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Bulletin Board

Bulletin Board Oct. 18

Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online.

General Synod Pension Plan needs member approval in urgent vote
The General Synod Pension Plan needs plan members to approve funding relief in a vote by Oct. 31. In 2013, members voted overwhelmingly in favour of securing temporary solvency funding relief from the Ontario government. That relief has now expired, but the government will consider extending it by two additional years – but only if 2/3 of members in each of the active, inactive and retired member groups vote “Yes” by Oct. 31.

On Oct. 14, the Pension Office sent a communication package to members of the pension plan to ask them to vote on the issue of solvency funding exemption. Members can vote online or on paper by filling out and mailing the voter card enclosed in the communication package. To vote online, you will need the unique six-digit ID code printed on the return envelope you received in the mail. Vote only once, either online or by mail. If you vote using both methods, only your online vote will be counted. An individual with power of attorney for a plan member may vote on the member’s behalf. For more information, contact the Pension Office online at www.anglicanpension.ca or by phone at 416-960-2484 (1-800-265-1070).

York-Scarborough hosts Bishop’s Company Regional Dinner
Tickets are available for the York-Scarborough Bishop’s Company Dinner, hosted by Bishop Patrick Yu. The dinner will be held on Nov. 10 at Dragon Legend, 25 Lanark Rd., Markham. The evening will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30. Dragon Legend is known for its elaborate buffets with a tempting array of western and Asian dishes and homemade desserts. (The venue is peanut-free and vegetarian friendly.) Tickets are $75 and include two drink tickets, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. Seating is limited, so buy your tickets online before they sell out.

Funds raised from the dinner support the bishop’s emergency fund, which helps clergy and their families in crisis. The fund also helps with travel emergencies, school support for the children of clergy, bursaries for religious scholarships, curacy training for the newly ordained and emergency medical expenses.

Housing package mailed to clergy
The 2017 T1213 package for clergy receiving a housing allowance was mailed out on Sept. 29. Clergy receiving a housing allowance must file form T1213 and receive written approval from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) before being allowed a reduction of tax at source. The diocesan payroll office must receive your written approval from the CRA by Jan. 19, or your housing allowance will be treated as a taxable benefit. If you did not receive a package and you receive a paid housing allowance, contact at Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca.

Order seeks nominations
Nominations are invited for the Order of the Diocese of Toronto. 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 no later than Nov. 20. 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.

Flemingdon Park Ministry appoints new executive director
The Rev. Beverley Williams has been appointed executive director of Flemingdon Park Ministry. She began in her new role on Oct. 12.

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.

Diocesan allotment calculations for 2017 available
Diocesan allotment calculations for 2017 were mailed on Sept. 30. If you have not received your notification, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca to receive a copy. Appeals of allotment need to be made in writing by Dec. 31 to the attention of Claire Wilton for the Executive Board. Congregations are encouraged to respond earlier so appropriate arrangements can be made. Appeals must be supported with:

  1. A letter stating the specific amount being appealed.
  2. Reasons for the appeal.
  3. Audited financial statements for 2015 if the Diocese is not already in possession of those documents.
  4. Financial statements for the first three quarters of 2016.

Any questions concerning appeals or allotment calculations may be made to Claire Wilton.

Canada Savings Bond Payroll Savings Program campaign underway
The 2016 campaign for the Canada Savings Bond Payroll Savings Program runs from Oct. 3 to Nov. 1. If you are paid through diocesan centralized payroll and would like more information on either enrolling in the program or changing your current monthly contribution, contact Claire Wilton at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932), ext. 239 or cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca.

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.

Retreat day for parish administrators postponed
The retreat day for parish administrators originally scheduled for Nov. 11 has been postponed. The new date is June 2, 2017. The planning group is also looking for two or three administrators to help plan the day at one or two meetings in the new year. Contact Craig Gustafson at office@stgeorgestoronto.ca.

Youth invited to fall retreat
Youth age 12-18 are invited to join the diocesan ReCharge Fall Retreat on Nov. 4-6 at Ontario Pioneer Camp. Participants will explore who God has created us to be and ask, “what is my part in God’s rhythm that is pulsing all around us?” The weekend will feature food, music, inspiring worship, encouraging speakers, friendship and the great outdoors. The cost is $85, including dorm-style accommodations and all meals. Bursaries may be available; contact your area youth coordinator for more information:

Register online by Oct. 24. A bus leaving from Church of the Incarnation at Sheppard and Bayview avenues in Toronto is available. The cost is $20 round-trip and can be paid with registration.

Registration open for Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference
Registration is open for the sixth annual Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference, which brings together anyone interested in children’s ministry to meet others in the field, share ideas and hear from experts. This year’s conference takes place on Nov. 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Wycliffe College, 5 Hoskin Ave., Toronto. Registration costs $40, or $25 for students. For information about workshops or to register, visit the Wycliffe College website.

Retreat explores peace in the dying process
On Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the St. Andrew Anglican Retreat House in Alliston is hosting “Bringing Peace to the Dying Process,” a workshop facilitated by registered psychotherapist Wendy Graham. The event will feature discussions, videos and interactive exercises. The cost is $90, which includes lunch, refreshments, handouts and packages of references. For more information or to register, visit the Retreat House website.

Anglican men invited to FLAME conference
FLAME Toronto (Fellowship and Learning for Anglican Men’s Enrichment) is holding its annual conference on Oct. 28-30 at the Salvation Army Jackson’s Point Conference Centre, approximately 45 minutes north of Toronto. This year’s theme is “You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God in whom I trust” with guest speaker Bishop Mark MacDonald. First-time attendees receive a special rate of $135. For more information or to register, visit the FLAME website.

Parish hosts altar guild retreat
St. Andrew, Alliston is hosting a half-day altar guild retreat led by a diocesan expert on Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Andrew Retreat House, 119 Wellington St. W., Alliston. Participants will learn about the proper care and application of sacred linens, holy hardware and sacramental articles. The cost is $65, which includes lunch. To register, contact Judy Graham at parishoffice@standrewanglican.ca or 705-435-9711. Participants can also choose to book a room in the overnight retreat house by phoning 705-435-9711.

Anglican Communion releases biblical engagement toolkit
A new collection of biblical educational resources has been prepared by the Anglican Communion’s Bible in the Life of the Church (BILC) project. Deeper Engagement is a collection of 120 resources from different parts of the Communion, designed to help Anglicans engage more deeply with the Bible. The collection is available on the BILC website, organized by topic, type and audience.

Book shares wisdom on volunteerism
Mary Stewart, an oblate of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine who has written and consulted on church volunteerism since the early 1980s, has written a practical book of theological reflection on volunteering. The Church as a Volunteer Organization offers a structure upon which parish leadership can assess ministry and imagine a different future, while creating a partnership between lay volunteers and clergy. To order a copy of the book for $12 plus postage, contact The Hutch Publishing, 1039 Kingston Rd. #803, Toronto, ON M1N 4E2.

Anglicans invited to explore prayer
This fall, the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is joining with the Society of St. John the Evangelist in Canada Prays, a project encouraging Anglicans to delve deeper into the shared mystery of prayerful experience. For seven weeks starting at Thanksgiving, Canada Prays will explore one model of prayer each week, highlighted in a blog on The Community and on social media using the hashtag #prayersof. For more information, visit www.prayersofthepeople.org or contact the Rev. Laura Marie Piotrowicz at lmpiotrowicz@gmail.com.

Council of the North releases free Bible study
The Council of the North has released “Northern Witness,” a new five-session Bible study that aims to share stories of northern communities and ministry with the rest of the church. Using the themes of solidarity, mission and service, trust and treasure, healing, and partnership, the study uses stories of northern ministry to help illuminate chosen Bible passages. To download the sessions or order free colour copies, visit the Council of the North resources page.

Parish secretary wanted
St. Augustine of Canterbury is seeking an independent, experienced part-time parish secretary to manage the day-to-day operations of the parish and act as the main point of contact for tenant organizations. The position will be 15 hours a week with 3-4 half-days (flexible). Hourly pay will be commensurate with experience, including three weeks’ paid holiday and five paid sick days. Duties will include preparing materials for Sunday services, supervising cleaning staff, managing the office and building, updating the website, producing the monthly newsletter, managing calendars of activities and facilities, and overseeing, with assistance, the updating of the computer system. The successful candidate will be punctual, consistent and trustworthy and have strong communication, interpersonal, time management and computer skills. Familiarity with Anglican liturgy would be an asset. A diocesan police check must be completed before hiring. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to tsmimmie@gmail.com with the subject line “Parish Secretary Application.”

Diocese hiring administrative assistant
The Diocese is seeking a full-time administrative assistant for its property support department, on contract until Dec. 31, 2017. The successful candidate will have strong organizational skills, great attention to detail, the ability to take initiative, and excellent oral and written communication skills in English. Candidates should be proficient in using Microsoft Office, email and the internet, and in updating websites through WordPress. This position requires familiarity with corporate governance, real estate and/or construction matters and applicable law. Knowledge of leases and licences, a legal assistant certificate or a law clerk diploma is beneficial. Apply by Oct. 30 in writing to Human Resources, Anglican Diocese of Toronto, 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1L8 or by email to hr@toronto.anglican.ca. For a full position description, see the Diocesan Centre Careers page.