Author Archives: pastordavesimpson

Unknown's avatar

About pastordavesimpson

I'm an unexpected pastor. Why unexpected? Because no one is more surprised than me that I'm a pastor. See the "About" page on my blog for more info.

Why Did I Almost Die? The Answer . . .

Posted on May 2, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

There’s a reason for everything, right? A little over two months ago, I woke up in the middle of the night with excruciating pain in my shoulder.  I couldn’t breathe without sitting up. Thanks to my wife, I went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Questions | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

“Family Dinner” – A Sermon for Maundy Thursday

Posted on April 14, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

Luke 22:1-27 There is something powerful about sharing a meal. According to surveys, more families are eating together. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse conducted a survey and found that almost 60% of families with children under 18 … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Sermon, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2017

Posted on February 23, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

Every year I rank the films nominated for Best Picture. As always, these are not predictions nor is the order based on films I “liked” the most, but rather my opinion of which films are most worthy to win the … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, film, Movies | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

On the Pre-Inauguration Sermon

Posted on January 20, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

I just read the sermon preached at the new president’s church service this morning. Its hagiography left me confused as to who was being worshiped (“You ended up garnering the most votes of any Republican in history.”/ “I don’t believe … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Christianity and Culture, Sermon | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Making the Devil Mad (or something like that)

Posted on December 17, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

The funeral last week celebrated the life of a dear 84-year old woman who I will especially miss because she lived on the route I take daily to walk my dogs.  Before it got too cold in the past few … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Christmas, Church, End of Life, Martin Luther | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

An Intersection, a Truck, and the Randomness of the Universe (and God, too)

Posted on December 5, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

So this happened . . . I’m waiting to turn left at a long red light. There are two left turn lanes; I’m in the one on the right. A grey van is on my left. It’s not pulled all … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith, Questions | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Unexpected Advent Reading: “The Stand”by Stephen King

Posted on December 1, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

When I began to reread Stephen King’s The Stand a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t realize it was perhaps the ideal book for this season of Advent. During Advent, our worship Scripture readings traditionally mix prophecies about the coming … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Christianity and Culture, Faith | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

After the Election: A Pastoral Letter

Posted on November 16, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Like many congregations, the people I serve as pastor are of diverse opinions about politics . . . and many other subjects. After the election last week, I wrote this letter to the congregation, emphasizing our unity in baptism and in mission. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Political | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

A Millennial’s View: The Unexpected Pastor’s Daughter on the Election

Posted on November 11, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

My 19-year old daughter posted on Facebook last evening a reflection that struck me with its clarity of thought, honesty, and charity . . . more charitable, if I’m honest, than I feel like being right now (although I’m working on it). … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Political | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

How Can You Vote For HER?

Posted on November 3, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

NOTE: I write this is as my own opinion, not on behalf of any church or denomination. The link to this blog from my church’s website has been removed until after the election to alleviate any confusion. While pastors are not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments