Dear Editor,

Terry Tory holds a firm hand on the chancel area here at Utmost United Methodist Church. Although he is very good at managing its ongoing usage, he gets revved up when someone goes against liturgical protocol. The colors must be appropriate, the altar furnishings polished and in place, and no conflicting symbols in place.

His biggest gripe is placement of the cross. The cross must be at the center, and no more than one cross in the sanctuary. When Gustaf Hotaire’s wife died, he bought an altar cross and without asking anyone, placed it on the altar. There is already a hanging cross in the chancel area.

Terry went ballistic. He moved the cross to the Sacristy, and replaced all the furnishings as they were before the extra cross arrived. Then developed the "Where-is-the-cross" game between Terry and Gustaf.

Before it escalated into a brutal battle, our pastor, Rev. Mostly Wright, spoke to Gustaf. "Our chapel does not have a cross in it." he said. "Would you be willing to contribute the cross to the chapel? Otherwise we will have to buy one." Gustaf agreed, and made the presentation to the chapel in a dedication service.

Until next time ...

Homer Heardmore
Rhodes Crossing, GA