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
Parishes asked to participate in youth ministry survey
Over the next few months, the Archbishop’s Youth Ministry Committee (AYMC) will be collecting detailed parish and personnel information about youth ministry. Tiffany Der will be contacting each parish by phone on behalf of the AYMC. There will also be a follow-up survey emailed to each parish. The committee asks that parishes participate in these surveys, with the hope that the information will help develop and strengthen youth ministry in the Diocese.
Dividends to be paid electronically
Churchwardens and cemetery board members are reminded that starting with the fourth quarter dividends for 2016 (distribution date Dec. 31), all payments from the Consolidated Trust Fund and Cemetery Fund will be made electronically only. If you have not done so already, fill out an electronic fund transfer permission form for the Consolidated Trust Fund or Cemetery Fund. The forms should be sent, along with a void cheque, to the Diocese by regular mail, fax or email (as a PDF). If you have questions about either form, contact Elena Nemenova, senior accountant, at enemenova@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 248.
Housing package mailed to clergy
The 2017 T1213 package for clergy receiving a housing allowance was mailed out on Sept. 29. 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. 19, or your housing allowance will be treated as a taxable benefit. If you did not receive a package and you receive a paid housing allowance, contact at Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca.
Order seeks nominations
Nominations are invited for the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. In 2016, every parish in the following deaneries is eligible to submit one nomination: Peterborough, Parkdale/West Toronto, York Mills and York Central. Nomination forms should be sent to your area bishop’s office no later than Nov. 20. Awards will be presented at the Archbishop’s Levee on Jan. 1, 2017, 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.
Allotment calculations for 2017 available
Diocesan allotment calculations for 2017 were mailed on Sept. 30. If you have not received your notification, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca to receive a copy. Appeals of allotment need to be made in writing by Dec. 31 to the attention of Claire Wilton for the Executive Board. Congregations are encouraged to respond earlier so appropriate arrangements can be made. Appeals must be supported with:
- A letter stating the specific amount being appealed.
- Reasons for the appeal.
- Audited financial statements for 2015 if the Diocese is not already in possession of those documents.
- Financial statements for the first three quarters of 2016.
Any questions concerning appeals or allotment calculations may be made to Claire Wilton.
Donations accepted for vestments
Anyone wishing to make a donation toward the cost of vestments for the Diocese’s bishops-elect can do so through the diocesan website. Donors can visit the donation page and use the drop-down list to designate their gift to the bishop-elect of their choosing.
Diocesan Events
York-Scarborough hosts Bishop’s Company Regional Dinner
Tickets are available for the York-Scarborough Bishop’s Company Dinner, hosted by Bishop Patrick Yu. The dinner will be held on Nov. 10 at Dragon Legend, 25 Lanark Rd., Markham. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30. Dragon Legend is known for its elaborate buffets with a tempting array of western and Asian dishes and homemade desserts. (The venue is peanut-free and vegetarian friendly.) Tickets are $75 and include two drink tickets, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Seating is limited, so buy your tickets online before they sell out.
Funds raised from the dinner support the bishop’s emergency fund, which helps clergy and their families in crisis. The fund also helps with travel emergencies, school support for the children of clergy, bursaries for religious scholarships, curacy training for the newly ordained and emergency medical expenses.
Retreat explores peace in the dying process
On Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the St. Andrew Anglican Retreat House in Alliston is hosting “Bringing Peace to the Dying Process,” a workshop facilitated by registered psychotherapist Wendy Graham. The event will feature discussions, videos and interactive exercises. The cost is $90, which includes lunch, refreshments, handouts and packages of references. For more information or to register, visit the Retreat House website.
Evensong to celebrate Bishop Yu’s ministry
St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave., will host a festival evensong celebrating the ministry of Bishop Patrick Yu on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Bishop Yu will preside, and Archbishop Colin Johnson will preach. All are welcome.
Retreat day for parish administrators postponed
The retreat day for parish administrators originally scheduled for Nov. 11 has been postponed. The new date is June 2, 2017. The planning group is also looking for two or three administrators to help plan the day at one or two meetings in the new year. Contact Craig Gustafson at office@stgeorgestoronto.ca.
External Events
Spots still available at conference for women priests
2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the ordination of women as priests in the Anglican Church of Canada and pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. A conference for women priests is being held in Stratford, Ont. from Nov. 28-30, and some spots are still open. The cost is $600, which includes accommodation, meals, receptions, and a celebratory Eucharist and banquet. To register, download the registration form and return it as soon as possible by email to anniversary40@bmts.com or by mail to 40th Anniversary Gathering, Huron Church House, 190 Queens Ave., London, ON N6A 6H7.
Resources
Threshold Ministries offers facilitated workshops
Threshold Ministries is offering two facilitated workshops designed to help congregations realize that they can be engaged in outreach and evangelism. “Stepping into Evangelism: Together” offers an interactive approach for followers of Jesus Christ to learn how they can easily share their faith with those around them. “Spark” helps reignite the spark in church leaders to motivate their congregations to bring transformation in their communities.
The sessions can be held in the context of a congregation, a region or the wider community. Host churches provide the venue, equipment, refreshments and lunch, while Threshold Ministries provides the facilitator, marketing materials and online registration. Each workshop includes more than five hours of teaching in an interactive and practical learning environment. To learn more or schedule a workshop, email office@thresholdministries.ca or phone 506-642-2210, ext 221.
Job Postings
Organist and choir director wanted
St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale is seeking a part-time director of music and organist to lead the Sunday worship and ministry of music and to lead the parish choir in a wide repertoire of hymns, service music and anthems. The successful applicant will enjoy teaching and help develop the musical skills of the choir in a positive and encouraging environment. The organ is a two-manual electronic Allen organ. The commitment will require slightly more hours at Christmas and Easter and fewer hours through the summer months (when choir practices do not take place). Availability to play at weddings and funerals would be an asset. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to RCCO guidelines. If the successful candidate is able to lead a steel pan music ministry, additional paid hours would be available, although this experience is not necessary. To apply, send a full CV and cover letter to stpaultheapostlerexdale@gmail.com c/o Organist Search Committee. The church is located at 2182 Kipling Ave. in Rexdale. Applications will be received until Dec. 6 or until the post is filled.
Parish seeks children and youth minister
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 Nov. 11. For a full position description, visit the parish’s website.
