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”
Tag Archives: bible
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!”
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”
I Am the Resurrection
Meditation on John 11:17-27 In Memory of Harriet Yost October 8, 1931-September 19, 2024 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford Harriet Yost was a middle child before psychologists were talking about middle child syndrome—you know, the quiet child that is overlooked, excluded or neglected because of their birth order. That wasn’t Harriet!Continue reading “I Am the Resurrection”
Who Is the Greatest?
Meditation on Mark 9:30–37 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Sept. 22, 2024 Our presbytery met at Shelter Island yesterday. Jim and I sat near the back of the old white church, next to the Rev. Candace Whitman, my former seminary classmate, and in front of the Rev. Emily Fowler, pastor ofContinue reading “Who Is the Greatest?”
Living in the Calm
Meditation on Mark 4:35–41 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford June 30, 2024 What are you afraid of? What started out as a lighthearted conversation stirred some more serious thoughts later. Jim was picking up a bug with a napkin under the kitchen table yesterday—a bug that our cat, Liam, happened to beContinue reading “Living in the Calm”
And He Was Carried Up into Heaven!
Meditation on Luke 24:44–53 Pastor Karen Crawford Ascension of Our Lord May 12, 2024 It’s so good to be back with my flock today—after being away two Sundays! It felt like a long time for me. I missed you so much. Thank you for your cards and calls! My eye surgeries went well. I amContinue reading “And He Was Carried Up into Heaven!”
If You Have Love for One Another
Meditation on John chapter 13 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford March 28, 2024 Maundy Thursday I woke up Tuesday morning to discover the Francis Scott Key Bridge was no more. Being a Maryland native and having lived in Baltimore for a number of years while I was studying to be a teacher,Continue reading “If You Have Love for One Another”
Healing Stories: Stand Up, Take Your Mat, and Walk
Meditation on Mark 2:1-12 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford March 3, 2024: Third Sunday in Lent My husband, Jim, has rejoined us for worship today. He drove himself to church. He has come a long way since his knee replacement surgery in January. Since then, we have had family and friends helpContinue reading “Healing Stories: Stand Up, Take Your Mat, and Walk”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 