Holy Trinity Silicon Valley - Homilies & Sermons

”Blessings of The Magi” - Deacon Cindy Miller

The decorations are down, the trees are at the curb, and the stores have already moved on to the next holiday. For many, the end of the Christmas season brings a vague sense of disappointment—a feeling that something was missing. In this week’s sermon from **Holy Trinity Silicon Valley**, Deacon Cindy Miller explores why the "holiday" often feels hollow when the true hope of Christ is forgotten or secularized.
As we enter the season of **Epiphany**, Deacon Cindy reflects on the journey of the Magi—the "wisemen" who traveled thousands of miles to find the newborn King. By examining the different ways people respond to the arrival of Jesus—through fear, passivity, or worship—we are challenged to look at our own hearts.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The Secular vs. The Sacred:Why a colleague’s comment about Christmas being a "secular holiday" prompted a deeper look at the light that continues even after the season ends.
The Mystery Revealed: How Epiphany marks the revelation of Jesus to the entire world, offering redemption to both Jews and Gentiles alike.
True Worship: Lessons from the Magi on honoring God for "who He is", rather than just what He has done for us.
Daily Offerings: Practical ways to worship God throughout the week by offering back what is most valuable to us—our time, our trust, and our love for others.
Join us as we move into the New Year with a renewed focus on the hope that doesn't get packed away with the decorations.
**Visit Holy Trinity Silicon Valley**
Are you looking for a community that seeks to live out the light of Christ in the heart of the Bay Area? We invite you to join us! Whether you are exploring faith for the first time or looking for a place to call home, there is a seat for you at Holy Trinity.
Learn more about our community, services, and mission at:
https://www.holytrinitysv.org

”In My Father’s House” - Rev. John Gorin

In this insightful message, Reverend John Gorin explores a unique moment in the life of Christ: the story of a young Jesus in the temple. Drawing from the Gospel of Luke, Reverend Gorin examines the only recorded event between Jesus’s birth and the start of his public ministry. He challenges us to look beyond the "Home Alone" moment experienced by Mary and Joseph and instead focus on the profound identity Jesus reveals in his Father’s house.
Whether you are starting a new year or seeking a deeper sense of belonging, this sermon offers a powerful reminder that through Christ, we are adopted into the same intimate relationship with God that Jesus modeled in the temple.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
The Priority of Presence: Why Jesus chose to stay behind in the temple courts to seek His Father’s presence.
Living for a Purpose: How Jesus, even as a child, was already "connecting dots" spiritually and aligning His life with His Father’s mission.
Overcoming Barriers to "Father": A compassionate look at how we can embrace God as our "True Father," even if our earthly experiences with fatherhood were difficult or "hot-tempered".
The Gift of Adoption: Understanding the "astounding" reality that we are predestined for adoption and can cry out to God as "Abba, Father".
About Reverend John Gorin: Reverend John Gorin is the rector of Holy Trinity silicon Valley. He provides a thoughtful, relational approach to the Gospel. His ministry emphasizes connecting ancient scriptural truths with the practical, everyday calling of modern believers.

”The Word Becoming Flesh”- Frank Leong

Is it possible to find the holy in the middle of the holiday rush? In the days following Christmas, it is common to feel a sense of "letdown" after the gifts are unwrapped and the guests have gone home. In this sermon, we explore the Prologue of John (John 1:1–18) to discover how the Logos—the Word—bridges the gap between the divine and the daily grind.
Join us as we move from the manger to the theology of the Incarnation, learning how to stop criticizing the secular "Christmas crazy" and start a "treasure hunt" for God’s grace in unexpected places.
In this Sermon Frank Leong covers:
The Theology of Waiting: How Advent prepares us to ponder the mysteries of God, just as Mary did.
The Meaning of Logos: Understanding how the Apostle John used a Greek philosophical concept to reveal Jesus to a Gentile world.
The "Secular" Christmas: Why we should stop judging the commercialism of the season and start looking for the "Invisible becoming Visible" in acts of love and generosity.
A Miracle of Reconciliation: A powerful personal testimony by Frank Leong of how God orchestrated a family reunion, bridging a years-long gap between estranged relatives in the midst of illness.
Scripture: John 1:1–18
Connect with Holy Trinity Silicon Valley:
Website: https://www.holytrinitysv.org
Instagram: @HolyTrinitySV
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holytrinitysv
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”In The Name of Jesus” - Rev. John Gorin

To find out more about Holy Trinity Silicon Valley head to https://www.holytrinitysv.org
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, Reverend John Gorin explores the profound significance behind the name given to the Messiah: Jesus. Based on the Gospel of Matthew and the account of Joseph’s dream, this sermon examines the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the dual nature of Christ as both the human Son of David and the Divine Son of God.
Rev. Gorin unpacks the Hebrew roots of the name "Yeshua" (The Lord Saves) and challenges listeners to consider what it means to truly live under that authority today. The message moves beyond viewing salvation solely as a future event, presenting it as a present reality that grants believers a new, transcendent identity.
Key Topics Covered:
The Prophecy Fulfilled: Understanding Matthew 1 and the connection to Isaiah 7:14.
The Meaning of the Name: How "Jesus" signifies both human history and divine intervention.
Identity in Christ: Shedding the "old garments" of social status and past idols to embrace a unified identity in the Church.
Power and Healing: The importance of praying expectantly for healing in Jesus' name.
Reverence: Recovering a sense of awe and holiness in our approach to the Lord.
Scripture References: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:14, Acts 4:12, Philippians 2:9-11.

”Third Sunday In Advent” - Deacon Cindy Miller

"If God is real, why is there suffering?"
It is perhaps the most common question asked by believers and non-believers alike. In this Advent sermon, we explore the tension of living in the "now and not yet"—waiting for the full restoration of the Kingdom while navigating the darkness of the current world.
We look to the story of John the Baptist, who, despite his faithfulness, found himself in prison questioning if Jesus was truly the Messiah. By examining Jesus’ response to John, and sharing a moving testimony of finding grace in the midst of tragedy, we discover that rejoicing isn't about ignoring pain. Instead, it is a spiritual gift—a choice to "look up" and recognize how God is working, even when life doesn't go according to plan.
Scripture References:
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Connect with Holy Trinity Silicon Valley:
Website: https://www.holytrinitysv.org
Instagram: @HolyTrinitySV
Facebook: @HolyTrinitySV

Lessons & Carols 2025 - Rev. John Gorin

Lessons & Carols is a special Advent Service which pairs Scripture readings with Hymns and Carols to create a beautiful service of song and Scripture. Each Scripture reading and carol tells the story of the coming Messiah, Christ Jesus.
To learn more about Holy Trinity Silicon Valley head to:
https://www.linktr.ee/holytrinitysv

”Is Revival Coming?” - Rev. John Gorin

Two years ago, a routine chapel service at Asbury Seminary turned into an overwhelming experience of God's presence—an outpouring that drew thousands worldwide. What are the hallmarks of such a revival, and what is the appropriate human response?
In this Sermon, Rev. John Gorin explores the characteristics of revival, from the recent events at Asbury to the historical, repentance-fueled movement led by John the Baptist in the Gospel of Matthew.
Join us as we dive into:
The palpable presence of the Lord that beckons us to a posture of worship and seeking more.
Why confession of sin is a common, healing response to God's love and holiness.
Saint Augustine's warning about "light sins" and how they accumulate like weeds in a garden.
Practical ways to practice confession—personally, communally, and with trusted clergy—to disempower sin and experience freedom, forgiveness, and restoration.
Advent is a time to prepare for the King's coming. Don't let sin hold you captive! Discover how the gift of confession can be the catalyst for personal revival in your own life.
To learn more about Holy Trinity Silicon Valley head to:
https://www.holytrinitysv.org

”Jesus and the End of History” - Rev. John Gorin

The history of mankind runs in cycles: nations are formed, rulers emerge, culture develops, there are wars and rumors of wars, then the glory of one nation is replaced by another. In Matthew 24:29-44, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, and now to us, about the end of this cycle, when he will come again to rule and reign as the King of kings. He tells them they will not know when this will actually happen so they are to be watchful. This sermon explores this passage and points to ways that we are to be watchful today by how we live.
Holy Trinity is an Anglican community in the California Bay Area, in Palo Alto.
Worship with us on Sundays at 10:30am!
To learn more about Holy Trinity Silicon Valley:
https://www.holytrinitysv.org

”Christ The King Sunday” - Deacon Cindy Miller

"Christ The King Sunday" - Deacon Cindy Miller by Holy Trinity Silicon Valley

”Facing Pressure In The Present - Rev. John Gorin

In a world filled with rising tensions, unexpected challenges, and daily anxieties, how do we stay rooted in Christ? In this final message of the Good News in Anxious Times series, Rev. John Gorin explores Paul’s pastoral wisdom from 2 Thessalonians, offering a biblical roadmap for navigating the pressures we face right now — not yesterday, not someday — but in the present moment.
Drawing from the struggles of the early Thessalonian church, Rev. Gorin reveals three powerful practices that help believers remain faithful and resilient amid stress, uncertainty, and spiritual opposition:
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
The Posture we must take when pressures mount — and why avoidance, distraction, and numbing never lead to peace.
The Prayer Paul gives the church: “May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”
The Practice of Sabbath rest — not as luxury, but as an act of trust, worship, and spiritual formation.
Through Scripture, pastoral insight, and real-life application, this sermon helps listeners face life’s pressures with courage, humility, and dependence on God. Whether you’re battling worry, navigating tough relationships, or simply feeling worn thin, this message offers hope, clarity, and a path toward spiritual renewal.
To learn more about Holy Trinity Silicon Valley head to:
https://www.holytrinitysv.org