News

COVID In Black Documentary Series

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Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson and the Allen Temple Baptist Church are pleased to share with you COVID in Black: Telling Our Stories!
 
This project captures the stories of African Americans and the impact of COVID-19 on their daily lives. Participants share their stories of tragedy and triumph as they navigate the massive changes around them brought on by a global pandemic. They also explore how their fears and faith informed their decisions regarding testing and vaccination.

Read more: COVID In Black Documentary Series

Prelude to Pentecost

pentecost 2On Sunday May 28 at our 9:30am service, we will share in a special Pentecost Sunday worship experience! We invite you to meditate on and be blessed by this Prelude to Pentecost - “When the Day of Pentecost Had Come: The Birth of the Early Church” by our own Reverend Dr. Martha C. Taylor. And, invite your family and friends to join us in worship on campus or online via YouTube, Facebook, Livestream, or Vimeo.

When the Day of Pentecost Had Come: The Birth of the Early Church
By Rev. Dr. Martha C. Taylor
 
The Book of Acts is considered the second volume of a story which has no end. It is the connection of the work of Jesus’ ministry on earth after his ascension back to heaven, and the continuation of Jesus’ ministry, the beginning of His Church through the disciples by the aid of the Holy Spirit The birth of the Early church started on the day of Pentecost.
 
The first hint of the Holy Spirit as fire in the New Testament was on the day that Jesus was baptized; the people were wondering what was going on, John answered them all, “I baptize you with water…. He (Jesus) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire". Acts 2:3 was a fulfillment of what was previously recorded in Matthew [Matt 3:11] and Luke 3:16. The fire on the Day of Pentecost appeared in the form of tongues to symbolize God’s holy power through the proclamation of His Word. The symbol of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost were tongues of fire.
 

Read more: Prelude to Pentecost

A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - Happy New Year! We're Still Standing!

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Racial tension and attacks have run rampant ...we're still standing. Gun violence and senseless crimes in our community have risen...we're still standing. And lastly, COVID-19 with all of its variances and other health issues including mental health needs have visited us...we're still standing. All of these things have added to many of us experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression, uncertainty at a level we have never felt before. Yes, we pray and thank God for allowing us to still stand. In addition to prayer, God has gifted us with professionals to assist us by offering additional support to manage these things while here on earth.
 

Read more: A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - Happy New Year! We're Still Standing!

Centennial Souvenir Book On Sale Now! Limited Quantities!

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Purchase your copy of The Allen Temple Baptist Church Centennial Souvenir Book!
 
This must-have memento is an elegantly designed 300-page coffee table book that beautifully celebrates ATBC’s 100 years of unbroken ministry through rich history, memorable Centennial year events, and warm celebratory wishes.
 
  • $50 per book (purchase online or in-person and pick up after Sunday Worship Service)
  • $60 per book (purchase online and ship)
Limited quantities available. Get a copy of history today.
 
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Berkeley School of Theology Announces the J Alfred Smith, Sr Endowed Chair of Theology in the Public Square

jassr endowed chairWe are excited and blessed to share that in recognition of the amazing life and legacy of our beloved Pastor Emeritus J. Alfred Smith Sr., the Board of Trustees of Berkeley School of Theology (BST) unanimously approved the creation of the J. Alfred Smith, Sr. Endowed Chair of Theology in the Public Square!

This endowed chair is part of the establishment of a new Center for Truth, Racial Healing and Restorative Justice made possible through the largest lead gift ever given to BST from the good people of First Baptist Church of Palo Alto and other donors of nearly $3 million, so far. Click here to read the press release!

Please join us in extending our warmest congratulations to Pastor E!

 

Public Ministry Newsbrief - October/November 2021

BLACK REPARATIONS – A Public Ministry Priority

“And when you set them free don’t send them off empty-handed”. (Deuteronomy 15:13 MSG)

Reparations for American Descendants of Slaves (ADOS) is the process for making amends and atoning for all the damage done through government sanctioned injustices between 1619 and 1865 by the fledgling United States and the original 13 colonies which still impacts the ADOS today.  Rep. John Conyers D (Mi.) first introduced HR40 to the legislature in 1989 and every subsequent year until he retired in 2017.  Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee D (Tx.) picked up the mantle, and in June 2019 subcommittee hearings were held.   The bill would create a commission to study the effects of slavery and discriminatory policies on African Americans and make recommend remedies, including reparations. History was made on April 14, 2021 when the House Judiciary Committee voted to move the bill forward; however the Bill must still pass the House and Senate. 

Read more: Public Ministry Newsbrief - October/November 2021

A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - What? May is Mental Health Awareness Month

We’re mental health awareness monthalmost halfway through Mental Health Awareness Month. How IS your mental health doing? Whether you realize it or not, mental health plays a big role in your overall well-being. When you’re mentally healthy, you are able to enjoy your life and the people in it, feel good about yourself, keep up good relationships, and deal with stress. It’s normal for your mental health to shift over time – we all face difficult situations in our lives. Creating positive habits is a great way to support your mental health when you’re doing well and helps you build skills to use if you do face symptoms of a mental health condition.

Read more: A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - What? May is Mental Health Awareness Month