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A hybrid (inperson/virtual) meeting of the Synod Council of the Diocese of Ontario was held on Tuesday October 25, 2022. Highlights of the meeting include:  

Aveleigh Kyle offered a devotional piece on stress and the need to take time for oneself.

Bishop Michael Oulton remarked from the House of Bishops meeting at Mt. Carmel in Niagara Falls. He mentioned that in the past few weeks that he attended all of the scheduled ACW regional meetings. The bishops are reflecting on this past summer’s Lambeth Conference. Of particular concern is the environmental tree project, which is already happening in this diocese. The bishop also congratulated all those who ran for office in our municipal elections on Monday, and commended their public service.

For the COVID-19 status report, the diocese is still at the same level, encouraging people to mask when appropriate and to keep up with vaccinations.

DFO Alex Pierson presented the Rev. Canon Peter Case, who discussed diocesan investments, and a revised policy for investments that clearly include socially responsible investing. Alex Pierson presented property and legal issues of the diocese.

The Ven. Wayne Varley spoke about the Green Group and Doors, and presented updates on both groups.

The Rev. Trish Miller spoke about the resources available for Stewardship and Congregational Development.

The Rev. Lynn Mitchell talked about the new hymnal supplement, Sing a New Creation, and plans for a diocesan workshop in 2023 on this.

DFO Alex Pierson presented the Budget for 2023, with its assumptions, and plans to deal with the deficit projected. He presented the issue of a need for funding which had arisen recently from the closure of the Providence Center, and the need to find an alternative place for the lay leaders conference. A motion to add a $10,000 adjustment to the 2023 budget for lay readers was moved, seconded, and passed.

Alex Pierson presented four motions concerning the budget for 2023:

  1. Stipend and Salary grids – to increase the base grid by 4% for 2023.
  2. Travel Reimbursement – to maintain a $.61 per kilometer rate for 2023 for the first 18,000 km, and then a $.40 per kilometer rate beyond that.
  3. Housing allowance – to increase the guidelines for the allowance by 3.5%, for an increase of $960 per annum to $28,378.
  4. Sunday Supply – to have the rate of $87 for the first service (without sermon), and $173 (with sermon), with $43 for each additional service, and an hourly rate of $32 otherwise.

All motions were approved by Synod Council.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Synod Council will be Tuesday November 22, 2022 at 6 pm. This meeting will be online only.

The approval of the minutes of the October 25 meeting are pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact David Selzer, Diocesan Executive Officer (Pro Tem), by email at dselzer@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone at (613) 777-0540.