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.
Online submission open for 2018 annual returns
The online forms to complete the incumbent’s and churchwardens’ annual returns are now available at http://parishportal.toronto.anglican.ca. Congregations were sent their log-in information in December. Users will be able to save a draft of their return and make changes until the March 15 deadline. For more details about annual returns, see the Annual Returns page.
Our Faith-Our Hope winding down
No more applications will be accepted for Our Faith-Our Hope grants, which have provided millions of dollars to parishes, individuals and organizations. The Diocese plans to divide the remaining money among the four episcopal areas, to be disbursed according to the aims of the campaign. Read the story to learn more.
Churches reminded of screening requirements
As parishes hold their annual vestry meetings, incumbents and churchwardens are asked to ensure that individuals nominated for election to high-risk ministry positions (particularly churchwarden) are aware of the screening requirements under the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith policy. For more information, see the Implementing Screening Standards page.
CTF statements distributed
The Consolidated Trust Fund evaluation to the market is now finalized, and all fund statements for the fourth quarter of 2018 have been distributed. Parishes that receive paper copies will see them shortly, as they were mailed on Friday.
FaithWorks surpasses campaign goal
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor and the response of Anglicans in the parishes, the annual FaithWorks campaign surpassed its goal for 2018, raising $1,365,600 for people in need. The goal for the 2019 campaign is $1,350,000, and materials will be available in time for Lenten campaigns. Read the story to learn more.
Diocesan Events
Save the date: Synod and Pre-Synod meetings
The next Regular Session of Synod will be held on Nov. 8-9 at the Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites in Richmond Hill. Learn more on the 2019 Synod page. Synod members are asked to note the date of their area’s pre-Synod meeting:
- York-Credit Valley: Oct. 23 from 7-9 p.m.
- York-Scarborough: Oct. 24 from 7-9 p.m.
- York-Simcoe: Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- Trent-Durham: Oct. 26 from 2-4 p.m.
Service celebrates black heritage
The Black Anglicans Coordinating Committee invites everyone to the 24th annual diocesan Black History service on Feb. 24 at St. Paul, Bloor Street. This year’s theme is “Journey into Light: Giving Thanks for our Ordained Ministers.” The preacher will be the Rev. Ian LaFleur. Music starts at 4 p.m., and the service starts at 4:30 p.m. To learn more, download the flyer.
Register now for clergy pre-Lenten day
Clergy are invited to a day of fellowship and learning in preparation for Lent with special guest Brother James Koester, SSJE. It will take place on Feb. 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. John, York Mills. Register online by Feb. 19.
Parish leaders invited to workshops
Every year, the Diocese holds parish leadership workshops in each episcopal area shortly after vestry season. All parish leaders, especially those who are new to their positions, are strongly encouraged to attend. The dates are:
- York-Scarborough: March 23 (morning)
- Trent-Durham: March 23 (afternoon)
- York-Simcoe: April 6 (morning)
- York-Credit Valley: April 6 (afternoon)
Times, locations and meeting materials will be posted on the Parish Leadership Workshops page as they become available.
Exhibit honours victims of violence
All are invited to the opening reception of “Shades of our Sisters: Honouring Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Trans, and Two-Spirit People” at St. James Cathedral. The community will gather on Feb. 15 from 6-9 p.m. to honour victims of violence through prayer, feast and art. The evening is free and open to all. The exhibit will remain open to the public until March 1. Learn more on the cathedral’s website
Area youth invited to winter event
York-Simcoe youth age 9-17 are invited to the annual Snow Tube and Sleepover event on March 1-2. Registration is open. Learn more on the York-Simcoe Youth page.
Date set for cricket festival
This year’s Anglican Church Cricket Festival is scheduled for June 15 at Creditview Sandalwood Park in Brampton. Anglicans across the diocese are invited to join the 11 churches already planning to participate. For more information, contact Ranil Mendis at rmendis1@gmail.com.
Vigil advocates for action on homelessness
In light of the increasing homelessness and homeless deaths in Toronto, this month’s Homeless Memorial vigil at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square on Feb. 12 at 12 p.m. will end with a solemn procession to City Hall to call on the mayor and council to take action on the crisis. Lunch will be provided. Participants are invited to draw or cut out hearts on paper and cardboard and bring them along.
Area hosts mental health awareness symposium
York-Simcoe is hosting a symposium for clergy and pastoral leadership teams engaged in ministry to families and loved ones with mental health concerns, led by the Rev. Donald Shields. It will take place on March 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Margaret, Barrie. The cost is $10 per person, which includes lunch. To learn more and register, download the flyer.
Bishop leads pre-Lenten series
Bishop Jenny Andison will hold a pre-Lenten teaching series on the Apostles’ Creed on Feb. 6, 13 and 20 from 7:30-9 p.m. at St. Thomas, Huron Street. Open to all clergy and laity in the area, the evenings will include time for small-group discussions and larger group interactions. Register online.
Registration open for lay anointers training weekend
The annual lay anointers training weekend will take place from May 24-26 at St. John’s Convent. This event is for individuals recommended by their clergy to be trained and equipped for lay anointing in the parish. Supervising clergy will attend for two hours on Saturday. Learn more and register online.
Workshop explores MAID
York-Credit Valley will reprise its fall event on medical assistance in dying on Feb. 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Olave, Swansea. The session will take a historical overview and outline a biblical and theological framework for thinking about the issue. Register online.
Service recognizes churchwardens’ ministry
The York-Credit Valley churchwardens’ commissioning service will take place on March 31 at 4 p.m. at All Saints, Kingsway. Clergy, churchwardens and guests should register online by March 22.
External Events
Campaign advocates for reducing emissions
Citizens for Public Justice is launching its third annual Give It Up for the Earth! postcard campaign this Lent. Individuals pledge to reduce their personal carbon footprint while calling on the federal government to end public financing of the fossil fuel sector and invest in renewable energy and skills development. To obtain postcards for your parish, contact Elin Goulden at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca.
Resources
Reach Grants support missional ministry
Is the spirit of God 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 but 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 March 22. The pitch day for proposals is April 4. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.
New social justice resources posted
Updated diocesan policy papers on poverty reduction and affordable housing and homelessness are available on the Social Justice page. Also posted is the diocesan submission to the provincial budget consultations from Bishop Andrew Asbil and the Social Justice & Advocacy Committee. Parishes are encouraged to use these materials in their own advocacy efforts.
Job Postings
Director of music wanted
All Saints, Sherbourne St. is seeking a director of music for its small but growing Sunday congregation. This part-time position is based on four hours per week. See the job post to learn more. Forward a resume and cover letter to the Rev. Dr. Alison Falby at alison@allsaintstoronto.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Church seeking caretaker
St. Aidan, Toronto is looking for an experienced caretaker to work approximately 15 hours per week. Duties would include cleaning and maintenance, snow removal and grounds-keeping, and small, basic repairs as needed. Remuneration is $20/hour. Send a resume and questions to the church office at staidan@eol.ca.
Drop-in supervisor & volunteer coordinator wanted
All Saints, Sherbourne St. is seeking a drop-in supervisor and volunteer coordinator. The position will be four days a week, Monday to Thursday. Hours are mostly 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. but some flexibility may be necessary. To learn more, see the job post. The deadline is Feb. 15.
Parish seeking bookkeeper
Church of the Redeemer, Bloor St. is looking for a bookkeeper. This is a part-time position at about 1.5 to 2 days per week. Compensation is commensurate with appropriate experience. A job description is available upon request. To apply, contact Shirley Westmore at 416-922-4948 or office@theredeemer.ca by Feb. 28.
Building manager wanted
All Saints, Sherbourne St. is seeking a building manager who can help provide a caring, supportive and safe environment for homeless, street-involved and marginalized people. This is a full-time, two-year contract position. See the job post to learn more. The deadline is Feb. 15.
Church seeking organist & choir director
St. John the Baptist, Norway is seeking a creative and enthusiastic church musician to fill the role of organist and choir director. The position is 15 hours per week, plus wedding and funerals, with salary established according to RCCO guidelines. For more details, see the job post. To apply, send a letter and CV to search@stjohnsnorway.com by Feb. 20.
Volunteers wanted
Holy Trinity, Trinity Square is seeking volunteers to welcome tourists, spiritual seekers and homeless or street-involved people to the church on weekdays. To learn more, see the position description. Contact Kate Werneburg, volunteer coordinator, at kwerneburg@holytrinity.to or 416-598-4521, ext. 225 to apply.
Parish seeking Sunday School teacher
Our Saviour, Don Mills is seeking a Sunday School teacher. The pay is $15 per hour for two hours each Sunday, which includes a 45-minute class for four to eight children and an hour and 15 minutes for travel and preparatory time. A satisfactory police record check is required. Call the church office at 416-385-1085 to set up an interview.
