Uncategorized – Page 3 – Sharing God's Love and Grace

You Are Salt and Light!

Meditation on Matthew 5:13-20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Feb. 8, 2026 She was born into slavery in Swartekill, NY, around 1797. We don’t know the exact date. She was called Isabella at birth, but the world wouldn’t know her by that name. She spoke only Dutch as a child.[1]She neverContinue reading “You Are Salt and Light!”

Fishers of People!

Meditation on Matthew 4:12–23 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Feb. 1, 2026 Jim and I watched a heartwarming movie yesterday. It was a 2019 biographical drama called, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Have you seen it? It was inspired by a 1998 Esquire article by Tom Junod, “Can You Say….Hero?”Continue reading “Fishers of People!”

Full of Joy in the Lord

Meditation on Philippians 4 and John 14 In Memory of Harold Stanley Scott April 10, 1934 – January 12, 2026 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY January 24, 2026 He was working a part time job, guarding the ice at Belmont Lake State Park, making sure the kids didn’t go onContinue reading “Full of Joy in the Lord”

You Are There

Meditation on Psalm 139 and John 14, selected verses In memory of Margaret Murray Cowie January 22, 1921 – January 17, 2026 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Jan. 20, 2026 Margaret Murray was born on Jan. 22, 1921! Many people, upon meeting her, were surprised to learn her age. I guessContinue reading “You Are There”

He Brought Simon to Jesus

Meditation on John 1:29-42 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford January 18, 2026 If I were to choose a theme for our ministry together this year, I would want it to be a year of slowing down. Would any of you be OK with that theme? Lately, I have had the feelingContinue reading “He Brought Simon to Jesus”

You Are My Beloved

Meditation on Matthew 3:13-17 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Baptism of Our Lord Jan. 11, 2026 I have always been an admirer of Dolly Parton. Any Dolly Parton fans in here? What songs do you like? I like “Here You Come Again,” “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” and “Coat of Many Colors,”Continue reading “You Are My Beloved”

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”