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Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Feb. 9

Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, email your name, parish and email address to editor@toronto.anglican.ca or sign up online.

Parishes reminded to review screening files for 2015
Take the time to review the screening files for your staff and volunteers who were engaged in ministry between Jan.1 and Dec. 31, 2015.

When you complete your annual churchwardens’ and incumbent’s returns for 2015, you will be asked to verify that your parish has completed four compliance indicators for the Responsible Ministry: Screening in Faith policy. If there are items that need to be addressed, take some time to get everything in order before March 15, when the annual returns are due. There are resources available on the diocesan website to assist with the implementation of this policy. If you have any questions about what is required, contact Amy Talbert, diocesan screening coordinator, at atalbert@toronto.anglican.ca.

Missional Moments available online
Three of the Missional Moments from the 156th Regular Session of Synod are now available as videos. Visit the diocesan YouTube channel to hear from Elizabeth Àine Achimah from The Side Door youth drop-in, the Rev. Maggie Helwig of St. Stephen in-the-Fields, Toronto, and Sue Savage from the Parish of Penetanguishene.

Strategic planning survey to launch
The Diocese is in the process of developing the next comprehensive strategic plan. To inform the development of the environmental scan component, a team from OPTIMUS|SBR (an independent consulting firm) will be conducting an online survey to gather stakeholder views on the Diocese’s future direction. Check the diocesan website on Feb. 10 for the launch of the survey.

Forgiveness training seminar offered to clergy and counselors
Clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, counselors and others are invited to “Teach Them How to Forgive,” a day-long training program led by the Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle. The program offers specific steps to lead a person from resentment to forgiveness. It will take place on March 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at All Saints, Kingsway, 2850 Bloor St. W., Toronto. The cost is $150 and online registration is open. To learn more, visit the Clergy Leadership Institute website or contact Elizabeth McCaffrey at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 226.

Diocesan staff changes explained
There have been a number of staff changes at the Diocesan Centre over the past year, with many new faces and redefined roles. To learn more, read a summary of the changes. All staff and departments can be found in the Staff Directory.

Diocese provides matching grants for refugee sponsorship
Parishes in the Diocese of Toronto can now apply for funds from the Diocese to help them sponsor refugees. The $500,000 earmarked for refugee work will be available to parishes in the form of matching grants. The maximum grant a parish can receive will be based on its annual revenue. For more information or to download the application form, read the related article.

Concert raises funds for music camp
St. Paul, L’Amoreaux is hosting a benefit concert on Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. in support of a new youth music camp in the Diocese of Jamaica. Bishop Howard Gregory of Jamaica will be present. He will also speak on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at the parish’s annual Black History service. There is no cost for the concert, but a free-will offering will be taken. To learn more, visit the parish’s website.

Trent-Durham hosts area day
The annual Trent-Durham Area Day takes place on March 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter, Cobourg. This year’s event will feature the theme “Who Is My Neighbour?” The day begins with opening prayer and an address by Bishop Linda Nicholls, followed by two workshop sessions. A children’s program is available for children aged 4-9. Visit the Trent-Durham page to see the workshop options. Register online by Feb. 25.

Save the date: Parish Leadership 101 workshops
Are you a leader in your parish or thinking about becoming one? Not sure what to do or what’s involved? Save the date for a parish administration workshop in your episcopal area:

  • York-Scarborough: March 12 at St. John, York Mills. Register online.
  • York-Credit Valley: April 2
  • York-Simcoe: April 30 at St. Paul, Innisfil. Register online.
  • Trent-Durham: May 7

More information, including locations, will be shared when it is available.

Quiet Day held for church musicians
The Toronto chapter of the Royal School of Church Music is holding a Quiet Day for church musicians on Feb. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. The day will be led by Bishop Michael Bedford-Jones. For more information and to register, contact Joy at jolibays@netrover.com or 416-694-1260.

Appreciative Inquiry course returns to Toronto
The Rev. Dr. Rob Voyle, Appreciative Inquiry coach and Episcopal priest, is offering his Introduction to Appreciative Inquiry course March 1-3, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at St. Andrew, Scarborough. This training is particularly useful to clergy and full-time lay leaders. Appreciative Inquiry is based on the idea of discovering what gives life to an organization and building the organization on those life-giving properties. The course is being offered for $400. Register online or contact Melissa Doidge at mdoidge@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 243. Spaces are limited and cannot be held without payment. This is an eligible Continuing Education expense. Learn more online or contact Elizabeth McCaffrey at emccaffrey@toronto.anglican.ca for more information.

Service celebrates black heritage
The Diocese’s 21st annual Black Heritage Service will be held on Feb. 28 at St. Paul, Bloor Street. This year’s theme is “Strengthening our Foundation – Honouring our Seniors.” There will be a sing-along at 4 p.m. followed by the service at 4:30 p.m. Archbishop Colin Johnson will celebrate and the Rev. Kenute Francis will preach. Anyone interested in participating in a mass choir can call 416-540-8945. All are invited.

Save the date: Clergy conference
This year’s clergy conference will be held May 25-27 at Brock University. The theme is “Preaching Luke, Hope for Our Times” with guest speaker Dr. Paula Gooder, a writer and lecturer in biblical studies. More information will be shared when it is available.

Threshold Ministries to meet in Toronto
Threshold Ministries, formerly the Church Army, is having its annual general meeting on March 5 at 10 a.m. at Christ Church St. James, 194 Park Lawn Rd., Toronto. All are invited to hear about the organization’s work for 2016. Threshold Ministries is an organization that trains, equips and releases evangelists to assist churches in communicating the Gospel. RSVP to hello@thresholdministries.ca or 506-642-2210 by March 1.

Parish seeks minister of music
St. Philip-on-the-Hill, Unionville is seeking a minister of music to provide Christian leadership in an engaging ministry of music, sensitive to the Anglican tradition. Responsibilities include planning, playing for and conducting Sunday services, nurturing musical talent within the congregation, musically supporting two youth drama and music groups, and directing the adult choir. The church has a 3 manual, 40-stop digital Phoenix organ (2010) and a 7-foot grand piano. Applicants should have a music degree, strong organ and piano skills, experience conducting choirs, and sound leadership and interpersonal skills. Hours are flexible, up to about 15 hours per week. Salary is negotiable. A job description is available upon request. Submit resumes by Feb. 19 to Katharine Crowe, parish administrator, at office@spoth.ca.

Ecumenical chaplain wanted
The McMaster Campus Ministries Council is seeking an ecumenical chaplain. This is a full-time position for 10 months over the academic year and includes year-round housing. The chaplain will be a consistent presence on campus with a responsibility for building relationships and ministering to individuals and the particular needs of a university community. Apply to Anne Cholewka at acholewka@icloud.com by Feb. 29 with a current CV, a letter of application and three references. For more information, see the full job posting.

Parish seeks music director
Ascension, Port Perry is seeking an innovative and enthusiastic music director to start as soon as possible. Worship typically features choir, organ and piano music. The successful candidate will provide music leadership at regular Sunday services and special services as required, as well as directing and accompanying a 15-voice adult choir. Knowledge of liturgical music is an asset. The church has a 2 manual Casavant pipe organ and a Yamaha grand piano. The position is 8-12 hours per week, and compensation is commensurate with credentials and experience according to RCCO guidelines. Forward your resume to the chair of the music search committee care of revjohn@powergate.ca.

Director of music wanted
Holy Trinity, Thornhill is seeking a part-time director of music to continue and further develop a program facilitating a balance of vibrant traditional and contemporary Anglican worship. The ideal candidate is an excellent musician with experience and knowledge of liturgical, traditional, gospel and contemporary music, the ability to play organ and piano, and skills in leading and teaching choral music. A Bachelor of Music in organ performance, ARCCO or Master of Sacred Music organist qualifications are preferred. The position will be a minimum of 10 hours per week. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to RCCO guidelines. Apply with a resume and cover letter by March 31 to Holy Trinity Church, 140 Brooke St., Thornhill, ON L4J 1Y9 or search@holytrinity-thornhill.ca. See a full position description on the parish’s website.

Kingston parish seeking youth ministry coordinator
St. James, Kingston is seeking a half-time coordinator of children, youth and student ministry who will use spiritual gifts to develop and execute programming to help youth develop their relationship with Jesus Christ, the parish and their peers. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to the attention of the wardens to office@stjameskingston.ca by Feb. 17. For more information, see the full job posting.