MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE MINISTER, MARY MILLER
Dear TABCOM Family,
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.
CREATION CARE
Creation Care Lenten Devotional on “For the Beauty of the Earth” by Rev. Dr. Leah Schade 7pm Tuesdays during Lent (March 8-April 12)
Lenten Devotional Zoom link (https://ministrelife.zoom.us/j/97119480176)
Creation Care Sermon Series from Church in the Wild:
The Sunday after Easter (April 24th) is Earth Day Sunday! It’s the perfect time to kick off our new and shiny Holy Ground worship series though it can be used at any point during common time. This incredible creation care worship series is available now for digital download!! Purchasing supports Church in the Wild and will help your community better connect with and care for creation! 
After a busy Lenten and Easter season, feel free to take a break from worship planning and use the Earth Day Sunday Worship Service and Resources Guide. If you have any questions, please email Rev. Rebecca Driscoll at driscoll@tabcom.org.
MISSION MATTERS
MISSION MATTERS Zoom Meeting!!
Please join us on Saturday, April 2nd at 91:30 AM
Our special guest speaker will be Esther Kisaghu, who will share with us about her mission to educate people about domestic violence in Kenya.
Esther is the Founder of The Rose Foundation, a domestic violence prevention and intervention organization in Nairobi, Kenya.
Esther is the author of The Triumph of My Life: Domestic Violence and Society’s Thundering Silence.
Esther is a Public Health professional with a Master of Public Health degree from Boston University School of Public Health and a BBA in Marketing from Africa Nazarene University.
Join Zoom Meeting https://ministrelife.zoom.us/j/4307410515?pwd=eUtvdFlmdWc4OHB4OTdHVlRldWs4dz09
Meeting ID: 430 741 0515 | Password: 914972
International Ministries Heads to
Israel/Palestine in May!!!
Please watch the video below. This informational video is filled with ALL you need to know about International Ministries upcoming short-term mission trip to Israel/Palestine in May!
UPDATE FROM OUR UKRAINIAN PARTNERS
As you may already know, in response to the events unfolding in Ukraine, International Ministries sent an initial grant of $15,000 for our Ukrainian Baptist partners to help supply basic provisions like food, shelter, medicine, and hygiene items. We thank you that your ongoing and generous response to our call for further donations has so far provided more than $52,000 in additional funding. Our thanks as well to the Christian Community Credit Union (CCCU) for giving a gift of $5,000 this week to provide Ukrainian women and children with relief.
The office of the Baptist Union of Ukraine has been relocated to Western Ukraine, nearer to the Polish border. Leaders and staff meet there three times a day—at 9:00AM, 1:00 and 5:00PM—for prayer and coordination. The Union president’s prayer request was for good coordination as they try to provide evacuation and humanitarian aid to people coming through or trapped—since bridges around major cities, including the capital Kyiv, have been strategically blown up to slow the advance of Russian convoys. This also limits escape routes for Ukrainian civilians. The Baptist Union’s six regions in Western Ukraine (out of twenty-five regions in the country) are seeking to serve over one million internally displaced people (IDPs) coming through. He asked for prayers for safe travels for the drivers and vehicles bringing IDPs from their towns and then returning with goods and supplies.
Our global servants in Hungary—Amanda and Jon Good, Carmella Jones, and Becky and Larry Stanton—are directly engaged in helping to provide relief for Ukrainian refugees. The Goods share a story in the journal post below, and we will share further updates as we have them through IM’s social media.
The work being done by our regional partner (the European Baptist Federation) in collaboration with national partners (Baptist Unions in Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other European countries) and the local efforts by our global servants in Hungary can only be sustained with your generosity. You can give a gift online or by check so that relief efforts through our global servants and partners can continue. Checks should be mailed directly to International Ministries (please designate your contribution “OGHS-Ukraine Relief” in the memo line).
While our financial support will provide for physical needs, the need for prayer is paramount. Will you pray alongside our brothers and sisters? Here are some of the requests they have provided:
- pray that the war will be stopped;
- pray for God’s comfort for those who have lost family and their homes;
- pray that Ukrainian Baptists are able to help those who are running from the war, particularly as it is still winter;
- pray for a stable channel of cash flow to Ukraine so that humanitarian needs can be sustainably met;
- pray that the power of the Holy Spirit will continue working within every Ukrainian Baptist pastor; and
- pray for the churches in areas surrounded by Russian soldiers—for the pastors and those who have stayed, that their hearts would remain open to surrounding people with Christian love and care.
I ask that you would pray for protection and provision for those who suffer, and for peace to be restored. And for our Baptist sisters and brothers and all peace-loving people in Russia, that God will give them courage to pursue peace.
Charles H. Jones
Senior Area Director
Area Director, Europe, Middle East and Liberia
BOOKS TO GHANA
Rev. Jay Mulligan and Rev. John Asante at New Creation Baptist Church in Millbury. Jay is retiring and is donating his library to the Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary. These are the first eight boxes.
STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR MINISTRY LEADERS
STUDENT LOAN ASSISTANCE GRANTS
Student Loan Forgiveness for Ministry Leaders
March 17 | 1:00 PM – 2:15 PM
This meeting will be held via ABHMS’ Center for Continuous Learning (CCL).
Featured will be a Q & A for attendees. The event is free. Visit CCL for more information and to enroll.
ASIAN AND BURMESE LEADERSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS
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
MBMM Needs a Part-time Bookkeeper
Massachusetts Baptist Multicultural Ministries (MBMM) is looking for a part-time bookkeeper. The position requires negotiable part-time hours per week in person at the MBMM Office, located at the First United Baptist Church of Lowell. 3 to 5 years experience and good knowledge of Quickbooks Online required. Some duties include: process all invoices, reconcile bank statements and credit card payments monthly, prepare biweekly payroll, and monthly financial reports. Pay is negotiable. Interested applicants should apply directly to Rev. Dr. Mar Imsong (mar@mbmm.org).
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
TABCOM SCHOOL OF MINISTRY
Equipping leaders for the church God is building
2022 Learning sessions begin Friday, March 25th! Registration is coming to a close this week. We still have logistical space for four students. After that, God will provide.
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 education, public speaking experience 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.
CONFERENCE OF BAPTIST MINISTER IN MA JOB OPENING
The Conference of Baptist Ministers in Massachusetts (CBMM) are currently hiring for an operations manager.
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.
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.
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
March 26th Breakfast with the Old Colony
Exciting news!
Our January Breakfast has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 26, 2022
Registration 9:30 am | Breakfast at 10:00 am
Please join us and fellowship with sister churches in the Association. We are planning a wonderful program and the food is always great! The fellowship even greater!!!
Cost is still $5 per person and you can register at our website www.oldcolonybaptist.org or email our treasurer at diane.badger@comcast.net you can pay at the door, but please let us know you are coming so we can have enough food and enough seating for everyone!
Also, available on our website is the newest list of supply pastors who are available to preach when your pastor is on vacation or ill. On the list you will find the names of 3 candidates for ordination. Victoria Pina, Annette Thomas, and Gregory Scalise, please feel free to call on them to preach at your church, the preaching experience would be most helpful to them.
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.
ORDINATION COUNCIL FOR 1JUDITH JONES
Giving God all the glory, honor and praise. It is with honor that the Second Baptist Church in Palmer, MA would like to call an Ordination Council for Judith Jones. She has been pastoring Second Baptist Church since September 18, 2016. She has met with the Committee on Ministerial Preparation of TABCOM and they have approved her moving forward in the ordination process. The examination will take place in-person at 10:00 a.m. on March 26, 2022, at the 2nd Baptist Church, 1050 Thorndike St, Palmer, MA 01069 and via Zoom.
Parking is available across the street and at the Walgreens. Rev. Dr. Paula Alexander will be our facilitator. Each member church of the Pioneer Valley Association is allowed to have a pastor and 2 voting delegates. Please RSVP to 2nd Baptist Church of Palmer regarding you and your Pioneer Valley Baptist Representatives participation.
Central Baptist Church of Westfield is in search of a Worship Director
The Worship Director will be primarily responsible for developing and facilitating a dynamic, inspiring worship ministry consistent with the overall mission of the church. Through thoughtful planning, the Worship Director will be responsible for implementing, coordinating and providing leadership for the Sunday morning worship services implementing both traditional and contemporary worship styles to include but not limited to music, worship team, adult choir, children’s choir, drama, multi-media, and instrumentals. The director will conduct weekly rehearsals in preparation for the Sunday worship service and will work with the Pastor to develop an order of worship that supports the weekly sermon. Additionally, this position plans/leads special worship events such as for Holy Week, Advent and special events (ordinations, recognitions, installations, etc.). This is a part-time salaried position requiring approximately 10-12 hours. Application and more information can be found on our website https://www.centralbaptistchurchwestfield.com/?page_id=171
Central Baptist Church of Westfield
P.O. Box 95 | 115 Elm Street | Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-0429 | https://www.centralbaptistchurchwestfield.com
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
“Feed my sheep.” – John 21:15
The congregation of West Acton Baptist Church cordially invites you to the Service of Installation of The Reverend Leah Grace Goodwin as Pastor on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 3 o’clock p.m.
Light refreshments will be served in Fellowship Hall
Clergy are invited to robe
West Acton Baptist Church | 592 Massachusetts Ave., Acton, MA 01720
Parking is available in the adjacent lot and across the street on Central Street
RSVP to wabcadmin@verizon.net by March 16, 2022
Please note whether you will be attending in the sanctuary or on Zoom.
Click here for Zoom link and more information.
UPCOMING EVENTS
AMERICAN BAPTIST WOMEN AND GIRLS
Dear Friends,
- American Baptist Women’s Ministries Winter Webinar Series: Let the Walls Fall Down beg www.abwomensministries.org/webinars 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 MA
American Baptist Women’s Ministries is hiring a Director of Development.
The Director of Development is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing all of American Baptist Women’s Ministries fundraising including, the major gifts program, the annual fund, planned giving, special events and capital campaigns. The Director works closely with the Executive Director in all development and fund-raising endeavors. This is a part-time position and is available immediately. Click here for more information!
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
