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
Synod members asked to return voting devices
Synod members who still have their electronic voting device should return it to Pamela Boisvert, Secretary of Synod, at the Synod Office, 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1L8.
Several items were left behind at Synod, including a pair of reading glasses, a pair of sunglasses, a scarf, a pencil case and two notebooks. To claim them, contact Pamela Boisvert by email at pboisvert@toronto.anglican.ca. These items will be available until Jan. 2.
Annual clergy remuneration information memo available
The annual Clergy Remuneration Information memo (PDF) is now available on the Remuneration and Benefits page. Churchwardens, treasurers and clergy are reminded to read the information.
Employee premiums memo available
The annual Employee Premiums Memo (PDF) is now available on the Remuneration and Benefits page.
New outreach and advocacy prayer cycle posted
The outreach and advocacy prayer cycle for 2017-2018 has been posted on the Prayer Resources page in PDF and Word format, which can be copied into your parish bulletin. Lift up in prayer the many ministries around the Diocese that show God’s love in action to those in need. Hard copies are also available on request from Elin Goulden, Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 240.
Parishes reminded to prepare for minimum wage increase
The Employment Standards Act of Ontario was amended on Nov. 27. Many provisions of the Act come into force on Jan. 1. There are several key changes to Ontario’s labour laws, including an increased minimum wage, two mandatory paid emergency leave days, an extension of various personal emergency leaves and several other aspects that affect parish employers and employees. Read “What Clergy and Church Wardens need to know about Bill 148” to learn more.
Social justice vestry motion backgrounder available
A one-sheet bulletin insert containing this year’s social justice vestry motion on affordable housing and homelessness, as well as background information, is available on the Social Justice and Advocacy page. It can be used to educate parishes about the issue in preparation for presenting the motion at upcoming vestry meetings. Further resources are also listed. If you have any questions, contact Elin Goulden, Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 240.
Diocesan Events
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. Space is limited.
Service supports people of the Caribbean
All are invited to a service of solidarity and support for the people of the Caribbean after a devastating hurricane season. It will be held on Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. at St. Andrew, Scarborough, 2333 Victoria Park Ave. The guest preacher will be Bishop Peter Fenty. Any donations received will support ongoing relief efforts in the Diocese of North Eastern Caribbean and Aruba, hardest hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria. For more information, download the event poster.
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. This gathering will take place on Jan. 13 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie, 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. Participants will consider how to realign area resources to strengthen existing ministries and focus on opportunities identified as needing more attention. Those who attended the September town hall are particularly encouraged to attend. Register online or see the York-Credit Valley page for more information.
All invited to Advent quiet day
Holy Cross Priory, St. Martin in-the-Fields and St. John, West Toronto are jointly offering an Advent quiet day on Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at St. Martin in-the-Fields, 151 Glenlake Ave., Toronto. It will be led this year by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. The theme is “Mary: Her Salutation, Her Song, Her Service.” The cost is $10, which includes lunch and refreshments. To register, contact the Rev. Canon Philip Hobson at phobson@stmartininthefields.ca or 416-767-7491.
External Events
Retreat on Christian discipleship held in Italy
Church of the Ascension, a Church of England parish in Cadenabbia, Lake Como, Italy, is hosting “Peaks, shallows and deeps: Lakeside reflections on Christian Discipleship Today.” This guided holiday retreat will take place Oct. 7-12, 2018, led by the Rev. Lyn Philips, a retired Church of England priest. It can be booked as a complete package, including accommodation, excursions, lunches and sessions. The cost is 695 Euros. To learn more, see the retreat brochure.
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
Podcasts on ecumenism available
The Canadian Council of Churches offers monthly “Faith and Witness” podcasts on a variety of topics exploring ecumenism. They are available for download on the council’s website or through iTunes.
Online Advent calendar returns
For the fourth year in a row, the Anglican Communion is inviting Anglicans to join its global online Advent calendar and share their experiences of expectant waiting for Jesus Christ. Everyone who signs up will receive a daily email with a prayer and a 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. Visit www.adventword.org to learn more and sign up.
Job Postings
Parish seeks organist
The Parish of Lloydtown, a two-point parish comprising Christ Church, Kettleby and St Mary Magdalene, Schomberg, is seeking an organist to work with the clergy and people of the parish to deepen and strengthen its musical life. The parish’s music includes both contemporary and traditional styles, with a consciousness of new liturgical development. The successful candidate will reach out to the musically gifted in the parish to encourage and enhance an active and diverse lay music ministry. For more details, see the job posting.
Communications intern wanted
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) is looking for a communications intern for January to April, either full time or part time, for all or part of the four months. The position is unpaid but includes an honorarium. Visit the PWRDF website to see the posting. The application deadline is Dec. 8.
Staff Changes
Angela Hantoumakos is the Diocese’s new Executive Director. She will begin her duties on Dec. 4.
Susan Abell, ODT, will be acting director of Congregational Development beginning Dec. 4.