Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online.
Diocesan Business
Clergy payroll and rectory information mailed
The Clergy Payroll and Rectory Information Appendix showing payroll and rectory costs for 2017, to include with the churchwardens’ parochial return, was mailed out to congregations at the end of January. If you did not receive one, contact Claire Wilton at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239.
Document explores episcopal ministry
Synod members are called to assemble at St. James Cathedral, 65 Church St., Toronto, at 9:30 a.m. on June 9 to elect a coadjutor bishop, who will succeed Archbishop Colin Johnson as diocesan bishop. To help members of Synod discern God’s call for the Church, the Nominations Committee has developed “Episcopal Ministry,” a document that outlines the responsibilities and gifts required for the ministry of the Bishop of Toronto. For more details on the nomination process and key dates leading up to Synod, see the 2018 Electoral Synod page.
Churches reminded to review screening files
As you complete your annual returns, take the time to review your screening files for staff and volunteers who were engaged in ministry between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017. Has everything been completed? If some items are outstanding, please make sure they are completed before the annual returns are due. For more information about how to complete this section of the annual returns, refer to “Responsible Ministry Screening in Faith – Completion of Annual Returns.”
There are resources available to help with the implementation of this policy. If you have any questions about what is required, contact Amy Talbert at atalbert@toronto.anglican.ca.
Parishes asked to report back on vestry motion
In his pastoral letter to vestries, Archbishop Colin Johnson asked all parishes to consider supporting this year’s social justice vestry motion on affordable housing and homelessness. After your vestry meeting, report on the results of the motion to Elin Goulden, Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca, indicating whether the motion was carried, the number of voting members present and the number who voted in favour, if available. If your parish changed the motion, include the exact wording as voted upon.
Diocesan Events
Clergy invited to vest at Black Heritage service
The Diocese’s 23nd annual Black Heritage service of celebration will take place on Feb. 25 at St. Paul, Bloor Street, with music at 4 p.m. and the service at 4:30 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Spirit of Thanksgiving: Joyful Praise.” The service will include drumming, dancing, steelpan, poetry, a choir and more. Archbishop Colin Johnson will preach and Bishop Peter Fenty will preside. Clergy are invited to vest and participate in the procession. If you intend to do so, contact Constance Kendall at 416-809-4639 or blaccanglicans@gmail.com by Feb. 22. Seating will be reserved for clergy who respond and their family members.
Parish leaders encouraged to attend workshops
Clergy and parish leaders (churchwardens, treasurers, etc.) are strongly encouraged to attend their area’s parish leadership workshop. Topics include insurance (and risk mitigation), real property management, parish finances and human resources. The dates for this year’s workshops are:
- Trent-Durham: March 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at St. George, Pickering Village. Register online.
- York-Simcoe: March 10, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at St. Paul, Newmarket. Register online.
- York-Scarborough: TBD
- York-Credit Valley: TBD
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
Bishop leads Lenten quiet day
Bishop Riscylla Shaw will lead a Lenten quiet day for Trent-Durham on Feb. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul, Brighton, 48 Sanford St., Brighton. Lunch is included. Call 613-475-2000 to register.
Areas offer Lenten series
Bishop Kevin Robertson, along with the Rev. Julie Burn and the Rev. Sean Davidson, will lead Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John, a five-week series open to all clergy and lay people in York-Scarborough. It will be held on Monday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 1100 Woodbine Ave., Toronto, starting Feb. 26. Prayer journals will be available at the first session, or download one from the Meeting Jesus website. Register online.
Bishop Jenny Andison will lead a six-week series of Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John for the people and clergy of the Etobicoke-Humber and Parkdale-West Toronto deaneries. It will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning Feb. 21 at St. Olave, Swansea, 360 Windermere Ave., Toronto. Prayer journals will be provided. Register online.
Registration open for Trent-Durham Area Day
This year’s Trent-Durham Area Day will take place on March 3 at St. Peter, Cobourg with the theme “Church in the Wilderness: Hearing God’s Call in the 21st Century” (Isaiah 40:3-5). Register by Feb. 26 to get the early-bird cost of $20. After Feb. 26, the cost is $25. Register online.
Bishop hosts York-Scarborough town hall
Bishop Kevin Robertson invites the clergy and lay people of York-Scarborough to a town hall meeting on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave., Toronto. This will be an opportunity to share hopes, dreams and practical ideas about ministry in each parish and the wider community, exploring where God may be leading the area. Register online.
Area celebrates new youth ministry coordinator
York-Credit Valley will celebrate the appointment of Alexandra McIntosh as its new Youth Ministry Coordinator with a service of commissioning on April 20 at 7 p.m. at St. George on-the-Hill, 4600 Dundas St. W., Toronto. Area youth ministers and leaders, along with church youth groups, are especially invited to attend and should get in touch with Alexandra at ycv.area.coordinator@gmail.com if they are interested in participating in the service.
External Events
Workshop explores educational needs of refugees
The Etobicoke Network of Refugee Sponsors, EcuLinks Etobicoke and Islington United Church are offering a free workshop for refugee sponsors on March 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Toronto. It will focus on helping newcomers get the educational and vocational connections they need. Register online. For more information, contact Peter Lindsay at peterlindsay101@gmail.com.
Resources
Elder care working group seeking input
Ahead of the upcoming provincial election, the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario is gathering opinions and issues from across the province, and will be putting together a number of questions that can be used to influence the political agenda and advocate for better elder care. Take a moment to complete the elder care survey to share your opinion with the elder care working group.
Cottages on Lake Simcoe available to clergy
Anglican clergy (licensed priests and deacons) and their families are invited to rent cottages at a reasonable cost at the Church Camp on Lake Simcoe in July and August. Two- and three-bedroom cottages are fully equipped except for bedding and towels. Rental costs are $975 for a month, $775 for three weeks, $550 for two weeks, $325 for a week or $75 daily. Request a rental online. For more information, contact Elizabeth Wensley at churchcamprentals@gmail.com or 905-807-2596.
Marriage prep dates posted
Dates for upcoming marriage preparation seminars in the Greater Toronto Area are available at www.marriageprep.com. There is also a webinar available.
Job Postings
Parish seeks discipleship ministry associate
St. Matthew, Islington is seeking a discipleship ministry associate to help in the faith formation of all ages in the parish and to provide leadership to a growing family ministry. The position is currently 30 hours per week, with the potential to evolve into a full-time position in the 12 months. The successful applicant will have at least some theological training, youth and children’s ministry experience, great organizational and interpersonal skills, and a desire to reach the wider community with the gospel message. Musical ability is an asset but not required. Pay will depend on qualifications and experience. The start date is flexible, but no later than Sept. 4. Contact the Rev. Stephen Blackmore at stephen.blackmore@me.com for more information.
Parish seeks office administrator
St. Timothy, North Toronto is seeking a person with outstanding personal and administrative skills to support its ministry on a full-time basis. The administrator is responsible for overseeing the efficient administration of church operations while supporting the ministry of the church by assisting the clergy, staff and churchwardens. Salary will be commensurate with experience. For a full job posting, visit the parish’s website. Apply by March 6.
