Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

1 Peter 4:8

LETTER TO IMMIGRANT CHURCHES

Dear Friends,

Grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. This letter mainly for our immigrant churches and those who host them. I am deeply concerned for you all in these perilous times. 

In recent weeks, TABCOM has sought to share resources for our churches dealing with this unprecedented era of uncertainty and anxiety. Until recently, churches have been seen as “protected spaces”; that is no longer the case, though there is still a lack of clarity about how immigration enforcement personnel will interpret this.

I am part of a nationwide group of ABC Executive Ministers who have been meeting to focus on immigration issues for our churches. I have also signed a letter of concern, which was initiated by the Massachusetts Council of Churches (MCC).

I want to take this opportunity to share a list of some of the best resources we have found:

Read more here.

WHERE'S MARY

TABCOM NEW PASTOR'S DAY

On Saturday, February 22nd we will hold our New Pastors Day!

The day begins at 9:30 am in the conference room at the TABCOM offices at Grotonwood. TABCOM invites new pastors to our region to come learn how TABCOM supports you and 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 as 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! 

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 ANNUAL GATHERING 2025

SAVE THE DATE

May 2-3, 2025

Grotonwood Camps and Conference Center

189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA

TABCOM MISSIONWORKS 2025

SAVE THE DATE

October 25, 2025

LOOKING FOR PASTOR INFORMATION

We are in the process of updating and organizing our records at the TABCOM office. This project will give us much more complete information on our pastors; contact information, education, ordination, etc. To do so, we are creating a database of all the pastors who have ever served American Baptist Churches in Massachusetts.

Please complete this form and return it to us via email to diane.badger@comcast.net or by US mail to TABCOM, 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01464. Your help is greatly appreciated. 

GOOD NEWS FROM OUR CHURCHES & CAMPS

GRANVILLE FEDERATED CHURCH

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Johnnie M. Wilson, Jr. on his retirement. Granville Federated Church celebrated the retirement of their Pastor on February 4th.

GROWTH MATTERS PODCAST

On this episode host Justice welcomes Hannah Anderson, Professional Certified Coach & Maggie Lewis, Executive Director Center for Career Development in Ministry (CCDM) to chat about Coaching Christian Leaders in Ministry.

https://on.soundcloud.com/GvBxYXKxpg64Gy9s9

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

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!

NORTHERN BAPTIST EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY

The Northern Baptist Educational Society, which provides scholarship support for students preparing for Ministry in the American Baptist family, is seeking a new Executive Director (approximately 60 hours/month, though varies based on scholarship/academic calendar.) For details, please email the Society at NBES1791@gmail.com.

AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN

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: 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

March 7 - 6PM Dinner and a Movie - more details (including location and film) to follow, $5 per person

July 6-11 - Judson and Stillman Middle School Camp at Oceanwood - Save the date! This will be a week of worship, fun, and friendship

We'll also have a spring service project and more! 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.

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

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILIES OF

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE SAINTS BORN IN THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

FEBRUARY HAPPINESS CALENDAR