News and events at Allen Temple Baptist Church and in our community
for the week of October 25, 2015 and beyond!

Join us in worship and study!

Sunday Worship 8:00 am and 11:15 am 
Both worship services live streamed in their entirety on Allen-Temple.org

Sunday School at 10:15am in the Family Life Center

Bible Study
Tuesday Teleconference at 7:00 pm  -  Wednesday Youth at 7:30 pm
Thursday Daytime with Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr at 12 Noon
Thursday Evening with Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr at 7:30 pm

For more information, visit Allen-Temple.org

Allen Temple Events by Date
Allen Temple is Honored to be the Host Church for the Service of Pastoral Dedication and Installation for Pastor Vickia Brinkley
Sunday, October 25 ~ 3pm 
 
Allen Temple is honored to serve as the host church for the Service of Pastoral Dedication and Installation for a Daughter of Allen Temple, the Reverend Vickia Brinkley, who is being installed as the Senior Pastor of the True Faith Community Baptist Church of Antioch, California! Join us for an afternoon of praise, worship, celebration and consecration at Allen Temple on Sunday, October 25 at 3:00pm!

Parents, Grandparents and Guardians! The Nursery at Allen Temple Is Open To Serve Children From 6 Months To Five Years of Age!

We're excited to share that the Nursery at Allen Temple is now open on Sundays at the 8:00 AM and 11:15 AM worship services to provide nursery care to children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years of age! Parents, grandparents and guardians are invited to bring their little ones to the Nursery, located in the Family Life Center Head Start Nursery Facility (First Floor across the inner courtyard) when you arrive on campus)!  The Nursery is open to receive your children starting 15 minutes prior to worship; children must be picked up 15 minutes after the benediction. We look forward to the opportunity to care for and nurture your children with the love of Christ in a safe environment during worship services! For more information about The Nursery at Allen Temple, please visit the Church website.  
The Nursery at Allen Temple Is Open!  Would You Join Us As An Adult Team Member, College Intern or Youth Worker?

We're excited to share that The Nursery at Allen Temple is now open! We continue to grow our team to ensure that our youngest members and guests are cared for!  We welcome adult team members as well as college students for whom internship hours are available (early childhood education majors); and youth team members who may obtain community service hours.  Application forms for adult and youth team members as well as information on the college internship are available on our webpage on the Church website.

To sign up or for more information, please email nursery@allen-temple.org. We thank you for your willingness to share your time with our little ones!
Church Campus Improvements
Building a more comfortable and useful Allen Temple

We're excited to share that many improvements to our campus will take place within the coming weeks!  These improvements, which will make our facilities more comfortable and useful, include the upgrade to the Wildy-Carpenter Hall kitchen, which will be completed in mid to late November, the painting of the exterior of the Sanctuary and Family Life Center buildings, which will be completed in mid to late November, and the installation of a new air conditioning and heating system this week.  Please note that the Sanctuary will be closed for general access Monday, October 26 through Friday, October 30 so that installation may be safely completed.  
96th Church Anniversary Offering

Let's join together and give great praise to God by showing our gratitude for the blessing of 96 years of unbroken ministry by worshipping through our sacrificial gifts!  Our Church Anniversary Offering is over and above our tithes and percentage gifts. Adults are asked to give $96.00, youth $19.60 and children $9.60.  You may worship through giving and designate your gift one of three ways: 1) by using a special Anniversary envelope which may be requested from any Usher; 2) by marking your regular giving envelope with "Anniversary," or 3) by clicking here to be redirected to Online Giving where you may note "Anniversary" in the Other box on your online giving form. 
Join Allen Temple and the Evangelism Ministry at the Ceasefire Oakland Friday Evening Prayer Walks

Allen Temple Family and Friends are invited to join the Evangelism Ministry, our friends at Ceasefire Oakland and our neighbors on Friday Night Prayer Walks in our community  every Friday evening from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in East Oakland to show our love for and to our community and to join together in prayer that the violence ceases. 
 
Join us on the following Friday evenings:

October 30 - St. Benedict's - 2245 82nd Avenue
 
For more information on Oakland Ceasefire/Lifelines to Healing,  
call (510) 639-1440 or email 
fridaycommunitynightwalks@gmail.com
Health Education Seminar
Raising Children in a Challenging World
Saturday, November 7 - 10am  

The Allen Temple Health Education Ministry in conjunction with Samuel Merritt University and the Robert C. Scott Wellness Center present the Raising Children in a Challenging World seminar on Saturday, November 7 at 10am! This informative seminar will be facilitated by Samuel Merritt University professor Marjorie Hammer RN NP, who will be joined by a team of Samuel Merritt University Nursing Students. Topics addressed will include physical well-being, positive child-caregiver interactions, father-child nurturing and more. For more information, contact Sis. Nubia King at esmeralda33@msn.com or Sis. Carla Gilbert-Keener at cgkeener@gmail.com.
Barbara Lee & Elihu Harris Lecture
With Dr. Clayborne Carson and
Dr. Clarence B. Jones
Saturday, November 7 - 7pm  

On Saturday, November 7 at 7:00 PM, the Barbara Lee and Elihu Harris Lecture Series welcomes Dr. Clayborne Carson, Founding Director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University and Dr. Clarence B. Jones, former personal attorney, advisor, draft speechwriter and close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for a timely and engaging evening at Allen Temple, "The Future of Nonviolence in America, Chaos or Community: Where Do We Go From Here?"  This event is co-produced by The Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Center and Merritt College.  RSVP today by calling (510) 434-3988!
Senior & Medicare Beneficiary
Health Fair
Saturday, November 21 - 10am to 5pm  

Are you a Senior or a Medicare Beneficiary? Come out to a Health Fair just for you on Saturday, November 21 from 10am to 5pm at Allen Temple and gain valuable information and services! University of the Pacific Student Pharmacists will evaluate your Medicare Part D plan (potentially saving you money on your drug costs), review all of your medications (to make sure they are safe and effective), and immunize you with the seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Also available are blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, bone density, falls risk and memory decline testing and more! Please bring all of your prescription medications and your red, white & blue Medicare card. Appointments are recommended; call (510) 343-2473 to make yours today!
Allen Temple Volunteer Tax Assistance
Training Begins in December  

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program at Allen Temple is preparing for the upcoming tax preparation season and is offering free training for tax preparers and greeters!  Tax preparers who complete the training will be certified by the State of California and the IRS and will be able to provide free tax preparation to help our community!
 
Our training will start in December 2015 and will take place in Family Life Center Room D-102.  The training dates are as follows:
  • Wednesday, December 2 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 5 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday, December 9 - 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
  • Saturday, December 12 - 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Training will continue in the month of January; trainees will be notified of the specific dates ASAP.  Offsite training will also be available from the IRS; details to follow.
 
For more information and to sign up, please contact Sis. Cynthia Hall at (510) 886-9541 or Sis. Frances Smith at (510) 763-0167.
Build & Enhance Your Spiritual Life
Thursday Bible Studies
with Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr. 
12 Noon and 7:30pm
Family Life Center Mary Morris Room  

Now you have two opportunities on Thursdays to receive in-depth Bible teaching and discussion by Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr!   Join Pastor Smith at 12 Noon or 7:30pm in the Family Life Center Mary Morris Room!  Let's dig into and grow in The Word together!
Spiritual Life Ministry 

The mission of the Spiritual Life Ministry of Allen Temple Baptist Church is to provide the spiritual tools necessary to undergird all other Allen Temple ministries thereby fostering and supporting the spiritual formation, spiritual growth and spiritual enrichment of its congregation and community. The Spiritual Life Ministry recognizes that individuals experience spirituality differently. Therefore, its' goal is to offer a variety of means through which one may develop, strengthen, and enhance one's relationship with God.

If you would like more information on one-on-one orientations or spiritual direction, Small Group Sessions, or assistance with any of your Spiritual Life questions, please contact Rev. Ineda Adesanya, Allen Temple Minister of Spiritual Life, at (510) 544-8930 or iadesanya@allen-temple.org
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Prayer Room
Family Life Center First Floor Room D-103   

Need a sacred place of solitude where you can connect with our Heavenly Parent and find restoration and renewal for your spirit? The Prayer Room is open to you! Ask a Custodian for entrance!
Prayer Warriors 

The Prayer Warriors meet every Tuesday in the Family Life Center from 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.  Remember the hour and pray with us; the door is always open; if you can't come, join us in prayer wherever you are.
Ministry Information & Opportunities to Serve
Be Good News, Do Good News & Tell Good News! 
Ceasefire Mentor Training
Saturday, November 14 - 9am to 6pm
West Oakland Youth Center

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The Mentoring Center invites everyone to participate in Ceasefire Mentor Training on Saturday, November 14 from 9am to 5pm at the West Oakland Youth Center, 3233 Market Street in Oakland! Those who complete the training will be enabled to support the City of Oakland's Violence Reduction Strategy Program, Ceasefire. The mentor training is facilitated by The Mentoring Center, a nationally recognized mentoring and mentor training organization. Topics include Understanding Trauma, Emotional Balance, Cultural Dynamics and more! Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to the Mentor Coordinator at (510) 891-0427 or tmc@mentor.org.  
Healthy Temple Tips from the
Health Education Ministry
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!


Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.  The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it's found and treated early. A mammogram - the screening test for breast cancer - can help find breast cancer early when it's easier to treat.  National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.  A woman's best overall preventive health strategy is to reduce her known risk factors as much as possible by avoiding weight gain and obesity (for postmenopausal breast cancer), engaging in regular physical activity, and minimizing alcohol intake. 
 
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it's found and treated early.  If you are a woman age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when to start getting mammograms and how often to get them.  If you are a woman age 50 to 74, be sure to get a mammogram every 2 years. You may also choose to get them more often.  Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.

We Give You Praise
The Allen Temple Unity Choir's
Highly Acclaimed CD is Now Available!


The Allen Temple Unity Choir is excited to announce that their new CD release,
We Give You Praise is now available!
We Give You Praise was recorded at Allen Temple during a Spirit-filled worship experience; now you can be blessed and inspired by the Unity Choir's ministry of music wherever you are! Visit the Multimedia Store after Sunday worship to purchase your copy! Your donation will go to the Betty D Gadling Fine Arts Academy, which provides after school music instruction. For more information, call the Music Ministry Office at (510) 544-8924.

Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy
Fine Arts Instruction for Children & Adults


The Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy offers instruction in reeds, brass, guitar, voice, percussion, strings, music theory, piano and dance for children and adults!  Classes held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays!  For more information and to enroll, call (510) 544-8924!
Kingdom Dancers Ministry
Rehearsals Friday Evenings ~ 7pm 

The Allen Temple Kingdom Dancers Ministry welcomes persons age 7 and up who love to express their praise of our Lord through dance to join them!  The Junior Kingdom Dancers are comprised of ages 7 to 11 and the Kingdom Dancers are comprised of ages 12 and up!  Join us at our rehearsal on Monday evenings at 7pm in the Family Life Center Dance Studio!  For more information, contact Sis. Danielle Latimer, Kingdom Dancers Ministry Chairperson, at dani_latimer@yahoo.com!

Junior Deacons Ministry
Second Friday Evenings at 6:30pm
J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall

Train up a child in the way he should go: 
and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV)
   
The Junior Deacons Ministry is a sub ministry of the Allen Temple Baptist Church Deacon Ministry. Our purpose is to spiritually grow boys into men through Fellowship, Bible Study, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The Junior Deacons Ministry is holistic; we are concerned about the whole person, and look to enhance educational growth, social relationships, and community involvement through participation in Sunday church services, monthly meetings, and periodic field trips to cultural events, sporting events, museums, and other venues.
 
We encourage all families with boys and young men between the ages of 8 - 18 to join the Junior Deacons Ministry.  The Allen Temple Junior Deacons meets on the second Friday of each month at 6:30pm in the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Bill Morse at morse.william@yahoo.com or Deacon Rob Buckner at thebuckners2@att.net.

Allen Temple Cub Scout Pack 409
Monday Evenings at 6:30pm
Wildy-Carpenter Hall 

Allen Temple's Cub Scout Pack 409 welcomes boys who are incoming first through fifth graders who like to go camping, skiing, hiking, swimming, football, basketball, fun and more to join! The Cub Scout Pack meets at the Allen Temple Wildy-Carpenter Hall on Monday evenings at 6:30pm. For more information, contact Cubmaster Don Smith at dsmith@pacbell.net.

Join The Worship Projection Ministry! 

The Worship Projection Ministry is seeking persons of all ages to join the team! Team members are asked to serve one Sunday per month and will use the computer to project images & video on the Sanctuary screens during worship. Basic computer experience needed; training provided. Contact Rev. Charlotte Williams, Minister & Director of Communications, at cwilliams@allen-temple.org or (510) 544-8980.

Join The Ushers Ministry!

The Ushers Ministry invites all who are interested in serving to join them at their monthly meetings! Senior Ushers meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM, Y oung Adult Ushers meet on the second Wednesday each month at 6:30 PM, and the  Junior & Youth Ushers meet on the second Saturday each month at 10:00 AM.  For more information, email ushers@allen-temple.org.

Praise Dance Ministry
Friday Evenings 
Children's Meeting - 6pm
Youth & Young Adults - 8pm
Family Life Center Dance Studio
Do you like to praise God through movement?  The Allen Temple Praise Dance Ministry invites you to come join us in class Fridays from 6pm to 7:30pm (Children 11 and under), and 8pm to 9pm (Youth and Young Adults) in the Family Life Center's Dance Studio.   The ministry meets on Monday evenings from 6pm to 7:30pm.  As a ministry, we worship through movement, we learn different dance techniques, we minister through dance, and most importantly, WE HAVE FUN!  For more information, contact Sis. Andrea Spearman at PraiseDancers@allen-temple.org
Become a Shopping Tour Leader
With Allen Temple Health & Social Services, Cooking Matters at the Store, Share our Strength
and the No Kid Hungry Campaign

Congratulations to Allen Temple Health & Social Services for the recent award from Cooking Matters/Share our Strength to lead Shopping Tours at our Local Grocery Stores.  We are recruiting committed volunteers to assist families and learn to Teach families how to:
  • Reading food labels
  • Comparing unit prices
  • Finding whole grain foods
  • Identifying three ways to purchase produce
Throughout the East Bay, families on a tight budget report that the cost of healthy groceries is their biggest barrier to making healthy meals at home. Food skills, like smart shopping, can help overcome that barrier. Cooking Matters at the Store is a free program of the No Kid Hungry campaign that empowers families to stretch their food budgets so their children get healthy meals at home.  As a tour leader you will be empowering families to eat healthy on a budget.  Training will be provided.  If you are interested in being one of our Tour Leaders, please contact James Arrington at james4health@yahoo.com or 510-544-8908! 

Persons with Disabilities Ministry

Come join us at the Persons with Disabilities Ministry as we strive every month to make Allen Temple Baptist Church accessible to everyone!  We want to ensure that the sanctuary is accessible and accommodates people with disabilities, educate our faith-based community partners and friends about the disability community, and encourage the congregation to recognize people for their abilities rather than their disabilities.  We also want to ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from worship services, events and programs, as well as develop awareness on how to interact and assist people with disabilities.   Your input on these subjects will be much welcomed.   We meet on the fourth Monday of each month from 6pm to 8pm in Family Life Center Room D-104.
Join the Evangelism & Streets Disciples Ministries on Second & Fourth Saturdays as we provide bag lunches
to our sisters & brothers!

The Evangelism Team and the Streets Disciples Ministry go out two times each month for street ministry.  Would you like to join us?  We would love to see you. 
We meet on 2nd and 4th Saturdays at 12 Noon in the Family Life Center Library for prayer before hitting the streets. If you are unable to join us in person, would you be interested in contributing bag lunches for us to hand out to the men, women and children on the streets?  The lunches must be filled with love from the Heart of Christ; suggestions for items are a sandwich, chips, a cookie and water.  If you are interested in joining us in either of these ministries, please contact Sister Mattie Johnson at (510) 459-0425 or mattiej30@comcast.net, Rev. Donald Miller or Brother Ben Darden at (510) 544-8910. 
Alameda County Care Alliance
Serving
those with advanced illness and their caregivers 

The Alameda County Care Alliance, of which Allen Temple is the founding partner, is honored to announce that enrollment is open for all individuals with an advanced illness and their caregivers! This program is designed to provide assistance to individuals with advanced illnesses and their caregivers in reaching resources that are available in Alameda County. Please contact our Community Care Navigator, Sis. Jennifer Shelton, at jgbshelton@yahoo.com or (510) 544-8910 for more information and to enroll today!
Evangelism Ministry

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. - Proverbs 11:20
 
Do your family members, your neighbors and your co-workers know you as a Christian who is willing to share the Good News of Jesus Christ?
 
Do you know it is every Christian's mission to go into the world and win souls to Christ?
 
Christians of all ages are invited to join the Evangelism Ministry in our Soul Winning efforts!
 
And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. - Revelation 22:12 
  • We meet every second and fourth Saturday at the Church at 12 Noon for Evangelism Training and to go to various locations in Oakland to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and the good news of Allen Temple Baptist Church to a lost and seeking world.
  • The Evangelism Team is in partnership with Ceasefire, and has teamed up with Operation Ceasefire Oakland to prayer walk every Friday evening from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in East Oakland to stop the violence. The 2015 Ceasefire Walk Schedule is:
October 30 - St. Benedict's - 2245 82nd Avenue

The Evangelism Ministry is in partnership with Soldiers Against Violence Everywhere (S.A.V.E. Outreach) of True Vine Ministries to bring a voice of concern to the City of Oakland about the sinful murders occurring here. We meet at their selected location every Saturday at 11:00am and leave at or about 12 Noon.
 
For more information, please contact the Evangelism Ministry at (510) 544-8910

Ladies of all ages are invited to join
the Women's Mission Society! 

The Women's Mission Society invites and warmly welcomes ladies of all ages to join them in sisterhood and service!  Are you seeking to share your faith in growth and development?  Join us in sharing your time, talent and gifts by supporting mission causes that advance our local, national and international communities!  Please join us at our general meeting on the second Saturday of each month from 10:00am to 12 Noon in the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall!
Visit the Multimedia Store! 

T he Allen Temple Multimedia Store is open after Sunday worship services in the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall and also accessible via our website!  Feed your spirit during the week by purchasing CDs and DVDs of worship services and special events.  The store accepts debit and credit cards for your purchasing convenience!

Visit the Bookstore! 

The Allen Temple Bookstore is open between Sunday worship services (10:15am to 11:15am) in Family Life Center Lobby (Room D-111) with a selection of Bibles and books!
The Streets Disciples Ministry Needs You!

The Streets Disciples Ministry needs you! There are many ways you can help!
 
If your heart is drawn to helping our sisters who are 'the lost sheep' on International Blvd. and beyond come and join the Streets Disciples! You are wanted and needed! "When nothing else could help the Love of Jesus, lifted me!"  Has His love lifted you?  Then please share it with your sisters who also need to know His love and His transforming power. The Team meets on the second Saturday of each month at 2 pm in the Family Life Center Ray Collins Conference Room. Our 'For Sisters Only' (FSO) gathering is on the 4th Saturday of each month in the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in volunteering to meet, greet, and serve our marginalized sisters please join us. Volunteers meet at 4:30 for preparation. Those we serve come at 6 pm. Everyone can help as the strength of this ministry is undergirded with your prayers! For more information, please contact Sis. Mattie Johnson at 510-459-0425!
Give A Cold Cup Of Water 
A Sub Ministry of The Streets Disciples

"Give a Cup of Cold Water" (Mark 9:41) is a new segment of The Streets Disciples ministry.  Please join us in this 'silent' ministry.  What do you have to do? Simply GIVE in the Name of Jesus to the disenfranchised...the homeless, the destitute, a lonely child, a crying woman, etc.  Many of you are already doing this! When you buy your morning coffee, buy an extra one and simply give it to someone. Give a blanket, a 'care' bag, a bottle of water, fresh fruit, wet wipes, etc.  Whatever the Lord lays on your heart. If you wish to sign up with us, visit our ministry table in the Courtyard or Family Life Center Lobby after Sunday worship.  Will you make this weekly commitment with us? Jesus will be pleased.
Join The Church Library Team 

Are you seeking a place to serve?  The Church Library Committee is seeking committed workers for the Family Life Center Library!  Our goal is to make our library the study center for the church! 
 
Staff is needed to keep the library operating.  At the present time, we are not open as often as we need to be.  Whether you have library skills or simply a willing spirit, we welcome you!  Come praise God by using your talents with us!  Contact Sister Eva Turner at (510) 597-0113.
News You Can Use
Community Events, Services & Information  
Need Healthcare?
Tuesday is Enrollment Day at the
Enrollment HUB at Allen Temple! 

Do you or your family need healthcare or have healthcare questions?  Visit The Enrollment HUB at Allen Temple!  We're open every Tuesday from 10am to 1pm in the Allen Temple Family Life Center Lobby! The Enrollment HUB is a center for enrollment into various health coverage and food programs such as Covered California, Medi-Cal, HealthPAC, and CalFresh. But most importantly, it's a place where community members can receive information, education, and support to navigate through the process of enrolling into and accessing health care.  For each household member you wish to include on your application, please bring a social security card or proof of citizenship/lawful presence in the US, driver's license or photo ID.  Have questions?  Call the Enrollment HUB office at (510) 544-8975!  
Athletic Ministry Open Gym

Young athletes are invited to join the Athletic Ministry for Open Gym in the Family Life Center on Monday evenings from 7pm to 8:30pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8:30pm! 
Oakland Serves Mentoring Opportunity
Mentor an Oakland High School Student

The Oakland Unified School District and the Oakland Mayor's Office in cooperation with Oakland Serves are developing a new mentoring program for 2015-16. Students at risk of dropping out will receive five hours per week of paid employment as well as training in job skills linked to three hours per week of one-on-one mentoring help with their school work.  For more information, click here to be redirected to the Oakland Serves website.
Family Life Center Computer Lab

The Allen Temple Computer Lab is open for people of all ages Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 9am to 2pm in Family Life Center Room C-124!  Training and assistance available
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Mercy Brown Bag Food Assistance for Seniors
 
The Mercy Brown Bag program provides food to eligible Alameda County residents 60 years of age and above twice per month (second and fourth Fridays) for a $10 annual contribution. If you are interested in signing up or would like to sponsor a senior, please contact Krista at (510) 534-8540, ext. 369 or Mother Brown at (510) 638-4085.
Early Oakland Children's Care & Education Services

Early Oakland is a campaign to help you find early care & education services and free or low cost, quality preschool programs in Oakland with safe learning environments that help build positive relationships and serve nutritional food. Visit earlyoakland.org or call Oakland Headstart at (510) 238-4165, Oakland Unified School District at (510) 273-1590, The Unity Council at (510) 535-6102, or Bananas at (510) 658-0381.
Champions for Change
Network for a Healthy California

Watch an important video by our valued community partner, Champions for Change/Network for a Healthy California, with footage from Allen Temple and our neighborhood!  In this video, members of the Allen Temple family and Allen Temple Health and Social Services (ATHSSM) discuss food justice and its' impact on our bodies and chronic diseases. Featured in this video are Senior Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Jr., Rev. Dr. Eunice Shaw (Past Director, ATHSSM), Sis. Gloria Cox-Crowell (Executive Director of ATHSSM), and Bro. James Arrington (Allen Temple Case Manager).  
Reading for Your Mind & Spirit
Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith, Sr. 
Featured in the KineticsLive #BlackChurchSyllabus

Have you heard of the #BlackChurchSyllabus curated by KineticsLive? Our beloved and esteemed Pastor Emeritus J Alfred Smith Sr. has been included in the group of distinguished Black theologians, scholars and preachers who shared their must read books on the Black Church Experience! Add these books to your reading list and enrich your knowledge & appreciation of the #BlackChurch Find all of the #BlackChurchSyllabus suggestions by clicking here to visit the KineticsLive website!

Order The Latest Book by
Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith, Sr. 
Sounding The Trumpet:
How Churches Can Answer God's Call To Justice 
Co-Authored with Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt

Access the Study Guide
Download an order form
 
Embodied Spirits:  
Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color 
Featuring Allen Temple's Own
Rev. Ineda Adesanya, Minister of Spiritual Life  

Embodied Spirits: Stories of Spiritual Directors of Color, a solid addition to the Morehouse collection for spiritual directors, is the first book addressing the concerns and issues of people of color in spiritual direction and has a wide ecumenical appeal.  Allen Temple's own Rev. Ineda Adesanya, Minister of Spiritual Life, is the author of Chapter Seven.  Embodied Spirits is an anthology published by Christian Publishing, Inc. (aka Morehouse Publishing). 
  
"These essays speak of how we have incorporated our contemplative practices into our family life; our urban, non-religious background; how we have been nurtured in struggles for health and life through our contemplative prayer practices and our courage to survive and even thrive in the midst of dire circumstances. We speak of the unfolding bridge between faith and culture; our conflicts with an Interspiritual journey with a Christian foundation; our sexuality; our journey to healing and authenticity; and how we are taking this practice that began in the first centuries of the church with the desert mothers and fathers to the present and into the future with spiritual direction through the Internet across the world."  -from the Introduction 
Teaching in the Flatlands: 
A Three Decade Odyssey in Title 1 Schools
By Allen Temple's Own Sister Helen Sullivan
Visit Amazon to purchase 

Allen Temple's own Sister Helen Sullivan has released a powerful, inspiring memoir,
Teaching in the Flatlands: A Three Decade Odyssey in Title 1 Schools.  Sister Sullivan had the joy of teaching over five thousand students in the California public schools over the course of thirty years.   Sister Sullivan, who received a Master's Degree in School Supervision and Administration from California State University and is designated as a Master Teacher and Supervising Teacher to aspiring new teachers, shares a vivid picture of the real challenges in education that persist despite government reforms-and of the victories, big and small that dedicated professionals win everyday on behalf of their students and the beleaguered communities in which they work.  
 
The book shares her experience of teaching in a "flatland school"-schools located in east and west Oakland, California, with hardly any views of the hills or mountains that make the surrounding areas famously beautiful. But the name has another meaning as well. Flatland schools are schools with flat test scores-low-achieving schools, dangerous schools. In this poignant, powerful memoir, she shares her journey from new teacher to a seasoned veteran tasked with teaching others how to reach kids where they are. And in her case, the kids are in communities where violence is a reality and receiving a high school diploma isn't a foregone conclusion.

Full of heartbreak, triumphs, and the real challenges that face teachers across the country today, Teaching in the Flatlands shows people outside the world of education just how much energy, emotion, and time goes into educating the youth of America. By illuminating complicated and often contradictory education policies and introducing students whose entire life trajectories were changed by a good teacher, Sullivan proves just how difficult-and how critically important-it is to staff the nation's schools with the kind of teachers they so desperately need.

To purchase Teaching in the Flatlands, click here to be redirected to Amazon.com, or, contact Sis. Sullivan at haynes48@sbcglobal.netBe sure to visit her website, afrateach.net.  
Rising Up From The Blood:
A Legacy Reclaimed - A Bridge Forward
By Allen Temple's Own
Sarah Washington O'Neal Rush
The Great Granddaughter of Booker T. Washington

Solid Rock Book Publishing has published
Rising Up From The Blood: A Legacy Reclaimed - A Bridge Forward - The Autobiography Of Sarah Washington O'Neal Rush, The Great-Granddaughter of Booker T. Washington by Sarah Washington O'Neal Rush, with Yvonne Rose, and a forward by Tony Rose, NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literature, and Publisher of Amber Books. 
 
Although there had been hints throughout her childhood that she had a special calling from her ancestors it would be years before a bridge between her deprivation and her calling were revealed. Sarah's great-grandfather, Booker T. Washington, was the inspiration for this book. He was born a slave on a plantation in Virginia and became an advisor to United States Presidents. He was the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, today known as Tuskegee University, and became the most influential world-renowned black leader and educator of his time. 
 
This is the brilliantly told story about a young woman's struggle to reclaim her legacy. Many years had passed and Sarah knew nothing about the true meaning of her heritage; but finally everything came full circle when she realized the power of her legacy. Sarah had an epiphany when she visited Tuskegee University for the first time. For Sarah, the veil of ignorance was lifted that day. Shortly thereafter, she became clear about her purpose and began to embark upon her intended journey in life. For decades, as a child, a teen and a young adult, Sarah struggled with many insecurities brought upon her by unstable living circumstances; and she carried those insecurities into adulthood. Little did she know that the time spent falling and failing could only serve as a stepping stone to a future that would help her own children and grandchildren, and the numerous youth that she would encounter. 
 
In Rising Up From The Blood: A Legacy Reclaimed - A Bridge Forward, Sarah states that her journey was by no means easy, but it has led to a place that she could have only arrived at with the trials she overcame along the way. It also allowed her to have genuine compassion for the underprivileged, while affording her the wherewithal to empower those who were within earshot to do something about their circumstances. Where Sarah is today is remarkably different from where she started. Each chapter of the book includes lessons learned and solutions. Sarah states: "By understanding more about my great-grandfather, I learned if I get down in the trenches with others and help to pull them out, I am much more effective than if I tell them how to get out.  As one saying goes, 'People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care.'"
Akiti the Hunter
The First African Action Superhero
By Allen Temple's Own
Sister Denise Mobolaji Ajayi-Williams
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Akiti the Hunter is a riveting and exciting tale that will leave you at the edge of your seat page by page. With amazing and colorful illustrations and a heartfelt message, this book is sure to warm your heart and lead the mind to a world of imagination. Witness the power of his magical dust that can transform you into any animal in the kingdom of the forest, and experience his lyrical song that is bound to uplift and empower the young reader. Take a journey with us as we explore the world of
Akiti the Hunter, the first African Action Superhero !
 
"As a mother, I have a passion and desire to make the world my children grow up a little more positive.   I want to empower the next generation to be great and believe in themselves like I believe in them." states Denise Mobolaji Ajayi-Williams, Author of Akiti the Hunter.  As a mother and founder of Working Moms in 20s Organizations, Denise Ajayi-Williams is the author behind Akiti the Hunter. With hopes of a positive impression, Ajayi-Williams believe everyone should view themselves as heroic no matter their place of origin. Her mission is to rewrite history one page at a time and this time, be the authors of our own legacy. Ajayi-Williams open a new channel to influence viewers around the world. For more information on Denise Mobolaji Ajayi-Williams, visit her organization website at workingmomin20s.com
Rags to Real Estate:
One Woman's Journey to Empowerment 
by Allen Temple's Own Deacon Denise Smith 
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While still in high school, Denise landed an internship at a finance company and a deep interest in the real estate business was born. Through grit and sheer will, Denise Smith carved out a path that led to the top of the mountain and by the time she was 30 years old, she owned a million dollars worth of real estate.

In Rags to Real Estate: One Woman's Journey to Empowerment, her first book, Denise Smith shares how her vision became reality. She shares lived insights on romance, relationships, and spirituality. At the book's conclusion, the reader will understand that everything is possible if one only believes in themselves and has motivation. My life is about encouraging young people to believe in themselves. What traits you want in someone else, develop in yourself. Don't strive to marry a millionaire, strive to become your own millionaire. It's been a long time coming; I'm excited to be able to share my journey. My hope is to inspire, motivate and empower someone to dream big dreams. Build on what you love to do and plan to work at it!
  Allen Temple Baptist Church
 8501 International Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 544-8910
info@allen-temple.org
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