Feb 10
Life in ministry to 32 SED (severely emotionally disturbed) children is always an exercise in balancing preparation, improvisation, and constant openness to the Holy Spirit. It’s part of what makes the chaplaincy at Intermountain’s residential home such an exciting and challenging place to serve. I thought I might take a few moments to share how …
Dec 29
What a joyous time of year it is on campus! After all the excitement of Parent Training and the children’s Winter Program, we were able to enjoy a wonderful Holiday Party at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for our children, their families, and many siblings. Organized by Heather from our very talented cottage staff, and Melanie, …
Nov 03
Fall is always a busy time on the Residential campus at Intermountain. Before we know it, we are making preparations for the holidays. This year’s preparations come with the added excitement of the children’s participation in helping decorate the second-ever Chaplain’s Tree at Intermountain’s Festival of Trees. Good friend and supporter of Intermountain’s Chaplain’s Program, …
Oct 24
At any particular time, we have a number of children at Intermountain in residential care that are looking for a family. They are categorized as “hard to place” because of their age, their difficulty in previous foster homes, and their history of emotional disturbance that causes acting out in unsafe ways. Each of these children …
Oct 06
Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Faith and hope are needed for healing in relationships. At Intermountain, we focus a great deal of energy on bringing healing to the relationship between parent and child. Furthermore, I know from both personal …
Sep 17
Recently in chapel we covered the story of Abram and Sarai. We talked about all the years between when they received the promise that God was going to bless them with a child, and when God finally fulfilled that promise. The children offered many insightful comments and asked great questions about why God makes people …
Jun 27
On Friday, June 20th, I had the honor and joy of going to Our Redeemer Lutheran’s VBS closing ceremony (www.ourrdeemerlives.org). I was there to thank the children and staff for collecting money in Change for Children cans that will bless our ongoing efforts to refurbish one of the existing cottages on campus so that it …
Jun 23
Those who have lived in Helena, Montana for a while quickly learn that June is our wettest month. Just about the time we’re ready to go stir crazy from another long winter, we get a wet and late-coming Spring. June is likely to bring a thunderstorm to your picnic in the park, and thus venturing …
Mar 20
Objects needed: A box of saltine crackers, a bottle of water (or several bottles… as you might want to give each child a bottle) Key Text: John 4:5-42 Theme/Main Idea: Jesus meets the needs of our thirsty souls. Presentation: “Good morning! How are you this morning? Are you filling up your change cans at home …
Mar 05
Objects needed: Two bags of marshmallows, one open so you can hand each child a single marshmallow, and the other closed. Theme/Main Idea: The temptations that Satan confronted Jesus with had more to do with timing than anything else. Jesus trusted God the Father to give him what he needed and what was his at …
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