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
Donations accepted for bishop-elect’s vestments
Anyone wishing to make a donation toward the cost of vestments for Bishop-elect Andrew Asbil, the coadjutor bishop, can do so through the diocesan website. Donors can visit the donation page and use the drop-down list to designate their gift.
Discretionary medical and dental grants now available
Discretionary medical and dental grants are now available for members of the Diocese’s extended health and dental plan who exceed their annual coverage. Grants will range from $500 to $1,500.
Those eligible for grants include participating members of the active and retired clergy and diocesan staff extended health and dental plan. Individuals must have completely depleted their extended health and dental benefits for the year.
The following are eligible for grants:
- Hospital accommodation.
- Professional services by licensed practitioners (must be the result of an illness or injury and supported by documentations from a medical practitioner).
- Dental care: major restorative services; dentures; orthodontics.
- Assistance with medical devices, including but not limited to: orthotics, hearing aids, braces, wheelchairs, back support.
For guidelines and application, visit the Benefits page. If you have any questions, contact the Rev. Richard Dentinger, CHRL at rdentinger@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021, ext. 232.
Diocesan Centre observing summer hours
The Diocesan Centre is closed on Fridays during July and August. The office is open Monday to Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Normal hours will resume after Labour Day.
Clergy asked to register for sexual misconduct policy training
The diocesan Sexual Misconduct Policy requires that all active clergy attend training every three years. Active clergy refers to incumbents, priests-in-charge, interim priests-in-charge, associate priests and assistant curates. It is mandatory that all active clergy attend one of these sessions. You must be present for the whole time. If you are unable to attend, speak directly with your area bishop.
Sessions will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Each day will include a review of the policy and procedures and a presentation by the guest speaker, Natasha L. Savoline, LLP. Register for one of the following:
- Tuesday, Sept. 18 at Trinity, Streetsville (map)
- Thursday, Sept. 20 at St. George, Allandale (map)
- Tuesday, Sept. 25 at St. John, Ida (map)
- Thursday, Oct. 4 at St. Andrew, Scarborough (map)
Register online by Sept. 7. Space is limited, so register early to ensure a spot at your preferred location.
First World War initiative promotes peace and hope
Remembrance 100 is a collaboration between Christian denominations, ministries and chaplaincies to help churches mark the centenary of the First World War. It has launched 100 Days of Peace and Hope, providing prayers, Bible readings, reflections and peace-making activities, which are available to download free. There is also a reflection from the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Diocesan Events
Toronto East Deanery shared service live streamed
On Sunday, Aug. 19 at 10:30 a.m., Bishop Kevin Robertson will celebrate a Sunday service with the parishes of the Toronto East Deanery. Everyone in the deanery is invited to take part in Bishop Robertson’s celebration up to the exchange of the Peace, and then celebrate the Eucharist with their own clergy. How? The service will be live streamed from St. Barnabas, Chester and available to parishes and parishioners on YouTube through their phones and tablets, or on screens in their church’s worship space. All are welcome to join the service online.
Tickets on sale for Bishop’s Company Dinner
Mark your calendars for the Bishop’s Company 57th Annual Dinner on Oct. 19 as we celebrate the ministry of Archbishop Colin Johnson. A discussion with the Archbishop will be moderated by Judy Maddren, formerly of CBC Radio’s World Report. The reception and dinner will take place at the Toronto Marriott Downtown Hotel from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available online. The event is expected to sell out, so book soon.
Help spread the word by sharing information about the dinner within your parish. Weekly or bi-weekly postings in your bulletin will let parishioners take advantage of the early-bird rate before Sept. 21. Any questions can be directed to Melissa Doidge at 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932) ext. 243 or mdoidge@toronto.anglican.ca.
Summit brings area youth leaders together
Bishop Jenny Andison and Alexandra McIntosh, the York-Credit Valley youth ministry coordinator, are hosting a summit for area youth leaders to network, ask questions, share ideas and plan collaboratively for the future of faith formation ministry in the area. The summit will take place on Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. John the Baptist, Dixie, 719 Dundas St. E., Mississauga. The event is open to paid, volunteer, clergy and lay leaders in youth ministry. Clergy involved indirectly in youth ministry in their parishes are also welcome. Learn more and register online by Sept. 7.
Registration open for outreach conference
The annual Outreach and Advocacy Conference will take place on Oct. 27 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Havergal College, 1451 Avenue Rd., Toronto. This event is an excellent opportunity for learning, sharing and networking among clergy and laypeople passionate about outreach, social justice and creation care. André Lyn, a veteran researcher and advocate on issues of homelessness, poverty and racism, who is also an active member of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea, will give the keynote address on the theme “Transformed Hearts, Transforming Structures.” Participants can choose from 10 workshops to deepen their understanding of and capacity to address a variety of justice issues. The cost for the day is $30 ($15 for students and low-income participants) and includes lunch. Learn more and register online. If your parish has not already received a poster advertising the conference, please contact Elin Goulden, the diocese’s Social Justice and Advocacy consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021, ext. 240.
Register now for fall youth retreat
ReCharge, the annual diocesan youth retreat, is scheduled for Sept. 21-23 at Muskoka Woods. It will include music, inspiring worship, speakers and friendship in the great outdoors. The cost is $90 per person until Sept. 1 or $105 after Sept. 1. An optional bus to and from North York will be available at a cost of $30. Learn more and register online.
Save the date: Social Media Sunday
The 2018 edition of Social Media Sunday is scheduled for Sept. 30. This annual event is a day to demonstrate the power of social media to help Christians around the world be and do church online and in between times of formal worship. Parishes and individuals are encouraged to participate in ways that make sense for them, such as live-tweeting the sermon, inviting friends to church online, checking in at church on Facebook, or sharing a photo or video, all using the hashtag #SMS18. For ideas on how to participate, join the Facebook group.
External Events
Parish teams invited to formation event
The Anglican Studies Program at Saint Paul University and St. Matthew, Ottawa are hosting “Journey to Baptismal Living: Becoming Communities of Transformation,” an intensive weekend of experience and training, on Oct. 26-28 in Ottawa. Parish teams of three or more are encouraged to participate. The cost per participant is $250, with third team members receiving a 50 per cent discount. For more details, see the registration page.
Resources
Participants sought for parish website project
The Communications department is seeking parishes interested in participating in its Parish Website Project, which helps parishes develop professionally designed, custom-built websites on WordPress, an easy-to-use platform. At the end of the project, parishes will be given training and assume control of their own websites. Interested parishes should have 2-4 team members who are prepared to think strategically about the purpose of their website and write content. Each parish is asked to contribute $500 toward the total cost. The next round of parishes will start in late September or early October. To learn more or express interest, email Martha Holmen, digital communications coordinator, at mholmen@toronto.anglican.ca.
Job Postings
Parish seeks youth minister
St. Barnabas, Chester is seeking a part-time youth minister to provide supervision and activities for an outreach effort to the neighbourhood for those in Grades 6-12. The successful candidate would also supervise Sunday School teachers for younger children and teach the older students. The position will run from Sept. 1, 2018 to Sept. 1, 2019, with the expectation of 10-12 hours per week. Remuneration will be based on experience and qualifications. For more details, see the job post. To apply, contact the Rev. Jeanette Lewis at 416-463-1344 or priest@stbarnabas-toronto.com
PWRDF seeks volunteers for campaign
PWRDF’s World of Gifts annual gift-giving campaign is looking for energetic volunteers who enjoy speaking on the phone and who are passionate about making a difference to people and communities around the world. The job entails taking telephone orders for the World of Gifts guide from Anglicans across Canada and completing the orders using the online process. Training will be provided. This opportunity is for weekdays in PWRDF’s Toronto office from late October to January (excluding the week between Christmas Eve and New Year’s). Training will take place in early October. For more information, contact Kim Umbach at kumbach@pwrdf.org or call 416-924-9199 ext. 367.
Organist and choir director wanted
St. Paul the Apostle, Rexdale is seeking a part-time director of music and organist to lead Sunday worship and music ministry and to lead the parish choir in a wide repertoire of hymns, service music and anthems. The successful applicant will enjoy teaching and help develop the musical skills of the choir in a positive and encouraging environment. The organ is a two-manual electronic Allen organ. The commitment will require slightly more hours at Christmas and Easter and fewer hours through the summer months. Availability to play at weddings and funerals would be an asset. Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications according to RCCO guidelines. If you have steel pan instruction experience, state this in your CV, although this experience is not necessary. To apply, send a full CV and cover letter to stpaultheapostlerexdale@gmail.com c/o Organist Search Committee. Applications will be received until Sept. 15 or until the post is filled.
Parish seeks children & family pastor
Church of the Transfiguration, Toronto is seeking a creative, energetic and engaging children’s pastor to lead its children’s and family ministry. The position starts at eight hours per week, leading the children’s ministry on Sunday mornings and evenings. The parish currently has 6-12 children aged 3-9 at its Sunday services, and it employs one early childhood educator as support for the pastor. Learn more on the church’s website. Submit a resume and cover letter to the Rev. Daniel Cranley at dcranley@churchofthetransfiguration.ca or call the church office at 416-489-7798 with any questions or inquiries.
Staff Changes
There have been several recent staff changes in the Synod Office:
- Patricia McIlhone has retired as the office receptionist. Livia Assuncao is now in this role.
- Amy Talbert, human resources manager, is on leave. Hitu Sood is now completing Amy’s responsibilities.
- Kathryn Rogers, treasurer and director of finance, has accepted a position with another organization. The Diocese is currently in the recruitment process for this role.
We wish both Patricia and Kathryn well and thank them for their ministry to the Church.
For a complete list of staff, see the list of departments.
