Category Archives: Church

Celebrating Grace – Excerpt from Ten Year Ordination Anniversary Sermon

Posted on May 22, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

I can identify with Paul’s anger. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul was angry at anything – or anyone – that contradicted or got in the way of the message of Grace he was called to preach. Paul had … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Pastors, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | Leave a 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

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

“I’m Not Very Religious”

Posted on October 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I met her at the door after worship. This young adult had come to church at the behest of a family member. If enduring the service wasn’t bad enough, now there was no clear path to the exit;  she had to wait … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran Theology, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

The Trumptape: Silence is Assent

Posted on October 8, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I have certainly heard the reprehensible attitudes expressed by Donald Trump and Billy Bush in their taped 2005 conversation. But not in any “locker room.” Mr. Trump and Mr. Bush echo the misogynistic mindset of many sexual offenders I dealt … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Faith | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

The Unexpected Pastor Goes to Camp

Posted on July 19, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

What does hope look like? For me last week it looked like 70-some young people, from 8 years old through high school age, singing crazy camp songs, laughing, learning, and listening to camp stories, swimming and zip-lining and sitting in … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Church, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Deconstructing the Narthex

Posted on June 10, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

Last Sunday I removed the narthex from the church I serve. Some of you may be wondering, “What’s a narthex?” It is for you that our narthex was eliminated. In a church building, the narthex is the entrance lobby, the room … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran, Worship | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

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

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

Easter, The Last Two Minutes

Posted on April 23, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(After I was done with the prepared part of my Easter Sermon, I spoke from my heart for a bit. Here’s sort of what I said – it wasn’t written down until now and it was a little different at … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments