TABCOM NOTES
OCTOBER 1, 2024
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OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH | |
October is Pastor Appreciation Month!
As our teacher, counselor, comforter and one who unselfishly serves lets Encourage and show appreciation to our Pastors.
This is a great time to drop a note or a card or give a word of encouragement and pray for your pastor. Find your special way to say THANK YOU!
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As the leaves turn and fall, we are reminded that in every season of change, God's grace remains steadfast. Just as nature prepares for renewal, let us open our hearts to His transforming power and embrace the fresh opportunities He provides us in this season of faith. | | |
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We are seeking a new Director of Finance. This is a half-time position.
For a job description and more info, email Executive Minister Mary Day Hamel at miller@tabcom.org
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Registration is open!
Go here to register and to learn more about our program.
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NEW PASTOR'S DAY POSTPONED | |
The New Pastor’s Day scheduled for October 5, 2024 at the TABCOM offices has been postponed until Saturday March 1, 2025.
If you are a new pastor, newly ordained or new to our region, please join us that day at the TABCOM offices located at Grotonwood. At this gathering, led by Rev. Dr. Mary Day Hamel, our Executive Minister, we will introduce you to our staff who will tell you about TABCOM and their jobs in helping to support your ministry. Representatives from our partner ministries; the Conference of Baptist Ministers, MABIT, North Baptist Education Society, Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society will also be present to give you an overview of how they partner with us and our churches. Save the date! The day begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes by 2 PM. Lunch is included. If you have new staff at your church, encourage them to attend too. For further information you can contact Rev. Diane L. Badger at diane.badger@comcast.net.
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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES | |
CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. WILL SEALS AS SETTLED PASTOR AT TRINITY CHURCH OF NORTHBORO!
Trinity Church of Northboro is pleased to announce that on September 15, 2024, by an enthusiastic unanimous vote, we called the Rev. Will Seals to be our Senior Minister.
As Senior Minister of Trinity Church, Rev. Seals will have dual standing as an ordained minister with American Baptist Churches, USA and the United Church of Christ. Will has been Trinity's interim pastor for two years. Prior to Trinity, Will served as an interim and settled pastor for churches in Massachusetts and New York State. He is an ordained minister in American Baptist Churches, USA. He resides in Wilbraham, MA. Information about our installation ceremony will follow shortly.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO REV. ESTHER PEARSON and BETH EDEN BAPTIST CHURCH!
Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton University, New Jersey awarded to Beth Eden Baptist Church a "Ministry Collaboratory" Grant for Community Building with Young Adults.
Beth Eden in collaboration with CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) at Brandeis University will develop a community event for Young Adults.
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Photo: Rev Dr Esther Pearson, Pastor and Princeton Campus | |
CHRISTIAN YOUTH CONFERENCE 2024 (CYC) | |
This summer, 47 high school students, along with 50 staff, gathered in Ocean Park for the 2024 Conference. Once again, it was two unforgettable weeks of faith, fun, and fellowship. We built a Christ-centered community, embracing the diversity of our students and staff as we journeyed together in faith.
Each day, students participated in dynamic classes, uplifting chapel services, and activities designed to help them grow in their relationship with Jesus. We worshipped, studied, and laughed together, all while deepening our discipleship. From engaging Bible studies to leadership training, CYC prepared students not just to survive, but to thrive in their faith, even when the world throws challenges their way. It was a time of growth and joy!
We also faced malicious mosquitos, slippery bathroom floors, and deep mud puddles, amidst constant orbeez battles. Many days, the heat soared or the rain poured. There was even an alien invasion that included the kidnap of a time-traveling Ann Hasseltine as well as all of Camps Hasseltine and Judson. Dancing ensued. Definitely, no shortage of fun.
As always, we couldn’t have done it without the support of our broader CYC community—parents, pastors, alumni. We are also grateful to Oceanwood and the OPA for hosting us. Thank you for sending your teens, praying for us, and standing with us as we continue to grow in this important ministry.
Read CYC Reflections by Rev. Dr. Mary Day Hamel, TABCOM Executive Minister and first year faculty member here..
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Thanks to your votes, we made the Top Five in the
Boston Parents Paper Family Favorites Competition!
Our categories for this recognition were faith-based and sleepaway camps. There are a lot of those camps in New England, so this is an honor.
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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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ABHMS RELIEF FOR HURRICANE HELENE | |
We have been much in prayer for those impacted by hurricane Helene.
If you would like to share a donation, I commend to you our ABHMS. ALL of your gift there goes for disaster relief, and is managed carefully and responsibly.
(REMINDER that many “charities” will be contacting folks, and not all of them are legitimate - please be vigilant).
Give today to help ABHMS provide emergency relief to southern states affected by Hurricane Helene.
100% of the monies given will go to disaster relief efforts in the affected areas.
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IM WORLD MISSION OFFERING | |
Through the World Mission Offering, you and your church can take part in what the Holy Spirit is doing globally to bring God’s kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.” Use the free, downloadable resources below to help your church engage with all God is doing around the world through International Ministries’ 120+ global servants, 250+ global partners, and you!
If you prefer to order print resources, please click here to place an order.
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International Ministries’ Executive Director/CEO Rev. Dr. Sharon Koh invites you to participate in God’s transformational work through the World Mission Offering. Join us as we seek to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ around the world.
You can also read Sharon’s reflection in the WMO Leader’s Guide to learn more about this year’s theme focusing on Luke 24:32, “Were not our hearts burning within us?”
Need help accessing resources or have questions about the WMO? Email wmo@internationalministries.org
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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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Click on the flyers below to download a .pdf | |
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Join us, on Saturday, October 12th from 10am to 1pm as we watch and discuss Calvin Lee and Marisa Prince’s short documentary, “Are We There Yet.”
The story follows a cross-country road trip to better understand the Doctrine of Discovery, its connection to contemporary Christian Nationalism, and if it’s possible to chart a new course for the American Christian Church.
TABCOM’s Conference Room
189 Prescott St., Groton
Grotonwood Camp and Conference Center
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Mission Day
Sat., Nov. 9th 10am-2pm
First Baptist Church
808 High Street, Westwood, MA
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AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSION SOCIETY | |
September 3 - December 17, 2024 (Every Tuesday at 6:30-7:00 p.m. on Zoom)
Praying with a Purpose — The American Baptist National Network of Chaplains, Pastoral Counselors & Specialized Ministers weekly prayer gathering. Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, GRMS, Ecclesiastical Endorser. To join by Zoom, click here.
October 7–November 18, 2024 (Every Monday at 6:00-7:00 p.m.)
ABHMS Center for Continuous Learning: Community Skills for Chaplaincy Ministry Cohort. Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, GRMS, Ecclesiastical Endorser. Enroll now to save $25 off the regular registration of $249. Early bird pricing ends September 1. For more information and to register, click here.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to bringing awareness to this devastating issue impacting all of our communities– an issue 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men will unfortunately experience at some point during their lifetimes. And yet, churches, pastors and faith leaders are uniquely equipped to be both a place of refuge and hope, when they take the steps to build their knowledge and skills to provide effective support. Join Safe Haven Ministries, one of the only faith-based domestic violence organizations in the country, to learn more about domestic violence, its prevalence and steps you can take to better support individuals and families impacted by this type of abuse. | |
Faith in Action: Pastors and Faith Leaders Role in Addressing Domestic Violence | Tuesday, October 1, 7:00 pm ET - with presenter Tara Aday
Register here
MMBB Cares: Helping Clergy Address Their Mental Health and Vocational Wellbeing
Tuesday, October 15, 7:00 pm ET - with presenter Earl Thorpe
Register here
A Biblical Response to Domestic Abuse
Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 pm ET - with presenter Charlene Quint
Register here
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BLACK PREACHING
Thursday-Friday, Oct. 3-4
Sound the Trumpet Preaching Conference
Looking for an opportunity to grow and improve your preaching? This is the conference for you. Register today!
In person at Twelfth Baptist Church, Roxbury, MA.
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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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JUDSON FALL MEETING
The Judson Fall Meeting will be held on October 20, 2024 at FBC Wakefield (8 Lafayette St, Wakefield, MA).
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ANNUAL JUDSON WOMEN'S TOY HARVEST
Our annual Judson Women's Toy Harvest will be held on Nov. 2nd, from 9:00 a.m. until Noon at West Medford Baptist Church, 59 Boston Avenue, Medford.
Bonnie Sestito, American Baptist Ministries Coordinator, will be presenting our program which will focus on "Beloved Community" and how this program can be used in our churches. We invite everyone to bring toys and gift cards for young children through teens.
The gifts you donate will be given to the Middlesex House of Correction and to Dr. Mar Imsong's Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministry’s program in Lowell. We learned a lot about this wonderful outreach from him at last year's Toy Harvest.
We always have a great time at this annual event, and it's lots of fun to see all the toys and gift cards come in. Please advertise this event to your churches and invite everyone to contribute to this cause. We will send a flyer soon for advertisement and a few more details.
We look forward to being together to celebrate the annual Toy Harvest and to be able to visit with one another.
Please advertise this great opportunity to help those in need to your church and others. You may reply to this email with the number of people attending from your church.
Blessings,
Pat Fish, FBC Melrose | Marilyn Glover, FBC Malden | Beverly Mattatall, FBC Medford
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DEAR FELLOW YOUTH LEADERS | |
A service retreat! October 11-13 at Oceanwood in Ocean Park, ME. We'll be working on maintenance projects for the camp. Cost $60 per person. Details of going together TBD. This is part of a larger event.
Other things that may be of interest:
The Judson Association Fall Meeting, October 20, at FBC Wakefield (8 Lafayette St, Wakefield, MA)
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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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BOSTON SOUTHWEST FALL MEETING
The Boston Southwest Fall Meeting will be held on November 2, 2024, First Baptist Church Dorchester.
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Central Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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CENTRAL BAPTIST ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING
Theme: “We Are Better Together”
Host: Trinity Church, 23 Main Street, Northborough, MA
Date: Saturday, October 19, 2024
Welcome and Worship:
Rev. David Cote, CMBA Moderator
Rev. Will Seals, Trinity Church
Program: “Church Growth: Working Together To Make Disciples for Christ”
Registration: 9:30 am | Worship: 10:00 am | Program: 11:15 am
Lunch and Fellowship: Noon | Lunch: $10 donation
Call Rita at Trinity Church 508-393-8156 for reservations
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Merrimack Valley Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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LIVELY STONES CHRISTIAN CENTER JOINS THE TABCOM
The Old Colony Baptist Association joyfully accepted Lively Stones Christian Center of Brockton, MA into our association at our fall meeting on September 21, 2024 at Brewster Baptist Church.
Rev. Cindy Cabral and leaders of her church were present and welcomed warmly into our American Baptist Family through the Old Colony Baptist Association. I hope we will all wish them a hearty welcome. I am sure you will see them at regional events such as MissionWorks, Leadership Day and the Annual Gathering.
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ORDINATION COUNCIL FOR ANNETTE ROWELL-THOMAS
Pursuant to the by-laws of the Old Colony Baptist Association, the pastor(s) and delegates from your church are cordially invited to examine the candidate for ordination, Annette Rowell-Thomas of Messiah Baptist Church of Brockton (80 Legions Parkway) on
Sunday October 20th beginning at 3:00 pm.
This is an in-person ordination council. The ordination paper for the candidate can be downloaded from our website at www.oldcolonybaptist.org or a copy can be mailed to you by contacting diane.badger@comcast.net or 508-369-6291
REMINDER!
It is our responsibility, as an association, to examine each candidate for ordination. Candidates have been preparing for their call to ministry over a course of several years culminating in this ordination council. Your presence makes a difference.
Please plan on attending.
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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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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 OCTOBER | |
OCTOBER HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |