On 26 April 2026, Ian Bailey was presented with a Bravo Award by the Unitarian Fellowship of London. His nomination read as follows “With “above and beyond” attention to property matters, Ian is a joy to behold. He is proactive and creative in solving problems and works cooperatively with others. He inspires us at every turn.” Ian joined the Fellowship’s Property Team in 2025 and assists with regular weekly checks, as well as painting, repairs, and liaising with contractors. He has even performed emergency repairs on one of our members walkers! In summary, Ian demonstrates initiative and dedication; provides selfless service; and has become a great role model for others in the congregation. Bravo to Ian on this well-deserved award!
Our latest Bravo Award was presented to Rocco D’Alessandro. The awards are given to UFL supporters whose volunteer efforts inspire others, and Rocco has been enthusiastic in his support for our congregtion. He joined our
choir, greets attendees with flair, and always provides insightful comments during discussions. As a living example of a Unitarian Universalist, he has invited many of his friends and contacts to attend our services and is thus an effective ambassador in our community. We are glad you’re here!
I have nominated Esther for this Bravo award for her captivating storytelling during the Times for All Ages. Esther knows how to get the kids’ attention with the shiny stickers, how to keep their attention with her fun character voices, and how to bring us deeper to the story with her background about where the story is from, or how it was one of her childhood favourites. Since humans gathered around campfires and told stories, there’s been an undeniable magic to the art and craft of storytelling and Esther is a great embodiment of this artistry. I would like to mention that Esther also volunteers in the Children’s Religious Exploration Program. For reminding us about the kid in all of us, Bravo Esther!
Imran Khan
This year’s Rhubarb Fest is going to be bigger and better. There are 15 social service organizations who will be offering information about their programs and services. The scope of this information-sharing event will include child and youth services, mental health, social justice, food security, employment, cancer support, climate change, library services and more. There will be a bake sale, plant sale, refreshment café, fun activities for children, some crafters and a FREE DRAW. Generous prizes have been provided by Argyle businesses who have agreed to support this initiative. The organizing team and many volunteers are working hard to create the best Rhubarb Fest so far. Watch for our promotional materials on social media and please support the festival by sharing the link with your contacts, “liking” UFL’s posting on facebook, or by obtaining a poster to place in a location in your community. The Rhubarb Fest has developed a “following” as a unique friend raising, fundraising community building event promoting the Unitarian Fellowship of London’s principles of public engagement.
Gardeners: Please consider donating divisions from your perennial plants to the plant sale. If you bring potted perennials to the UFL Ann can care for them until the sale. Contact Ann at ann.klinck@gmail.com if you need help potting them up. (No invasive species will be accepted.)
Check here for the growing list of ways you can help make the event a success.
Help Wanted: at the Toonie Mystery Bags Table. No experience necessary to fill these exciting positions.
Contact Kat: blackfriarskat@gmail.com Use the sign-up sheet at the UFL
Plant Pots Needed: Do you have any of the following items to donate for the plant sale? Plant pots, plastic trays or flat cardboard boxes for transporting plants, decorative indoor or outdoor pots. Please bring them to the UFL any Sunday morning.
The large milk bags are woven into useful mats for local and overseas use. A thank you goes out to all who have faithfully brought in the bags to the cloak room at our U U Meeting House. For those new to our U U faith community, note a longer article in the May Chalice. The mats are a part of a larger global literacy project and a homeless outreach project locally. If you have inquiries, please contact Linda and Bill Ratcliffe at 519-471-7500 or at wratcliffe@sympatico.ca,
The London Movie Night Outreach Project (L.M.N.O.P.)
Beltane Ritual & Secret Garden Reflection (A Zoom Event)
Join us on Zoom on May 4 at 7:00 pm as we celebrate Beltane with a gentle, guided ritual led by Elizabeth Van Rij. This gathering will begin with a simple, visualization-based ritual honouring the turning of the season, the return of vitality, and the spirit of connection and growth. Drawing on earth-based and UU-friendly spiritual traditions, we’ll take time to reflect, imagine, and welcome what is coming into bloom. Following the ritual, we’ll share a reflection on The Secret Garden (1910) by Frances Hodgson Burnett — a story of renewal, healing, and the quiet “magic” of coming back to life. No experience with the ritual or book is necessary, just a desire to pause and be present. There will be an optional time to connect after the gathering. Free audio or electronic copies of the book are here: https://librivox.org/the-secret-garden-by-frances-hodgson-burnett/ Topic: Beltane Ritual & Secret Garden Reflection - Zoom Event Time: May 4, 2026 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81970583249?pwd=QU8EW4JofVooa98ERA9q8TZim6x8MM.1 Meeting ID: 819 7058 3249 Passcode: 373138 --- One tap mobile +17789072071,,81970583249# Canada +17806660144,,81970583249# Canada Join instructions https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/81970583249/invitations?signature=EYLqe8EcinB7oqmYdiLsNYXgGT0iwKJgT0SJ-ZicObU
Please submit any information to the office email by the third Friday of each month to be included in the next edition of the Chalice.
