Wesley-Knox Bulletin

The United Church of Canada E-ssentials

Minister's Musings

This weekend we commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation. I remember when church sociologist and author Dianna Butler Bass came to London a few years ago she said “You all in Canada are 25 years ahead of where we are in the US in terms of reconciliation.” She was right. The reality is that in the US, there really isn’t a widespread understanding of the need for reconciliation.

But I do know the feeling is growing throughout the nation, and that's a good thing.

There is a truth in the name that is (I’m sure) intentional. It's about TRUTH and reconciliation. Reconciliation is impossible without some very hard truths. And those truths are not just difficult; they are downright uncomfortable because they force us to face things in our past that we would rather leave behind. 

Any act of reconciliation requires an uncomfortable truth. But here’s the thing I hear people say to address their discomfort: “I shouldn't have to apologize. I am not responsible for that. I didn't do anything wrong!” And the answer is no, you didn’t. I didn’t. But truth and reconciliation isn't really about us. It’s not about shame or guilt. It’s about recognizing that we inherited a system that did things to oppress others. That system continues to have inequities. While we didn’t personally do anything to initiate or perpetuate the harm done to indigenous children and communities, we can do something to make it better. We can work to even the playing field for opportunities for all people.

We can speak and work for the acceptance of indigenous people and do all we can to make sure the mistakes of our forbears are never repeated. Once again, recognizing the sins of the past in no way means the guilt is ours to bear. It simply means that we recognize the wrongs done, and we will use whatever power and voice we have to right them. We aren’t responsible for what was done in the past. But we are responsible for doing all we can now to be a better Canada now. 



May this Truth and Reconciliation Day be another chance for us to build that better Canada for all people. 



Rev Rob +

Every Child Matters 

September 30 is Orange Shirt Day alongside Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Photo from Phylis’s Orange Shirt by Phyllis Webstad

In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, wear an Orange Shirt to church on September 27.

Since 2013, every year on September 30th, we can intentionally wear Orange Shirts to honour Residential School survivors like Phyllis Webstad. A third generation residential school survivor, she was 6 years old when she wore her special orange shirt on a first day of residential school. The orange shirt was taken away, lost to her. Phyllis and over 150,000 children across the country were forced to attend residential schools. They lost their rights to dignity, the love and safety of families and communities, their Indigenous, Métis, Inuit identity, culture, spirituality, traditions and language. Thousands of children lost their lives. 

The Indian Residential School system operated across Canada for well over 100 years, with the last schools closing in the 1990s. Every Child Matters. We wear Orange Shirts to honour, remember and reflect upon the experiences of residential school survivors, the children who never came home, and all their families and communities in the spirit of truth, reconciliation and hope for future generations of children. 

 

Inclusivity and Affirm Committee

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

“We’re just mistreating Mother Nature… we need to take better care of the things that God gave us freely. And that we’re so freely messing up.” Dolly Parton in an interview with National Geographic magazine. (in honour of 9-2-5/Sept 25)

Dollywood is home to the American Eagle Foundation which rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned bald eagles, owls, vultures and other birds. They have released over 180 bald eagles into the wild and those who can’t be set free become nature ambassadors at Dollywood.

Western University is honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept 30) with a number of public events that invite reflection, learning, and community connection. All are welcome to attend. 

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!

As part of London’s bicentennial celebrations, the City of London planted 200 trees at Village SoHo. The trees were planted along the pathway that connects to the Thames Valley Parkway, an important part of London’s active transportation network. If you live in SoHo, consider caring for these trees by watering them regularly.

Repair Cafes are back! Register for free: londonrepaircafeca/events. Registration allows fixers an opportunity to preview what is coming in so they can be prepared with parts/ tools. Can you sew? Clothing repair is a popular fix. They could use your help.

• Sat Sept 26, 2-4pm at East London Library
• Wed Oct 28, 6-8pm Sherwood Library
• Wed Nov 18, 6-8pm Beacock Library
• Sat Dec 5, 2-4pm Byron Library

The Sept 17 Community Advisory Committee on Planning meeting, will be receiving a report on the “Notice of Study Completion” for the University Drive Bridge.

Given the bridge is nearing the end of its service life for vehicular traffic, Western launched a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) Study to identify a solution that maintains connectivity, accommodates Western’s active and vehicular transportation needs, protects the bridge’s historic character, and limits impacts to the Thames River.

The solution under consideration would retain the existing bridge for pedestrian and cyclist use while constructing a parallel bridge for vehicular traffic.

This solution maintains connectivity across our campus and minimizes impact on the river, while also realizing goals set out in Western’s Open Space Strategy to prioritize pedestrian safety and encourage active transportation.

The last step in the process is publishing the Environmental Assessment findings and the recommended plan in an Environmental Study Report (ESR) for 30 day public review. The ESR will be available online at: at the University’s website at www.uwo.ca/fm/projects/capital_projects/ud_bridge.html and in person at Western University, Support Services Building, 2nd Floor, Rm. 2301 from September 23, 2026, until October 23, 2026 during business hours.

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.

September 27th - October 10th , 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 4 - Blessing of the Pets 1:00 pm on the Green

October 24 - Haunted House Gymnasium 1:00 pm

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

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