From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson
July 31, 2026
Dear Allen Temple Family,
Hoping this note finds each of you well and that you were encouraged by our 2026 VBS - Family Meeting and Justice Revival.
One of the greatest blessings of Allen Temple is the faithful service of God's people. Week after week, ministry happens because of countless volunteers, leaders, musicians, teachers, ushers, deacons, deaconesses, trustees, ministry teams, and so many others who generously give of themselves so that our church and community might experience the good news of the Gospel. I thank God for each of you.
Since 2017, I have reflected on the pace of our ministry and the demands it places upon those who serve. I am convinced that perseverance in service and triumphant living requires more than continuous activity. It also requires intentional rest.
Throughout Scripture we find work and worship, service and Sabbath paired. The word Selah, found throughout the Psalms, is often understood as an invitation to pause, reflect, and remember the presence and faithfulness of God. It reminds us that our identity is rooted not only in what we do for God, but in our relationship with God.
With that spirit in mind, as shared in January 2026, let us observe a Selah beginning Sunday, August 9, 2026.
On Saturday, August 8, we will support our Community Health Fair. This is our largest, continuing outreach event serving our neighbors and community. After this, important let us enter a season of intentional rest and renewal for the remainder of the month.
Beginning August 9, our regularly scheduled ministry meetings, rehearsals, and nonessential gatherings will pause through the end of August. Sunday worship and study will continue, as will essential ministries and congregational care. Informal fellowship among members is always encouraged, but our official ministry calendar will intentionally slow to create space for renewal.
This is not a pause from ministry. It is a pause for ministry.
My prayer is that this sacred SELAH creates space to breathe, spend time with family and friends, worship without responsibility, enjoy God's creation, Read, Study the Word, Pray, and simply rest.
As we enter September, my hope is that we will return refreshed in spirit, renewed in purpose, and ready for all that God has in store for us.
Thank you for your faithful service and dedication to the ministry of Christ.
May this SELAH become a gift that strengthens not only our ministries but also our souls.
Blessings and Triumph to you!
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Senior Pastor
July 6, 2026
Good Day Allen Temple Family,
God be praised for yesterday's glorious time of worship. It's hard to believe we are already in the seventh month of the year.
Since the beginning of the year, each month has been centered around a single word, each one helping us answer our the question posed by 2026 theme: What does it mean to live triumphantly through Christ?
In January, we focused on the importance of being Connected, reclaimed our Identity in Christ, embraced Freedom, celebrated our Access to God's presence through the resurrection, sought Transformation by the Holy Spirit, and prayed for Wisdom to faithfully navigate everyday life.
This month, our focus word is Integrity.
July 3, 2026
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Well, I've been thinking. I never would have imagined that social media, Facebook specifically, would provide the perfect phrase to describe the tension that exists historically and today for me and perhaps many others. I have never used it on my page, but it has surely become the best descriptor for our lives: IT'S COMPLICATED! As our nation marks the 250th anniversary of its founding, I have found myself wrestling with complicated realities and sitting with complicated emotions. And you know, when I find myself in these places, I brood (figuratively). I write and sometimes I share in hopes that someone else will know, they are not alone.
April 7, 2026
Good Day Allen Temple Family,
I hope you were blessed by the powerful journey we took AD DEUM together from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection services. We celebrate that Christ is risen—but even more, we are reminded that resurrection is not just a memorial. The reality of resurrection changes what is now possible for our everyday lives.
As we move into this new month, our word for April is simple but significant: Access.
March 17, 2026
Good Day Allen Temple Family and Friends,
It is my hope you have enjoyed our beautiful weather and finding ways to "Manage the Middle."
The Journey Ad Deum continues...last week we referenced the words of Jesus in John 8:36: if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. We named FREEDOM as one of the gifts we have received that helps us live triumphantly through Christ. To receive and enjoy the gift, we must identify what may be keeping us bound.
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Whom The Son Sets Free
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Blessed Assurance
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Toward God
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - Did You See It?
- From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson - God's Property