FRESH EXPRESSION SCHEDULED ON January 29, 2022
HAS BEEN POSTPONED
We have decided, regretfully, to postpone the “Reimagining Church” Fresh Expressions event, originally scheduled for January 29th.
This decision was driven by the COVID numbers, which are continuing to climb sharply with no sign of slowing. We discussed an “all virtual” event but felt that the effectiveness of the event would be diminished, especially considering the “Zoom fatigue” we are seeing everywhere.
Our current plan is to “fold in” the Fresh Expressions event with our Annual Gathering. We are exploring our options with our venue and the Fresh Expressions staff, and hope to be ready to announce specific plans in the next few days.
We believe that the Fresh Expressions event will be working with issues that every church is dealing with as we are seeking to be faithful and missional in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. I encourage each of our church families to prayerfully consider joining us for this vital experience.
BE WATCHING FOR FUTURE DATES FOR THIS PROGRAM
A NOTE FROM EXECUTIVE MINISTER MARY MILLER
From mid-January thru mid-March, I will be enrolled in a course called the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising. This is a nine-week course which includes significant reading, twice-weekly engagement online, and the development of a project for TABCOM.
Please be aware that during this time I am reducing my work schedule somewhat. Between COVID and the New England weather, this seemed like a good time! Thank you for your understanding. Blessings, Mary
COMISSION ON ORDAINED MINISTRY (COOM)
The Commission on Ordained Ministry now has three separate email addresses for your use and convenience.
Minprep@tabcom.org for all matters related to ministerial preparation.
minstanding@tabcom.org for all matters related to ministerial standing.
watchcare@tabcom.org for all matters related to the watchcare process.
By using these email addresses you can be assured that your questions, concerns, and paperwork can be directed to the correct person in a timely manner.
MEDIA MOMENTS/ EVENTS
JANUARY IS
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
January 11th – Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Please join us this month in bringing awareness and hope into our communities as we shine our light on the dark and violent issue of Human Trafficking
Worship Materials to use for
Human Trafficking Awareness Month
(Based on Ezekial 37:1-11)
Written by Rev. Karina Fontanez for All Hands In
Call to Worship
The hand of the Lord is upon us as we look around a valley of dry bones. Dry bones that we move around very many bones. Too often we look in the valley and see only a gaunt picture of who they used to be. Brittle, exposed to the elements, for God knows how long. To grim a picture but God asks us “Can these bones live?”
Today, we call you to join us in our call to action:
A Call to:
All sowing Hands
We call All praying Hands
The Deborah, the Ruth, and Esther Hands
Those with discernment and truth Hands
Those with unshakeable, unbreakable certain that the Lord is ABLE Hands
We call you the anointed Hands
We call the empowering influential unapologetically bold Hands
We are calling you to a Laying of Hands
To prophesy over those bound Hands
To those abandoned in the valley Hands
To breathe into them Hands
To rattle and free those Hands
To join those Hands
To give hope to those Hands
To pull up from open graves those hands
To life hands against every spiritual adversary
To crumble under the sound of our praying Hands
We call, ALL HANDS In. Amen
Prayer
God of justice we come to you on behalf of all who are contending with oppressors. Empowered by you we come against and call for freedom of all chains of physical, spiritual, and mental captivity. God, in your hands, we ask that you hold those who are weary giving them courage and strength to come to the fight with and on behalf of those in need. Lord, we know that when you paid the ransom it was to give abundant life to all who believed in you and not a selected few. Standing on that promise we ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
STOP ASIAN HATE PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION
January 16 & 23, 2022 | 1:00 pm
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
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
Thank you for participating in, and supporting, the Boston Southwest Association events in the past year. Listed below are a few notes for your consideration:
Association Resources
Association member churches seeking resources to support ministry and community needs are encouraged to explore funding from the Association and grants from the Boston Baptist Social Union. For additional information on either or both programs, please contact:
- Rev., Jacqueline Dyer, BSW Treasurer (unitylane8@gmail.com)
- Rev., Dr. Arthur Gerald, Boston Baptist Social Union (atgerald@tbcboston.org)
Note: Churches applying for resources, must be in good standing with the Association.
TABCOM School of Ministry
In 2022, the TABCOM School of Ministry (SoM) will be starting its 11th year of ministry training for Pastors and lay leaders. Perhaps you and/or members of your congregation are interested in enrolling. The TABCOM School of MInistry, offers its students:
- An opportunity to explore God’s call upon their life in depth;
- Practical equipping to acquire quality hands-on pastoral ministry capacity; and
- Tools for developing further competence for lay leaders for ministry in their local church
Applications for the next cohort are now being accepted. The admissions criteria include: a completed application, a letter from the pastor (if a lay leader), and a $250 deposit; all are due by February 15, 2022; school starts March 25th. Space is limited. For more information about the SoM program, you may access the SoM brochure from the TABCOM.org homepage. Click on “TABCOM School of Ministry.” You may also email thetabcomschoolofministry@gmail.com and/or contact Rev. Tony Pappas at (508) 272-8822.
Association Donations and Membership Dues
There is still time to make donations and pay membership dues. Payments can be mailed to the below address:
Boston Southwest Association
153 Main Street, Suite 167
North Reading, MA 01864
Attn: Nancy Terp
…and can also be made electronically via PayPal (please click below link): https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=R4R7EWRUC7QEA
May the Blessings of Jesus Christ be with you and your families.
Your Boston Southwest Association Executive Team
(Andre, Ashlee, Christine, Dana, Arthur, Jacqueline, Moreen, Nancy)
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.
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.
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
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
FBC LEXINGTON IS SEARCHING FOR A CHURCH SEXTON
This is a 25 hours per week position and includes cleaning of building, set up and take down for weekly rentals, minor repair work and assistance where needed.
We are looking for someone who works well with others, has good communication skills and can complete tasks in a timely manner.
Interested persons may apply by contacting the church—email: fbc1580@rcn.com or phone 781-862-9050 (ext 200).
TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
Enrollment is now open through Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
Register now for 2022 classes “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. Classes begin February 25
For more information including dates and tuition cost 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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
American Baptist Women and Girls
- Save the Date: Jan. 15th at 3:00pm for a Virtual Retreat for Young Adult Women, ”Let The Walls Fall Down.”
- American Baptist Women’s Ministries Winter Webinar Series: Let the Walls Fall Down begins Jan. 20th 2022. www.abwomensministries.org/webinars for more information
Tending to Our Souls | January 20, 2022; 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
Presenter: Rev. Miriam Méndez, Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor, American Baptist Churches of New Jersey
Click here for more information.Vulnerable Youth: Identifying Predators and Protecting Children | February 3, 2022; 8 PM EST/5 PM PST
Presenter: Linda Blackiston, Director of Community Engagement, The Samaritan Women
Click here 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.
TABCOM VOICES BROADCASTS
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILIES OF
Carol F. (Bernardo) Lundrigan
Please keep the Rev. Debra Lee in your prayers. Her mother, Carol Lundrigan passed away on January 10th.
Obituary posted for Carol F. Lundrigan. See http://www.hathawayfunerals.com/obituary/CarolF-Lundrigan
Nicole Michelle Mars
Please keep Minister Robyn Mars in your prayers. Her sister, Nicole Mars passed away on January 11th.
Services will be held at Zion Church Ministries, 757 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, on January 21st at 10am.
JANUARY HAPPINESS CALENDAR
NATIONAL FUND FOR SACRED PLACES
Join us on January 26th for an introductory session
Join us for an introductory webinar on January 26th, 2022 at 12 PM EST to learn more about the program and whether your sacred place (or any of the sacred places in your community or judicatory) may qualify.
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a grant-making program that provides capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000 as well as wrap-around support services to congregations undertaking once-in-a-generation preservation projects. To learn more, please visit us at fundforsacredplaces.org
Event: Introduction to the National Fund for Sacred Places
Date: January 26th, 2022
Time: 12 PM EST
Register here!
The National Fund for Sacred Places is a program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
