News

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

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.

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.

Berkeley School of Theology Announces the J Alfred Smith, Sr Endowed Chair of Theology in the Public Square

jassr endowed chair We 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.

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

We’re almost 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.

A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

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October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. We are encouraging everyone to “Speak Up”, in order to spark change. We must openly, honestly, and bravely acknowledge how domestic violence/intimate partner violence negatively affects our communities, our families (yes, even families in our church), and our lives. Domestic violence affects every community and impacts people of all ages, genders, races, religions, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic groups. Anyone can experience or perpetrate domestic violence.

We are calling the entire Allen Temple Family and surrounding community to action. Help raise awareness to end domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Take a stand. Be a voice. Show your support. Wear PURPLE. Send a strong message. Let’s see it and shout together, “Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence will not be tolerated in our community, our church, or our families”.

If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911 for police assistance. For local non-emergent support, contact the Alameda County Family Justice Center at (510) 267-8800, the FVLC 24hr. Mobile Response Team at (800) 947-8301, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 (SAFE), or text LOVEIS to 22522. For a list of other local resources visit http://www.acfjc.org/GET_help

Many times, the first step to get help is the hardest. If you need assistance, we are here. Contact Bethsaida Counseling Services to assist with helping you access services at (510) 544-8945 or email us at bethsaida@allen-temple.org.

Information was provided by Ms. Ricka L. White-Soso, MSW, LCSW, BIP, CEAT with the assistance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2021 campaign information available from national and local domestic violence organizations.

A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services: The Children Are Our Future

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“I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be…”

And because of this, we want to support them to be healthy – mind, body, and spirit. Just as many adults have been struggling with managing their emotions and feelings so have our young people. Many have felt overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed trying to find the words to express how they are feeling. Not knowing how to define or explain their feelings and emotions, several have attempted to cope with them in not so positive ways.

Parents/caregivers, during this season of spring breaks and throughout the rest of this year, take some time to check in with your young person to make sure he/she is alright.

Global Ministries Update - Prayer for Haiti and South Africa

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Public Ministry Newsbrief - Week of September 26, 2021

What is Redistricting?

Every ten years, lines for electoral districts are redrawn using Census data to help guide the drawing of lines for Congress, state legislatures, and county and city offices. This year the redistricting process is underway for cities, counties and states using data from the Census taken during 2020. The redistricting process should work to keep communities of interest (COI) together. “Communities of interest” is a term used to describe shared policy interests and needs such as economic, cultural, social, historical, educational, environmental, health or others that are important to citizens collectively.

From the Office of Rep. Barbara Lee - Get Vaccinated! Information and Resources

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A Message from Bethsaida Counseling Services - July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), 16% of African Americans experience a mental health condition. Unfortunately, when it comes to mental illness, minorities are often undiagnosed and receive inadequate treatment compared to adult Whites. Regrettably, African Americans face an added stigma and discrimination when seeking mental health care, causing apprehension about pursuing professional treatment.

Did you know…?

African Americans are 20 percent more likely to have serious psychological distress than other ethnic groups.

In 2019, suicide was the second leading cause of death for Black Americans, ages 15 to 24.

Poverty level affects mental health status. African Americans living below the poverty level are twice as likely to report serious psychological distress. Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of Black and African American people reported having a mental disorder, and 22.4 percent of those (1.1 million people) reported a serious mental disorder in 2018.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, talk to a trusted healthcare professional. Stay connected with a support network, such as friends, family, or clergy.

If you or a loved one is in need of someone to talk to, there is confidential support available 24/7 by calling: (Each county has its own crisis line.)

Crisis Support Services of Alameda County- 24 Hour Crisis Line, (800) 309-2131
Contra Costa Mental Health Crisis Services, (888) 678-7277
Solano County Crisis Line, (707) 428-1131
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, (800) 273-8255

If you or a loved one is in crisis, call 911 or report to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Remember, you are not alone. Mental health does not choose who is affected by it, but culture, race, gender, or sexual orientation, can affect access to treatment, support, and quality care for many. We can help. Bethsaida Counseling Services is only a phone call or email away and ready to assist with helping you access services by providing information and referral. Contact us at (510) 544-8945 or email us at bethsaida@allen-temple.org.

Information was curated by the Balm of Gilead from the National Alliance of Mental Illness and Mental Health Awareness, The Office of Minority Health (OMH) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).