Congregational Handbook

PUBLICATION INFORMATION

The Congregational Handbook is a publication of the Diocese of Ontario and this version has been developed by the Stewardship and Congregational Development Committee.

This Handbook has been designed to grow and to be updated over time as contact information changes, new policies and procedures are approved, and key programs and core services are developed to meet the needs of the congregations of the Diocese.

Errors, omissions, and suggestions for additions to the Congregational Handbook should be directed to:

Mark Hauser
Communications Officer
Diocese of Ontario
165 Ontario Street
Kingston, ON
K7L 2Y6
Phone: 613-544-4774 x 125
Email: mhauser@ontario.anglican.ca

Table of Contents

1. The Wider Church

• 1.1 The Anglican Communion
• 1.2 The Anglican Church of Canada
• 1.3 The Anglican Church of Canada Map
• 1.4 The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario

2. The Diocesan Church—Leadership and Governance

• 2.1 The Diocese in Profile
• 2.2 Mission, Vision, and Strategic Direction
• 2.3 The Bishop of Ontario
• 2.4 The Diocesan Executive Officer
• 2.5 Diocesan Synod & Synod Council
• 2.6 Diocesan Committees & Committee Chairs
• 2.7 Diocesan Committee Profiles
• 2.8 Archdeacons
• 2.9 Regional Deans
• 2.10 Parishes of the Diocese of Ontario

3. The Diocesan Centre

• 3.1 General Information
• 3.2 Diocesan Centre Staff Directory
• 3.3 Diocesan Centre Staff Profiles
• 3.4 The Church Bookroom
• 3.5 The Anglican Diocese of Ontario Archives
• 3.6 Diocesan Communications
• 3.7 Camp Hyanto
• 3.8 Lay Readers Association

4. The Local Church

• 4.1 The Local Church
• 4.2 The Parish Council
• 4.3 Synod Delegates
• 4.4 Licence Agreement for Temporary Use of Church Property

5. The Local Church—The Office of Churchwarden

• 5.1 A History of the Office of Churchwarden
• 5.2 Appointment & Election to the Office of Churchwarden
• 5.3 The Term & Termination of the Office of Churchwarden
• 5.4 Legal Status of Churchwardens
• 5.5 Duties & Responsibilities of Churchwardens

6. Effective Finances—Resources to Assist Churchwardens and Treasurers

• 6.1 Financial Responsibilities – Overview
• 6.2 Accounting & Reporting System
• 6.3 Budgeting
• 6.4 Charitable Status & Charitable Receipting
• 6.5 Investing
• 6.6 Sales Tax Issues
• 6.7 Diocese of Ontario Summary of Insurance Coverages
• 6.8 Audit
• 6.9 Sample Financial Statements
• 6.10 Internal Control Questionnaire
• 6.11 Common Ministry and Mission/Assessable Income – FAQ’s

7. Stewardship

• 7.1 A Plan for Year-Round Stewardship & Communications
• 7.2 Narrative Budgets
• 7.3 Gift Planning—An Overview
• 7.4 Draft Gift Acceptance Policy & Sample Memorial Gift Acceptance Policy
• 7.5 Volunteer Management
• 7.6 Month-by-Month Giving Analysis
• 7.7 Diocesan Screening in Faith Policy
  1. screening in faith resources
• 7.8 Environmental Stewardship Best Practices
• 7.9 A Festival of Thanksgiving
• 7.10 Supplemental Documents
  1. Stewardship Follow-up Questionnaire
  2. Sample Stewardship Plan
  3. Best Practices in Stewardship

8. Leadership & Congregational Development Resources

• 8.1 Annual Clergy Review of Goals and Achievements
• 8.2 Sample Report—Annual Clergy Review
• 8.3 Natural Church Development (NCD)—Introduction & Contact Information

Canon of the Diocese of Ontario

• Table of Contents
• Section A
• Section B
• Section C
• Section D
• Glossary