Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online.
Episcopal election to be held on Saturday
The election of three suffragan bishops for the Diocese of Toronto will be held on Sept. 17 at St. Paul, Bloor Street, 227 Bloor St. E., Toronto. Registration will open at 8 a.m. and close promptly at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit the 2016 Electoral Synod page.
Anglicans on Facebook are also invited to join the Electoral Synod group, where nominees have been answering questions. Discussion will end on Sept. 14 at 4:30 p.m., but the content in the group will remain available to Facebook users.
Tickets available for Arthur Brown and Basil Tonks Dinner
The annual Arthur Brown and Basil Tonks Dinner will take place on Oct. 22 at St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave. Tickets are $60. Funds raised will support the work of the church in the Province of the West Indies. Bishop Peter Fenty will celebrate the Eucharist at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Bishop Howard Gregory of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. For tickets, contact Wilbur Anderson at 416-445-8664 or Marjorie Fawcett at 416-446-6061.
Interfaith workshop focuses on scriptural interpretation
The Atlantic School of Theology is hosting a workshop in Toronto for clergy and lay ministers who are encountering interfaith issues within their churches and communities. “What’s That You’re Reading?” will take place on Nov. 3-4 at Glenview Presbyterian Church, 1 Glenview Ave., Toronto. Three respected leaders from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths will share their methods of dealing with scriptural and religious interpretations and the issues that arise, including specific examples of teachings to help participants gain insight and perspective. The cost is $285 per person. Register by Oct. 14. For more information or to register, visit the AST website.
Wycliffe College hosts Morning Star Seminar
Registration is open for the Morning Star Seminar, a three-day retreat for study, fellowship and theological refreshment for alumni and friends of Wycliffe College. This year’s seminar on Chalcedonian Christology, led by the Rev. Canon Dr. Gary Thorne, will take place from Oct. 17-19 at St. Olave, Swansea, 360 Windermere Ave., Toronto. Only 25 spots are available, so sign up early. The cost is $75. For more information or to register, visit the Wycliffe College website.
Registration open for Outreach and Advocacy Conference
Registration is open for the 2016 Outreach and Advocacy Conference, taking place on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity School, 11300 Bayview Ave., Richmond Hill. Featuring the theme “The Rivers of Babylon: Exploring Exile, Displacement, and the Call to Hospitality,” the conference will include a keynote address by the Rev. Jeffrey Metcalfe, priest, scholar and refugee advocate. Workshops will explore key justice issues, such as reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, food security, tools for advocacy, trans issues and more. The cost is $30 ($15 for youth/students/unwaged) and includes lunch, refreshments and childcare. To choose workshops and register, visit the conference web page. For more information, contact Ryan Weston at rweston@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 240.
York Rectors Fund deadline approaching
Grant applications for the York Rectors Fund are due Sept. 30. Clergy within certain boundaries are invited to submit applications to receive grants to fund special projects. For more information, including the application form, visit the York Rectors Fund page.
Dividends to be paid electronically
In 2015, the Diocese implemented the ability to directly deposit dividends paid out from the Consolidated Trust Fund and the Cemetery Fund. Many parishes have already chosen this option. Starting with the fourth quarter dividends for 2016 (distribution date Dec. 31), all payments will be made electronically only.
For those who have not previously provided electronic fund transfer (EFT) permission forms for the Consolidated Trust Fund or Cemetery Fund, it is time to do so. The forms, along with a void cheque, should be sent to the Diocese by regular mail, fax or email (as a PDF). If you have any questions about either form, contact Elena Nemenova, senior accountant, at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 248, or enemenova@toronto.anglican.ca.
Parishes invited to join Social Media Sunday
Social Media Sunday is an annual ecumenical day to encourage social media use within churches and demonstrate the power of social media to help Christians be and do church online. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 25. Parishes and individuals are encouraged to participate using the hashtag #SMS16. Ways to participate could include sharing thoughts from the sermon, inviting friends to church online, or sharing a photo or video of the service. For more information, view the event listing.
Parish hosts altar guild retreat
St. Andrew, Alliston is hosting a half-day altar guild retreat led by a diocesan expert on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Retreat House, 119 Wellington St. W., Alliston. Participants will learn about the proper care and application of sacred linens, holy hardware and sacramental articles. The cost is $65, which includes lunch. To register, contact Judy Graham at parishoffice@standrewanglican.ca or 705-435-9711. Participants can also choose to book a room in the overnight retreat house by phoning 705-435-9711.
Anglicans invited to explore prayer
This fall, the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is joining with the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Canada Prays, a project encouraging Anglicans to delve deeper into the shared mystery of prayerful experience. For seven weeks starting at Thanksgiving, Canada Prays will explore one model of prayer each week, highlighted in a blog on The Community and on social media using the hashtag #prayersof. For more information, visit www.prayersofthepeople.org or contact the Rev. Laura Marie Piotrowicz at lmpiotrowicz@gmail.com.
Young adults invited to weekend retreat
Turning Tables is a retreat for young adults (age 18-35) interested in exploring what our Christian journey could look like if we engaged our minds, our spirits and the world around us. Participants will explore the theme “Think, Pray, Love” to tie their political and personal convictions to their faith, rooted in the story of Jesus and the resurrection. It is also a chance to meet other young adults who are passionate about faith-based justice. The retreat will take place Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at Countryside Camp at a cost of $40, which includes bus transportation, accommodation and meals. For more information or to register, visit the event website.
New rules in place for church offering envelopes
Effective in 2016 and including church offering envelopes for the 2015 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency’s Charities Directorate has updated its position on the retention period for church offering envelopes. They must now be kept for six years from the end of the tax year to which the envelope relates. This is a change from the previous period of two years, to agree with the requirements of the Income Tax Act for the retention of source documents. For more information on what information a registered charity should keep, consult the Canada Revenue Agency website.
Reach Grant deadline approaching
Is the spirit of God moving in your community, 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 Oct. 11. The pitch day for proposals is Oct. 25. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.
Clergy invited to forgiveness training day
St. Luke (Dixie South) is hosting a clergy and professional counsellors training day on forgiveness and reconciliation with the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle. Participants will receive strategies to help them and their parishes cultivate a culture of compassion, empathy and grace. The session will take place on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga. The cost is $99, including lunch ($110 after Oct. 10). There are three ways to register:
- Send a cheque or money order to St. Luke’s Dixie South, 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, ON L5E 2P7, attention Rob Voyle Training Seminar (must arrive by Oct. 11 to hold your place);
- Sign up online; or
- Pay at the door, at a cost of $110.
Clergy can make application to their continuing education fund for this training. For a full description of the session, visit the Appreciative Way website.
Save the date: Parish administrators retreat day
The Parish Administrators’ Planning Group is planning a day for people who work in administrative capacities in places and organizations of worship. It will be held on Nov. 11 at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. The day is open to all denominations, so tell your colleagues. Most organizations allow for professional development days, and the planning group hopes clergy and wardens will encourage their administrators to attend. Complete details will follow.
Parishes seek donations of chairs and Bibles
St. David, Donlands and St. Andrew, Japanese are looking for donations of two items:
- stackable chairs (any amount up to 50)
- Bibles, either NRSV or NIV
The parishes do not currently have enough chairs to support their events, or any Bibles available in their pews for use by parishioners. Anyone with available items is asked to contact the Rev. Adrienne Clements at adrienne.clements987@gmail.com or 647-539-3727.
Retreat day focuses on finding peace
St. Luke (Dixie South) is hosting “Finding Peace in our Rush Hour Culture” with the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This retreat day is intended for anyone seeking to live compassionately in an angry world. The cost is $49, including lunch and snacks ($60 after Oct. 10). There are three ways to register:
- Send a cheque or money order to St. Luke’s Dixie, 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, ON L5E 2P7, attention Rob Voyle Training Seminar;
- Register online; or
- Pay at the door, at a cost of $60.
For a full description of the seminar, visit the Appreciative Way website.
Youth and young adult pastor wanted
St. Paul, Bloor Street seeks a professional, outgoing, dependable and enthusiastic individual with a passion for people and a strong desire to serve, learn and grow. This full-time position is responsible for planning, coordinating and leading the parish’s youth and young adult ministry program. The successful applicant is called to youth and young adult ministry, loves Jesus Christ and young people, and has a passion for evangelism and outreach, both personally and at the ministry level. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications will be received until Sept. 15 or the position is filled. Send applications, including cover letter, resume and salary expectations, to mail@stpaulsbloor.org, indicating “Youth & Young Adult Pastor” in the subject line. For a full job description, visit the parish’s website.
Music director sought
St. Martin, Bay Ridges (Pickering) seeks a creative, flexible and proficient musician for choral and organ leadership. The congregation is warm and welcoming, and music is integral to its worship. The adult choir has 17 SATB voices. With one rehearsal and one Sunday service per week, as well as monthly meetings with clergy, the position will demand approximately 10 hours a week. The appointee will know and appreciate both traditional and modern church music. Knowledge of Anglican liturgy is preferred, and the ability to plan for major festivals throughout the church year is an asset. The applicant should have a music degree, strong playing and conducting skills, leadership and interpersonal skills, and a passion for worship ministry. Remuneration is commensurate with RCCO guidelines, and vacation pay is commensurate with the Ontario Employment Standards Act. Direct inquiries and applications to the Rev. Dr. Alison Falby at alison@stmartinsanglican.ca by Sept. 30. Learn more about the parish at www.stmartinsanglican.ca.
Parish seeks snow removal services
St. Matthew, First Ave. is seeking an individual or company to supply reliable snow removal and clearing services for the upcoming year. The church grounds also include an on-site day care. To see the full criteria and related information, visit the parish’s Facebook page. For more information, contact the volunteer parish administrator at 416-463-9720 or stmatthewsriverdale@rogers.com.
Children and youth minister wanted
All Saints, Kingsway is seeking an associate minister for children and youth to facilitate a program that nurtures the faith formation of children and youth on their spiritual journey. The position is 20 hours per week, with compensation to be negotiated. The successful applicant will have theological training, ideally in the area of Christian youth and children’s ministries; proven successful experience working with children and youth, ideally in a Christian setting; a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth and professional development; and the ability to relate to children, youth, families, volunteers and parish leadership. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume in one file to wardenjean@allsaintskingsway.ca, indicating “Associate Minister for Children & Youth” in the subject line, no later than 4 p.m. on Sept. 23. For a full position description, visit the parish’s website.
