Meditation on Acts 2:1-21 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pentecost May 24, 2026 I was at our presbytery offices in West Islip this week for a General Assembly training. I am one of two ministers of Word and Sacrament commissioned by the presbytery to go to GA in Milwaukee at theContinue reading “Everyone!”
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That They May Be One
Meditation on John 17:1-11 The Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown May 17, 2026 I found out yesterday that May 6th through 12th was National Nurses Week. Maybe you knew that? It always corresponds with the birthday of Florence Nightingale—May 12, 1820. Do you know her amazing story? She was born inContinue reading “That They May Be One”
What About Mary?
Meditation onLuke 24:44-53 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Ascension Sunday May 10, 2026 (Mother’s Day) I wrote letters to our Irish relatives yesterday, thanking them for their hospitality while we visited a few weeks ago. As I wrote, I smiled as I remembered my conversation with cousins Margaret and Elizabeth aboutContinue reading “What About Mary?”
What Can Living Stones Do?
Meditation on John 14:1-14 and 1 Peter 2:2-10 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Fifth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2026 We had our Presbytery meeting in Cutchogue yesterday. Been to Cutchogue? It was my first time. But the white church reminded me of many of the white wooden churches onContinue reading “What Can Living Stones Do?”
My Sheep Hear My Voice
Meditation on John 10:1-10 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown April 26, 2026 (Creation Care Sunday) Jim and I have returned from our visit to Jim’s family in Northern Island. We did have a good time, although it rained and was quite chilly for all but 3 days. But it’s as theContinue reading “My Sheep Hear My Voice”
Wounded Healer
Meditation on John 20:19-31 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown April 12, 2026 (Second Sunday of Easter) Have you been following Artemis II? NASA’s first crewed lunar mission in more than 50 years returned safely to Earth on Friday after completing its historic trip around the moon. The four-member crew successfully splashedContinue reading “Wounded Healer”
Looking for Jesus
Meditation on Matthew 28:1-10 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown April 5, 2026 He is Risen! Alleluia! Every Easter, I remember my grandmother singing in church, Jesus Christ is Risen Today. Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day. Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia! Grandma SpringerContinue reading “Looking for Jesus”
The Big Reveal
Meditation on Genesis 45:1-15 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Palm Sunday: March 29, 2026 I listened to part of a podcast yesterday featuring Orlando pastors Jim Davis and Michael Graham. They are authors of The Great Dechurching, Who’s Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring ThemContinue reading “The Big Reveal”
Joseph’s Brothers, Again
Meditation on Genesis 42:1-17 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown The Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Fifth Sunday in Lent March 22, 2026 My youngest son, James, had a birthday yesterday. He turned 33! He is married to Andrea, and they live in North Mankato, Minnesota. I think of my children every day. And I miss themContinue reading “Joseph’s Brothers, Again”
Joseph’s Rise to Power
Meditation on Genesis 40-41, selected passages Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown March 15, 2026 Are any of you dreamers? Do you remember your dreams when you wake up? I have had some vivid dreams in my life. I wouldn’t say that my dreams are a divine gift—or that I alwaysContinue reading “Joseph’s Rise to Power”
