We're excited to give our God great praise for 107 unbroken years of ministry to Deep East Oakland, the Bay Area, and the world!
It’s a blessing to give back to our God who has been faithful and given us so much. Join us in giving Church Anniversary Assessments.
For our 107th Church Anniversary year, the assessments are $107 for adults, $17.50 for youth, and $7.50 for children.
You may give online by selecting Anniversary Contributions on the pulldown menu, owrite anniversary on the memo section of your check/money order and blue giving envelope.
Ministry News & Events
Alameda County Vote Center
Saturday, October 24
through Monday, November 2
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Election Day - Tuesday, November 3
7:00 AM to 8 00 PM
Family Llfe Center
The Family Life Center is an official Alameda County Registrar of Voters Vote Center. All Alameda County residents regardless of city can vote in person or turn in your ballot as follows:
Saturday, October 24 through Monday, November 2: 9am to 5pm
Note that mail in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3) or returned to a county drop box or vote center before 8pm on Election Day. It is recommended that you utilize vote centers or county drop boxes.
Public Ministry
Midterm Election
Ballot Recommendations
For Propositions & Measures
Our Public Ministry has prayerfully, carefully, and closely researched the propositions and measures that will appear on the November 3, 2026 General (Midterm) Election ballot in consideration of how each would affect our communities. Click here to download their recommendations.
Next Generation Ministry
Pajama Movie Night
Wednesday, October 28
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Family Life Center Mary Morris Room
Our Next Generation Children's and Youth Ministry invites your young person to Pajama Movie Night on Wednesday, October 28 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the Family Life Center Mary Morris Room!
Young people are invited to come in their coziest pajamas and bring their pillows & blankets for an evening of movies, snacks, friendship and fun! Bring a friend with you! Click here to register your young person.
Third Quarter Ministry Reports
Due Friday, October 30
Ministry Leaders are asked to complete their Third Quarter Ministry Report no later than Friday, October 30. Report links were emailed by Church Clerk Lynelle Lewis on Monday, October 19.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Through Sunday, November 15
The Food Pantry Ministry welcomes donations of canned green beans, cranberry sauce, canned yams, stuffing mix, and cornbread mix for their Thanksgiving Food Drive, helping us to provide families in our community with a healthy and delicious holiday dinner. Your much appreciated donation can be brought to the barrels in the Narthex and Family Life Center lobby. Donations of fresh chicken can be brought to the Family Life Center on Mondays. Last day to bring food donations is Sunday, November 15.
Monetary donations are gratefully accepted (select Thanksgiving Contributions in the online giving pulldown menu or write Thanksgiving on your check & giving envelope)
Volunteers are needed to help pack the food baskets during the week of November 16. Stay tuned for updates on how to sign up to join the team..
Women in ministry are invited to join us and the Leadership Institute at Allen Temple on Saturday, November 7 at 8 AM for SheSpeaks: Women's Preaching Summit 2026, "Strengthening Our Voice, Embracing Our Purpose." Join us for a day set apart for worship, fellowship, and a word for women who are called to preach, teach, and lead.
Hear and learn from keynote speaker Dr. Renita Weems, Dr. Sonya Dawson, Dr. Donna Allen, and Psalmist Doris Bumpus.
$75 per person. Register here. Questions? Contact Dr. Brenda Guess, Chancellor - Leadership Institute at Allen Temple, at bguess@allen-temple.org or 510-544-8910.
Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy
Fall Recital
Saturday, November 7 • 11:00 AM
J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Fellowship Hall
The Betty D. Gadling Fine Arts Academy is proud to present their Fall Music Recital! On Saturday, November 7 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. Come support. Come celebrate. Come be moved.
Grief Share
Third Sundays Following Worship
Family Life Center Room C-205
Next Session: Sunday, November 15
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.
Pray and Study With Us
Prayer Call
Wednesdy, November 4
Wednesday, November 18
7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 18 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.
Jolin our Center for Biblical & Family Studies for our Fall courses!
Forgiveness: A Contemplative Path Through Our Pain to Our Power
Reclaim the power unforgiveness has taken. Join Servant BK Woodson, Sr. for a six-session, Spirit-led journey through Scripture and contemplative practice — Mondays, 6:30–8:00 PM, September 28–November 2, in person on the Church campus
The Politics of Jesus
Was Jesus a first-century revolutionary whose call to freedom has been tamed into "meek and mild"? Join Deacon Reginald. Lyles for a four-session study of Obery Hendricks' The Politics of Jesus, Wednesdays 6:30–8:00 PM (Oct 7, 14, 28 & Nov 4)
There is no charge to take these courses. Register here.
Pastor's Noonday Bible Study
Thursdays via Zoom
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 the 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
“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
Finding Peace, Hope, and Healing: Addressing Domestic Violence Together
As we come to the close of Domestic Violence Month, we are reminded that we need to look out for one another if we suspect anyone is in any form of abusive relationship. Domestic violence can take many forms, including physical harm, constant verbal put-downs, isolation from loved ones, withholding financial resources, or digital tracking.
If you are experiencing abuse: Please know that you are not alone, you are loved, and we believe you. You do not have to suffer in silence.
We cannot assume that someone else will step in. Each of us is called to be alert, compassionate, and ready to walk with those who are hurting. Access resources here.
Faith & Cancer:
The Power to Overcome
With Rev. Dr. Bonita Kitt
Thursday, October 29
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Acts Full Gospel Church Oakland
Black and African American communities face higher rates of diagnosis and death from many types of cancer. For some people, faith can be a source of comfort, strength, and hope during a cancer experience.
Join Allen Temple's own Rev. Dr. Bonita Bonita Kitt and Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area on Thursday, October 29 at 6:30 pm at Acts Full Gospel Church (1034 - 66th Ave., Oakland) for a conversation with panelists who have faced cancer and drawn on their faith in God. They will share their personal stories, the challenges they encountered, and how faith helped them through difficult moments
Come listen, connect, and find encouragement in their stories. RSVP here
Free Dental Day
Saturday, November 7
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Piedmont Oaks Dental
On Saturday, November 7, the teams at Piedmont Oaks Dental and Ashby Dental in Elmwood are coming together for a special day of giving back to our community!
We will be volunteering our time to provide free dental care to individuals who have been unable to receive the treatment they need because of financial circumstances.
Do you know a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor who needs dental care but has been putting it off because they cannot afford it?
How to SIgn Up:
Send an email with your name and phone number (contact@piedmontoaksdental.com and contact@ashbydentalgroup.com)
Our team will reach out to learn more about their dental needs and coordinate a possible appointment.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Piedmont Oaks Dental 1345 Grand Avenue, Piedmont
Both dental teams will be participating, and all appointments will take place at our Piedmont location.
This event is intended for individuals who are not currently patients of either practice and who face financial barriers to receiving dental care.
Appointments are limited and must be arranged in advance. Participants will receive an examination on the day of the event, and treatment will be provided as clinically appropriate and as time and resources permit.
National Coalition of
100 Black Women, Inc
Oakland/Bay Area Chapter
Positive Steps Mentoring Program
For Young Ladies Ages 12-17
The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. — Oakland Bay Area Chapter is opening enrollment for Positive Steps, a free mentoring program designed to help young ladies grow into beautiful, strong, and successful leaders.
Girls ages 12–17 (grades 6–12) will spend the year meeting girls who become lifelong friends, going on exclusive field trips, learning from successful Black women, and exploring STEM, business, health, and entrepreneurship — all while building the confidence and leadership skills to prepare for college, scholarships, and a lifetime of impact.
Program Runs: September 19, 2026 – June 19, 2027 (Sessions every 3rd Saturday)
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:
