Meditation on Luke 2:1–20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Christmas Eve: Dec. 24, 2024 Does everyone have their Christmas trees decorated? This is the first time in many years that I haven’t put up a large Christmas tree! We only have a small artificial tree on a table in our entranceContinue reading “Christmas Moments”
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Comfort, O Comfort My People
Meditation on Luke 3:1-6 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Second Sunday of Advent Dec. 8, 2024 I took my cat, Liam, to the vet this week. It was time for his yearly exam and rabies’ shot. I worried how I would get him into his cat carrier, which has so many memoriesContinue reading “Comfort, O Comfort My People”
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
Meditation on Luke 21:25–36 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford First Sunday of Advent Dec. 1, 2024 I like figs. Do you like figs? In a tryout sermon, years ago on the First Sunday of Advent, I shared a children’s message about the lesson of the fig tree. I brought fig newtons forContinue reading “The Lesson of the Fig Tree”
A House Not Made with Human Hands
Meditation on John 14 and Second Corinthians 5:1-9 In Memory of John H. Davidsen November 27, 1927 to November 22, 2024 Pastor Karen Crawford December 1, 2024 John Davidsen was a builder by trade and calling, a master carpenter. He learned his skills by working alongside his Norwegian immigrant father, his Uncle Dan, and hisContinue reading “A House Not Made with Human Hands”
What Does It Mean to Live Faithfully?
Meditation on 1 Samuel 1:4–20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford November 17, 2024 This is my first year serving on the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. When the Nominating Committee called to invite me to serve, my first instinct was to say no. To say that I was reluctant is an understatement.Continue reading “What Does It Mean to Live Faithfully?”
The God Who Weeps and Wipes Away Our Tears
Mediation on John 11:32–44 and Revelation 21:1-6a First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford All Saints’ Sunday November 3, 2024 On Halloween, we gave out candy to Trick-or-Treaters. Maybe we had about a dozen children come in costumes. Did anyone have more Trick-or-Treaters come to your door? I always enjoy it when theContinue reading “The God Who Weeps and Wipes Away Our Tears”
Redemption in Christ Jesus!
Meditation on Romans 3:19–28 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Reformation Sunday Oct. 27, 2024 A couple of days ago, I checked my Facebook feed, and I saw a memorable 26-second video. A UPS driver is making a left turn at a busy intersection. Three wild turkeys step into the white lines ofContinue reading “Redemption in Christ Jesus!”
The God Who Knows Us
Meditation on Psalm 139 In Memory of Ethel Kraft December 11, 1931 – October 16, 2024 Ethelmay Swindlehurst Kraft grew up in Jermyn, PA. The former coal mining town of a few thousand people is located on the Lackawanna River, 12 miles northeast of Scranton. She was the only child of Ken, a coal miner,Continue reading “The God Who Knows Us”
Ruth: A Love Story
Meditation on Ruth 1:22-2:13 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Oct. 20, 2024 We planted a daffodil memorial garden in the churchyard yesterday in front of a low stone wall. Betty Deerfield and Nancy Swanson measured precisely and made the holes. Brianna and Nicole Swanson placed 100 bulbs into two freshly dugContinue reading “Ruth: A Love Story”
All Things Are Possible for God
Meditation on Mark 10:17-31 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Oct. 13, 2024 I lost a dear friend this week. Erma Ahrens was 104. Early Wednesday morning, her son and daughter-in-law, Dave and Lou Ann, called to tell me the story. The loss of Erma, and hearing the voices of sweet LouContinue reading “All Things Are Possible for God”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 