Across Montana to Helena

Today I crossed Montana from Billings (near the Eastern Side) to Helena (near the Western Side). You can definitely understand why Montana is referred to as the “Big Sky” state. The views are spectacular. I road to Helena to be with Bishop Marty Stebbins. Marty and I served together in North Carolina and have been great friends ever since. She was elected Bishop of Montana in 2019 and the See of Montana is in Helena. She invited me to stay with her and her husband, Bob for the night. This morning, in Billings (before the ride) I ate breakfast with Stephen Day who is acting as Interim Canon to the Ordinary (transitions). Stephen and I graduated seminary and was ordained the same year. He attended Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS), while I went to Sewanee. We share several collegial acquaintances and friends in common. It was nice to meet Stephen.

 

About 40 miles out, I stopped for Gas and noticed the snow capped mountains called “The Big Belt” which is part of the Northern Rocky Mountains. You can see the little belt from Marty’s home in Helena. (Sorry, I didn’t think to take pictures). It was great catching up with her and getting to know Bob. She seems to be doing great work in Montana. The other priests I met while there appreciate her leadership.

 

Making new connections like Gary and Stephen has been rewarding. I feel like I have a Montana cohort. Marty and I sat for a while and talked shop. She taught me about her diocese and some of the characteristics of a large state with churches scattered all over. Most of the churches are pastoral size and family size or smaller, which comes with other challenges. Sometimes she has to drive several hours to do a parish visitation, but is dedicated to making sure she get to each parish at least once a year. 

Today on the ride, I was thinking about how far everything is from each other. Gas stations were even a challenge. Food was a challenge. The rides before (in Nebraska and Kansas, and even South Dakota) there was a town every 15 to 25 miles. Not so with Montana. On 12 from Billings to Helena, I went through about 8 towns (if you want to call them that) in 225 miles. Some of the “towns” didn’t even have gas pumps! I’m sure there were some, I just didn’t know where they were. 

I’m reminded that Jesus walked everywhere he went (or rode an animal 🤷‍♂️). He traveled a good bit. The scripture has him staying within about 150 square miles, both Jewish and Gentile territory. Some sources say that he walked at least 15,000 miles during his lifetime, and 3,125 miles during his 3 year ministry alone. What made me think of this is that I have covered over 5,400 miles in 27 days and I feel like I’m taking my time. If Jesus rode a motorcycle, just think of the ground he could have covered. 😁 Oh, wait! Jesus had a Honda… because he and the disciples were all in one Accord. Must have been crowded. (Bad car joke!) I’m obviously being a little silly tonight I look forward to getting up tomorrow and riding through the Clearwater Canyon to Clarkston, WA (right at the Idaho border), across the Snake River from Lewiston. 

Jesus stayed within the same 150 square miles and only walked 15,000 miles (avg 1.25 miles/day) but made a great impact everywhere he went, teaching, loving, healing, the ways of a relatable, approachable God who is always close to us and is with us always. We should remember that a small rain drop in the ocean causes ripples and creates a disturbance to propagates outward, transferring energy to the other water molecules. Therefore, you don’t need to walk or travel far to have a great impact on the system around you.

Challenge to St. James and Self: Ask yourself what impact are you having on those around you. Is it healthy? Is it life giving? How might you have a greater impact?


Location: Helena, MT, USA

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This Week!

Big Sky!

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