Category Archives: Church

“Ashes to Ashes” – An Ash Wednesday Homily

Posted on March 5, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Sometimes I’m surprised anyone shows up for Ash Wednesday worship. I mean, think of the primary message of this day, what I said to you when you received ashes and what you heard me recite over and over to others: … Continue reading →

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My Neighbor, Trayvon. My Neighbor, George.

Posted on July 18, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

When the expert on the law asked Jesus “Who is my neighbor,” the lawyer’s intent was to limit his responsibility.  Surely his neighbors were only people just like him.  But Jesus answered not with a definition but with a parable, … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Racism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

Marriage Needs to Be Protected . . . From People Like Me

Posted on July 2, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Hey fellow Christians, where’s the outcry?  Yesterday a law took effect – in southern-state Virginia, of all places – that is a threat to the very idea of marriage.  And it’s not about same-sex marriage.  As of July 1, people … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Church, Homosexuality | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Jesus Loves the Little Children (Who Can Roll Their R’s)

Posted on June 26, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

(This summer my church has graciously granted me a sabbatical to finish my book, Too Smart for God.  As I write, I’ll be posting some excerpts here for your enjoyment and for your feedback before I submit it to the inevitable … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

How (not) To Sabbatical

Posted on June 20, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Day four of my Sabbatical, and the change in routine has already caused me to screw up bigtime.  I was supposed to meet with the Academic Dean at my daughter’s school this morning at 10; I remembered that at 11:30. … Continue reading →

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Does Being a “Missional” Church Mean Neglecting Each Other?

Posted on May 1, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

“The church may be the only organization on the planet that exists entirely for the sake of those people who don’t belong to it yet. In fact, as soon as we forget this and start making it all about ourselves, … Continue reading →

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“Happy Lent”? – An Ash Wednesday Homily

Posted on February 14, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

“Happy New Year!”  “Happy Easter!”  “Merry Christmas!”  “Happy Fourth of July!”  “Happy Groundhog Day!”  Happy Birthday!” These happy greetings are appropriate for most holidays and special occasions. “Happy Ash Wednesday!”  “Happy Lent!” That just doesn’t sound right, does it?  Ash Wednesday, and … Continue reading →

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A Homily for a Blue Christmas Service

Posted on December 19, 2012 by pastordavesimpson

A Blue Christmas Service, also known as a Longest Night service, is a time when we gather together to worship and to acknowledge those “blue” feelings we can get around the holidays.  The worship is planned to support each other … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Christmas, Church | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Mystery: The Trinity, Juggling, and a Poem

Posted on June 4, 2012 by pastordavesimpson

Yesterday was Trinity Sunday, the day set aside for congregations to contemplate the mystery of the three in oneness of God.  And for pastors to struggle at writing sermons that address church doctrine without putting their congregations to sleep. To … Continue reading →

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

Hot Topics

Posted on May 30, 2012 by pastordavesimpson

Tonight is the “Hot Topics” class in our “Questions for God” Bible Study.  That’s the Wednesday evening course that’s based on questions submitted by my congregation.  It’s been a well-attended, fun to teach course.  The best part is that I’ve … Continue reading →

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