Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, email your name, parish and email address to editor@toronto.anglican.ca or sign up online.
Diocese provides matching grants for refugee sponsorship
Parishes in the Diocese of Toronto can now apply for funds from the Diocese to help them sponsor refugees. The $500,000 earmarked for refugee work will be available to parishes in the form of matching grants. The maximum grant a parish can receive will be based on its annual revenue. The initial round of applications is due by March 15. For more information and to download the application form, read the related article.
Parishes reminded of screening requirements for high-risk ministry positions
As annual Vestry meetings approach, incumbents and churchwardens are asked to ensure that individuals nominated for election to high-risk ministry positions (particularly churchwarden) are aware of the screening requirements under the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith policy.
It is important to be upfront about these requirements so individuals can make informed choices about how they would like to offer their gifts. Remind those nominated for high-risk positions that they will be required to participate in the screening process before they begin their new ministry. There are 11 items that must be completed for high-risk positions, including:
- Completing a police record check, using the diocesan-approved process.
- Participating in Sexual Misconduct Policy training.
For more information about screening requirements, read the Implementing Screening Standards section of the diocesan website.
Appreciative Inquiry course returns to Toronto
The Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, Appreciative Inquiry coach and Episcopal priest, is offering his Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry course March 1-3, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Andrew, Scarborough. This training is particularly useful to clergy and full-time lay leaders. Appreciative Inquiry is based on the idea of discovering what gives life to an organization and building the organization on those life-giving properties. The course is being offered for $400. Register online or contact Melissa Doidge at mdoidge@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 243. Spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment. This is an eligible Continuing Education expense. Learn more online or contact Elizabeth McCaffrey at emccaffrey@toronto.anglican.ca for more information.
Annual Return forms mailed
The forms for submitting the 2015 Incumbent’s Annual Statistical Return and the Churchwardens’ Parochial Return were mailed in late December. If your congregation has not received its copy, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 or 1-800-668-8932 ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca. You can also download these forms from the Annual Returns page.
Registration open for clergy pre-Lenten day
Clergy and lay leaders are invited to register for the annual Clergy Pre-Lenten Day, a morning of fellowship and learning in preparation for Lent led by the Rev. Dr. William Willimon. The event is being held on Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nativity, Malvern, 10 Sewells Rd., Scarborough. A hot lunch will be provided for those who request it. Learn more and register online.
Healthy living newsletters available
Did you know that the Diocese’s Employee Assistance Program publishes newsletters with information about healthy living? Find issues of The Balancing Act, Healthy Living, and Healthy Working on the Clergy Wellness page.
Save the date: Clergy Conference
This year’s clergy conference will be held May 25-27 at Brock University. The theme is “Preaching Luke, Hope for Our Times” with guest speaker Dr. Paula Gooder, a writer and lecturer in biblical studies. More information will be shared when it is available.
Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation seeks support
The Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation, which has distributed nearly $1.4 million over the past five years, welcomes all gifts for immediate use or as a capital fund with the income used to serve our community and beyond. Gifts can support education for lay and ordained leaders; studies for future and new clergy; indigenous ministries; opportunities to strengthen relationships within the global Anglican Communion; the ministries of FaithWorks; or the work of local parishes. For more information or to notify the foundation of a planned gift, contact Gillian Doucet Campbell at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 242 or gdcampbell@toronto.anglican.ca. Learn more on the Anglican Diocese of Toronto Foundation page.
Trent-Durham hosts area day
The annual Trent-Durham area day takes place on March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter, Cobourg. This year’s event will feature the theme “Who Is My Neighbour?”. The day begins with opening prayer and an address by Bishop Linda Nicholls, followed by two workshop sessions. A children’s program is available for children aged 4-9. Visit the Trent-Durham page to see the workshop options and register online by Feb. 25.
Forgiveness training seminar offered to clergy and counselors
Clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, counselors and others are invited to “Teach Them How to Forgive,” a day-long training program led by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle. The program offers specific steps to lead a person from resentment to forgiveness. It will take place on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at All Saints, Kingsway, 2850 Bloor St. W., Toronto. The cost is $150 and online registration is open. To learn more, visit the Clergy Leadership Institute website or contact Elizabeth McCaffrey at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 226.
Save the date: parish administration workshops
Parish administration workshops are being planned for each episcopal area on the following dates:
- York-Scarborough: March 12
- York-Credit Valley: April 2
- York-Simcoe: April 30
- Trent-Durham: May 7
More information, including locations, will be shared when it is available.
Trinity College hosts Divinity open house
The Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College is holding its annual open house on Jan. 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Divinity Common Room, 6 Hoskin Ave., Toronto. The event will include a reception with staff, students and alumni, information about degrees and programs, and tours of the college. See the poster for more information and email divinity@trinity.utoronto.ca to register.
Quiet Day held for church musicians
The Toronto chapter of the Royal School of Church Music is holding a Quiet Day for church musicians on Feb. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. The day will be led by Bishop Michael Bedford-Jones. For more information and to register, contact Joy at jolibays@netrover.com or 416-694-1260.
Service celebrates black heritage
The Diocese’s 21st annual Black Heritage Service will be held on Feb. 28 at St. Paul, Bloor Street. This year’s theme is “Strengthening our Foundation – Honouring our Seniors.” There will be a sing-along at 4 p.m. followed by the service at 4:30 p.m. All are invited. February is Black History Month in Canada.
Threshold Ministries to meet in Toronto
Threshold Ministries, formerly the Church Army, is having its annual general meeting on March 5 at 10 a.m. at Christ Church St. James, 194 Park Lawn Rd., Toronto. All are invited to hear about the organization’s work for 2016. Threshold Ministries is an organization that trains, equips and releases evangelists to assist churches in communicating the Gospel. RSVP to hello@thresholdministries.ca or 506-642-2210 by March 1.
Parish administrators invited to conference
Crieff Hills, the national conference centre for the Presbyterian Church in Canada located near Guelph, is hosting an interdenominational conference for church administrators from May 7-11. It is a chance for administrators to listen, share and gain insight from several speakers and each other. The conference costs $315 for single accommodation, $240 for double accommodation or $190 for no accommodation. For more information, including the registration form, visit the Crieff Hills website. Registration closes April 18.
Parish offering daycare facilities
St. Elizabeth, Mississauga is looking for a licensee to run a daycare centre. There are two rooms in its new extension built for up to 32 children. The church is located in central Mississauga, an area with young families. For more information, contact the Rev. Bill Mok at 905-812-2938 or email info@stechurch.com by Jan. 31.
National church seeks Director of Resources for Mission
The Anglican Church of Canada is seeking a Director of Resources for Mission to lead its stewardship and fundraising department, both in securing funds for national ministries and in support of diocesan and parish stewardship and fundraising. The successful applicant will be a senior leader with significant experience in fundraising and developing resources to present an effective case for generous giving. For more information or to apply, see the full job posting.
Youth leader wanted
Holy Family, Heart Lake (Brampton) and St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea are seeking applications for a shared part-time position (20 hours/week) of youth leader. The successful applicant will work closely with lay leaders and clergy to nurture and support the Christian formation of children and young people and reach out to families. Familiarity with the Anglican Church is an asset. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31. To submit an application or request a detailed job description and position requirements, contact St. Joseph’s at stjosephofnazareth@gmail.com.
New parish seeks administrator
The newly amalgamated parish of St. Mary and St. Martha seeks a creative person with strong computer and organizational skills to join its ministry leadership team. Interested candidates should want to part of a team seeking to support the growth of a new mission-shaped community of faith in Toronto’s west end. This is a part-time position, 15 hours per week, and requires someone who is passionate about serving God’s mission in a rapidly changing context. Applications should be submitted no later than Feb. 12. For more details see the full job description.
Parish seeks music director
Ascension, Port Perry is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic music director to start as soon as possible. Worship typically features choir, organ and piano music. The successful candidate will provide music leadership at regular Sunday services and special services as required, as well as directing and accompanying a 15-voice adult choir. Knowledge of liturgical music is an asset. The church has a 2 manual Casavant pipe organ and a Yamaha grand piano. The position is 8-12 hours per week, and compensation is commensurate with credentials and experience according to RCCO guidelines. Forward your resume to the chair of the music search committee care of revjohn@powergate.ca.
Director of music wanted
Holy Trinity, Thornhill is seeking a part-time director of music to continue and further develop a program facilitating a balance of vibrant traditional and contemporary Anglican worship. The ideal candidate is an excellent musician with experience and knowledge of liturgical, traditional, gospel and contemporary music, the ability to play organ and piano, and skills in leading and teaching choral music. A Bachelor of Music in organ performance, ARCCO or Master of Sacred Music organist qualifications are preferred. The position will be a minimum of 10 hours per week. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to RCCO guidelines. Apply with a resume and cover letter by March 31 to Holy Trinity Church, 140 Brooke St., Thornhill, ON L4J 1Y9 or search@holytrinity-thornhill.ca. See a full position description on the parish’s website.
