TABCOM Annual Gathering 2024 by The American Baptist Churches of MA

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 11 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org1 2023 ANNUAL REPORT BEGINS ON PAGE 20 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org WEB www.tabcom.org

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 22 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org2 AGENDA 03 WORSHIP PROGRAMS 04 ABOUT OUR HOSTS 06 KEYNOTE SPEAKER 07 WORKSHOPS & FACILITATORS BeyondNickels&Noses Rev.Dr.MaryDayMiller 08 TheDNAofToday’sChurch Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette 09 Church&Technology Rev.LeroyMahoney 10 PastoralSelf-Care Rev.Dr.MargaretHess 11 TheologicalEducation Rev.MercyGonzalez-Barnes 12 Part-TimePastor—Rev.DianeBadger 13 PastoralCompensation—Rev.DianeBadger 13 YOUTH AdjustYourLensandEnjoytheView—Rev.DanielleGantt 14 AVoiceThatNeedstobeHeard Rev.DanielleGantt 14 IN MEMORY OF/ORDINATIONS/STANDING 16 MILESTONES/ CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES 17 EXHIBITOR LIST 18 2024-2025 NOMINATING BALLOT 19 2023 ANNUAL REPORT 20 TableofContents

FRIDAY: APRIL 26, 2024

2:00pm Registration

2:30pm-4:00pm PartnerOrganizationmeetings

5:00pm Dinner

6:00pm BusinessMeeting

7:00pm Worship-Rev.G.TravisNorvell

Music–ConcordBaptistChurch

SATURDAY: APRIL 27, 2024

8:30am Registration

8:30am ContinentalBreakfast

8:30-9:30am Othergroupmeetings

9:00am-12:30pm Youth

9:45-10:45am WORKSHOP #1

 ChurchandTechnology|Rev.LeroyMahoney

 PastoralSelf-Care|Rev.MegHess

 Part-TimePastor|Rev.DianeBadger

 TheDNAofToday’sChurch|Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette

10:45am-11:00am Break

11:00am-12:00pm WORKSHOP #2

 BeyondNickelsandNoses|Rev.Dr.MaryDayMiller

 TheDNAofToday’sChurch|Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette

 TheologicalEducation|Rev.MercyGonzalez-Barnes

 PastoralCompensation|Rev.DianeBadger

12:15pm-1:00pm Lunch Banquet

1:15pm ClosingWorship-Rev.G.TravisNorvell

HonoringMilestones(OrdinationsandChurchAnniversaries)

Communion

Benediction

Rev.Dr.MaryDayMiller

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 33 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org3

Agenda

FridayWorshipProgram

APRIL 26, 2024

Welcome

Call to Worship

Invocation

Rev.Dr.ConleyHughes,PastorConcordBaptistChurch

Rev.DarynStylianopoulos

Rev.Dr.AndreMorgan

Music/Congregation Oh the Glory of His Presence

Scripture

Isaiah43:18-19(NIV)

French~Rev.DanielAuguste

Spanish~Rev.RubeniaBomatay

English-Rev.DanielleGantt

Music AnointedPraise~ConcordBaptistChurch

Offering/Offertory Prayer

Introduction of Keynote

Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette

Rev.Dr.MaryMiller

Music AnointedPraise~ConcordBaptistChurch

Keynote speaker

Closing remarks

Rev.G.TravisNorvell

Rev.Dr.MaryMiller

Music Let the Church Say, Amen

Benediction

Rev.G.TravisNorvell

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 44 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org4

SaturdayWorshipProgram

APRIL 27, 2024

Welcome

Call to Worship

Invocation

Music/Congregation

Rev.Dr.MoreenP.Hughes

Rev.RobynM.Mars

Rev.JoshCahan

Oh the Glory of His Presence

Scripture/ Unison reading Isaiah43:18-19(NIV)

Chinese~Rev.YaliangZhao

English~Rev.DavidWright

Offering/ offertory Prayer

Rev.DianeBadger

Music

Introduction of Keynote

BrotherhoodChorus~ConcordBaptistChurch

Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette

Music BrotherhoodChorus~ConcordBaptistChurch

Keynote speaker

Milestones

Communion

Closing remarks

Closing Song

Benediction

Rev.G.TravisNorvell

ConferenceofBaptistMinistersinMassachusetts(CBMM)

There’s A Foundation

Let Us Break Bread

Rev.Dr.MaryMiller

Bless Be the Tie That Binds

Rev.Dr.MaryDayMiller

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 55 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org5

OurHosts

Rev. Dr. Conley & Rev. Moreen Hughes

Rev.Dr.ConleyH.Hughes,Jr.isanordainedAmerican BaptistChurches,USAminister. Hehasservedassenior pastoroftheConcordBaptistChurchBostoninMilton,MA forover34years.Healsoservesaspresidentofthe ConcordBaptistChurchHousingandEconomic DevelopmentCorporation(“CBHEDC”),a501(c)(3) organization.

Rev.HughesservesasamemberoftheBoardofDirectors fortheAmericanBaptistHomeMissionSocieties (ABHMS).HeisapastpresidentofTABCOMandtheNew EnglandBaptistCouncilandhaspreachedandbeenengagedinmanymissional travels.

Dr.HugheshasservedasanadjunctinstructoratGordon-ConwellTheological Seminary;WheelockCollege;andco-mentorfortheBostonMicahclergyformation groupthroughFullerSeminary. HealsoservesontheGovernor’sAdvisory CommissionfortheCommonwealthofMA,andistherecipientofnumerous awards.

Rev.MoreenHughesservestheConcordChurchfamilyalongsideherhusbandin variouscapacitiesinthechurchandisresponsiblefortheplanning, implementation,andpromotionofministriestowomen.Hergoalistosee transformationoccurinthelivesofindividuals.

SheisaretirededucatorandisonstaffatTABCOMastheAssociationResource Coordinator,representingchurchesthatcomprisetheBostonSouthwest Association.SherepresentstheassociationontheBoardofDirectorsforThe ConferenceofBaptistsMinistersinMassachusetts(CBMM). Rev.Moreenisan authorandfounder&presidentofTabithaInternationalMinistries,Inc.a501C3 non-profitorganization,thatpartnerswithchurchesandfaith-basedorganizations inBarbadosandBermuda.

ConcordChurchisdistinguishedasaninviting,Word-affirming,Spiritempowering,anddisciplingcongregation.

TheHughes’havebeenmarriedforover44years. Theyarethegratefulparentsof 3children,ason-in-law,daughter-in-law,andsixgrandchildren.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 66 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org6

KeynoteSpeaker

Rev. G. Travis Norvell

Rev.G.TravisNorvellisthepastorofJudsonMemorialBaptistChurchin Minneapolis,MNandanadjunctfacultymemberatUnitedTheological SeminaryoftheTwinCities.HehasservedasanAmericanBaptistpastor since2000inbothsmalltownsandurbanchurchesfromAthens,WV,and Lincoln,RI,toNewOrleansandMinneapolis.

HeisagraduateofMarshallUniversityinHuntington,WV,andearnedhis M.Div.fromColgateRochesterDivinitySchoolinRochester,NY.

Heispassionateaboutthesocialgospelinthelocalchurchasthelinkfor bothsocialjusticeandchurchrenewal.Findhimontwitter@pedalingpastor.

Travisistheauthorofnumerousarticlesaswellasthebook,Churchonthe Move:APracticalGuideforMinistryintheCommunity.

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WorkshopFacilitators

Beyond Nickels and noses

Howdochurchesmeasuretheir“success”inthepost-pandemicchurch.

Rev. Dr. Mary Day Miller

Rev.Dr.MaryDayMillerwascalledtoserveas TABCOM’sexecutiveministerinAugust2015.From 2012-2015,MaryservedasAssociateExecutive MinisterofMid-AmericanBaptistChurches,aregion servingchurchesinIowaandMinnesota.Shehas heldtwolong-termpastorates,attheFirstBaptist ChurchinFredericktown,OhioandMemorial BaptistChurchinIndianapolis.

SheholdsaDoctorofMinistryfromCentralBaptist TheologicalSeminary,aMasterofDivinityfrom SouthernBaptistTheologicalSeminary,anda BachelorofSciencedegreefromVirginia CommonwealthUniversity.

Maryhastaughtandconsultedintheareaofchurchconflict.Sheiscertified byFaithTrustInstitutetoprovidetraininginClergyEthicsandBoundaries, whichsheteachesregularly.MaryisanofficeroftheRegionalExecutive Minister’sCouncilofABC/USA.

Inherfreetime,Maryenjoystravel,photography,swimming,andscuba diving.She“collects”USNationalParksandvisitsatleastoneeachyear.

Maryhastwoadultchildrenandabeautifulgranddaughter.

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WorkshopFacilitators

The DNA of the Church

We will be discussing core values: what are the values that help a church flourish. Wewill look at the6generations and their needs. Wewill lookat newstylesofleadershipandministry. Thisseminarisamustforpastorsand layleaders.

Rev. Dr. Ronald Bouthillette

Rev.BouthilletteisontheTABCOMstaff. Heis focused onworkingwithourassociationsin “searchandcall,”andprovidingresources aroundchurchrenewal.

RonisanativeNewEnglander.Heisagraduate ofGordonConwellTheologicalSeminary, whereheservesasanAdjunctProfessorin PracticalTheology.

Ronteachescoursesinpastoralministry, leadershipandchurchrevitalization.Ron specializesinChurchLeadershipand Revitalization.

Ronhaspastoredchurcheslargeandsmallforover40years.Hebringsthis experiencetoallofhisministries–especiallywithintheareasofchurch revitalization,churchesintransition,leadershipandinhismentoring ministry. HeisalsoinvolvedinchurchconsultingwithAmericanBaptist ChurchesthroughouttheUS.

RonistheAssociateExecutiveMinisterinLeadershipintheAmerican BaptistChurchesofVermontandNewHampshire. HeismarriedtoCathy Bouthillette.Theyhavetwogrownchildrenandsixgrandchildren.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 99 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org9

WorkshopFacilitators

Technology in the Church: Where Faith and Innovation Converge Comeexploretheintersectionoftechnologywithchurchactivities.Wewilldelveintothebenefitsthattech bringstomodernworshipservices. WewillAudioVisualSystems,thebasicsofsoundsystemsfromanalog setups to advanced digital configurations; video projection and lighting, encompassing wireless HDMI transmitters,hard-wiredoptions,andthecriticalroleofproperlighting.

A significant focus will be on Live Streaming and Recording Services; Social Media, OBS Software, and Streamyard, Boxcast, Wirecast, and Restream. You will witness live demonstrations of Boxcast and Database Management Systems.. The discussion on Online Giving will encompass various methods like ACH,Pushpay,andmore.

Will we also explore the significance of Training and Support, featuring the Community Tech Care Corporationasaresourceforongoingassistanceandcommunitysupport.

Rev. Leroy Mahoney

Rev.LeroyMahoneyisthePastor(Servant)atthe FirstBaptistChurch(FBC)inSaugus,MA. Hisgoal istoteachthepeopleofGod;preachtothepeople ofGod;andreachthepeopleofGod.

HismissionisthatoftheGreatCommissionfound inMatthew28:19.

Asoneofthewhosoever,Rev.Mahoneyfirmly believesthatnoneshouldsuffer;“Weshouldnever teardownourbrothersandsistersbutbringthem uptowhereGodwouldhaveallofustobe.”

Furthermore,Rev.Mahoneybelievesthatthegoalofthechurchisnotjust insidethewallsofFBC,butitisinthecommunityandabroad. Infact,hehas institutedseveralafterschoolprograms,whichincludeteachingthoseinthe communityhowtobuildandunderstandcomputers. HeholdsthisFREE programeachyearforanyonewhohasaninterest. Uponcompletingthis program,thenewlybuiltcomputersarethendonatedtoanyoneinneed withinthecommunity.

Additionally,Rev.MahoneyisthePresidentoftheBaptistMinisters’ ConferenceofBoston&VicinityandservesastheVicePresidentof InformationTechnologyattheMassachusettsInstituteofTechnology(MIT) CreditUnioninCambridge,MA.

Rev.MahoneyisthehusbandofFirstLady,DeaconessNataviaMahoney.They haveonedaughter,ShatayaPopeandthreegodchildren.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 10 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org10

WorkshopFacilitators

Pastoral Self Care: From Thriving to Surviving Insteadofjust“tryingtogetby”inministry,howmightweshiftourfocusto whatwillhelpusflourishandthrive?

This workshop will explore how Clergy and Ministerial leaders can foster wellbeinginbody,mindandSpiritinordertoleadwithjoy.

Rev. Dr. Margaret (Meg) B. Hess

TheReverendDr.Margaret(Meg)B.HessreceivedaMasterofDivinityanda DoctorofMinistryinPastoralCounselingfromAndoverNewtonTheological School.

OrdainedbytheAmericanBaptistChurches,USA,Megservedpastoratesfor twenty-fiveyearsinMassachusettsandNewHampshire.

MegwasanAdjunctFacultyinPreachingatAndoverNewtonTheological School(ANTS)foroverthirtyyears.

Dr.HessisaNewHampshireLicensedPastoralPsychotherapistanda ProfessionalCertifiedCoachwiththeInternationalCoachingFederation.

MegservesonthefacultyoftheLeadershipinMinistryWorkshopinBoston andtheMindfulnessCoachingSchool.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 11 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org11

WorkshopFacilitators

Theological Education: Is there a place for me?

Women and men in Latin America are feeling a deep desire to learn and be preparedtoserveindiverseministries.Manyarefacingroadblocks,thesecan befinancial,theologicalorfiguringoutTimingandCall.

How can we participate in facilitating this call and training? Mercy works with a team of American Baptist leaders training leaders from South and CentralAmerica,theCaribbeanandeveninourHispaniccommunitiesinthe UnitedStates.

ComeandseewhatGodisdoingwithanewgenerationofleaders!

Rev. Mercy González-Barnes

Mercyisaregionalconsultantintheological educationandleadershipdevelopmentin IberoamericaandtheCaribbean.

Mercyteaches,mentors,andwalksalongsidemen andwomenthatarefollowingGod’scallintheir lives.Sheworkswithcolleaguesandlocalleadersto provideresourcessuchasretreatsandworkshops

Mercyisalsopartofateamofglobalservantsthat arecollaboratingwithPalmerSeminaryinaNEW onlineMaster’sinTheologicalStudiesinSpanish. Learningusingthismediummakeshighereducation accessibletomanypeoplefromcountriesinIberoamericaandtheCaribbean.

“Ilovetoseetheemotionandgratitudeintheeyesofthestudents;theyare trulythankfulforthisopportunitytostretchfortheKingdomofGod.Godis indeeddoinganewthing.”

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 12 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org12

WorkshopFacilitators

Pastoral Compensation for Pastors

Thisworkshopwillhelpyouunderstandpastoralcompensation.Dealingwith the unique tax implications for pastors in terms of compensations; and understanding pastoral benefits. This workshop is targeted to pastors, but churchleadersarealsowelcome.

Part Time Is Plenty: Thriving Without Full Time Clergy

How can part time ministry work for your church? In these days when the majorityofourchurchescanonlyofferaparttimepastorate,whatisthebest way to do ministry in your church? Based on the book "Part-Time is Plenty: thriving without full-time Clergy" by Jeffrey Macdonald this workshop will sharewaysyoucanstillbeagreatpresenceinyourcommunity.

Rev. Diane Badger

Rev.DianeL.BadgerisanordainedAmericanBaptist Minister. ShegraduatedfromEasternNazarene CollegewithaBachelor’sinBusinessAdministration.

SheservedinNonprofitAdministrativeandFinancial positionsfornearlytwentyyearspriortobeingcalled tothepastoralministry.ShereceivedherMasterof DivinityfromAndoverNewtonTheologicalSchoolin May2009andwasordainedthatsameyear.While stillatseminary,Rev.Badgerwascalledtobethe pastorofCommunityBaptistChurchofMarion,MAandservedthereuntil 2014. Duringthattime,shealsoservedasahospice chaplainonCapeCod.

Rev.BadgerhasservedontheExecutiveBoardoftheOldColonyBaptist Associationsince1998,firstasclerkandnowastreasurer.Shealsoserveson theboardoftheConferenceofBaptistMinistersinMassachusetts(CBMM) andMABIT(MassachusettsAmericanBaptistInvestmentTrust).Since August2021,Rev.BadgerhasworkedforTABCOMastheadministratorfor theCommissiononOrdainedMinistryusheringcandidatesforordination throughthemazeofpaperworkandrequirementstobecomeordained ministers.

Inhersparetime,Rev.BadgerdoesresearchongenealogyandMassachusetts BaptistHistoryuncoveringourpastbeforeitgetslostinthemistsoftime.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 13 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org13

WorkshopFacilitators

Youth (12-18 tears)

Adjust Your Lens and Enjoy the View

You are designed by God and created for a purpose. Who you are is more than enough. Therearemanyvoicesand imagesthat causeusto question thesetruths. Howdoweliveinthisworldandlovewhowearedespitethesevoicesandimages? SeeyourselfasGodseesyou.Seeyourgreatnessandwalkinit!

A Voice That Needs to be Heard

"Don'tletanyonelookdownonyoubecauseyouareyoung,"encouragementgiven fromtheApostlePaultoTimothy,ayoungbelieverinChristJesus.Thenewbegins withyou!Discoverthevalueofspeakingoutandcontributingyourvoice.

Rev. Danielle Gantt

Rev.DanielleGanttisanativeofPhiladelphia,PAwho comesfromalegacyofstrongwomen;namelyhermom whoinstilledtheimportanceoffamily,thevalueofa strongworkethic,andthenecessityofagoodeducation.

Daniellelivesbythreelifelessons:

 Evenwhentheoddsarenotinyourfavor,youmust keeppressingforward;

 Whereyoubegininlifedoesnotdefinewhereyouare going;and

 Goddoesnotcallthequalified;Hequalifiesthecalled. Throughouther25+yearcareerinthefieldofeducation,inbothnon-profitand publicsectors,Daniellehasworkedtosupportfamiliesandchildrenintheurban centersofBoston.Since2001,Daniellehasalsoservedinvariousyouth-serving andeducationalministriesatConcordBaptistChurchinMilton,Massachusetts.She currentlyservesastheMinistertoYouth.

Rev.GanttisanordainedministerthroughAmericanBaptistChurchesUSAanda graduateofGordonConwellTheologicalSeminarywithaMasterofArtsinUrban MinistryLeadership.GodhasequippedDanielletofulfillthemulti-facetedcallof teacher,preacher,friend,leader,encourager,andchampionforyouth.Shegetstrue joyfromworkingwiththebodyofChrist,andthecommunityatlarge.Danielleis gratefultonavigatelifewithherhusbandof25years,DeaconWilliamGantt,and praisesGoddailyfortheblessingsthataretheirfourchildren:Devin(25),Elijah (22),Michael(20),andJoy(17).

HerlifeverseisPsalm27:1 “The Lord is my light and my salvation whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?”

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 14 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org14

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 15 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org15 Notes

Rev.PaulH.Ferrin

Rev.GuyM.Judkins

Rev.AndrewM.Kilpatrick

Rev.KennethA.Boyle

Rev.JohnS.Holt

Rev.RichardW.Dutton

Rev.Dr.VictorScalise,Jr.

Rev.CynthiaAntonuk

Rev.Dr.EdwardH.Kaechele

Rev.Dr.RoscoeC.Robison

Rev.Dr.LeanderKeck

Rev.RobertAspinwall

Rev.RonnieM.Griffin

Rev.EdwardL.Lochstampfor

Rev.ErnestG.Batten

InMemoryOf Ordinations

April23,1928 to March8,2023

August4,1927 to April29,2023

May19,1926 to May7,2023

November14,1934 to July6,2023

May31,1947 to July8,2023

May6,1932 to August8,2023

May21,1932 to September15,2023

July4,1963 to September17,2023

September22,1931 to October26,2023

November7,1923 to December7,2023

April9,1930 to January18,2024

July9,1930 to February16,2024

April25,1944 to February28,2024

July29,1930 to March9,2024

December2,1936 to April16,2024

Rev.DavidCote

Rev.MirandaKwon

Rev.L.CherylMoore

Rev.VictoriaPina

Rev.XinyuLi

Rev.NaroPongen

December17,2023 FederatedChurchofSturbridge&Fiskdale

January15,2023

July9,2023

December17,2023

February4,2023

FirstBaptistChurchofMelrose

ZionBaptistChurch,Lynn

MessiahBaptistChurch

LincolnParkBaptistChurch

December17,2023 OldCambridgeBaptistChurch

StandingGranted

Rev.NannetteBaines

Rev.FranzStiven

Rev.VeroniqueLaPaix

Rev.PatrickMcCorkle

March25,2023

August21,2023

December14,2023

ConcordBaptistChurch

SourceofLightInternationalChurch

EgliseBaptisteEbenEzer

September14,2023 FirstBaptistChurchofArlington

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Milestones

60years Rev. Carlos Moob 1/1/1964

60years Rev. ClintonL. Barlow 6/4/1964

50years Rev. GeorgeH. Carter 1/1/1974

50years Rev.Dr. DonaldT. Ng 3/6/1974

50years RevDr. Conley Hughes,Jr 8/14/1974

50years Rev. Deborah Carter 9/8/1974

50years Rev. WilliamA. Huegel 10/13/1974

50years Rev. ThomasNewell Rice 11/24/1974

40years Rev.Dr. KentD. Harrop 1/8/1984

40years Rev Marlene Gil 10/21/1984

30years Rev. Wendy Kiefer-O'Brien 3/12/1994

30years Rev. Bernard Harris 4/17/1994

30years Rev PatrickD. McMahon 6/2/1994

30years Rev. EllenParsons Tatreau 11/16/1994

20years Rev. Moreen Hughes 9/19/2004

20years Rev. Debora Jackson 10/22/2004

20years Rev. Sheryl(Dowell) Mann 11/21/2004

10years Rev. JanaM. Yeaton 3/16/2014

10years Rev. Melanie Towle 6/1/2014

10years Rev Matthew Rasure 6/8/2014

10years Rev. PattiBaldwin Ricotta 6/28/2014

10years Rev. JohnBio Asante 7/26/2014

10years Rev. PeterJ. Axelson 9/21/2014

10years Rev. Brent Newbury 11/2/2014

ChurchAnniversaries

200yearsBrewsterBaptistChurch

175yearsSecondBaptistChurchofSouthHadley

150yearsWestSomervilleBaptistChurch(mergedtoCommunityBaptist)

150yearsMyrtleStreetBaptistChurch

100yearsFirstBaptistChurchofSaugus

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ExhibitorList

AmericanBaptistFoundation

AmericanBaptistHomeMissionSociety

AmericanBaptistWomen

ChristianYouthConference

ConferenceofBaptistMinistersinMassachusetts

FriendsoftheRegionalMinistries(FORM)

GordonConwellTheologicalSeminary

GrotonwoodCamp&ConferenceCenter

InternationalMinistries

MassachusettsAmericanBaptistInvestmentTrust(MABIT)

MassBaptistCharitableSociety

MassachusettsBaptistMulticulturalMinistries(MBMM)

MessiahJubileeCreditUnion

TABCOMSchoolofMinistry

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2024-2025NominatingBallot

Dateiswhenthetermends;superscriptisnumberofconsecutiveterms. Names for election are in bold.

OFFICERS

251 President Chris McWhite -Brockton,MessiahBaptist

251 VicePresident

2520 Clerk BarbaraDrauschke-Medford,FBC

251 Treasurer GaryLudwig-FBCHingham

251 PastPresident Rev.JoshCahan-Boston,RugglesBaptist

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

251 Rev.DavidWright-Boston,PeoplesBaptist 252 SabrinaOzit–Medford,WestMedfordBaptist

2 Rev.AnnieBelmer-Lynn,ZionBaptistChurch

3 Rev.Dr.BarbaraHeadley-Springfield,ZionCommunityBaptist 261 Rev. Jeffrey Snyder, NorthAndover,First-Calvary 261 Kevin Porter,Lowell,FirstUnitedBC

1 Rev.JenniferA.G.Layte,Southbridge,CentralBC

ETHNIC

2 Rev.Dr.RemonaFarley-Milton,ConcordBaptistChurch

REPRESENTATIVES TO BE RATIFIED

261 Carlos Mingeli, Jamaica Plain, Iglesia Refornada Emanuel Spanishspeakingrepresentative

257 Rev.JacksonOliveira-Acton,RenewedLifeBaptistChurch Portuguesespeakingrepresentative

261 Rev. Yaliang Zhao Woburn, First Baptist Church Asianrepresentative

254 Rev.JephtetRoseme-Everett,EgliseBaptisteHaitiennedeSiloe Haitianrepresentative

Board of General Ministries – Rev.Dr.DougScalise Brewster,BrewsterBaptist

COMMISSION ON ORDAINED MINISTRY

*indicatesthosemembersthatareappointedbytheConferenceofBaptistMinisters

Rev.AshleeWiest-Laird-JamaicaPlain,FBC

RichardJefferson-Newton,MyrtleBaptist

Rev.JamieSpriggs-FallRiver,FirstBaptistChurch

AnitaFarber-Robinson-Lynn,ZionBaptist

Rev.Dr.DanaGonsal-Dorchester,FirstBaptistChurch

Rev. Jay Mulligan, retired

JohnBioAsante-Milbury,NewCreationBaptist

Johnny Wilson,

APPOINTEES FROM THE CONFERENCE OF BAPTIST MINISTERS IN MASSACHUSETTS

254 Rev.BarbaraJean-Somerset,SomersetBaptist

LeahGoodwin

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Ministerial Standing Ministerial Preparation 252 Rev.

251

263

261 VACANT 252 Rev.

261 VACANT 253 Rev.

retired

CatherineMiller-Westwood,FirstBaptistChurch

Rev.

DianeBadger-Mansfield,FirstBaptistChurch

*TBD 262 Rev.

*TBD

2023 Annual Report

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 20 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org20

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 21 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org21 EXECUTIVEMINISTER’SREPORT 22 OCEANWOODUPDATE 24 PRESIDENT’SREFLECTION 25 ASSOCIATEEXECUTIVEMINISTER’SSERVICEREPORT 26 TABCOMYEARENDFINANCIALSTATUS2023 28 TABCOMYEARENDBALANCESHEET2023 29 GROTONWOODREPORTONMINISTRY 30 FRIENDSOFREGIONALMINISTRIESREPORT 34 MAAMERICANBAPTISTINVESTMENTTRUST(MABIT) 36 ADONIRAMJUDSONASSOCIATIONREPORT 37 BOSTONSOUTHWESTASSOCIATIONREPORT 38 MERRIMACKVALLEYASSOCIATIONREPORT 39 OLDCOLONYASSOCIATIONREPORT 40 SAMUELSTILLMANASSOCIATIONREPORT 41 PORTUGUESELIAISONREPORT 42 MISSIONSMINISTRYREPORT 43 COMMNICATIONSCOORDINATORREPORT 44 SCHOOLOFMINISTRYREPORT 45 COMMISSIONONORDAINEDMINISTRY 46 OURSPONSORS 47 TableofContents

ExecutiveMinister’ sReport

WelcometotheAnnualGathering(#TAG2024)themed“RenewedPaths, RedeemedPurpose,”inspiredbythepowerfulwordsfoundinIsaiah43:19: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” FromourAnnual Gatheringpromotions:“ThisverseservesasaprofoundreminderthatourGod isaGodofrenewal,redemption,andinnovation.”

Thisisindeedapowerfulpromise,apromisethatcallsustobeavailableand purposefulaswemoveintoafuturethatseems,attimes,bothdauntingand exciting. AtTABCOM,wehaveanewlyreframedstatementofourpurpose: Uniting and equipping churches to make disciples of Jesus.

Wehaveidentifiedfourareasoffocusforourministry:

 Equippingchurchesforfruitfulministry

 Developingandsupportingchurchleadersforfaithfulservice

 Connectingchurchesforlocalandglobalmission

 Celebratingchurches’unityamiddiversity.

IamsogratefulfortheleadershipofouroutgoingpresidentJoshCahaninthis discernmentprocess. Thesefocusareaswillguideusmovingforwardasweset ourprioritiesasTABCOMstaffandleaders.

Herearejustsomeofthe“NewThings”thatarehappeninginTABCOM:

 Celebratingnewbeginningsinourfamily:thejoyofwelcomingnewly ordainedministerstotheTABCOMfamily,andnewpastoralleadershipin ourchurches. OurRegionisdoingstandoutworkincalling,blessing,and equippingchurchleadership. OurSchoolofMinistryisakeypathwayto ministryleadershipandwepraiseGodforitsgrowth.

 Welcomingnewchurches! Wehadtwoadditionstothefamilyin2023: New LifeChristianMinistriesofLowell,PastorMiltonThomasandNewmarket CommunityChurchofNewmarket,NewHampshire,wherePattyMarsdenis SeniorPastor. Wehaveseveralotherchurches“inprocess”tojointhe TABCOMfamily.

 Theestablishmentofanewfundforsupportingchurchplantingand re-planting. Whilethisisstillintheearlystagesofdevelopment,weareso excitedaboutthepotentialforbringingnewandrenewedchurchestoour family.

Iwanttoshareapersonalwordofappreciationforthesignificantfinancialgifts toTABCOMfromtheFirstBaptistChurchofWestonandtheHillMemorial BaptistChurch. Theirgenerosityisopeningthedoortonewministriesforus andwearegratefulbeyondwords.

Asmanyofyouknow,inFebruaryIreturnedfromthreemonthsonsabbatical,a

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 22 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org22

trulyamazingexperienceofrestandrenewalineveryway. Iamgratefulto TABCOMandtheRegionleadershipwhomademysabbaticalpossible,including butnotlimitedtothePersonnelCommittee,AdministrationandFinance Committee,BoardofDirectors,andourTABCOMpresident,JoshCahan. Butit’s goodtobebackdoingwhatGodhascalledmetodo!

AverylargethankyougoestotheTABCOMstaffwhotookcareofthingsso competentlyandwellinmyabsence,andcontinuetobetheverybestRegion staff:RobynMars,DianeBadger,MariaReilly,andMirandaKwon. Wehave recentlysaidasadgoodbyetoRondaFerreira,whohasdepartedfromthe positionofdirectorofadministrationandfinance;weareblessedtowelcome backourdearfriendRichardWolfwhoisservingasinteriminthisroleaswe moveintooursearchfornewstaffinthisarea. Averybigthankyougoesoutto ourAssociateExecutiveMinister,RonBouthillette,whoendedup,duetosome unexpectedtiming,leadingtwoRegionsatonce(heistheinterimexecinABCof Vermont/NewHampshire). Hisongoingleadershipinsearchandcallandin churchrenewalhastrulybeeninvaluable.

OuroutgoingPresident,JoshCahan,didawonderfuljobinhisreportof thankingourTABCOMOfficersandBoardofDirectors,soIwillnotnamethem all. Iwillsaythatitisajoytoworkwithsuchavitalanddiversegroupwho haveworkedtogetherfaithfullyandwell. Evenwhenwedonotalwaysagree (because,well,we’reBaptists)thereisabeautifulspiritofsharedpurpose.

WehavebeenrichlyblessedbyJoshCahan’sleadershipasourregionpresident. Hehastrulybeenjusttherightpersonfor“suchatimeasthis,”andIhave indeedbeengratefulforhiscommitmentandvision. Iknowyouwilljoinmein welcomingChrisMcWhite,whoismovingintotheroleofTABCOMpresident. Eachpresidentbringssomethinguniquetothisrole,andIknowthatChriswill beafaithfulanddynamicleaderforTABCOM’snextchapter.

IwanttoclosebythankingConcordBaptistChurchforhostingourAnnual Gatheringthisyear. ThisisourfirstAnnualGatheringinalocalchurchinovera decade. Itissofitting,asourfocusinTABCOMisandhasalwaysbeenourlocal churches,doingvitalministriesincommunitiesacrosstheCommonwealth. We aregratefulforPastorsRev.Dr.ConleyHughesandRev.Dr.MoreenHughesand theirenergeticstaffandmembers,whohavebeentirelessinpreparingforthis greatevent. Godblessyouall!

ServingChrist,

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 23 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org23

OceanwoodUpdate

From Executive Minister Mary Day Miller

Friends,IknowthatyouareallconcernedaboutthesituationatOceanwoodandIwantto bringyouanupdate.

Oceanwoodhasbeenfacingmanystruggles,includingbutnotlimitedto:ongoingmajor maintenanceneeds,difficultiesinhiringstaff(especiallysincethepandemic),generalcost increases,andenvironmentalchallenges(suchassignificantflooding).

Forthispastyear,Oceanwoodhasbeenoperatingasaconferencecenter;hostinggroups butnotproducingitsowncampingprogramming. Thishasstabilizedthingsfornow. But thereisaneedtodiscernafuturedirectionforOceanwood.

ManyofyouknowthatRondaFerreirahasrecentlyresignedfrombothofherrolesas OceanwooddirectorandTABCOMfinancedirector. Wearesadtoseehergoandwishher manyblessingsmovingforward.

Nowletmesharewithyouthestepsthatwearetakingtoaddressthesechallenges.

WehavemadethedecisiontohireanoperationsmanagerforOceanwoodtocontinueto operatethecampintheconferencecentermodel. Iamhappytosharethatthisperson washiredjustthisweek.

Atthistime,weareabringingtogetherasmall “Oceanwood Vision Team” whowillbe taskedwithlookingatouroptionsforOceanwood. Thiswillincludeexaminingtheentire rangeofpossibilitiesformovingintothefuture,with“outsidethebox”thinking encouraged. Wewilllikelyutilizeaconsultanttoassistus,especiallywithourresearch. Myhopeisforustoapproachthisprocessinaspiritofprayerfulopenness. Mygoalisfor atleastapreliminaryreportbytheendof2024.

IknowthatmanyofusinTABCOMhavedeepconnectionstoOceanwood,wherepowerful experienceshavehappened:timesofre-creation,buildingconnections,encounterswith God,andsomuchmore. Iamalsoabundantlyawareofthewiderangeofopinionabout Oceanwood’sfuture. Nomatterwhatdirectionischosen,therewillbethosewho disagree. Thereisnooutcomethatwillsatisfyeveryone.

What do I need from you, TABCOM family?

 Prayer. Thisisthefoundationforallthatwearedoing.

 Support. ContinuetousethefacilitiesatOceanwoodforyourevents,retreats,etc.

 GraceandTrust. Understandthatthisisadifficultjourney;knowthatIwantnothing butthebestforOceanwoodandourTABCOMfamily. Asweallknow,rumorsand assumptionscanbeverydamaging. Pleaseaskquestionsofmyselfandothersin leadershipandverifyinformationbeforesharingit.

Icovetyourprayerfulsupportforthisentireprocess,forotherleaders,andformyself.

ServingChristourLord,

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 24 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org24

President’ sReflection

DearTABCOMChurches,

IthasbeenanhonortoserveasPresidentoftheBoardofDirectorsforthepasttwoyears.The pastyearhasbeenfilledwithsuccesses,challenges,andopportunities,yetpraiseGodthatJesus Christisthesameyesterdayandtodayandforever(Heb.13:8)andthatourLordisbuildinghis church,andthegatesofhellshallnotprevailagainstit(Matt.16:18).

InthepastyearwebeganaprocessofconsideringhowTABCOMstaffandteamscanbetterserve ourchurches.Wehaverefinedourmission,transitioningourthinkingoftheTABCOMstaffand teamsfromprimarilydoersofministrytoequippersofourchurchesastheyministerforChristin theircommunities.Thisfocushasledustoastreamlinedstatementofourpurpose:Unitingand equippingchurchestomakedisciplesofJesus.Furthermore,wediscernedthefollowingstrategies forhowbesttoaccomplishthis:1.Equippingchurchesforfruitfulministry;2.Developingand supportingchurches’leadersforfaithfulservice;3.Connectingchurchesforlocalandglobalmission;and4.Celebratingchurches’unityamiddiversity.Godwilling,thereisstillmuchworktodo tointhecomingyearrefineourstaffandstructuretoreflectthismorefocusedemphasis,butI believethisisagreatstartevenaswegrowincommunicatingthemany“wins”andcelebrations happeninginandthrougheachofthechurchesinourregion.

Iamfurtherexcitedforthepossibilityofachurchreplantingandplantingfundbothtosupport strugglingchurchesandencouragethemultiplicationofchurchesinourregion.Eventhoughitis stillintheplanningstages,theLordhasblessedusfinanciallywiththispotential,andIwantto thankthefaithfulworkoftheTABCOMAdministrationandFinanceTeam:DexterBishop,Fred Drauschke,GaryLudwig,EarlNorman,DarynStylianopoulos,MattWigton,DanaGonsal,Tali Jamir,alongwithTABCOMstaffmembersMaryMiller,RondaFerreira,EdGuerard,andRichard Wolf.Thankyouforallyoudotowiselywatchoverourfinancesandconsiderhowtheycanbest beusedforChrist’skingdom.

Themajorityofmyfocusandenergyhasbeendirectedtowardsupportingourstaffandleadership teams.IthasbeenajoytoworktogetherthisthepastyearwithourBoardofDirectors,seeinga diversegroupcometogetherforthesakeoftheLordJesusandhischurchesinourregion.Special thankstoBarbaraHeadley,JacksonOliveira,RamonaFarley,JephtetRoseme,SabrinaOzit,Daryn Stylianopoulos,ChristopherMcWhite,DavidWright,JenniferLayte,GaryLudwig,MichaelHarvey, MelindaParry,andBarbaraDrauschkeforgivingofyourtimeandgiftsonthisteam.Furthermore, I’mthankfultotheTABCOMstaff,includingMaryMiller,RonBouthillette,RondaFerreira,and RichardWolf,fortheirpartnershipinministryoverthepasttwoyears.I’mthrilledthatwewere abletograntMaryasabbaticaltorestanddreamsothatshecanbeenergizedforthecoming yearsofleadingourregion,Godwilling.

I’msogratefultoyouallforprovidingthisopportunitytoleadourregioninthisroleasBoard President,andIamexcitedtohandoverthereinstotheablehandsofChrisMcWhite.Chrishas notonlyfaithfullyservedonourboardasVicePresidentthesepasttwoyears,butisastudentin TABCOM’sSchoolofMinistryandadeaconatMessiahBaptistChurchinBrockton.Ipraythat TABCOMwillcontinuetomakeprogressinmakingdisciplesofJesusinourcommunitiestogether forGod’sglory!

Blessings,

Rev.JoshCahan SeniorPastor,RugglesBaptistChurch President,TABCOMBoardofDirectors

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 25 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org25

AssociateExecutiveMinister’ sReport

IthasbeenaprivilegeandblessingtoservetheTABCOMregionoverthelastyear.I havevisitedpastorsandchurchesalloverourregion-fromthewestsideofour state,northshore,southshoreanddowntoMartha’sVineyard.

WhatexactlydoIdofortheregion?My“jobdescription”fallsunderthecategoryof churchrelations. Imeetwithchurchboards/leadershiptoconsultwiththemabout movingforwardtobecomeahealthierchurch. Imeetwithsearchcommitteesand assisttheminthesearchandcallprocess.Now,wehaveaplethoraofparttime churchesseekingpastors.

Thelandscapeforseekingpastorshaschangeddramaticallyinrecentyears.The clergyjobmarketisatrainwreck. Awaveofolderclergywillretireinthecoming decade,withfewerseminarystudentsinthepipelinetoreplacethem. Thereare veryfewemergingleadersforourchurchesandpossiblecandidatesthatcometo usaremorediversethanever. Thesenewleaderstendtobebothextremelybright andcharismatic. Theywereoftennon-conformists. Theyaretradingtraditional suitsandclericalrobesforskinnyjeansanduntuckedshirts. Theylikeusing pluggedinmusiciansinplaceofchoirsanddisplayingvirtuosohomileticskills.

Astrugglingeconomy,thecostoflivinginMassachusettsandadeclinein attendanceinmanyofourchurcheshavecreatedfeweropeningsforseminary graduatesseekingtobecomefull-timepastors. Someareresortingtoothermeans ofserviceorareworkingatanyjobtheycanfind. Thismeanstherearefewer recruitswillingtobepioneersinanewspirituallandscapethatrequiresthemto juggleministryandanotherformofincome.

Finally,seminariesareindeclineandaregraduatingfewerleadersforministry. As Ishareinformationconcerningthislandscapewithchurches,itisincreasingly disappointingfortheleadershipofthechurchwhoneedsapastor. Itryto emphasizetoourchurchesseekingassistancethatwearenolongerinthe1950’s. Manyofourchurchesarestuckinamodeofministrythatwascreatedinthe 1950’s. Thecry“wehaveneverdoneitthatway”reverberatesthroughoutour churches. Inmanycases,thehabitsandstructuresoftheleadershipinour congregationscontinuetosupportarealitythatnolongerexists. Iseethistrend particularlyinpastorsearchcommittees. Theircriteriaaresometimes unreasonableandunrealistic. Inallofthis,Godcontinuestoworkinourmidst.

Iamavailabletoassistthechurchtomoveforward. IamavailabletoserveyouthechurchofJesusChrist–inMassachusetts.

Sincerely,

Rev.Dr.RonBouthillette

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 26 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org26

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 27 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org27 Notes

YearEnd2023FinancialStatus

Westonasitbecameclear theirtimehadcomefor closing.

Thesepartialgrantsto TABCOM,andothers,will servetocarryonministry accordingtotheirwishes.

TheTABCOMportionoffunds fromthesaleoftheHill MemorialBaptistChurch property,whichitemerged hadbeenpartiallyownedby TABCOMforover100years, makesseveralstepspossible. Inthelargestsense,when combinedwiththeproceeds fromtheFBCWestonChurch sale,providedforgrowthtoan overallinvestedfundofjust over$5M.Further,$500Kin cashwassetasidetoresource theactivityinsupportof ChurchAssistanceandPlanting. Thedevelopmentofa procedureforthisshouldbe anactiveprocessonseveral perspectives. Thefinal$319K fromthissaleissetasidefor operationsin2024,and beyond.

AllofthisisafterHillMemorial BaptistChurchreceivedtheir portionoffunds,tobeusedas theydesignate,withinthe limitsofthelaw.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 28 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org28

YearEnd2023BalanceSheet

Theworksheetshere,andthecommentsofexplanation,speaktothefinancialconditions. They donot,however,addressthewiderquestion. WhenIwasactiveintheroleoffinance,Itriedto emphasizethatitwasmorethanjustwhatthenumbersare. Whatismoreimportantisthestory theyaretellingus. Thenumbershereindicateaconditionthathascomeaboutfromtheclosing ofministryintwoofourcongregations,bothofwhichhavebeeninworshipforahundredyears. Onthesurfacethereisaprofoundsenseofloss,andinthesecongregationsdeterminationsthere isanexpressionofgenerosityandofhope.

TABCOMnowhasresourcestosupportthedenominationalstaffwork,andtheopportunityto developnewapproaches. Thiscanbegoodnews,withachallenge. Thequestionnowbecomes howisthisgenerosity,andthisopportunity,tobemet? Howwillwemovefromwhatwecando, towhatweshould,andhowwillwedoit?

2023 ANNUAL REPORT THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org29

GrotonwoodReportonMinistry

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 30 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org30

Retreats Ministry

Retreatsincomecontinuestogrowandreachedjustunder$720,000for2023.This numberismorethanﬁnances.Itrepresents1,000’sofindividualsthathavecometocamp tolearnanddiscovermoreaboutJesus.GrotonwoodishugeassettoChristiangroupsasa placeforspiritualgrowth.Westrivetoimprovetheexperiencethesegroupshaveby continuingourfocusonqualityservice,facilitiesandfood.Bookingsarebeingmadein 2025.Wecouldservemoregroupsifwehadmoreaccommodationspaceandwerequire supportfromtheTABCOMcommunitytomakethispossible.

Camping Ministry

Ourcampingprogram,theonefacetinwhichwegettodirectlyprovidespiritual nourishmenttoourcampersandstaffagainsurpassedwhatwecouldeverhaveimagined. Wehadthehighestrecordedincomeeverforathirdyearinarow.Thismeansthatmore campersattendedGrotonwoodin2023vsanyelectronicallyrecordedsummer(which goesbackto2011).

Facility Improvements started or completed in 2023

 FellowshipHallbathroomsarecomplete.Thishasaddedanadditionalthreerestrooms toourMainDiningHall.

 AnewcommercialFridgeandOven/StovehavebeenaddedtoourFamilyCenter Kitchen.

 ThebasementofBlanchardHallhasbeenconverted/renovatedintoathreebedroom apartmentsuitableforusebystaff.

 NewdownstairsensuiteandnewﬂooringintheClinicHouse,improvingthefacilities forouryearroundstaff.

 RedLodgeroofhasbeenreplaced

 MainDiningHallroofreplaced

 52aand52bDuplexroofreplaced

 The1694Officehasbeenpainted.

 ThewalkwayintoBlanchardHallhasbeenreplacedwithcompositedeckingboards.

 Anewarcheryshedhasbeeninstalledatthearcheryrange

 LightsreplacedinGymLounge

 Twonewscreensinthechapelreplacetheprojectorsalongwithwallmounted speakers

 Roadsignrenovated

 CeilingtileshavebeenreplacedintheGymLoungeentranceandAnnexintheMain DiningHall

 GoingCabins1-3arenowfullycompleteandareinusebyretreatgroups.Going4will becompletebytheendofFebruary2024.

Staffing Updates

Linda—a third full time chef, hasbeenaddedtothestaff.Lindaisapublishedbaker, whowenttoschoolinLondonUKandownedabakeryinAmsterdambeforemovingto Maine.SheexcelsinbakedgoodsandmakeswonderfulIndianfood.

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 31 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org31

Tabitha our Retreats and Events Manager. Tabithabringsseveralyearsofexperience toourretreatsministryworkingforchurches,inguestservicesandrealestate.

Nandu—Program Coordinator 18monthsinternship.Nanduisanexperienced outdooradventurist.HerunhisownChristiancampingprograminIndiaandhasjoinedus toexpandtheyearroundprogrammingofferedtoretreats,campersandourfacilities.

Renu—Day Camp Unit Leader 18monthsinternship.Renuisaschoolteacherfrom IndiaandhasworkedwithmanyChristiancamps.SheisheretohelpgrowourDayCamp programbyofferingyearroundactivitiesandstabilitytoourprogram.

Angie—Media Coordinator 18monthinternship.ForthelasttwosummersAngiehas workedforGrotonwoodandisheretoexpandouryearroundoutreach.

Eliza—Resource Assistant. ElizasupportsKitchen,RetreatsandMaintenance departmentsbyspendingaportionofherweekwitheachteam.

Caroline Office Manager. CarolinereplacesSusanintheoffice.Caroline’sthree childrengrewupattendingGrotonwoodandherexperienceinIT,writingandcustomercare willbeofamazingbeneﬁttoallthoseconnectedtocamp.

Thankyoutoalloursupporterswhovolunteeredtheirtimeorcontributedtowardsour capitalimprovementsorcampershipfund.Wecouldn’tdoallthatwedowithoutyour faithfulprayers,ﬁnancialcontributionsandthegiftofyourtime.

Lots of love and appreciation - Danny, Breeze, Alpine and all the Grotonwood staff

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 32 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org32

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 33 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org33

FriendsfRegionalMinistriesReport

In2023TheFriendsofRegionalMinistriescouldbestbedescribedasan "incompletesuccess." Donorsgave$363,850whichinitselfreflected continuedgenerosityandappreciationfortheregionalandcampministries ofTABCOM. However,in2022,becauseoftwoone-timegiftstotaling $230,000,theygave$674,771,thelargestamountinanyoneyearsince FORMstarted. SinceTheFriendsofRegionalMinistrieswasintroducedin 2003,donationsnowtotal$6,441,280. That'salotofmoneybutmore importantlyTHAT'SALOTOFMINISTRY!

Thebestsupportedareasin2023werecamperships,thereplacementofthe Grotonwoodswimdock,andtheremodelingoftheGoingCabinsat Grotonwood. Theleastsupportedareaswerethereplacementofthegym flooratGrotonwood,newresourcesandpropertyimprovementsat Oceanwood,andtheTransFORMationFund,eachofwhichreceivedlessthan 50%ofthegoalsetatthebeginningoftheyear. Overalldonationsreacheda littleover70%ofthe$520,000goalapprovedforFORMin2023.

Donorsrespondedgenerouslytoalatearrivalinthefundraisingpriorities, PreservingBaptistHistory. Eventhoughthisprogramcameafterthe donationbrochurewasprinted,theygave$6,524tothisnewinitiative.They alsosupportedtheSchoolofMinistrygenerouslywithgiftstotaling$10,696.

TheTransFORMationFundcelebrateditsfirstyearabovethethresholdof $1,000,000 requiredfortheuseofitsearningsandisnowabletocontribute totheministriesoftheregionandthecamps.

Lookingahead,agoalof$400,000forFORMsupporthasbeensetfor2024. Thatgoal includes$200,000forGrotonwood,$140,000forOceanwood, $44,000forcorerelatedministries,and$16,000fortheTransFORMation Fund. IncludedintheGrotonwoodgoalis$100,000fortheconstructionofa pavilion.

TheFriendsofRegionalMinistriesheldadonorappreciationeventinMay thatwasattendedbyover80peopleaspartofthecontinuedemphasisto valuethedonoraswellasthedonation. Aspartofthatemphasis,FORMstaff visited98donorsandprospects,senttwonewsletters(theINFORMer),and addedpersonalnotestoeverycommunication.

InJanuary,FORMstaffalsopresentedatwodaytrainingsessionfor

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 34 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org34

representativesfromtheDistrictofColumbiaRegionalStafftohelpthem launchanindividualbasedfundraisingprogramfortheirregion. FORM continuestoworkwiththeAmericanBaptistFoundationtoencourage donorstorememberTABCOMandthecampsintheirestateplanningand currentlyhasdevelopedan"expectancyfile"approaching$1,000,000.

Buildingthedonorbasecontinuestobeachallenge. Theaverageageof donorsis65+andeachyearseveralareunabletocontinuetheirsupportfor healthandagereasons.Whilenewdonorshavebeenaddedtomaintainthe totalsupportbaseofaround600,manyofthenewdonorsgiveatalower level.Effortstobuildthedonorbasehavehadlimitedresultsbutwillbe continueddiligently.

In2023our"friends"gaveover400donationsrangingfrom$5to$30,000, with143being$500ormore. Morethan50havegiveneveryyearsince FORMbegan. Thesegiftsnot onlyhelpusmaintainandgrowourministries, theysendamessageofappreciationandencouragementfortheworkwedo. Yes,2023mayhavebeenan"incompletesuccess,"butinnowaydoesthat diminishourappreciationforthegenerosityofour"friends"astheycontinue tohelpususe"money"todo"ministry."

EdmundR.Guerard,Coordinator FriendsofRegionalMinistries

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 35 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org35

MAAmericanBaptistInvestmentTrust

MABIT

c/o TABCOM

189 Prescott St. Groton, MA 01450

MABIThasprovidedaproveninvestmentserviceforTABCOMchurchesandpartners allowingthemtopoolinvestmentfundsfor30years.Thepoolingoffundsallowsfor upgradedfinancialmanagementservicesandreducedmanagementfees.MABIToffers threetypesofinvestmentcategories:equity,fixedincomeandequitydividend. Approximately30MassachusettsBaptistchurchesandTABCOMpartnersinvestvia MABIT.MABIT’sbalanceisinexcessof$7M.

MABITispartneredwithMerrillLynch’sBarcomb,TanguayandAssociatestoprovide professionalfiduciarymanagementservices.TheMABITBoardofTrusteesmeetswiththe Barcomb/Tanguayadvisorsthreetimesperyeartoreviewtheoverallportfolio,MABIT productofferingsanddiscussmarketissues.Sociallyresponsiblescreeningofinvestments isperformedforallaccounts.Eachinvestingchurchhascompletecontroloverits account’sassetallocation.

The2023financialmarketshadagoodbouncebackfromthetoughlosses2022.Thebond marketisslowlyrecoveringfromitsrecordbreakinglossof18.5%in2022.Theequity marketsweremuchstronger.2023endedwiththesecondhighestMABITportfolio balance.MABIT’sdividendequityproducthasbeenpaying~4.5%thelastseveralyears forthosechurcheslookingforasteadyincomestream.Theoverallportfoliogained18.5% in2023.

TheBoardofTrusteescontinuestostronglyadviseinvestorstoreviewtheirrisktolerance andadjusttheirportfoliomixifappropriate.TheBoardalsorecommendsa60%equity and40%fixedportfoliobalanceformostinvestors.MerrillLynchadvisorsareavailableto assistyou.

ItiswithsadnesstheBoardsharesthenewsofBobWilliams’resignationfromtheBoard duetohealthissues.BobwasthefaithfulelderoftheBoardwhoalwaysprovidedsensible ideasandaskedthoughtfulquestions.WekindlyaskthatyoukeepBobandhiswife,Zelda, inyourthoughtsandprayers.TheBoardwelcomesnominationsforthenewlyopened position.

RespectfullysubmittedonbehalfoftheBoard, DavidF.Lambert

MABIT Board of Trustees

DavidLambert,Chair

BengtHermanrud,Secretary Rev.Dr.RichardHaley,Treasurer Rev.DianeBadger FirstUnitedBaptist,Lowell CommunityBaptist,Medford FirstBaptist,Chelmsford FirstBaptist,Mansfield mabit.trustee@gmail.com

978.459.6959

WeiminFeng RobertWilliams FirstBaptist,Wakefield FirstBaptist,W.Acton

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 36 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org36

AdoniramJudsonAnnualReport

HereismyTwelfth annualreportasAreaMinistryCoordinatorforthe AdoniramJudsonBaptistAssociation.

IhavemetwithseveralPastorsforlunchanddiscussionabouttheirchurches andministries. Ihavepreachedinthreeotherchurchesduringtheyear. I havespokenwith10Pastorsonthetelephoneaboutvariousissues.

FirstBaptistChurchofMaldenisstillmeetingwithMaplewoodBaptist ChurchisayokedministrymeetingatFirstBaptistChurch. FirstBaptist ChurchofStonehamhascloseditsministry.

IhaveattendedallthemeetingsoftheJudsonAssociationExecutive Committeeandworkcloselywiththemconcerningthebusinessofthe Association.

FBCWakefieldhasbegunconstructionfortheirnewbuilding.

TheRev.Dr.EstherPearsonisstillworkingasaJudsonAssociationLiaison.

Currently,IamreachingouttothenewerpastorsintheAssociationtogetto knowthemandtoassesstheirinvolvementintheAssociationandTABCOM.

LetmeclosebysayingthatIamavailabletoanswerquestions,meetwith churchleadersand/orpastors,andtoassistinanyotherwaysIcan. Ican bestbereachedbycellphone:781-820-0847oremail:dkilpat@aol.com

Respectfullysubmitted,

Rev.Dr.DavidM.Kilpatrick

AdoniramJudsonBaptistAssociation,Coordinator

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 37 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org37

BostonSouthwestAnnualReport

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations3:22-23NIV).

Godcontinuestoshowhimselftobefaithful.Hisloveneverceases.Notbecauseofanything wehavedonebutbecauseofhiscompassiontowardus. Inrecapitulatinguponthisyear,itis evidentthatGod’shandofmercyandhislovecontinuestoguideourchurchesastheyresurge fromadifficultperiodinhistorywiththepandemic.

WewereabletoconveneourSpringAssociationmeetingonApril29,2023,atConcord BaptistChurchinMiltonandourFallmeetingonOctober14,2023,atFirstBaptistin Wollaston,withparticipationfromindividualsrepresentingthediversepopulationofour Association.Bothgatheringsweresupportedbypastorswhowereactivelyengagedinleading substantiveworkshopsandgivingeffectivepresentations.

AfterourAssociation’smeetingonOctober14,wewereblessedtoparticipateinandwitness theinstillationfortheSettledPastorofFBCWollaston–Rev.Dr.Andre`Morgan.Theservice waswellattendedbyrepresentativesfromtheAssociationandTABOM.Rev.Dr.Conley Hughes,SeniorPastoratConcordBaptist,wasthespeaker.Abeautifullunchwasserved afterwards.

Theexecutivecommittee,undertheleadershipofourmoderator,Rev.Andre’Morgan, continuedfaithfullywithourmonthlymeetingsviazoom;wealsometonceinperson.These meetingshavebeenasourceofinspirationandaccountabilityaswestrivetosupportour pastorswithintheAssociation,keepabreastofthestatusofourchurches,thebusinessofthe AssociationandengagewithTABCOM.Threegrantswereofferedtotwochurchesanda communityorganizationthroughfundsfromBostonBaptistSocialUnion.

WecelebratedwithPastorAshleeWeist-Lairdher20th PastoralAnniversaryonOctober1, 2023.

Threeofourchurchescontinuewiththeirfoodinsecurityprogramswithgroceriesaswellas hotmealsforpeoplethroughouttheGreaterBostonAreaandsurroundingcommunities.For moreinformationseetheirwebsites,ConcordBaptist,Milton;First Baptist,JamaicaPlainand TwelfthBaptist,Roxbury.

AfterthesuddenpassingofPastorRobertoMirandaLionofJudahinBostonin2022,the churchcalledasitssettledPastor–Rev.MercedesLopezMirandaandRev.SamuelAcevedo. ShewasinstalledonMarch12,2023,astheSeniorPastor.

WecontinuetoprayforandworkwithFirstBaptistChurchofNorwood,astheymove forwardinthesearchforaSettledPastor.Theyareworkingwithtwointerimministersas theymovethroughtheprocess.

Regretfully,TheHillMemorialChurchinAllstonmadeatransitionandcloseditsdoorsafter servingthecommunityforcloseto130years.Thetransitioncommitteecontinuestowork withthehousingofficialsfromAllstonastheyareintalkstoconvertthebuildingintosenior housing.

ItisinservicetothekingdomthatIcontinuetohavehope.

RespectfullySubmitted, Moreen

P.Hughes(DMin.) AssociationResourceCoordinator

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 38 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org38

MerrimackValleyAnnualReport

ThepastyearintheMerrimackValleyBaptistAssociationsawonechurch loseitspastor,andthreechurchescalledanewsettledpastor.InJanuary,Rev. NancyWillbanksleftFirstBaptistChurchofLittleton.Thechurch subsequentlycalledtheRev.RobynMarstobeitsinterimpastor.Newpastors werecalledtoHopeCommunityChurchinNewburyport,WestActonBaptist Church,andNorthBillericaBaptistChurch.HopeCommunityChurchcalled Rev.DerykRichenburg,WestActonBaptistChurchcalledRev.Christine Schrade-Keddy,andNorthBillericacalledRev.JocelynePeirce.

Inadditiontothepastoralchanges,theassociationatitsannualmeetingin November,heldatGrotonwood,welcomedtwonewchurchesintothe associationandtheTABCOMfamily.NewLifeChristianMinistryinLowell, pastoredbyRev.MiltonThomas,andNewmarketCommunityChurchin Newmarket,NH,pastoredbyRev.PatriciaMarsden.NCCisatri-affiliated congregation,alsobeingapartoftheUCCandUMC.

Duringtheyear,wehaveheldmonthlybreakfastgatheringsforthepastors andtheIHopinTewksbury,andIhavebeenvisitingchurchesonSundays,asI wrappedupmytimeastheassociationcoordinator.Mylastdayasthe associationcoordinatorwasMarch31st.Ithasbeenaprivilegetoservethe associationforthesepast111/2 years.Thispastyearhasbeenparticularly joyfulwiththewelcomingoftwocongregationsandthreepastorstothe association’spulpits.

Respectfullysubmitted, Rev.JamesW.Leavitt

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 39 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org39

OldColonyAnnualReport

TheOldColonyBaptistAssociation(OCBA)hasnowcompletedtwocenturiesofworking together,accomplishingministrywiththechurchesinourassociation. AsanAssociationwe adheretotheoriginalpurposeofourassociationwhichis:

 Promotingfellowshipamongchurches.

 Affirmingcommunityheldbeliefs,providingcounselandassistancetolocalchurches.

 Establishingstructuretohelpwiththeologicaleducation,publishingmissionworkand ordination.

Oursmallanddedicatedexecutiveboardhasworkedhardthisyear,tryingtofindwaysthat wecanbestserveandpartnerwithourchurchesandpastors. Wewelcomeideasand commentsfromourchurchesandpastors. WearethelargestassociationinTABCOM,we have42churchesinanareacoveringtheCapeandtheIslands,BristolandPlymouthCounties andpartsofNorfolkCounty. Theboardisinneedofaclerk;someonewhocantakeminutes andhelpwiththeclericaltasksoftheassociation.

WestartedouryearinJanuarywithourannualbreakfastatMessiahBaptistChurchinBrockton.Rev.JonathanMalonespokeonhisnewministryofhikingandexploringGod’sworldin nature.

IntheSpringwemetatFirstBaptistFallRiverandlistenedtoRev.CherylHarrisleadusina discussionaboutDivinity,Diversity,Dialogue:ListeningandLearningOurWaytotheBeloved community.

InJune,OCBAhostedaprayerserviceatFirstBaptistChurchofMansfield,ledbyStudent Minister,GregoryScaliseofFirstBaptistChurchMansfieldandRev.ParisBollingerofFirst BaptistChurchofDighton.

Thisfalleveryone’scalendarfilledupsorapidlythatwefeltthebestwaytocometogether wasthrougheventsbeingheldatlocalchurches. WeencouragedourchurchestogetinvolvedwithFirstBaptistChurchofAttleboro’sinitiativetobuildbedsforchildren. First BaptistofDightonhadplannedanoutdoorworshipevent,whichunfortunatelyhadtobe cancelledduetoinclementweather.

Inadditiontotheseactivities,wereachedouttoourpastorsandchurchesinotherways.

Forthepasttwoyears,wehavesentcardstoourretireesfourtimesayear:Easter,midsummer,ThanksgivingandChristmas.Aboardmemberhastakenonthetaskofmailingthese cards.

Rev.DianeBadgerbecametheAssociationResourceCoordinator(ARC)inJuneandhasbeen workingwithourchurchesandpastors;sometimesjustmeetingforcoffee,sometimes explainingthemazethatisordinationorstandinginourdenominationandassisting churcheswithadministrativeissues.

Twicethisyear,shewenttoMartha’sVineyardtoworkwithour4churcheslocatedonthe Islandhelpingthesemoredistantchurchestofeelconnectedtoourassociation.

PartneringwiththeConferenceofBaptistMinistersinMassachusetts(CBMM),OCBAhosteda luncheonontheCapeforourretiredandactivepastors. Itwasagreattimeoffellowshipand sharing. Wehopetodothesameonthesouthshoreinthespring,meetingwithourpastors andconnectingwithourretireesinthearea.

Sincerely,

Rev.DianeL.Badger,AreaResourceCoordinatorforOldColonyBaptistAssociation

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 40 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org40

SamuelStillmanAnnualReport

ThisyearI’mremindedofafavoritegospelhymn,byAlbertA.Goodson: “We’ve Come This Far by Faith,” especiallythelastline: “Can’t turn around. We’ve come this far by faith.” AsI lookbackonthepastyear,it’sencouragingtoseehowfarwe’vecome.Noteverythinghas goneaswewouldwant,butitisclearthatGodhasbeenmoving.

ThisyeartheStillmanAssociationenjoyedmeetingtogetherinpersonorinhybrid gatherings.Eventsinclude:AssociationSummerPicnichostedbyTrinityBaptistin Arlington,atimeoffunandfellowship. StillmanFallGatheringinFirstBaptist Framingham,withprogram,“ALookatRaceandOurHistory”featuringapresentationby Rev.JohnOdams,ModeratorofStillmanandareadingbyKathyZeman,ClerkofStillman. UpcomingStillmanAnnualMeetinginMay,whennewofficerswillbeelectedatTrinity BaptistinArlington. OrdinationcouncilandordinationforNaroPongenatOldCambridge BaptistChurch.InstallationofPatrickMcCorkleatFirstBaptistArlington.Installationof ChristineKeddyatWestActonBaptist.MonthlymeetingofStillmanPastors,beginningin November,organizedbyRev.JanaYeaton,PastorofFirstBaptistNewtonandVice ModeratoroftheStillmanAssociation.

TransitionsinStillmanChurches:NewsettledpastorswerecalledtoWestActonBaptist (Rev.ChristineKeddy),FirstBaptistChurchinArlington(Rev.PatrickMcCorkle),First BaptistChurchofBedford(Rev.KevinT.Cunningham),andUnionChurchinWaban (TABCOMcousinchurch,(Rev.MeganBerkowitz).Atthesametime,severalchurchesare withoutapastor,andareinvariousstagesofsearchandcall.Thisincludes:Trinity Baptist,Arlington,followingtheresignationofRev.KarinaFontanez,FirstBaptist Framingham,followingtheresignationofRev.JasonRutherford,UnionBaptist, Cambridge,followingtheresignationofRev.JaronGreen,andOldCambridgeBaptist Church,followingtheresignationofRev.CodySanders;InterimRev.RandyMixonis there.Rev.Dr.RonaldBouthillette,TABCOM’sAssociateExecutiveMinisterinChurch Relations,hasprovidedguidanceandresourcestochurchesintransitionwhileIoffer supportasneeded.

ItisencouragingtoseeStillmanAssociationchurchescollaboratinginnewways,whether toshareadviceonfeedingprogramsortoconsidersharingspace.OurChristianties includeprayingforeachother.Pleaseholdinprayertwochurcheswhosecongregations havedeeptiestoareasofconflict:OverseasBurmeseChristianFellowship(Rev.Maung MaungHtwe)andSourceofLightInternational,aHaitiancongregationservingmanynew immigrants(Rev.Dr.PierreMiguelChery).Also,inthistimeofpoliticalpolarizationand theupcomingnationalelection,pleaseprayforunityinourAssociationandinour churches,joinedtogetherbyfaithinJesusChrist,ourdesiretoservehim,andour AmericanBaptistsharedvaluesandcommitments.

ThankyoutoRev.Dr.MaryDayMiller,TABCOMExecutiveMinister,Rev.Dr.Ronald Bouthillette,TABCOMAssociateExecutiveMinisterforChurchRelations,andtheSamuel StillmanAssociationfortheopportunitytoserveyou.

Rev.Dr.LorettaSaint-Louis ResourceCoordinatorSamuelStillmanAssociation

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 41 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org41

PortugueseLiaisonAnnualReport

TABCOM’S LIAISON FOR THE PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING COMMUNITY

SincethepandemicourPortuguese-Speakingcommunityhasbeenstruggling.Some pastorsarenolongerintheStatesorinvolvedwiththeABC.Ourchurcheshavefacedthe problemsoflossofmembers,divisionsorclosingdownaltogether.Unfortunatelyour communityisnotunitedororganizedasitusedtobe.Thisrepresentsagreatchallengeto uswhowanttoseeourcommunityrevitalized.Ihopethatlittlebylittle,through appropriateefforts,thiswillbeachievedinthenearfuture.

Thoughnospecialevents,meetingsorcelebrationsofBrazilianPastorsandchurches havetakenplacelately,atleasttheTABCOM’sAnnualGatheringhasmadeitpossiblefor thePastorstogather,aspartofitsprogram.Ibelievethisisessentialforthenurturingof ourcommunity.

Giventhecircumstances,asalreadydescribed,itisnosurprisethatmyactivitieshavestill beenmostlylimitedtopersonalcontactswithotherBrazilianPastors,eitherpersonallyor throughemailortelephone.SomethingnoteworthywasmyroleinhelpingPastorRonie Souzaandhischurch,IgrejaBatistaNovaVida(NewLifeBaptistChurch),fromLowell,to entertheprocessofaffiliationwiththeABC/TABCOM.

AnimportantpartofmyroleistomakemyselfavailabletoTABCOMofficerswhenever theyneedhelpintheirinterrelationwiththeBraziliancommunity.Asitseems,thisneed hasnotbeenfrequentlately.AndIamstillamemberoftheMBMM(Massachusetts BaptistMulticulturalMinistry)BoardofDirectors,whichdealswithourdifferentethnic groups,includingBrazilians,naturally.

IurgemybrothersandsisterstopraywithmeforourBraziliancommunitywithin TABCOM.AndmayGod’sgraceandgoodnessrestuponusandallthechurchessowemay togetherhonorandexaltChrist.

YourservantinChrist,

Rev.Dr.DaltonH.Said March13,2024

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 42 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org42

MissionsMinistryAnnualReport

ItookontheroleofTABCOMDirectorofMissionsfromthethirdweekofJunein2023. Myfirst responsibilitywasTABCOM’sannualmissioneventcalledMissionworks. Itwasonlyaboutfourmonths away,accordingtoourcustomarycalendar,sowehadtoquicklydecideonadateoftheevent. Thenext criticalthingwasgettingthespeakers. Thankfully,2023ABCUSABiennialMissionSummitwashappening soon attheendofJune inSanJuan,PR. SoIwenttotheBiennialMissionSummitastheDirectorof MissionsofTABCOMwithonemissioninmind scoutingspeakersforTABCOMMissionworks.

ImetsomanywonderfulGlobalServantsofInternationalMinistries(IM, a.k.a.,AmericanBaptistForeign MissionSociety),fellowministersofChrist,andotherbrothersandsistersinChristfromalloverthestates oftheUSandtheworld. ThiswasinfactmyfirsttimeattendingtheBiennialMissionSummitinperson;I attendedtheMissionSummitvirtuallyin2021fortheveryfirsttime,whenitwasheldonlineonlydueto thepandemic. Priorto2021,Ihadservedinotherdenominationalchurchesandworkedwithothermission organizationsfor10years.

AttheMissionSummit,therewasaluncheonhostedbyMMBB,andIhappenedtositwithRev.Dr.Toya Richardsatthesametable. ShehadbeencommissionedasaGlobalServanttoCapeTown,SouthAfrica,and wasfundraisingtobesentoff. ShebrieflysharedwithmehowshebecameaGlobalServant,whatshewas passionateabout,andhowherlifesofarhaspreparedhertobeonthatpath. Sheendedupbeingthe keynotespeakerandaworkshopleaderforourMissionworks. Thoughsheresignedfromthepositionofa GlobalServantofIMasofFeb.2024,shecontinuescarryingoutthemissionofGodasanon-affiliated servantofGod.

Godenabledmetomakemanysuchwonderfulcontactsandconnectionswithpeoplethroughoutthe MissionSummit,inparticularwiththoseaffiliatedwiththeIM,ABHMS(AmericanBaptistHomeMission Society),andAAABC(AllianceofAsianAmericanBaptistChurches). PieterandNoraKalkman,Global ServantstoEuropeandtheMiddleEast,whoseinfoIinitiallygotfromtheIM’sdisplayboothattheSummit, werealsoinvitedtobeworkshopspeakersatourMissionworks. AfellowAsianministerRev.Dr.LilySohof MA,whohasservedGodandhispeopleextensivelyinSingaporeandothercountries,andwhomIwasalso verygladtoseeattheMissionSummit,becameanotherworkshopspeakeroftheMissionworks.

IhadthusbusysummerpreparingforandworkingoutthedetailsoftheMissionworks. Meanwhile,Ialso visitedafewchurchesintheTABCOMandmetwithmissionministersandwhoeverelsewasinterestedin thelocalandglobalmissions. OnepastorofanethnicAsianchurchexpressedgratitudeandremarkedthat noonefromTABCOMhasevervisitedandpreachedathischurch. In“mission”meetingswithfolksfrom thelocalchurches,Ihadaprivilegetohearfromtheyoungandtheold,andtheseasonedandthenew.

WhenSeptemberrolledin,however,IhadtobeawayinFt.Jackson,SC,fora13-weekArmyBasicOfficer trainingforchaplains. IhadbeencommissionedasanUSArmychaplainintheReservesinthespringof 2023. So,IhadtodoallmyTABCOMMission-relatedworksremotelyfromSC. ButIcouldnotvisitlocal churchesinMAormeetwithpeopleinperson. Myzoommeetingswerelimitedtoweekdayeveningsor weekends. AtleastmylateworkinghourswasnotmuchofaproblemwhentalkingviazoomwithGlobal Servantsorwhoeverwasinthe“missionfield”ofotherstatesorevenothercountriesofdifferenttime zones(laterormuchearliertimezones). Underthesecircumstances,IwasneverthelessthankfulthatI couldgetaweekendpasstotravelbacktoMAtoattendtheMissionworksonOct.21.

ItrainedheavilyonthedayoftheMissionworksevent. Therewasevenanafternoonstormwarning,sowe shortenedthelastsession(Q&AwithMissionaries)inconsiderationofthefolkswhohadalongwayto drivehome,especiallythosefromtheCape. But,overall,theeventwentsmoothly,thankstoGodandall thosethroughwhomGodhasworkedforhismission. Wemaynotseeanyimmediateimpactwithourown eyesorhearaboutitwithourownears,butasourLordChristJesussaid,thosewhobelieveinhimwill continuedoingtheworkshehasbeendoing,andtheywilldoevengreaterthings,sentandcommissioned bytheSonashewassentbytheFather,forthegloryofGod.

InChrist,

Rev.MirandaM.Kwon,TABCOMDirectorofMissions AssociatePastor,FirstBaptistChurch,Melrose,MA

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 43 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org43

CommunicationsAnnualReport

You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, Here is your God!” Isaiah 40:9

AsaTABCOMstaffmember,IundertaketheresponsibilityofcompilingTABCOM NotesandHalfNotesonthe1stand15thofeachmonthincollaborationwithmy colleagues.Alongsidethenewsletters,ImaintaintheTABCOMwebsite,Facebook InstagramandTwitterpagesandensurethattheyareregularlyupdatedtomeet thelatestrequirements.

InMarchIwasordainedatmychurch, IhadbeenfillinginforPulpitSupplyat FirstBaptistChurchinLittletonandinSeptember2023,Ibeganservingthereas InterimPastor.

InMaywesuccessfullyconductedoursecondin-personAnnualGatheringat Grotonwood. Thethemewas Reconnect, Revive, Renew (Ezekiel37:5-6)

InOctoberweorganizedtheMissionworks: Let Your Light Shine.

Forallofourevents,Inotonlyhandleregistrationbutdesigningallmaterials,and marketingeacheventonourwebsite,andonallSocialmediaplatforms.

InHisService,

Rev.RobynMoniqueMars

TABCOMCommunicationsCoordinator

InterimPastor,FirstBaptistChurchinLittleton

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 44 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org44

SchoolofMinistryAnnualReport

TheSchoolofMinistry(SoM)wasestablishedtomeetacriticalneedfromour churchestoprovideopportunitiesforChrist-ledpeopletogrowintheirfaith journeyandwhencalledtobethepastorthatachurchmaybeseeking.

2023wasayearwesawthesetransformationstakeplace. Followingare highlightsfromourdecadeofprovidingtheSoMstudentswiththishands-on, experientialtraining.

 Anenrollmentthatreachedourcapacityfortheyear.

 Graduated8studentsinNovember2023addingtoourcombinedalumniof 50graduates.

 Atleast12ofourgraduatesareservingasPastorsand40ofourgraduates arelicensedministers.

 MaintainedawebsiteandaFacebookpagesupportingstudentsandstaff.

 Ourcurrentstaffincludes7instructorsincludingourHaitian CommunicationLiaisonandanAdministrator.

 Overtheyearsourstudentshaverangedfrom30-80yearsofage highlightingthetestamentofGod’scallingusatallstagesinourlives.

 OurstudentscomefromourNewEnglandregion,comingfromWesternto EasternMassachusetts,NewHampshireandRhodeIsland.

 Provideforcontinualevolutionofthecurriculumandexperiencesforthe studentsrespondingtowhereGodisleadingthestafftoaddresstoday’s needsforourchurches.

 SinceSoMhasbeenservingTABCOMformorethan13yearsithasbeenone ofTABCOM'slongestrunningprograms!

 SoMisdedicatedtokeepingitstuitionascosteffectiveaspossiblewithmany optionstostudentsneedsusinggrantsandotherresources.

 Refinedourongoingthree-yearcurriculum(includingtranscriptsto graduates):

• YearofTeaching

• YearofPreaching

• YearofHealing

 Althoughwecontinuetoreachouryearlycapacity,weareencouragingyou tosignupasearlyaspossibleforthenextclass. Limitedslotsareavailable, anda$250depositensuresyouwillhaveoneofthem!

IfyouhavefeltthetugoftheLordtodeepenyourcallingeitherpastorallyoras abetterequippedlayperson,feelfreetocontactKevinE.Porter(978)2507478orRev.CherylMoore(781)392-4552todiscussthisexcitingopportunity furtherforyourfaithJourney.

SubmittedbyKEP

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 45 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org45

CommissiononOrdainedMinistryReport

CommitteeonMinisterialPreparation:Rev.DianeBadger,Chair

MinisterialStandingCommittee:Rev.BarbaraJean,Chair

WatchCareCoordinator:Rev.AnitaFarberRobertson

COOMCoordinator:Rev.DianeBadger,Coordinator

CommitteeMembers:

MinistryPreparation:Rev.DianeBadger,Chair,Rev.JohnBioAsante,Rev.AdrienneBerry-Burton, Rev.AnitaFarberRobertson,Rev.DanaGonsal,(3/2024),andRev.JohnnieWilson.

MinisterialStandingCommittee:Rev.BarbaraJean,Chair,Rev.DebraLee,Rev.LeahGoodwin,Mr. RichardJefferson,Rev.CatherineMiller,Rev.JayMulligan,Rev.SheilaSholes-Ross,Rev.Jamie Spriggs,Rev.AshleyWeist-Laird,Rev.MarImsong,ChairofMBMM,and

TABCOM:Rev.Dr.MaryDayMiller,ExecutiveMinister,Rev.RonBouthillette

Andhowaretheytoproclaimhimunlesstheyaresent? Asitiswritten, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans10.15

IthasbeenapleasuretoworkwiththemembersofCOOMtoadvancetheChristcentered professionofordainedministry.IhaveagreatappreciationforthecommitmentoftheseCOOM leadersandvolunteerswhoattend,andthemanysharedyearsoffaithandknowledge.Itisour chargeandourhonortoassistthosewhoarecalledtoordainedministry,andtohelpour congregationsreceivecandidateswhowillserveworthilyasDisciplesofChrist.Standardshave beenadvancedandtheprocessofconfirmingrecordsisongoing.Thecommissionappreciatesour CoordinatorRev.DianeBadger.TherecordsfromtheTABCOMregioncontinuetobeconfirmed andupdated.Forourcommittees,wehaveestablishedStandingRulestocontinueourwork togetherasnewmemberscomeonboard.WecontinuetoaffirmTheMinistersCouncilofthe AmericanBaptistChurches’CodeofEthics.Weareaskinganyonewhoseekstopreachorleadina TABCOMchurchsignthecurrentCodeofEthics.WeencourageeachAssociationtobereadyto supportcandidates.Faith,excellence,andcompassionateservicegohandinhand.

Thewebsitehasbeenreviewedforclarityforordinationandstandingcandidates,andchurch congregations.Formsthatdetailtheprocessesareavailable.TheChurchAdministrationcourseis availableasadirectedstudywhenoneisnotaccessiblethroughthecolleges.Wehave acknowledgedtheprocessforpersonswhoseCallleadsthemtoformalChaplainpositions.We continuetosupportthesendingchurchesandcandidatesinansweringthatprofessionalcall.

Electronicvideocallscontinuedtoreachacrossregionsandassociationsasweservetogether. FromJune2023toMay2024thecommitteewillhaveworkedwith9candidatesof27fromvaried pathwaysseekingordinationandtheirsupportingcongregations,andwiththeTABCOMchurch associations.Thereisadiversityofcandidatesthatmirrorsourregion’spopulationandmany cultures.Thefaith,congregationalexperiences,creativityandacademictrainingofeachsuccessful candidatespeakswellofourfutureasaverybrightpromise.

Wehaveworkedwith5candidatesseekingStanding.Thereviewofprofessionalandpersonal referencesisacomplicatedprocess.Thehealthandcareofourcongregationsandcongregantsis centraltotheStandingprocess.ItisapleasurewhenStandingcanbeapproved.

IntheJoyoftheLord, ReverendAdrienneBerry-Burton

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 46 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org46

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 47 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org47

OurSponsors

CONCORD BAPTIST CHURCH OF BOSTON IN MILTON

MISSIONWORKS 2024

Camp & Conference Center

167 Prescott Street Groton, MA 01450

Tel (978) 448-5763

Fax (978) 448-0025

Email office@grotonwood.org

URL www.grotonwood.org

Tel (978) 448-1445

Fax (978) 448-0025

Email tabcom@tabcom.org

Tel (207) 934-9655

Fax (207) 934-1586

Email office@oceanwood.org

URL www.tabcom.org 17 Royal Street (PO Box 7338) Ocean Park, ME 04063

URL www.oceanwood.org

2023 ANNUAL REPORT 48 THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org URL www.tabcom.org48

The

American Baptist Churches 189 Prescott Street Groton, MA 01450

THE AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES OF MASSACHUSETTS MAIL 189 Prescott Street, Groton, MA 01450 PHONE 978-448-1445 FAX 978-448-0025 EMAIL tabcom@tabcom.org WEB www.tabcom.org SAVE THE DATE

October 26, 2024