bouTABCOM NOTES
JANUARY 1, 2025
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FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER | |
Are you struggling to prepare an after-Christmas sermon? We are here to help!
Here is an after-Christmas sermon from Rev. Ron Bouthillette our Associate Executive minister in Church Relations.
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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES & CAMPS | |
ORDINATION OF REV. MONICA PAIGE
In collaboration with ABC-USA, TABCOM and the Boston SouthWest Association an ordination for Rev. Monica Paige was held Dec.8, 2024. 3pm at Morning Star Baptist Church, MA. Clergy and friends from across New England and beyond attended. It was a beautiful day in the Lord.
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ORDINATION OF REV. ANNETTE ROWELL-THOMAS
A holy celebration at Messiah Baptist Church in Brockton for the ordination of Rev. Annette Rowell-Thomas. Rev. Annette serves as the moderator of the Old Colony Baptist Association.
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A part of the TABCOM community for over a century Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center offer a beautiful and quiet setting to host your retreat or event. A stone's throw from the beach and only minutes from the highway, we are ideally located for any type of retreat.
We have a variety of lodging options available and provide meals for groups big and small. Come relax and enjoy the natural beauty and welcoming hospitality of Oceanwood Camp and Conference Center.
For inquiries contact us at retreats@oceanwood.org or by phone at (207) 934-9655
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TELL US WHAT YOUR CHURCH IS DOING! | |
We would love to hear about the wonderful programs and initiatives happening in our TABCOM family of churches!
Sharing your stories not only inspires others but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among us. Whether it's a new outreach program, a successful event, or an ongoing ministry making a difference, your experiences can encourage and guide other congregations.
Please take a moment to share what your church is doing, so we can celebrate together and learn from each other's efforts. Your contributions will help us build a stronger, more united community in Christ.
Please send your information to robyn.mars@tabcom.org.
Don't forget to send photos!
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TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY | |
PRESENTING SoM TALKS!
What are SoM Talks?
SOM Talks are the School of Ministry’s version of TED Talks. They are a forum for speakers presenting well-formed ideas in under 18 minutes.
They are one of the new things coming from the School of Ministry this year for both past and present students.
We hope you will join us on January 18th at Red Oak Church in Springfield, MA as we create our very first SOM Talks.
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New Pastor's Day will be held on February 22, 2025. | |
TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING 2025 | |
SAVE THE DATE
May 2-3, 2025
Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center
189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM GENERAL SECRETARY REV. DR. GINA C. JACOBS-STRAIN
Dear Beloved American Baptists,
As we celebrate the joy and hope of this Advent Season, I want to thank each of you for the wonderful ways you support the mission of American Baptist Churches USA. In this season, we remember the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to bring peace to a world that desperately needed it as the angelic host proclaimed to the shepherds, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14, NRSV). This message of peace is not just for the past but is a gift to us today, and it calls us to be bearers of that peace in our world.
Read more here.
| EVERYDAY ABC CONVERSATIONS | |
An Everyday ABC Conversation Series: Harmony
Join us for a series of Everyday ABC Conversations focusing on the topic of Harmony. Future conversations around the topic of “Harmony” are planned at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Presenters: Rev. Michele Turek and Rev. Kay Farley
Go here to register and for more information.
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2025 BIENNIAL MISSION SUMMIT | |
You are invited to the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit from July 3-6, 2025, at the CHI Health Center Convention Center in Omaha, Nebraska.
With the theme “Come Seek Living Water,” this biennial event is the premier opportunity for American Baptists to gather, connect with one another, and hear directly from American Baptist partners and friends.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience! Register by January 10, 2025, to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your place at the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit event!
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We warmly invite you to bring your families and congregations as we worship together as one family of God and learn about the latest happenings across the American Baptist denomination. This vibrant "family reunion" will focus on creating meaningful connections across generations, with engaging activities for kids, young adults, and attendees of all ages.
The Biennial Mission Summit will feature numerous activities for children, alongside workshops and discussions that inspire fellowship and spiritual growth.
Learn more and register now at www.americanbaptists2025.com.
Delegates, please note: Information about allotted Delegates has been mailed to each church. Delegates must be elected by their church and be given the church's PIN number to register as voting delegates. Your attendance is expected at the Biennial Mission Summit, beginning with worship at 2:30 PM on Friday, July 4, 2025, and at the business session on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Please consider these dates and times when making your travel arrangements.
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SHINE THE LIGHT AWARD
Nominate an American Baptist woman or group who is an outstanding light-bearer for Christ.
This special recognition, established by American Baptist Women’s Ministries, honors outstanding women from local American Baptist churches who exemplify Christ’s light in the world.
Do you know an individual or a group who embodies collaboration, creativity, communication, and commission in their ministry work? This is your chance to celebrate their impact! Nominations can be submitted online until February 14, 2025.
The award can be granted to an individual or a group, highlighting their specific ministry projects as true light-bearers for Christ. The recipient will be honored at our annual gathering, and their achievements will be shared with our community and leadership.
For more details, visit www.abwomensministries.org/shinethelight and be part of this inspiring journey! Let's shine Christ’s light together!
Submit your nomination for the 2025 Shine the Light Award by February 14, 2025! For criteria, a downloadable PDF brochure, and nomination forms (downloadable or online submission), visit www.abwomensministries.org/shinethelight.
Click here to submit your nomination.
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Together, we are called to embody the radical hospitality of Christ, opening our hearts and lives to those who are new, different, or in need of our care. But what does this look like in action? And how are we, as a community, living out this sacred calling?
We invite you to explore these vital questions through a thought-provoking article featured in the Christian Citizen. Written by Rev. Dr. Christine A. Smith, Director of the Rudd Empowerment Center, the article titled "Welcoming the Stranger: How Are We Doing?" challenges us to reflect on how we engage with the strangers among us.
Rev. Smith offers powerful insights and practical wisdom to inspire us as we continue our faithful work.
Click here to read the article: https://christiancitizen.us/welcoming-the-stranger-how-are-we-doing/
We encourage you to share the article with your local circles and ministries as we explore what living out “Welcoming the Stranger” means in our everyday lives.
Blessings,
American Baptist Women's Ministries
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AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSION SOCIETY | |
ABHMS is pleased to announce a new job opening—National Coordinator, Healing and Transforming Communities—in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Do you have a passion for advocacy and justice? Do you have experience managing complex projects? Are you a natural networker? Is it important for you to work for an organization that advocates for all God’s people? If so, then this may be a ministry opportunity for you. For more information, visit https://abhms.org/ministry.../category/job-openings/ | |
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OUR ASSOCIATIONS AND CHURCHES | |
Adoniram Judson Baptist Association
The Rev. Dr. David Kilpatrick, Coordinator
C- (617) 799-0705, E-Mail: dklpat@umich.edu | Rev. Dr. Kilpatrick is also the Pastor of West Medford Baptist Church – West Medford
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Berkshire Baptist Association
The Rev. David Anderson, Moderator/Coordinator
C- (413) 652-4179, E-mail: d_anderson@mail.com
Rev. Anderson is also the Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church – North Adams
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Boston Southwest Association
The Rev. Dr. Moreen Hughes, Coordinator
C- (978) 430-5355, E-mail: mphug@msn.com
Rev. Dr. Hughes is also the Associate Pastor and Minister to Women and Families of Concord Baptist Church in Milton
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BSW SPRING GATHERING
Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025 for the BSW Spring Gathering. Details will follow later but we wanted to make sure you get this event on your calendar.
Nancy 617-230-9425
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Central Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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Merrimack Valley Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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Pioneer Valley Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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Samuel Stillman Baptist Association
The Rev. Dr. Loretta St. Louis, Coordinator
C- (617) 835-6767, stillmanarc@gmail.com
Rev. Dr. St. Louis is also the Associate Pastor for Congregational Care of Union Baptist Church – Cambridge
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TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH SEEKS A MUSIC DIRECTOR
Trinity Baptist Church, Arlington, MA, seeks a music director. The Music Director will be responsible for the planning, organization, conducting, and evaluation of music in Trinity’s worship. The music director will provide a variety of types of music presented, both traditional hymns and contemporary music. The music ministry will focus on the totality of our individual and corporate experience of God and create venues for and assist in expressions of praise and worship each Sunday morning.
The purpose of the music ministry is to facilitate an atmosphere in which God is worshipped and glorified.
We seek someone who can:
- Play the piano or pipe organ and lead our choir for Sunday worship.
- Provide music on the following mandatory holy days: Maundy Thursday, Easter, and Christmas Eve.
- Coordinate and hold a weekly rehearsal for choir throughout the year, with a weekly anthem.
- Choose hymns, by Thursday before worship, that align with the sermon topic and the church calendar and communicate with those who are preparing the order of worship.
- Collaborate with the Pastor, music committee, and other ministries regarding music programs.
- If chosen, provide music for weddings and funerals held at the church. Payment for such events is negotiated by the individual parties or funeral home directors.
A candidate who is familiar with church music is preferred. A background check will be conducted. Please contact Nola Anderson, music committee chair, at naa529@gmail.com.
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The next update to the TABCOM church Directory will be added to the TABCOM website on January 1, 2025. Please check your church’s listing in the directory for accuracy. You can download a copy of the directory from the members section of the TABCOM website. If you need the password for that section of the website, email robyn.mars@tabcom.org.
It takes many hours to keep our directory up to date, so it is imperative that you keep us updated as to staff, email and phone number changes. If you have edits and updates, please send these changes as soon as they take place to Rev. Diane L. Badger, diane.badger@comcast.net and we will include them in the update.
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TABCOM Voices broadcasts air on the second Sunday each month 5-6 PM. | |
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TABCOM Voices is looking for musical selections for the radio broadcast. Please send your selections to tabcom@tabcom.org | |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF JANUARY | |
JANUARY HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |