TABCOM NOTES
OCTOBER 15, 2023
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MESSAGES FROM ABCUSA AND INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES AMID VIOLENCE IN THE MIDDLE EAST | |
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A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY
We ask all persons to be in prayer for people in the Middle East following a weekend of senseless violence and deplorable acts of terrorism. We pray for the families of all victims who have died. We pray for the short- and long-term safety of the people who are now hostages. We pray for all people threatened by war. It has always seemed inhumane to me to consider human lives “collateral damage.”
While immensely complicated, I also pray for short- and long-term peace in the Middle East. One of our seven Mission Table priorities, adopted earlier this year is, “Peacemaking in a culture of violence.” Perhaps nowhere else in the world is peace more complicated than in the territory of the Middle East. Yet, as Christians, we are called to be peacemakers in all circumstances. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
Read the full article here
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A MESSAGE FROM INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES
As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, International Ministries (IM) urgently requests prayers for peace across Israel, Gaza, and the surrounding area.
Together, along with the European Baptist Federation and Baptist World Alliance, we mourn with those who have lost loved ones, and we lift up prayers for peace and justice. Even during suffering and conflict, God’s light and faithfulness remain. We urge our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to be peacemakers who reject any restrictions on human rights based on geography, ethnicity, or faith. As the hands and feet of Jesus, we unequivocally denounce terrorism and all acts of violence that target innocent civilians.
Read the full article here
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A note from Mary - I will be on Sabbatical from Nov. 21 – Feb. 21. Stay tuned for details! | |
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October 15
(AM) Central Baptist Church, Southbridge
(PM) Installation of Bernard Smith, Bethlehem BC, Holyoke
October 18 – Investments Committee, Administration and Finance
October 21 – MISSIONWORKS!
October 22
(AM) Installation of Esther Pearson, Beth Eden Baptist Church
(PM) Judson Association Fall Meeting
October 24 - Regional Executive Minister's Council meeting
October 25 – Administration & Finance meeting
October 28 – Merrimack Valley Association meeting
October 29 – pending
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This year MissionWorks will be held one day only, on Saturday, October 21.
Our theme is "Shine Your Light" Matthew 5:16.
The location is Rivers of Living Water International Ministry (MIRAV), 204 Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752.
We will have 3 workshops in the morning and 2 in the afternoon.
You can VIEW the schedule, workshops, keynote speaker and facilitators here. MissionWorks 2023 | Tabcom
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OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH | |
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October is “Pastor Appreciation Month.”
In this era of unprecedented pastoral stress and burnout, we need to be intentional about expressing our gratitude and support to our pastors, not just in October, but all year round.
God bless our wonderful TABCOM pastors!
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CLERGY ETHICS & HEALTHY
BOUNDARIES VIRTUAL CLASS
November 3, 1-5 pm | November 4 ~ 9-1 PM
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Topics include: Power and Vulnerability, Dating, Friendships, Dual Relationships, Gifts, The Pulpit, Transference, Hugging and Touch, Intimacy, Personal and Professional Health (Self-Care, Red Flags), and Social Media
The workshop fee of $35 covers the cost of the program and workbook.
*This class is FREE for members of the Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts!
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TABCOM LEADERSHIP DAY
January 20, 2024
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TABCOM Leadership Day will be held at the Federated Church in Hudson on January 20, 2024.
Our main speaker will be Dr. Greg Mamula (see photo to the left).
Dr. Mamula is the youngest among regional ministers for American Baptist Churches-USA. He is the transitional minister for ABC of Nebraska.
Dr. Mamula did his undergraduate degree at Baylor and earned his MDiv at Truett Theological Seminary. He completed is DMin degree at Northern Baptist Seminary.
Dr. Mamula regularly speaks at conferences, retreats, and workshops on various topics relating to church life and discipleship. He is the author of “Table Life: An Invitation to Everyday Discipleship.”
He co-edited the book "Conflict Management and the Apostle Paul" with Dr. Scot McKnight, published 2018.
He is the creator and host of the podcast "Mission in 5". He writes occasional articles for online journals like Ethics Daily, Christian Citizen, and Word and Way.
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We have officially scheduled our Annual Gathering (#tag2024#) for
April 26 & 27, 2024.
TAG2024 will be held at
Concord Baptist Church of Boston, Milton, MA.
Rev. Dr. Conley Hughes, Jr. is Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Moreen Hughes is Associate Pastor
We are so grateful for this fine TABCOM church and their gracious hospitality.
*Dear Pastors and Church leaders - please go right now and put this on your church calendar! We want to see you there!
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NOVEMBER 18TH AT GROTONWOOD | |
November 18th at Grotonwood is turning out to be a busy, vibrant day for pastors. | |
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First we have our BOOK SWAP in the TABCOM Conference Room from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Here you will find hundreds of books that have been donated to be passed on to other pastors who may find them useful. The swapping has already begun with a set of commentaries going from a retired pastor to a settled pastor. Great opportunity to add to your library. Stop by and you might find some great treasures. If you wish to donate books to our swap, drop them off on November 17th or early on the 18th. Contact Diane Badger diane.badger@comcast.net for further information.
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The second event we have that day will be the DEDICATION OF A PLAQUE IN THE MEMORIAL GARDEN
The plaque is being placed there by the Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts to honor the memory of all those pastors over the centuries who have faithfully served our churches.
You are welcome to join us for this dedication, followed by refreshments in our history room/library at the TABCOM offices.
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The third event of the day is the graduation for the School of Ministry, being held in the chapel from 3:00 to 5:30 pm. This is a great opportunity to congratulate these folks on their hard work and dedication.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 10/11/23)—You’re invited to the next American Baptist Churches Everyday ABC Conversation event, “Post-Pandemic Impact on Ministry and Stewardship,” on Tuesday, December 5 at 3:00pm ET. Register today and plan to join presenters Dr. Campbell B. Singleton III and Rev. Stacy Emerson for presentations and discussion around this topic. Register Today!
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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UNITED IN CHRIST, TOGETHER IN MISSION
What is United Mission?
United Mission is a simple yet intentional way that American Baptists contribute to a shared financial fund that is designed and used for mission and ministry that has an impact across the whole American Baptist family. With a large portion of United Mission funds contributing directly to the mission efforts and ministries of the 33 ABC regional entities, the Office of the General Secretary, and the Board of General Ministries, all of which are accountable to and informed by our member congregations, United Mission funding supports efforts on all levels of our denomination as well on our shared mission fields. Portions of United Mission also directly support services provided by our national ABC partners.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN'S MINISTRIES | |
OUR ASSOCIATIONS AND CHURCHES | |
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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
Rev. Dr. Esther Pearson, Association Liasion
epearson@tp-group.net and C- (978) 257-5725
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JUDSON ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING
Sunday, October 22, 2023 | 3:30-5:30 PM | The First Baptist Church of Rockport , 4 High St, Rockport, MA 01966
All Judson Association Churches are invited to the Fall Meeting. The theme will be "Celebrating God's faithfulness in our history." There will be worship, presentation of grants and a discussion of our shared histories and dinner.
For more information e-mail: MattWigton@FirstBaptistRockport.Org
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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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BUILDING MANAGER WANTED
The First Baptist Church in Jamaica Plain is looking to hire a building manager to assist us with our location at First Baptist Church in Needham.
The position is $22 per hour at 40 hours a week including four weeks of PTO.
Click here to read the full job description.
Candidates can email Rev. Darrell Hamilton (revdarrell.hamilton2@gmail.com) or the Church Office (churchoffice@firstbaptistjp.org).
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Central Baptist Association
The Rev. Yvonne Miloyevich, Coordinator
Rev. Yvonne Miloyevich | e-mail: 17desiree50@gmail.com | (978) 618-2526.
Central Association Clergy meets to share, support, and pray with each other on the third Tuesday of each month from 9:30 – 11. This is a Zoom meeting
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Merrimack Valley Baptist Association
The Rev. Jim Leavitt, Coordinator
C- (508) 954-8034, E-mail: pastorjimleavitt@gmail.com
The Merrimack Valley Baptist Association Clergy gather monthly. Please contact Rev. Jim Leavitt for more information.
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Merrimack Valley Annual Meeting
Please mark your calendars and save the date. The Merrimack Valley Baptist Association will be holding its annual meeting on Saturday October 28th at 10 AM.
At the meeting we will be voting on accepting two congregations to be a part of the association and TABCOM. Please watch for additional information on location.
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Baptist History and Polity Course - October 28
Community Baptist of Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard
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Monthly Pastor Brown Bag Luncheons, fellowship and book discussions
All luncheons start at noon
Bring your own brown bag lunch join other Old Colony Pastors
for a time of fellowship, food, discussion and prayer.
Thursday, October 19th - FBC Fall River
Thursday, November 9th - FBC Abington
Tuesday, November 14th - FBC North Attleboro
Thursday, November 16th - FBC Fall River
Choose the location that works best for you.
All pastors are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Old Colony Baptist Association Call to Ordination Council
Pursuant to the by-laws of the Old Colony Baptist Association, the pastor and delegates from your church are cordially invited to examine the candidate for ordination:
Victoria Pina of Messiah Baptist Church of Brockton
Sunday, November 5, 2023 | 3:00 PM.
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 calling our treasurer/clerk at 508-369-6291 or via email to diane.badger@comcast.net
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Pioneer Valley Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
Pioneer Valley Baptist Association clergy meet on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
This is a Zoom gathering. Please contact PVBA Coordinator, Rev. Theresa Temple for the link, discussion topic and presentation information
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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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ORDINATION FOR TEMJENNARO (NARO) PONGEN
Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 PM
Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138
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OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILIES OF | |
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Deacon Chester E. Carter, 94 years old of Leominster, died Monday October 9, 2023 at home, surrounded by his family.
Chet was a longtime member and deacon of the First Baptist Church in Fitchburg. He was also on the Leominster Historical Commission, the Board of the Nancy Patch Home, National Ski Patrol, Montachusett Twirlers, and the American Baptist Churches of MA.
Our prayers and sympathy are with his family at this time.
Funeral services were held on October 14th at the Richardson Funeral Home in Leominster.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to either. First Baptist Church of Fitchburg, 1400 John Fitch Highway, Fitchburg MA. 01420, or to VNA Hospice, 67 Millbrook St. Worcester MA. 01606.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester E. Carter, please visit the floral store.
Read full obituary here.
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TABCOM DIRECTORY 2023-2024 | |
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Thank you for the updates that have been sent so far.
There are still many updates needed and we are looking to all of you to help us with any incorrect information you notice.
Please email Robyn Mars (robyn.mars@tabcom.org) with your updates.
Thank you for your patience.
This will now be located in the "MEMBERS ONLY" page on the TABCOM website. For the password, email robyn.mars@tabcom.org.
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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 | | | | |
