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TABCOM NOTES

MARCH 1, 2024

LENT

FEBRUARY 14 - MARCH 28, 2024

click in the photo to open the .pdf file

SHE'S BACK!

Dear TABCOM Family,

It is with immense joy and anticipation that we extend a warm welcome to our esteemed Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller, as she returns to lead us after a well-deserved three-month sabbatical.

Her commitment to our community and tireless dedication have been a source of inspiration to us all. We are delighted to have her back, reenergized and renewed, ready to guide us with her wisdom and vision.

We look forward to the exciting journey ahead under her insightful leadership, confident that her time away has brought fresh perspectives and invigorated spirit to enhance our collective endeavors.

Let us join together in expressing our gratitude for her exemplary leadership and in welcoming her back to the fold.

EXECUTIVE MINISTER MARY MILLER REPORTING FOR DUTY!

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

Hello friends! As I am writing this, I am one week back from my three-month sabbatical, which has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. Such a gift.

I would like to start with thanks, which is always a good place for a Christian to start, is it not? I am grateful to TABCOM and the Region leadership who made my sabbatical possible, including but not limited to the Personnel Committee, Administration and Finance Committee, Board of Directors, and our TABCOM president Josh Cahan. But so many of you have been sabbatical “cheerleaders,” and I appreciate you all!

A very large thank you goes to the TABCOM staff who took care of things so competently and well in my absence: Robyn Mars, Diane Badger, Ronda Ferreira, Maria Reilly, Miranda Kwan. The biggest thank you goes out to our Associate Executive Minister Ron Bouthillette, who ended up, due to some unexpected timing, leading two Regions at once (he is the interim exec in ABC of Vermont/New Hampshire). The entire staff picked up extra responsibilities and went far beyond “holding the fort,” taking initiative and continuing the high-quality ministry that is a blessing to so many.

Most of all, I am grateful to our great and faithful God, whose mercies are indeed new every morning. Through the ups and downs of life (including sabbatical), I have been able to sing, “All My Life You Have Been Faithful.” I will be sharing more about my sabbatical experience, but I want to say this: it’s good to be back doing what God has called me to do. I have missed you, and I have missed this ministry. Re-entry has brought its own challenges – please be patient as I play catch-up!

Serving Christ,

NEW PASTOR'S DAY

March 2, 2024 | 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

If you are a new pastor, newly ordained or new to our region, please join us on Saturday March 2, 2024 at the TABCOM offices located at Grotonwood. At this gathering, led by Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller, our Executive Minister, we will introduce you to our staff and tell you about TABCOM.

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.

TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING (#TAG2024#)

Registration is open!!!

Friday and Saturday, April 26 – 27, 2024

Theme: Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Isaiah 43:19

After all we have been through the last 4 years, it is now time to begin a transformative journey. We hope to see you at our upcoming Annual Gathering (#TAG2024) themed "Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose," inspired by the powerful words found in Isaiah 43:19.

Isaiah 43:19 (NIV) serves as a profound reminder that our God is a God of renewal, redemption, and innovation. In the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties, He invites us to trust in His ability to make a way where there seems to be no way.

As a Church, we recognize the significance of these words for our community. In times of change, when paths may seem unclear and purposes questioned, Isaiah 43:19 reassures us that God is orchestrating a divine plan, breathing new life into our journey. Our theme, "Renewed Paths, Redeemed Purpose," speaks to the heart of our collective commitment to embrace God's transformative work in our midst.!

Peace and Blessings,

The TABCOM Staff

TAG2024 REGISTRATION LINK

Find more information on our

TAG2024 WEBSITE

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER YOUR YOUT (12-18 YEARS)

BAPTIST ARCHIVES WORK DAY

On Saturday, March 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. we will be working in the historic archives located at the TABCOM offices, organizing and cataloguing our historical records. There is a lot of work to do, from putting our library in order, to re-arranging boxes in the archives to cataloging hundreds of files. Please feel free to join us. For further information please contact Rev. Diane Badger,

diane.badger@comcast.net.

BAPTIST POLITY COURSE

The Baptist Polity Course will be offered again on March 23rd beginning at 9:30AM via Zoom.

Please contact Ron Bouthillette at Bouthillette@tabcom.org to register.

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN

During Women’s History Month, ABWM curates a virtual gathering every Monday at 12:00 PM Eastern Time during March 2024. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating Women’s History Month!

Monday, March 4, 2024, at 12:00-12:30 PM ET

Special Guest: Rev. Dr. Cheryl Price, Publisher of Judson Press

Click here for more information .

Monday, March 11, 2024, at 12:00-12:30 PM ET

Special Guest: Rev. Kathryn Choy-Wong, a consultant, trainer, and writer in intercultural ministries

Click here for more information.

Monday, March 18, 2024, at 12:00-12:30 PM ET

Special Guest: Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil, author of Beacons Of Hope

Click here for more information.

Monday, March 25, 2024, at 12:00-12:30 PM ET

Special Guest: Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh, authors of Real Connections

Click here for more information.

Get ready for the "United in Faith Telethon", a one-day event on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 5:00-8:00 PM EDT, designed to unite women from across the nation in a shared mission of faith, empowerment, and service. We will celebrate our shared commitment to transforming lives through Christ-centered ministries. With a lineup of influential speakers, uplifting stories, music, and opportunities to contribute to meaningful causes, this event promises to be a beacon of faith and unity. Mark your calendars and join us in making a difference!

Go here for more information.

Join other American Baptist women as we hear from our national, region, association, and local leaders on women and girls’ ministries and fulfilling the mission, vision, purpose, and core values.

Click here to register!

LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA

A GENEROSITY PROJECT REFLECTION – GATHERING UP THE FRAGMENTS

The Generosity Project is a collaborative effort between ABCUSA, regions, and local congregations. The Generosity Project aims to help pastors re-frame the conversation around stewardship and generosity in their congregations. Bi-monthly blogs help support new growth and understanding as we deepen our ministry and discipleship. The reflection below was provided by Rev. Stacy Emerson.

ABCOPAD CALLS NEW EXECUTIVE PASTOR

The American Baptist Churches of PA and DE (ABCOPAD) Board of Directors met Tuesday, February 13, 2024, to unanimously affirm the Rev. Mark Mahserjian-Smith as the next Executive Minister for the region, effective immediately.

Read more here.

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

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

PRE-ORDINATION COUNCIL FOR MINISTER SHELTON MILLER

There will be a Pre-ordination Council for Min. Shelton Miller on Saturday, March 9 at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090

INSTALLATION SERVICE FOR REVEREND CATHERINE MILLER

We are pleased to announce the Installation Service for Rev. Catherine Miller will be held on Saturday, March 9 at 1:30 PM at the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090.

Click here for more information.

BOSTON SOUTHWEST SPRING GATHERING

Please SAVE THE DATE of Saturday, April 13th, for the BSW Spring Gathering at First Baptist Church of Westwood, from 9:30 - 1:00. This is a change from March 23rd. Stay tuned for more details!

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