulink.com)
• join the Fridays for Future rally, 2:30pm on Fri March 27, NE corner of Wellington and Dufferin Streets

New for 2026: Virginia Bluebells: an excellent source of nectar for native bees and butterflies when they first venture out in the spring. Blooms change from pink to purple to blue. Learn more about Bluebells. Nursery grown native plants at affordable prices. Proceeds support local nonprofits. Order today, while quantities last.

London Clean and Green: 20-Minute Makeover, Friday, April 17, 2026

Climate Action: Could you organize a 20 min clean up at your business, school, or neighbourhood to pick up litter and help keep plastics out of the Thames River? Start by adding your project to the map. Gloves and garbage bags, as well as arranging pick up of what is collected, are available from the city upon request.

Sat April 25, 11am-4pm Earthfest London. Applications still open for exhibitors.

The Future is Rural: Reclaiming Food Sovereignty through Farming Clubs?

A podcast by Nate Hagens where he explores the concept of a ‘Farming Club’ with biologist and farmer Jason Bradford. Do you have a yearning to grow food, but don’t have access to land? Consider helping with the food forests in London. Start by joining London’s Food Forest facebook group.

March 29th - April 11th, 2026

Mission Services of London – Call for Board Members



Mission Services of London (MSL) is a non-profit, social service agency, committed to serving London and area with compassion, dignity, and hope. Our focus is assisting individuals and families (regardless of background or faith) who are at risk of experiencing, or experiencing poverty, homelessness and crisis, as well as adults suffering with addiction and mental illness. We provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, outreach, counselling, and many other support services. As a faith-based organization, MSL has been serving London and area since 1951.

The MSL Board of Directors is launching a call for three to four directors with the expectation of them joining the Board in June, 2026.

The MSL Executive Committee, operating as the Nominating Committee, is seeking applications from individuals interested in in joining the MSL Board of Directors. The MSL Executive Committee is required to review all potential candidates and make a recommendation to the MSL Board.

In the coming year, the Board will be focusing its efforts on a number of areas; among them are strategic planning and further enhancing various aspects of culture, including equity and inclusion

What you bring:

1. Strategic and generative thinking mindset
2. Not-for-profit experience, and/or business development/fundraising experience
3. Quality improvement and/or accreditation knowledge and experience
4. Organizational risk management experience/knowledge
5. Experience in a not-for-profit, community-centred environment
6. Christian Faith-based ministry/Clerics
7. Human Resources experience, facilities management and property development experience

What Mission Services of London offers:

• Volunteer and leadership opportunities
• Opportunity to use your professional skills and experience to help make a difference in your local community
• Opportunities to network and grow

For the MSL Board of Directors Application, please click here and further details are available on our website at missionservices.ca

Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, April 10, 2026 at 12 p.m. To submit your application, or for more information, please contact: Donna Gordon, Executive Assistant, Mission Services of London at dgordon@missionservices.ca

The date is APRIL 15 for this free event!!

This is the connection to watch our award winning documentary WE LEND A HAND for free on April 15th National Canadian Film Day. Available worldwide...share it as you wish.

Our film was selected to be added to this event. Over the years films are added. You have 2000 choices approx. Celebrating Canadian films!

https://canfilmday.ca/film/we-lend-a-hand/

Resources:



We are part of the United Church of Canada

Our Region falls within the

Antler-River Watershed, Region #7

Link located at the bottom of this email

Access daily devotionals here, provided by “The Upper Room”

https://www.upperroom.org/devotionals

Liturgical Calendar Resources

for worship planning:

Link located at the bottom of this email

Handbooks and Guidelines for Staff, Council, Committees, and Volunteers:

https://united-church.ca/handbooks-and-guidelines

Anyone wishing to place flowers in the sanctuary

for a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, is encouraged to do so.

It brightens our worship, and, by adding a message in the bulletin,

it connects us as a congregation.

If you wish to place flowers, please call or email Liz Dunlop.

She will give you the information you need and confirm the date, and make sure the office has the information for the bulletin. Thank you!

Liz Dunlop, Sanctuary Flower Coordinator

(519) 668-2507

E-mail:

ldunlop@rogers.com