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Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Nov. 14

Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online. To submit an item, email editor@toronto.anglican.ca.

Diocesan Business

Synod members asked to claim lost items
A couple of books were left behind at Synod. If you are missing one, contact Pamela Boisvert at pboisvert@toronto.anglican.ca.

Video of bishops’ addresses to Synod posted
A video of Archbishop Colin Johnson’s address to Synod and Bishop Andrew Asbil’s charge to Synod is available on the diocesan YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/tordio135.

Reminder: renew your police record check
The Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith policy states that active clergy, parish employees, churchwardens and volunteers in high-risk ministry positions are required to have their police record checks renewed every three years through XpressChek. Be in touch with the screening coordinator in your parish to make sure your application for a police record check is submitted. It is your responsibility to keep track of when you last completed a check and when you are due for a renewal. Download the forms and instructions from the Forms and Resources page (Appendix M).

Deadline for Order of the Diocese of Toronto approaching
Nominations for the Order of the Diocese of Toronto are due Nov. 20. In 2018, each parish in the following deaneries is eligible to submit a nomination: Oshawa, Mississauga, Eglinton, Huronia and Tecumseth. Nomination forms should be sent to your area bishop’s office. Awards will be presented at the Bishop’s Levee on Jan. 1, 2019, at St. James Cathedral.

The purpose of the Order is to recognize and honour those members of the laity in the Diocese who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their volunteer ministry. For more information, including nomination forms, visit the Order of the Diocese of Toronto page.

Vestry motion focuses on poverty
This year’s social justice vestry motion asks parishes to commit to standing in solidarity with Ontarians living in poverty in two ways: by increasing their direct outreach to people in need; and by increasing their advocacy for systemic change that will benefit those in greatest need. The motion is open-ended to allow for parishes to adapt their actions to their situation, though suggestions are given. The text of the motion, suggestions for action and background information are available in a two-page, single-sheet document on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.

Reminder to report vacant properties
All parishes are reminded to immediately report vacant or unoccupied properties to Aon to ensure that insurance coverage is maintained. Aon will then advise of the inspection requirements and provide any necessary reporting documentation. For more details, see the Insurance page.

Diocesan Events

Parish hosts community clean-up
St. Margaret, New Toronto, recently the target of racist graffiti, is hosting a clean-up event to renew the space outside the church and build community in the neighbourhood. It will take place Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 156 Sixth St., Toronto. Some supplies will be provided, but feel free to bring a rake, broom or other supplies. For more information, call 416-259-2659.

Archbishop to be honoured at public celebrations
A special retirement celebration for Archbishop Colin Johnson will be held on Dec. 15 from 1-4 p.m. at St. James Cathedral, Church and King streets, Toronto. It will include refreshments, a receiving line, speeches and presentations, and it will conclude with Choral Evensong at 4 p.m., at which Archbishop Johnson will preach. All are invited.

York-Simcoe is hosting a farewell event for Archbishop Johnson and Ellen on Nov. 17 from 2-5 p.m. at Holy Trinity, 140 Brooke St., Thornhill. This will be a chance to thank them for their work and to offer prayers and best wishes. There will be a short evening prayer service at 3 p.m., followed by a few presentations and light refreshments.

Parish hosts workshop on Indigenous and settler relationships
Christ Memorial Church, 81 Hillcroft St., Oshawa, is hosting “Mapping the Ground We Stand On,” an interactive workshop exploring Indigenous and settler relationships, on Nov. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be facilitated by Suzanne Rumsey, public engagement program coordinator for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, and Indigenous community members. RSVP by Nov. 11 to Irené at frogwell@sympatico.ca or 905-432-1230.

Conference explores Advent themes
Trent-Durham is hosting an Advent conference on Dec. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter, 240 College St., Cobourg. The theme is “Moving Towards Hope: Searching for God in Today’s World” with the Rev. Yme Woensdregt of Christ Church, Cranbrook, BC. The cost is $45, which includes lunch. Download the poster to learn more. To register, call 905-372-3442 by Nov. 23.

Areas host discussions on assisted dying
York-Credit Valley is holding a discussion event on medical assistance in dying (MAID) on Nov. 24 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (Dixie), 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. This first of two sessions will take a historical overview and outline a biblical and theological framework for thinking about the issue. Learn more and register online.

Trent-Durham is holding a workshop on MAID on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John the Evangelist, 99 Brock St., Peterborough. Participants will enter into conversation with the Rev. Canon Douglas Graydon, coordinator of Chaplaincy Services, and the Rev. Margaret Johnston-Jones to explore the pastoral, moral and theological questions surrounding this issue. Register online.

Save the date: lay anointers training weekend
The annual lay anointers training weekend will take place from May 24-26 at St. John’s Convent. This event is for individuals recommended by their clergy to be trained and equipped for lay anointing in the parish. Online registration will open in February. For updates, check the Lay Anointers page.

External Events

All invited to free climate justice event
The Toronto People’s Assembly on Climate Justice will be held Nov. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of Toronto’s Multi-Faith Centre, 569 Spadina Ave., Toronto. It will feature workshops, panels and assemblies on various themes related to climate change. Free lunch and childcare will be provided. For more details, see the Facebook event.

Resources

Bishop’s Scholar program supports Trinity D.Min students
The College of Bishops is seeking applicants for its Bishop’s Scholar program, which provides tuition for up to four years of full-time study to a prospective Doctor of Ministry student at Trinity College. For the terms of the program and application requirements, see the information sheet. To be considered, indicate your intention to apply by Nov. 23 and send a two-page reflection and cover letter to Canon Mary Conliffe, Diocesan Executive Assistant, at mconliffe@toronto.anglican.ca no later than Dec. 1.

New prayer cycles posted
The 2018-19 diocesan prayer cycle, along with the outreach and advocacy prayer cycle, has been posted on the Prayer Resources page.

Candles available free
St. Olave, Swansea has a supply of tall white candles suitable for use on the altar available free to any parish that needs them. Twelve candles are 3 cm across and 18 inches long, and four candles are 5 cm across and 12 inches long. Glass keepers are also available. Contact the church office at 416-769-5686 or stolaves@stolaves.ca for more details or to arrange pick-up.

Job Postings

Diocese seeking annual giving coordinator
The Diocese is seeking a full-time annual giving coordinator responsible for developing strong parish relationships with clergy and lay leaders to achieve the fundraising objectives of FaithWorks, the annual outreach campaign of the Diocese. This is a contract position that will continue until Dec. 31, 2019. For more details, see the Synod Office Careers page. Apply by Nov. 28 to hr@toronto.anglican.ca.

Office administrator wanted
St. Michael and All Angels is seeking a part-time office administrator, responsible for multiple activities that support the life of the parish. This person will become an essential member of the leadership team and will need to work with sensitivity, compassion and confidentiality, projecting a professional demeanor and caring image. The salary will be $18-20 per hour. For more details, see the job post. Send a cover letter and resume to smaachurchoffice@gmail.com by Nov. 30.

Staff Changes

The Rev. Richard Dentinger, director of Human Resources, is on leave. For assistance, contact Aneita Chang at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 233.