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TABCOM NOTES

October 1, 2026

OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH

...and TABCOM wants to help you celebrate our awesome pastors!

Have you picked up your pastor appreciation yard sign yet? You can get yours at the TABCOM office, or from any TABCOM staff member. Feel free to message or email us and we will connect you with someone who is going to be in your area.

Pastors are our Heroes! Thank you, Pastors!

MEET OUR NEWEST TABCOM CHURCH

TABCOM joyfully welcomes our newest church, First Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church of Springfield (Première Église Baptiste Évangélique Haïtienne de Springfield)!

The congregation officially joined TABCOM through the Pioneer Valley Baptist Association in September 2026, and we are delighted to welcome Pastor Rev. Dr. Georges Guerrier and the entire church family into our TABCOM fellowship.

Founded in 2023, First Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church has already experienced exciting growth and signs of God at work. Dr. Guerrier recently shared, “We just had three deacons ordained and eight new members baptized this summer.” What a wonderful testimony of a growing and vibrant ministry!

The congregation currently shares space with Mt. Zion Baptist Church while prayerfully looking toward the future and plans to acquire a church home of its own.

Please join us in giving thanks to God for this new partnership and in extending a warm TABCOM welcome to Rev. Dr. Guerrier and the First Haitian Evangelical Baptist Church family. Welcome to TABCOM—we are so glad you are here!

MARY ON THE MOVE

October 4 FBC Medfield 250 th Anniversary

October 4 Malden Community Church Launch Celebration (PM)

October 10 Anniversary Celebration – Pastor Nat Burnes

October 11 Zion Community BC Springfield – Pastor Barbara Headley retirement

October 11 Igreja Batista Renovada, Acton (PM)

October 12 Grotonwood 70 th Celebration and Pavillion Dedication

October 17 Old Colony Fall Mission Day at FBC Dighton

October 18 Red Oak Church West Springfield 150 th Anniversary

October 24 Central Association Gathering FBC Fitchburg

Celebrating Ministry Together at the 2026 Allelon Gathering

"What a joy to gather with Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) for the 2026 Allelon Gathering," stated Rev. Hamel.

This special gathering brought together members of our wider Baptist family for a wonderful time of worship, fellowship, and celebration of the rich diversity of God’s people.

We were especially blessed to welcome Rev. Dr. Gina Jacobs-Strain, General Secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, as the worship preacher. Her presence and proclamation added to a meaningful time of connection and encouragement.

We give thanks for MBMM and its continued ministry of bringing people, churches, cultures, and communities together. Moments like these remind us of the beauty of our shared life in Christ and the strength we find when we gather as one body with many voices.

A Warm Welcome in Charlemont

Though the skies may have been grey outside, there was plenty of warmth inside the Federated Church of Charlemont on Sunday, September 20!

Rev. Dr. Hamel had the privilege of leading worship with this warm and welcoming congregation. A special highlight of the service was the church’s wonderful choir, which blessed those gathered with a beautiful rendition of “Simple Gifts.”

The Federated Church of Charlemont is one of more than 20 congregations that TABCOM shares in partnership with our friends in the United Church of Christ (UCC)—a wonderful expression of ministry and Christian fellowship across denominational lines.

As this congregation looks toward its next chapter, please keep the Federated Church of Charlemont in prayer as they seek a new settled pastor. May God guide their search, strengthen their ministry, and prepare both congregation and pastor for the journey ahead.

A New Chapter Begins in Woburn

It was a joyful day of celebration at The First Baptist Church in Woburn on September 20 as the congregation officially installed its new settled pastor, Rev. Dr. F. Lee Jones!

The creative and music-filled installation service celebrated both the congregation’s history and the exciting new chapter now beginning.

TABCOM joined in the celebration, with Rev. Dr. Mary Hamel, Rev. Ron Bouthillette, and Rev. Diane Badger participating in this special occasion.

We celebrate with Rev. Dr. Jones and the entire First Baptist Church in Woburn family as pastor and congregation begin this new season of ministry together.

Please join us in praying that God will bless their partnership, deepen their ministry, and lead them into all that God has prepared for the days ahead.

Congratulations, Pastor Jones and First Baptist Church in Woburn!

TABCOM MISSIONWORKS - Cancelled

Dear TABCOM Family,

After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel MissionWorks on October 3rd.

Over the past couple of weeks, our TABCOM team made an additional communication push in hopes of increasing registration. While we did see a modest increase, unfortunately, we did not reach the number of participants needed to hold the event as planned. We have also heard from many across our TABCOM family that this fall has been an especially full season.

We know this may be disappointing, particularly for those of you who had already made plans to attend, and we are grateful for your understanding. All registration fees will be refunded. No action is needed on your part to request your refund.

Although we will not gather for MissionWorks this fall, we hope to share some of the planned content through other opportunities during the coming year. And thankfully, there are still some wonderful opportunities to gather, learn, and connect in the weeks ahead.

Grotonwood’s 70th Anniversary Celebration - Monday, Oct 12, 10AM–4PM
Mental Health First Aid Training - Oct 24, 9AM-1PM

We hope you will consider joining us for one or both of these upcoming opportunities as we continue finding meaningful ways to learn together, strengthen our churches, and serve our communities.

Thank you for your continued participation in the life and ministry of TABCOM. We are grateful for your grace and understanding and look forward to gathering with you again soon.

Grace and peace,

The TABCOM Staff

GROTONWOOD CELEBRATION

Last chance to RSVP and join us

TABCOM churches, friends, campers, and supporters are invited to Grotonwood on Monday, October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for a special day celebrating 70 years of ministry to children, youth, adults with disabilities, families, and congregations.

Throughout the day, guests will have an opportunity to explore Grotonwood through self-guided tours, reconnect with old friends, enjoy an archival display celebrating the history of American Baptist camping ministries at Grotonwood and Oceanwood, and experience music from Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Dana Hicks.

The centerpiece of the celebration will begin with a catered lunch at 12:00 noon, followed by the dedication of the new Prescott Word of Life Pavilion.

Lunch is Grotonwood’s gift to all who have supported and championed its ministry through the years.

The celebration will also provide an important opportunity to remember and give thanks for the legacy of Ed Guerard, a longtime friend and fundraiser for TABCOM and its camping ministries. For decades, Ed faithfully advocated for and supported these ministries, and his final project was inviting others to give toward the creation of the new pavilion. This dedication will be a meaningful opportunity to see that vision realized and to celebrate the collective generosity of all who helped bring it to life.

Lead gifts for the Prescott Word of Life Pavilion were provided by The Charlestown Fund, administered by Jack Alves and Family, and through a legacy gift from the former First Baptist Church of Weston. The pavilion is named in honor of Colonel William Prescott, who was born in Groton and whose legacy has also been recognized at Grotonwood through Prescott Lodge and the Prescott Memorial Garden.

Special thanks go to Steven Cromack, who has taken the lead in organizing this revival of “Grotonwood Day;” the Grotonwood staff who are preparing to welcome, feed, and host guests; Rev. Dr. Hicks for sharing his gift of music; and the many volunteers working to make this a meaningful and memorable celebration.

And TABCOM churches—there is a little friendly competition! The TABCOM church with the greatest number of people in attendance will receive the “Super Church” honor, along with a $500 credit toward a church retreat or summer camp experience for a member or friend.

Come celebrate 70 years of lives touched, relationships formed, faith nurtured, and ministry shared at Grotonwood—and help us give thanks for those, like Ed Guerard, whose faithful support has helped ensure that this ministry continues for generations to come.

Please RSVP so Grotonwood can prepare an accurate count for lunch. You can use the QR code on the event flyer or this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4B3U9s1CxmlXYoPGajlhzruwkRJCuJ0dZKKoMSfjl_uIDiA/viewform

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAININGS

ABHMS CCL (Virtual)

October 10th

10:30am-5pm | $35

Click here for more information and to register.

This is a blended virtual course, meaning there is 2 hours of online pre-work that must be completed before the synchronous Zoom session on Oct. 10th. Access to the pre-work will be emailed a week before the session date.

October 24 | 9am-1pm

$30 (scholarships available)

Registration required; find out more at https://www.nbillericabaptist.org/store/p/mental-health-first-aid.

NOVEMBER IS REGION OFFERING MONTH

This November, set aside time in worship, business meetings, or coffee conversations for celebrating and supporting the region. We'll be sending a series of bulletin/newsletter inserts that highlight a priority for our ministry to and with our churches, a feature story, and an opportunity to pray--and give--for that priority.

We will also distribute a highlight video for you to share with and show to your community. We are "Rooted in Christ, Rising in Hope" through the generosity of congregations and individuals who believe in our shared calling.

Thank you for your gifts and offerings!

CHURCH BUILDING RESOURCE NETWORK

Your input wanted!

TABCOM is gathering information about churches’ experiences with building maintenance, renovations, and physical plant improvements. Our goal is to help congregations learn from one another, identify trusted service providers, and share resources.

Please have a member of your staff or volunteer leadership complete this brief questionnaire by October 23rd to help us build a network of church building expertise. We'll provide an update in the November TABCOM Notes.

https://forms.gle/q9rV9MiKRCw39SJP6

Answer questions all the way to the end, as the questionnaire closes with an important question about potential cost-sharing through group purchasing. Thank you for offering your insights, questions, and resources!

Thank you to the leaders of West Acton Baptist Church for their photo and for inspiring this resource sharing!

ARCHIVES ORGANIZING

If you know you’re A-B-C’s then we could use your H-E-L-P on Saturday, October 22nd beginning at 10:00 am. We are going to undertake the organization of our archives room. Getting all the boxes of records in alphabetically order by church. And the same with association records and partner organization records. It means moving boxes from one side of the archives to the other and putting the boxes of records in alphabetical order. Dress warmly and casually (the archives can be a bit chilly) and join us as we undertake this very important step in our inventory process. Any questions? Please feel free to contact me at badger@tabcom.org.

TABCOM PASTOR CAMP

And now, we are already looking ahead!

SAVE THE DATE

August 23–26, 2027

Oceanwood Camp & Conference Center | Ocean Park, Maine

If you missed Pastor Camp this year, start making plans now. And if you were with us this year…you already know!

Come ready to rest.

Come ready to laugh.

Come ready to reconnect.

Come ready to breathe.

Come ready to encounter God in a different way.

Pastor Camp 2027—we can't wait to do it again!

GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CAMPS & CHURCHES

New Resource for Churches: Equipping Deacons to Serve

A new resource is available to help churches strengthen and equip those called to the ministry of the diaconate.

OnBoarding Disciples: The Diakonos — Training the Diaconate to Serve is designed as a practical training resource for deacons and congregations seeking to deepen their understanding of Christian service and the important role of the diaconate in the life of the church.

The resource is available as both a manual and companion workbook, making it suitable for individual study, deacon training, leadership development, or use by an entire diaconate as they learn and grow together.

The manual is authored by Rev. Dr. Esther Pearson, Pastor Beth Eden Baptist Church and Rev. Dr. Neal E. Pearson, retired Pastor.

Whether your church is welcoming newly elected deacons, refreshing an established diaconate, or simply looking for a resource to encourage faithful and effective servant leadership, OnBoarding Disciples: The Diakonos offers an opportunity to explore what it means to be equipped to serve.

Both the manual and workbook are available through Amazon and other online book distributors.

Purchase the OnBoarding Disciples manual on Amazon

Purchase the OnBoarding Disciples workbook on Amazon

A wonderful new resource for churches seeking to prepare disciples not simply to hold an office, but to serve.

First Baptist Church of Bedford Celebrates 70 Years

Join First Baptist Church of Bedford on Sunday, October 4, 2026, as they joyfully celebrate their 70th Anniversary!

The day will include worship, thanksgiving, prayers for the future, and fellowship as the congregation gives thanks for seven decades of faithful ministry and looks with hope toward the years ahead.

Congratulations to the First Baptist Church of Bedford family on 70 years of faith and service!

TELL US WHAT YOUR CHURCH IS DOING!

We would love to hear about the wonderful programs and initiatives happening in our TABCOM family of churches!

Sharing your stories not only inspires others but also fosters a sense of connection and collaboration among us. Whether it's a new outreach program, a successful event, or an ongoing ministry making a difference, your experiences can encourage and guide other congregations.

Please take a moment to share what your church is doing, so we can celebrate together and learn from each other's efforts. Your contributions will help us build a stronger, more united community in Christ.

Please send your information to robyn.mars@tabcom.org.

Don't forget to send photos!

CENTER FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT

IN MINISTRY (CCDM)

INTERNATIONAL MINISTRIES (IM)

DISASTER RELIEF

WORLD MISSION OFFERING (WMO)

Through the World Mission Offering, you and your church can help to rebuild, restore and renew through global mission.

Use the free, downloadable World Mission Offering resources below to help your church engage with the work that God is doing around the world through International Ministries global servants and international partners.

Social Media Graphics

Global Servant Map

Order Resources

NEPAL

VENEZUELA

IM is providing $10,000 in One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) emergency disaster relief funds to assist IM partners in Nepal with food and supplies in the aftermath of the historic flooding.

TABCOM’s REV. DR. DOUGLAS SCALISE NAMED PLENARY PREACHER FOR 2027 BIENNIAL MISSION SUMMIT

We are delighted to share that TABCOM’s own Rev. Dr. Douglas Scalise, Lead Pastor of Brewster Baptist Church, has been selected as one of four plenary preachers for the 2027 ABCUSA Biennial Mission Summit, taking place June 10–13, 2027, in Rochester, New York. The gathering will center on the theme “Courageous Unity: Rooted in Freedom, Growing in Faith, Forward in Hope.”

Rev. Dr. Scalise, who has served Brewster Baptist Church since 1995, will preach during Sunday evening worship on June 13. In addition to his local church ministry, he serves on the ABCUSA Board of General Ministries and is a board member of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Baptist Charitable Society.

What a joy to see one of our own representing TABCOM and sharing the Good News with the wider American Baptist family! Congratulations, Doug! We will be cheering you on and praying for you as you prepare for this wonderful opportunity.