First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 2, 2025 It is rare for a pastor to meet in her congregation a young man who possesses the gifts and talents of Daniel Davidsen. It is rarer still to meet a young man whose heart is for serving God and neighbor. Daniel grewContinue reading “For Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Honor Court”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Who Is My Neighbor?
Meditation on Luke 10:25-37 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 13, 2025 Something caught my eye in the grass after filling my birdfeeders the other day. Something moved—gave a little jump but didn’t go far. I assumed it would be one of the bold chipmunks or squirrels, anxious to beContinue reading “Who Is My Neighbor?”
“Then I Will Follow You”
Meditation on 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 6, 2025 I met a woman named Vickie yesterday, who shared her faith story. I interviewed her as part of my work on the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. She has applied to serve as pulpit supply, offering her giftsContinue reading ““Then I Will Follow You””
There Is Love
Meditation on 1 Corinthians 13 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown On the Occasion of the Reaffirmation of Wedding Vows for Nine Couples June 29, 2025 From the beginning, it was a math problem. First, it was the timing. A busy journalist, divorced mother of three little boys, moving into our firstContinue reading “There Is Love”
Journeys
Meditation on 1 Kings 19:1-15a Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY June 22, 2025 We gathered at Lori Yastrub’s for our Sunday School picnic yesterday. Lori, our elder for children and youth Faith Formation, and her husband, Steve, have a swimming pool. With yesterday’s warm temperatures, the children so enjoyed theContinue reading “Journeys”
Endurance Produces Character
Meditation on Romans 5:1-5 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford June 15, 2025: Trinity Sunday/Choral Appreciation Sunday I discovered this week that our congregation has ALWAYS sung hymns. When we met in our original building on Moriches Road, most hymns were sung as rounds or refrains with the words and theContinue reading “Endurance Produces Character”
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”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 