Call for General Synod 2022 Nominations
The Diocesan Nominating Committee is calling for nominations to be received by September 8, 2021 for General Synod 2022. All voting members of Diocesan Synod are entitled to make nominations of any voting members of Synod.
Pre-Synod Meetings
Why are Pre-Synod meetings specially important this year?
Synod members are encouraged to attend Pre-Synod meetings to watch detailed presentations about the key business topics that will be voted on and discussed at Synod, such as:
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  • Constitution and Canon changes
  • Financial overview
  • Priorities and Plans for 2021-2022 and Budget for 2022

The meetings will be content-rich to ease some of the pressure from Synod’s Agenda.

Mark your calendar to hold one of the following dates for a virtual meeting:
  • Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021
  • York-Simcoe from 9 am to 12 noon
  • Trent-Durham from 1 pm to 4 pm

  • Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021
  • York-Scarborough from 9 am to 12 noon
  • York-Credit Valley from 1 pm to 4 pm

Stay tuned for more information about registration and virtual meeting coordinates!
FaithWorks 25th Anniversary
In 2021, FaithWorks is celebrating its 25th anniversary. We are celebrating the hard work and contributions of so many over the past quarter century. We are recognizing today’s front-line workers in the war on poverty, exploitation, and indifference, made so much more difficult by this pandemic. We are celebrating new hope and new life for those assisted through FaithWorks. We are celebrating that FaithWorks has raised over $35 million since its inception to help those in need.
This year’s campaign is a very special effort as a generous donor has offered a $100,000 matching challenge grant for all new and increased donations. That means for every dollar raised by parishes and individuals over last year’s amount, FaithWorks receives an extra dollar.

At the heart of the FaithWorks Campaign are the parishes who are committed to building communities of compassion and hope. Building on the success of last year’s effort, Bishop Andrew issued a 100+1% challenge to parishes in support of our 25th anniversary campaign. We are asking every parish in the Diocese to enthusiastically promote and participate in this year’s FaithWorks campaign – that is the 100. We are asking each parish to set a fundraising goal that exceeds its 2020 result by at least 1% of its annual offertory amount in that year as well.

Imagine what can happen if every parish participates and every Anglican gives just 1% more. Imagine the difference we can make in the lives of ordinary people who are in deep need, especially emerging from pandemic. Imagine how our simple offering lifts our neighbour and helps us all to live, move and fulfill God’s work on earth.
Q&A
Thank you for submitting your questions. Here are the questions we answered since our last newsletter:

Equipment
Q: I have an iPad, not a computer. Will that be an acceptable device to use?
A: Yes, you can use an iPad to join Synod and Pre-Synod events. However, it’s not ideal especially if you are a voting Synod member. The screen proportions shift a little and the link to vote, to the help buttons and the phone in number won’t be as easy to see or access as it would in a computer, however you can get used to it.

Accessibility
Q: Will you be providing closed captioning at this year’s Synod? 
A: Yes, we will be providing closed captioning at all area Pre-Synod meetings and Synod.

Agenda
A: Yes.

Q: Will there be voting business to attend to as well on Thursday evening?  
A: No voting is planned for Thursday, November 25th.

Q: Is there an Agenda outline for Nov. 26th and Nov. 27th?
A: The Agenda Committee is currently working on the Agenda for Synod, so we do not have confirmation regarding timing. More information will be included in the Convening Circular.
We hope you have found this newsletter helpful. Another newsletter will be sent to you soon. In the meantime, send us your questions about 2021 Regular Synod and we will do our best to answer it in our next newsletter.