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
Nominations requested for 2018 Provincial Synod
The Nominating Committee of the Diocese of Toronto is calling for nominations for members of Provincial Synod. The next session will be held in Ottawa on Oct. 10-12, 2018. All members of Diocesan Synod are entitled to make nominations of any members of Synod. See more details about the requirements. Nominations must be submitted to Pamela Boisvert, Secretary of Synod, at pboisvert@toronto.anglican.ca by Sept. 1, 2017.
Diocesan Events
Registration open for outreach conference
The annual Outreach & Advocacy Conference will take place on Nov. 4 at St. John, York Mills, 19 Don Ridge Dr., Toronto. This year’s theme is “Being God’s People: Embracing Difference, Building Solidarity.” There will be a keynote address from Dr. Carl James of York University and workshops covering many key justice issues. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Visit the conference page to see workshop options and register.
Christians to connect online on Social Media Sunday
The 2017 edition of Social Media Sunday is scheduled for Sept. 24. This annual event is a day to demonstrate the power of social media to help Christians around the world be and do church online and in between times of formal worship. Parishes and individuals are encouraged to participate in ways that make sense for them, such as live-tweeting the sermon, inviting friends to church online, checking in at church on Facebook, or sharing a photo or video, all using the hashtag #SMS17. For inspiration, see how people in the Diocese participated in 2016.
All invited to celebrate with monks
The monks of Holy Cross Priory, Toronto, invite you to help them celebrate their patronal festival on Sept. 16 at St. John, West Toronto, 288 Humberside Ave. There will be a Eucharist at 11 a.m., followed by a light reception. The homilist will be Br. Reginald-Martin Crenshaw, OHC. RSVP to info@ohcpriory.com or call 416-767-9081, ext. 24. Street parking is available.
Bishop hosts York-Credit Valley open forum
Bishop Jenny Andison is hosting an open forum for clergy and lay leaders in York-Credit Valley on Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (Dixie), 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. She will listen to hopes and concerns about the future, and there will be time to discuss ideas for advancing ministry objectives in the area. All clergy are strongly encouraged to attend and bring key lay leaders from their worshipping communities. The format will include a large group discussion and small group interaction. Refreshments will be served. Register online by Sept. 7.
York-Credit Valley clergy invited to retreat
All active clergy in York-Credit Valley are invited to a retreat on Sept. 25-26 at Mount Carmel. Bishop Jenny Andison will lead area clergy in reflecting upon and exploring the theme “Growing in Christ: the Humility and Confidence that Flow from God’s Grace.” On the Monday afternoon, Bishop Andison will be available for half-hour private conversations. Accommodation and meals are provided. Register online by Sept. 11.
External Events
Theological schools participate in virtual fair
Those interested in theological education are invited to a seminary and theological graduate school virtual fair, free for all prospective students and advisors. Participants will connect in real-time with representatives from theological schools in the U.S. and Canada. To learn more or register, visit the virtual fair website.
Vital Church Maritimes conference open to all
The Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island is hosting the Vital Church Maritimes 2017 Conference from Sept. 21-23 in Truro, N.S. This learning event for clergy and laity will focus on mission and fresh expressions of church. Participants will hear inspiring stories of hope and share ideas for creating vital congregations and reaching out to newcomers. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. Canon Phil Potter, the Archbishops’ Missioner and fresh expressions team leader for the Church of England. Register by Sept. 12. For more information or to register, visit the conference website.
Church administrators invited to conference
All church administrators and secretaries are invited to register for the Professional Church Secretaries’ Association fall conference in Oshawa from Oct. 1-3. This event is a time to network, hear new ideas about ways to handle difficult situations, and find answers to questions that never seem to be answered, with guest speakers and open discussions. Overnight accommodation is available. Register by Aug. 31 to guarantee accommodations. Registrations will be accepted until Sept. 22. Visit the conference website to see the agenda and to register.
Resources
Resources available on housing and homelessness
The Diocese’s social justice vestry motion for 2018 will focus on the need for affordable and adequate housing. Links to several resources have been posted on the social justice and advocacy page to help parishes learn more about this issue.
Sexual misconduct policy training videos available online
The original sexual misconduct policy training video from 2001 has been posted online, which means all the videos are now available online and free to use. The original video covers definitions, a broader understanding of sexual misconduct and several case studies, while the video series created in 2013 considers four case studies. Everyone serving in medium- and high-risk positions in the Diocese needs to complete this training through their parishes at the beginning of their ministry and every three years thereafter. See all the videos on the Training Videos page.
White cloths available
St. Matthias, Etobicoke has 10 heavy white cotton cloths available to any interested church. Each measures 7′3″ by 6′10″ and has the words “Anglican Church” with an embroidered cross in green at the hemline. They appear never to have been used. Contact Irene Thompson at 416-244-9211.
Church pews for sale
St. Philip, Etobicoke has six solid oak pews (9′ by 35 ¼″ by 20″) for sale. They have a pale natural finish, are in excellent condition and come complete with book racks and kneelers on the rear side and a shaped bench seat. Also available are two older pews (7′8″ by 35″ by 20″) with a very worn finish and minor water damage on the feet (replaceable wood strips). Contact the church office at 416-247-5181 for more information.
Encyclopedia set available free
A member of Holy Family, Heart Lake (Brampton) has a 30-volume set of Encyclopedia Britannica available for free. Anyone interested in the collection can contact the church office at 905-846-2347 or info@holyfamilybrampton.ca.
Godly Play workshop offers training
A workshop offering Godly Play core training will be held Oct. 19-21 at St. George on-the-Hill, 4600 Dundas St. W., Toronto. Godly Play teaches children the art of using Christian language to help them become more aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives. A Godly Play Canada certificate of accreditation will be awarded upon completion. The registration fee is $325, which includes meals, snacks and a training binder. Space is limited to 24 participants. Register online. For more information, consult the brochure.
Job Postings
Diocese seeking executive director
The Diocese of Toronto seeks an executive director (ED) to provide outstanding operational leadership to a talented and devoted staff at this complex organization. Reporting to the diocesan bishop and fostering an environment of empowerment and accountability, the ED is the most senior administrative executive and oversees the management of all administrative services at the Diocese. The successful candidate will have demonstrated senior leadership experience in a complex faith-based organization or public enterprise; be a systems thinker and strategic leader; inspire and mentor talented staff; and provide judicious financial stewardship while remaining committed to the diocesan mission and directions. For more information on the nature of this role and how to apply, see the Synod Office Careers page.