Worship with us on Sunday, August 9 at 9:30 AM - Next Generation and Send Off / Back to School Sunday! Our young people will lead us in worship, and we will pray for and encourage students from preschool through graduate school as well as educators and staff as they return to the classroom! We are blessed to welcome back to the pulpit one of our own - Reverend Dr. Jeremy McCants, Senior Pastor of Imani Community Church!
We also invite everyone to represent their school and wear school, college, or D9 clothing and/or accessories! Invite the students, educators, and staff in your life to join us!
Join us following worship for a deeper study of The Word in Sunday School! Join Sunday School Live in person following worship in the Family LIfe Center Dance Studio (second floor) or viaYouTube, Facebook, or Vimeo.
Dress Down Summer continues through Sunday, August 30! Feel free to wear casual clothing that is respectful of a worship space!
Ministry News & Events
Selah Season
August 9 through August 31
Beginning August 9, Allen Temple enters Selah Season — a sacred pause from our regular ministry calendar to breathe, rest, and remember whose we are. Pastor Jacqueline Thompson invites the whole Allen Temple family into this gift of rest. Click here to read more from Pastor Jacqueline Thompson.
Living Triumphantly Through Christ
August 2026 | Selah/Rest
Word of the Month
Rest is not the absence of purpose. It is the presence of God. In Christ, we find renewal for our souls, strength for the journey, and confidence for the season ahead.
This August, we're engaging our Selah Season and entering into a time of rest. Rest is not the absence of purpose — it is the presence of God. We pause to receive renewal for our souls, strength for the journey, and confidence for the season ahead.
The United Men of Allen Temple invite the men and boys of our congregation and community to United Men's Retreat 2026 — "God is Looking for a Few Capable Men" (Exodus 18:21–23) — three days set apart for fellowship, restoration, and a word that will challenge and charge you for the season ahead.
Don't miss this powerful weekend -Friday, September 11 to Sunday, September 13 at Redwood Christian Park in Boulder Creek!
Keynote speaker Pastor Jason Reynolds of Emmanuel Baptist Church in San Jose will bring a timely message to men and boys who are ready to grow and lead.
What's included: Room, board, and five meals.
$300 per person | $100 deposit due at registration
Space is limited. Registration closes Sunday, August 23. Reserve your space online or by visiting the Courtyard after Sunday worship.
On September 15, 1963, five girls gathered in the basement ladies' lounge of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. A bomb planted by white supremacists took the lives of four of them — Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair. Sarah Collins Rudolph, then just twelve years old, survived.
Join the Public Ministry and our community partners on Saturday, September 12 at 12:30pm in the Family Life Center Mary Morris Room for an intimate and powerful conversation with Mrs. Rudolph — known to history as "The Fifth Girl" — as she shares her story of survival, faith, and her decades-long pursuit of justice.
As we prepare for the November midterm elections, this gathering offers a moment to pause and reflect on the struggles that have carried us closer to freedom, justice, and equality — and to strengthen one another for the journey ahead.
In partnership with Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Center, NAACP Oakland Branch, Brotherhood of Elders Network, National Council of Negro Women (East Oakland-Hayward Section), and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Join us for our HBCU College Fair sponsored by the Allen Temple Scholarship and Next Generation Ministries on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:00–8:00 PM. This free event connects high school students (grades 9–12), junior college students, and community college students with recruiters from top Historically Black Colleges and Universities — schools that have shaped generations of Black excellence and leadership.
What to expect:
Meet face-to-face with recruiters from top HBCUs
Learn about scholarships and financial aid opportunities
Explore academic programs and campus life
Discover transfer pathways into a four-year HBCU
Whether your student already has an HBCU in mind or is just beginning to explore what's possible, this is a night to gather real information, ask real questions, and take a real step toward their future.
Bring your questions, bring your dreams, and come ready to be inspired.
Free and open to the community — all are welcome. RSVP here.
Couples Retreat 2026
Capacity Reached
Our September Couples Retreat is at capacity. Stay in the know on Couples Ministry events by seeing the newsletter or website, or email couples@allen-temple.org
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. Isaiah 60:1 (NIV)
Ladies! Our Emerge Intergenerational Women’s Conference is back! Make plans to join us Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26!
Girls and women age 13 and up are invited to share in a time of teaching, preaching, and fellowship that will inspire you to walk in your purpose and support each other - we are stronger and better together.
Early bird registration is open - take advantage of discounted fees onlineand in person after Sunday worship in the Family Life Center Lobby!
Our Emerge Intergenerational Women's Conference is where women gather to become more radiant, resiiient, and triumphant, but that becoming takes hands, hearts, and willing servants to make it possible.
Whether you enjoy welcoming guests, working behind the scenes, praying with others, or serving wherever needed, there's a place for you! We can't wait to serve alongside you!
For more information and to sign up, visit the Family Life Center Lobby after worship or register online.
Pastor Jacqueline Thompson
Elected First Vice President of the
Progressive National Baptist Convention
The Allen Temple Family gives great praise to our God for our Senior Pastor, Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson, on her election as First Vice President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the first woman to serve in the position!
Pastor Jackie, we celebrate and honor your God ordained leadership and the footsteps in which you follow - those of our beloved late Pastor Emeritus Dr. J. Alfred Smith, Sr., the 12th President of PNBC.
We love you and will undergird you in prayer and support as you carry out the duties of your term!
Weekly Event Schedule
Prayer Call
Wednesday, August 19
7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, August 19 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!
Grief Share
Third Sundays Following Worship
Family Life Center Room C-205
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.
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14
The Nursery Ministry supports parents and guardians by providing a safe, nurturing, and welcoming environment for children ages 6 months through 5 years while families participate in worship, Sunday School, and church events.
Through compassionate care and Christ-centered service, the Nursery Ministry seeks to:
Provide attentive, safe, and loving care for every child
Support families so they may fully engage in worship and spiritual growth
Help introduce children to the love of God in age-appropriate ways
Extend hospitality and care that reflects the heart of Christ
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
Your body's best defense against illness starts with what you put into it — from berries and leafy greens to omega-rich fish and citrus fruits, food is medicine. This week's Healthy Tip is courtesy of The Balm In Gilead’s Sunday Morning Health Corner, and breaks down the top immune-boosting foods, plus simple daily habits like movement, sleep, and stress management that keep your immune system strong. Click here to learn more.
Protect Yourself:
Oakland Fraud Prevention Week
August 10–14
Scams targeting our seniors are on the rise, and AARP California wants to make sure our community has the tools to fight back. Join AARP for free Oakland Fraud Prevention Week events, August 10–14, at senior centers across the city — no cost, no obligation, just valuable information to help you and your loved ones stay protected.
This week's schedule:
Mon, Aug 10 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | East Oakland Senior Center, 9255 Edes Ave
Tue, Aug 11 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Ave
Wed, Aug 12 | 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 MLK Jr Way
Thu, Aug 13 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline St
Bring your sensitive documents for free, secure shredding and protect yourself from identity theft. Space is limited — reserve your spot today.
Cowboy — California Debut
August 21–23
Valley Center for the Performing Arts
Allen Temple's own Flo Wiley serves as Executive Producer for Spirit & Image Entertainment's California debut of COWBOY, written and directed by Layon Gray. Set in 1888, this gripping Western drama follows U.S. Deputy Marshal Bass Reeves and his Creek companion, Grant Johnson, as they find themselves trapped in a saloon with two wanted criminals — while a deadly tornado bears down on the Indian Territory.
If you love Western history, Black American history, Indigenous Peoples' history, and good old-fashioned drama, this one's for you. Come support our own as she brings this powerful story to the stage.
5 performances only
August 21–23, 2026
Valley Center for the Performing Arts
3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA
Free & secured onsite parking
Chuck Wagon Café open one hour before and after each performance
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:
