Emily Hunter McGowin

The Good News of Lent — CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE The good news of Lent is that our vindication comes from the triune God. When we embrace the depths of our depravity and our compete dependence on Christ, transformation can begin. So, as gently as I ...

"The good news of Lent is that our vindication comes from the triune God. [...] So, as gently as I can manage, I invite you to loosen your grip on being “one of the good ones.” Let go of the notion that you’re not one of them."

The Good News of Lent — CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE The good news of Lent is that our vindication comes from the triune God. When we embrace the depths of our depravity and our compete dependence on Christ, transformation can begin. So, as gently as I ...

My sermon from Sunday: "Lent is the communal enactment of the good news. It’s an opportunity for us as a church to return to the old, old story of the gospel."
www.christouradvocate.org/blog/the-goo...

Friends, I'm going to be a lot more scarce on social media for a while. I want to make good use of the last few months of my fellowship and do what I can to protect my peace of mind. Grace and peace to all.

The fountain pen and fishing gear seem to be more inherently gratuitous and, therefore, more fitting to represent the grace here. Thanks be to God you're still with us!

O God, who gave your servant John Chrysostom grace eloquently to proclaim your righteousness in the great congregation, and fearlessly to bear reproach for the honor of your Name: Mercifully grant to all who proclaim your word such excellence in preaching, that all your people may be made partakers of the glory that shall be revealed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

A collect for the feast of St. John Chrysostom

Damn. Prayers for both, Kara.

"The future for black people in America is the same as the future for white people in America. Our chances are the same. If you survive, we will too. If we crumble, you are going to crumble too.”

Sister Fannie Lou Hamer, pray for us.

Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. 3/3

"Sometimes it seems like to tell the truth today is to run the risk of being killed. But if I fall, I’ll fall five feet four inches forward in the fight for freedom. I’m not backing off that... No man is an island to himself, and until I’m free in Mississippi, you’re not free anywhere else... 2/3

These words from Fannie Lou Hamer haunt me today. She & so many others have testified faithfully, with words & flesh & blood. But the majority would not listen. We would not listen bc then we’d have to repent & be healed.

”I’m never sure anymore when I leave home whether I'll get back or not... 1/3

I look forward to your Takes!

"Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted."
- Habakkuk 1:2-4

2/2

"How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, 'Violence!'
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?"

1/2

The Politics of Worship — CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE Worship is never apolitical. So, whom one chooses to worship, whom one chooses to serve, matters immensely. The world wants us to tremble before Herod; God calls us to swear allegiance to Christ, the ...

Sunday's sermon: "Worship is never apolitical. So whom one chooses to worship, whom one chooses to serve, matters immensely. The world wants us to tremble before Herod; God calls us to swear allegiance to Christ, the poor Palestinian Jew born in Bethlehem." www.christouradvocate.org/blog/the-pol...

I can’t wait to hear more!

Ha! You could probably predict it with a high degree of accuracy.

When Jud stops everything to listen to Louise and pray with her, I just lost it. And the absolution at the end? My Lord!

Does it surprise me that a certain writer for a certain “gospel-centered” organization couldn’t see the gospel in it? Not a whit.

Wake Up Dead Man is fantastic. Not only a beautiful and entertaining movie, but also as good a portrayal of the gospel embodied as I’ve seen in a long time. Reminded me what I believe and why I became a priest.

Arlie Coles reporting on the Ruch verdict for the Living Church. A good summary of things for anyone unfamiliar.

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

Preachers know (or should know) that they’re always preaching to themselves, but it still surprised me just how on the nose this sermon was for me this week.

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!

There is more to be said, but I’m going to need time to read all 70 pages and process everything. Meanwhile, there’s Advent to finish and Christmastide to observe. My prayers are with all who are bewildered and grieving. Me too. 2/2

I’m deeply disappointed in the decision of the ACNA court in the trial of Bishop Stewart Ruch. I’m also heartbroken and angry for the way survivors and their advocates are characterized in the court’s summary. 1/2

Thanks, Aaron 🙏🏼

Trusting through Ambivalence — CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE If John the Baptist can struggle with doubt, how much more will we? If the greatest man of antiquity can wonder if he’s gotten it all wrong, how much more will we? And yet, we little ones, we insignif...

My sermon from Sunday on trusting God through our ambivalence: “A Messiah who can be misunderstood and rejected; a kingdom that can be missed and despised. These realities are wondrous to our eyes; and they can be deeply disappointing.”
www.christouradvocate.org/blog/trustin...

Somehow I knew deep down we would be better together than we ever would be apart. And I was right.

I love you, Ron McGowin. I’m so glad I said yes to dinner and coffee and a movie... for as long as we both shall live. 3/3

Eventually we became friends too, and I could tell there was something special about him. But our first date sealed the deal.

I went home and told my best friend I had found the person I would marry. And he did the same. 2/3

Twenty-five years ago today, I went on a date with a gregarious Baptist preacher boy from Texas. It consisted of Italian food and walking around a bookstore.

When we first met, we hated each other. But we had mutual friends and didn’t have much choice but to spend time together. 1/3

The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best Christmas Carol, and it’s not even close. It’s also an excellent Advent film. I think John the Baptist would approve.

Oh absolutely