I was invited to be a part of the “Book Launch Team” for a new resource for churches that I think is invaluable for any ministry considering outreach to those that struggle with mental health issues. In Montana, where the need is great and services are often lacking, the Church has a great opportunity to …
Tag Archive: ministry
Jan 15
Moving towards completion of Van Orsdel Commons!
It’s been fifty years since there was a dedicated chapel space for the children in care at Intermountain’s residential campus. In fact, the last place dedicated for worship and learning about God was the Helen Piper memorial chapel in Mills Hall, which once stood on 11th Avenue across from the Capital Mall. So, as I …
Dec 06
“Guess Who?” an object lesson for the 2nd week of Advent
Object lesson for Week 2 of Advent: “Guess Who?” Objects needed: A copy of the children’s game “Guess Who?” if you can find one. Theme/Main Idea: With Jesus’ birth, God entered into human history and gave God a face! In knowing Jesus, we have a chance to know God. In living our lives with Jesus, …
Oct 23
Helping Samantha this holiday season
The holidays are almost upon us again! This time of year can be wonderful for children – filled with magical moments, time with loved ones, and treasured traditions. But the holidays can also be a difficult time, especially for children like Samantha. At seven, she was sexually molested by someone close to her. Taken from …
Sep 04
My Tears in His Bottle: prayers from the heart of a special needs’ mom
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 …
Aug 23
“Let the Little Children Come” – a message shared at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church; Townsend, MT
The following message was delivered at Trailhead Christian Fellowship Church on 8/13/17. I could tell I had settled into the role of Chaplain at Intermountain when the following diagnoses no longer startled me: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder; Reactive Attachment Disorder of early childhood or infancy; Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-Combined Type; Anxiety Disorder; Major Depressive Disorder, Recurrent; Neglect …
Jun 21
Beloved Jewish Educator Janet Tatz retires from Intermountain
This week Intermountain’s Jewish Mentor and educator, Janet Tatz, retires from nearly a decade in supporting Jewish children in residential treatment. For the last five years, I have had the pleasure of working alongside her to ensure that every child on Helena’s campus has the spiritual and cultural support needed to do the hard work …
Apr 19
Why be a “trauma-informed ministry?” – FREE training materials from Chaplain Chris
As I wrap up my doctoral studies, I am excited to see how the concept of becoming “trauma-informed” in ministry is starting to pick up steam across the country. Far from being behind the curve here in Montana, we are on the cutting edge in terms of integrating the expertise of the medical and social …