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Diocesan Business
2017 annual returns to be completed online
The Diocese is in the process of implementing a system to allow the 2017 incumbent’s and churchwardens’ annual returns to be completed online. It is expected the system will be available for use by mid-February. Details for completion and submission of returns, along with your log-in information, will be emailed before the end of February. If you would like to start working on your return before that time, hard copies can be downloaded from the Annual Returns page. If you require a hard copy to be mailed to you, contact Claire Wilton at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239.
Additionally, the Clergy Payroll and Rectory Housing Information appendix to the Churchwardens’ Parochial Return will be mailed out by the beginning of February.
Parishes asked to review screening files
Take some time to review your screening files for staff and volunteers who were engaged in ministry between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017.
- Have all the screening steps been completed? For more information, refer to the Implementing Screening Steps Chart.
- Do any of your parish procedures need to be reviewed or updated?
- Do any of the screening steps need to be renewed? To help you track this, you may use the Screening Steps Worksheet.
When you complete your annual churchwardens’ and incumbent’s returns for 2017, 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 at atalbert@toronto.anglican.ca.
Should you complete the Personal Tax Credits Return?
Clergy and employees of the Diocese should complete the 2018 TD1 Personal Tax Credits Returns if one of the following scenarios applies:
- You are claiming other than the basic personal exemption amounts (federal $11,809 or provincial $10,354);
- You are changing your current claim to the basic personal exemption amount; or
- You are requesting additional tax deductions or changes to existing additional tax deductions.
If the Diocese’s payroll department does not receive completed TD1 forms (both federal and provincial) by Jan. 18, your taxes will be calculated using only the basic personal exemption. Download the 2018 Federal TD1 Form or the 2018 Ontario TD1 Form. Forward the completed and signed forms to cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca, fax to 416-363-7678 or mail to Diocese of Toronto, c/o Claire Wilton, 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON, M5C 1L8.
Parishes reminded to complete remuneration forms
If your priest is paid above the minimum stipend scale, the Diocese requires the Appendix E form from the Clergy Remuneration memo to be completed. No changes to stipend will be made unless this form is signed and received from the churchwardens. Churchwardens who wish to give an increase above the minimum stipend scale are urged to do so by completing section A of Appendix E and submitting the form to the diocesan payroll office as soon as possible to ensure that any adjustment becomes effective as of January 2018.
Diocesan Events
Workshops held on social justice vestry motion
The Social Justice and Advocacy department is holding free half-day workshops in each episcopal area to educate interested clergy and lay people about the 2018 vestry motion on affordable housing. Anyone interested in learning more about the issue and engaging their parish in advocacy is invited to attend:
- Trent-Durham: Jan. 13, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Saviour, Orono, 23 Mill St., Orono.
- York-Scarborough: Jan. 13, 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Matthew the Apostle, Oriole, 80 George Henry Blvd, Toronto.
- York-Credit Valley: Jan. 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at All Saints, Kingsway, 2850 Bloor St. W., Toronto.
- York-Simcoe: Jan. 20, 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Evangelists, New Tecumseth, 99 Queen St. N., Tottenham.
Learn more about the vestry motion on the Social Justice and Advocacy page.
Vigil prays for gift of clean water
The Keepers of the Water Vigil of Lament and Thanksgiving will be held on Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square. This annual service of prayer, lament and thanksgiving draws from a confluence of Christian and Indigenous traditions to bless the Creator’s gift of water and mourn human complicity in polluting this gift. All are welcome.
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 hosting a talk on Jan. 25 by Orthodox theologian Edith Humphrey on the works of C.S. Lewis. It 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 Dr. John Bowen, the former director of the Institute of Evangelism at Wycliffe College. Learn more about the fellowship and register online for the event.
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. Prayer journals will be provided. Register online.
Lay anointers invited to training weekend
A training weekend for lay anointers will be held Feb. 9-11 at St. John’s Convent, 233 Cummer Ave., Toronto. A limited number of rooms have been reserved, and commuter registration is also available. Clergy who supervise lay anointers in attendance will be asked to attend a supervision session on Feb. 10. Register online or contact the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger, chair of the Bishop’s Committee on Healing, at j.billinger@rogers.com for more information. The deadline is Jan. 23.
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. Register online.
York-Credit Valley hosts town hall follow-up
Bishop Jenny Andison is inviting all interested clergy and laypeople to a follow-up to the York-Credit Valley September town hall on Jan. 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie, 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. Participants will identify ministries and activities they feel God is calling them to invest in and brainstorm concrete steps to undertake in 2018 to move them forward. Contact aralph@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-6688932) ext. 223 to arrange attendance.
External Events
Panel discusses social justice as a political priority
A panel discussion on social justice as a political priority will be held at Eglinton-St. George’s United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto on Jan. 14 at 12:30 p.m. Former mayor and cabinet minister David Crombie will moderate a panel of members from each of the major provincial parties to explore their views on matters of social justice and their parties’ policy directions in this area. The discussion will be followed by Q&A. Admission is free, and all are welcome.
Webinar explores faith communities’ response to climate change
Faith and the Common Good is hosting a free webinar about climate change and energy benchmarking on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Keynote speaker Dianne Saxe, Ontario’s environmental commissioner, will speak about why faith communities must respond to the climate crisis and what they can do to make a difference. Participants will also learn about how to be part of a new energy benchmarking program, how to book a free site visit, and incentives for retrofits, lighting, heating and cooling. Register online.
Resources
Healthy living newsletters available
Did you know the Diocese’s employee assistance program publishes newsletters with information about healthy living? Find issues of The Balancing Act, Healthy Living and Healthy Working on the Clergy Wellness page.
Resources available for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place Jan. 18-25. This is an annual ecumenical celebration that invites Christians around the world to pray for the unity of all Christians, reflect on scripture together, participate in ecumenical services and share fellowship. Resources for churches are available on the Week of Prayer website.
An ecumenical service will be held on 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.
Free choir gowns available
St. John’s Convent has nine royal blue choir gowns – clean, pressed and in excellent condition – to give away to a parish church. Contact Sister Susanne Prue at susanne@ssjd.ca or 416-226-2201, ext. 306.
Church offers woodworking
Do you need furniture repaired or refinished, canning work, or a custom item built? Call St. Timothy, Agincourt’s woodworking shop at 416-438-4055.
Members sought for area council
Per Canon 44(2), which governs the composition of area councils, Bishop Jenny Andison is seeking nominations for one elected clergy member and one elected lay member to serve on the York-Credit Valley Area Council. See the YCV Area Council page for more information. Nominations close at 4 p.m. on Jan. 20.
Job Postings
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 successful candidate will provide staff support to current congregational initiatives in outreach and mission initiatives and 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 seeking 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.
Staff Changes
Wendy Pearson joined the Synod Office as property resources assistant on Dec. 18.
Susan Abell, ODT has retired from the Synod Office as of Dec. 31.
