February 2024 – Sharing God's Love and Grace

Healing Stories: Healing on the Way to Healing

Meditation on Mark 5:21–43 Pastor Karen Crawford Second Sunday in Lent Feb. 25, 2024 Listen to the message through this link: Our gospel reading today touches me deeply, in a personal way. There is so much I could say about this passage. What is on my heart is that what is said will help someoneContinue reading “Healing Stories: Healing on the Way to Healing”

Healing Stories: In the Wilderness

Meditation onMark 1:9-15 (Pastor) First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford First Sunday in Lent Feb. 18, 2024 It was like a winter wonderland walking around the neighborhood yesterday. The trees and shrubs were blanketed with freshly fallen snow. There was a moment when the sun pushed through the clouds and everything sparkled!Continue reading “Healing Stories: In the Wilderness”

A Season of Giving and Prayer

Meditation on Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Ash Wednesday Feb. 14, 2024 A few nights ago, I received the shocking news of an unexpected death of a friend. She had served as a Sunday School teacher for the youngest class at my congregation in Coshocton, Ohio, since herContinue reading “A Season of Giving and Prayer”

Up a High Mountain with Jesus

Meditation on Mark 9:2–9 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Feb. 11, 2024 I was at home preparing my message yesterday, when I felt a longing to be on the mountaintop with Jesus, Peter, James, and John. “What was that like?” I wondered, from the comfort of my second-floor office withContinue reading “Up a High Mountain with Jesus”

Healing Stories: Simon’s Mother-in-Law and Others

Meditation on Mark 1:29–39 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Feb. 4, 2024 Everything is going well with Jim’s healing journey. Thank you for your prayers, cards, and words of encouragement. People have given me good advice about “caring for the caregiver.” The reality is that it just isn’t possible for everyContinue reading “Healing Stories: Simon’s Mother-in-Law and Others”