Author Archives: karenpts

Guest Speaker/Worship Leader: Dulcie Stoepker McLeod First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown June 4, 2023 I want to talk today about a set of triplets.  No, it’s not 3 children!  And it’s not the Trinity, although this is Trinity Sunday.  It’s the trio found in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verse 13: “SoContinue reading “Leaning into Hope”

Meditation on Acts 2:1-21 for Pentecost Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY May 28, 2023 My son left on a plane for Denver yesterday. He and I cleaned out his bedroom and packed three big suitcases and a couple of smaller ones. When we were done, all the suitcases were too heavyContinue reading “The Holy Spirit Has Come”

Meditation on Acts 1:6-14 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford May 21, 2023 Her name was Wilma. She was a member of my flock in Coshocton. And she was my friend. We became close during the pandemic in 2020. But our friendship started before then. We sang in the choir together, and weContinue reading ““Constantly Devoting Themselves to Prayer””

Meditation on Genesis 24, selected verses First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Mother’s Day May 14, 2023 I was juggling a journalism career and caring for three boys, the youngest of whom was in elementary school, when Jim and I met. He was a local pastor, and I had covered a Celtic worshipContinue reading “Finding a Wife for Isaac: Rebekah’s Story”

Meditation on John 14:1-14 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford May 7, 2023 Link to the full service with the baptism and message: https://fb.watch/koRrYaAnf-/ After so many days of cool, rainy weather, we enjoyed beautiful spring weather yesterday! Did anybody get to spend some time outside? When I came home yesterday from theContinue reading “A Place Prepared for You, A Place to Call Home”

Meditation on John 14:18-27 In Memory of Ora June Renesse’ First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford May 6, 2023 Ora June met Jean Renesse’ when she was 7 and in first grade at PS 197 in Brooklyn. Jean had terrible asthma and was held back a year. That’s how they ended up inContinue reading “My Peace I Give to You”

Meditation on John 10:1-10 April 30, 2023 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford I wanted to know more about the life of a shepherd. I wanted to better understand Jesus, our Good Shepherd, and his love for us—His sheep. So, on Friday, I watched “Heart Valley,” Christian Cargill’s documentary on a Welsh shepherdContinue reading ““I Am the Gate””

Meditation on Luke 24:13–35 Third Sunday of Easter First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 23, 2023 We honored the life of Karl Kraft on Thursday and witnessed to the Resurrection. Thank you to those who helped with that wonderful worship service – and the beautiful reception afterward. So many things wereContinue reading ““Were Not Our Hearts Burning Within Us?””

Meditation on Romans 8:31-39 In Memory of Karl Kraft Oct. 25, 1929-April 7, 2023 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford April 20, 2023 Karl and Ethel’s first date was a double date with her friend Betty Taylor going with a friend of Karl’s. They met at Jimmy Mullaly’s ice cream place for iceContinue reading “What Can Separate Us from God’s Love?”

Meditation on John 20:19–31 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 16, 2023 Link to a recording of the live-streamed service, with the message: https://fb.watch/j__hG-T6J0/ I was outside working in the yard yesterday morning. I was planting! That’s my favorite thing to do in the yard. Kathleen and Margaret Cowie gave meContinue reading “Do Not Doubt, But Believe!”