Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online.
Parishes invited to apply for refugee sponsorship grants
Parishes in the Diocese undertaking refugee sponsorship activities are invited to apply for financial assistance in the form of matching grants to help meet their goals. The maximum grant a parish can receive will be based on its annual revenue. As much as $392,000 in grants has been allocated to parishes so far. More information, as well as a link to the application form, can be found in the related article. The deadline for the final round of applications is May 15.
Archives closed on certain days
Over the next two weeks, there will be three days on which the diocesan archives will be closed and no staff available: April 21, April 22 and April 28.
Cancer support group welcomes new members
St. Paul, Bloor Street is offering a confidential support group for those who have cancer, as well as their loved ones. The sessions will be guided by a film series that leads viewers through the holy land and the inspiration of the 23rd psalm. The sessions will take place on June 2, June 9, June 16 and June 23 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the St. Paul’s church library, 227 Bloor St. E., Toronto. Register online or contact Nancy Truscott at parishnurse@stpaulsbloor.org or 416-961-8116, ext. 228.
Earth Sunday resources available for parishes
Parishes are encouraged to celebrate Earth Sunday every year as a way of acknowledging our connection to and responsibility for God’s creation. This year, Earth Sunday will be observed on April 24. (Some parishes may wish to choose another date, such as Rogation Sunday, to commemorate our connection to creation.) Resources for Earth Sunday, including a bulletin insert and homiletic notes, are available on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.
Clergy conference registration open
This year’s clergy conference will be held May 25-27 at Brock University. It is open to paid active clergy, including retired clergy in paid interim roles. Other retired clergy are welcome to attend if places are available. The theme is “Preaching Luke, Hope for Our Times” with guest speaker Dr. Paula Gooder, a writer and lecturer in biblical studies with a passion for igniting people’s enthusiasm for reading the Bible today. Visit the registration page for more information and to register. Registration closes May 9.
Henri Nouwen Society hosts anniversary events
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Henri Nouwen’s death, the Henri Nouwen Society is hosting two events in Toronto to honour his legacy and impact. On May 13 at 8 p.m., writer Anne Lamott will speak at Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto in a talk called “Henri & Me.” Steve Bell, the award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller, will also be featured. Learn more and buy tickets online.
The society is also hosting its international conference from June 9-11 at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The conference will bring together Nouwen experts, authors and lecturers in keynote and breakout presentations. The cost is $750 (including meals), with accommodations available at an extra cost. Learn more and buy tickets on the Henri Nouwen Society website. Some subsidized tickets are available for students or those who would not otherwise be able to attend; for more information, contact Colette Halferty at chalferty@henrinouwen.org.
Volunteers needed for General Synod
The Diocese is looking for volunteers to help at the 41st General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, being held July 7-12 in Richmond Hill. Possible tasks include greeting delegates at several locations, providing on-site hospitality, and staffing the registration and information desks. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel to and from the hotel, receive meals on site, have access to a volunteer lounge and receive the opportunity to observe some of the sessions of General Synod. To submit your interest, complete the application form and return it by May 20 by email to Cynthia Majewski at cynthia_majewski@hotmail.com or by fax to Pamela Boisvert at 416-363-7678.
Churches encouraged to celebrate Jerusalem Sunday
The fourth annual Jerusalem Sunday is scheduled for May 8. Parishes across Canada are encouraged to take the opportunity to pray for Jerusalem and remember our deep roots there. Resources are available on the Anglican Church of Canada website. For more information about the Canadian Companions of the Diocese of Jerusalem, visit its website and Facebook page.
Ten-year tax reviews offered
Family Tax Recovery is offering 10-year tax reviews to identify possible refunds or credits that individuals and families may have missed when filing tax returns, a service that is typically not affordable for low-income families. This review is provided at no cost unless funds are recovered. The company’s tax specialists are regulated by the Canada Revenue Agency and are bound by its confidentiality regulations and guidelines. To learn more, visit the Family Tax Recovery website.
Royal School of Church Music holds AGM
The Royal School of Church Music Canada will hold its annual general meeting on June 11 at St. Aidan, 70 Silver Birch Ave., Toronto, preceded by morning prayer (BCP) at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, contact Joy Horswill at jolibays@netrover.com.
Church seeking small altar
St. Timothy, North Toronto is looking to borrow an altar or a small table that can be used as an altar. This could be a temporary arrangement, or more permanent if desired. Approximate dimensions sought are 48-60” long, maximum 30” wide, and 39” tall. Contact Trish Beck at trish.beck@icloud.com or the church office at 416-488-0079.
Choristers invited on sacred music vacation
Adults of varying vocal abilities who have sung or are currently singing in an amateur choir are welcome to join a sacred music vacation at Oxford this summer. Participants will stay in Balliol College and sing church music from plain chant to gospel every weekday morning in the chapel. For more information, visit the Oxford Church Music website or call Mary or Tim Elia at 416-961-6136 or 705-924-9438.
Church seeking Bible donations
St. Timothy, Agincourt is seeking donated Bibles for its annual breakfast prayer meeting on May 14. Many participants each year do not have their own Bibles, so the parish gives free Bibles to those who need them. The parish’s past source has doubled its price this year, putting the Bibles beyond the parish’s means. For more information, contact Pat Williams at 416-299-0680. To learn more about the prayer breakfast, visit the parish’s website.
Criminal record check forms updated
All criminal record checks in the Diocese are processed by XpressChek, the approved background checking service. XpressChek has moved, and effective immediately the new mailing address is 140 Yonge St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6. The forms and instructions for obtaining a criminal record check in the Diocese have been updated and can be found on the Screening Forms and Resources page. Note that the fax and email address remain the same.
Faith groups invited to workshop on welcoming newcomers
With churches sponsoring Syrian refugees to Canada now and in future months, ECULINKS Etobicoke, in collaboration with Islington United Church, is sponsoring a workshop to help faith groups become more aware of Syrian culture, be more sensitive to the needs of newcomers and work together to address sponsorship issues. The workshop will take place on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke. The guest speaker is Mahmoud Allouch, Syria project coordinator at the Arab Community Centre of Toronto. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, share and collaborate with those who have made a sponsorship commitment and those who are considering sponsorship. Register online for free. For more information, contact Peter Lindsay at peterlindsay101@gmail.com or Barbara Sheffield at b.sheffield@rogers.com.
First patient ombudsman to speak at ACW meeting
The diocesan Anglican Church Women is holding its annual general meeting on May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Thomas, Brooklin. This year’s theme is “Walking By Faith,” with keynote speaker Christine Elliott, Ontario’s first patient ombudsman. Registration opens at 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $30 and can be picked up at the door or mailed for paid orders received before May 4 (provide a self-addressed stamped envelope). For more information, see the flyer online or contact the ACW at 416-363-0018, acw@toronto.anglican.ca or 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1L8.
Archbishop hosts clergy at town hall meetings
Archbishop Colin Johnson is inviting clergy to join him for a time of conversation on the future of the Diocese. He would like to hear feedback on the possibility of reconfiguring the episcopal areas and reducing the number of suffragan bishops, along with any other topics of concern that clergy would like to raise. The upcoming meetings are:
- April 21, 1:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (Dixie)
- May 2, 9:30 a.m. at St. George, Allandale
- May 3, 7:30 p.m. at St. John, York Mills
- May 9, 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke, Peterborough
- May 16, 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Centre
These meetings are not mandatory. Clergy may choose to attend any meeting that is convenient for them. Register online.
Parish seeking office administrator
St. Simon-the-Apostle, located at 525 Bloor St. E. between Sherbourne and Castle Frank stations, is seeking a part-time office administrator. The successful applicant will work well independently, have excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to maintain confidentiality. Excellent computer skills and comfort with simple accounting programs are also essential. Salary and hours to be negotiated. To apply, forward a resume and cover letter to office@stsimons.ca. Visit the parish’s website for a more detailed job description.
Children and youth ministry coordinator wanted
St. Martin in-the-Fields, Toronto, a community of Christian believers in the Anglo-Catholic tradition, is seeking a children and youth ministry coordinator to help engage children and parents in the parish and the surrounding neighbourhood. The successful applicant will be a joyful and committed follower of Jesus Christ; have experience in missional listening and outreach; be passionate about sharing the Gospel with children; have experience working in a team environment; be creative, energetic and flexible; and have sensitive pastoral abilities. The position is 20 hours per week, which may include evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, at a starting salary of $28,000. The contract will be for three years with the possibility of renewal. To apply, email a cover letter and CV to the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson at phobson@stmartininthefields.ca by May 1. For more information, see the full job posting.
Parish seeks director of family ministry
Christ Church, Brampton is seeking an enthusiastic, energetic and committed director of family ministry to provide leadership in Christian faith development programs on Sunday morning, mid-week and at special events. The successful candidate must be an enthusiastic and engaging individual with a strong work ethic and excellent organizational and interpersonal leadership skills. A degree or certificate in Christian education, ministry or theology with specific focus in child and youth ministry is desirable. The salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. To apply, email christchurchbrampton@bellnet.ca by May 9, indicating “Director – Family Ministry application” in the subject line. Candidates should include a short statement (200-500 words) outlining their interest and how their qualifications, experience and faith have prepared them for the position. See the full job posting for more details.
Director of music/organist wanted
Trinity Church, Aurora is seeking a director of music/organist for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The successful applicant will have experience in traditional church forms while embracing newer Christian music. The ability to play the organ and piano, as well as skills in leading and teaching choral and instrumental music, is mandatory. Qualifications include a minimum of five years of choral, organ and music experience in an Anglican church or equivalent relevant setting; a flexible approach to changing ministry needs; the ability to serve a theologically progressive community; strong communication skills; and the ability to relate well with volunteers and staff. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience according to RCCO guidelines. Forward a resume and cover letter to the Chair, Selection Committee, Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora, ON L4G 1R3 or to trinity@trinityaurora.ca by June 30. Before applying, review the job description.