TABCOM NOTES
JULY 1, 2024
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OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
TO THE FAMILIES OF
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EDWARD GUERARD
With heavy hearts, we share the news that our beloved Ed Guerard has passed away peacefully in his sleep. Ed's life was a testament to faith, dedication, and love for all people.
As 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV) reminds us, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
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Ed joined Grotonwood as an Archery instructor in 1967, became the Resident Director in 1969, and his leadership guided the camp into the next decade and beyond. He played a major role in the development of American Baptist Camping, firmly believing that the camping experience should be for everyone, regardless of age, race, sex, or ability.
In 2003, Ed started The Friends of Regional Ministry (FORM), raising over $6.4 million by 2023. His devotion knew no bounds.
Ed's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the community he built. Rest in peace, Ed. You will be deeply missed.
A memorial service is being planned for later this summer...details to be announced.
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Please note: We will not be sending HalfNotes in July. Look for us again on August 1st | |
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July 7:
July 14:
July 21:
July 28:
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Baptist Church of Grafton (preaching)
First Baptist Church of Plymouth (preaching)
First Baptist Church of Dorchester – Baptism service at Castle Island
AM - Federated Church of Norfolk (preaching)
PM – Ordination Service for Kevin Porter at First United Baptist Church, Lowell
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A note from Executive Minister, Mary Day Hamel
Same Executive Minister, but a new name! Yep, I got married on June 15th to Michael Hamel. I am going to be using the name Mary Day Hamel, though the transition will take some time. Please do not be worried if you call me by my old name!
In the Bible, name changes often symbolize major transformation: Sarai becomes Sarah, Simon becomes Peter. My situation is not so dramatic or significant, but my name change reminds me of God’s goodness to me. The praise song says, “All my life you have been faithful,” and indeed God has been faithful, bringing me this wonderful blessing even at my “age and stage.”
Let me also give a shout-out to the staff at Grotonwood, where we held our little wedding. Everything was just lovely. Special thanks to Tabitha (Retreat Manager) and Daniel (Head Chef) and his team. And a word of appreciation to my pastors, Revs. Drs. Conley and Moreen Hughes, for the beautiful ceremony.
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AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN'S MINISTRIES | |
For more information and to register, go here. | | |
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LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA | |
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ABC OF VERMONT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE ANNOUNCES OPENING OF APPLICATIONS FOR EXECUTIVE MINISTER | |
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The American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire region has announced the opening of applications for its next Executive Minister.
The Executive Minister will serve as theologian, evangelist, visionary, conservator of the faith, and biblical role model, as well as promote a spirit of unity within the diverse array of churches represented within the region. The Executive Minister will be the spiritual leader, pastor to pastors, and chief executive officer of the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire, subject to the general direction of the board of trustees.
The application submission deadline for this role is August 1, 2024.
View the full position announcement, including qualifications and specifics, here.
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Most of us in TABCOM churches recognize the above acronym which stands for Massachusetts. Baptist Investment Trust. The “I” is highlighted to emphasize the “in” part of the word. MABIT works with local churches that do not have a tremendous amount of endowment or savings to enable them to invest funds with other churches and maximize earning opportunities - they are in it together!
We work with a Merrill Lynch group and over the years the results have been inspiring as churches have seen their funds grow. Each church maintains control over their funds and can withdraw earnings and/or principle as needed.
If you have any interest in exploring participating in MABIT, you can contact MABIT’s board chairperson, David Lambert at lambert@mit.edu for more information.
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The Memorial Garden at Grotonwood now has over 200 tributes, many of which are "showing appreciation" for people able to enjoy the recognition they have earned. This plaque, placed by the Scituate First Baptist Church in honor of Wayne and Cynde Robbins, is a good example.
Other examples of "appreciation tributes" are churches honoring pastors and cornerstone members, parents affirming accomplishments by their children, and people recognizing and affirming friendships, leadership, and outstanding achievements of important people in their lives.
Paying tribute to someone while they are able to experience the recognition is like a hug or a hand shake accompanied by a sincere “job well done!”
If there is someone you wish to honor, consider donating a brick ($100), a paver ($250), a bench ($1000), or a bronze plaque ($1500). We will send that person an acknowledgement along with a picture of the tribute you donated and an invitation to visit Grotonwood and take a tour of the Memorial Garden. Think about how you would feel to receive one of those letters.
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NEW PASTOR'S DAY AT TABCOM | |
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Saturday, September 7th beginning at 9:30 am.
TABCOM invites new pastors to our region to a day to learn about how TABCOM supports you; what our staff members can do for you and your church. This is also a chance to meet and connect with our partner organizations such at Massachusetts American Baptist Investment Trust; Northern Baptist Education Society, Massachusetts Baptist Charitable, the Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts and more!! This a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of our region and how we partner with our churches and pastors. The program lasts to about 2 pm. TABCOM provides lunch, we just need to know if you are coming so we can have enough chairs and food. Please email Rev Diane Badger at diane.badger@comcast.net for further information and to register for this great day!
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SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 26, 2024
THEME: Crossing Boundaries ~ 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Calvary Baptist Church, 60 Hastings St, Lowell, MA
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TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING 2025 | |
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SAVE THE DATE
May 2-3, 2025
Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center
189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA
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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
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GRANT APPLICATIONS
Grant Cover letter 2024 Association grant application 2024-2025
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ORDINATION & INSTALLATION OF DEACONS
Dear American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts,
It gives me great pleasure to extend this special invitation to you and your congregations. It is an invitation to join us at St. John’s Baptist Church, to celebrate the Ordination and Installation of our newest Diaconate members.
The Diaconate Day event will be held on Sunday, July 21, 2024 at 11:00 am at St. John’s Baptist Church in Woburn. We hope to see you, your congregation, and/or representatives from your church.
Should you need any additional information, please feel free to contact Deaconess
Toni Walker at (617) 240-3470.
In the service of the Lord
Rev. Ryan Tankersley, Pastor
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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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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
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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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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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 JULY | | | | |
