Uncategorized – Sharing God's Love and Grace

Emmanuel: The God Who Wants to Be with Us

Meditation on John 1:1-18 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Jan. 4, 2026 Dr. Dixon Chibanda’s greatest failure was the catalyst that drove him to change his whole approach to treating people struggling with depression. He was working as a psychiatrist in 2005 in Zimbabwe when one of his patients—Erica—took herContinue reading “Emmanuel: The God Who Wants to Be with Us”

The Message of Christmas

Meditation on Luke 2:1-20 (KJV) Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Dec. 24, 2025 When I was growing up, I always enjoyed setting up my mother’s porcelain nativity scene or creche, as she called it. I carefully unwrapped each figure from its protective tissue— Mary and Joseph, the Baby, the wise men,Continue reading “The Message of Christmas”

And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

Meditation on Isaiah 11:1-10 Second Sunday of Advent Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Dec. 7, 2025 What did you picture in your mind as I read this familiar passage? Did anyone see the tree stump sprouting? A lion, ox, asp, adder, lamb, cow, wolf, and bear? Did any of you seeContinue reading “And a Little Child Shall Lead Them”

Keep Awake

Meditation on Matthew 24:36-44 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown First Sunday of Advent Pastor Karen Crawford Nov. 30, 2025 Jim and I recently returned from a trip to Ireland. Many times, over the years, I had heard him talk about his Irish relatives and the farm where his mother had grown up. Both of Jim’sContinue reading “Keep Awake”

I Am the Resurrection and the Life

Meditation on John 11:17-27 In Memory of Marge Duddleston Nov. 12, 1943 – November 20, 2025 Nov. 24, 2025 Marge loved the feeling of the sun on her face. She looked for any window with sun. She liked a warm bath. She loved the beach. Her outfits always matched. She liked sparkles and fuzzy blanketsContinue reading “I Am the Resurrection and the Life”

For you will be his witness to all the world

Meditation on Acts 22:1-16 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Nov. 9, 2025 (Baptism of Saylor Marie Schulz) Today, as we baptize little Saylor, we share more stories of the leaders of the Church, beginning with the dramatic conversion of Paul and his need to be baptized, like Saylor, as heContinue reading “For you will be his witness to all the world”

“Zacchaeus, Hurry and Come Down”

Meditation on Luke 19:1-10 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Nov. 2, 2025 All Saints Sunday “Call me Sis,” said Julia Beckman, when I first met her. “My friends call me Sis.” So, we were to be friends, from the first moment, though I was also her pastor. Sis was aContinue reading ““Zacchaeus, Hurry and Come Down””

Be Still and Know

Meditation on Psalm 46 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reformation Sunday Oct. 26, 2025 We’ve been hearing about AI lately. Artificial Intelligence. If you don’t know what I am talking about when I say AI, that’s OK. I don’t know what I am talking about, either. Not really. Earlier this week,Continue reading “Be Still and Know”

Pray Always! Do Not Lose Heart!

Meditation on Luke 18:1-8 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Oct. 19, 2025 (Baptism of Oliver Reinhardt) Did anyone read Anne of Green Gables as a child? The story is by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery and is set in a farming village on Prince Edward Island in the late 19th century.Continue reading “Pray Always! Do Not Lose Heart!”

Praising God with a Loud Voice!

Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Oct. 12, 2025 I had a nice phone conversation with Sue Potter Spencer yesterday. Does anyone remember the Potters? Sue, who now lives in Weston, MA, mailed me a large envelope of church materials belonging to her parents, Edwin and Marjorie Potter,Continue reading “Praising God with a Loud Voice!”