karenpts

Filled with the Spirit

Meditation on Acts 2:1–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Pentecost June 8, 2025 Today, on Pentecost, we recognize the Sunday School students’ enthusiastic participation and give thanks for their families who faithfully brought them to church and nurtured the faith and love of the Lord at home. And weContinue reading “Filled with the Spirit”

“I will not leave you orphaned”

Meditation on John 14:18-27 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford In Memory of Palma Courtney March 22, 1931 – May 31, 2025 Palma DiMilia Courtney was born on the second day of spring in 1931 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her parents were Josephine and Angelo, immigrants from southern Italy. These were the daysContinue reading ““I will not leave you orphaned””

Enlightened Witnesses

Meditation on Luke 24: 44-53 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Ascension of the Lord June 1, 2025 Any mystery fans here? I like to watch crime dramas on ACORN. Jim and I watch from 9 to 10:30 p.m., if I am home and can stay awake. We just finished theContinue reading “Enlightened Witnesses”

She Was Listening with Her Heart

Meditation on Acts 16:9-15 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford May 25, 2025 Last weekend was a whirlwind of activities, beginning with a long travel day on Friday to Austin, TX, due to weather-related delays. Jim and I finally arrived at our hotel at 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time Saturday. Later that day,Continue reading “She Was Listening with Her Heart”

“Tabitha, get up!”

Meditation on Acts 9:36-42 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Mother’s Day May 11, 2025 I received the best Mother’s Day present this week! My husband bought me a pitchfork. To be clear, it wasn’t specifically a Mother’s Day present. But I am really excited about it. I’ve always wantedContinue reading ““Tabitha, get up!””

Casting on the Right Side

Meditation on John 21:1–19 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Karen Crawford May 4, 2025 Art by Stushie, used with permission. Listen to the devotion here: Memories are a funny thing, aren’t they? They come in flashes, when we are least expecting them. That happened to me yesterday at the presbytery meeting inContinue reading “Casting on the Right Side”

Healing, Rest, and Sabbath

Meditation on Leviticus 25:1-12 Creation Care Sunday Final Post: Tell Me About Your Garden Series First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 27, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: I am almost ready to plant my seedlings! The weather is still a little iffy, especially with nighttime temperatures dropping into theContinue reading “Healing, Rest, and Sabbath”

The Gardener

Meditation on John 20:1-18 Tell Me About Your Garden series for Lent/Easter First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Easter Sunday April 20, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: Our sanctuary has never looked or smelled as good as it does today, on Easter morning! This worship space was lovingly transformed yesterday byContinue reading “The Gardener”

The “Last” Supper

Meditation on John 13 Maundy Thursday First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 17, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: Jesus is with his disciples for another meal in our reading in John tonight. He is eating, again! Have you ever noticed how many meals that Jesus eats in the gospels?Continue reading “The “Last” Supper”

Palms

Meditation on John 12:12-19 Tell Me About Your Garden Series Palm Sunday First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 13, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: On Monday, though the weather was cold and rainy, I was outside pruning vines and ornamental grasses. Like weeding, pruning is one of those garden tasksContinue reading “Palms”