TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING 2025

Given the current climate of uncertainty and the challenges we all face, now more than ever, we are called to stand together in faith, unity, and encouragement. As the body of Christ, we are not alone—we are strengthened by one another and by the unwavering faithfulness of our God.

We invite you to join us for our upcoming Annual Gathering (#TAG2025), themed "The Authentic Church in Challenging Times," inspired by the powerful words of Hebrews 10:23-25.

This verse is a profound reminder that our God is faithful, and He calls us to remain steadfast in hope, to uplift one another, and to be a light in the midst of uncertainty. As we gather, we will explore what it means to be an authentic church—a people of bold faith, resilient love, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, even in the face of difficulty.

Come and be renewed. Come and be encouraged. Come and be reminded that we are stronger together.

We can’t wait to see you at #TAG2025!

Our Keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. David Fitch. You can read more about David on our TAG2025 website.

Registration will be open soon.

May 2-3, 2025

Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center

189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA

EXHIBITORS

We invite our various organizations to have an exhibit table to let others know about your organization. This is a great opportunity to interact with our churches and tell them about your church-related organization; camp, missions, etc.

If you are interested in reserving a table, please contact Diane Badger diane.badger@comcast.net.

TABCOM ANNUAL REPORTS

It is that time of year, when in conjunction with ABC-USA, we ask each of our churches to fill out their annual report. This information is used for a variety of purposes; to track mission giving, to track number of members; just to give us a sense of how you function as a church. You should be receiving your shortly complete with information and instructions. Please help us by sharing this necessary information with us.

BAPTIST HISTORY AND POLITY CLASS

The next Baptist History and Polity Class will be held on Saturday March 8th from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm at the TABCOM office in Groton, MA.

To register contact Rev. Ron Bouthillette at bouthillette@tabcom.org. The cost of the course is $100.  This course is a prerequisite for ordination and standing in The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM).

TABCOM ARCHIVES

Work on the TABCOM archives will start again in March. On Saturday, March 22nd we will meet at the archives to continue our work organizing and cataloguing all the material in our archives. We came to a halt this fall, but are now ready and raring to get started again. We start our day at 10:00 am and end around 2 pm. Four hours seems like a enough time to do such meticulous work. We would love to have you join us.  If you need more information or would like to arrange for a group to come and get acquainted with our archives and help with our work, please contact Rev. Diane Badger, diane.badger@comcast.net. I hope you can join us!

TABCOM MISSIONWORKS 2025

SAVE THE DATE

October 25, 2025

SUPPLY PASTORS

If your church is without a pastor or will be during Palm Sunday and/or Easter now is the time to book your supply pastor for those days. Our up-to-date Pulpit Supply list is available on the Members section of the TABCOM website (www.tabcom.org). Also be aware that many pastors opt to take the Sunday after Easter off, so plan for that Sunday accordingly.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Rev. Diane L. Badger

diane.badger@comcast.net.

Blessings on you all this Easter season.

GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES & CAMPS

NEW ENGLAND'S OLDEST AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH ANNOUNCES NEW PASTOR AFTER 45 YEARS, REVEREND ART J. GORDON

Peoples Baptist Church of Boston, the oldest African American Baptist Church in New England and the 7th oldest in the U.S., is proud to announce the selection of its new pastor, Reverend Art J. Gordon, who was affirmed by the congregation on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

Reverend Gordon will follow in the esteemed footsteps of the Reverend Dr. Wesley A. Roberts, who has faithfully served this historic church for 45 years.

Read full document here.

OCEANWOOD CLEANUP

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!

LATEST NEWS FROM AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES USA

ABNS: ABHMS CALLS FOR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT FOR KENTUCKY AND OTHER PORTIONS OF OHIO VALLEY

In response to devastating floods that have inundated Kentucky, West Virginia, and other parts of the Ohio River Valley, American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) has launched a One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) appeal to raise much-needed funds to aid victims of this natural disaster. To date, 14 lives have been lost, an untold number remain missing, and thousands have been displaced from their homes, according to officials.

Read more here.

EVERYDAY ABC CONVERSATIONS

An Everyday ABC Conversation Series: Harmony

Join us for a series of Everyday ABC Conversations focusing on the topic of Harmony. Future conversations around the topic of “Harmony” are planned at 3:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Presenters: Rev. Michele Turek and Rev. Kay Farley

Go here to register and for more information.

2025 BIENNIAL MISSION SUMMIT

You are invited to the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit from July 3-6, 2025, at the CHI Health Center Convention Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

With the theme “Come Seek Living Water,” this biennial event is the premier opportunity for American Baptists to gather, connect with one another, and hear directly from American Baptist partners and friends.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative experience! Register by January 10, 2025, to take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your place at the 2025 Biennial Mission Summit event!

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN

This year's ABWM mission focus is "Belonging." God said that "we are all equally made in the divine perfect image" (Genesis 1:26-28) and we are ALL deeply loved by God. Therefore, the message of belonging emphasizes that everyone is invited into God's family, regardless of their background or circumstances. Faith communities are called to be places of radical hospitality and inclusion, where all people find acceptance, healing, and purpose. In this mission, we affirm that no one is ever truly alone—everyone belongs in God's eyes, and we are called to reflect that truth in how we love and serve one another. As we all belong to God, we belong together.

Join us every Monday in March at 12pm EST to learn more about our wonderful speakers and discuss the theme of belonging in our world.

It’s time for our What’s Up ABWM? Regional Meetings! Join other American Baptist women from across the country 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. Learn more about our ministry and mission as we seek to share national updates and connect with others within your region. Invite a friend!

ABWM Eastern Region will meet on Thursday, March 27 at 7:00 PM: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania/Delaware, Philadelphia Baptist Association, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont/New Hampshire, West Virginia, and Region of the South (Alabama, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, & Virginia)

Click Here to Register!

OUR ASSOCIATIONS AND CHURCHES

May 16-18 - Service weekend at Oceanwood!

We'll work six hours on Saturday and enjoy worship, fellowship, and a campfire the rest of the time. Oceanwood is charging $60 - Judson Youth will subsidize so our students pay $40. One adult leader per church may attend free. Watch for registration information.

July 6-11 - Judson and Stillman Middle School Camp at Oceanwood

Save the date! This will be a week of worship, fun, and friendship.

August 3-16 - Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park

A discipleship and leadership development conference for teens (14+) cycop.org Judson youth scholarships available. 

Scholarships also available for Grotonwood. See grotonwood.org.

Let me know what the youth at your church would like to do and if you would be willing to host! 

As always, let us know of any youth-friendly public happenings at your church and we'll spread the word.

Blessings,

Melinda

BSW SPRING GATHERING

Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025 for the BSW Spring Gathering. Details will follow later but we wanted to make sure you get this event on your calendar.  

Nancy 617-230-9425

OLD COLONY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION BREAKFAST

The OCB breakfast will be held on March 15, 2025 at Messiah Baptist Church, 80 Legions Parkway, Brockton (Handicapped accessible)

Registration begins at 9:15 am and breakfast at 9:45 am. Cost is $10 per person.

Keynote Speaker

Rev. Dr. Mary Day Hamel, TABCOM Executive Minister

Cost is $10 per person

You can register in advance at our website oldcolonybaptist.org or by mailing a check to our treasurer Rev. Diane L. Badger, 45 Parker Terrace, North Easton, MA 02356

If you wish to pay at the door, please send an email to our treasurer diane.badger@comcast.net so we can have an accurate count for breakfast.

PIONEER VALLEY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION BREAKFAST

There will be a meeting of the Pioneer Valley Association on:

Friday, March 14

12:00 PM

Panera Bread, 935 Riverdale Street, W. Springfield, MA 01089.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH IN BEDFORD-FAMILY MINISTRY DIRECTOR

First Baptist Church of Bedford is looking for a part-time Family Ministry Pastor/Director.

Click here for the job description.

More information is available at https://fbcbedford.church/employment/.

FBC Bedford Church Profile

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.

TABCOM DIRECTORY

The next update to the TABCOM church Directory will be added to the TABCOM website on April 1, 2025. Please check your church’s listing in the directory for accuracy. You can download a copy of the directory from the members section of the TABCOM website. If you need the password for that section of the website, email robyn.mars@tabcom.org.

It takes many hours to keep our directory up to date, so it is imperative that you keep us updated as to staff, email and phone number changes. If you have edits and updates, please send these changes as soon as they take place to Rev. Diane L. Badger, diane.badger@comcast.net and we will include them in the update.

TABCOM VOICES BROADCAST

TABCOM Voices broadcasts air on the second Sunday each month 5-6 PM.

TABCOM Voices is looking for musical selections for the radio broadcast. Please send your selections to tabcom@tabcom.org

Boston Praise Radio broadcasts over 30 radio, tv, internet, and social media outlets, including 102.9 FM Radio and on Facebook Live!

https://www.bostonpraiseradiotv.co/ | www.bostonpraiseradio.tv | www.bostonpraiseradiotv.co/tv/ | Roku-TV | Apple-TV

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF MARCH

MARCH HAPPINESS CALENDAR