TABCOM NOTES
SEPTEMBER 1, 2024
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We have recently completed new, updated guidelines for two TABCOM grants:
George Wright Fund
This fund has a new, wider range of grant categories AND a simplified application process! George Wright funds are distributed on a rolling basis; you can apply anytime.
Please visit our website here to view the application process.
Elder Ministry Innovation Grants
These grants are designed to offer TABCOM churches an opportunity to initiate and build new older adult ministries, to re-imagine and re-shape existing programs, or to be innovative and experimental. NOTE that these grants are awarded once a year, and the application deadline is November 1st.
Go here to learn more.
To navigate to these sites lease go to the “Grants” section of the TABCOM website, under “Ministry Resources.
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Sep 1
Sep 7
Sep 8
Sep 12
Sep 13/14
Sep 15
Sep 20-29
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Preaching at Central Baptist Church of Westfield
Teaching Clergy Ethics and Boundaries, TABCOM office
AM - Celebrating their NEW BUILDING with FBC Wakefield!
PM - Source of Light Int'l Church Annual Convention
Commission on the Ministry
MBMM Retreat
Visiting Red Oak Church in Springfield
On Vacation (honeymoon!)
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CLERGY ETHICS & HEALTHY BOUNDARIES | |
BAPTIST POLITY CLASS - CANCELED | |
The Fall Baptist Polity Class has been canceled and will now be held in the Spring.
For more information contact: Ron Bouthillette (bouthillette@tabcom.org).
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MBMM ALLELON GATHERING FOR PASTORS | |
From Sept 26-28 MBMM and its Thriving Pastoral Ministry Program (TPMP), will hold a gathering for the TPMP participants, and we are able to open it up to other TABCOM pastors.
The Allelon Gathering: Building Bridges with One Another is focused on building dialog and conversation across the cultural, historical, and theological differences that tend to divide us. For the pastors that are not a part of our TPMP initiative, we are able to offer a scholarship of $150 to the first twenty (20) that register. The scholarship will be in the form of a check after completing and paying for your registration. In addition, if the pastor has a profile in the ABPS system (MinistreLife) they may be eligible for a continuing education grant from ABHMS.
Here is the link to the ABHMS site:
https://abhms.org/ministries/developing-leaders/education-scholarships/scholarships-for-ministerial-leaders/
And, here is the link to the event page on the MBMM website that provides more information on the event. https://www.mbmm.org/future-events/2024/9/26/allelon-gathering-building-bridges-with-one-another
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NEW PASTOR'S DAY AT TABCOM | |
If you are a new pastor, new ordained or new to our region, please join us on Saturday October 5th at the TABCOM offices located at Grotonwood. I know that date seems in the distant future, but as we begin planning for fall, get this date on your calendar. At this gathering, led by Rev. Dr. Mary Day Hamel, our Executive Minister, we will introduce 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. | |
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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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES | |
First Baptist Church in Wakefield Grand Opening
FBC Wakefield's new building is now open for worship. Ther are currently worshiping at 9:30 each Sunday through September 1st. Their Fall worship time will be 10:30 am beginning September 8th.
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SAVE THE DATES
Sept 8th - Grand opening of our new building at 8 Lafayette St. 10:30 am
Sept 14th - Community Open House 1 - 4 PM
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First Baptist Church of Norwood
FBC Norwood held a Fun Day in their church yard on August 24th, complete with a bouncy house. They gave out 75 backpacks to children returning to school. Over 300 people attended the Fun Day. This is a great outreach effort on the part of the church.
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Go here to read about our speakers.
Registration will be open soon!
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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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PERSERVING BAPTIST HISTORY | |
These summer months have been quietly busy. By that I mean a couple of us have been coming in over the summer months and working through files; organizing, cataloguing and refiling. This has been interesting, yet, laborious; but that part of the work is complete. Due to the generosity of our supporters, we have been able to purchase three more fireproof file cabinets and order 50 archival boxes so we can continue organizing and cataloguing our records.
We have been retrieving church records from churches that have closed and those sit in cartons waiting to be inventoried and entered into our system.
We are hoping this fall we can set up a program called ‘Baptist History on the Road” that we can use to share our rich Baptist history at association and church meetings.
On Saturday, September 28th from 10:00 am til 2:00 pm we will be working in the archives. We invite you to join us and see for yourself that rich Baptist history that we are organizing, making it useful to future generations. If you have any questions, please contact me at diane.badger@comcast.net.
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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.
September 26-28, 2024
Framingham, MA — Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries Allelon Gathering: Building Bridges With One Another
Featured ABHMS Speakers: Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director; Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri, Director of Intercultural Ministries. Intercultural Ministries National Coordinators are also part of the facilitator team. For more information 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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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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Dear Fellow Youth Leaders,
Let's have some fall fun! We'll gather to play a high-intensity game of Temple Run, a cross between Manhunt and a Scavenger Hunt. Bring your youth group and all their friends for this free night which will also include a supper of "walking tacos." For youth in grades 5 and up. First Baptist Church, 8 Lafayette St., Wakefield, 4 -7PM on September 29.
Further afield: 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. Flyer attached.
Other things that may be of interest:
FBC Wakefield's Community Open House - September 14, 1-4PM at their new building, 8 Lafayette St. Simply attend or contact Melinda at zupatree@hotmail.com to volunteer.
The Judson Association Fall Meeting, October 20, 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 either Nov. 10 or 17th (Saturdays) and we are looking for a host church for this event. We generally begin at 9 a.m. and end by noon. This meeting is always well attended and a lot of fun. The Toy Harvest gives our Judson churches the opportunity to help many children and families during the holiday season. The program for the day and determining the recipients of the gifts are in the planning stage. Please let us know if your church is able to host this event and if so, which of the dates if better for you.
Blessings,
Pat Fish, FBC Melrose | Marilyn Glover, FBC Malden | Beverly Mattatall, FBC 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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The Boston Southwest Fall Meeting will be held on November 2, 2024 | |
Central Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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The Central Fall Meeting will be held on October 19, 2024 | |
Merrimack Valley Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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Fall Meeting
The Fall meeting of the Old Colony Baptist Association will be held on Saturday September 21st from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main St, Brewster, MA.
Be sure to save the date now! It looks to be a fun day. We will be holding a series of workshops based on your input and we will have the privilege of welcoming a new church into our Old Colony family.
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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 SEPTEMBER | |
SEPTEMBER HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |