In This Issue


Worship and Celebrate with Us

Ministry Events

Study and Pray WIth Us

Serve With Us

Ministry & Community Resources

Ways to Give

Worship and Celebrate With Us!

Worship With Us!

Sunday, April 28 • 9:30 AM

Worship with us Sunday, April 28 at 9:30 AM - United Men's Sunday! Reverend Robert Wilkins preaches!


Join us on campus or online in the Cyber Sanctuary via:



You can view and listen to the replay at any time thereafter across all four of our video channels and on our dial-in line!

Sunday School Live

Immedately Following Worship

Join us immediately following worship for Sunday School Live! Those in the sanctuary are invited to remain for the lesson!


Studying with us online? Tune in on our YouTubeFacebook, or Vimeo channels! 


Click here to download Spring 2024 (March-May) lessons and scriptures!


Click here for lesson outlines - use them in your daily devotions and Bible Study!

Teleconference Sunday School

Classes for all ages!

Join us every Sunday for a deeper study of The Word through Teleconference Sunday School!


Click here to download Spring 2024 (March-May) lessons and scriptures!


Click here to view a list of classes and dial-in information! Classes available for all ages!

Ministry Events

Public Ministry

Veterans Support

Sunday, April 28, May 5, and May 19

Following Worship • Courtyard

The Allen Temple Public Ministry has added Veterans’ support to their work. Veterans and loved ones of retired or deceased servicepersons are invited to stop by their table in the Courtyard after worship on Sunday, April 28, Sunday, May 5, or Sunday, May 19.

Center for Biblical & Family Studies

Virtual Courses



Final Session of

Dancing with the Darkness

with Dr. Otis Moss, III

Wednesday, May 1 • 6:00 PM


I Found God In Me

with Dr. Yolanda Norton

Starts Tuesday, April 30 • 6:30 PM

Spring/Summer 2024 courses at the Allen Temple Center for Biblical & Family Studies are underway! We encourage you to take part in these free online courses designed to help you cultivate your spiritual growth and knowledge of God!


Dancing in the Darkness

With Dr. Otis Moss, III – Senior Pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ

Final session Wednesday, May 1 at 6:00 PM.

Zoom webinar at capacity; tune in on our YouTube channel


I Found God in Me

With Dr. Yolanda Norton

Tuesdays at 6:30 PM (April 30 – June 4)

Register here.


Questions? Contact Rev. Dr. Brenda Guess at bguess@allen-temple.org or (510) 813-0690. If you know someone who does not have internet access who would like to attend, they may call Dr. Guess at the aforementioned number.

Prayers for the City

A Virtual Prayer Event

for the City of Oakland

Thursday, May 2 • 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” - Jeremiah 29:7


This National Day of Prayer we’re praying for the City of Oakland! 


Join us online Thursday, May 2nd at noon for an hour of prayer for the concerns of the City of Oakland.


Then commit to partnering with 1-2 others to continue praying throughout the day as we keep bringing the City of Oakland before the Lord.


Click here to commit to participate

Click here for more information

Click here to download participation handout


Join us online on Zoom (Meeting ID: 850 3685 3206 / Passcode: 165725)


Dial-In (669) 444 9171

Meeting ID: 850 3685 3206

Passcode: 165725

Trial Sermon Service

for Deacon Michael Perrilliat

Thursday, May 2 • 6:30 pm

On Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 PM, join us on the Church campus as one of our own – Deacon Michael Perrilliat – preaches his trial sermon!

Alzheimer’s or Dementia

What You Need to Know

in the New Therapy Era

Virtual Symposium

Saturday, May 18 • 10:00 AM

Register Today

On Saturday, May 18 at 10 AM, join the Health Education Ministry for their Alzheimer’s or Dementia What You Need to Know in the New Therapy Era Virtual Symposium. Hear and learn from Dr. Charles Windom, MD and Kim J. Scott, MSN, MBA, RN. Register here. If you know someone who does not have internet access, they may call the Church Office at (510) 544-8910 for connection details.

Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith, Sr.

1985-2001 Papers

Placed at Duke Divinity School

The Allen Temple Family gives great praise to our God for the impactful ministry of our Pastor Emeritus J Alfred Smith Sr. and for the placement of his 1985-2001 papers at Duke Divinity School! We are grateful that generations to come will benefit from Pastor E’s scholarship and thought leadership.

Virtual Ministry Schedule

We invite you to join us throughout the week for virtual ministry experiences! Download our Virtual Ministry Schedule and share with family and friends!

Study and Pray With Us

2024 Congregational Reading

Rooted in Christ: 366 Scriptural Devotions for Growing Christians

While our 21-day Prayer Consecration has ended, our journey continues. It is important that we take this journey together. Author Paul Chappell has provided an excellent resource for us to engage as a congregation. Pastor Jacqueline Thompson is asking each Allen Temple leader & member and inviting our friends to secure a physical or electronic copy of the devotional Rooted in Christ: 366 Scriptural Devotions for Growing Christians. It will be used and referenced through this year of ministry. Learn more and get info on how to order the devotional here

Prayer Call

Wednesday, May 1

Wednesday, May 15

Wednesday, May 29

7:00 PM

Let’s come together and draw strength through prayer! Join us on Wednesday, May 1, Wednesday, May 15, and Wednesday, May 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.


You can also email your prayer requests to prayer@allen-temple.org

Pastor's Noontime Bible Study

Thursdays • 12 Noon

Join us for Thursday Noontime Bible Study with Pastor Jacqueline Thompson! Tune in one of two ways:


  • Online via Zoom (meeting ID 850 3685 3206 / passcode 165725)
  • By phone: 667-770-1385 (meeting ID 850 3685 3206 / passcode 165725)


We invite Allen Temple Leaders, Members, and Friends to join us in our 2024 Congregational Reading - Rooted in Christ: 366 Scriptural Devotions for Growing Christians.

Next Generation

Children's & Youth Ministries

Virtual Bible Study

Thursdays • Biweekly • 6:30PM

Calling all children and youth! Our Next Generation Children’s & Youth Ministries invite you to Virtual Bible Study! Classes for Children (ages 5-11) and Youth (ages 12-17). Email children@allen-temple.org for connection details!

Serve With Us

Mime Ministry

For Young People Age 6-18

A new Mime Ministry is being started for young people between the ages of 6-18, Parents, guardians, and young people are invited to come to the Music Ministry Office after worship to receive more information or email children@allen-temple.org.

Serve with the

First Responders Ministry!

The First Responders Ministry welcomes those with a heart to assist those who are in need of medical care during worship services. Those with medical expertise (doctors, nurses, medical assistance, firefighters, paramedics) are invited to join with us.


For more information, email pastorsoffice@allen-temple.org

Serve with the Church Clerks Ministry!

The Church Clerks Ministry welcomes those with a heart to assist new and current members to serve alongside them as they receive new members, coordinate baptisms & baby dedications, support ministry requests, and other important tasks.


For more information, contact Sister Lynelle Lewis, Church Clerk, at llewis@allen-temple.org.

Serve with the Public Ministry!

The Public Ministry is seeking members, young and old, with a servant’s heart to work with us to achieve our mission. Our mission is to engage, educate and empower members of our congregation and community to become partners in Jesus’ ministry of justice and righteousness. Our vision is transformed communities locally, nationally, and internationally practicing Jesus’ ministry of justice so Christ’s redemptive purpose can be accomplished in the world.


To learn more, email publicmin@allen-temple.org, or call 510-544-8910

Serve with the

Ushers, Nurses, First Responders

and Welcome Ministries!

The Ushers Ministries (Ushers, First Responders, and Welcome Ministries) are seeking members of all ages that possess a servant's heart and enjoy working with God’s people. If you are that person, we would love for you to join our ministry! Our mission is serving our church family and assist the Pastor(s) to make the service a success by putting the congregation in the right frame of mind to receive the message. Ushers greet, welcome, direct the members to their seat, and collect offerings. We make sure that perfect order is kept in and around the church at all times during the service. We support the members and assist them with whatever their needs may be. If you are that person, please speak with any usher on Sunday or call (510) 544-8910.

Bethsaida Counseling Center

Seeking Licensed and Pre-Licensed Therapists

Bethsaida Counseling Services at Allen Temple welcomes licensed and pre-licensed therapists to join our team providing mental health services to our community. Licenses of interest: LCSW/ASW, LMFT/AMFT, LPCC/APCC, and Psychologists. For more information, call (510) 544-8945 or email bethsaida@allen-temple.org

Communications Ministry

Seeking Joyful and Willing

Team Members

The Communications Ministry is seeking joyful and willing team members to join us in serving our Church family and community! With the necessity of making worship and ministry available to all in the Bay Area and around the world, our role in facilitating digital accessibility for worshippers in person and at home is needed now more than ever. We are seeking multiple persons to join us!


Comfort using computers needed. Relaxed, friendly and welcoming atmosphere in which to serve. Training provided. Click here to learn more. If you are interested in serving, please contact Rev. Charlotte Williams, Minister & Director of Communications, at cwilliams@allen-temple.org

Business & Professional

Women's Society

Welcoming New Members

The Business and Professional Women's Society of Allen Temple Baptist Church is dedicated to raising scholarship funds for deserving youth in our community. Over the years, we have provided scholarships to help hundreds of students realize their dream of achieving higher education.

The B&P is looking for new members with a passion for helping our students. The B&P hosts virtual and live fundraising events to provide funding for scholarships to students of all ages. We meet monthly via phone conference on the 2nd Monday. We welcome all Allen Temple members to join us. Please contact Sister Carlene Gray, Chairperson, at 510 679-8322 or carlenegray777@gmail.com for more information.

Ministry and Community Resources

Oakland Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth

Baseball League For Youth Ages 4-18

Spring 2024 Registration Open Now

The Oakland Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth League welcomes young people between the ages of 4-18 to play baseball this Spring! Registration is open now – see the image for details. For more information and to register your young person, click here, visit the Carter Gilmore Sports Complex (1324 – 66th Ave., Oakland) or call (510) 421-9361.

Job Information Center

Looking for a job? Check out our Job Information Center!

Helpful Recommendations

Regarding COVID-19

From the Return to Church Task Force

We are in the Winter Season, and COVID-19 has surged in many of our communities. Click here for helpful guidelines from the CDC on what to do if you are infected with COVID-19.

Healthy Temple Tips

from the Health Education Ministry

Mental Health Awareness Month

Since its inception in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has designated as time to focus on the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. Throughout May, people throughout the country will actively participate in this national movement, dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education, and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness. Mental Health Awareness Month provides a perfect opportunity to shine a spotlight on mental health resources, local programs and initiatives, as well as helpful information that is available for specific populations such as caregivers, youth and young adults and underrepresented communities. Learn more here.

Alameda County Care Alliance

Celebrating 10 Years of Service

The Alameda County Care Alliance, of which Allen Temple is a founding member, is celebrating 10 years of service. Learn more about their mission, services, and accomplishments in their newsletter; click here to read more.

Return to Church Task Force Update

Please Continue to Exercise

Caution and Safety

COVID is Still With Us! 

SARS CoV2 continues to be prevalent! Most of us know people who have had COVID and it is a blessing that most of them have not been too ill or required hospitalization. Nevertheless, the virus is prevalent so should continue to be diligent. Vaccines continue to be very helpful against COVID leading to hospitalization and death, but this means a minimum of three shots. If you get COVID, now there are medicines that are effective in treating the illness, such as Paxlovid. Out of an abundance of caution, the Return to Church Task Force is continues to encourages everyone to:


  1. Get vaccinated and boosted 
  2. Wear good masks, N95 or KN95 
  3. If you are feeling sick, even slightly, please stay at home 
  4. Minimize hugging and hand shaking during the Welcome 
  5. Follow the Ushers' instructions both for entering and exiting the sanctuary.

You Can Have Jesus

and a Therapist Too!

Bethsaida Counseling Services

is Available to Connect You

Need assistance connecting to mental health services? Bethsaida Counseling Services is here to confidentially connect you to mental health services. Call (510) 544-8945 or email bethsaida@allen-temple.org.


If you or someone you know are having a psychiatric emergency, dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room

Bereavement Ministry

Have you lost a loved one? Your Allen Temple Family is here to pray for and assist you as well as provide comfort, direction and support during your time of need.

The new phone number to notify the church of bereavement is (510) 544-8929. You may also email the church at info@allen-temple.org

Community Events

The Total You Women’s Health Forum

Presented by the Women of the

NAACP Oakland Branch

Saturday, April 27 • 9am – 5pm

Acts Full Gospel Oakland

On Saturday, April 27 from 9am to 2pm, join the Women of the NAACP Oakland Branch at Acts Full Gospel COGIC Oakland (1034 – 66th Ave) for their The Total You Women’s Health Forum. Learn more and register here.

United Way Bay Area

Free Tax Help Centers Open Now

United Way Bay Area Free Tax Help Centers are open! Click here to find a location near you!

GoGo Grandparent

Discounted Rides for

Oakland Seniors Age 70+

The City of Oakland has partnered with GoGo Grandparent to provide Oakland Seniors $8 discounts on up to 8 rides per month if the ride starts or ends in Oakland or Piedmont.


GoGo Grandparent provides live human operators that can be called from any kind of phone, land lines or cell phones. Clients do not have to have a cellphone, smart phone, nor do they have to know how to use an app - and can get Uber rides. Download information here on how to sign up and how the program works.

National Coalition of 100 Black Women

Oakland Bay Area Chapter

Positive Steps Mentoring Program

For Girls 12-18

Accepting Applications

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Oakland Bay Area Chapter invites girls 12-18 to participate in their Positive Steps program. This mentoring program focuses on personal growth & development and recognizes their potential for success. There is no charge to participate.


The program will run between September 2023 and May 2024. Applications are still being accepted; click here to submit.

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:


  • Online at Allen-Temple.org/Giving
  • Via Text to Give (Send a text to 510-737-0078 with the numerical dollar amount (i.e., $25) 
  • Via Mail to Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Boulevard, Oakland CA 94621 ATTENTION: Trustee Ministry
Allen Temple Baptist Church
8501 International Blvd • Oakland, CA 94621
(510) 544-8910 • www.allen-temple.org • info@allen-temple.org
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