Meditation on Genesis 40-41, selected passages Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown March 15, 2026 Are any of you dreamers? Do you remember your dreams when you wake up? I have had some vivid dreams in my life. I wouldn’t say that my dreams are a divine gift—or that I alwaysContinue reading “Joseph’s Rise to Power”
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In the Pit
Meditation on Genesis 37:12-36 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Second Sunday in Lent March 1, 2026 Who came to our women’s retreat here at the church yesterday? It was so nice, wasn’t it? Many thanks to the team of women who made it happen! And some of the men who helpedContinue reading “In the Pit”
Joseph and His Brothers
Meditation on Genesis 37:1-11 for First Sunday in Lent First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen E. Crawford Feb. 22, 2026 Yesterday was a beautiful day. Did anyone get out for a walk? If I didn’t know better, I might think that spring is right around the corner. I heard the cardinals singing, “Cheer,Continue reading “Joseph and His Brothers”
Holy Dust!
Meditation for Ash Wednesday Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Feb. 18, 2026 Yesterday, I was feeling especially grateful and the Lord brought one of my seminary professors to mind. I had seen the announcement of his retirement. But I wondered what became of him. I haven’t seen him since my graduationContinue reading “Holy Dust!”
The Gospel of Matthew for Lent/Easter
Rev. Dr. Karen E. Crawford In 2010, Tom Wright, New Testament Scholar and the former Bishop of Durham and Lord Spiritual in the UK Parliament, was asked to write a guidebook for “The Big Read.” The ecumenical project in Lent and Eastertide involved encouraging people to read through the gospel of Luke. Wright wrote aContinue reading “The Gospel of Matthew for Lent/Easter”
Listen to Him
Meditation on Matthew 17:1-9 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Transfiguration Sunday Feb. 15, 2026 Are you watching the Olympics? What’s your favorite event? Skating is my favorite winter sport. Although, it was difficult to watch the men’s figure skating Friday night. Who saw it? The one who won the gold wasContinue reading “Listen to Him”
You Are Salt and Light!
Meditation on Matthew 5:13-20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Feb. 8, 2026 She was born into slavery in Swartekill, NY, around 1797. We don’t know the exact date. She was called Isabella at birth, but the world wouldn’t know her by that name. She spoke only Dutch as a child.[1]She neverContinue reading “You Are Salt and Light!”
Fishers of People!
Meditation on Matthew 4:12–23 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford Feb. 1, 2026 Jim and I watched a heartwarming movie yesterday. It was a 2019 biographical drama called, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” Have you seen it? It was inspired by a 1998 Esquire article by Tom Junod, “Can You Say….Hero?”Continue reading “Fishers of People!”
Full of Joy in the Lord
Meditation on Philippians 4 and John 14 In Memory of Harold Stanley Scott April 10, 1934 – January 12, 2026 Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY January 24, 2026 He was working a part time job, guarding the ice at Belmont Lake State Park, making sure the kids didn’t go onContinue reading “Full of Joy in the Lord”
He Brought Simon to Jesus
Meditation on John 1:29-42 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Rev. Dr. Karen Crawford January 18, 2026 If I were to choose a theme for our ministry together this year, I would want it to be a year of slowing down. Would any of you be OK with that theme? Lately, I have had the feelingContinue reading “He Brought Simon to Jesus”
Sharing God's Love and Grace 