TABCOM HALFNOTES
NOVEMBER 15, 2023
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HAPPY THANKSGIVING
November 23, 2023
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PASTORS AND CHURCH LEADERS
Giving Tuesday | November 16 - November 28, 2023
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TABCOM has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.
#GivingTuesday is November 28, this year and our campaign is $24 for 2024 ($24 per person) to help us reach goal of $6,000. However, we would be grateful for any amount you can spare. And making a tax-deductible donation is quick and painless.
Please take the time to read the #GivingTuesday appeal letter from our Executive Minister, Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller here and then head over to our #GivingTuesday website to GIVE.
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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 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 19 – Newmarket Community Church
November 20 – Generosity Project Cohort Meeting (ABC/USA)
November 21 – Sabbatical begins!
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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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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, will be crafting an after-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 from 9:30am - 2:00pm.
REGISTER HERE
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.
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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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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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REV. DR. GINA JACOBS-STRAIN CALLED AS GENERAL SECRETARY OF AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA
The Board of General Ministries of American Baptist Churches USA has affirmed the call of the Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain to be the next General Secretary of the denomination. Dr. Jacobs-Strain’s term of service will begin on February 1, 2024.
Read more here.
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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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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.
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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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JUDSON WOMEN'S TOY HARVEST
We had a very successful Toy Harvest at the First Baptist Church in Melrose last Saturday, and we thank the women of the church for hosting! We want to thank all those who brought toys and gift cards that filled several long tables. What an outpouring of generosity! All of the donations were divided between Rev. Imsong's refugee families and the families of people who are incarcerated at the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica.
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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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FBC DORCHESTER AT THE MASSACHUSETTS SHERIFFS INAUGURAL LAW ENFORCEMENT & CORRECTIONS AWARD CEREMONY | |
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Pastor Dana Gonsal of FBC Dorchester, gave the prayer at the Award Ceremony for the Sheriff's Department. The ceremony was held at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday, November 14 with Gov. Maura Healy as the Keynote Speaker.
The award ceremony highlighted stories of heroism, dedication, and innovation within the law enforcement and corrections communities.
Nashua Street Jail and NECAT Culinary School were honored at the ceremony. Both are partners with First Baptist Church Dorchester. Pastor Dana's role as a board member for NECAT and Chaplain for Nashua Street helped broker the relationship between them. Well done, Nashua Street Jail and NECAT Culinary School, for your prison re-entry work!
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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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ORDINATION FOR DAVID COTE
Sunday, December 3rd at First Baptist Church in Sturbridge, MA
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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
Bring your own brown bag lunch join other Old Colony Pastors
for a time of fellowship, food, discussion and prayer.
Thursday, November 16th at 12:00pm - FBC Fall River
All pastors are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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Old Colony Breakfast
January 13th - Messiah Baptist Church, Brockton, MA
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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 (diane.badger@comcast.net) 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 | |
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER | |
NOVEMBER HAPPINESS CALENDAR | | | | |
