Consider this your invitation to join us on a Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. for Morning Worship. Here, young and old (and everyone in between) gather to sing songs, read Scripture, and listen to an encouraging message. We like to do life together as a church family and we want you to feel at home with us. Sunday mornings are a "no-pressure" way to get a good glimpse of Simpson Temple United Parish. We look forward to meeting you soon.

Also, feel free to browse through the calendar to see all the other events happening inside (and outside) the church walls. We have programs for all ages and are active in serving our community.

We are the joined congregations of Simpson Methodist Church and Temple Lutheran Church that formed a partnership approximately 40 years ago. We are one congregation accountable to both denominations with their theology and teachings.

We seek to be and make disciples of all people and create a ministry that grows people of all ages into disciples through WOW! (elementary children’s ministry), Youth Group, Adult education opportunities, Bible Study, worship, concerts, Confirmation, Love Feast meals to the hungry, and more.

Our areas of focus for ministry include – Worship and Music, Christian Discipleship, Outreach, Parish Care, Fellowship, Property Management, and Finance.

We actively participate in the Susquehanna conference of the UMC, and in the Allegheny Synod of the ELCA.

Our mission statement is: “Celebrating God’s Love, Spreading His word, Serving in His Name.” We strive to be disciples and make disciples according to The Great Commission and Great Commandment of our Lord and Savior and by His example.

Love Feasts are free meals to people in our community who would benefit from a nourishing meal. This Outreach Ministry began in February of 1997 with one meal and has grown to meals being served here on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month from 11:00 - 12:30 p.m. It is an Outreach Ministry shared by congregations of varying faith traditions who prepare and serve the meal in the Social Hall at Simpson-Temple United Parish.

This is part of our mission of serving in His name.

Grace and Peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ! I am Rev. James House, your new pastor. It is my honor and my humbled pleasure to be appointed as your pastor. As a few of you may know, this is my home church. My father was pastor for the Simpson Church and the Simpson Temple United Parish from 1968-1978. As a child this was my church. I grew up here right on Furnace Ave. This is where I learned about God and God’s love for me through the people here. So I am overjoyed to return now as pastor to renew and continue my relationship with Simpson Temple United Parish.

I have been a pastor for 30 years. I am a graduate of Lycoming College in Williamsport and the Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster PA. I am a fully ordained Elder and a member of this Annual Conference [and it’s predecessor] for 21 years. I have been serving here in the city as the pastor for the Altoona Broad Ave/Mardorf charge. I am familiar with the city and have enjoyed the ministry with the people in my 2 current churches as well as the ministry that I am involved with as a pastor in the Altoona District. I am also serving Susquehanna Conference as a member of the Committee on Native American Ministries.

A little bit about my family: I am married to Angela and we have two daughters: Kimberlin, and Jezika who lives and works in the Allentown area. Ange and Kim are both looking forward to meeting and getting to know you. We also have a dog, a Yorkiepoo, Prince, and a Cat CJ who are members of our family as our furry babies. This is our pastoral family. We are thrilled to become part of your family.

I look forward to working with you as your pastor and to continue the ministries you have been engaged in to make disciples of Jesus in Altoona. As we join together with our sister churches at Broad Ave. and Lakemont we can make a stronger ministry that covers the city with the love of God in Jesus. It is my sincere hope that we can work together in this love to bring a stronger, more effective witness and ministry that will open hearts to the power and life of Christ right here in the city. My door is always open. If you have a question call on me. If you have an idea share it. If you just need to talk don’t hesitate. This is why I am here.

I am excited about this new relationship we are beginning. May we find blessing in the ministry we can accomplish together.