VALPARAISO | The morning sun spilled through the jewel-toned stained glass windows Sunday at Valparaiso University's Chapel of the Resurrection.

At the chapel's 50th anniversary worship service, the Rev. David Kehret reminded the congregation that God "does not fit into our 'boxes,' on this day when we celebrate ... well, a box."

"And what a glorious box it is," he said.

Kehret, who served as the university's associate pastor from 1984 to 2002, said that one of his "great joys" in his current ministry outside of VU is meeting others whose "lives are still shaped by their experience here back when."

"That is what the ministry of the chapel is all about," Kehret said.

At the 10 a.m. service, worshipers also were treated to hymns performed by the Valparaiso University Chorale, the Alumni Choir, the Kantorei of the Chapel of the Resurrection, the Chamber Concert Band and the Advanced Handbell Choir, while university President Mark Heckler and Provost Mark Schwehn offered Scripture readings.

VU employee Allyson Baughman, of Chesterton, attended Sunday's service.

"The chapel helps students learn to integrate their spiritual and intellectual halves and keep those parts in balance for the rest of their lives," said Baughman, who works in alumni relations.

VU senior Megan Telligman, of Chesterton, and her mother, Kathy Telligman, said the chapel has special meaning for them.

"It's a symbol of the university," said Megan Telligman. "It reaffirms the community here."

Kathy Telligman has adopted the chapel as her place of worship.

"When Megan started school, I started coming to church services here on Sunday," she said. "To see all the young people is very encouraging."

"Very magnificent things happen within these walls," Kehret said in his sermon. "Here, hearts and minds are stirred."

Baughman, who has been employed by the university for nearly two years, said Sunday's celebration service was representative of her experience at VU.

"I love this place," said Baughman. "The longer I'm here, the more I fall in love with it."