The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of an unpleasant stewardship task he had to face during the service — how was he going to ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building?

To top things off, he was annoyed to learn 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!

NOTE: Please feel free to share your stories “on the light side” with The Crux of the Matter at: lcarasmussen@earthlink.net