The latest news for you.

TABCOM NOTES

DECEMBER 1, 2023

TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY GRADUATION

TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (SoM) CELEBRATES INSPIRING GRADUATION CEREMONY with Message of Endurance and Gratitude

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 18, 2023.

The event showcased the culmination of hard work and dedication by eight outstanding graduates: Min. Michael Belcher, Min. Alton Bentley, Min. Cynthia Clarke, Breeze Everitt (named as valedictorian for the occasion), Min. Carolyn Peters, Norene Willis, Deacon Agnetta Wilson, and Rev. Francine Wilson.

The ceremony included vibrant music by Rev. Dr. Geoffrey D. Hicks (piano) and was graced by other esteemed figures in the field of ministry. Program participation included our Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller, along with the graduates and key figures from the SoM; Rev. Dr. Anthony Pappas, Pastor Ken Whitson, Rev. Cheryl Harris, Rev. Milton Thomas, Kevin Porter and Rev. Cheryl Moore.

Pastor Ryan Bradley, Director of Curriculum for the SoM, delivered a powerful and enlightening message titled "It's a Long Way from Anchorage to Nome."

Drawing inspiration from the endurance and strength displayed by the legendary Alaskan Siberian Husky, Balto, during the 1925 Great Race of Mercy. Pastor Ryan emphasized the graduates' role in running the race of faith and being entrusted with the Gospel. He underscored the significance of gratitude to God for the journey and the promises fulfilled.

Pastor Ryan's message resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact on the graduates as they embark on their respective paths in ministry.

The Graduates

Rev. Milton Thomas with

Valedictorian, Breeze Everitt

Pastor Ryan's message resonated with the audience, leaving a lasting impact on the graduates as they embark on their respective paths in ministry.

As the graduates step into a new chapter of their lives, the TABCOM School of Ministry's graduation ceremony stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and the commitment to carrying the torch of the Gospel to new horizons.

See more photos here.

AFTER CHRISTMAS SERMON

Are you struggling to prepare an after-Christmas sermon? We are here to help!

This year Rev. Ron Bouthilette, Associate Executive minister in Church Relations, has crafted an after-Christmas sermon to provide respite for pastors. Click here for the video link.

TABCOM LEADERSHIP DAY

January 20, 2024

TABCOM Leadership Day will be held at the Federated Church in Hudson on January 20, 2024 from 9:30am - 2:00pm.

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.

SAVE THE DATE

#TAG2024#

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!

LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA

AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES BOARD OF GENERAL MINISTRIES MEETS NOVEMBER 3-5, 2023

The Board of General Ministries met at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in King of Prussia, Pa., beginning on Friday, November 3 with an Appreciation Celebration service for ABCUSA General Secretary Rev. Dr. C. Jeff Woods. At the service, family, friends, staff and persons who have worked with Woods recognized his leadership and impact on American Baptist Churches USA through his roles as pastor, leader, region Executive Minister (ABC of Ohio), Associate General Secretary, Interim General Secretary and General Secretary.

Read more here:

AMERICAN BAPTIST LEADERS RELEASE STORYBOOK VIDEO FOR 2023 CHRISTMAS SEASON

American Baptist Churches USA is pleased to offer a new children’s storybook video to the American Baptist family based upon the book, “I am God’s Dream” by Matthew Paul Turner. Members of the National Executive Council provided the narration for the story and director Jeremy Fackenthal produced the video.

“I am God’s Dream” is a celebration of children and their unique traits, and encourages children to be proud of who they are.

Read more here and view the video here: https://youtu.be/acUSbNp6ltM

NEWS FROM OUR FRIENDS

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.

MASS BAPTIST MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES

Associate Executive Director Job Opening

The Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) is searching for a fulltime Associate Executive Director.

The position is to work with the Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Mar Imsong, on all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the organization. The position is primarily intended to be in-person at the MBMM Office in Lowell (99 Church Street).

Please contact Mar Imsong directly with any questions.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to mar@MBMM.org.

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

Rev. Dr. Esther Pearson, Association Liasion

epearson@tp-group.net and C- (978) 257-5725

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MALDEN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

The First Baptist Church of Malden is holding a special Christmas event "The Festival of Carols," on Sunday, Dec 10, 2023.

This is the 77th Annual event, though this was suspended for 3 years due to COVID.

Website: fbcmalden.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistChurchOfMalden

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

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

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).

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

ORDINATION FOR DAVID COTE

Sunday, December 3rd at First Baptist Church in Sturbridge, MA

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.

Old Colony Baptist Association

The Rev. Diane Badger, Coordinator

C ( ), E-Mail: diane.badger@comcast.net

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.

December 12th - FBC North Attleboro

December 14th - FBC Abington

December 21st - FBC Fall River

Choose the location that works best for you.

All pastors are welcome and encouraged to attend.

OLD COLONY BREAKFAST

January 13th - Messiah Baptist Church, Brockton, MA

ORDINATION FOR VICTORIA PENA

Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 PM at Messiah Baptist Church, Brockton, MA

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

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

ORDINATION FOR TEMJENNARO (NARO) PONGEN

Sunday, December 17 at 2:00 PM

Old Cambridge Baptist Church, 1151 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

TABCOM DIRECTORY 2024

The TABCOM Directory for 2024 is almost ready! After months of work our directory is scheduled to be published on January 1, 2024. We have tried hard to get up to date information from our churches on their mailing addresses, pastor’s name and contact information. We can only be as accurate as the information that is provided to us. To help with this process, please fill out the TABCOM information sheet.

Please forward the form to Diane Badger (diane.badger@comcast.net) with your updates.