first-presbyterian-church-of-smithtown – Page 2

“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””

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!””

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”

Like Trees

Meditation on Psalm 1:1-3 Tell Me About Your Garden series: First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford Feb. 16, 2025 (Prelude to Lent) “When I rise up let me rise up joyful like a bird. When I fall let me fall without regret like a leaf.”—Wendell Berry [1] Thank you to the 15Continue reading “Like Trees”

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”