Meditation on 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 6, 2025 I met a woman named Vickie yesterday, who shared her faith story. I interviewed her as part of my work on the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. She has applied to serve as pulpit supply, offering her giftsContinue reading ““Then I Will Follow You””
Tag Archives: bible
Journeys
Meditation on 1 Kings 19:1-15a Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY June 22, 2025 We gathered at Lori Yastrub’s for our Sunday School picnic yesterday. Lori, our elder for children and youth Faith Formation, and her husband, Steve, have a swimming pool. With yesterday’s warm temperatures, the children so enjoyed theContinue reading “Journeys”
Enlightened Witnesses
Meditation on Luke 24: 44-53 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Ascension of the Lord June 1, 2025 Any mystery fans here? I like to watch crime dramas on ACORN. Jim and I watch from 9 to 10:30 p.m., if I am home and can stay awake. We just finished theContinue reading “Enlightened Witnesses”
She Was Listening with Her Heart
Meditation on Acts 16:9-15 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford May 25, 2025 Last weekend was a whirlwind of activities, beginning with a long travel day on Friday to Austin, TX, due to weather-related delays. Jim and I finally arrived at our hotel at 4:30 a.m. Eastern Time Saturday. Later that day,Continue reading “She Was Listening with Her Heart”
“Tabitha, get up!”
Meditation on Acts 9:36-42 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Mother’s Day May 11, 2025 I received the best Mother’s Day present this week! My husband bought me a pitchfork. To be clear, it wasn’t specifically a Mother’s Day present. But I am really excited about it. I’ve always wantedContinue reading ““Tabitha, get up!””
Casting on the Right Side
Meditation on John 21:1–19 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Karen Crawford May 4, 2025 Art by Stushie, used with permission. Listen to the devotion here: Memories are a funny thing, aren’t they? They come in flashes, when we are least expecting them. That happened to me yesterday at the presbytery meeting inContinue reading “Casting on the Right Side”
Healing, Rest, and Sabbath
Meditation on Leviticus 25:1-12 Creation Care Sunday Final Post: Tell Me About Your Garden Series First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 27, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: I am almost ready to plant my seedlings! The weather is still a little iffy, especially with nighttime temperatures dropping into theContinue reading “Healing, Rest, and Sabbath”
The Gardener
Meditation on John 20:1-18 Tell Me About Your Garden series for Lent/Easter First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Easter Sunday April 20, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: Our sanctuary has never looked or smelled as good as it does today, on Easter morning! This worship space was lovingly transformed yesterday byContinue reading “The Gardener”
Palms
Meditation on John 12:12-19 Tell Me About Your Garden Series Palm Sunday First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 13, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: On Monday, though the weather was cold and rainy, I was outside pruning vines and ornamental grasses. Like weeding, pruning is one of those garden tasksContinue reading “Palms”
Harvest (and Share)
Tell Me About Your Garden Series Meditation on Matthew 9:35-38 and Ruth 2:1-17 Fifth Sunday in Lent First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford April 6, 2025 Listen to the devotion here: Yesterday, I had a dollop of raspberry jam on my oatmeal for breakfast. And I thought of the gardeners who gaveContinue reading “Harvest (and Share)”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 