Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, sign up online. To submit an item, email editor@toronto.anglican.ca.
Diocesan Business
Diocesan email addresses rolled out
The Diocese has given each congregation three diocesan email addresses: one for the incumbent or priest-in-charge, one for the churchwardens and one for the parish administrator. Depending on your congregation’s needs, you may choose to use only the churchwarden and priest addresses. As of Oct. 1, all property and finance information will be sent only to the churchwarden.
Your congregation should have already received instructions on how to set up its email addresses. See the Email Directory to find your addresses and First Time Email Sign-In for instructions. For more details, contact Tracey Gordon at tgordon@toronto.anglican.ca.
Nominations sought for Provincial Synod
The Nominating Committee is calling for nominations for Provincial Synod 2021. Voting members of Diocesan Synod can nominate any other voting member of Synod. The election will take place at the 159th Regular Session of Synod on Nov. 8-9. The deadline for nominations is Sept. 24 at noon. For more details on how to submit a nomination, see the Provincial Synod page.
Diocesan Events
New dean to be installed
The Very Rev. Stephen Vail will be installed as Dean of Toronto on Sept. 8 at 4:30 p.m., and all are invited to attend. Doors will open at 3:45 p.m. A reception will follow in Snell Hall. Clergy are asked to register online if they intend to vest and process; the stole colour is white.
Save the date: pre-Synod meetings
Each episcopal area will hold a pre-Synod meeting to prepare for the upcoming Regular Session of Synod. This is the forum for Synod members to engage in discussion and debate on items being brought before Synod for approval. Learn more on the Pre-Synod Meetings page. The dates and locations are:
- Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie
- Oct. 24, 7-9 p.m. at St. John, York Mills
- Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Trinity Church, Aurora
- Oct. 26, 2-4 p.m. at St. Thomas, Brooklin
Lectures explore faith and the common good
Join St. James Cathedral for a three-part series that will explore how we understand the city around us, and how we as Christians can respond to its issues and concerns. The series will explore how faith can help point us forward to a way of life that benefits the common good of our neighbourhoods. The first lecture will take place on Sept. 18. Learn more on the cathedral’s website.
Tickets on sale for Bishop’s Company Dinner
The Bishop’s Company 58th Annual Dinner will take place on Oct. 18 from 5:30-9 p.m. at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Eaton Centre Hotel. This year’s speaker is Bishop Andrew Asbil. Tickets are available on the Bishop’s Company website. The early bird rate is $175 until Sept. 19, after which the cost will be $200. Staff will do their best to accommodate guests’ requests to sit with particular parishes or friends. If you have any questions, contact Melissa Doidge at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 243 or mdoidge@toronto.anglican.ca.
Youth retreat coming up
The annual ReCharge fall retreat for youth in Grades 6-12, is coming up on Sept. 13-15 at Muskoka Woods, with the theme “How to get closer to Jesus through our prayer life.” The cost is $105 for the first 100 people who register and $149 after that. Sign up online.
Register now for Lay Anointers Refresher Day
The annual Lay Anointers Refresher Day for currently licensed lay anointers is scheduled for Sept. 28 at St. James, Orillia. The day provides an opportunity for learning, worship and meeting other anointers. Register now. The cost is $30 at the door. For more details, see the Lay Anointers page or contact the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger at jbillinger@rogers.com.
Outreach Conference explores resilience and hope
The Outreach & Advocacy Conference will be held on Oct. 19 at Havergal College, with the theme “Grounded and Growing in Christ: Church as a centre of resistance and hope.” Participants will explore how the Church can counter injustice with strategies of resilience and hope. The cost is $30, or $15 for students or the unemployed. Learn more and register on the Outreach Conference page.
Area Events
Area youth ministers gather to brainstorm
York-Credit Valley is hosting a youth ministry summit on Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie. This event is for all those working in youth ministry in the area to hear what their colleagues are doing, learn about favourite resources and brainstorm. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to ycv.area.coordinator@gmail.com.
External Events
Save the date: children’s ministry conference
The Toronto Children’s Ministry Conference is a gathering of people dedicated to the spiritual growth of children – parents, church volunteers, ministry leaders and anyone who has a passion for ministering to children. This year’s conference will take place on Nov. 2 at Tyndale University College and Seminary. For updates, visit the conference website.
Liturgy conference explores the Sending
Liturgy Canada presents “God Sends Us in Mission,” the fifth event its Renewing Liturgy series, on Sept. 28 at All Saints Lutheran Anglican Church in Guelph. This conference will help to restore the Sending as an essential act in the Eucharistic celebration. The cost is $35 per person ($25 for students), or $125 for a team of up to five people. To learn more, visit www.liturgy.ca.
Refugee sponsors invited to housing workshop
One of the greatest challenges for refugee sponsors is finding suitable, affordable housing for refugee families. Eculinks Etobicoke and Islington United Church are hosting a free workshop on this topic for church and community sponsors on Sept. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Toronto. Register online. To learn more, contact Barbara Sheffield.
Resources
Bishop invites Diocese to join Season of Creation
Bishop Andrew Asbil is inviting the Diocese to participate in the Season of Creation, when Christians around the world give particular attention to praying and caring for God’s creation. This annual event takes place from Sept. 1 to Oct. 4. Prayers, hymns, lectionary reflections and more can be found on the diocesan website, the Anglican Church of Canada site and the international Season of Creation site.
Advocacy group offers federal election resources
Concerned about poverty, climate justice, and welcoming refugees? Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ), an ecumenical advocacy organization, has prepared an election bulletin with background information and questions to ask federal candidates. Visit the CPJ website to order a free hard copy or download it as a PDF. CPJ is also hosting a series of non-partisan townhall gatherings to learn about key policy issues and how to engage candidates. The Toronto event is on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at Christ Church, Deer Park. Register online.
Church musicians encouraged to apply for bursary
Are you looking for ways to develop, support and encourage creative musical and liturgical experimentation with the goal of fostering full liturgical participation by all age groups? Do you have ideas for exploring ways to enhance worship and musical creativity in your congregation? The Douglas C. Cowling Bursary in Liturgical Music is awarded annually to a part-time musician working in a parish in the Diocese of Toronto to further their own liturgical training or provide creative liturgical enrichment in their ecclesial setting. Applicants should outline how they intend to use the $5,000 bursary consistent with its purpose. Apply with a full proposal to cowlingbursary@gmail.com by Oct. 1.
Next Reach Grant deadline approaching
Is the spirit of God prompting you to try a new ministry idea to reach those not currently served by traditional church? Do you have the time, the people and the vision? Do you need some help with resources? Let us help you achieve that missional vision with a Reach Grant. Submit a proposal to reach@toronto.anglican.ca by Oct. 11. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.
Job Postings
Parish seeking director of children’s ministry
Grace Church on-the-Hill, Toronto is seeking a director of children’s ministry. This half-time role (20 hours per week) would start immediately. If interested, contact Chris Leonard at cleonard@gracechurchonthehill.ca for a complete job description.
Children, youth and family ministry leader wanted
St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale is seeking a ministry leader who will help to build and oversee a ministry of formation, fellowship and outreach with children, youth and young families. The position is 20 hours per week with a competitive hourly rate. To learn more, see the job post. Send a full CV and cover letter to the attention of the Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger at stpaultheapostlerexdale@gmail.com.
