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Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Aug. 23

Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online.

Tickets available for Arthur Brown and Basil Tonks Dinner
The annual Arthur Brown and Basil Tonks Dinner will take place on Oct. 22 at St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave. Tickets are $60. Funds raised will support the work of the church in the Province of the West Indies. Bishop Peter Fenty will celebrate the Eucharist at 4:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. with guest speaker Bishop Howard Gregory of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. For tickets, contact Wilbur Anderson at 416-445-8664 or Marjorie Fawcett at 416-446-6061.

Dividends to be paid electronically
In 2015, the Diocese implemented the ability to directly deposit dividends paid out from the Consolidated Trust Fund and the Cemetery Fund. Many parishes have already chosen this option. Starting with the fourth quarter dividends for 2016 (distribution date Dec. 31), all payments will be made electronically only.

For those who have not previously provided electronic fund transfer (EFT) permission forms for the Consolidated Trust Fund or Cemetery Fund, it is time to do so. The forms, along with a void cheque, should be sent to the Diocese by regular mail, fax or email (as a PDF). If you have any questions about either form, contact Elena Nemenova, senior accountant, at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 248, or enemenova@toronto.anglican.ca.

Parishes invited to join Social Media Sunday
Social Media Sunday is an annual ecumenical day to encourage social media use within churches and demonstrate the power of social media to help Christians be and do church online. This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 25. Parishes and individuals are encouraged to participate using the hashtag #SMS16. Ways to participate could include sharing thoughts from the sermon, inviting friends to church online, or sharing a photo or video of the service. For more information, view the event listing.

New rules in place for church offering envelopes
Effective in 2016 and including church offering envelopes for the 2015 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency’s Charities Directorate has updated its position on the retention period for church offering envelopes. They must now be kept for six years from the end of the tax year to which the envelope relates. This is a change from the previous period of two years, to agree with the requirements of the Income Tax Act for the retention of source documents. For more information on what information a registered charity should keep, consult the Canada Revenue Agency website.

Archdeacon Elizabeth Hardy begins new ministry
Arising out of time of renewal and discernment while on Sabbath leave, and in conversation with Archbishop Colin Johnson, the Ven. Elizabeth Hardy has decided the time is right for her transition into intentional interim ministry, a diocesan ministry that has been a long-time interest to her, effective Aug. 1. Since 2009, Archdeacon Hardy has served the Archbishop and the Diocese faithfully as Secretary of Synod and chief administrative officer. She has worked closely with the bishops, Synod, Diocesan Council, Executive Board, Trusts Committee and numerous boards, committees and parishes. She had direct supervisory responsibility for six departmental directors and three staff, and oversight of a multimillion dollar budget and enormous property assets in the Diocese. Named Archdeacon in 2013, she retains this title in her new role.

Reach Grant deadline approaching
Is the spirit of God moving in your community, prompting you to try a new ministry idea to reach those not currently served by traditional church? Do you have the time, the people and the vision? Do you need some help with resources? Let us help you achieve that missional vision with a Reach Grant. Submit a proposal to reach@toronto.anglican.ca by Oct. 11. The pitch day for proposals is Oct. 25. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.

Parish teams invited to worship conference
Liturgy Canada invites parish worship teams to “Real Presence: the Gathered Community,” the first of four conferences on renewing Eucharistic worship. The conference will take place on Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James St. N., Hamilton. The cost is $35 per person or $125 for a parish team of up to five people ($25 per person after the first five). Register online. For a list of workshops, visit the Liturgy Canada website. For more information, contact the Rev. Dr. Canon John Hill at 416-230-0753 or john.w.b.hill@sympatico.ca.

Archbishop Fred Hiltz to share thoughts on General Synod
All are invited to St. John, West Toronto, 288 Humberside Ave., on Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. to hear Archbishop Fred Hiltz offer his reflections on the July meeting of General Synod regarding the issue of same-gender marriage. Archbishop Hiltz will address the deliberations of Synod, including the call to holy manners, the debate, the tone, the outcomes and the reactions of Synod members. For more information, visit the parish’s website.

Clergy invited to forgiveness training day
St. Luke (Dixie South) is hosting a clergy and professional counsellors training day on forgiveness and reconciliation with the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle. Participants will receive strategies to help them and their parishes cultivate a culture of compassion, empathy and grace. The session will take place on Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga. The cost is $99, including lunch ($110 after Oct. 10). There are three ways to register:

  • Send a cheque or money order to St. Luke’s Dixie South, 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, ON L5E 2P7, attention Rob Voyle Training Seminar (must arrive by Oct. 11 to hold your place);
  • Sign up online; or
  • Pay at the door, at a cost of $110.

Clergy can make application to their continuing education fund for this training. For a full description of the session, visit the Appreciative Way website.

Parish hosts altar guild retreat
St. Andrew, Alliston is hosting a half-day altar guild retreat led by a diocesan expert on Sept. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Retreat House, 119 Wellington St. W., Alliston. Participants will learn about the proper care and application of sacred linens, holy hardware and sacramental articles. The cost is $65, which includes lunch. To register, contact Judy Graham at parishoffice@standrewanglican.ca or 705-435-9711. Participants can also choose to book a room in the overnight retreat house by phoning 705-435-9711.

Parishes seek donations of chairs and Bibles
St. David, Donlands and St. Andrew, Japanese are looking for donations of two items:

  • stackable chairs (any amount up to 50)
  • Bibles, either NRSV or NIV

The parishes do not currently have enough chairs to support their events, or any Bibles available in their pews for use by parishioners. Anyone with available items is asked to contact the Rev. Adrienne Clements at adrienne.clements987@gmail.com or 647-539-3727.

Free piano offered to churches
A Heintzman upright piano and bench in good condition are available free to any church, including free delivery within the GTA. Call 416-580-4491. Must be moved by mid-September.

Save the date: Parish administrators retreat day
The Parish Administrators’ Planning Group is planning a day for people who work in administrative capacities in places and organizations of worship. It will be held on Nov. 11 at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. The day is open to all denominations, so tell your colleagues. Most organizations allow for professional development days, and the planning group hopes clergy and wardens will encourage their administrators to attend. Complete details will follow in September.

Theme announced for Outreach and Advocacy Conference
The 2016 Outreach and Advocacy Conference will take place at Holy Trinity School in Richmond Hill on Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The theme of this year’s conference is “The Rivers of Babylon: Exploring Exile, Displacement, and the Call to Hospitality” (Psalm 137:1). It will feature a keynote address by the Rev. Jeffrey Metcalfe, priest, scholar and refugee advocate. Workshops will explore key justice issues such as continuing efforts toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, food security, tools for advocacy, trans issues and more. The cost is $30 ($15 for youth/students/unwaged) and includes lunch, refreshments and childcare. For more information, visit the conference page or contact Ryan Weston at rweston@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 240.

Registration open for York-Credit Valley clergy retreat
Paid clergy in York-Credit Valley are invited to register for a retreat from Oct. 3-4 at Mount Carmel, led by Archbishop Colin Johnson. The focus on Oct. 3 will be spiritual life and change. On Oct. 4, Archbishop Johnson plans to introduce the new area bishop-elect, with time for introductions and conversation about the episcopacy. There will also be time for discussion about decisions made at General Synod. The retreat begins with check-in at 10 a.m. on Oct. 3 and will conclude by 2 p.m. the next day. The registration deadline is Sept. 8. Register online.

Retreat day focuses on finding peace
St. Luke (Dixie South) is hosting “Finding Peace in our Rush Hour Culture” with the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle on Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This retreat day is intended for anyone seeking to live compassionately in an angry world. The cost is $49, including lunch and snacks ($60 after Oct. 10). There are three ways to register:

  • Send a cheque or money order to St. Luke’s Dixie, 1513 Dixie Rd., Mississauga, ON L5E 2P7, attention Rob Voyle Training Seminar;
  • Register online; or
  • Pay at the door, at a cost of $60.

For a full description of the seminar, visit the Appreciative Way website.

Lay anointers invited to training weekend
A training weekend for lay anointers is being held Oct. 14-16 at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. This residential, practical program prepares lay anointers for ministry in their parishes under the supervision of their parish priests. Topics include healing prayer, the sacrament of anointing, supervision and practice anointing. All attendees must have support of a sponsoring priest, who should send a short letter of support to the Rev. Stephen Kern, chair of the Bishop’s Committee on Healing, at skern@spoth.ca. The cost for attendees is $250, which includes meals and overnight accommodations. For those unable to stay at the convent, the commuter cost is $125. The parish registration fee is $30, which includes attendance of the sponsoring priest. Register online by Sept. 14. Space is limited.

Church seeks director of music
Grace Church, Scarborough invites applications for the position of director of music. The successful applicant will ensure worship services are enhanced through music (instrumental and choral) so the congregation is encouraged to participate. The position involves an average of 15 hours per week beginning Sept. 1 for a one-year term with the possibility of renewal. Compensation to be negotiated. For full position details, visit the parish’s website. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume by email to office@gracechurchscarborough.com.

Youth & young adult pastor wanted
St. Paul, Bloor Street seeks a professional, outgoing, dependable and enthusiastic individual with a passion for people and a strong desire to serve, learn and grow. This full-time position will be responsible for planning, coordinating and leading the parish’s youth and young adult ministry program. The successful applicant is called to youth and young adult ministry, loves Jesus Christ and young people, and has a passion for evangelism and outreach, both personally and at the ministry level. A firm commitment to the mission and vision of St. Paul, Bloor Street is also a must. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Applications will be received until Sept. 15 or the position is filled. Send applications, including cover letter, resume and salary expectations, to mail@stpaulsbloor.org, indicating “Youth & Young Adult Pastor” in the subject line. For a full job description, visit the parish’s website.

Music director sought
St. Augustine of Canterbury, a welcoming and progressive Anglican church in Leaside, seeks an experienced director of music responsible for choral conducting and organ/piano performance. The parish has a volunteer SATB choir of 10 people, a 3-manual Hallman organ (rebuilt in 1995 by Guibault-Thérien), and a Schimmel 7’ grand piano (German, 1984). The part-time position is estimated to be 12-15 hours a week, including Thursday evening, Sunday morning and a weekly meeting with the clergy, plus weddings, funerals and special services. For an interested and qualified candidate there is also the possibility of additional hours and benefits if combined with administrative assistant functions. Continuing education funds are available and vacation is provided. Pay is commensurate with education and experience per RCCO guidelines. For more information about the parish, visit its website  To apply, email churchwarden Trish Simmie at tsimmie@gmail.com.

Parish seeks music director
St. Martin, Bay Ridges (Pickering) seeks a creative, flexible and proficient musician for choral and organ leadership. The congregation is warm and welcoming, and music is integral to its worship. The adult choir has 17 SATB voices. With one rehearsal and one Sunday service per week, as well as monthly meetings with clergy, the position will demand approximately 10 hours a week. The appointee will know and appreciate both traditional and modern church music. Knowledge of Anglican liturgy is preferred, and the ability to plan for major festivals throughout the church year is an asset. 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 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 Sept. 30. Learn more about the parish at www.stmartinsanglican.ca.