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
Pre-Synod videos released online
Videos of the Archbishop’s pre-Synod message and Dean Andrew Asbil’s guided tour of the site of Synod, shown at each episcopal area’s pre-Synod meeting, are available on the diocesan YouTube channel.
Social justice vestry motion posted online
The 2018 social justice vestry motion on affordable housing has been posted on the Social Justice and Advocacy page, along with resources for further learning. A one-page backgrounder will be available later in November, and area workshops are being planned for January.
Paystubs and invoices available electronically
Clergy are reminded that their paystub can be sent by email rather than regular mail. Clergy who would like to sign up for password-protected email paystubs can email Claire Wilton at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca with the email address they would prefer to use.
Churches can also receive their monthly parish invoice from the Diocese by email. Contact Claire Wilton at cwilton@toronto.anglican.ca with a maximum of two email addresses. (If the email addresses are long, the system may be able to accommodate only one email address.)
Diocesan Events
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 events page for more information.
Lecture examines issues around nuclear weapons
St. James Cathedral is hosting “Nuclear Weapons and Christian Witness in an Anxious Age” on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. The Rev. Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, assistant curate at Trinity East (Little Trinity) and long-time anti-nuclear activist, will speak on the history and current state of nuclear weapons, deterrence and disarmament. The free lecture will be preceded by a service at 6 p.m. in the cathedral and a light dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Cathedral Centre. Learn more on the cathedral’s website.
External Events
Webinar helps churches consider energy savings
Faith and the Common Good, a national interfaith network, is hosting an Energy Savings Webinar for churches on Nov. 15 and Jan. 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It will look at incentives and rebates for retrofits, lighting, heating and cooling. It will also examine how a United Church in Toronto reduced its lighting consumption by 10 per cent and saved money. The webinar marks the launch of a three-year project to help faith communities measure their energy and greenhouse gas footprint. Register online for the Nov. 15 webinar.
Resources
Lenten prayer journals available at Synod
This Lent, Archbishop Colin Johnson invites you to join him in a journey of prayer offered by the Society of St. John the Evangelist and the Center for the Ministry of Teaching at Virginia Theological Seminary. Each day in Lent, participants will be emailed a short video on a verse from the Gospel or First Epistle of John. Individuals can use the accompanying prayer journal to record their reflections. Small group resources, including discussion and activity suggestions, are available online. For more information or to sign up, visit www.meetingjesusinjohn.org. Copies of the prayer journal will be available for $2 each at the Resources Booth at Synod.
Resources available for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
The next Week of Prayer for Christian Unity will take place Jan. 18-25, 2018. This is an annual ecumenical celebration that invites Christians around the world to pray for the unity of all Christians, reflect on scripture together, participate in ecumenical services and share fellowship. The theme for 2018 comes from the Caribbean region: “Your right hand, O Lord, glorious in power” (Exodus 15:6). Resources for churches are available on the Week of Prayer website, including worship service templates, hymn suggestions, children’s resources, Bible study questions, bulletin inserts and poster templates.
Bishop’s Scholar Program supports Trinity D.Min students
The College of Bishops is seeking applicants for its Bishop’s Scholar Program, which provides tuition for up to four years of full-time study to a prospective Doctor of Ministry student at Trinity College. For the terms of the program and application requirements, see the information sheet. To be considered, indicate your intention to apply by Nov. 24 and send a two-page reflection and cover letter to Mary Conliffe, Diocesan Executive Assistant, at mconliffe@toronto.anglican.ca no later than Dec. 1.
Clergy asked to share thoughts on theological education
The Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE) is developing new video resources to encourage participation in theological education for lay and ordained people. When completed, these resources will be made available to help clergy encourage their parishioners to consider opportunities for theological education. As part of this process, OPCOTE is asking clergy in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario to take a short survey to share their perspectives about theological education and awareness of current offerings provided by Anglican and Lutheran schools and programs in the province.
Vestments available for free
St. John, Blackstock has the following vestments to give away: 18 adult choir gowns, choral classic alb-style, oatmeal colour; choir stoles in green, blue, red, purple and gold; 10 children’s cassocks and surplices. Contact lawrelin@gmail.com.
Job Postings
York-Credit Valley seeking youth coordinator
York-Credit Valley is looking for a vibrant Christian who is passionate about nurturing and expanding youth ministry in the area. The area coordinator will engage and equip youth leaders to nurture the faith formation of youth in their parishes and communities; develop, nurture and maintain communication with churches to support and animate youth ministry; and be an active member of the Archbishop’s Youth Ministry Committee, which plans youth events and promotes youth ministry in the Diocese. This is a part-time (15 hours per week) paid position on a year-long renewable contract. The deadline to apply is Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. Learn more about the position and the application process on the York-Credit Valley page.
Parish administrator wanted
Holy Family, Heart Lake in Brampton is seeking a parish administrator to support the mission of the parish. The successful candidate will have 5-10 years of experience providing administrative support; experience with Microsoft Office applications; basic accounting experience, including knowledge of Quickbooks; and attention to detail. For a list of duties, see the position description. Send applications to info@holyfamilybrampton.ca.