“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea!” (Matthew 18:6) In the midst of a discussion about privilege and position in the coming Kingdom of …
Tag Archive: children
Jun 10
“The trail magic we are missing” by Rev. Sami Pack-Toner
Have you ever experienced trail magic? This term often describes random acts of kindness offered to long-distance hikers. This kindness comes in numerous ways and is expected to follow leave no trace principles. Trail magic can be letters or care packages from home. It can also be from strangers. Many long-distance hikers report receiving a …
Oct 04
It’s Here! “Our Watchful Waiting” Advent Curriculum 2021
“Our Watchful Waiting” is Intermountain Ministry’s first comprehensive Advent curriculum that will connect your children to the lectionary readings that are part of the traditional Advent observance, as well as suggestions for how you can get the whole church in on the fun! You can read a little about the materials below, or jump right …
Dec 02
Children’s Sermon for the 2nd Sunday in Advent: Beyond “The Giving Tree”
Object needed: A copy of the book, “The Giving Tree.” Theme/Main Idea: Even when things seem hopeless, God gives us hope. When nothing is left of the tree but the stump, there is still life there… just waiting for the right season to spring up again. Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, ends with an …
Nov 12
Intermountain Moment: Camden’s Story
Ten-year-old “Camden’s” mom was highly abused throughout her life. In fact, horrific abuse goes back three or four generations in their family. Camden’s mom is both hyper-protective and terrified of her children’s emotions. Camden and his mother needed help to keep their small family together. Intermountain’s Community-based Services provided that help. Camden has a “light …
Oct 11
Guest post: Proactive Parenting by Tracie Dahl, LCPC
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 …
Sep 01
Guest post: A look into the classroom with Kathy Brandt
It is difficult to define success in the classroom, especially in a Residential Treatment Center. Mostly because many of the students who come to our program have not previously experienced success in areas that reinforce healthy development such as; social interaction, academic growth, being able to self-monitor behavior, and general school work. I have had …
Jan 30
Intermountain Moment: Six-year-old “Lenny”
Last fall six-year-old “Lenny” moved to Montana with his mom. He had suffered horrible sexual abuse at the hands of his step-father. Like many kids who’ve suffered greatly, Lenny pretends like everything is okay and wears a steady smile. But in play therapy at Intermountain, Lenny would make up stories that always included “bad guys.” …
Apr 09
Welcoming Courtney Into Our Family
Note: The following article was written last summer by a partner in ministry, Rabbi Chaim Bruk. He is an excellent resource for our Jewish children in residence at Intermountain and is an advocate for foster care and adoption within faith communities. Rabbi Chaim Bruk is executive director of Chabad Lubavitch of Montana and spiritual leader …