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 organist became the permanent
organist!

(Note: For our international friends, the "Star-Spangled
Banner" is the national anthem of the United States, and it is
customary to stand while it is being played.)