The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going
to ask
the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for
repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the
regular organist was sick and a substitute had been brought in at the last
minute.
The substitute wanted to know what to play.
'Here's a copy of the service,' he said impatiently. 'But, you'll have to think
of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances.'
During the service, the minister paused and said, 'Brothers and Sisters, we are
in great difficulty; the roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected and we
need $4,000 more. Any of you who can Pledge $100 or more, please stand up.'
At that moment, the substitute organist played 'The Star Spangled Banner.' And
that is how the substitute became the regular organist!
