Category Archives: Uncategorized

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!”

Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY April 11, 2023 Audio of “Reflections on a Lenten Wildlife Series” Serenade of the Song Sparrow Outside my small cabin hidden among the birch and pines on a northern Minnesota bluff a song sparrow opens the dawn with the first of an all-day serenade. Cheerful andContinue reading “Reflections on a Lenten Wildlife Series”

Meditation on John 20:1–18 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 9, 2023: Easter Sunday Pastor sharing her message: Are there any Star Trek fans here? Any Trekkies? I’m not a fan. I can’t believe I am saying that in public. Not a fan of the original series that lasted 3 seasons,Continue reading “The Gardener”

Meditation for Maundy Thursday First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 6, 2023 Audio of Pastor Karen’s message: No one loves puffins more than the people who live on Heimaey (Hay MAH’ ee), a volcanic island off the southern coast of Iceland. Cheryl Katz writes of their loving care of baby puffinsContinue reading “Known By Our Love”

Meditation on Matthew 21:1-11 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Palm Sunday: April 2, 2023 Pastor Karen Crawford Audio of Pastor sharing her message: Today—another first for me with my flock here in Smithtown. We entered our worship today in a procession from the parish hall, carrying our palm branches, singing a song of praiseContinue reading ““Hosanna to the Son of David!””

Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Lenten Devotion March 31, 2023 Audio of this Lenten Devotion:   My family and I moved to the North Shore of Long Island last spring. We quickly discovered that the clergy who lived in the house at 3 Oakfield before us were breaking the law. They hadContinue reading “White-Tailed Deer”