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Jacob was eventually promoted to crucifer, that is, the head acolyte who leads the processional of the pastor and clergy and choir to the altar for the main worship on Sundays. He is wearing white gloves so that the ornate cross he carried ("crucifer," get it?) wouldn't get tarnished by his sweaty hands. Sarah then became an acolyte. Methodists still use the Italian names for some of the vestments. The white surplice -- that's the term Catholic altar boys were taught for that fancy white pull-over -- are called "cottas" in the Methodist church. That's what acolytes in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican call them today. Anyway, little Sarah was swallowed up alive in her cotta, and it was the smallest size that our church had on hand.