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Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board March 20

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

Provincial government implementing new lease template
Starting April 30, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is implementing a standard lease template for all new leases. Landlords of most private residential units – from individual landlords to property management companies – must use the standard lease template for all new leases. Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities remain the same under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. For full details, including a copy of the template, see the Ministry’s website.

Diocesan Events

Parish leaders encouraged to attend workshops
Clergy and parish leaders are strongly encouraged to attend a parish leadership workshop. Topics include insurance (and risk mitigation), real property management, parish finances and human resources. The remaining dates are:

  • York-Scarborough: April 7, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Andrew, Scarborough. Register online.
  • York-Credit Valley: April 7, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie. Register online.

For more information, see the Parish Leadership Workshops page.

York-Scarborough clergy invited to retreat
York-Scarborough clergy are invited to a retreat at Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre, 7020 Stanley Ave., Niagara Falls. It will begin at 9:30 a.m. on May 9 and end with lunch on May 10. Register online by April 15.

Meeting focuses on lay anointing
The upcoming meeting of the Order of St. Luke Scarborough Chapter will feature the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger, chair of the Bishop’s Committee on Healing, speaking about the committee’s work and the ministry of lay anointers. Clergy who may be considering this ministry in their parishes are encouraged to attend. The meeting will take place on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Timothy, Agincourt, 4125 Sheppard Ave. E., Toronto, in Lamont Hall at the south end of the parking lot. For more information, contact Deacon Canon Jacquie Bouthéon at 416-264-4726 or osl.scarborough@sympatico.ca.

Good Friday walk explores poverty
This year’s Ecumenical Good Friday Walk for Justice will begin at 2 p.m. on March 30 at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square, Toronto. The theme is “Dimensions of Poverty,” and stations will explore the importance of the $15 minimum wage, workers’ rights, poverty and the law, and the impact of homelessness on the Indigenous population. The walk will conclude at Holy Trinity at 4:30 p.m. for a closing ritual and a simple meal. For more information, see the Facebook event.

Area celebrates new youth ministry coordinator
York-Credit Valley will celebrate the appointment of Alexandra McIntosh as its new Youth Ministry Coordinator with a service of commissioning on April 20 at 7 p.m. at St. George on-the-Hill, 4600 Dundas St. W., Toronto. Area clergy and laity, particularly youth ministers and leaders, are invited to attend. Contact Alexandra at ycv.area.coordinator@gmail.com to discuss the possibility of your youth group members, youth choir, liturgical dance group or other youth contributing to the service.

External Events

Leaders invited to learn about Messy Church
Are you looking for a way to reach families who aren’t in your church on Sundays? Have you started a Messy Church and want to find new ideas, discuss challenges and connect with other leaders? Join Messy Church leaders for a day to learn about Messy Church, network and share ideas on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Matthew, Islington, 3962 Bloor St. W., Toronto. The cost is $25 (or $20 each for a team of three or more), which includes activities, lunch and handouts. To register, contact Dawn Mercer at 416-234-8686 or dawnmercer@gmail.com.

Gathering invites laity to deepen Christian life
The Lay Readers’ Association of the Diocese of Ontario is hosting Summer Fruit for Souls, an annual conference of training, learning and development in Christian ministry for lay people, open to anyone who wishes to deepen and enrich their Christian life and service. It will take place July 24-27 at the Providence Spirituality Centre in Kingston. See the poster for more information and download the registration form. The cost is $350, which includes accommodation and meals.

Anglicans gather for conference on prayer
The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer (AFP) is hosting a conference called “Oh My God!: The Priority of Prayer” from June 4-8 at St. John’s College, Winnipeg. Participants will discern the ongoing mission and ministry of the AFP and share in conversation with Primate Fred Hiltz and many local leaders. Registration costs $250, which includes accommodations and some meals. Travel costs exceeding $500 will be reimbursed for one representative per diocese. Learn more and download the registration form from the AFP website. Registration closes May 1.

TST hosts event for clergy
The Toronto School of Theology is hosting “Innovation in Ministry Practice,” an event for clergy featuring a keynote address by Professor Michael Stoeber on the role of visual art in therapy, transformative prayer and response to suffering. It will take place on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 47 Queen’s Park Cres. E., Toronto. Email dmin.office@utoronto.ca by April 20 to register. The cost is $25, which includes lunch.

Workshops explore accessibility in faith communities
Our Doors are Open is a project that helps faith communities create welcoming environments for people with disabilities so they can become active and full participants in their communities. Two workshops are planned for March 22 from 7-8 p.m. and March 29 from 7-8 p.m. at 49 McCaul St., Toronto. Refreshments will be provided, but space is limited. Register online and contact tlee@faculty.ocadu.ca with any questions. To learn more about Our Doors are Open or book a workshop in your parish, complete the request form by March 31.

Resources

Anglicans invited to join global wave of prayer
From the Ascension to Pentecost (May 10-20), Anglicans across the Diocese are invited to participate in Thy Kingdom Come, a global wave of prayer for more people to come to know Jesus Christ. Participants can pray as an individual, a family, a church or a community of churches. To participate, visit the Thy Kingdom Come global website, sign up at Pledge2Pray, and consider the ideas and resources for individuals, groups and churches.

Trust provides bursaries to clergy
The deadline for applications to the Lewis S. Garnsworthy Memorial Trust is April 1. Established in 1994, the trust provides bursaries to assist clergy in the Diocese to enroll in courses for the purpose of enriching their skills in preaching and pastoral care. Applicants must submit one copy of the completed application package and supporting information. Send applications to foundation@anglicanfoundation.org or The Anglican Foundation of Canada, 80 Hayden St., Toronto, ON, M4Y 3G2. For more information, see the Anglican Foundation website.

Reach Grant deadline approaching
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? Do you 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 April 13. The pitch day for proposals is April 26. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.

Earth Sunday resources available this week
April 22 is Earth Day, a perfect opportunity to incorporate themes of creation care and sustainability into Sunday worship. The diocesan Creation Matters committee has prepared resources, including a bulletin insert, a reflection on the lectionary readings and suggested hymns and prayers. These materials will be available on the Environmental Resource page by March 26.

Churches encouraged to celebrate Jerusalem Sunday
Jerusalem Sunday, May 13, is an opportunity for Anglicans in Canada to learn more about and support God’s mission in the Diocese of Jerusalem. Parishes are encouraged to take the opportunity to pray for Jerusalem and remember our deep roots there. Updated resources are available on the Anglican Church of Canada website.

Job Postings

Youth and family minister wanted
St. Philip on-the-Hill, Unionville is seeing a full-time youth and family minister to provide engaging Christian leadership in an established position and existing program. The successful candidate will have a passion for discipling young people, supporting parish families and contributing to the broader mission of the church. Hours are flexible and salary is negotiable. A job description is available upon request. For position requirements, see the full job post. Forward a resume to Katharine Crowe, parish administrator, at office@spoth.ca by April 4.

Parish seeks discipleship ministry associate
St. Matthew, Islington is seeking a discipleship ministry associate to help in the faith formation of all ages in the parish and to provide leadership to a growing family ministry. The position is currently 30 hours per week, with the potential to evolve into a full-time position in the 12 months. The successful applicant will have at least some theological training, youth and children’s ministry experience, great organizational and interpersonal skills, and a desire to reach the wider community with the gospel message. Musical ability is an asset but not required. Pay will depend on qualifications and experience. The start date is flexible, but no later than Sept. 4. Contact the Rev. Stephen Blackmore at stephen.blackmore@me.com for more information.

Convent seeks half-time staff
St. John’s Convent is seeking a female theology student or recent graduate to work half-time with its Companions program for women who spend a year living alongside the Sisterhood. Companions come from a variety of denominations, and women interested in the position may come from any denomination. For more information, contact the Rev. Canon Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, Companions Coordinator, at 416-226-2201, ext. 316 or cj@ssjd.ca.

Parish seeks ministry associate
St. Paul, Bloor Street is seeking a ministry associate to provide leadership in forming its evangelistic and missional outreach ministries. A passion for spreading the message of God’s love and saving grace through Jesus Christ will be core to this ministry. This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Remuneration will depend on qualifications and experience. The position is available immediately. To learn more, visit the parish’s website.

Director of music wanted
St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff is seeking a director of music to bring out the best in its choir and inspire its services through ministry of music. The position will be an average of 7-12 hours per week, contingent upon the capability of the successful applicant. Compensation will be determined by experience and qualifications. The position is available immediately. For more information, see the job posting. Apply by April 4 to dom@stnicholasbirchcliff.com.