First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 2, 2025 It is rare for a pastor to meet in her congregation a young man who possesses the gifts and talents of Daniel Davidsen. It is rarer still to meet a young man whose heart is for serving God and neighbor. Daniel grewContinue reading “For Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Honor Court”
Tag Archives: christianity
Who Is My Neighbor?
Meditation on Luke 10:25-37 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 13, 2025 Something caught my eye in the grass after filling my birdfeeders the other day. Something moved—gave a little jump but didn’t go far. I assumed it would be one of the bold chipmunks or squirrels, anxious to beContinue reading “Who Is My Neighbor?”
Filled with the Spirit
Meditation on Acts 2:1–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Pentecost June 8, 2025 Today, on Pentecost, we recognize the Sunday School students’ enthusiastic participation and give thanks for their families who faithfully brought them to church and nurtured the faith and love of the Lord at home. And weContinue reading “Filled with the Spirit”
“I will not leave you orphaned”
Meditation on John 14:18-27 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford In Memory of Palma Courtney March 22, 1931 – May 31, 2025 Palma DiMilia Courtney was born on the second day of spring in 1931 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Her parents were Josephine and Angelo, immigrants from southern Italy. These were the daysContinue reading ““I will not leave you orphaned””
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”
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”
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”
Bread
Meditation on Exodus 16, selected verses, and Luke 4:1-13 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford First Sunday in Lent March 9, 2025 Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I am tired, I am weak, I am worn Through the storm, Through the night, Lead me on toContinue reading “Bread”
What’s Important
Meditation on John 14 In Memory of Matthew John Kutil May 29, 1966-March 4, 2025 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY March 10, 2025 Matthew Kutil was the best softball player our church team ever had. Coach John Agostini said Matthew won championships for us. He never did anything halfway.Continue reading “What’s Important”
Christmas Moments
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”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 