TABCOM NOTES
NOVEMBER 1, 2023
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DON'T FORGET TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK | |
Nov 5, 2023 - Daylight Saving Time Ends at 2:00AM clocks are turned back 1 hour | | |
WELCOME TO THE TABCOM FAMILY! | |
NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN MINISTRIES | |  |
NEWMARKET COMMUNITY CHURCH | | |
Rev. Milton Thomas, Pastor at New Life Christian Ministries in Lowell, MA | | |
Rev. Patty Marsden, Pastor of Newmarket Community Church in Newmarket NH. | | |
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HAPPY VETERANS DAY
November 11, 2023
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A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE MINISTER MARY DAY MILLER: SABBATICAL! | |
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Dear friends, on November 21st I will begin a three-month sabbatical from my responsibilities as TABCOM Executive Minister. The primary purpose of a sabbatical is for the physical, emotional, spiritual and relational renewal of a person in ministry. In recent years, I have often supported, encouraged, and prayed for our pastors as they undertook times of sabbatical. I am looking ahead joyfully to this important time of renewal and restoration.
I wanted to share with you a bit about my sabbatical plans, which include:
- A trip to Atlanta for a week, to include experiencing the Atlanta to Albany Civil Rights Trail, worship at Ebenezer Baptist Church, a visit to the American Baptist Historical Society, and reconnecting with dear friends.
- An extended Christmas visit in Ohio with my daughter, son-in-law, and new grandbaby Margot.
- Lots of reading, including study around the theme of “metrics” in church life: how do we measure our faithfulness as churches in the aftermath of the pandemic, in ways that look beyond simply “counting heads.”
- “Swedish Death Cleaning” – an attempt to simplify and organize at home!
- My sabbatical highlight was intended to a thrice-postponed trip to the Holy Land/Jordan/Egypt, beginning late January. Suffice it to say that this has been canceled. My trip is, of course, insignificant in the face of the terrible suffering in Israel and Palestine. I am currently exploring other travel options which will likely be in the Caribbean.
- You may have heard that I recently became engaged, and I also look forward to some relationship building with my beloved, Michael. We are planning to be married next June.
I planned my sabbatical schedule for a time of year that is usually “quieter” in Regional ministry. In my absence, our faithful TABCOM staff will be working together to keep the Region running smoothly. Our Associate Executive Minister, Ron Bouthillette will be providing key leadership in my absence. Please contact Ron with any needs or requests, and he will provide you with support and direction.
I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the gift of this sabbatical time. I look forward to returning to the work I love so very much with renewed energy for the next season of our ministry together.
Serving Christ,
Mary
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November 3 & 4 – Teaching Boundaries and Ethics (Zoom class)
November 3 – ABHMS Intercultural Leadership Institute Preview event
November 4 – Stillman Association Meeting
November 5 – Worship visit with Newmarket Community Church
November 12 – (pending)
November 15 – Devotional leader for International Ministries Zoom Worship
November 18 – TABCOM Board of Directors
November 18 – Memorial Garden Dedication at Grotonwood
November 18 –School of Ministry Graduation
November 20 – Generosity Project Cohort Meeting (ABC/USA)
November 21 – Sabbatical begins!
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PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS | |
Be on the lookout for an important letter from Executive Minister Mary Miller regarding our Fall Funding Appeal and your church’s budget support for TABCOM! | |
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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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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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Ron Bouthilette will be crafting a Christmas sermon to provide respite for pastors, and the video link will be distributed in the December 15th edition of TABCOM Notes.
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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.
Registration information will be in November Half Notes.
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MASS BAPTIST CHARITABLE SOCIETY | |
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MASSACHUSETTS BAPTIST CHARITABLE SOCIETY
IS SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society has served American Baptist clergy since 1794 by providing aid to the vulnerable among them and their families. The Society is seeking an Executive Director with strong leadership, administrative, and pastoral care skills, who can work independently and collaboratively with the highly dedicated Executive Committee of the Charitable Society’s Board of Trustees. The individual will report to the Executive Committee.
READ FULL JOB DESCRIPTION HERE.
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MASSACHUSETTS BAPTIST CHARITABLE SOCIETY
CELEBRATES 250 YEARS
Buffet Luncheon | Annual Meeting | 250th Anniversary Celebration
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November 30th, 2023 from 11:00am-3:00pm
You're Invited!
The Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society invites all ordained American Baptist Clergy and Pastors (current and retired) living in Massachusetts, along with their partners, to be our guests.*
*Note: All Ordained American Baptist Clergy in Massachusetts
Regardless of where serving are members of the
Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society.
RSVP by November 15 to Doug Tatreau
69 Fort Point Rd, N. Weymouth, MA 02191
massbaptistcharitable@gmail.com
781-664-4266
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MISSION WORKS HIGHLIGHTS 2023 | |
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This year MissionWorks was held on Saturday, October 21 at the Rivers of Living Water International Ministry (MIRAV) in Marlborough, MA.
We had such a wonderful time.
You can view highlights here. MissionWorks 2023 | Tabcom
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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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Did you know that TABCOM is not the only ABC region dedicated to creation care? There are creation care initiatives in ABC Ohio and in ABC Rochester Genesee.
Recently, the First Baptist Church of Springfield, Ohio became a Creation Justice Congregation. They made a video to share how they are embracing creation care ministries in their context. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aLTwEjmsaI
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PRESERVING BAPTIST HISTORY | |
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November looks to be a busy month for our group who are working hard to preserve our Baptist History.
November 11th from 10:00 am til 2 pm we will be working in the archives, inventorying files and organizing records. Our new display cabinet could use someone to help put our most precious and fragile items on display so folks can see them. We will also be starting our set up for the bookswap on the 18th. If you would like to help us, we welcome you with open arms.
November 17th we will be continuing our work sorting books for our book swap on the 18th. We will be at the TABCOM offices beginning at 10:00 am on Friday the 17th.
November 18th is a very busy day. The bookswap will run from 10:00 til 3 PM. This is a great place to grow your personal library for free!!!! Come and look through all the books, we have everything from commentaries to Pastoral Counseling books, to Youth ministry and a whole lot more.
The preserving Baptist History group is on the hunt for church histories and books by TABCOM authors. Both of these items would add tremendously to our Baptist Library and history room. If your church has a written history and there is an extra copy around or if you have written a book on the subjects of churches, ministry and the like we would love to have a copy for our library.
I hope you will plan to visit on Saturday the 18th of November.
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PULPIT SUPPLY INFORMATION | |
For our Pulpit Supply List click here.
For Suggested Information to Share with your Supply Pastor click here.
Sign Up To Provide Pulpit Supply If you are willing to preach during the summer weeks or would like to be listed as available throughout the year, please fill out the Pulpit Supply Sign-Up and return it to the TABCOM offices.
RETURN TO:
TABCOM, 167 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450, Attn: Pulpit Supply or email to: robyn.mars@tabcom.org.
All of this information can also be found on the TABCOM website here.
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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A MESSAGE ABOUT THE LEWISTON TRAGEDY FROM THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MAINE
Al Fletcher, Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Maine, shared the message below on Thursday morning, October 26, following a mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine on Wednesday night, October 25: The American Baptist Churches of Maine grieve with the families and friends who lost loved ones in the tragic shooting at the Sparetime Recreation and Schemengees Bar and Grille Restaurant in Lewiston.
Human depravity and inner turmoil know no depth. In situations like this, we turn our attention to Jesus and pray for His intervention, solace, and comfort. We ask for the shooter to be found quickly by law enforcement officials. We ask for wisdom as this situation is examined. We pray for protection of innocent life until the shooter is found. We pray for all those affected by this tragedy.
May God grant wisdom to your church’s leadership as they assist your congregation in dealing with this tragedy which is being felt throughout Maine and across our country. Love one another, practice forgiveness, and always seek reconciliation.
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NOMINATION WINDOW FOR ABHMS MINISTRY AWARDS IS OPEN
VALLEY FORGE, PA (10/26/23)—In its continuing effort to recognize excellence among ministry professionals, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is seeking nominations for four distinguished national ministry awards that honor American Baptist chaplains, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors and other specialized ministers for exceptional faithfulness in ministry in ways that manifest cultural sensitivity, generational inclusiveness, contextual relevance and missional appropriateness.
Award recipients will be formally recognized at ABHMS’ Chaplaincy & Specialized Ministry Luncheon on April 10, 2024. The luncheon is part of the denominational organization’s signature gathering, Space for Grace & Spiritual Caregivers Conference 2024, to be held April 9-11, in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Nominees are sought for the following awards:
- The Carolyn M. Piper Pastoral Counseling Merit Award, which recognizes faithful and effective pastoral counseling.
- The Lorraine K. Potter Military Chaplaincy Merit Award, given to celebrate faithful and effective pastoral and spiritual care in the United States military.
- The Paul W. Strickland Institutional Chaplaincy Merit Award, which commemorates faithful and effective pastoral and spiritual care in an institutional setting, such as a hospital or college.
- The American Baptist National Network of Chaplains Pastoral Counselors and Specialized Ministers Merit Award, an honor bestowed for faithful and effective service as a specialized minister who engages in ministry that empowers others to excel in spiritual excellence.
An electronic version of the nomination form is available here.
For more information about the awards, delivered on video by the American Baptist ecclesiastical endorser, the Rev. Dr. Patricia Murphy, BCC, and the 2022 award recipients, visit ABHMS' Spiritual Caregivers Network playlist on YouTube.
Questions about any of the awards should be directed to Dr. Murphy at patricia.murphy@abhms.org or at 610-768-2050.
The deadline for all nominations is November 17, 2023. All award recipients will be notified in January 2024.
Click here to view the news release.
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GREEN STREET BAPTIST CHURCH PODCAST ON CLERGY BURNOUT | |
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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The First Baptist Church of Wakefield, along with their pastor, Rev. Douglas Dry gathered for a service of prayer and praise and signing of a steel beam. FBC Wakefield’s building burned in 2018; the target for occupancy is mid-2024. | |
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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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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, 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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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 | |
TUFTS HEALTH PLAN FOR SENIORS | |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER | |
NOVEMBER HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |
