Author Archives: pastordavesimpson

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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.

God the Cosmic Artist

Posted on July 7, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Back before I was a Christian, folks would ask me why I didn’t believe in God. Science always figured prominently in my response. Scientists had explained much of what had been attributed to deity over the centuries; it seemed inevitable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith and Science, Psalm 139 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Church’s Radical Response to the Marriage Equality Decision

Posted on June 30, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

In response to the Supreme Court decision about marriage equality, we are going to try something radical at my church. Actually, what I should say is that we are going to continue to try something radical, as it is what God’s people have always … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Homosexuality, marriage equality | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

HATE WON’T WIN – A Sermon After Charleston (Psalm 27:1-6)

Posted on June 22, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton. 45 years old Depayne Middleton Doctor. 49 years old. Cynthia Hurd. She would have been 55 years old today. Susie Jackson. 87 years old. Ethel Lance. 70 years old. Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney. 41 years old. Tywanza … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Racism, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Dave’s Letter to the Church at Millersville (The Power of the Gospel)

Posted on May 4, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

I wrote Sunday’s sermon in the form of a letter to my congregation based on the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome (Romans 1:1-17). The letter was read aloud by the lay worship assistant, interspersed with commentary by me. Here is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Who Is My Neighbor (in Baltimore)?

Posted on April 29, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” – (Luke 10:29) Who is my neighbor? That’s my question as I sit in the safe sanctuary of suburbia and view the havoc in Baltimore … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Racism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Unexpected Pastor’s Best Picture Countdown 2015

Posted on February 17, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Here’s my annual ranking of the  films that are vying for Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards. As in the past, the films are ranked not by prediction of who will win, nor by which ones I “liked the best,” … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, film, Movies | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Signs of Things to Come – A Sermon for Transfiguration Sunday

Posted on February 15, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

(Lots of folks missed worship today due to weather, so here’s the sermon. The Scripture is Matthew 16:24-17:8, where Jesus says”Carry your cross” and then the Transfiguration is described.) I am going to do something this morning that I’m not sure … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

How Is Jesus Like a Lump of Coal?

Posted on December 4, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

It’s Countdown to Christmas Time, and that means the sneaky spooky spying Elf on the Shelf is back. Like a member of the North Korean Secret Police, the little informer keeps tabs on folks and reports back to the Dear … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Christmas | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Racism and White Privilege: Reflection and Confession

Posted on November 26, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(NOTE: This post contains strong opinions and some strong language. Please keep in mind that this is my personal blog, and is not an official expression of my church or denomination.  Also, if the language bothers you more than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Racism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The War on Rohatsu-Bodhi Day, and Gantan-sai, and . . .

Posted on November 22, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Between now and New Year’s Day: November 23 – Christ the King (Christian) November 24 – Guru Tegh Bahadur martyrdom (Sikh) November 26 – Day of the Covenant (Baha’i) November 27 – Thanksgiving November 28 – Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha (Baha’i) … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and Culture, Christmas, Faith | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments