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
Pension plan applauds changes to target benefit plan framework
In its 2019 budget, the Ontario government announced that it will update the target benefit pension plan framework to include multi-employer pension plans with participating employers outside of the collective bargaining environment. Anglican dioceses and other employers in the General Synod Pension Plan (GSPP) will now be properly recognized as participating employers in a target benefit multi-employer pension plan. The GSPP expects this will lead to permanent solvency funding relief. For more details, see the press release.
Bishop shares thoughts in Easter video
Bishop Andrew Asbil’s video message for Easter is available on the home page of the diocesan website and on its social media channels.
Diocesan Events
Downtown parishes host Good Friday walks
This Friday, two downtown parishes are hosting walks that connect the suffering and death of Jesus with those who suffer in our present society:
- Members of All Saints, Sherbourne St., located at the epicentre of the opioid crisis in downtown Toronto, will walk through the neighbourhood from 10 a.m. to noon, stopping at 14 places where community members have overdosed and died. The walk will begin and end at All Saints.
- Starting at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square at 2 p.m., the 40th annual Ecumenical Good Friday Walk for Justice will process through various stations and return to Holy Trinity for a simple supper at 5 p.m.
Bishop to hold town hall meetings
Bishop Andrew Asbil is holding five town hall meetings in early May to hear from lay people about their hopes, fears and dreams for their parishes and the Diocese. All are invited. For more details, including dates and locations, see the related story. Those planning to attend are asked to register online.
Cathedral holding bike drive
St. James Cathedral is seeking used but roadworthy bikes for migrant farm workers in the Beaverton area. Bikes allow the workers to travel to nearby towns, attend church and access community events and services. Bikes can be dropped off during the Bike Drive on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside the cathedral. There will be refreshments and a short presentation, and the bikes will be blessed and driven to Beaverton. Visit stjamescathedral.ca/bikes for more information, or email jabaines@stjamescathedral.ca if you have a bike to donate.
Details available for annual FLAME conference
FLAME Toronto (Fellowship Learning for Anglican Men Everywhere) will welcome the Rev. Canon Gary van der Meer as the speaker at its 2019 conference on Sept. 20-22 at Jackson’s Point Conference Centre. The theme will be “Whoever is not against us is for us.” For more information, visit the FLAME Toronto website.
Area Events
MAID discussion to be live streamed
York-Scarborough is hosting an event on medical assistance in dying, the law and faith on May 4 from 1-4 p.m. at St. Andrew, Scarborough. It will also be live streamed on YouTube, and most York-Scarborough deaneries will have a parish streaming it so groups can meet closer to home. The panelists will be Dr. Karen Coranon, a practising doctor and educator; Jan Goddard, a practising lawyer; the Rev. Canon Douglas Graydon, coordinator of chaplaincy services for the Diocese; and the Rev. Dr. Eric Beresford, ethicist. Questions can be submitted at the end of group discussion, including from the satellite locations. Download the poster.
Parishes explore social justice issues
Elin Goulden, Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, will present two workshops in York-Simcoe on the connection between outreach and advocacy, and how advocacy is part of the Church’s public witness. Both are free and open to neighbouring parishes:
- April 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. James, Orillia on the theme “Charity with Justice.” To RSVP, contact Maryan Vincent.
- April 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. James, Sutton with the theme “Advocacy: What, Why and How.” To RSVP, contact the Rev. Nancy Glover.
Area to gather for Thy Kingdom Come
Members of York-Credit Valley are gathering to celebrate Thy Kingdom Come, a global ecumenical wave of prayer between Ascension Day and Pentecost. Join Bishop Jenny Andison and Ali McIntosh, area youth coordinator, for an informal worship and prayer party on June 7 at 7 p.m. at Christ the King. Register online. The area’s Evangelism Task Force has also gathered resources for individuals and parishes.
Area hosts second discussion on MAID
York-Credit Valley will host the second part of its discussion on medical assistance in dying on May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Stephen, Downsview. This session will look at practical implications of MAID for pastors, medical professionals and caregivers, with the aim of thinking through the choices and what the range of faithful Christian responses can be. Learn more and register online.
Clergy invited to lunch & learn
York-Credit Valley clergy are invited to attend a discussion on conflict management led by Br. Reginald-Martin Crenshaw, along with a case study on how to navigate the proposed changes to the Marriage Canon in their parishes. It will take place on May 7 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale. Learn more and register online.
External Events
Conference focuses on women in ministry
“Junia’s Daughters: A Conference for Every Woman in Ministry” will explore topics like wage justice, healthy sexuality, and maintaining a vibrant personal, professional and spiritual life. All women involved or interested in ministry (lay or ordained) are encouraged to attend. It will take place on May 25 at Wycliffe College. The early-bird price of $50 ends on May 1. Bursaries are available. For more details, see the conference website.
Retreat explores Celtic consciousness
Five Oaks, an interfaith/intercultural spiritual centre, is holding a three-day retreat on Celtic spirituality with John Philip Newell, author and former warden of Iona. It will take place from July 2-4 in Paris, Ont. Bursaries are available. The event is already three-quarters full. Learn more and register on the Five Oaks website.
Registration open for peacemaking conference
Voices for Peace is a one-day conference on peacemaking steeped in the spirituality of Thomas Merton and Henri Nouwen. It will be held on April 27 at the Henri Nouwen Centre, 95 St. Joseph St., Toronto. Tickets range from $15 to $25. Get more information and register online.
Resources
Free refectory table available
A hand-built, solid oak refectory table is available free to an individual, church or institution. It was built more than 40 years ago by a former parishioner, churchwarden and treasurer at St. Olave, Swansea. It would be suitable in a library, student centre or large dining room. The table is 106 1/2” long, 38 ½” wide and 30” tall. The top and base separate so it can be moved. For more information, contact Jean Elliott at 650-714-1253.
AURA seeking office space for rent
Does your parish have spare office space for rent? AURA, the Anglican-United Refugee Alliance, is looking for office space to rent from a Toronto parish. It would be able to pay up to $1,000 a month for a space, preferably above ground, that includes:
- Lockable office space for three desks, filing cabinets and a copier/printer
- Phone and internet connection (paid for by AURA)
- Access to a meeting area, which could be shared with the parish
- Flexible access, as the nature of the work is not 9-to-5
If you have space to rent or would like to ask further questions, contact Alex Hauschildt at ahauschildt@auraforrefugees.org or 416-588-1612.
Resources available for health and safety
The Ministry of Labour requires Ontario businesses to post a copy of the Green Book (Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations) so that workers know about their rights. Most workplaces must also put up posters and other information to keep workers safe and to make sure they know their rights. The Green Book and a joint health and safety poster template are available for purchase from the Occupational Safety Group.
Lectionary resources mark Earth Sunday
Parishes celebrating Earth Sunday on April 28 are invited to download a reflection on the lectionary readings from the Environmental Resources page.
Ecclesiastical provides free advice
From time to time, parishes may need help managing workplace issues, including legal advice; developing policies for staff or volunteers; drafting employment contracts; terminations; dealing with harassment; and property issues. Confidential access to HR professionals, lawyers and counsellors is available through Ecclesiastical Insurance. Parish leaders can contact Ecclesiastical directly, free of cost, with their Master Program Policy number and Certificate of Insurance number. For more details, visit the HR Resources for Parishes page.
Pension Office available for questions
Looking for information on your church pension? Contact the Pension Office at 416-960-2484 or 1-800-265-1070 and speak to:
- Iyona Tumiati, ext. 210, for active member benefit questions, new enrollment, terminations and CEP.
- Yvonne Ng, ext. 219, for retiree benefit questions, premiums and T4s.
- Emily Honoridez, ext. 214, for accounting, credit memos and pre-authorized debits.
- Sonia Bernard, ext. 203, for general inquiries.
Job Postings
Parish seeks nursery coordinator
St. Mary and St. Martha, Toronto is looking to fill a nursery coordinator ministry position. This is a part-time contract position for three hours per week on Sunday mornings. The role would be to welcome, nurture and help develop a comfortable, safe and predictable community for children age 4 and under and their parents or guardians. For more details, see the job posting.
Custodian wanted
St. Mary, Richmond Hill is seeking an experienced full-time custodian with an annual salary of $30,000 plus benefits. Apply to office@saintmarysanglican.ca by April 24.
Children, youth and family minister position open
St. Mary and St. Martha, Toronto is hiring a children, youth and family minister. The parish is looking for someone with a heart for young people and the passion to help form children and young people as disciples of Jesus Christ and full members of the Church. The position is 25 hours per week. For more information see the job posting.
