TABCOM HALFNOTES
MARCH 15, 2025
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WELCOME TO THE TABCOM STAFF
OUR NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
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A belated introduction for our newest staffer Jeff Ellis, who joined us in late 2024.
Jeff comes to us after a long career in the energy sector and 40+ years of experience in finance. (He has already helped several of our churches with energy-related challenges).
Jeff joined us as he was seeking an opportunity to work in the non-profit world. He is married with three sons and two grandkids.
Welcome and blessings, Jeff!
| | 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
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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.
| | CHURCHES CALLED TO BE BOLD AND FLEXIBLE IN IMMIGRATION MINISTRIES | | |
"Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigration is pushing faith-based groups to be more bold, flexible and creative in their ministries to immigrants, a panel of experts said during a webinar hosted by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies.
The session was designed as a primer on the immigration crisis for advocates, clergy, educators and legal professionals concerned about the well-being of immigrants and refugees."
Read the full article here.
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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 one in the mail shortly complete with information and instructions. We have also included it here.
Please help us by sharing this necessary information with us.
The Importance of the Annual Report
Cooperating Church Annual Report Training for Regions in NetSuite
| | AMERICA FOR CHRIST OFFERING | | Carry on the legacy of good works with your giving! | | MILES FOR MISSIONS: WALK WITH US | | |
Walk alongside other Christians around the world to make an impact in God’s global mission.
The Miles for Mission virtual 5K is a global mission movement during Holy Week 2025.
se awareness for ministries around the world and support for those we serve in God’s mission.
Will you walk with us? Register today!
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What is Miles for Mission? A virtual 5K to raise funds for God’s global mission through International Ministries.
When is it? Completed any time during Holy Week between Palm Sunday, April 13, and Easter, April 20, 2025.
Where is it? Walk right where you are in your own community and time zone! You can walk on a track, a paved path, in a park, or at another location.
Who can participate? Invite your community, church, friends, family and neighbors to walk with you. People of all ages and abilities can participate together.
When you walk with us, you raise awareness for ministries around the world and support for those we serve in God’s mission.
Will you walk with us? Register today!
| | Registration closes April 1, 2025 | | 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! | | ETHICS AND BOUNDARIES COURSE | | TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY | | |
Here is a new opportunity for you and your congregation to connect with the TABCOM School of Ministry as they start a new offering with their students, alumni, TABCOM community and our greater faith family.
The School of Ministry (SoM) enables people on their faith journey to expand their understanding of Christ's
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presence in our lives. Whether you are aiming to be the best you can be supporting your congregation or you or are aiming to continue on a pastor path, the SoM provides practical hands-on experiences in this journey.
Take a look at the attached information for an event on March 22, 2025 where the SoM instructors will be recording multiple training sessions (18 minutes each) that will establish the beginning of the SoM repository of teaching videos available to the public. We are looking to host attendees that will be experiencing these teaching opportunities on current faith topics.
Information is in the attached flyers to share with your congregation or others that would benefit from this experience. If you have any questions, please visit our website at
TABCOM School of Ministry
https://tabcomschoolofministry.org
857-770-1450
thetabcomschoolofministry@gmail.com
189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01475
See you there.
Kevin E. Porter
Director of Administration
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SAVE THE DATE
October 25, 2025
| | GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES & CAMPS | | |
PODCAST - GROWTH MATTERS: Lenten Season
On this episode host Justice welcomes Rev. Dr. Lawrence Jay, Executive Director of the Rolling Ridge Retreat and Conference Center located in North Andover, MA to discuss the Lenten Season.
| | | 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!
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“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1)
To say we live in uncertain times these days is quite the understatement. The state of political activity in our country is tense at best, maybe even a bit fractured. The economy is uncertain. The international scene is fraught with military and political conflicts between perceived enemies and even friends.
And the Christian church here in our country struggles as denominations face continuing conflicts over LGBQ+ issues or governance issues or their “place” in a culture that puts less value on church life these days, and local churches face uncertainty as post-COVID attendance has dwindled in many churches. And we wonder and maybe worry about what lies ahead. In the face of all this, as we find ourselves in the time of Lent, thank God for the gift of faith and the hope of Easter. There’s always the light of the Empty Tomb to guide us.
MABIT - the Massachusetts Baptist Investment Trust of TABCOM - embraces the light of Easter and the real gift of faithful hope as we seek to work with local churches in helping them keep their investments both safe and hopeful in these uncertain and difficult times. Our board recently met with our investment advisor team from Merril Lynch and we remain both grateful and hopeful for the careful work they are doing with our program. If your church has permanent funds, or invested funds, or memorial funds etc. and wish to explore how this program can work with your church, please reach out to our board chairperson David Lambert at lambert@mit.edu for further information. And never forget the power of hopeful faith in all things.
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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 | | |
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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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.
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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
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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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BSW SPRING GATHERING
The annual BSW Spring Gathering will be held at Concord Baptist Church in Milton on Saturday, April 12, from 9:30 - 1:00. During the meeting, we will be holding elections for Executive Board officers. Here is a letter from Rev. Danielle Gantt of the Nominating Committee along with a form for nominations.
The letter will also be sent via US mail. You can submit your nominations via email or US mail.
This is an important meeting and we hope you can attend. If you are unable to attend, please arrange to have a delegate or two come from your church. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.
Nancy 617-230-9425
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Central Baptist Association
OPEN POSITION - Association Resource Coordinator
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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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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 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 | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF MARCH | | | | |
