Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To submit an item, email [email protected]. Add your parish events to the online calendar. To receive Bulletin Board in your inbox, sign up online.
Diocesan business
Allotment calculations posted
Diocesan allotment calculations for 2027 were posted to the Annual Returns page on Oct. 9. Appeals of allotment must be made in writing by Dec. 31 to the attention of Patricia D’Souza for the Finance Committee. Congregations are encouraged to respond earlier so timely arrangements can be made. Appeals must be supported by:
- A letter stating the specific amount being appealed and the proposed allotment amount.
- Reasons for the appeal.
- Audited financial statements for 2025 if the Synod Office doesn’t already have them.
- Financial statements for the first three quarters of 2026.
Send any questions concerning appeals or allotment calculations to Keri Stilling at [email protected].
Synod Office seeks photographers
The Communications department of the Synod Office is looking to build up a pool of photographers who may be available to shoot parish and diocesan events, particularly outside Toronto (e.g. Peel, Simcoe, Peterborough, Durham and Northumberland regions). If you know of a photographer or are one yourself, send the details to [email protected].
Use only workplace AI tools for parish work
As AI is becoming more mainstream and more people are using it for various purposes, use caution when engaging with AI for parish work purposes. Conduct due diligence before selecting an AI tool, particularly if you plan to use it in connection with confidential or sensitive organizational information. This should include ensuring that the data will not be used for AI model training and determining how the information might be processed or stored by the AI provider. You should not use AI tools for things that involve sensitive personal identifiable information, pastoral notes, financial details, health information or anything about children or vulnerable people. Any AI output should be read and checked before it is sent, printed, posted or used in worship. Questions or concerns should be directed to Claire Wilton, Privacy Officer, at [email protected] or 647-578-9729.
Share your Cast the Net story
The 20 Calls to Action emerging from Cast the Net invite every parish to imagine what comes next for our Diocese. You don’t need to do everything—choose one or two calls that fit your community, build on what you’re already doing or challenge you to try something new. If you’ve already chosen a call or two, you can use a ready-made template (in Canva or as an image file) to share online how your parish is putting a call into action. You can also download a set of 20 fish, each one numbered for a different call, to use on posters, slides, graphics and newsletters to show how you’re casting the net. Check out the refreshed Cast the Net web page for more inspiration.
Risk and Governance meeting dates posted
Checklists for low-risk agreements and renovations costing less than $100,000 should be sent to [email protected]. Residential agreements (yellow checklist) should be reviewed by the Property Resources department before execution. The upcoming dates and deadlines to submit documentation for the Risk & Governance committee are:
- Oct. 29 deadline for Nov.12 meeting
- Nov. 26 deadline for Dec. 10 meeting
- Dec. 10 deadline for Jan. 14 meeting
Help update the Outreach Prayer Cycle
The diocesan Outreach Prayer Cycle follows the Sundays of the church year from Advent 1 through the Reign of Christ. The entries will be updated for each parish to have the new 2026-27 cycle ready for the first Sunday of Advent on Nov. 29. Review your parish entry on the current cycle and send any updates to Elin Goulden at [email protected] by Nov. 16.
Diocesan events
Dinner supports clergy
Tickets are on sale for the 65th annual Bishop’s Company Dinner, presented by the Hon. Margaret McCain, CC, ONB, ODT. On Nov. 20, join Anglicans from across our diocese to celebrate the work of our clergy and show support to them in their times of need. The evening will feature guest speaker Archbishop Anne Germond and music by the Nathan Hiltz Quartet. Learn more on the Bishop’s Company website and get early-bird tickets by Oct. 25.
Register for November property workshop
The Property Resources department is hosting a workshop on Nov. 18 from 4-5:30 p.m. Learn about the insurance renewals process with our new broker, HUB. Register online.
College hosts women’s breakfast
Wycliffe College is hosting a women’s breakfast on Nov. 14, featuring insights from Dr. Marion Taylor as she explores “When Women Disciple Women: Katherine Parr, Elizabeth I and a Legacy of Faith.” The event will be offered in-person at Wycliffe College and livestreamed to individuals, host churches and small groups at 10 a.m. Come for thoughtful conversation, theological reflection and community. Register online.
Session considers accessible worship
The next Shop Talk will be “Words, worship, welcome: language that includes,” a live Zoom session on Nov. 23 at 7 p.m., featuring Thomas Reynolds, associate professor of Theology at Emmanuel College, University of Toronto. The session will explore inclusive language, church vocabulary, accessibility terminology and multilingual communication. Whether you are clergy, lay leader, worship planner, tech volunteer or congregational leader, this conversation will offer both inspiration and practical insights. Sign up online.
Resources
Website template options available
Nvision, a web company that works with the Synod Office, has finalized the details of the website templates they can offer parishes. They have created three WordPress-based options that speak to the needs of different-sized communities, along with different levels of ongoing support. You can see what’s being offered on Nvision’s website. If you decide to learn more, you’ll be working directly with Marek Grabowiecki ([email protected]). Ongoing maintenance and hosting costs for a website should be built into your annual budget, but you may be able to apply for a grant to help with the set-up cost. The Bishop’s Parish Ministry Grants specifically mention a new website as a project that can be funded. Details are available on the Grants & Funding page. Any parish that wants to start a conversation about website platforms and strategy can reach out to Martha Holmen at [email protected] or download the Parish Website Guide for practical, beginner-friendly information on planning, building and maintaining a church website.
Heritage grant accepting applications
The City of Toronto Heritage Grant Program provides matching grant funds for eligible heritage conservation work planned for heritage designated properties. Learn more on the City of Toronto’s website and apply by Nov. 7 at 5 p.m.
Guide considers municipal elections
Municipalities play a key role in delivering services that directly impact people’s daily lives, from housing and social services to schools, libraries, recreation, water and waste management and more. Every election is an opportunity to consider and discuss the kind of society we want to build together. Use the municipal election guide available on the diocesan website to consider the impact municipal policies have on people in your community and prompt questions of potential candidates. Visit your local municipal website to find information on polling locations, advance polls and more. Make sure your voice is heard and vote on Oct. 26.
Job postings
Human resources coordinator wanted
The Synod Office is seeking a human resources coordinator who will be responsible for recruitment, workshops and events, provide HR support to parishes, general support to the department and assist with the screening and compliance process. See the Synod Office Careers page for more details. To apply, forward your application to [email protected].
Diocesan Response Team seeking volunteers
The Diocesan Response Team is an important ministry that supports the work of the Canon Pastor in the Diocese of Toronto. The Canon Pastor and DRT are responsible for investigating incidents and complaints under both the Diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy and Diocesan Harassment Policy (when a cleric is involved). See the full volunteer post for more details.
