jesus – Page 2 – Sharing God's Love and Grace

Run the Race of Faith!

Meditation on Hebrews 11:29-12:2 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverence Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 17, 2025 Any golf fans in here? Any golfers? I admit that I don’t know much about the sport. I have never played golf before. Well, only miniature golf. My husband persuaded me to watch a new American sports comedyContinue reading “Run the Race of Faith!”

Faith: Conviction of Things Not Seen

Meditation on Luke 12: 32-34 and Hebrews 11:1–3, 8–16 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 10, 2025 My healing journey continued this week. I am feeling better than I did a week ago and certainly better than two weeks ago, when I first hurt my back cleaning up my yard. SeveralContinue reading “Faith: Conviction of Things Not Seen”

Too Much Stuff?

Meditation onLuke 12:13-21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford Aug. 3, 2025 We had the pleasure of hosting Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Court of Honor here in our sanctuary yesterday. Quite a few of our church members attended and helped with the reception that followed. The ceremony included numerous speakers sharingContinue reading “Too Much Stuff?”

For Daniel Davidsen’s Eagle Scout Honor Court

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”

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?”

“Then I Will Follow You”

Meditation on 1 Kings 19:15–16, 19–21 First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford July 6, 2025 I met a woman named Vickie yesterday, who shared her faith story. I interviewed her as part of my work on the Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry. She has applied to serve as pulpit supply, offering her giftsContinue reading ““Then I Will Follow You””

Journeys

Meditation on 1 Kings 19:1-15a Reverend Dr. Karen Crawford First Presbyterian Church of Smithtown, NY June 22, 2025 We gathered at Lori Yastrub’s for our Sunday School picnic yesterday. Lori, our elder for children and youth Faith Formation, and her husband, Steve, have a swimming pool. With yesterday’s warm temperatures, the children so enjoyed theContinue reading “Journeys”

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””

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”