TABCOM ANNUAL GATHERING IS ON!
Mark you calendar for Friday and Saturday, May 6 – 7, 2022.
This event will be held at our old stomping ground, the Doubletree Hotel in Leominster!
*Featuring* – Re-Imagining Church: Congregational Transformation in the New Reality, a Fresh Expression experience.
We are prayerfully preparing for an in-person event. COVID precautions to be announced as our event grows closer.
February 27 – Federated Church of Norfolk
(Mary is working at a somewhat reduced schedule as she completes the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, through mid-March)
TABCOM NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Imagine with me all of the different chairpersons of TABCOM Teams, Commissions, and Committees sitting at a table talking. The Nominating Committee’s self-introduction begins with Rodney Dangerfield’s tag line, “I don’t get no respect.” The people around the table sit in stunned silence. They begin to think…uh-oh. They reminisce about the times they have been asked to serve on a nominating committee and remember the ask ended with, “and they only meet once a year.”
That once a year meeting is coming soon. Consider yourself warned.
Below are some Frequently asked questions about TABCOM’s Nominating Committee.
Who serves on the Nominating Committee?
Each Association appoints two Representatives to serve on the TABCOM Nominating Committee.
The Coordinator for each Association is invited to attend.
The New Immigrant Ministry Liaisons are invited to attend.
TABCOM Staff is invited to attend.
What do they do?
This group is responsible for nominating leaders to serve in every capacity except as a member of Administration and Finance Committee.
What are the functions of those positions?
The effectiveness and quality of TABCOM’s leadership rest with them and the Holy Spirit. The people nominated can make decisions about what TABCOM does and does not do. Which priorities are emphasized. How we live in to our faith in our discussions and decisions. They assess the qualifications of people seeking ordination and standing as American Baptist Ministers; how ethical breeches are addressed and if, or for how long a clergyperson’s ministerial standing is withdrawn. What mission projects are highlighted, which educational and trainings are made available. How churches, church leaders, and pastors are supported in search and call, in conflict situations, visioning. The oversight of Grotonwood and Oceanwood’s ministries and TABCOM’s finances are made by those nominated and elected at The Annual Gathering.
Who makes the best nominating committee members?
People of faith that are involved in TABCOM Churches and Associations. So that they know the leadership capacities and gifts of those they nominate and understand duties and responsibilities of the positions to which they are asking people to serve. People of prayer that pray for TABCOM. People who have a gift for discernment so they can sense the Holy Spirit’s leading, as well as the spiritual gifts and passions of potential leaders.
Who can become an excellent member of the Nominating Committee?
Christians who agree to show up and follow through on their commitments and ask for Christ’s guidance in every step in the nominating process.
What do Nominating Committees deserve?
Our respect, and appreciation.
CREATION CARE
Rochester Genesee Region’s “Green the Church” webinar Webinar registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-american-baptist-family-on-creation-care-and-environmental-justice-tickets-231777902947
Save The Date! Creation Care Lenten Devotional on “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Rev. Dr. Leah Schade 7pm Tuesdays during Lent (March 8-April 12)
Stay Tuned For Earth Sunday Materials! This year Earth Sunday is April 24th the Sunday after Easter. After a busy Lenten and Easter season, feel free to take a break from worship planning and use the upcoming Earth Day Sunday Worship Service and Resources Guide. The free resource and planning guide will be available shortly. If you have any questions, please email Rev. Rebecca Driscoll at driscoll@tabcom.org.
MISSION MATTERS
ELDER MINISTRY
Interview with IM Minister Nicole Cox
“Write Your Life” Memory Book Tutorial
ABHMS SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS
STUDENT LOAN ASSISTANCE GRANTS
The ABHMS 2022-2023 Application Season is now open. Between January 15 and April 1, please complete this form to determine your eligibility and request an application.
American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) is committed to providing and supporting educational opportunities that enable and empower American Baptist students and ministerial leaders to grow both personally and professionally.
ABHMS’ Scholarship Program offers tuition scholarships to American Baptist students enrolled full-time in undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs. Funding is provided by investment income from endowments donated by generous individuals, churches and organizations committed to educational opportunities.
Sixteen colleges and universities as well as 10 seminaries and theological schools across the United States and Puerto Rico are related to American Baptist Churches USA.
American Baptist seminarians are encouraged to register with ABHMS to receive information about scholarship opportunities as well as invitations to professional development events, such as Orientation to American Baptist Life.
The Northern Baptist Education Society is offering Student Loan Assistance Grants
Here are some guidelines for this program. To qualify, applicants would:
- Be a graduate of an ATS seminary.
- Have educational debt (undergraduate and graduate)
- Be serving an American Baptist Church as a pastor in Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont or New Hampshire.
- Be listed in the directory of the Region that the applicant is serving or have the endorsement of the Regional Executive Minister.
Applications can be made every year with no more than three years of grants awarded per person.
If you have any questions about the Loan Repayment Assistance Program, please reach out to Roger Spinney (rspin6477@aol.com).
If you would like an application for the program again reach out to Roger Spinney.
There is no deadline for an application to be received. Grants will be given in 2022 until funds run out! Decisions are made within three weeks of completed application receipt. Distributions are made to the lender.
GROTONWOOD ALUMNI REUNION
MAY 15, 2022 | 1-4PM
GROTONWOOD OPEN HOUSE
MAY 15, 2022 | 1-4PM
Grotonwood will host a camp alumni reunion in May for campers and staff of all decades ranging from the 1960s right through to present day.
Pre-registration is required. Visit https://grotonwood.org/openhouse
Grotonwood Open House with free cook out and activities. Pre-registration is required. Visit https://grotonwood.org/openhouse
THE MINISTERS & MISSIONARIES BENEFIT BOARD (MMBB) OF THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES
The Hidden Cost of Job Relocation
Something every church, involved in national search, needs to know and include in their budget.
Clergy/Church Tax Reporting
MMBB Financial Wellness Institute
MMBB Launches the MMBB Financial Wellness Institute, Where Learning about Money is as Easy as 1,2,3
Accepting applications now through April 1, 2022
MMBB is pleased to announce the introduction of our MMBB Financial Wellness Institute (FWI), a convenient new way for our members to learn about money matters. It’s a visually engaging and interactive online learning experience designed for both clergy and lay staff. This practical and dynamic e-curriculum is provided at no cost to MMBB members.
“The goals of our Financial Wellness Institute include increasing the financial know-how of pastors and congregations, and helping viewers to achieve financial wellness,” comments MMBB CEO Louis P. Barbarin. “The video education series is a tool to build the skills pastors need to have healthy conversations around money within their congregations. Above all else, we feel the courses demonstrate that becoming financially literate can be enjoyable and stimulating.”
The first three courses are:
Debt Management | Understanding Compensation | Building a Financial Foundation in Retirement
Go here for more information
Contact: Yvette Vanterpool
212.870.8087 | yvette.vanterpool@mmbb.org
CLERGY SERVING TABCOM CHURCHES
BAPTIST JOINT COMMITTEE ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (BJC)
BJC Fellows come from diverse educational, professional and religious backgrounds to learn in an intensive education program that equips them for advocacy to protect religious liberty.
Since 2015, BJC has offered the BJC Fellows Program, providing young professionals the opportunity to deepen their historical, theological and legal understanding of religious liberty and develop skills to advocate for the cause throughout their careers.
The deadline to apply for the 2022 class is February 21, 2022. Scroll down for requirements and additional details.
Apply to be a BJC Fellow
TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY (SoM)
TABCOM School of Ministry – Equipping leaders for the church God is building.
The deadline to enroll in the 2022 School of Ministry is quickly approaching. Tuesday, March 1, 2022 will be the final day that applications will be accepted for consideration as learning sessions begin for the year on Friday, March 25, 2022.
Register now for “The Year of Communication” whereby each student will learn sermon development, communication theory, and worship planning, as well as enhance personal introspection and reflection. The three-year School of Ministry program proves beneficial to any person hungry for knowledge and experience in order to serve God with meaning and effectiveness.
Pastors, are there any lay leaders in your congregation who would benefit from additional ministry learning opportunities and training?
For more information including the full list of 2022 meeting dates visit the SoM web page from the TABCOM.org home page. Click on TABCOM School of Ministry for an online application.
Contact thetabcomschoolofministry@gmail.com or fill out your application online. Class size is limited. Apply today!
BEACONS OF HOPE – New book by Sandra Dorsainvil
Dear Colleagues,Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil, Director Short-Term Mission International Ministries
1003 West, 9th Avenue, Suite A | King of Prussia, PA 19406 | 610-768-2164 (Office)
Office Hours: M-F: 8am – 4:15pm
OUR ASSOCIATIONS
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
Rev. Dr. Esther Pearson, Association Liasion
epearson@tp-group.net and C- (978) 257-5725
The Rev. Ellen Tatreau has been called as Interim Pastor by FBC Woburn for 6 Months while the Rev. Yaliang Zhao is on leave.
St. John’s Baptist Church, Woburn, Mass. welcomes Rev. Ryan Tankersley as the new Pastor Elect for settled Pastor. His first Sunday, was February 6, 2022.
REV. RYAN TANKERSLEY
Rev. Ryan Tankersley is the Pastor Elect of St. John’s Baptist Church, Woburn, MA. He is an upbeat and dynamic man of God who is compassionate about serving the Lord and loves his family. Rev. Tankersley and his wife Julia Tankersley have been married for over 21 years and have three children. They joined St. John’s Baptist Church in February 2022.
Rev. Tankersley gained 11 years of ministry experience serving two Baptist congregations through God’s grace. Licensed in 2011 at Calvary Baptist Church – Haverhill, MA, under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Gregory E. Thomas, Rev. Tankersley served the congregation as Preacher, Treasurer, Bible Study Teacher, and Men’s choir member. In 2018, Rev. Tankersley was ordained at New Hope Baptist Church – Portsmouth, NH, under the mentorship of Rev. Dr. Arthur L. Hilson and served the church as Preacher, Chair of Sunday School, Chair of Scholarship Committee, and member of the COVID-19 Reconvene Committee.
Through God’s blessings, Rev. Tankersley is a graduate of Northeastern University, where he earned his Business Administration Degree in Finance & Insurance in 2001. He is also a graduate of the University of Massachusetts – Lowell, where he achieved his Master of Business Degree in 2015. Rev. Tankersley graduated from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary – Center for Urban Ministry (CUME) in May 2021, earning his Master of Divinity Degree and being awarded an academic distinction for preaching.
St. John’s Baptist Church, Woburn, MA Celebrates Black History Month
Join us this month as we celebrate the many accomplishments of African Americans. All events will be virtual this year.
- The Photograph Watch Party, February 19, 2022, at 6 PM, at 6 PM Eastern.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElfuitrz8iGt15xRKX0LneMmOHzaGI3q24 - Black History Bingo Game Night, February 26, 2022, at 6 PM Eastern, click here to register.
Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpd-mvqTgrEtF5UTJ4a_0K9Lw5T9B2RIle
We look forward to everyone getting a chance to participate in each event, and please invite your friends and family!
We will send more information about each event in the coming weeks.
We encourage you to visit the church website at https://sjbc.info/ to see what has changed!
God bless,
RENTAL OFFICE SPACE – MELROSE, MA
Green Street Baptist Church has two connected unfurnished, ground level offices available (12’ x 15’ & 9’ x 12’). Each carpeted office is connected by a door and has a window and access to an internal hallway with convenient access to a restroom. We would prefer to rent to a religious or community service-related non-profit organization. Previous renter was a division of the Red Cross. Please contact Property Committee Chair, Dave Hamilton, at davidwardhamilton@comcast.net, or 978-609-7679 for further information.
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
Boston South West 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
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.
The Rev. Jay Mulligan, pastor FBC North Oxford has announced his retirement.
Trinity Church Seeks A Church Music Director – Trinity Church of Northborough, MA is looking for a part-time music director to coordinate, accompany and lead the worship music program at Trinity. Our worship services, Sundays at 10 a.m., are casual and informal and our liturgy is flexible. We appreciate a variety of musical styles (from traditional to contemporary) and instruments, and are looking for someone who can lead us forward in this direction. For more information click on the link above.
Merrimack Valley Baptist Association – The Rev. Jim Leavitt, Coordinator
C- (508) 954-8034, E-mail: pastorjimleavitt@gmail.com
The Merrimack Valley Baptist Association Clergy gather monthly. Please contact Rev. Jim Leavitt for more information.
The Rev. Dr. Esther Pearson has been called as the Interim Pastor to serve Billerica Baptist Church.
Old Colony Baptist Association – The Rev. Marlene Gil, Coordinator
C- (508) 873-3206, E-mail: Marlene@oldcolonybaptist.org
Rev. Gil is also the TABCOM Associate Executive Minister for Church Relations
OCBA Clergy meeting will be held, via Zoom from 12:00-2:00 pm on the third Thursday of every month.
If generally you use zoom without signing in, this does require that you first make an account with them. Here is a link for a step by step guide to setting up a zoom account https://www.theverge.com/21506307/zoom-guide-how-to-free-account-register-sign-up-log-in-invite.
If you wish to enter this meeting by phone, please call +1 (669)9006833, and use meeting ID 2750874694 Passcode is 6970
The Rev. Renato Santos will be installed as the pastor of the First Renewed Baptist Church/Primeira Igreja Batista Renovada, Vineyard Haven, MA on Sunday Feb. 20th at 6PM.
Avon Baptist Church has replaced their hymnals and is making the version that was replaced available to churches or individuals who have a use for them. Please contact the church’s office for further information. (508) 583-8076.
Pioneer Valley Baptist Association – The Rev. Theresa Temple, Coordinator
C-(860) 978-5595, E-Mail: revtheresa777@gmail.com
Rev. Temple is also the Pastor of First Baptist Church – Holyoke
Pioneer Valley Baptist Association clergy meet on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 pm.
This is a Zoom gathering. Please contact PVBA Coordinator, Rev. Theresa Temple for the link, discussion topic and presentation information.
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
CLERGY ETHICS AND HEALTHY BOUNDARIES COURSE
Friday & Saturday, March 4th & 5th
AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Dear Friends,
As we enter February, a month of love, we hope you will join American Baptist Women’s Ministries as we observe Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Throughout February, pray for our youth and share the importance of a healthy relationship with them. Here are some resources that you can use to protect the children in our homes and communities.
- American Baptist Women’s Ministries Winter Webinar Series: Let the Walls Fall Down beg www.abwomensministries.org/webinars for more information
Empowering Seniors | February 17, 2022; 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
Panelists: Elaine Cody, Life Coach, Cody Clarity Coaching; Rev. Dr. Deborah Stapleton, Associate Pastor, First Baptist Church Lincoln Gardens; and Pamela Bridgeforth, Care Coordinator at Senior Connections Click here for more information.Identifying and Managing Bullying Behavior | March 3, 2022; 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
Presenter: Dana Wise Jones, Counselor, Defining Moments Click here for more information.Sustaining Sisterhood | March 17, 2022; 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
Presenter: Rev. Dr. Shannon Daley-Harris, Director of Religious Affairs, Children’s Defense Fund Click here for more information. - Save the Date: July 21-24th for the National Women’s Conference to be held in King of Prussia, PA and virtually. More info to come.
AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN’S MINISTRIES IN MASSACHUSETTS
2022 SPIRITUAL RETREAT
Greetings,
AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN IN MINISTRY (ABWIM)
June 15-18, 2022 Join us this summer, Wednesday, June 15 through Saturday, June 18, at the historic American Baptist Green Lake Conference Center, in Green Lake, Wisconsin for a unique conference.
From the pioneering women of long ago to the trailblazing leaders of today and all women who have responded to the call of God along the way, the movement of women into ministry has involved the whole family of faith from all across American Baptist Churches USA. With women serving in a multitude of ways and a variety of roles throughout the United States and around the world, American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM) is hosting a unique conference: Radical. Redeemed. Ready.
Held at Green Lake Conference Center in Green Lake, Wisconsin, where the first national gathering of women in ministry occurred in 1980 and where American Baptist women have gathered for many years, the conference will feature inspiring speakers, creative worship, engaging workshops, and multiple ways to connect while experiencing innovative approaches to ministry.
Celebrating Ministering Women – We are celebrating women ministerial leaders, their myriad journeys into ministry and their many ways of ministering. We are also celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Women in Ministry Project, now known as American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM), which fully launched in June 1982 with Rev. Dr. Margaret A. Cowden as the first Project Director, following the historic 1980 gathering in Green Lake.
Radical – ABCUSA has carried out a radical witness, and a radical witness is still needed.
Redeemed – Churches flourish and our world is transformed when all God’s gifts in all God’s people are fully accessed, embraced, and utilized. We are all then redeemed.
READY! We are READY. Are you?
PLEASE NOTE: TABCOM is reserving one of the Lakeside houses to be the “TABCOM House” during the conference. If you would like to stay at “TABCOM House” please do not register for housing, but email Executive Minister Mary Miller to reserve a spot. Cost will be similar to or lower than other housing options.
Learn more about our:
Conference Leaders | Awakenings (workshops) | Full Schedule
All are Welcome!
And we do mean all…all ministerial roles, experiences, and contexts; all ages, cultures, and genders; American Baptists and any and all friends in faith
That means YOU! Join Us!
Register Now
Radical. Redeemed. Ready. Planning Team
This conference is hosted by American Baptist Women in Ministry (ABWIM), a ministry of the ABCUSA Office of General Secretary.
TABCOM VOICES BROADCASTS
FEBRUARY HAPPINESS CALENDAR
