When Sunday Comes Again Read Online Free PDF Page B

sure what to call me. Well, let me help you out. As of last week’s board of trustees meeting, I am the pastor of New Testament Cathedral. Therefore, it is appropriate for you to address me as Pastor Cleaveland.”
    A collective look of bewilderment swept across the faces of everyone present.
    Samantha continued, “Now that that is out of the way, let’s get down to business. I want to first assure you that the death of my husband will in no way interfere with the operations of New Testament Cathedral. We will continue with all scheduled television broadcasts. Our elementary, middle schools, high schools, and college will continue to provide quality education to the future generations of doctors, lawyers, teachers, and missionaries. Our monthly magazine will continue to be published, and most importantly, construction of the new crystal cathedral will go on as scheduled.”
    Again, the room applauded, this time uninterrupted by Samantha. She flashed a short-lived smile and continued. “What that means for you is you will have to work harder and longer than you ever have before. I expect full and complete loyalty from everyone who works in this ministry. My husband and I have very different styles of management, and if you are given the opportunity to continue working here, you will soon understand what I mean by that.”
    Samantha took commanding and well-timed steps toward the center of the room as she spoke. “That brings me to my next point. No one in this room should feel secure in their job. Over the next few months you each will have to prove to me that you have what it takes to be a part of the New Testament Cathedral family.”
    She turned as she spoke until a full circle had been completed and eye contact had been made with virtually everyone in the room. “You will have to prove your loyalty to this ministry. You will have to demonstrate that you are willing to do whatever God asks you to do to spread his message to every living being on this earth. You will have to show me that you are able to raise more money than this church has ever raised in the past.”
    She paused to observe the looks of terror and fear on their faces and took mental note of those on which fear was not apparent. You’ll have to go, you and you, she thought. “The last thing I want to discuss with you is a few structural changes. As of today I will be functioning not only as pastor but also as chief operations officer.”
    Subdued gasps were heard from every corner of the room, the loudest of which came from Catherine Birdsong. Samantha ignored them and continued. “Until further notice, all questions, payment requisitions, and personnel issues that were previously directed to Catherine will now come to me.”
    Catherine looked directly at Samantha with a questioning expression. She resisted the urge to stand and walk out of the room.
    Samantha returned her gaze but spoke to everyone present. “Are there any questions?”
    All eyes were focused on Catherine in anticipation of a heated exchange between the two most powerful people in the room. Catherine instead broke the eye contact with Samantha and cast her gaze down at the table.
    â€œGood. I want every department head to contact my assistant to set up an appointment with me. Be prepared to give me a detailed report on the state of your division, the role of each of your employees, and to explain to me why I should allow you to keep your job.”
    Everyone in the room sat frozen in their seats. Some exchanged wounded glances, while others avoided eye contact with their tablemates.
    â€œNow,” she went on, looking menacingly across the crowd, “unless anyone else has something to add, I think we should all get back to work. Have a blessed day, everyone.”
    No one moved or exhaled until Samantha exited the room through the same door she had entered. When the door closed behind her, some slumped in their chairs,