September 2024 – Sharing God's Love and Grace

One Brave Voice

Meditation on Esther 7:1–6, 9–10; 9:20–22 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 29, 2024 We had a women’s picnic at the manse on Wednesday. All of the women of the congregation were invited. We had a great time of food and fellowship. Many thanks to my husband, Jim, for his grillingContinue reading “One Brave Voice”

I Am the Resurrection

Meditation on John 11:17-27 In Memory of Harriet Yost October 8, 1931-September 19, 2024 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Harriet Yost was a middle child before psychologists were talking about middle child syndrome—you know, the quiet child that is overlooked, excluded or neglected because of their birth order. That wasn’t Harriet!Continue reading “I Am the Resurrection”

Who Is the Greatest?

Meditation on Mark 9:30–37 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 22, 2024 Our presbytery met at Shelter Island yesterday. Jim and I sat near the back of the old white church, next to the Rev. Candace Whitman, my former seminary classmate, and in front of the Rev. Emily Fowler, pastor ofContinue reading “Who Is the Greatest?”

Learn from Horses, Ships, Forests, Fig Trees, Beasts, Birds, Springs & Seas

Meditation on James 3:1–12 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 15, 2024 Today, I am filled with gratitude. Today is the first day of Sunday School! We have families bringing young children to church, helping us to be true to our vow and our calling to nurture the children in faith,Continue reading “Learn from Horses, Ships, Forests, Fig Trees, Beasts, Birds, Springs & Seas”

Ephphatha! Be Opened!

Meditation on Mark 7:24–37 First Presbyterian Church, Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 8, 2024 Jim and I went to the powwow at the Shinnecock Nation on Labor Day. This was the 78th year for this Labor Day Weekend event that includes a host of Indian nations and draws thousands of people. We went to celebrateContinue reading “Ephphatha! Be Opened!”

Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

Meditation on John 14 and Revelation 21 In Memory of Jamella Charlene Carr Farley June 11, 1943 – September 5, 2024 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Karen Crawford Sept. 7, 2024 Jamella was 18 when Jim proposed to her on the Empire State Building. She had been raised in Catholic school and had graduatedContinue reading “Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled”

To Hope and Act with Creation

Meditation on James 1:17–27 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Aug. 27, 2024 I have begun my interviews for my doctoral project! It is so fun to hear your stories and see your gardens. I am learning a great deal from my fellow gardeners! The conversation invariably turns to some of our challengesContinue reading “To Hope and Act with Creation”