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”
Tag Archives: christianity
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”
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”
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?”
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!”
My Peace I Leave with You
Meditation on John 14:1-7, 15-18, 25-27 In Memory of Zena “Sue” Nunziata November 9, 1934 – December 27, 2023 Pastor Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY I didn’t remember her name was “Zena” on my first visit to Sue at St. James Rehab, more than a year ago. Wearing a clerical collar, holdingContinue reading “My Peace I Leave with You”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 