Wesley-Knox United Church

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Wesley-Knox Bulletin

Bulletin

The United Church of Canada E-ssentials

UCC Newsletter

Minister's Musings

Dear Friends,

I sit here with mixed emotions today. Labor Day is over, and life is back to full throttle. I do love beach weather, so the end of summer is a bit sad for me, but, to be honest, there is something I enjoy about each season. I’ve already broken out the pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and soon we will enjoy crisp nights, colorful leaves, and the smell of a fireplace in the air. That, too, is a blessing! While Spring in SW Ontario seems to last for about 2 minutes before summer arrives, Autumn stays around a good while. And there is much to be enjoyed.

I have found this to be true about every season, and frankly, about most of life. There are very few things that are completely enjoyable, and every task has unpleasant parts (even if necessary). But the trick to staying happy during unpleasant moments is to focus on the blessings. I have never been the biggest fan of Winter, for example, but I do love the feel of crisp falling snow on a late Winter’s night. Or the beauty of waking up to a fresh blanket of white. So this is the focus as I shovel the heavy chunks of snow and ice the road crew just replowed in front of my driveway! (We have all been there!). My point is this. Rather than focus on what is NOT pleasant, perhaps the best way to power through life’s unpleasantries is to find the thing that gives us joy. I can’t have the beauty of Christmas snow without the labor of clearing the mess. I can’t enjoy the scents of all things pumpkin and apple and the crispness of “sweater weather” without saying goodbye to the beach. Even my beloved summer comes with unpleasantries for allergy sufferers like me!

In work life, we can't have the joy of a bustling, happy church filled with activities without also powering through budget meetings to make sure things are on track and moving in the right direction! At home, you can’t have a house you are proud of or enjoy evenings with company if we don’t clean the floors and scrub the bathrooms.

So whatever it is that you enjoy, let it fuel your passage through whatever season you find yourself in. And if there are things that are unpleasant, even if necessary (like budget meetings and bathroom cleanings), let the hope of something pleasant help you power through!

What are the things that bring you joy, and how do they help you make it through more mundane tasks? Finally, friends, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. (Philippians 4:8).

Have a great week and find something that feeds your soul!

Rev Rob +

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is precisely the opposite of begging. When we seek to raise funds, we are not saying "Please, could you help us out, because lately it's been hard!" Rather, we are declaring, " We have a vision that is amazing and exciting!" We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you-your energy, your prayers, and your money- in this work to which God has called us." Our invitation is clear and confident because we trust that our vision and mission are like "Trees planted by the water, which yield their fruit in season, and their leaves do not wither" (Psalm 1:3) Henri Nouwen (Canadian priest and theologian)

What strikes me about this quote is the 'Why' behind Nouwen's understanding of giving. We have a vision that is amazing and exciting! Do YOU believe that? Do you REALLY?? I absolutely do believe that what we have is amazing and it is a vision the world desperately needs. That's why Rob and I make giving a priority: we believe in the mission and vision of Wesley-Knox, and we believe this vision can make a difference in the world. Why do you give?

- Rev Rob +

Did You Know ?

We have compost bins in each kitchen, all coffee grinds, tea bags and paper towels can be placed in these bins.

Please use the compost bins when preparing items or serving in the kitchens. The neighbourhood raccoons love the smell and break open our garbage bags. This leaves the front of Wesley-Knox a mess. Unfortunately they do not clean up after themselves! The nerve of these furry critters.

Please use the Compost bins!

Thank you

London's Climate Action Newsletter

Climate Action London

Solar workshop: Wed Sept 23, 7pm Navigating solar options can feel complicated. In this webinar, City of London and Better Homes London staff will walk you through roof mapping, real-world cost and energy data, grid connections, and financial incentives. Register

Human Nature Odyssey, Episode 26. Can Games Save The World From Bureaucracy? With C. Thi Nguyen

Fri Sept 11, 7:30pm A Celebration of Trees - Don Scallen hosted by Nature London a A celebration of the virtues of trees and an exploration of native trees suitable for the urban landscape. He will be bringing some Carolinian trees (pawpaws, Kentucky coffee trees, and sycamores) for $10 with proceeds to Nature London.

Sat Sept 12, 10:00am, Passport to Nature: Creative Inquiry hosted by Thames Talbot Land Trust at Wardsville Woods. Presented by Jamie Vojvodin Register

Sun Sept 13, 11am Run for Palestine at Greenway Park. 100% of donations go to Glia for their Gaza Medical Support Initiative.

Fri Sept 18, The Together for Nature Tour is an opportunity to come together to raise our voices for nature and all our relations through story and song. (featuring Susan Aglukark at Metropolitan United Church)

Sat Sept 19 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Antler River Rally: September Cleanup at Killaly Meadows, hosted by the London Environmental Network.

Sept 19-23 Climate Week in Ottawa. Join a caravan. Seniors Climate Witness

Sun Sept 20, 1-3pm Tour of Three Acre Permaculture in Bothwell. Register by emailing pollinatorteam@mail.com

Tues Sept 22 is World Car free day. Give your car a little break and try a different way to get where you’re going. Walk, cycle, hop on an e-scooter or take London Transit.

Wed Sept 23, 8am-7pm City of London National Tree Day Giveaway Location: Westminster Drive near the Wonderland Road South intersection

Groundswell takes you on a journey across five continents to experience the global movement restoring food systems and reshaping our relationship with the planet, one acre at a time.

Watch the film together live on Zoom, and right after, we’re joined by Finian Makepeace, for a live Q&A. Submit your own questions after you register

Petition from Environmental Defence: Send your letter today and tell Prime Minister Carney and your MP: reject the proposed taxpayer-funded West Coast pipeline.

A new West Coast oil pipeline could cost Canadians between $35 billion and $100 billion. Canadians should not be asked to take on the risks of another expensive fossil fuel megaproject. Send a personalized note today! Deadline Sept 18

New Course: Earth’s Changing Climate- Confronting the Challenge offered online. Oct 13-Dec 1; 1pm-2:30ET, including a weekly Q&A. Presented by Dr. Martin Bush.

N’Amerind Friendship Centre is seeking donations of new or gently used children’s shoes as they honour Residential School Survivors (shoes will be donated to local non-profit organizations after Orange Shirt day on Sept 30).

Becoming an Intercultural Church

What does it mean to go beyond simple inclusion or diversity initiatives and move toward genuine transformation?

Beginning October 14, this six-session interactive course will help ministry teams and individuals explore practical ways to build intercultural communities rooted in deep listening, shared power, responsibility, and hope.

Led by Rev. Dr. Hyuk Cho of the Vancouver School of Theology, the series will connect intercultural theology and biblical reflection with the lived realities of congregations. Participate as an individual or as part of a congregational team. Learn more and register on CHURCHx.

Please let Rev. Michelle know if you are interested in joining with others from our SW London Shared Ministry to learn together.

September 13th - September 25th, 2026

September 13 - Welcome Back Sundae 12:00 pm

September 15 - Midweek Service 12:15 pm

September 27 - Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation 5:30 pm

September 26 - Trivia & Tacos Night Doors open at 5:00 pm Dinner 5:30 pm

October 3 - International Food Festival Doors open at 5:00 pm Dinner 5:30 pm

October 24 - Halloween Bingo & Dinner Doors open at 5:00 pm Dinner 5:30 pm

SUNDAY SCHOOL COORDINATOR

Riverside is looking for an individual to become our new Sunday School Coordinator, who will lead efforts to provide an enriching experience for our children and youth.

Candidates must be over the age of 18 and have successfully completed high school.

Teaching or ECE experience would be an asset.

Complete job description is available upon request.

This is a paid position.

To apply or for further information, please contact Ron Swartz, Chair of Ministry and Personnel Committee at rb.swartz@sympatico.ca

While this has previously been a one person position, other models - team teaching, job share are also acceptable.

For decades, Grassy Narrows First Nation has faced devastating harm from mercury poisoning, with lasting impacts on the community’s health, culture, and livelihoods.

On September 23, United Church communities of faith across the country are invited to stand in solidarity with Grassy Narrows by amplifying the community’s message or joining the United Church contingent at the River Run. The Toronto rally begins at noon at Grange Park.

Please Contact David Knoppert if interested. Perhaps some of us from Wesley Knox could go together on the bus. davidknoppert(at)sympatico.ca

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Pastoral Care

Prayers for our church families enduring grief, loss, or loneliness.

If you or a loved one is dealing with a difficult time, such as illness,hospitalization, loneliness, or any of life’s challenges, our Pastoral Care team is available for support.

Please call the Church office and you will be contacted

by a member of our team: Rev Dr. Rob, Margo Bettger-Hahn, Linda Olson, Sandra Fox, Helen Humphreys, Liz Dunlop, and Paul Stewart

On evenings and weekends, you may reach us through Facebook Messenger (you do not need a Facebook account to message.)

You are not alone!