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”
Tag Archives: god
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”
What Does It Mean to Live Faithfully?
Meditation on 1 Samuel 1:4–20 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Pastor Karen Crawford November 17, 2024 This is my first year serving on the presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. When the Nominating Committee called to invite me to serve, my first instinct was to say no. To say that I was reluctant is an understatement.Continue reading “What Does It Mean to Live Faithfully?”
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”
Living in the Calm
Meditation on Mark 4:35–41 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Pastor Karen Crawford June 30, 2024 What are you afraid of? What started out as a lighthearted conversation stirred some more serious thoughts later. Jim was picking up a bug with a napkin under the kitchen table yesterday—a bug that our cat, Liam, happened to beContinue reading “Living in the Calm”
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 