Zoom link | Recordings Playlist (YouTube)
Synod staff members are pleased to begin offering the Synod Commons - a regular open forum online for clergy, parish lay officers and staff, and others who are interested.
Session topics will be announced in advance. Each session will typically include a presentation and time for questions (on the topic and if time, on any topic). Sessions will be held on first and fourth Tuesdays from 12:10 - 12:55 pm and will be recorded.
- February 3: Parish annual meetings with Chancellor David Bell
- February 24: Synod grants (new date)
- March 3: Canadian Bible Society
- March 24: Parish annual returns and forms (new date)
- April 7: CRA responsibilities with Treasurer Philip Shepherdson
- April 28: Safe Church with Synod Personnel Officer Ben Bourque
Past Commons Sessions
January 20: Decisions around Christ Church Cathedral
At the November 29 meeting of the Diocesan Council, it was agreed that a special session of Diocesan Synod would be called after Easter (now set as April 18) to discuss the future of Christ Church Cathedral, given the mounting costs of necessary repairs. In this edition, Archbishop David discusses the issues before the Cathedral congregation and synod regarding this building and the known options before us. This is a preamble to Greater Chapter meetings which will take place in each archdeaconry in March and which will be open to all Anglicans.
December 2: Small Parish, Big Impact
Canon Shawn Branch, Director of Mission & Ministry, chats with Cleo Cyr from the Parish of Hammond River about how this small parish is making a big difference in its local community and what we can all learn from their journey. The conversation also highlights how Shawn gets to come alongside parishes like Hammond River as they listen, dream, and respond to what God is doing in their midst.
November 4: Shared Ministry Budget
Key points:
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- Parish assessments are increasing as the early pandemic years have dropped out of the 3-year calculation formula.
- Parishes want to separate reporting of investment income by operating and non-operating
- Fundraising income for capital projects and emergency deferred maintenance may not necessarily need to be considered operating income.
- For 2026 there will be a 2% cost of living increase to the minimum stipend scale and housing allowances. It is recommended the same increase be applied to parish lay staff salaries. Health premiums are expected to rise by about 15%. Insurance premium numbers are expected late November.
- We are looking for requests for SMB reduction to be submitted by November 14.
- The 2026 budget will be brought to the November 29 Diocesan Council meeting.
October 7: Overview of the Synod Website