From the Heart of Pastor Jacqueline A. Thompson

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.

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:

April 5, 2023

 

 

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

Well, here we are. In the middle of Holy Week, just days away from Resurrection Sunday! It has certainly been a journey from Ash Wednesday to what religious history refers to as "Spy Wednesday". Yes, you read it right. The reference is based on Luke 22:3-6. Some scholars believe that today, over 1900 years ago:

 

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. Luke 22:3-6 NRSV. Judas spent this week looking for a good time to turn Jesus in.

 

I must admit, I am always struck by the beginning of verse 3, then Satan entered into Judas. What? How is that even possible? Judas was personally selected by Jesus to follow him. Judas walked with Jesus and witnessed the many miracles he performed first hand. When Jesus sent the Disciples out and equipped them with the power to heal and cast out demons, Judas received his portion. Judas heard the teachings on the hillside and in the synagogue. He was present for the most private moments and was even entrusted as the designated financial officer of the ministry. What do you mean Satan entered Judas? How did Judas end up here? Time and space will not allow me to explore the many theories that have been postulated throughout history. But please allow me to offer one possibility.

 

Our time together these past few weeks have been about a process of intentionally pausing to "hear Christ" in hopes of being more like Christ in our daily lives: Centering Down. Moreover, we highlighted the obstacles that can hinder this process and the disciplines designed to help fuel it. There is one more that we must consider. This one helps me make sense of Judas in Jesus' day and the Judas that lives in each of us. SURRENDER, the act of giving to the influence or authority of another. Surrender is the most difficult and perhaps the most important of the disciplines. Mainly, because it requires a crucifixion of our own. Our will, our expectations, our desired outcomes, our reasoning and so many other things must remain malleable on this journey.

 

I can imagine Judas must have been supremely disappointed and probably disillusioned by the idea that his notion of kingdom and freedom would not be realized. I am sure he must have been even a bit angry that the revolution he hoped for would not be televised. But rather than engaging in his own Garden of Gethsemane experience and reaching a place of surrender, he was driven to see his vision come to pass by any means necessary. And whenever we decide our will, plan, perspective, or understanding is greater than God's, whenever we refuse to give in to the influence and authority of God - Satan can and will enter in.

 

I read a headline a few days ago that I never thought I would see. Did you see it? It said, "Trump surrenders to face historic charges...He will turn himself in if indicted". It's Holy Week and you've still got time. Turn Yourself In...Surrender Voluntarily!

 

Centering Down,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

Senior Pastor

March 29, 2023

 

Dear Allen Temple Family and Friends,

 

I am sitting in Rolling Hills cemetery preparing for the graveside service of one of our beloved members as I write. The grounds keepers are preparing the site. Cars are roaming in circles looking for their designated area. The rain is still falling, and outside of here, the necessities of daily life continues. We're less than a week away from Holy Week and life continues. I wonder if this is what it was like during the week before the crucifixion. Preparations for the Passover celebration; packing for the journey to Jerusalem; checking to ensure all the monies needed for offerings and Temple tax were accounted for. An act that would change the world as they knew it was about to take place in their midst while life just continued...as usual.

 

Surely there had been signs. Prophecies given and fulfilled. I know the people were hoping and waiting for divine relief from their daily oppression. Relief was among them and had been for 3 years but life continued...as usual. One of my favorite Old Testament scholars is Dr. Walter Brueggemann. He is probably best known for his book Prophetic Imagination. In the book, he discusses the idea of numbness. Physical numbness is the loss of feeling or sensation in a part of the body. Many who live with diabetes and other systemic illness are familiar with this condition. But there are other kinds of numbness as well, emotional and I believe spiritual. Spiritual numbness is the inability to recognize and respond to the presence and power of God in us or around us. The danger of life while numb is that it produces indifference in us. There is no compassion when numb. There is no empathy when numb. There is no action when numb. Hope is a struggle when numb and victory an impossibility.

 

Brueggemann has suggested that the goal of empire or what he calls royal consciousness is to produce numbness in the people. I wholeheartedly agree. Yet I acknowledge that there are many experiences that can cumulatively produce numbness. Pain and Death; Loss of Health and Vitality; Disappointment and Disinformation. If we are not vigilant and deliberate, the monotony of daily living can produce numbness. The process of centering down is how we penetrate the numbness. We must daily fight against all that comes to desensitize us. Our spiritual lives depend on it.

 

The rain poured profusely as we stood graveside to pay respect to the life of one who sensed God and was never afraid to respond. As the casket was lowered into the ground, the sun broke through the clouds while we sang, "Let the Church Say Amen". It was if we were being reminded, not to give in to the current conditions doing life as usual. Something was happening in our midst. And just then I could hear the loud clapping and the voice of Lathan saying, "You on the line, don't hang up". Rest in Peace Brother Lathan Wilson and thank you for penetrating the numbness every chance you could.

 

Centering Down,

Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

Senior Pastor