As we approach the 2026 California June Primary, the Public Ministry invites you to a meaningful and informative community gathering designed to equip, engage, and empower voters. Join us for a Meet, Greet & Learn Mixer immediately following worship on Sunday, April 19 in the Family Life Center Gymnasium.
This interactive experience creates space for civic connection and informed participation. Attendees will have the opportunity to:
Meet and engage with candidates running for various offices
Learn about key ballot initiatives and what they mean for our communities
Register to vote or verify voter registration status
Access resources to support ongoing civic engagement
This is more than an event—it is an opportunity to deepen our collective voice, strengthen our communities, and participate fully in the democratic process.
We encourage all members, families, and community partners to attend and take part in shaping what’s ahead. RSVP here.
Grief Share
Third Sundays Following Worship
Family Life Center Room C-205
Next Session: Sunday, April 19
If you've experienced the loss of a loved one, you're not alone—and you don’t have to navigate grief by yourself. The Grief Ministry invites you to join Grief Share, a 13-week support group designed to help you process your loss and find hope for the days ahead.
Held on third Sundays after worship in Family LIfe Center Room C-205, Grief Share is a safe, welcoming space where you’ll find understanding, comfort, and practical tools to cope with the ups and downs of grief. Together, we’ll explore what’s “normal” in grief, how to handle difficult emotions, and ways to find healing—one step at a time.
There’s no cost to join—just bring your time, your heart, and your openness to healing. Share with those in your life who would benefit from healing in community.
First Quarter Ministry Reports
Due Wednesday, April 22
Ministry Leaders are asked to complete and submit their First Quarter 2026 Ministry Reports by Wednesday, April 22.
The report link was emailed to Ministry Leaders by Church Clerk Lynelle Lewis on Tuesday, April 7. If you need to receive the link again, please send a message to llewis@allen-temple.org
Business & Professional
Women's Society
Scholarship Luncheon, Jazz,
& Fashion Show
Sunday, April 26 • 12 Noon - 3 PM
Family Life Center
The Business and Professional Women's Society invites you to an unforgettable afternoon of food, fashion, and live jazz as they mark a milestone — 65 years of investing in the next generation!
Join us on Sunday, April 26 from 12:00–3:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center for a Spring Scholarship Luncheon featuring live entertainment by Carl Winters & The Kalimba King Band and Aliya Hall, an exciting fashion show, a silent auction, drawings, and a delicious luncheon!
Every ticket purchased benefits the Allen Temple Scholarship Fund, providing financial assistance to high school seniors and continuing college students.
Tickets $65 per person. Purchase from any Business & Professional Women's Society member or online.
Share Your Photos and Memories
of the Business & Professional
Women's Society
This year, the Business & Professional Women's Society is celebrating 65 Years of impact! We need and welcome your help!
We want to collect photos and memories from any year: events, luncheons, service projects, or scholarship moments to display during our Spring Scholarship Fundraiser. You're invited to complete our 65 Years of Impact – Photos & Memories form, answer a few short questions, and upload a photo directly if you have one.
If you are not comfortable with technology, contact Dr. Tasha Dean by email/text and we will scan/upload it for you.
Thank you in advance for sharing these precious memories with us!
First Quarter
Advisory Board Meeting
Wednesday, April 29 • 6:30 PM
via Zoom
First Quarter
Church Business Meeting
Wednesday, May 6 • 6:30 PM
via Zoom
Our First Quarter Advisory Board Meeting will be held Wednesday, April 29 at 6:30 PM via Zoom. All Advisory Board Members are asked to be in attendance. Registration information will be sent to Advisory Board members the week of April 19.
Our First Quarter Church Business Meeting will be held Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30pm via Zoom. All Church Members are encouraged to be present. Church Business Meeting registration information will be sent to the email address members have on file with the church the week of April 26.
Should you need to update your email address and/or contact information, please send an email to info@allen-temple.org
Pastor Jacqueline Thompson
Preaches for the
Pastoral Installation of
Reverend Julius Van Hook Saturday, May 2 • 11:00 AM
Bethlehem Baptist Church Richmond
Join us in prayer with and for Pastor rJacqueline Thompson as she'll be On the Go with the Gospel! Pastor Jackie will preach at the Service of Installation for one of our own - Reverend Julius Van Hook - as he is installed as Senior Pastor of Second Baptist Church Martinez! A daughter of Allen Temple, Reverend Alexandria Van Hook, serves as First Lady. The Installation Worship Service will be held at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 684 Juliga Woods St. in Richmond.
Our own Reverend Dr. Alvin Bernstine will preach for Second Baptist Martinez' morning worship on Sunday, May 3 at 10:30 AM (1030 Las Juntas St., Martinez).
Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy
Spring Recital
Saturday, May 2 • 11:00 AM
The Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy is proud to present their Spring Music Recital! On Saturday, May 2 at 11:00 AM in the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall, our young musicians are taking the stage. They have been showing up, putting in the work, and perfecting their craft. Now it's time for us to bear witness to their talent.
This Academy was built on a simple belief: our children deserve access to world-class music education right here in East Oakland. May 2nd is proof that the investment is paying off. Come support. Come celebrate. Come be moved.
Seniors 62 and older — the Seniors Ministry cordially invites you to our 13th Senior Recognition Luncheon on Sunday, May 17 following worship in the Family Life Center — an afternoon of food, fellowship, and celebration created just for you!
And this year, we're doing something special – celebrating the hidden talents of our Seasoned Saints! If God placed a gift in you – singing, playing an instrument, poetry, or any talent – we want to celebrate it. Indicate your talent when you register, and we'll make room for you on the program.
Registration is required; there are three ways to reserve your seat:
In person in the JASSR Fellowship Hall or Courtyard after worship on April 12, April 19, or April 26
Call the church office at (510) 544-8910
Registration Open for the
10th Annual
J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Golf Tournament
Benefitting the
Leadership Institute at Allen Temple
Registration Deadline Friday, May 22
Get ready for the 10th Annual J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Golf Tournament — supporting the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple! Don’t miss this great day of golf, fellowship, and giving back!
On January 27, 2025 Giving Statements were emailed to members with email addresses on file with the Church as well as mailed to those who do not have an email address on file.
Members can download statements directly by viewing their giving profile at Allen-Temple.org/Giving.
Should you have questions or need your statement mailed, please contact the Trustee Office at (510) 544-8928 or by emailing trustees@allen-temple.org.
Weekly Event Schedule
Prayer Call
Wednesday April 15
7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, April 15 at 7pm for our prayer call!
Connect with us live (667) 770-1225 / Participant Code 312234#
Can't make it to the live call? Hear the playback at our replay number (667) 770-1319 / Participant Code 312234# The playback of the call will be available for one week; you may access at any time through this same dial in information.
On Thursdays, join us for Noonday Bible Study with Pastor Jacqueline Thompson! Connect with us one of two ways:
Online via Zoom (meeting ID 850 3685 3206 / passcode 165725)
By phone: 669-444-9171 (meeting ID 850 3685 3206 / passcode 165725)
Theological Thursday
With Pastor Jacqueline Thompson
7:00 PM
On Thursday evenings at 7pm, get ready for inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Pastor Jacqueline Thompson and special guests as they tackle today’s most pressing issues through the lens of scripture!
Gather your family, invite your friends, and join us LIVE on YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo via the Church website, or dial in (866-904-0572) for an evening of wisdom, insight, and spiritual growth. Don’t miss this powerful conversation—see you there!
There’s a place for you to serve, grow, and connect at Allen Temple! Whether you’re called to care for others, support worship, or build community — your gifts are welcome here!
Opportunities include:
Homeless Ministry
For Sisters Only Ministry
Couples Ministry
Deacons Ministry
Trustee Ministry
Deaconess Ministry
Nursery Ministry
Church Clerks Ministry
Public Ministry
Ushers, Nurses, First Responders, and Welcome Ministries
April is not just a calendar month — it is a call to conscience. As we observe National Minority Health Month and Black Maternal Health Week (April 11–17), we are reminded that Black women in this country are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women — a disparity that holds regardless of income or education. This is not a statistic to scroll past. It is a justice issue, and our faith compels us to respond.
The County of Alameda is hosting a Job Fair on Friday, April 24, from 1:00–5:00 PM at 125 12th Street, Suite 400 in Oakland.
This one-day event offers an opportunity to connect directly with hiring managers and professionals from a variety of departments, including Human Resources, Information Technology, Health Care, Social Services, and Public Safety. Attendees will also gain insight into navigating the public sector hiring process and learning about current job opportunities within Alameda County.
Alameda County Registrar of Voters Human Resource Services
Temporary Assignment Pool
Now Hiring
Alameda County Registrar of Voters Human Resource Services Temporary Assignment Pool (TAP) Program is currently recruiting temporary workers for the upcoming 2026 election season.
The Registrar of Voters is actively recruiting candidates to serve the community while they work with a great team in a safe environment. Depending on the position, the pay rate is either $28.85 or $31.08 per hour.
Various positions available including instructors, recruiters, data entry, outreach, warehouse/ logistics support, and more! Candidates who are bilingual in English and other languages are encouraged to apply.
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Oakland/Bay Area Chapter (NCBW) is now accepting applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program.
This opportunity supports Young Black Women Scholars and Working Women pursuing their educational and professional goals. If you or someone you know is eligible, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this meaningful investment in your future.
All applications are due by May 2, 2026.
For more information and to apply, click the links above or contact ncbwobacscholarship@gmail.com
Allen Temple Arms I & II
Affordable Senior Housing
Application Period Open
Allen Temple Arms I & II, one of our housing developments, is now accepting applications for low-income, rental housing for adults aged 62 and older. This HumanGood-managed community offers studio and one-bedroom apartments with supportive amenities and services, and applications are currently being accepted. Eligible applicants must meet age and income requirements, and completed applications can be downloaded and submitted according to the instructions on the site. Click here to learn more and apply.
Ways to Give
Worship Through Giving
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.
Malachi 3:10 NRSV
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV
We invite you to join us in worshipping our Lord through giving and to regularly support Allen Temple financially so that the ministry of the church thrives all the more in the midst of difficult days.
Your consistent giving of tithes and offering can be done in the following ways:
