For Our Own Purposes

Words of Humble Confession

We confess to you, O God, that we
    too often claim to see the special
     in others only to use it for our
          own purposes. 

We have used others for our own
   glory and at their expense.

Forgive us for the ways we
   dehumanize friends, strangers,
       and whole groups of people. 

Remind us that black lives matter
    as much as our own. Move us to
      affirm those who love in ways
          different than us. 

Release us from the bondage of
   possessions while teaching us to
      share your abundance with all. 

In the name of Queen Vashti who
   refused to participate in systems
       of oppression. Amen. tg

Words of Hope & Assurance: Matthew 28:6-7a CEB: He isn’t here, because he’s been raised from the dead, just as he said. Come, see the place where they laid him. Now hurry, go and tell his disciples, ‘He’s been raised from the dead.

About Tim Graves

Tim is a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, a father of two adult children, and their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. A former early childhood educator, Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.