TABCOM NOTES
DECEMBER 1, 2024
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A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE MINISTER | |
Click here to read the entire letter. | |
Registration will be in the December 15 Half Notes | |
Are you struggling to prepare an after-Christmas sermon? We are here to help!
Rev. Ron Bouthilette, Associate Executive minister in Church Relations will have an after-Christmas sermon to provide respite for pastors. Look for the link in the Half Notes on December 15th.
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GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES & CAMPS | |
SCHOOL OF MINISTRY GRADUATION
Congratulations to the TABCOM School of Ministry (SoM) 2024 graduates.
In a momentous celebration of achievement and faith, the TABCOM School of Ministry (SoM) recently held its graduation ceremony at the picturesque Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center Chapel on November 23, 2024.
The event showcased the culmination of hard work and dedication by eight outstanding graduates: Carmel Desgrottes, Jean Desgrottes, Stacie Edwards, Tommy Kegbeh, Monique Louis, Christopher McWhite, Kenneth Orazi and Emmanuella Saintvil.
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MERRIMACK VALLEY ASSOCIATION MEETING
The Merrimack Valley Baptist Association meeting was held on November 17th at the First Baptist Church of Tewksbury with Pastor Simeon Damas.
A highlight was welcoming TWO new churches to the TABCOM family! Nouvelle Assemblée Chretienne (New Christian Assembly) in Haverhill, led by Pastor Benony St. Victor. Igreja Batista Nova Vida (New Life Baptist Church) in Lowell, where Rev. Ronie Souza is pastor. Welcome friends!
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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 LEADERSHIP DIRECTORY | |
This past year we have concentrated on updating our Church Directory where all our churches are listed by their association. That is now being kept up to date as we receive new information and it is published with the updates in the members section of the TABCOM Website January and then July.
Now that the Church Directory is updated it is now time to update the Leadership Directory. This is where we list all of our ordained pastors, (active and retired) along with contact information. It appears that this has not been done in probably five years, so I will be sending out emails as I look to fill in the blanks in the information we have in our records. So be aware that you may be receiving an email or two from me asking for specific information. Don’t worry this is not spam as long as it comes from my email address diane.badger@comcast.net. Thanks so much for your help.
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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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As we approach a season of reflection and renewal, American Baptist Women's Ministries is thrilled to invite you to our Advent Worship Series: Words for the Beginning, featuring the inspiring artistry of Sanctified Art, where we celebrate the birth of Christ and explore new ways of living and loving.
This special series is designed to guide us through the transformative journey of Advent, offering fresh perspectives and creative insights that enrich our spiritual lives. Each session will bring together timeless scripture, artistic expression, and meaningful discussions that resonate with the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace.
Join us every Thursday starting December 5, 2024, with a special service on Christmas Eve December 24, 2024 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT on Zoom.
Click here to register!
For more information visit our website here!
Participation is free, and your generous donations support our vital programs for women and girls. We invite you to be part of this enriching experience and embrace the new beginnings this season brings.
Warm blessings,
American Baptist Women's Ministries
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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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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.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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EVERYDAY ABC CONVERSATIONS - HARMONY
Thursday, December 5, 2024 3:00pm ET on Zoom.
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Guest Speaker:
Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews
Senior Pastor of Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA
Rev. Dr. Valerie Andrews currently serves as the Senior Pastor of Eternal Life Missionary Baptist Church, a Liberian community of faith in Philadelphia. She also serves as program administrator for the Ministers Council of American Baptist Churches USA, and is serving as co-facilitator of the Engage program for the denomination, which will provide seminarians and pastors new to ABC an introduction to ABCUSA at the upcoming American Baptist Churches 2025 Biennial Mission Summit, July 3-6, 2025 in Omaha, Neb.
Rev. Andrews previously served as a business manager of a 1500+ member congregation, and is the former program director of the Program for Urban Leaders and Pastors in Transition (PULPIT), a Thriving in Ministry initiative at Missio Seminary in Philadelphia.
Register HERE.
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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.
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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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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ORDINATION SERVICE FOR MONICA Y. PAIGE
The Ordination service will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 3pm at the Morning Star Baptist Church, 1257 Blue Hill Ave. Matta pan, MA 02126.
Click here to read the invitation.
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FBC WESTWOOD HOLLY FAIR
Crafters at FBC Westwood are preparing for their upcoming Holly Fair on Dec. 7.
Read the Press release here.
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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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THIRD BAPTIST CHURCH, LAWRENCE | |
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, LITTLETON | |
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 DECEMBER | |
DECEMBER HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |