From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson
Greetings Allen Temple Family and Friends,
As you know, the Los Angeles fires have had a devastating effect on the landscape and the lives of countless residents. As shared, I would be soliciting your support once we identified trusted partners on the ground meeting the needs of those who have lost their homes and livelihood.
October 20, 2024
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
In 2017, as Assistant Pastor, you joined me in an advocacy campaign (#ENOUGH) aimed at elevating the urgency of the challenges facing our community. I am requesting your participation once more in voicing our concerns regarding the blight, loitering, homelessness, and other humanitarian issues that have been allowed to persist without appropriate attention from those responsible for addressing them. #FULLUP
As in the past, please send a single email to all individuals listed below and copy me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on a daily basis until a response is received. Additionally, you may call and leave messages each day as concerned residents and/or servant worshippers in East Oakland.
As shared in January, our Church theme for 2024 is "Rooted In Christ, Reaching Our World". Our 21-Day Consecration led by our Prayer Warriors Ministry has certainly prepared us to deepen our roots.
While the 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. I am asking each leader and 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.
June 19, 2024
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
On this day set aside to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States - June 19, 1865, let us remember the price our ancestors paid with their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. During these times, where American history is being reduced to a single distorted narrative, we must never forget the horrors of chattel slavery and the impact it continues to have on successive generations.
Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,
On this day set aside to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States - June 19, 1865, let us remember the price our ancestors paid with their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. During these times, where American history is being reduced to a single distorted narrative, we must never forget the horrors of chattel slavery and the impact it continues to have on successive generations.
October 10, 2023
Dear Allen Temple Family,
I know you have seen like I have the war that has ensued in Israel. Having visited and studied in Israel and Palestine for three consecutive summers, my heart is deeply grieved by what I am witnessing. I mourn the loss of life and worry about the health and safety of ministry colleagues (Israeli and Palestinian) in the area.
And yet, it is equally important to me that we understand the historical context that has brought us to this place. Rather than rehearse the lengthy and complicated details, I am sharing an article written by Mark Wingfield with Baptist News Global. He has provided a balanced analysis and consulted trusted voices that have preached from our pulpit like Judge Wendell Griffin, Pastor of New Millennium Church in Arkansas. The article is lengthy but necessary. Here is an excerpt: