The Poker Chip Flipping Prison Chaplain

The Right Path Leads Buck to a Prison in Seattle

The Poker Chip Flipping Prison Chaplain

Rev. Buck Bismark Buhler, a United Methodist pastor, trades in his Bible, robe, and stole for a radio, chits, and prison keys as he transitions from parish ministry to prison ministry. Buck is a dreamer who uses his faith to face his grief and to fight for social justice. Buck's practice of using poker chips to make tough decisions was inspired by a vivid dream he had about a detective who stars in a police drama called"The Right Path."

Chapter One " The Right Path Leads to a Prison in Seattle, Washington"

Rev. Buck Bismark Buhler has been serving United Methodist churches for 28 years.  As Buck and the church organist Erma Beam walk into the Maple Lawn Nursing Home to lead a worship service, Buck bristles as he reads the marquee:  "10:00 Rev. Buck Buhler's B.S."  This is what the marquee says the first Monday of every month.  Buck loves leading Bible Studies at the nursing home although he knows the residents gain more inspiration and comfort from  singing the hymns Erma than from hearing his preaching and teaching.  After the Bible Study, he drives Erma to her home and then starts driving back to the church.  As he drives, Buck thinks about his wife Petula who died February 2, 2015 after a thirteen year battle with a rare muscle disease called Polymyositis.  It is hard for Buck to walk into nursing homes because those visits always bring back memories of his wife. Buck wishes Petula and his parents were around to see his children Jeremiah and Jocelyn grow up. 

When Buck walks into the church offices, his secretary Peggy Price greets him, "How was the nursing home today, Ferris?" Peggy likes to call Buck "Ferris" because his last name is Buhler. 

"It was a great morning, Peggy.  Good attendance, great singing.  The residents were attentive and appreciative.  Mrs. Pennington gave me some brownies," Buck says, "But once again the marquee said 10:00 a.m. Rev. Buck Buhler's B.S." 

"I guess they know you pretty well at the nursing home," Peggy says, "You have been griping about this to me for months.  Why haven't you said anything at the nursing home?"

"Today, I did," Buck says, "I complained to the facility administrator Bonnie Brinkmeister."  

"I like her," Peggy says, "She is tall, skinny and pretty.  I love her auburn hair."  

"Yes, Buck says," "But she braids her hair so tightly, it looks like her eyeballs are going to pop out. At least, her horn rimmed eyeglasses will keep her eyeballs from falling to the floor."

"What did she say when you complained, Buck?"

"She said, 'Sorry, Rev. Buhler. We had to abbreviate Bible Study to make the announcement fit on the marquee.'"

I told her, "Just put 10:00 a.m.  Buck's Bible Study.  That will save you one letter."

"That's good, Buck," Peggy says, "Now, are you going to share Mrs. Pennington's brownies with me, or is Buck's B.S. now going to stand for Buck's Brownie Stash?"    

Peggy is witty and friendly.  She is an excellent church secretary who takes pride in her appearance.  Peggy's wardrobe of colorful pantsuits follows the rainbow. 

Every Monday, she wears a red pantsuit. On the following days, she wears orange, yellow, green, and blue pantsuits. She always comes to church on Sundays wearing a violet dress. Buck has never seen Peggy on a Saturday. One Tuesday, Buck missed an important Ministerial Alliance meeting. "Peggy," Buck said, "All day today, I have been thinking today is Monday because you are wearing a red pantsuit. I missed my Tuesday Ministerial Alliance meeting because you are supposed to be wearing orange today."

"Don't you remember, Buck? I did not wear a pantsuit yesterday because I was home sick. So, the cycle starts today. Today is red, and tomorrow will be orange."