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
Clergy reminded to read remuneration information memo
The annual Clergy Remuneration Information memo (PDF) is now available on the Remuneration and Benefits page of the website.
Archbishop issues pastoral guidelines for same-sex marriages
Following a process of consultation, Archbishop Colin Johnson has issued pastoral guidelines for same-sex marriages, accompanied by a letter to clergy of the Diocese. The guidelines are presented to offer a generous pastoral response to stable, committed same-sex relationships. The letter and the guidelines are available on the Same-Sex Marriage page.
Diocese welcomes interim CAO
Susan Abell has been appointed interim chief administrative office of the Diocese as of Nov. 8. She has been active in the Church at both the local and diocesan levels, most recently as the chair of the working group for Growing in Christ, the Diocese’s strategic plan. Ms. Abell has extensive business experience in the not-for-profit sector and currently works as a consultant of management resources. As interim CAO, her responsibilities will include implementing Growing in Christ, supervising diocesan team leaders and overseeing administrative functions of the synod office. She will work two days a week as the Diocese searches for a full-time CAO.
Initial vestry motion materials available
The social justice vestry motion for 2017 will once again focus on implementing the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Parishes will be encouraged to advocate for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly the requirement for free, prior and informed consent related to the lands and resources of Indigenous peoples. Some initial materials, including the wording of the motion and supplementary resources, are available on the Social Justice and Advocacy page. Additional resources such as fact sheets and bulletin inserts will be available soon. Half-day training and formation sessions will also be held in each episcopal area in January. Details will be shared once they have been confirmed.
Parishes asked to participate in youth ministry survey
Over the next few months, the Archbishop’s Youth Ministry Committee (AYMC) will be collecting detailed parish and personnel information about youth ministry. Tiffany Der will be contacting each parish by phone on behalf of the AYMC. There will also be a follow-up survey emailed to each parish. The committee asks that parishes participate in these surveys, with the hope that the information will help develop and strengthen youth ministry in the Diocese.
Deadline for Order of the Diocese of Toronto approaching
Nominations for the Order of the Diocese of Toronto are due Nov. 20. In 2016, every parish in the following deaneries is eligible to submit one nomination: Peterborough, Parkdale/West Toronto, York Mills and York Central. Nomination forms should be sent to your area bishop’s office. Awards will be presented at the Archbishop’s Levee on Jan. 1, 2017, at St. James Cathedral.
The purpose of the Order is to recognize and honour those members of the laity in the Diocese who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their volunteer ministry. For more information, including nomination forms, visit the Order of the Diocese of Toronto page.
Donations accepted for vestments
Anyone wishing to make a donation toward the cost of vestments for the Diocese’s bishops-elect can do so through the diocesan website. Donors can visit the donation page and use the drop-down list to designate their gift to the bishop-elect of their choosing.
Diocesan Events
Evensong to celebrate Bishop Yu’s ministry
St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave., will host a festival evensong celebrating the ministry of Bishop Patrick Yu on Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Bishop Yu will preside, and Archbishop Colin Johnson will preach. All are welcome.
Save the date: Keepers of the Water vigil
Keepers of the Water: A Vigil of Lament and Thanksgiving will be held on Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square. This service incorporates Indigenous and Christian traditions around blessing water and valuing its role in God’s creation. Bishop-elect Riscylla Walsh Shaw will preside.
External Events
Choir offers free webcast of concert
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is bringing its Festival of Carols concert to viewers at home with a free live webcast, ideal for shut-ins or seniors with mobility issues. The concert will feature traditional and contemporary carols, including an audience sing-along. The choir will be joined by organist David Briggs and the Canadian Staff Band. Viewers can access the webcast on Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. More information about the concert is available on the choir’s website.
Resources
Anglican Communion hosts global online Advent calendar
The Anglican Communion, partnering with the Society of St. John the Evangelist, is inviting Anglicans to join its global online Advent calendar. Everyone who signs up will receive a daily prayer and photo based on a different word each day. They’ll also be invited to respond on social media with their own prayers and photos using the hashtag #AdventWord and the word of the day. Resources explaining how to contribute, along with the full list of words, are available at www.aco.org/adventword. Participants can choose to receive emails in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Hindi, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil or American Sign Language. The Diocese will be participating daily on Twitter and Instagram.
Job Postings
Organist and choir director wanted
St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale is seeking a part-time director of music and organist to lead Sunday worship and music ministry and to lead the parish choir in a wide repertoire of hymns, service music and anthems. The successful applicant will enjoy teaching and help develop the musical skills of the choir in a positive and encouraging environment. The organ is a two-manual electronic Allen organ. The commitment will require slightly more hours at Christmas and Easter and fewer hours through the summer months. Availability to play at weddings and funerals would be an asset. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to RCCO guidelines. If the successful candidate is able to lead a steel pan music ministry, additional paid hours would be available, although this experience is not necessary. To apply, send a full CV and cover letter to stpaultheapostlerexdale@gmail.com c/o Organist Search Committee. Applications will be received until Dec. 6 or until the post is filled.
Parish seeks director of music ministry
St. Aidan, Toronto is seeking a director of music ministry to develop and shape a music vision for the church, building on its existing choir and musical talents and exploring different genres. The successful applicant will plan and lead music for Sunday services and special services through the year, direct the choir, involve and support other musical talents within the congregation, and participate in regular staff meetings. The church has a Casavant 3-manual pipe organ and a grand piano, as well as space for a private teaching studio. The position will be 15 hours per week on average, with compensation commensurate with RCCO guidelines. Apply by Dec. 1 with a resume and your available start date by email at staidan@eol.ca or to The Incumbent, Church of St. Aidan, 70 Silver Birch Ave., Toronto, ON M4E 3K9. For a full position description, visit the parish’s website.
Director of music wanted
Christ Church, Bolton is seeking a part-time director of music and pianist to plan and direct Sunday worship. The piano in the sanctuary is a Schimmel (Vogel) grand piano. The church does not have an organ. The position will include attending one main service weekly, running a weekly rehearsal, selecting appropriate music for all services (sometimes in consultation with the priest), preparing anthems or music for special services, and a willingness to work with other musicians. Opportunities to play at weddings and funerals will be occasionally offered. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. This job will be for an interim period, with the possibility of becoming permanent when a new priest comes to the parish in late 2017 or early 2018. To apply, send a full CV, cover letter and references to ccbolton@interlog.com with the subject line “Application for Music Director.”
