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
Benefits claims platform changing May 1
The benefits plan of the Anglican Church of Canada will be moving to a new claims and administration platform at Manulife, effective May 1. The change will help to improve member service, improve the efficiency and accuracy of claims payments, and use technology that will allow the platform to grow and evolve.
A member bulletin was sent to member home addresses at the end of February, with Manulife asking that they be returned on March 5. Employees who currently participate in the benefits plan will receive additional information on how the change will impact them, as well as any action they may need to take. These kits will be mailed on April 13.
Under the new platform, the Pension Office must maintain and update all records of member addresses, dependents and coordination of benefits information. Manulife must be informed whenever there is a change, so updates should be submitted promptly to avoid the risk of claims being denied. Any questions can be directed to the Pension Office at inquiry@anglicanpension.ca, 416-960-2484 or 1-800-265-1070.
Survey looks for Fresh Start feedback
As part of the ongoing self-assessment arising from Growing in Christ, the diocesan strategic plan, the Leadership & Formation working group has asked the Fresh Start facilitators to undertake a brief survey of recent Fresh Start “graduates.” Clergy who have completed Fresh Start in the last five years can expect a phone call from a facilitator sometime in April to debrief the program. This short seven-question survey should only take about ten minutes, and your participation and feedback will be greatly appreciated. If you are not among those clergy being called but would like to give your feedback about Fresh Start, contact Canon Mary Conliffe at 416-363-6021 or 1-800-668-8932, ext. 212.
Display highlights Anglican youth
The Archives department has put together a display about the Anglican Young People’s Association, including more than 30 artifacts. It will be featured in the display case near the reception desk at the Diocesan Centre until early June.
Diocesan Events
Save the date: Bishop’s Company Dinner
This year’s Bishop’s Company Dinner will take place on Oct. 19 at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre. Early bird tickets will go on sale in July.
Youth event explores homelessness
Interface, the annual social justice event from the Archbishop’s Youth Ministry Committee, is coming up on April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Clement, Eglinton, 70 St. Clements Ave., Toronto. Open to youth age 13-18 and their leaders from all episcopal areas, Interface is an interactive day of empowering youth to live out their faith in their communities. This year’s theme is homelessness. Registration starts at 9:30 a.m., and lunch is included. See the event description for more details and RSVP to torontoanglicanyouth@gmail.com.
York-Scarborough clergy invited to retreat
York-Scarborough clergy are invited to a retreat at the Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, 7020 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. on May 9 and end with lunch on May 10. Register online by April 15.
Meeting focuses on lay anointing
The upcoming meeting of the Order of St. Luke Scarborough Chapter will feature the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger, chair of the Bishop’s Committee on Healing, speaking about the committee’s work and the ministry of lay anointers. Clergy who may be considering this ministry in their parishes are encouraged to attend. The meeting will take place on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Timothy, Agincourt, 4125 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, in Lamont Hall at the south end of the parking lot. For more information, contact Deacon Canon Jacquie Bouthéon at 416-264-4726 or osl.scarborough@sympatico.ca.
All invited to ACW general meeting
The diocesan Anglican Church Women will hold its 2018 annual general meeting and lunch on May 12 at Christ the King, 475 Rathburn Rd., Toronto. This year’s theme is “Embracing Safety for All Women,” with guest speaker Barbara Gosse, CEO of the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. The cost is $30 per person. Tickets can be mailed for paid orders received before May 2 (provide a self-addressed stamped envelope) or picked up at the door. For more information, contact 416-363-0018 or acw@toronto.anglican.ca.
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 clergy and laity, particularly youth ministers and leaders, are invited to attend. Contact Alexandra at ycv.area.coordinator@gmail.com to discuss the possibility of your youth group members, youth choir, liturgical dance group or other youth contributing in the service.
External Events
Conference explores peacemaking
Voices for Peace, a conference on peacemaking, will take place on April 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Cardinal Flahiff Basilian Centre, 95 St. Joseph St., Suite 214, Toronto. Co-sponsored by Church of the Redeemer, Citizens for Public Justice, the Basilian Centre for Peace and Justice, and the Henri Nouwen Society, this conference will explore the foundations of peacemaking as well as personal experiences from the front lines of social justice. Tickets are $25 ($15 for students), which includes lunch and refreshments. Visit the conference website to learn more. Register online.
Leaders invited to learn about Messy Church
Are you looking for a way to reach families who aren’t in your church on Sundays? Have you started a Messy Church and want to find new ideas, discuss challenges and connect with other leaders? Join Messy Church leaders for a day to learn about Messy Church, network and share ideas on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Matthew, Islington, 3962 Bloor St. W., Toronto. The cost is $25 (or $20 each for a team of three or more), which includes activities, lunch and handouts. To register, contact Dawn Mercer at 416-234-8686 or dawnmercer@gmail.com.
Gathering invites laity to deepen Christian life
The Lay Readers’ Association of the Diocese of Ontario is hosting Summer Fruit for Souls, an annual conference of training, learning and development in Christian ministry for lay people open to anyone who wishes to deepen and enrich their Christian life and service. It will take place July 24-27 at the Providence Spirituality Centre in Kingston. See the poster for more information and download the registration form. The cost is $350, which includes accommodation and meals.
Anglicans gather for conference on prayer
The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (AFP) is hosting a conference called “Oh My God!: The Priority of Prayer” from June 4-8 at St. John’s College, Winnipeg. Participants will discern the ongoing mission and ministry of the AFP and share in conversation with Primate Fred Hiltz and many local leaders. Registration costs $250, which includes accommodations and some meals. Travel costs exceeding $500 will be reimbursed for one representative per diocese. Learn more and download the registration form from the AFP website. Registration closes May 1.
Resources
Resources prepared for Earth Sunday
A range of resources for Earth Sunday, April 22, have been prepared by the diocesan Creation Matters subcommittee and approved by the Bishop’s Office for use by parishes. They include a bulletin insert, reflections on the lectionary, prayers and hymns. They are available for download from the Environmental Resources page.
Anglicans invited to join global wave of prayer
From Ascension to Pentecost (May 10-20), Anglicans across the Diocese are invited to participate in Thy Kingdom Come, a global wave of prayer for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. Participants can pray as an individual, a family, a church or a community of churches. To participate, visit the Thy Kingdom Come global website, sign up at Pledge2Pray, and consider the ideas and resources for individuals, groups and churches.
Reach Grant deadline approaching
Is the spirit of God prompting you to try a new ministry idea to reach those not currently served by traditional church? Do you have the time, the people and the vision? Do you need some help with resources? Let us help you achieve that missional vision with a Reach Grant. Submit a proposal to reach@toronto.anglican.ca by April 13. The pitch day for proposals is April 26. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.
Churches encouraged to celebrate Jerusalem Sunday
Jerusalem Sunday, May 13, is an opportunity for Anglicans in Canada to learn more about and support God’s mission in the Diocese of Jerusalem. Parishes are encouraged to take the opportunity to pray for Jerusalem and remember our deep roots there. Updated resources are available on the Anglican Church of Canada website.
Job Postings
Diocese seeks director of Congregational Development
The Diocese is seeking a full-time director of Congregational Development to lead a department that supports congregational life so that congregations in the Diocese can be active and healthy communities of faith. See the full job posting on the Synod Office Careers page. Apply by April 15 to hr@toronto.anglican.ca or Human Resources, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON, M5C L18.
Parish seeks youth and children’s minister
All Saints, Whitby is seeking a part-time youth and children’s minister who will help inspire and encourage its children and young people in their lives of faith. The position is 20 hours per week and will work closely with the assistant curate, with leadership from the incumbent. For more details, see the job posting. Interested candidates should contact the Rev. Molly Finlay at finlaymallsaintswhitby@bellnet.ca or 905-668-5101, ext. 24.
Canadian Council of Churches seeks volunteer treasurer
The Canadian Council of Churches is seeking a treasurer for a three-year term beginning in May. The current treasurer commits two half days a month, or up to six days a month in extraordinary circumstances. There are also several meetings per year. For more details, see the position description. Nominations for the position are due April 13. To learn more, contact admin@councilofchurches.ca or 416-972-9494.
