What Susie Told Me

During the summer of 2001, I began to seriously explore the call to ministry.  At the time, I couldn't believe that I was even thinking about it!  After all, I had been a teacher for more than 20 years, I enjoyed it, I was pretty good at it, I was at the highest level of earning that I could manage, and I still loved my job.

So why was I even considering that mysterious thing known as a "call to ministry?"

Because I was pretty uncertain, I did what any good Presbyterian would do: I formed a committee.

Actually, it was an unofficial committee, and it never met together.  However, I contacted each member, discussed the possibility of ministry, and asked their opinion.

One of the members of that committee is my friend, Susie Croes Barone.

Susie is like my third sister.  I have known her for more than 30 years.  She introduced me to my wife on Valentine's Day, 1981.  She was the maid of honor at our wedding.  She knows my family, and she knows me.  She is also a righteous, beloved Christian woman whose opinion I value.

She and I spoke about many things that day, and she strongly encouraged me to pursue ministry.  But I asked Susie a question that no other member of the committee heard:  "What do I do if I cry at funerals?"  Susie knew that I was pretty "tender-hearted" and that funerals were hard for me.  Yet I knew that if I went into ministry, I was very interested in being a pastor.  That means funerals - no way around it.

Susie gave me some terrific advice; she said, "If you are going to cry at funerals, then go ahead and cry.  The people will see how much you care."

Since that day, I have attended lots of funerals, I have officiated a few, and I have spoken often.  I also remember what Susie told me.  I am not embarrassed at my tears; they show how much I loved that person.

Today I am going to the funeral of a dear friend, Lisa Doran.  I am not officiating the service, but I am speaking.  My heart is very heavy, and I may cry as I speak.  But her family and friends will all know how much I loved her.

Thanks, Susie!

Avoiding the Quick-Fix

[Note: I usually post my sermons on our church's website for one week and then replace it with the next one.  However, Ash Wednesday is a special day - the beginning of the Lenten season.  That calls for something different.]

Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Scripture: Matthew 6: 1-5, 16-21

SERMON:  “Avoiding the Quick-Fix”

At first glance, the reading from Matthew’s Gospel might be seen as a lecture from Jesus.  It’s not a lesson.  It’s not a parable.  It’s not a thought-provoking story that makes sense to the simple and the wise.  It’s a lecture. 

If we heard such words from someone in our lives, it would certainly come across like a lecture.  Why…we might even roll our eyes or say, “Okay, OKAY” like we do when we have heard suggestions given to us by someone who truly cares about us but wants us to change what we are doing.

Yet Jesus seems to be taking it for granted that his followers would perform religious, faithful acts such as prayer and almsgiving and fasting; he just wanted to make sure they were done solely for his sake and for the sake of his kingdom.  After all, worship is simply meaningless unless it is performed solely for the right reasons.

That is an excellent place to begin our study of Lent.

So let’s do it right.  Let’s avoid the shallow, the superficial, the “sacrifices” that somehow make us feel more righteous without actually accomplishing anything!  Lent is a time for going deeper; it is not a time to settle for the bumper-sticker answers, the cheap slogan, the smiling condemnation of others who don’t fit our mold of Christian life.  Let's avoid the easy, the short-cuts, the quick-fix.  It is a time for us to have a serious conversation with ourselves and with our Lord.

Let’s start with just five suggestions.

The first suggestion I would like to offer is to not limit ourselves to the season of Lent.  If you choose to fast or to give up something for Lent, challenge yourself to do it beyond the season of Lent.  Keep in mind the reason you are doing it – to sharpen yourself for the study of the death and resurrection of our Lord.  If fasting helps your own discipline, that is a good thing; if it only gives you an excuse to whine, you might as well not do it at all.  And if you announce it loudly and dramatically to all who surround you, then you are seeking their approval rather than the approval of your Lord and Savior.

Next: “wrestle” with your own devils.  In our modern time, it seems that everyone has an opinion about everything, and if you disagree, you are opening yourself up to withering criticism.  So many of us adopt a combative stance about our opinions that leads us to hardening our views like concrete.  No chance to grow and change.  Just dig in.  I would like us to challenge that type of thing.  Read blogs, articles, or even books that you know you are going to disagree with.  Choose those materials that will directly challenge all that you believe.  In doing so, you open yourself up to new thinking and possibly new insights into what others truly believe.  No one is asking you to change your mind; just listen to others.  Choose your topic – wow…there are plenty of them.  Perhaps avoid watching them on television because the emotion is too easy to get into.  Try reading and examining what is going on.  Wonder about statements and opinions you don’t agree with.  See what happens.  Wrestle with that devil.

Third: Welcome the Samaritans.  In fact, go to Samaria and see them for yourself!  In the news, we always hear reports of “Good Samaritans” who stop and help others.  I always chuckle when I heard this term because it is supposed to represent someone you wouldn’t get near on your worst day doing the unbelievable – actually helping someone he or she should hate.  Who are the Samaritans in your life?  Welcome them in.  Invite them to church.  In fact, go and see them!  You might find that they are seeking the same Lord that you are.

Fourth: Let Jesus restore your eyesight.  Many times when Jesus healed people, especially the blind, there was some conversation about faith.  The people who saw Jesus heal the afflicted believed it – but they were also astounded when it happened because Jesus spoke of sins being forgiven and faith that makes us well.  Perhaps we are not seeing things as they truly are.  Is our eyesight failing us because we can’t see things differently?  Are we so stuck in the past – with all its failures, triumphs, sadness, joy, and influence over our current lives that we cannot see?  If so, then we need Jesus to restore our eyesight.  Because there is so much he is showing us!

Last one: Quit wiggling and let the Master wash your feet.  When Jesus did this just prior to the Last Supper, can you imagine how uncomfortable his disciples were?  Their master, washing and drying their feet?  That was work for a servant.  And that’s exactly what Jesus was trying to get across to them: they were leaders by being servants.  It is uncomfortable.  It makes us uneasy at times.  We would all rather that Jesus takes the lead and we can just follow and glorify.  But Jesus the Master calls all of us to, not only get our feet washed, but to be servants of one another...to do some foot washing, in other words.  If we can truly do that in some form or fashion, then the lessons and mysteries of Lent will not be lost on us.

So let the season of Lent begin this evening.  Let us prepare our hearts and minds for this amazing time.

A New Christian In Town

Several years ago, a preacher from out-of-state accepted a call to a church in Houston, Texas. Some weeks after he arrived, he had an occasion to ride the bus from his home to the downtown area. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a quarter too much change.  As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, 'You'd better give the quarter back. It would be wrong to keep it.' Then he thought, 'Oh, forget it, it's only a quarter. Who would worry about this little amount? Anyway, the bus company gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a 'gift from God' and keep quiet.' When his stop came, he paused momentarily at the door, and then he handed the quarter to the driver and said, 'Here, you gave me too much change.' The driver, with a smile, replied, 'Aren't you the new preacher in town?' 'Yes' he replied. 'Well, I have been thinking a lot lately about going somewhere to worship. I just wanted to see what you would do if I gave you too much change. I'll see you at church on Sunday.' When the preacher stepped off of the bus, he literally grabbed the nearest light pole, held on, and said, 'Oh God, I almost sold your Son for a quarter.' Our lives are the only Bible some people will ever read. This is a really scary example of how much people watch us as Christians, and will put us to the test!  Always be on guard -- and remember -- You carry the name of Christ on your shoulders when you call yourself  'Christian.'

Logan Xavier Plunkett is born!

No words are necessary...here are some photos of my grandson, Logan Xavier Plunkett, on the day he was born.

Pennies From Heaven

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about. 

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the home of her husband's employer.   My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house. 

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. Her husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely. 

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant one evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.  He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.  Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.  He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up? 

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. 

A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it," he said. "Read what it says." 
She read the words, "United States of America ." 

"No, not that. Read further." 

"One cent?" 
"No, keep reading." 

"In God we Trust?" 
"Yes!" 
"And?. . ." 

"And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin, I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him. Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray. I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!"

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. "Yes, God, I get the message!" 

It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful! And, God is patient.

Some Things To Say Before You Die, The Plunkett Version

You can click on this link and read the article for yourself.  It has some pretty good phrases that most of us should say often to ourselves and to others.  http://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2012/10/04/40-things-to-say-before-you-die/

However, I would like to write my own personal list.  Enjoy it!

[This will be a work in progress for a while.]


"I was wrong!" - Let go of your pride, and admit it.  It's a pretty weak person who can't truly do this without making jokes or talking it to death.

"I love you." - Men don't say it enough?  Our society frowns on it too much?  NO!  Say it and mean it.  Others who hear you say it will remember it always.  Not a bad thing to be remembered for.

To my best friend in high school, Greg Gary: "You were the best friend I ever had."  I hated that time in my life.  I hated where I lived.  I hated my high school.  I hated what was going on in my house (which ended with my parents getting divorced at the end of my senior year.)  But you made me laugh like a fool.  You made life bearable.  You also put up with my moodiness and self-centeredness.  Greg: you were the best.

"Thank you!"  This one goes out to my boss, Ken Adams, at the University Co-Op in Austin, 1976-1980.  I worked for Ken for five years.  He worked us all hard, he demanded that we treat customers with respect, he modeled it with his own behavior, and he took care of all of us.  I miss him every single time I go into a store and I'm not treated properly.

"Somebody needed to stop you a long time ago."  This is what needed to be said to Coach Hocker, my junior high physical education teacher in Austin, Texas.  I never saw a crueler man.  He had no business being around any kids at all.  He was dangerous, demeaning, and extremely disrespectful.  As a teacher myself, I know I went over the line too often and was too strict with some students.  But Coach Hocker makes me look like Mr. Rogers.

"I will try."  Too often in my life I took the easy way out.  I didn't try, I didn't take a risk, I didn't put myself out there.  I just stepped back.  If I had it to do all over again, I would try more.

"I hope you are okay."  When I was 18, I was dating a girl named Jimmie-Lynn.  She was pretty, sweet, and really funny.  She also had a home life that was pretty stressful.  Her father was a scary, scary man - probably an abuser but I was never really sure.  I do know that everyone in that house was scared to death of him (including me!).  After a whole summer of dating, Jimmie-Lynn went to Alabama for two weeks to see her aunt and uncle.  She never came back.  After several weeks, I was finally able to reach her on the phone.  She told me she was getting married.  She met someone older, she "fell in love" and they were getting married the next day.  With her home life, I could not really blame her for wanting to get away from her father.  However, girls who are abused tend to marry into abusive situations.  I hope and pray that she found happiness.

"Leave me alone."  There is a minister in the town where I currently live who has made a habit of making my life more difficult for years and years.  When I was just beginning to explore going into ministry, this minister was on a powerful Presbytery committee.  I was blocked from doing pulpit supply preaching for two years because this minister insisted that all candidates finish both Hebrew and Greek before they can be approved to fill any pulpit in the Presbytery.  No one else on the committee wanted this rule...only this minister but no one voted it down.  As I went through the ordination process - the committees, the paperwork, the meetings, etc. - this minister had nothing good to say about me to anyone.  Nothing was ever said when I was around; all I ever got was a big smile and some friendly small-talk.  Yet I kept hearing of things going around.  So I say, "Leave me alone."  Now I am a minister of word and sacrament - a teaching elder - in the Presbyterian church, despite this minister's best efforts.  I pledge to either encourage all candidates or keep my mouth shut.

"Leave us alone."  The church I currently serve went through a terrible schism in 2008.  Over 400 people and the entire staff left over denominational differences (some of them accurate, some irrelevant).  Only 60 people remained and were granted status as a "viable remnant."  Well, that was back in 2008.  Since then, this church has truly struggled to recover from this terrible event.  What makes it even harder are the various comments we have heard in the community about us.  We are NOT denying the authority of Scripture.  We are NOT going to hell because we chose to remain in the PC(USA).  We are NOT the various things we are accused of.  What we ARE is a hurting community that is trying to recover.  We can still do good work and serve the Lord - just as the folks who left can do.  Much forgiveness has occurred, but if the cruel and careless comments from various "Christians" continue, my only response is to say, "Leave us alone."

"Wow!"  I admit that I have gotten better and better at saying this as I've gotten older.  I especially enjoy saying it when God's gift of creation overwhelms me.  When I rode the seminary bus for three miles and looked at the New Jersey version of fall, I said, "Wow!" as I marveled at the beautiful colors.  When I saw three feet of snow on the ground for the first time in my life, I said, "Wow!"  When I saw the devastation of the central Texas/Bastrop fires in 2011, I said, "Wow!" - but I also say it as I drive past now and see all the green.  "Wow!"...praise God, the Creator!

"I miss you."  Say this one before it's too late.  Don't worry about sounding weak or needy (okay...try not to say it continuously!).  But if someone you love is away from you and you get the chance, tell that someone, "I miss you."  It just might work wonders...

"I'm so sorry."  When a friend loses a loved one, what we should NOT say are those comments that mean well but do no good at all.  We all know them:
"God never gives you more than you can handle."
"Time heals all wounds."
"It's God's will."
"These's a reason...we just don't understand."
None of those statements do any good at all.  In fact, sometimes they make it even worse.  Instead, try saying "I'm so sorry."  It doesn't sound like much, but it truly is!

Communion on the Moon



Forty-two years ago two human beings changed history by walking on the surface of the moon. But what happened before Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong exited the Lunar Module is perhaps even more amazing, if only because so few people know about it. "I'm talking about the fact that Buzz Aldrin took communion on the surface of the moon. Some months after his return, he wrote about it in Guideposts magazine. And a few years ago I had the privilege of meeting him myself. I asked him about it and he confirmed the story to me, and I wrote about in my book Everything You Always Wanted to Know About God (But Were Afraid to Ask).

The background to the story is that Aldrin was an elder at his Presbyterian Church in Texas during this period in his life, and knowing that he would soon be doing something unprecedented in human history, he felt he should mark the occasion somehow, and he asked his minister to help him. And so the minister consecrated a communion wafer and a small vial of communion wine. And Buzz Aldrin took them with him out of the Earth's orbit and on to the surface of the moon.

He and Armstrong had only been on the lunar surface for a few minutes when Aldrin made the following public statement: "This is the LM pilot. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask every person listening in, whoever and wherever they may be, to pause for a moment and contemplate the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his or her own way." He then ended radio communication and there, on the silent surface of the moon, 250,000 miles from home, he read a verse from the Gospel of John, and he took communion. Here is his own account of what happened:

"In the radio blackout, I opened the little plastic packages which contained the bread and the wine. I poured the wine into the chalice our church had given me. In the one-sixth gravity of the moon, the wine slowly curled and gracefully came up the side of the cup. Then I read the scripture, 'I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me will bring forth much fruit.. Apart from me you can do nothing.’

“I had intended to read my communion passage back to earth, but at the last minute [they] had requested that I not do this. NASA was already embroiled in a legal battle with Madelyn Murray O'Hare, the celebrated opponent of religion, over the Apollo 8 crew reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at Christmas. I agreed reluctantly.

“I ate the tiny Host and swallowed the wine. I gave thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the Sea of Tranquility . It was interesting for me to think: the very first liquid ever poured on the moon, and the very first food eaten there, were the communion elements.”

And of course, it's interesting to think that some of the first words spoken on the moon were the words of Jesus Christ, who made the Earth and the moon - and Who, in the immortal words of Dante, is Himself the "Love that moves the Sun and other stars."