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.
Annual return forms mailed
The forms for submitting the 2015 Incumbent’s Annual Statistical Return and the Churchwardens’ Parochial Return were mailed in late December. If your congregation has not received its copy, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-68-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca. You can also download these forms from the Annual Returns page.
All invited to services for Christian unity
Services for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity are being held in Toronto, as we join with others around the world who pray and strive for Christian unity. On Jan. 24, an ecumenical prayer service with a focus on refugees will be held at 4 p.m. at Good Shepherd Chaldean Cathedral, 2 High Meadow Pl., Toronto. Archbishop Colin Johnson will attend, along with Cardinal Thomas Collins of the Archdiocese of Toronto, Bishop Michael Pryse of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and other city-wide religious leaders.
An ecumenical service is also being held on Jan. 24 at 3 p.m. at St. Philip, Etobicoke, 31 St. Phillips Rd. Bishop Philip Poole will attend, along with Bishop John Boissonneau of the Archdiocese of Toronto and faith leaders of neighbouring congregations.
Registration open for clergy pre-Lenten day
Clergy and lay leaders are invited to register for the annual Clergy Pre-Lenten Day, a morning of fellowship and learning in preparation for Lent led by the Rev. Dr. William Willimon. The event is being held on Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Nativity, Malvern, 10 Sewells Rd., Scarborough. A hot lunch will be provided for those who request it. Learn more and register online.
Teams encouraged to attend Vital Church Planting Conference
Parishes are encouraged to send groups to Team Day at this year’s Vital Church Planting Conference. On Jan. 30, teams will assess their engagement with their community, reflect on how Jesus approached community engagement, explore tools for effective community engagement and complete an action plan for their own context. The conference takes place Jan. 28-30 at St. Paul, Bloor St., 227 Bloor St. E., Toronto. The cost is $75 per person for Saturday only, or $295 for the whole conference. Register online.
Save the date: parish administration workshops
Parish administration workshops are being planned for each episcopal area on the following dates:
- York-Scarborough: March 12
- York-Credit Valley: April 2
- York-Simcoe: April 30
- Trent-Durham: May 7
More information, including locations, will be shared when it becomes available.
Fund statements available soon
Every effort its being made to deliver the fund statements for the Consolidated Trust Fund and Cemetery Fund before Jan. 31.
Interfaith resources available for download
Scarboro Missions, a society of Canadian Catholics, is offering new interfaith curricula and educational resources on its website. These resources include online courses, toolkits, do-it-yourself workshops, multi-faith prayer services, games, meditations and more, most of which can be downloaded free of charge. They address a variety of issues and can be used with a broad range of constituencies. To learn more and download these resources, visit the Scarboro Missions website.
Workshops planned to support vestry motion
The 2016 social justice vestry motion asks parishes to respond to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Formation and training workshops have been organized to help interested parishioners and clergy speak to the issues of the motion leading up to and during vestry meetings. Light refreshments will be provided. Pre-register at the links below:
- York-Credit Valley: Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Matthew, Islington. Register here.
- York-Simcoe: Jan. 23, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. George, Allandale. Register here.
Other materials to help parishes engage the vestry motion can be found on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.
Webinar examines restorative practice
InterChurch Health Ministries Canada is holding a webinar called “Restorative Practice for the Faith Community” on Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Participants will receive an introduction to restorative practice and the ways in which it can support ministries in reconciliation. Visit the ICHM website for more information, and register by emailing info@ichm.ca.
Trinity College hosts Divinity open house
The Faculty of Divinity at Trinity College is holding its annual open house on Jan. 31 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Divinity Common Room, 6 Hoskin Ave., Toronto. The event will include a reception with staff, students and alumni, information about degrees and programs, and tours of the college. See the poster for more information and email divinity@trinity.utoronto.ca to register.
Service celebrates black heritage
The Diocese’s 21st annual Black Heritage Service will be held on Feb. 28 at St. Paul, Bloor Street. There will be a sing-along at 4 p.m. followed by the service at 4:30 p.m. All are invited. February is Black History Month in Canada.
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.
All invited to Keepers of the Water Vigil
The fourth annual Keepers of the Water Vigil will be held at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square on Jan. 13 at 6:30 p.m. Organized by the diocesan Creation Matters group and Toronto Urban Native Ministry, this service of lament and thanksgiving incorporates indigenous and Christian traditions around the blessing of water and valuing its role in God’s creation.
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 administrators invited to conference
Crieff Hills, the national conference centre for the Presbyterian Church in Canada located near Guelph, is hosting an interdenominational conference for church administrators from May 7-11. It is a chance for administrators to listen, share and gain insight from several speakers and each other. The conference costs $315 for single accommodation, $240 for double accommodation or $190 for no accommodation. For more information, including the registration form, visit the Crieff Hills website. Registration closes April 18.
Parish offering daycare facilities
St. Elizabeth, Mississauga is looking for a licensee to run a daycare centre. There are two rooms in its new extension built for up to 32 children. The church is located in central Mississauga, an area with young families. For more information, contact the Rev. Bill Mok at 905-812-2938 or email info@stechurch.com by Jan. 31.
National church seeks Director of Resources for Mission
The Anglican Church of Canada is seeking a Director of Resources for Mission to lead its stewardship and fundraising department, both in securing funds for national ministries and in support of diocesan and parish stewardship and fundraising. The successful applicant will be a senior leader with significant experience in fundraising and developing resources to present an effective case for generous giving. For more information or to apply, see the full job posting.
Volunteer coordinator wanted
St. James, Orillia is seeking a part-time volunteer coordinator to assess the volunteer needs of groups within the parish and the interests and skills of parishioners. See the full job posting for more information. Send a resume to the attention of the wardens at orilliajames@bellnet.ca by Jan. 15.
Parish seeks pastor to children and youth
St. Cuthbert, Leaside is seeking a baptized believer with youth pastoral experience and/or training to form children and youth in the Christian faith by providing relevant and age-appropriate programs, catechesis and pastoral care. The successful applicant will be employed for 20 hours per week, with a focus on Sunday ministry. Applications should be emailed to stcuthberts@bellnet.ca no later than Jan. 15. See the full job posting for more information.
Youth leader wanted
Holy Family, Heart Lake (Brampton) and St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea are seeking applications for a shared part-time position (20 hours/week) of youth leader. The successful applicant will work closely with lay leaders and clergy to nurture and support the Christian formation of children and young people and reach out to families. Familiarity with the Anglican Church is an asset. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31. To submit an application or request a detailed job description and position requirements, contact St. Joseph’s at stjosephofnazareth@gmail.com.
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.
