Wesley-Knox Bulletin

The United Church of Canada E-ssentials

Minister's Musings

Here is my minister's reflection for this week. It addresses the way Canadians are responding to aggression from the US and how we can make a difference. A friend of mine recently visited from the UK with his son.  He is an American minister but now serves in the United Reformed Church in England. He is used to Canada but mentioned that this time, things felt different. “I’ve never thought of Canada as a particularly patriotic country”, he said, “But I swear I’m seeing Canadian flags everywhere!” He of course knew the reason why.

There is a palpable collective pride almost everywhere these days. I overheard a couple in the store looking at a grocery item and the woman said, ‘Oh…this is from the US.”  The husband immediately demanded, “Put it back, we don’t need it!” I just smiled and said nothing. Someone on social media (a friend from the US) expressed concern that Canadian actions would harm ordinary people caught in the trade war.  While I agree with them on some levels, I also explained that the US voluntarily signed up for this; Canada didn't. As a matter of fact, 49% of the American electorate saw what happened the first time, actually watched an insurrection, and thought, “I think I’d like some more of this!” While we of course realize that there are amazing people in the US who don’t agree with what's happening, we also know that there are gross human rights violations happening in the US (and committed by the administration around the world).

For some unknown reason, the US government and people seem unable or (in some cases) unwilling to stop it. If the only way to stop the present administration is to put financial pressure so that those who are hurting start to wake up, then so be it. It's not about hurting individual people; it's about using whatever leverage we have to affect change for everyone involved. The best thing we can do is step up for good people who feel trapped and helpless.

Protest is a part of our faith tradition, isn't it? From the Civil Rights Movement where Christians lined arm in arm to cross a bridge, to AIDS activism, to modern protests about genocide in Gaza, people of faith have stood against moral evil and, like Jesus, stood alongside the vulnerable and the oppressed.  Only a cursory knowledge of the Scriptures reveals this in the beheading of John the Baptist, or the persecution and death of the apostles who spoke against corruption in their day. Even Jesus himself was seen as a threat mainly because he dared to speak truth to power.



So let's keep speaking our truth. Keep standing strong and keep those elbows up.  Our voices matter.

Keep speaking for justice for all people,

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

Linda McQuaig and tax scholar Neil Brooks will discuss Cancelling Billionaires Before They Cancel Us: The Urgent Case for a Wealth Tax in a public Author Talk, co-sponsored by the London Public Library and the London Chapter of the Council of Canadians, on Tues, Sept 22 at Central Library, 3rd Floor. Doors open at 6, event starts at 6:30, beverages and snacks will be provided.

Mon Sept 28, 7:00pm Movie: Earth’s Greatest Enemy, Hyland Cinema. An eye-opening look at how increased militarism harms not just the environment but people as well (including the service people living on bases). Get your tickets now!

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

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

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 20th - October 3rd, 2026

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

September 27 - Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation 5:30 pm

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

October 24 - Haunted House Gymnasium 1:00 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.

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!

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