Worship with us Sunday, October 18 at 9:30 AM - 107th Church Anniversary Sunday!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr. Dante Quick can't be with us. We're blessed and excited to welcome to the pulpit as our special guest preacher Dr. Martin Espinosa, Head Pastor of Ray of Hope Nashville!
Join us Sunday, October 18 following worship in the Family Life Center for our 107th Church Anniversary Brunch! Enjoy delicious food, fellowship, and a celebration of 107 years of Allen Temple! RSVP here.
107th Church Anniversary
Schedule of Events
Make plans to join us during the month of October for events celebrating our 107th Church Anniversary! Scroll below for details on each event!
107th Church Anniversary Assessment
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.
15th Annual J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Lecture
Saturday, October 24 • 10:00 AM
The Leadership Institute at Allen Temple invites you to the 15th Annual J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Lecture, "Preaching That Leaves the Aroma of Christ: The Dangerous and Sacred Work of Proclaiming God" on Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 AM.
This year's lecture will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas, Professor Emeritus at Christian Theological Seminary.
This event is free and open to all.
Questions? Contact Dr. Brenda Guess, Leadership Institute Chancellor, at bguess@allen-temple.org.
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. You 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.
Resist to Exist Voting Block Party
Saturday, October 24 • Noon - 3:00 PM
On Saturday, October 24 from noon to 3pm, join the Public Ministry along with Oakland Rising and community partners for the Resist to Exist Voting Block Party. Early voting begins October 24th - flex your people power with your vote! Enjoy food, games, and take advantage of resources!
In partnership with: EBASE (East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy), Brotherhood of Elders Network, Faith in Action East Bay, ACCE Action, Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA), Young Women’s Freedom Center, Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, Urban Peace Movement, Black Organizing Project (BOP), Alameda County Community Food Bank, Communities United for Restorative Youth Justice (CURYJ), and Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. Berkeley Bay Area Alumnae Chapter.
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
he 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. May 2nd is proof that the investment is paying off. 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.
Weekly Event Schedule
Prayer Call
Wednesday, October 21
7:00 PM
Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, October 21 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
In Session Now - Join Us!
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
Begins Wednesday, October 7
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 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
“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
Every October, purple shares the spotlight with pink — but “early detection saves lives” applies just as urgently to domestic and intimate partner violence as it does to breast cancer. The numbers are sobering: 40% of Black women will experience DV in their lifetime, three times the mortality risk of white women from IPV, and the Black Women’s Health Imperative names it the number one health issue facing Black women today. If you suspect someone you love is suffering in silence, you may be the safe space they need. Learn more and obtain resources here.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Xi Gamma Omega Chapter
Community Health Expo
Saturday, October 24
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Martin Luther King Elementary Oakland
Stronger health starts here! Join the Xi Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for their Community Health Expo at Martin Luther King Elementary School (960 - 10th St., Oakland). This is a free event for the public and the whole family.
Get free health services, wellness resources, and activities for every generation, all in one place. Bring your family and leave empowered.
What to expect:
Free health screenings
Wellness resources
Fitness activities
Community vendors
Kids’ Zone
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:
