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
Reminder: Discretionary medical and dental grants available
Discretionary medical and dental grants are available for members of the Diocese’s extended health and dental plan who exceed their annual coverage. Grants range from $500 to $1,500. Those eligible include participating members of the active and retired clergy and diocesan staff extended health and dental plan. Individuals must have completely depleted their extended health and dental benefits for the year. The following are eligible for grants:
- Hospital accommodation.
- Professional services by licensed practitioners (must be the result of an illness or injury and supported by documentations from a medical practitioner).
- Dental care: major restorative services; dentures; orthodontics.
- Assistance with medical devices, including but not limited to: orthotics, hearing aids, braces, wheelchairs, back support.
For guidelines and application, visit the Benefits page. If you have any questions, contact Amy Talbert, human resources manager, at atalbert@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021, ext. 241 or Aneita Chang at achang@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021, ext. 233.
Diocesan Centre construction to impact accessibility ramp
Heritage Restoration will be on-site at the Diocesan Centre starting May 23 to begin masonry repointing on the east side of the building. This work should take four to five days. They will be erecting safety hoarding over the east entrance so that it remains useable; use caution as you come and go. Owing to the necessary structural supports, however, the accessibility ramp will be slightly narrower than usual. Access to the parking lot will not be affected. If you will be visiting the Diocesan Centre next week and will require accessible access, you many need to enter via Snell Hall at the Cathedral Centre. Please let the person you are meeting know if this might be the case so arrangements can be made.
Diocesan Events
Learning event explores lay pastoral visiting
The diocese’s chaplaincy committee welcomes active lay pastoral visitors to a learning event on Oct. 13-14 at St. John’s Convent. This event will explore opportunities for creating a diocesan-wide supportive network of lay pastoral visitors and identify future learning events and needs. Participants will gather for fellowship on the evening of Oct. 13 and explore lay pastoral visitors’ networking and its potential on Oct. 14. Limited overnight accommodation is available at the convent guesthouse for those travelling from outside of Toronto. Space is limited. Register at dgraydon@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 236.
Mission to Seafarers seeks volunteers for Oshawa mission station
The Mission to Seafarers Southern Ontario is opening a new mission station in the Port of Oshawa and is hoping to build a core of volunteers to help minister to foreign crews as they visit, creating a “home away from home” at the station. The Mission will be offering training sessions on May 29 at St. Matthew, Oshawa, 135 Wilson Rd. S. Those interested in volunteering at the station will need to attend one of the available sessions:
- Session 1: 10 a.m. to noon
- Session 2: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Session 3: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The training will be for both ship visitors and Mission hosts, with the goal of learning about each other’s roles, building a support network and creating a sense of community among the volunteers. Refreshments will be served. Contact the Rev. Judith Alltree at glutenfreepriest@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP for the session you would like to attend.
Course on the diaconate offered
The Rev. Kyn Barker, coordinator of deacons for the Diocese, is offering “Practice of Diaconal Ministry,” a course for credit with the Toronto School of Theology. It is intended for those interested in the diaconate or discerning if they are called to be a deacon. The course will be taught this fall at Trinity College on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit the Toronto School of Theology website.
Church administrators invited to retreat day
A retreat day for people who work in office administrative capacities in places and organizations of worship will be held on June 2 at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. Registration and gathering begin at 9 a.m., with the program running from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day is open to all denominations, so tell your colleagues; most organizations allow for professional development days. The cost is $60, which includes facilities, a facilitator, lunch and coffee breaks. Register online by May 16 and mail a cheque to St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff, 1512 Kingston Rd., Scarborough, ON M1N 1R7. For more details, see the brochure.
External Events
Clergy invited to meditation conference
The Canadian Christian Meditation Community is inviting Anglican clergy to its biennial national conference on May 26-28 at St. Michael’s College, 50 Joseph St., Toronto. The theme is “Journeying Towards Spiritual Wholeness.” Registration closes May 19. For more information, see the registration form.
Resources
Social media resources updated for parishes
The diocesan Communications department has developed new resources to help parishes using social media. An Instagram tip sheet has been added to the existing Facebook and Twitter tips sheets. There is also a Social Media 101 guide that uses real examples from diocesan social media channels to provide an overview of how social media fits in with other communication tools, the basics of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tips to find success online. Visit the Communications page to learn more.
Anglicans invited to join global wave of prayer
From the Feast of the Ascension (May 25) to Pentecost (June 4), Anglicans across the Diocese will participate in an event called Thy Kingdom Come. This campaign, supported by Archbishop Justin Welby, calls on Anglicans to join a global wave of prayer. 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 yourself up at Pledge2Pray, ask others to join you, and start a prayer group in your church to share in prayer. The website also includes ideas and resources to help individuals and communities take part.
Job Postings
Parish hiring summer students
Holy Trinity, Trinity Square is looking to hire two students for summer positions: a community worker and a concert coordinator and visitor guide. See the detailed postings on the church’s website. Send a cover letter and resume by May 26 to ht@holytrinitytoronto.org.
Parish seeks part-time music director
St. Martin, Bay Ridges in Pickering seeks a flexible, creative and proficient musician for choral and organ leadership. Knowledge of Anglican liturgy is preferred, and the ability to plan for major festivals throughout the church year will be an asset. The position will demand approximately 10 hours per week. The church has funds to purchase a new electronic organ, for which the new music director’s input will be essential. 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 salary 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 June 26. Learn more about the congregation at www.stmartinsanglican.ca.
Organist and choir director wanted
St. Paul, Newmarket is seeking an organist and choir director to ensure worship services are enhanced through choral and instrumental music that encourages congregational participation in liturgy. The successful applicant will have a strong background in Anglican sacred music and will successfully manage, lead and grow an established choir. He or she must also be a competent organist, choir director and conductor. The church as a 2 manual Allen digital organ with a card reader and antiphonal speakers controlled from the console. The position will be a minimum of 10 hours per week, with a variable schedule given weddings, funerals and special services. Compensation will be commensurate with ability and experience according to RCCO guidelines. Interested candidates should submit a current resume and cover letter to mcmoore@rogers.com or rector@stpaulsnewmarket.org. For more information, see the full job posting.
Canadian Council of Churches seeking acting general secretary
The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) has an opening for acting general secretary, responsible for administering the work of the Council, recommending and implementing policies and programs, and ensuring the effectiveness of the staff teams. This is a nine-month full-time term position (35 hours/week). The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $92,000 per annum and the expected start date is Oct. 1. Send a resume to A. Hall, chair of the Personnel Committee, at apps6@united-church.ca by June 30. For more information, visit the CCC website.
