Sermons from Trinity Cathedral Portland

"Freedom isn't complicated – but it's really hard."   Sermon by Acting Dean Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00 am service on Sunday, June 22, 2025. 

"If you are a follower of Jesus, every day is No Kings Day." Sermon by the Rt. Rev'd Diana Akiyama, Bishop of Western Oregon, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Trinity Sunday, June 15, 2025.

"How did the survivors of oppression grow into an unstoppable movement?"   Sermon by Priest Associate Vijendran Sathyaraj, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025.

"Who tells us the uncomfortable truths?" Sermon by Canon for Spirituality Education & Arts Liz Harlan-Ferlo, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

"The Holy Spirit is pretty amazing to walk beside." Sermon by Acting Dean Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, May 25 2025.

"Identity is complicated." Sermon by Acting Dean Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

"I like you just the way you are."  Sermon by Canon for Intergenerational Ministry Charissa Simmons, recorded live at the 10:00 am service on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

"Being one body in Christ requires constant work: the work of welcoming and ministering to each other and the world." Sermon by Priest Associate Vijendran Sathyaraj, recorded live at the 10:00 am service on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

"The resurrection is both an imminent reality and a transcendent reality."  Sermon by the Rt. Rev'd Diana Akiyama, recorded live at the 9:00 am service on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025.

"The fruit of the spirit is love and joy." Sermon by Priest Associate Vijendran Sathyaraj, recorded live at the 7:00 pm Easter Vigil service, Saturday, April 19, 2025.

"It is an extraordinary thing to love as Jesus loved." Sermon by Canon for Intergenerational Ministry Charissa Simmons, recorded live at the 7:00 pm service on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025.

"Jesus is not great news for the privileged." Sermon by Acting Dean Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Palm Sunday, April 13, 2025.

"Love so great knows no bounds." Sermon by Priest Associate Vijendran Sathyaraj, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, April 6, 2025.

"God's economy isn't about earning." Sermon by Acting Dean Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, March 30, 2025.

"A garden is not a transactional exchange."   Sermon by Canon for Spirituality Education & Arts Liz Harlan-Ferlo, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the First Sunday of Lent, March 23, 2025.

"They'll know we are Christians by our love." Sermon by the Rev'd Canon Linda Potter, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, March 16, 2025.

Nikki Grimes reads her poem "Fuel for the Journey," commissioned by Trinity Arts, on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025.

"Jesus shows us how to refuse to be trapped by evil that would use our values against us."   Sermon by Canon for Spirituality Education & Arts Liz Harlan-Ferlo, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the First Sunday of Lent, March 9, 2025.

"Ashes are much more than a reminder of our mortality." Sermon by Priest Associate VJ Sathyaraj, recorded live at the 7:00 pm service on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025.

"Love is a transfiguring truth." Sermon by Canon Vicar Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

"Loving your enemies can be complicated." Sermon by Canon for Intergenerational Ministry Charissa Simmons, recorded live at the 10:00am service on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

"The trouble is already here." Sermon by Canon for Spirituality Education & Arts Liz Harlan-Ferlo, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, February 16, 2025.

"These days, I worry for my immigrant mom." Sermon by Canon Vicar Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, February 9, 2025.

"God intervenes in the world through individuals, not cosmic events." Sermon by the Rev'd Vijendran Sathyaraj, Priest Associate, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, February 2, 2025.

"Trinity does not exist without all of us." Sermon by Canon Vicar Shana McCauley, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, January 26, 2025.

"John was writing to a devastated community." Sermon by the Rev'd Vijendran Sathyaraj, Assisting Priest, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, January 19, 2025.

"The voice of God is serious business." Sermon by Charissa Simmons, Canon for Spiritual Formation, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, January 12, 2025.

"Let us remain open when things unfold differently than we assume they will." Sermon by Liz Harlan-Ferlo, Canon for Education & the Arts, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Sunday, January 5, 2025.

"Find your own place in this story." Sermon by Nathan LeRud, Cathedral Dean, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.

"She has been there all along."   About the speaker: Nathan LeRud is the dean of Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR, the oldest Anglican/Episcopal congregation in the Pacific Northwest. A fifth-generation Oregonian and native Portlander, Nathan holds a BA in English and Theatre from Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA and an M.Div from the General Theological Seminary in New York City. He was ordained to the priesthood in 2007. He will step down from his position at Trinity at the end of December 2024. ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"The practice of using the word 'men' to stand in for all humankind hurts us all."   About today's speaker: Elizabeth Schroeder is a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma, WA, and her work is in home health nursing. ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"She knows she couldn't control what the dust / would become." — from "Eden: Diastasis Recti" About the speaker: Liz Harlan-Ferlo is Canon for Education & the Arts at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. Her writing, both poetry and prose, has been published in journals and magazines both online and in print. "Eden: Diastasis Recti" was published in Christian Century in November 2024.  ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

*Note: sound quality improves at 0:30* "Trinity dares to be different." Sermon by Elizabeth Braatz, Catechesis Class of 2024, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2024.

"O Strength of Wisdom."   About the speaker: Katie Webb serves as Canon for Cathedral Music at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. She is sought after as a clinician, guest conductor, and recitalist across the country, and she serves on the board of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) in America. Her choral works are available through Selah. ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.  

"We need to be careful, lest we trap our God like a genie we let out when we have wishes."   About the speaker: Shana McCauley is the Canon Vicar at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, OR. Canon Shana consults for parishes in discernment, facilitates the new clergy group, and is the Dean of the Columbia Convocation for the Episcopal Church in Western Oregon. Before Trinity, she was the vicar of St. Edward's in Silverton, OR, where she helped build tiny homes for unhoused women.  ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"The humanity of women is too often sacrificed on the altar of the maleness of Jesus." About the speaker: Maria Gwyn McDowell is a priest in the Episcopal Church, a teacher, and public theologian in love with the God who calls all to liberation and compassion. Currently the rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma, Washington, she brings a deep focus on gender, sexuality, and women through the lens of virtue and liberation ethics to her work. ________________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"Our own Divine Mother, carries us / still wrapped by her body, the Universe." — from "Advent Eve"   About today's speaker: The Rev'd Alla Bozarth is an Oregon native who was one of the groundbreaking Philadelphia Eleven—the first women to be ordained as priests in the Episcopal Church in July 1974. Alla is also founder of Wisdom House, an interfaith non-profit center for spiritual growth in Sandy, Oregon.   About today's reader: Pam Erickson is a lector at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"How can I be created in the image of God if God is male?"   About today's speaker: Charissa Simmons is Canon for Spiritual Formation at Trinity Cathedral in Portland. She is passionate about helping children to articulate their innate sense of God's presence, and loves to create opportunities for children and adults to experience and wonder about God together. Charissa holds a BA in biology from Pacific Lutheran University, a certificate in Christian Formation from the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest, and is a trainer for the Godly Play Foundation. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"In the wilderness, we must encounter the past – and the unknown future." Sermon by Elaine Stewart Harris, Abbot of the Cornerstone Community at Trinity, recorded live at the 10:00am service on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2024.

"God is both greater than gender and inclusive of all genders."   About today's speaker: Heather Hill is Rector at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Hudson, WI. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"I remember that God is my Mother."    About today's speaker: Jill Gidlund is a Godly Play Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area and she currently leads a Godly Play program at Bethel Community Presbyterian Church in San Leandro. Her work as a speaker and parent educator includes facilitating conversation and contemplation about nurturing children's spirituality. One of her passion projects is creating home altars and helping others start this practice for themselves. You can connect with Jill on instagram @sacred_spots_at_home _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.  

"I was also made in God's image."   About today's speaker: Tiffany McDonald is ordained in the United Methodist Church. She has served as a University Chaplain, solo pastor, and associate pastor, and is currently appointed to family leave. Tiffany lives in Minnetonka, MN with her husband and two daughters.  She writes at redheadedrev.org _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.  

"Neither the human masculine or feminine is enough to reflect the vast power of the Trinity." About today's speaker: Chris Arnold is returning for his third year contributing to Trinity's Advent podcast series. He is a spiritual director in Wisconsin, and is an associate of two Trappist monasteries in Iowa.   Click here to view the article referenced in the reflection:  https://www.jstor.org/stable/i267089 _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"God's love is like a mother's embrace."   About today's speaker: Angela Furlong's call to ordained ministry follows a lifetime of secular profession as a teacher, a neurobehavioral specialist, and a linguist. She is also a wartime veteran. Angela is a passionate advocate for the marginalized and the oppressed, and tirelessly professes God's unconditional love for all and above all else. She enjoys spending time in nature, writing icons, and listening to people's stories.  _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"There's an insecure seventh grader inside all of us."   About today's speaker: Katie Nakamura Rengers is an Episcopal priest currently serving in the Presiding Bishop's office of Church Planting and Redevelopment.  She planted a coffee shop church called The Abbey, that uses hospitality, caffeine, songs and games to nurture community and belonging.  When not at church, she can be found jogging with friends, singing, attempting family karate class.  Katie is a native of Birmingham, Alabama and lives there with her husband and their two daughters, Naomi and Katherine.  _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"O come, O Wisdom from on high, and teach us in her ways to go." About today's speaker: Peter Elliott is the retired rector of Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, BC. He previously served as Director of Ministries in Church and Society with the Anglican Church of Canada, and he is the cohost of The Gospel of Musical Theatre podcast.  _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

“And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain.”  About today's guest preacher: Beth Ferguson is a member of the Trinity Cathedral community. In addition to her longtime work as a Godly Play instructor, she is co-leader of Trinity Catechesis, which runs from January to May every year. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"Help us forgive each other as a mother forgives her children." About today's speaker: Henry Lebedinsky currently serves as Missioner for Music at St. Augustine's in-the-Woods Episcopal Church on Whidbey Island, Washington, and an active organist, harpsichordist, and conductor. He is co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area-based AGAVE and is in demand as an international performer and speaker. A composer and poet, his sacred music for choir and organ is published by Paraclete Press, Carus-Verlag Stuttgart, and CanticaNOVA. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.

"Why did we ever come to call God 'Father?'"   About today's speaker: The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll is the tenth Dean of St John's Cathedral in Jacksonville, Florida. She has authored eight books and films a daily devotion on YouTube.  Kate's podcast is called FindIt. _____________________ Join us throughout the Advent season for Divine Feminine, a daily podcast Advent Calendar. How are we changed if we pray, "Our Mother, who art in Heaven," or, "We believe in one God, the Mother Almighty?" If humans are created in God's image, perhaps our understanding of and imagination for God has been too narrow. Every day in Advent, tune in to spend a few minutes with God's femininity – as we prepare for her humanity.