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
Annual clergy remuneration information memo available
The annual Clergy Remuneration Information memo (PDF) is available on the Remuneration and Benefits page. Churchwardens, treasurers and clergy are reminded to read the information.
Churches reminded of screening requirements
As annual vestry meetings approach, 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.
It is important to be upfront with these requirements so individuals can make informed choices about how they would like to offer their gifts. Remind those nominated for high-risk ministry positions that they will be required to participate in the screening process before they begin their new ministry. There are 11 items that must be completed for high-risk ministry positions, including:
- completing a police record check, using the diocesan-approved process
- participating in Sexual Misconduct Policy training
For more information about the screening requirements for high-risk ministry positions, read the Implementing Screening Standards page.
Insurance coverage available online
Aon, the Diocese’s insurance broker, has launched an online platform to allow churches to buy insurance for facility rentals and one-time events, found at www.anglican-user.aon.ca. After answering some simple questions about the event, the church and the location, churches will be able to buy insurance coverage with a credit card. The email/PDF-based application process will no longer be available as of Jan. 31. Contact church.certs@aon.ca with any questions.
Diocesan Events
Registration open for Trent-Durham Area Day
This year’s Trent-Durham Area Day will take place on March 3 at St. Peter, Cobourg with the theme “Church in the Wilderness: Hearing God’s Call in the 21st Century” (Isaiah 40:3-5). Register by Feb. 26 to get the early-bird cost of $20. After Feb. 26, the cost is $25. Register online.
Anglican-Orthodox group holds talk on C.S. Lewis
The Toronto chapter of the Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius, an Anglican-Orthodox group, is having its first gathering in decades on Jan. 25, when it will host a talk by Orthodox theologian Edith Humphrey on the works of C.S. Lewis. “Further Up and Further In: Anglicans and Orthodox in Conversation with C.S. Lewis” will begin with an Orthodox service of the Great Blessing of Water at 6 p.m. followed by light refreshments at 6:30 p.m. and the speakers and discussion at 7 p.m. at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. Joining Dr. Humphrey in conversation will be Professor John Bowen, the former director of the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College. Learn more about the fellowship and register online for the event.
Ecumenical service celebrates Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Toronto ecumenical service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will be held Jan. 28 at 3 p.m. at Metropolitan United Church, 56 Queen St. E. It will be led by Archbishop Colin Johnson, Roman Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Thomas Collins, Coptic Orthodox Bishop Anba Mina and other city-wide religious leaders.
Bishop hosts Greater Brampton Area town hall
Bishop Jenny Andison invites clergy and laypeople of the five Brampton/Bramalea parishes to participate in a discussion of the strengths and direction of ministry in the greater Brampton area. This town hall meeting will be held on Feb. 20 from 7-9 p.m. at St. James the Apostle, 3 Cathedral Rd., Brampton. This is a casual gathering to explore the challenges and blessings you are experiencing as the Anglican Church in this growing area of the diocese. Register online.
Deaneries join for Lenten series
Bishop Jenny Andison will lead a weekly prayer and reflection session for the people and clergy of the Etobicoke-Humber and Parkdale-West Toronto deaneries. The six-week series, based on the SSJE Lenten resource Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John, will be held on Wednesday evenings beginning Feb. 21 at St. Olave, Swansea, 360 Windermere Ave., Toronto. Each evening will include a light supper at 6:30 p.m., study at 7 p.m. and a half-hour compline at 8:30 p.m. Meeting Jesus prayer journals will be provided courtesy of the YCV Area Council. Register online.
External Events
Youth invited to national gathering
Registration is open for CLAY, a national gathering of Lutheran and Anglican youth age 14-19 taking place Aug. 15-19 in Thunder Bay. Participants will encounter scripture in meaningful ways, experience ancient and modern ways of worship, learn together in special interest forums and make connections with youth from all over Canada. To attend, youth must be part of a “home team” group travelling and staying together. Congregations can join to form a home team. For more information, visit the CLAY website.
Event explores churches’ voice on climate change
Citizens for Public Justice and Joint Ecological Ministry present “Flourishing of Life for All: How are we called to be a prophetic voice for action on climate change?” with Heather Eaton, a professor at St. Paul University in Ottawa. The event will take place on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mary Ward Centre, 70 St. Mary St., Toronto. For more information, email jemcanada@outlook.com.
City councillor speaks on poverty reduction
Councillor Joe Mihevc, the Toronto city councillor responsible for poverty reduction and an active progressive Catholic, will speak on homelessness, housing and Toronto’s poverty reduction strategy on Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. at St. Clement, Eglinton, 70 St. Clement’s Ave., Toronto. All are welcome to attend.
Resources
Meeting Jesus journals available at pre-Lenten day
About 100 copies of the prayer journal for the Meeting Jesus in the Gospel of John Lenten program will be available for purchase at the clergy pre-Lenten day on Feb. 6. Once these copies are sold out, churches can buy copies on Amazon for $3.50 per journal or $35 for a pack of 10. For more information about the program, visit www.meetingjesusinjohn.org.
The Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary will be holding an online session about facilitating the series and using the small group guide on Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. Visit its Facebook page for details and to participate.
Church choir seeking vestments
The choir of St. Mary and St. Martha is seeking gently used black cassocks and surplices. Email office@stmaryandstmartha.org or call 416-249-4681.
Young women invited to spend a year in God’s rhythm
The Sisterhood of St. John the Divine is accepting applications for the 2018-19 cohort of its Companions on an Ancient Path program. Women age 21 and up are invited to explore an expression of new monasticism rooted in the Anglican tradition while living at St. John’s Convent. For more information and applications, contact Sister Constance Joanna at 416-226-2201, ext. 316 or companions@ssjd.ca. Applications will be accepted until June 15 or until the program is full. Learn more at www.ssjdcompanions.org.
Backgrounder explains social justice vestry motion
A backgrounder on this year’s social justice vestry motion, along with many other helpful resources, can be found on the vestry motion page. For more information about the motion, contact Elin Goulden, Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 240.
Job Postings
Parish administrator wanted
St. Barnabas, Chester is seeking a parish administrator to ensure the efficient administration of the parish office, assisting the incumbent, churchwardens and other clergy and staff. The position is 20 hours per week over four or five days. Salary and benefits package will be in keeping with qualifications and experience in comparable not-for-profit organizations. For more details, see the full job description. To apply, send a resume to priest@stbarnabas-toronto.com as soon as possible. The ideal start date is the first week of February.
Parish seeks pastor of outreach and mission
Grace Church in Scarborough is seeking a full-time pastor of outreach and mission. The position will be primarily engaged with the areas of mission, outreach and discipleship within the community. The position will provide staff support to current congregational initiatives in serving the community in outreach and mission initiatives. It will also include the development of new initiatives to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to the community. This position is open to both ordained Anglican clergy and lay people. To apply, send a full CV, cover letter and references to office@gracechurchscarborough.com with subject line “Application for Pastor of Outreach and Mission.”
Sexton wanted
St. Timothy, Agincourt is looking for a new sexton/custodian, starting at 25 hours per week with the possibility of additional hours as needed. See the position description for more details. To apply, send a cover letter, resume and the names and contact information for three references to office@sttims.ca by Jan. 24, including “Sexton Application” in the subject line.