Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To submit an item, email [email protected]. Add your parish events to the online calendar. To receive Bulletin Board in your inbox, sign up online.
Diocesan business
Property Department observing quiet period
The Property Resources team will be observing a quiet period from Dec. 11 to Jan. 8 (inclusive). During this period, the team will focus on wrapping up existing files, planning for year-end and preparing for new files in 2027. The team will still respond to emergency matters, but all other matters will be addressed after Jan. 8.
Parishes reminded to review screening steps
Take some time to review your screening files for staff and volunteers engaged in ministry between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2026. When you complete your annual churchwardens’ and incumbent’s returns for 2026, you’ll be asked to verify that your parish has completed four compliance indicators:
- Are all ministry activities of the congregation listed and assessed for risk (high, medium or low)?
- Have all individuals in medium- and high-risk positions attended Sexual Misconduct policy training at the beginning of the ministry and every three years thereafter?
- Have all individuals in a high-risk position completed a police record check, using the diocesan-approved process, at the beginning of the ministry and every three years thereafter?
- Is the congregation, to the best of your knowledge, fully compliant with the standards and procedures of the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith policy?
If there are items that need attention, take some time to get everything in order before annual returns are due on March 15, 2027. There are resources available to help you implement this policy. Have all the steps been completed? Do any of your parish procedures need to be reviewed or updated? Do any screening steps need to be renewed? If you have any questions about what is required, contact Lily Chow, Human Resources coordinator, at [email protected]. You can also use the Implementing Screening Steps Chart and the Screening Steps Worksheet to help you.
Updated allotment calculations posted
Diocesan allotment calculations for 2027 were re-posted to the Annual Returns page on Oct. 27. Appeals of allotment must be made in writing by Dec. 31 to the attention of Patricia D’Souza for the Finance Committee. Congregations are encouraged to respond earlier so timely arrangements can be made. Appeals must be supported by:
- A letter stating the specific amount being appealed and the proposed allotment amount.
- Reasons for the appeal.
- Audited financial statements for 2025 if the Synod Office doesn’t already have them.
- Financial statements for the first three quarters of 2026.
Send any questions concerning appeals or allotment calculations to Keri Stilling at [email protected].
Parish Property Toolkit now available
The Property Resources department is excited to launch the new Parish Property Toolkit, bringing together helpful resources for parish leaders on one convenient web page. The toolkit includes external grant opportunities, practical templates and sample documents and a growing directory of professional service providers. Access the toolkit on the diocesan website.
Risk and Governance meeting dates posted
Checklists for low-risk agreements and renovations costing less than $100,000 should be sent to [email protected]. Residential agreements (yellow checklist) should be reviewed by the Property Resources department before execution. The upcoming dates and deadlines to submit documentation for the Risk & Governance committee are:
- Nov. 26 deadline for Dec. 10 meeting
- Dec. 10 deadline for Jan. 14 meeting
- Jan. 28 deadline for Feb. 11 meeting
- Feb. 25 deadline for March 11 meeting
- April 1 deadline for April 15 meeting
Last call to help update the Outreach Prayer Cycle
The diocesan Outreach Prayer Cycle follows the Sundays of the church year from Advent 1 through the Reign of Christ. The entries will be updated for each parish to have the new 2026-27 cycle ready for the first Sunday of Advent on Nov. 29. Review your parish entry on the current cycle and send any updates to Elin Goulden at [email protected] by Nov. 16. The updated cycle will be uploaded to the website or before Nov. 25.
Diocesan events
Dinner supports clergy
Tickets are on sale for the 65th annual Bishop’s Company Dinner, presented by the Hon. Margaret McCain, CC, ONB, ODT. On Nov. 20, join Anglicans from across our diocese to celebrate the work of our clergy and show support to them in their times of need. The evening will feature guest speaker Archbishop Anne Germond and music by the Nathan Hiltz Quartet. Learn more on the Bishop’s Company website.
Register for November property workshop
The Property Resources department is hosting a workshop on Nov. 18 from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn about the insurance renewal process, key resources, strategies, coverage considerations and common issues to avoid. You’ll gain valuable insights and tools to ensure that your parish is well protected and prepared. Register online.
Synod Office hosts youth event
On Nov. 14, join young people from across our diocese for a day of worship, friendship, meaningful conversations and fun. Together, we’ll explore the foundations of our faith, what it means to lead and serve, and how faith can support us through life’s questions and challenges. Register online.
College hosts women’s breakfast
Wycliffe College is hosting a women’s breakfast on Nov. 14, featuring insights from Dr. Marion Taylor as she explores “When Women Disciple Women: Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I and a Legacy of Faith.” The event will be offered in-person at Wycliffe College and livestreamed to individuals, host churches and small groups at 10 a.m. Come for thoughtful conversation, theological reflection and community. Register online.
Session considers accessible worship
The next Shop Talk will be “Words, worship, welcome: language that includes,” a live Zoom session on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m., featuring Thomas Reynolds, associate professor of Theology at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. The session will explore inclusive language, church vocabulary, accessibility terminology and multilingual communication. Whether you are clergy, lay leader, worship planner, tech volunteer or congregational leader, this conversation will offer both inspiration and practical insights. Sign up online.
External events
Day of action planned for Bill C-39
The federal government’s Bill C-39 is an omnibus bill that aims at expediting nation-building projects while significantly weakening environmental protections and undermining the rights of workers and Indigenous peoples. Environmental, labour and Indigenous groups are sounding the alarm. The legislation has been sent to a special ad hoc committee rather than to existing standing committees for parliamentary review, fueling concerns that it is not being subjected to thorough review. On Nov. 12, concerned citizens across Canada are gathering outside the offices of their local MPs to protest this legislation. If you are interested in taking part, a full list of actions can be found on the event website.
Register for Faith Leaders’ Forum
The Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) will hold its Faith Leaders’ Forum on Nov. 18 at Queen’s Park with the theme “Persistent Resistance: Preparing Ourselves for the Long Haul.” The Rev. Canon Simon Bell of Trinity and St. Margaret’s parishes in Barrie will offer the theological reflection. Other speakers include Margaret Prophet (Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition), Ben Earle (Feed the Need in Durham) and Mani Kakkar (the barrister leading a class action on behalf of encampment residents). Lunch will be served at the in-person event and a live-stream option is also available. Registration is open now on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Conference spotlights stewardship
Clergy and lay leaders are invited to Funding Ministry into the Future: A Conference of Hope & Stewardship for the Church, an ecumenical gathering on Nov. 20-21 at Knox Presbyterian Church in Waterloo. Keynote speakers include Grace Duddy Pomroy from Luther Seminary and author of Funding Forward, who brings expertise in stewardship, church redevelopment and buildings, and Paul Nazareth, a renowned Canadian speaker and expert in generosity, giving, tax, financial and estate planning. Learn more and register on the
Resources
Wage subsidy grant accepting applications
The Government of Canada has opened applications for the Canada Summer Jobs 2027 Program, offering wage subsidies to help eligible employers hire young Canadians ages 15 to 30. The deadline to apply is Dec 3. Learn more on the Government of Canada website.
Community security funding available
The Canada Community Security Program funds eligible project expenses that contribute to enhancing safety and security while also maintaining openness and accessibility. There is no deadline apply as applications close once the yearly funding has been allocated. Learn more on the program website.
Anti-hate grant accepting applications
The Ontario Anti-Hate Security and Prevention Grant funds eligible projects that protect community spaces from hate-motivated incidents. Eligible expenses may include interior or exterior building upgrades, security equipment or professional security assessments and emergency planning policies and procedures. The deadline to apply is Nov. 12 at 5 p.m. Learn more on the Government of Ontario website.
Website template options available
Nvision, a web company that works with the Synod Office, has finalized the details of the website templates they can offer parishes. They have created three WordPress-based options that speak to the needs of different-sized communities, along with different levels of ongoing support. You can see what’s being offered on Nvision’s website. If you decide to learn more, you’ll be working directly with Marek Grabowiecki ([email protected]). Ongoing maintenance and hosting costs for a website should be built into your annual budget, but you may be able to apply for a grant to help with the set-up cost. The Bishop’s Parish Ministry Grants specifically mention a new website as a project that can be funded. Details are available on the Grants & Funding page. Any parish that wants to start a conversation about website platforms and strategy can reach out to Martha Holmen at [email protected] or download the Parish Website Guide for practical, beginner-friendly information on planning, building and maintaining a church website.
Job postings
Church seeks lay pastor
St. Christopher in Richmond Hill is seeking a passionate and dedicated part-time lay pastor to lead the English-speaking congregation. The successful candidate will provide pastoral leadership, help grow the church and respond to the evolving spiritual and ministry needs of the congregation. See the full job post for more details and apply by Nov. 30.
Staff changes
Marcia Benjamin will be temporarily serving as a Bishop’s Administrative Assistant in Bishop Kevin Robertson’s office. You can reach her at [email protected].
