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
2020 clergy remuneration information posted
The annual Clergy Remuneration Information memo (PDF) is now available on the Remuneration and Benefits page. Churchwardens, treasurers and clergy are reminded to read the information.
New policies reaffirm commitment to being safe and welcoming
As part of its ongoing commitment to being a safe and welcoming place for all people, the Diocese has two new policies that are effective immediately. They are:
- Human Rights Policy
- Harassment Policy (when a cleric is involved)
Take time to read through both policies carefully and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities. They have been posted on the Policies and Guidelines page under Human Resources. Parishes should post them in a public place so all members of the community are aware of them, and churchwardens should make sure other organizations functioning on parish property know about them. Together with parishes’ own workplace violence and harassment policies, the diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy, the Diocesan Centre Workplace Harassment Policy and the diocesan Diversity Policy, the Diocese continues to uphold the right of all people in its communities to be free from harassment, discrimination and sexual misconduct in all places of ministry.
Archives to reopen with updated resources
The Archives will be back open on Dec. 2, having been closed for November to catch up on projects. Staff have created some further guidance about the Diocesan Archives:
- a new Archives brochure
- an updated parish retention schedule to help parishes determine how long to keep records
- What to send to the Diocesan Archives, a quick overview on what the Archives wants and doesn’t want
Fill out a Synod evaluation survey
Did you attend Synod? How did we do? Your thoughts are important, and the organizers would appreciate a few minutes of your time to fill out a survey. Tell us what you think.
Annual vestry motion urges action on climate change
The College of Bishops has approved a motion on climate change for consideration at parish vestry meetings in 2020. This year’s motion calls for the federal government to take meaningful climate action and invites parishes to deepen their own commitment to care for creation, with a range of suggested options. The motion and a backgrounder on the issue are available on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.
Synod members asked to claim lost items
A T-shirt, a scarf and one mitten were left behind at Synod. To claim them, contact Livia Assuncao at lassuncao@toronto.anglican.ca. Unclaimed items will be donated at the end of the year.
Diocesan Events
All invited to Bishop’s Levee, presentation of Order
The annual Bishop’s Levee will be held on Jan. 1 at St. James Cathedral. All are invited to join Bishop Andrew Asbil and the College of Bishops to offer best wishes and prayers for the New Year. The levee will begin with a Eucharist at 12:30 p.m., followed by a receiving line and reception from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m. There will be Choral Evensong at 3:30 p.m. with presentations of the Order of the Diocese of Toronto.
Retreat considers social justice themes of Advent
“Filling the Hungry with Good Things: An Advent Social Justice Retreat” will be held on Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at St. Philip, Etobicoke. The Rev. Don Beyers, York-Credit Valley social justice officer, will lead a time of reflection, prayer and discussion of the social justice themes of Advent, as seen through the Magnificat. All are welcome to this free event. Register online.
Parishes host Advent quiet day
St. Martin in-the-Fields, St. John, West Toronto and Holy Cross Priory are holding an Advent Quiet Day on Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Martin in-the-Fields, 151 Glenlake Ave., Toronto. The theme is “The Coming of God” with guest speaker the Rev. Canon David Brinton. The cost is $10, which includes lunch. RSVP to 416-767-7491 or info@ohcpriory.com.
External Events
National church seeking delegates to international event
The Anglican Church of Canada has been invited to send delegates to the 2021 assembly of the World Council of Churches, scheduled for Sept. 8-16, 2021 in Karlsruhe, Germany. Applicants can be clergy or lay and must be at least 18 years old by September 2021. For more details, visit the national church website. Apply by Dec. 15.
Resources
PWRDF broadens appeal for donations to Indigenous communities
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is grateful for gifts supporting clean and safe water for Pikangikum First Nation, where 20 homes have been retrofitted to allow for indoor water and sanitation. After a difficult summer, including two wildfire evacuations, the community hasn’t been able to progress further with the water program. As such, PWRDF is no longer accepting donations for Pikangikum and is broadening its appeal for donations to support more Indigenous communities and the needs they identify as priorities. PWRDF will continue its relationship with the Pikangikum Band Council to implement the next phase of the water project with funds already donated. For more information on its programs, visit www.pwrdf.org.
Online Advent calendar returns
Christians around the world are invited to join an online Advent calendar and share their experiences of expectant waiting for Jesus Christ. Sign up at www.adventword.org to receive a daily email with a meditation and photo based on a different word each day. Participants are also invited to respond on social media using the hashtag #AdventWord and the word of the day.
SSJE offers free Lenten resource
The Society of St. John the Evangelist is offering a free resource for Lent 2020 called “Signs of Life: Why Church Matters.” It takes up the symbols at the heart of Christian worship, revealing how they are full of meaning to deepen our life with God. Those who sign up as small group or congregational leaders will receive supplementary materials, including facilitators’ guides, resources, posters, stickers and bulletin inserts. For more details, visit www.signsoflife.org.
Job Postings
Parish seeks director of music ministries
Trinity Church, Aurora is seeking a director of music ministries who desires to see people grow spiritually. The position is 20 hours per week with pension, as well as benefits subsidized on a sliding scale. For more details, see the job post. The deadline is Dec. 31.
Caretaker and maintenance coordinator wanted
St. Clement, Eglinton is seeking a full-time facilities caretaker and maintenance coordinator to service the church building and grounds. For more information, see the job post. Submit a cover letter and resume to the Manager of Finance and Administration at hr@stclements-church.org by Dec. 4.
Diocese seeks missioner
The Diocese of Toronto is seeking a full-time missioner (lay or ordained) to build awareness and capacity for missional opportunities and initiatives within the Church. The successful candidate will have 10-15 years’ experience in missional ministry theory and practices (fresh expressions, mixed economy, church planting and pioneering), with a university degree plus additional formal training in theology. For details, see the full job post. Apply by Dec. 30 to hr@toronto.anglican.ca or Human Resources, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1L8.
