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”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
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”
Falsely Accused
Meditation on Genesis 39 Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown March 8, 2026 I have been thinking about struggle lately. And the role of struggle in our lives and in our journeys of faith. It’s hard enough when we are amidst our personal struggles, but it can be even harder, at times,Continue reading “Falsely Accused”
In the Pit
Meditation on Genesis 37:12-36 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Second Sunday in Lent March 1, 2026 Who came to our women’s retreat here at the church yesterday? It was so nice, wasn’t it? Many thanks to the team of women who made it happen! And some of the men who helpedContinue reading “In the Pit”
Consider the Lilies
Meditation on Matthew 6:25-34 for the Women’s Retreat First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Feb. 28, 2026 I think I have been an anxious person my entire life. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t anxious. My parents have told me that I was anxious even as a baby. They couldContinue reading “Consider the Lilies”
Joseph and His Brothers
Meditation on Genesis 37:1-11 for First Sunday in Lent First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen E. Crawford Feb. 22, 2026 Yesterday was a beautiful day. Did anyone get out for a walk? If I didn’t know better, I might think that spring is right around the corner. I heard the cardinals singing, “Cheer,Continue reading “Joseph and His Brothers”
Holy Dust!
Meditation for Ash Wednesday Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Feb. 18, 2026 Yesterday, I was feeling especially grateful and the Lord brought one of my seminary professors to mind. I had seen the announcement of his retirement. But I wondered what became of him. I haven’t seen him since my graduationContinue reading “Holy Dust!”
The Gospel of Matthew for Lent/Easter
Rev. Dr. Karen E. Crawford In 2010, Tom Wright, New Testament Scholar and the former Bishop of Durham and Lord Spiritual in the UK Parliament, was asked to write a guidebook for “The Big Read.” The ecumenical project in Lent and Eastertide involved encouraging people to read through the gospel of Luke. Wright wrote aContinue reading “The Gospel of Matthew for Lent/Easter”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 