From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson
Our February focus has been around IDENTITY. Living Triumphantly Through Christ begins with knowing who we are. We began with belonging. We moved to being chosen, known, and named. And now we arrive at SECURITY.
As parts of Mexico faces unprecedented public violence, public commentary has been consumed with conversations about safety. I began to contemplate the difference between safety and security. Here is where I landed: Safety is external and circumstantial. Security is internal and rooted in what we trust.
February 16, 2026
Good Evening Allen Temple Family,
Hoping this note finds you well.
Our journey begins - a journey millions take worldwide. This journey is not to a dream destination or a chosen location on life's bucket list. This journey leads to a Cross.
Lent is upon us. Beginning February 18 with Ash Wednesday, our 40-day trek begins. This season is historically characterized by fasting, giving, and prayer. With the imposition of Ashes for Catholics and many other Christians, it a sobering reminder that we are made from dust and to dust we will return. Believers are asked to sacrifice: give up something for Lent. We know the things...
February 9, 2026
Good Evening Allen Temple Family,
Hoping this note finds you well this day.
Well, here we are at the beginning of a new week. This week we continue unpacking our February focus on Identity. Last week, we were reminded that our lives belong to God. This means we can rest in God's presence and providential care for us.
July 11, 2025
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Yesterday, a video featuring a young barber cutting hair outside the gates of our church has circulated widely across social media platforms. The footage has generated significant attention and, in some cases, confusion and criticism directed at Allen Temple Baptist Church.
Let me be clear: social media never tells the whole story - not of a person, not of a church, and not of a community.
At Allen Temple, we have served Oakland for over a century with a deep commitment to justice, compassion, and restoration. We are a church that believes in grace, and we are a church that supports entrepreneurship, especially among our young people.
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Until Freedom
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Until All Are Free
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline Thompson - It's Silent Saturday!
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline Thompson - What's Yours?
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline Thompson - Continue!