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
Diocesan Centre resumes normal hours
The Diocesan Centre has resumed its normal office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
T1213 packages mailed for 2018
The 2018 T1213 package for clergy receiving a housing allowance was mailed on Aug. 23. Clergy living in a rectory do not need to apply for this. Clergy receiving a housing allowance must file form T1213 and receive written approval from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) before being allowed a reduction of tax at source. The diocesan payroll office must receive your written approval from the CRA by Jan. 18, 2018, or your housing allowance will be treated as a taxable benefit. Clergy who would like to have a reduction in withholding taxes at source should submit this paperwork by Sept. 15, as the CRA has advised that processing times will be 16-20 weeks. Contact the CRA if you have not received your approval by the middle of December. If you receive a paid housing allowance but you did not receive a package, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca. If you do not wish to have the reduction in withholding taxes at source, you do not need to submit this paperwork to the CRA.
Diocesan Events
Registration open for outreach conference
The annual Outreach & Advocacy Conference will take place on Nov. 4 at St. John, York Mills, 19 Don Ridge Dr., Toronto. This year’s theme is “Being God’s People: Embracing Difference, Building Solidarity.” There will be a keynote address from Dr. Carl James of York University and workshops covering many key justice issues. The cost is $30, or $15 for students and those with low incomes. Lunch is included, and childcare is available upon request. Visit the conference page to see workshop options and register.
Families invited to creative arts program
On Saturdays from Sept. 30 to May 26, Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd., Toronto, is running Gifts of the Spirit Studio, a creative arts studio for the whole family. This is an initiative meant to help people of every age and walk of life connect with each other through a shared experience of creative arts, mindfulness, meaningful exploration of character values, and mutual support. The program offers age-appropriate activities in which the whole family can participate at the same time. Participants will experience the joys and freedom of creativity and leave inspired, with tools that easily incorporate into everyday life. The cost is $40 per family to cover materials for the whole year. Learn more and register at www.giftsofthespirit.ca.
All invited to active non-violence training
As tensions increase, it is more important than ever that clergy and lay leaders seeking to bear peaceful witness have a grounding in active non-violence. This free workshop will give participants an understanding of the basis of non-violent action and an opportunity to practise techniques through role play. The workshop will meet in the Community Room (basement) of St. James Cathedral Centre, 65 Church St., Toronto, on Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants are asked to register by contacting Elin Goulden at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca.
Symposium explores mental health awareness in faith communities
The York-Scarborough area council is sponsoring “Break the Stigma,” a symposium on mental health awareness, education and ministry in faith communities, with keynote speaker the Rev. Donald Shields. The seminar is intended for clergy and pastoral care visitors engaged in ministry to families and loved ones with mental health concerns. It will take place on Oct. 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 15 Clairtrell Rd., Toronto. There is plenty of parking, and the church is within walking distance of Bayview subway station. The cost is $10. Fill out the registration form and return to Daphne Lynch at dal664@rogers.com by Oct. 13. For more information, contact the Rev. Heather Gwynne-Timothy at revheather@incarnationtoronto.ca or 416-221-7516.
Christians to connect online on Social Media Sunday
The 2017 edition of Social Media Sunday is scheduled for Sept. 24. This annual event is a day to demonstrate the power of social media to help Christians around the world be and do church online and in between times of formal worship. Parishes and individuals are encouraged to participate in ways that make sense for them, such as live-tweeting the sermon, inviting friends to church online, checking in at church on Facebook, or sharing a photo or video, all using the hashtag #SMS17. For inspiration, see how people in the Diocese participated in 2016.
Register now for York-Credit Valley open forum
Bishop Jenny Andison is hosting an open forum for clergy and lay leaders in York-Credit Valley on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (Dixie), 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. She will listen to hopes and concerns about the future, and there will be time to discuss ideas for advancing ministry objectives in the area. If you are committed to a culture of trust, shared expectations and clear communication, the bishop wants you to be there. All clergy are strongly encouraged to attend and bring key lay leaders from their worshipping communities. The format will include a large group discussion and small group interaction. Refreshments will be served. Register online by Sept. 7.
York-Credit Valley clergy invited to retreat
All active clergy in York-Credit Valley are invited to a retreat on Sept. 25-26 at Mount Carmel. Bishop Jenny Andison will lead area clergy in reflecting upon and exploring the theme “Growing in Christ: the Humility and Confidence that Flow from God’s Grace.” On the Monday afternoon, Bishop Andison will be available for half-hour private conversations. Accommodation and meals are provided. Register online by Sept. 11.
External Events
Conference explores liturgy
The next Liturgy Canada conference will take place on Sept. 23 at Renison College in Waterloo from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will focus on the things we do between the sermon and the ritual of the table. This is the third in a series of five conferences based on the ordo, but attendance at prior conferences is not required. The cost is $35 for individuals, $25 for students and $125 for a parish team. For more information, visit the Liturgy Canada website.
Church administrators invited to conference
All church administrators and secretaries are invited to register for the Professional Church Secretaries’ Association fall conference in Oshawa from Oct. 1-3. This event is a time to network, hear new ideas about ways to handle difficult situations, and find answers to questions that never seem to be answered, with guest speakers and open discussions. Overnight accommodation is available. Register by Aug. 31 to guarantee accommodations. Registrations will be accepted until Sept. 22. Visit the conference website to see the proposed agenda and to register.
Anglican men to explore truth at annual gathering
FLAME Toronto (Fellowship and Learning for Anglican Men’s Enrichment) is holding its annual conference on Oct. 27-30 at the Jackson’s Point Conference Centre, about 45 minutes north of Toronto. This year’s theme is “Transformed by the Truth” with guest speaker the Rev. Warren Leibovitch. First-time attendees receive a special rate. For more information or to register, visit the FLAME website.
Resources
Rectory available for rent
The rectory of St. George on-the-Hill will be available for lease starting Oct. 1. It is a lovely four-bedroom house on a quiet street in the Humber Valley/Kingsway area of Etobicoke, within walking distance of schools, parks and St. George on-the-Hill. Contact Jon Ingall at 416-566-7243.
Season of Creation resources available
From Sept. 1 to Oct. 4, many Christians around the world observe the Season of Creation as a way to give particular attention to praying and caring for God’s creation. Resources for parishes are available on the Anglican Church of Canada website.
