Bulletin Board is the Diocese’s bi-weekly e-bulletin for clergy and lay leaders. To subscribe to Bulletin Board, email your name, parish and email address to editor@toronto.anglican.ca or sign up online.
Clergy conference registration now open
This year’s clergy conference will be held May 25-27 at Brock University. It is open to paid active clergy, including retired clergy in paid interim roles. Other retired clergy are welcome to attend if places are available. The theme is “Preaching Luke, Hope for Our Times” with guest speaker Dr. Paula Gooder, a writer and lecturer in biblical studies with a passion for igniting people’s enthusiasm for reading the Bible today. Visit the registration page for more information and to register. Registration closes May 9.
Our Faith-Our Hope grant applications due April 15
Parishes and congregations in the Diocese are invited to submit applications to receive Our Faith-Our Hope: Re-imagine Church grants in the following areas: leadership development; pioneering ministry; communicating in a wireless world; enabling parishes to become multi-staffed; and adaptive re-use of parish facilities. Spring applications are due by April 15. Learn more on the Our Faith-Our Hope page.
Volunteers needed for General Synod
The Diocese is looking for volunteers to help at the 41st General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, being held July 7-12 in Richmond Hill. Possible tasks include greeting delegates at several locations, providing on-site hospitality, and staffing the registration and information desks. Volunteers will be reimbursed for travel to and from the hotel, receive meals on site, have access to a volunteer lounge and receive the opportunity to observe some of the sessions of General Synod. To submit your interest, complete the application form and return it by April 30 by email to Cynthia Majewski at cynthia_majewski@hotmail.com or by fax to Pamela Boisvert at 416-363-7678.
Faith groups invited to workshop on welcoming newcomers
With churches sponsoring Syrian refugees to Canada now and in future months, ECULINKS Etobicoke, in collaboration with Islington United Church, is sponsoring a workshop to help faith groups become more aware of Syrian culture, be more sensitive to the needs of newcomers and work together to address sponsorship issues. The workshop will take place on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke. The guest speaker is Mahmoud Allouch, Syria project coordinator at the Arab Community Centre of Toronto. Participants will have the opportunity to learn, share and collaborate with those who have made a sponsorship commitment and those who are considering sponsorship. Register online for free. For more information, contact Peter Lindsay at peterlindsay101@gmail.com or Barbara Sheffield at b.sheffield@rogers.com.
Reach Grant deadline approaching
Is the spirit of God moving in your community, 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 April 12. The pitch day for proposals is April 20. Visit the Reach Grants page for more information.
Church seeking small altar
St. Timothy, North Toronto is looking to borrow an altar or a small table that can be used as an altar. This could be a temporary arrangement, or more permanent if desired. Approximate dimensions sought are 48-60” long, maximum 30” wide, and 39” tall. Contact Trish Beck at trish.beck@icloud.com or the church office at 416-488-0079.
Criminal record check forms updated
All criminal record checks in the Diocese are processed by XpressChek, the approved background checking service. XpressChek has moved, and effective immediately the new mailing address is 140 Yonge St., Suite 200, Toronto, ON M5C 1X6. The forms and instructions for obtaining a criminal record check in the Diocese have been updated and can be found on the Screening Forms and Resources page. Note that the fax and email address remain the same.
Diocesan youth event explores indigenous issues
Registration is open for Interface, a diocesan workshop that empowers youth to live out their faith in their communities. This year’s event will focus on the theme “Exploring Indigenous Issues” through hands-on exercises led by KAIROS Canada and Canadian Roots Exchange. It will take place on April 16 from 10:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Church of the Incarnation, 15 Clairtrell Rd., Toronto. The cost is $10 per person, including lunch, payable by PayPal or at the door. Learn more and register online.
First patient ombudsman to speak at ACW meeting
The diocesan Anglican Church Women is holding its annual general meeting on May 14 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at St. Thomas, Brooklin. This year’s theme is “Walking By Faith,” with keynote speaker Christine Elliott, Ontario’s first patient ombudsman. Registration opens at 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $30 and can be picked up at the door or mailed for paid orders received before May 4 (provide a self-addressed stamped envelope). For more information, contact the ACW by phone at 416-363-0018, by email at acw@toronto.anglican.ca or by mail at 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, ON M5C 1L8.
Lay anointers invited to refresher day
Archbishop Colin Johnson will speak on the topic of prayer at a Lay Anointers Refresher Day on April 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Trinity Church, Aurora. Participants can also choose one of two workshops in the afternoon:
- The Rev. David Bryan Hoopes, OHC teaching on sacramental prayer.
- The Rev. Jo-Anne Billinger offering “All Who Are Called Are Worthy,” a workshop exploring the calling to healing ministry.
The cost is $20, payable at the door. For more information, contact the Rev. Stephen Kern at skern@spoth.ca or 905-477-1991. Register online by April 24.
Tickets on sale for Bishop’s Company Dinner
Tickets are now available for the 2016 Bishop’s Company Dinner on April 21. The evening begins with a reception at Holy Trinity, Trinity Square at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at the Toronto Marriott, Eaton Centre at 7 p.m. Bishop Mark MacDonald, the national indigenous Anglican bishop, will be the guest speaker.
Funds raised from the dinner support the bishop’s emergency fund, which supports 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.
Tickets are $200 for individuals and $1,750 for parish tables. Buy your tickets online.
Youth invited to summer gathering
Registration is open for the 2016 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering, an event of fun, learning, worship and spiritual growth. This year’s gathering takes place Aug. 17-21 at the University of Prince Edward Island. Youth participants aged 14-19 from the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are invited to attend. Learn more on the CLAY 2016 website.
Habitat for Humanity holds faith information sessions
Habitat for Humanity GTA is holding faith information sessions for its Interfaith Outreach Committee. Participants will learn about what Habitat is doing in neighbourhoods throughout the GTA and how churches can join in. Three sessions are being offered:
- April 5 at 6 p.m. at 155 Bermondsey Rd., Toronto.
- April 6 at 6 p.m. at Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave., Newmarket.
- April 7 at 6 p.m. at 268 Rutherford Rd. S., Unit 5, Brampton.
Henri Nouwen Society hosts anniversary events
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Henri Nouwen’s death, the Henri Nouwen Society is hosting two events in Toronto to honour his legacy and impact. On May 13 at 8 p.m., popular writer Anne Lamott will speak at Convocation Hall at the University of Toronto in a talk called “Henri & Me.” Steve Bell, the award-winning singer, songwriter and storyteller, will also be featured. Learn more and buy tickets online.
The society’s international conference will take place June 9-11 at the University of Toronto Mississauga. The conference will bring together Nouwen experts, authors and lecturers in keynote and breakout presentations. The cost is $750 (including meals), with accommodations available at an extra cost. Learn more and buy tickets on the society’s website. Some subsidized tickets are available for students or those who would not otherwise be able to attend; for more information, contact Colette Halferty at chalferty@henrinouwen.org.
Archbishop hosts clergy at town hall meetings
Archbishop Colin Johnson is inviting clergy to join him for a time of conversation on the future of the Diocese. He would like to hear feedback on the possibility of reconfiguring the episcopal areas and reducing the number of suffragan bishops, along with any other topics of concern that clergy would like to raise. Six town hall meetings have been scheduled:
- April 11, 9:30 a.m. at Grace Church in Scarborough
- April 21, 1:30 p.m. at St. John the Baptist (Dixie)
- May 2, 9:30 a.m. at St. George, Allandale
- May 3, 7:30 p.m. at St. John, York Mills
- May 9, 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke, Peterborough
- May 16, 1:30 p.m. at the Cathedral Centre
These meetings are not mandatory. Clergy may choose to attend any meeting that is convenient for them. Register online.
York-Credit Valley churchwardens invited to evensong
Bishop Philip Poole invites churchwardens and deputy churchwardens of the parishes of York-Credit Valley to a special commissioning service to recognize and affirm their valuable ministry. Evensong will be held at 4 p.m. on April 17 at St. Peter, Erindale, followed by a wine and cheese reception in the parish hall. All clergy, churchwardens and their guests must register online by April 9.
Wycliffe hosts annual Refresh conference
Wycliffe College is hosting its annual Refresh conference, a spirituality conference featuring some of the world’s finest speakers, warm fellowship, stimulating workshops and inspiring worship. This year’s event will be held May 6-7 at Knox Presbyterian Church, 630 Spadina Ave., Toronto, with the theme “Strength in Weakness.” Speakers include Richard Foster, Nathan Foster, Sharon Garlough Brown, Christopher Wright, Sharon Y. Ramsay and Wanda Malcolm. Learn more and register online on the Wycliffe College website.
Parish teams invited to worship conference
Liturgy Canada invites parish worship teams to “Real Presence: the Gathered Community,” the first of four conferences on renewing Eucharistic worship. The conference will take place on April 23 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Christ’s Church Cathedral, 252 James St. N., Hamilton. The cost is $35 per person or $125 for a parish team of up to five people ($25 per person after the first five). Register online. For a list of workshops, visit the Liturgy Canada website.
Panel to discuss physician-assisted death
St. Matthew, First Avenue is hosting a panel discussion on the implications of and possible responses to physician-assisted death in Ontario. The event will take place on April 13 at 7:30 p.m. at 135 First Ave., Toronto. The panel includes a doctor, a palliative care hospital chaplain, a representative of the Canadian Disability Alliance and a philosophy professor from Ryerson University. This event is free and open to everyone.
Conference explores Christian healing ministry
The Region 8 (Ontario) chapter of the International Order of St. Luke the Physician is holding a conference open to anyone interested in learning about and being encouraged in Christian healing ministry. The event will take place on May 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Simon’s Anglican Church, 1450 Litchfield Rd., Oakville. Registration costs $20 and is available online. For more information, email editor@oslRegion8.org.
Marathon to close streets
The annual GoodLife Fitness Toronto Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, May 1 and will result in street closures. Marathon and 10K races begin at 7:30 a.m. and the half marathon begins at 8:30 a.m. Police will be at major intersections to direct traffic, but drivers should expect some delays. For a full list of road closures and times, visit the event website.
Scholar-Priests conference coming to Toronto
The Society of Scholar-Priests is holding its 2016 conference at Trinity College from June 9-11. This year’s event will focus on what it means to be oriented to wise action through the lens of serving and leading as engaged priests and scholars. Learn more on the conference website and register online.
Episcopal areas hold leadership workshops
Are you a leader in your parish or thinking about becoming one? Not sure what to do or what’s involved? Save the date for a parish administration workshop in your episcopal area:
- York-Simcoe: April 30 at St. Paul, Innisfil. Register online.
- Trent-Durham: May 7 at St. Paul, Lindsay. Register online.
Cottages on Lake Simcoe available to clergy
Anglican clergy (licensed priests and deacons) and their families are invited to rent cottages at a reasonable cost at The Church Camp on Lake Simcoe in July and August. Two- and three-bedroom cottages are fully equipped except for bedding and towels. Rental costs are $963 for a month, $292 for a week or $53 daily. For more information or to book a cottage, contact Kathy Forster at kathymil@cogeco.ca or 905-320-1112.
Webinar examines Christian healing
InterChurch Health Ministries Canada is holding a webinar called “The Church as a Place of Health and Healing” on April 19 at 7:30 p.m. It will examine the theological foundations of Christian healing ministry and survey its biblical origins, historical development, the various forms it has taken and how parish nursing continues to evolve within this framework. Visit the ICHM website for more information, and register by emailing info@ichm.ca.
Director of music/organist wanted
Trinity Church, Aurora is seeking a director of music/organist for a minimum of 20 hours per week. The successful applicant will have experience in traditional church forms while embracing newer Christian music. The ability to play the organ and piano, as well as skills in leading and teaching choral and instrumental music, is mandatory. Qualifications include a minimum of five years of choral, organ and music experience in an Anglican church or equivalent relevant setting; a flexible approach to changing ministry needs; the ability to serve a theologically progressive community; strong communication skills; and the ability to relate well with volunteers and staff. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience according to RCCO guidelines. Forward a resume and cover letter to the Chair, Selection Committee, Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St., Aurora, ON L4G 1R3 or to trinity@trinityaurora.ca by June 30. Before applying, review the job description at www.trinityaurora.ca
