Feb 28
Although he was a son, [Jesus] learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. —Hebrews 5:8-9 (ESV) Obedience is a tough word for anyone affected by trauma. Abusive relationships often demand obedience. Great physical, psychological, and relational harm has been done …
Feb 07
It is always our hope at Intermountain that we can provide our faith-based supporters–specifically the churches of our supporting denominations–with insights we have gained from our work with the children and families of Intermountain. We also want to help support your ministries in any way we can, providing materials that support your preparation for worship …
Oct 11
Looking for a kid-friendly way to connect your families to the mission of Intermountain during this coming Advent season? These FREE materials from the children in our Residential program (www.intermountainresidential.org/) are a wonderful way to draw awareness and feel united to the celebrations happening on campus under the guidance of Rev. Sami Pack-Toner, chaplain. She …
Mar 01
“ Becoming an authority in trauma-informed care” with Rev. Dr. Chris Haughee. Presented as part of the New Wine, New Wineskins conference on the Church and Mental Health, 2/27/2021. This workshop examines the interplay between legitimacy and power in the Church’s call to become an authority in trauma-informed care. While using for a framework the …
Oct 20
Once again, I would like to make available to you and your church free Advent children’s object lessons! While written primarily for a Children’s Sermon format, these object lessons could be used in a Sunday school setting, youth group, or even as sermon illustrations! Though written as a companion and a resource to couple with …
Oct 11
Parents can easily describe many pressures from their own “tween” and teen years which bring back awkward memories and cringe-worthy recollections. However, the world has changed exponentially in the last several decades and continues to undergo rapid changes at an erratic and unpredictable pace. The world today is filled with what can only be perceived …
Aug 09
Pat Hays has written a devotional book that gives wonderful insight into the joys and struggles that parenting a child with emotional special needs presents. Her book, My Tears in His Bottle: prayers from the heart of a special needs’ mom, contains excerpts from her personal prayer journal as she worked through the last fifteen …
Jul 30
In this post, I thought it would be good to share a pair of clips from conversations I had with Steff Turner and ML Rutherford, two key leaders at Intermountain in Community-based Services and Residential Services. Together, they represent decades of experience in working alongside parents, foster parents, grandparents, educators, therapists, and other caregivers to …
Jun 20
This wonderful video produced by First United Methodist Church of Billings, Montana, chronicles the amazing life and ministry of Montana’s best known pioneer preacher: Brother William Wesley Van Orsdel. “Brother Van” as he was known, founded Intermountain 110 years ago with the help of the Deaconesses who ably cared for the children, helped raise money, …
May 04
I recently had two events that caused me to think purposefully about what a responsible approach to the upcoming holidays of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day may be for a church that is seeking to be sensitive to the trauma histories that their worshipping community may have. The first was an invitation to preach at …
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