WHO WE ARE

     The American Baptist Community Church in Big Flats, New York is lovingly referred to by the congregation and the community as TAB Community Church.  TAB was founded in 1966 as a church plant by the American Baptists Churches of New York State through the efforts of the Chemung Steuben Association of Churches (NY).  Our church building was built in 1968 and expanded in 1988.  During our 40 years we have had only two pastors.  We are a conservative congregation with an upbeat, open style worship using traditional and contemporary hymns, praise choruses and a variety of special music offerings featuring children, youth, and adult choirs.  Children's moment, children's church and nursery are ministries directed to the children.  Laity members are utilized in various parts of the worship service.  Sunday school classes are available for all ages including serveral options for adults.  Fellowship is important for our young people as we have graded groups for kindergarten through grade 12.  We also have a men's fellowship and a women's study group.  

HOLY SPIRIT:  The Holy Spirit is God in spiritual form, sent to us after Christ's ascension into Heaven.  The Holy Spirit dwells in the Believer to guide our understanding of the Bible, to provide comfort in times of trouble, and to inspire the boldness of our witness.  The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a continual remembrance of God's love for us.

THE BIBLE:  The Bible is the inspired Word of God that lives in the hearts of the Believers.  It is our guidebook for living that provides us with encouragement and support.  It is alive and remains applicable to our lives today.  Timothy 3:16 (NAS), the Bible is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in rightousness".

BAPTISM:  We regard the ordinance of "believer's baptism" as a symbol of death to the old life, and resurrection to a new life in Jesus Christ.  This public declaration serves as an outward demonstration of individual's belief and faith in Jesus Christ.

LORD'S SUPPER:  We celebrate the Lord's Supper om memory of the sufferings of Jesus Christ at the cross.  We are commanded to remember the night of betrayal as Christ became the ultimate sacrifice for our redemption.  Our church practices an "open communion" and invites all believers to participate in its celebration.

OUR MISSION

We commit ourselves to creating disciples of Christ through a personal relationship with Him and with each other.

OUR VISION

We will introduce people to Jesus Christ and encourage growth in the relationship through worship, study, outreach, and fellowship.