On my first two Sundays in Big Sky I was delighted to have the opportunity to preach at Soldiers Chapel.

There are two beautiful windows in this intimate log cabin chapel.  One is a clear glass window located just above the altar which frames the scene of Lone Mountain, the distinguishing landmark of Big Sky Montana. I can’t imagine anything more inspiring than looking out upon the magnificent beauty of God’s creation in worship. Anything made by human hands could not begin to compare.  Worship at its peak would be taking in the glory of God’s paintbrush!

The second window is located at the back of the sanctuary.  It is a round stained glass window depicting a soldier and the hand of God reaching out to touch him or her.

These two windows set the tone for worship in Soldiers Chapel, along with the wooden ceiling beams and walls made out of natural logs, bringing an embracing warmth to the room.  Because there is a different visiting pastor and gathering of people each Sunday, worshippers experience the joy of strangers coming together from different places in the world. The common bond is worshipping our Creator God.  The Holy Spirit makes God’s presence come alive on any certain Sunday and unites us all in Love.

My first Sunday was Communion Sunday.  It seemed so perfect as we all came together in “one bread, one body, one Lord of all…one cup of blessing.”  As we experienced the words of Holy Communion, I lifted the cup of wine representing the blood of Christ poured out for all people for the redemption of the world.  I raised the glass chalice containing the wine before the congregation and proclaimed the words of Christ, “This is my blood poured out for you.”  In that very moment the light from the window above the altar fell upon the chalice in such a way that the reflection of the mountains and the beauty of God’s creation was seen in the cup of blessing.  Indeed the reflection of the cross from the altar was sitting on top of the blood of Christ.  For a moment the magical wonder of it all took my breath away.  It was a holy happening!  I had to tell the people what I was seeing!  It was a gift.  It was one of those moments I would never forget. I couldn’t capture it on camera at the time, but the moment is vivid in my memory and I painted it later.

In the sacrament of Holy Communion we actually become one with Christ, one with each other, and one with all creation.  I saw it become real that morning in Soldiers Chapel.  I will never forget!

nk