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.
Pray With Us:
Six Week Prayer Challenge
April 20 – May 31
As people Living Triumphantly Through Christ, we have access to the throne room of God (Hebrews 4:16). For the next six weeks, we're inviting the ATBC family to set aside focused daily prayer — for our church, our families, our community, and our nation.
How It Works: Download the Prayer Calendar below. Use the daily topics and scripture references as your starting point, and let the ACTS model guide your time:
Adoration — Worship God for who He is (Psalm 96:3-5)
Confession — Agree with God about where we've fallen short (Psalm 51:4)
Thanksgiving — Express gratitude for what He's already done (Psalm 100:4)
Supplication — Bring your present concerns before the Lord (Psalm 141:1-2)
📅 Save the Date: Join us in person for All Church Prayer — Saturday, May 30
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
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 provides meaningful financial support to high school graduates and continuing college students right here in our community.
Tickets $65 per person. Visit the Courtyard after worship, online, or see any Business & Professional Women's Society member to purchase.
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 on April 23.
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 on April 30.
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.
21 Borrowed Chairs
Table Reading & Team Recruitment
Saturday, May 2 • 12 Noon
Family Life Center Dance Studio
Mark your calendars. The Allen Temple Historical Stageplay, 21 Borrowed Chairs, is returning in October 2026 as part of our 107th Church Anniversary celebrations — and the journey to opening night begins now.
On Saturday, May 2 from Noon to 2 PM. in the Family LIfe Center Johnson Dance Studio, the cast will gather for the first official table reading. If you have already been cast, this is your call. Come prepared, come expectant, and come ready to bring this chapter of our history to life.
We are also opening the door to a few more voices. If you are interested in youth or young adult roles, or would like to serve behind the scenes as a production assistant, this is your moment to step in. 21 Borrowed Chairs is more than a performance — it is a living testament to who we are and where we come from. There is a place in this production for you. For more information or to express your interest, click here to email Deacon Michael Johnson.
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 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 29 • 7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, April 29 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
Stress is real — and in times like these, it can feel relentless. This April, we're joining the national conversation on stress awareness and offering a practical framework to help you cope: the Five Cs. From staying connected to practicing calm, cutting down on news consumption to embracing caring acts of kindness — these evidence-based strategies from UCLA's STAND Program offer a grounded path forward. Because managing stress isn't a luxury. It's self-preservation. Read more here.
County of Alameda Job Fair
Friday, April 24 • 1PM – 5PM
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.
On Saturday, April 25 at 1pm, the Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. invites community members to attend Finding Financial Freedom: Building Home. Building Wealth. Building Futures at Samuel Merritt University (525 - 12th St., Oakland). This free community event will explore practical pathways to homeownership and wealth building—whether you're preparing to buy your first home or looking to maximize the value of the one you already own.
A featured panel discussion will dive deep into how your home can become a powerful asset, covering topics such as building equity, investing through Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), navigating property transfer, and other strategies for leveraging real estate to create generational wealth. Local housing resource partners will be on site to help you take the next step toward your financial future.
Featured speakers:
Lynn Richardson, National Coordinator, Open the House Challenge, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Reva Tolbert, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty
Brenda Wyatt, Sr. Mortgage Advisor, LaSalle Mortgage
The Berkeley Bay Area and Hayward-Tri-City Alumnae Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are bringing the community together for a powerful morning of civic engagement and informed action.
Delta Days in Alameda County takes place Saturday, May 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at RoShamBO, 641 4th Street in Oakland. Community members are invited to hear directly from Alameda County leaders on the issues that matter most — education, housing, mental health, and public safety. Breakout sessions will give participants the opportunity to engage local leaders face to face and ask the questions on their hearts and minds.
Youth are especially encouraged to attend and add their voices to the conversation. The decisions being made today will shape the world they inherit tomorrow.
This is what informed action looks like. Come ready to listen, engage, and be heard. Click here to RSVP.
National Coalition of
100 Black Women
Oakland/Bay Area Chapter
2026 Scholarship Program
Deadline to Apply May 2
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
Holy Names University
$10,000 Scholarship
Deadline to Apply Friday, May 15
Know a student who is working hard and could use a boost? The Legacy Funds of Holy Names University is offering a $10,000 scholarship to Bay Area students — and the spring deadline is Friday, May 15.
Eligible applicants include current high school seniors, GED recipients, community college students planning to transfer to a four-year institution, and undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled at an accredited California college or university.
Applicants must reside in Oakland or one of the nine Bay Area counties.
This is real money for real futures. Pass this along to every student, parent, and family member in your network who qualifies. Click here to apply
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.
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:
