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
Sanctuary Roof Replacement
In Progress Through July
This summer, Allen Temple is undertaking an important facilities investment — the replacement of our Sanctuary roof. For approximately six weeks, all worship experiences will be held in the Family Life Center Gym while construction is underway. Here's what you need to know:
June 14 – July 26: Worship held in the Family Life Center Gym (Sanctuary Roof Replacement Active Construction Period)
July 27 – August 1: Move back to the Sanctuary; reset for worship
Sunday, August 2: Return to Sanctuary for Worship
Note that these dates are tentative depending on construction progress
We appreciate your patience and partnership as we care for the house where God has met us faithfully. Stay updated on construction progress through the weekly newsletter and the church website.
Grief Share
Third Sundays Following Worship
Family Life Center Room C-205
Next Session: Sunday, July 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.
Progressive National
Baptist Convention
65th Annual Session
July 19 – 23
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Washington, DC
Registration is open for the 65th Annual Session of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, one of Allen Temple’s two denominational affiliations. The Annual Session will be held July 19–23 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC.
We celebrate the leadership of our Senior Pastor, Dr. Jacqueline Thompson, who serves as Second Vice President.
Find hotel details and full session information here.
For more information, questions, or assistance with hotel reservations and Annual Session registration, click here to contact Deacon Michael Johnson.
Second Quarter Ministry Reports
Due Friday, July 24
Ministry Leaders are asked to complete their Second Quarter Ministry Report no later than Friday, July 24. Report links were emailed by Church Clerk Lynelle Lewis on Thursday, July 9. Questions? Email llewis@allen-temple.org
Shred Day
Friday, July 24 • 10:00 AM
Allen Temple Members are invited to Shred Day! Bring items that you wish to have securely shredded at no cost to you!
L.Y.F.E. Young Adult Ministry
Let's Walk Together!
Saturday, July 25 • 10:00AM
Albany Bulb
The L.Y.F.E. Young Adult Ministry is heading to the Albany Bulb (1 Buchanan St., Albany) on Saturday July 25 at 10 AM! Young adults aged 18-39 are invited to come get some sun, get some steps in, and get into some good conversation! We'll do a scavenger hunt, a rock drop, and just take some time to connect and reflect together. Bring a friend, bring your family — everybody's welcome!
Adult Vacation Bible School 2026
A Family Meeting
Hidden Forces, Sacred Wisdom
With Prophet-in-Residence
Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III
Monday, July 27 - Tuesday, July 28
Dinner 5:30 PM • Teaching 6:30 PM
Join us Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28 at 6:30 PM for Adult Vacation Bible School 2026 - A Family Meeting! We're blessed to welcome back to Allen Temple our dear friend in ministry, Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago, who will serve as our Prophet-in-Residence!
Dr. Moss will teach "Hidden Forces, Sacred Wisdom", focusing on uncovering those forces that seek to deceive and divide as well as uncover how God has empowered us to meet the moment with victory
Join us Wednesday, July 29 at 7:00 PM for the Live Free Justice Revival with Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ Chicago, and Bishop Hezekiah Walker! This revival is part of Live Free's Freedom Summer commemoration, encouraging and equipping us that prayer is practice and revival is resistance!
The Leadership Institute at Allen Temple invites you to Preaching Summit '26 Friday, July 31 and Saturday, August 1 — two days of honoring legacy, embracing learning, and reaching real lives.
AI: Ministry, Myths and Miracles — Rev. Dr. Justin Lester
The Elder Moment — Rev. Dr. Warren Stewart & Rev. Dr. Edward Taylor
The Anatomy of the Whoop — Rev. Dr. E.L. Branch
Biblical Exegesis & Hermeneutics — Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea & Rev. Brian Hunter
For Preachers Who Love Preaching — Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Bernstine
Trauma-Informed Preaching — Rev. Dr. Erika Godfrey
Clergy Ministerial Self-Care — Rev. Dr. Claybon Lea
$49 registration fee. Light refreshments Friday evening, lunch Saturday, and leadership development resources and networking opportunities are included. Click here to register
46th Annual Holistic Health Fair
Living Triumphantly Through Christ
Saturday, August 8 • 10 AM - 2 PM
Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for our 46th Annual Holistic Health Fair presented by the Health Education Ministry — a day dedicated to whole-body wellness for the entire family!
Take advantage of free health screenings including:
Blood Pressure
Diabetes
HIV
Vision
There’s something for everyone! Access free resources and activities including:
Backpacks
Children's Area
Entertainment
Clothes, Food, & Music
Raffles & Yoga
Come learn, connect, and care for your health in community!
Our 46th Annual Holistic Health Fair is Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and we need you to help us make this year's fair the best ever!
We’re inviting our Church family and friends to help us serve our community with compassion and excellence. From setup to registration, hospitality to break down, or lend a helping hand in other ways, your presence matters and is welcomed. There’s a place for everyone to lend a hand! Sign up today by clicking here
Donate Backpacks, Eyeglasses
and Hearing Aids
For Distribution at the
46th Annual Holistic Health Fair
Drop off on Sunday, July 19 & 26
Give with love, Allen Temple! As we prepare for our 46th Annual Holistic Health Fair, we're collecting backpacks, as well as eyeglasses and hearing aids to bless our community. Drop your donations in the carts located in the Courtyard on Sunday, July 19 or Sunday, July 26. For more information, email healthfair@allen-temple.org.
At our 46th Annual Holistic Health Fair on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, we're blessing our community with free vision screenings and eyeglasses — all ages welcome, no income eligibility, no medical insurance or documentation required! Licensed doctors and staff will provide screening examinations, referrals for free surgeries if needed, and a free pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses for every participant. Registration is recommended.
Donate your old eyeglasses and hearing aids to help someone else see and hear more clearly. Drop off in the Courtyard on Sunday, July 19 or Sunday, July 26.
Someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds — and only about 3% of eligible donors give each year. The Health Education Ministry, in partnership with Stanford Blood Center, invites you to be a lifesaver at our 46th Annual Holistic Health Fair on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Your donation can help someone battling cancer, recovering from surgery, or fighting for their life after a traumatic injury. Registration is recommended. Click here to reserve your appointment
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.
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 begins Sunday, July 19 - take advantage of discounted fees onlineand in person after Sunday worship in the Family Life Center Lobby!
Share with your family, friends, and colleagues!
Weekly Event Schedule
Prayer Call
Wednesday, August 5
Wednesday, August 19
7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, August 5 and 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!
“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
Oakland's Civic Assembly on Transforming Vacant Spaces just launched: 20,000 households citywide will receive invitations this week to join a democratic lottery for a chance to help reimagine the city's empty storefronts and lots. Respond by July 17th, and 40 Delegates — selected July 24th to reflect Oakland's full demographic makeup — will spend three paid weekends starting August 22nd crafting real recommendations for community-driven redevelopment, earning $1,350 plus support for childcare, eldercare, and transportation.
Guided by a Steering Council of a dozen Oakland institutions, including Allen Temple Baptist Church, Black Organizing Project, and the Alameda Labor Council, this is grassroots democracy in action. As Mayor Barbara Lee put it: "When that postcard arrives at your door, say yes." Keep an eye on your mailbox, Oakland!
Healthy Temple Tips
from the
Health Education Ministry
The Importance of Hydration
Scripture reminds us in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 that our bodies are a temple, entrusted to us and worthy of care. This July, the Health Education Ministry is spotlighting something simple but powerful: staying hydrated. With summer heat, longer days, and more time outdoors, drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily supports everything from blood pressure to kidney health. Learn practical tips for staying hydrated and honoring the body God gave you. Click here to learn more
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:
