Tagged With "chaplain"
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A "Trauma-informed Lord's Prayer" by & for children, written in chapel at Intermountain
In a previous post , I explained that this fall I worked with the children on understanding and interpreting the Lord's Prayer. The Lord's Prayer, or "Our Father," posed many interesting opportunities to discuss themes that each and ever one of us struggle with. It was a challenge preparing a lesson for children with emotional disturbance dealing with complicated teachings in scripture. It was an exercise in combatting "Christian-ese" and the simple Sunday school answers (you know... when in...
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Adult Sunday school curriculum exploring trauma-informed ministry now available!
UPDATE! As of 3/27/17 all copies of the first run of this curriculum have been purchased or reserved. We hope to have a second printing/production run done soon, though the budget to provide free copies has been exhausted. Those requesting the materials from this point forward will need to submit the $60. required. I have also had some requests for a "preview" of the curriculum in order to see if it is appropriate for your ministry setting. I have attached the print portion of Week 2 so you...
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Advocating for Rachel, Part One - insights from Intermountain Board member and friend, Crystal Amundson
Note: Crystal Amundson LCPC, RPT-S runs a private practice in Helena, Montana, where she works as a child play therapist. Crystal specializes in Play Therapy, working with children ages 2-12, alongside their caregivers. She is a previous employee and current board member at Intermountain. Her passion and expertise is in the field of early childhood mental health. Crystal prepared this case study with accompanying prompts for action by faith-based groups and community groups that hope to make...
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Building community by facing collective trauma with hope
It was a sunny fall afternoon a few years ago. A friend posed a very interesting question as we ate our dinner on the deck at a local restaurant. “What do you think, Chris, about the possibility of a whole group of people experiencing a reaction to trauma? Like, maybe our whole nation is still traumatized from 9-11-01, or Katrina, or maybe just a whole host of cascading traumatic events?” We spoke at some length about what a reaction to trauma would look like in a society at large, and it...
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Coming back to ‘The Wall': building resilience by learning to trust
Recently, we did an object lesson as part of our Resilience-based series that I call “the Wall.” We talked about how bad things happen in this world despite having a loving God that looks over us. We make bad choices at times that hurt us, and others make bad choices that hurt us. In general, there is a lot of brokenness in relationships that causes a lot of damage. So, I told the children, we learn how to protect ourselves. Just like castles have BIG walls or our cottages on campus have...
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Elevate Montana - Helena Affiliate and "trial run" of new trauma-informed curriculum for churches
To date, over 80 copies of the curriculum Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks: a six week study of trauma-informed ministry and compassionate care for children from hard places and situations have gone out around the country. Released this past spring, most have ordered it to preview the materials prior to utilization this coming fall. So, while feedback has been positive, there have been few users with specific comments related to how their teaching experience has gone (because, well... they...
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For those that ordered... the trauma-informed curriculum for churches is headed out the door this week!
It's been a labor of love more than a year in the making, and it is exciting to see the curriculum come together and head out to those that will give this first version a "test drive" this spring and (hopefully) give me some great feedback so I can make improvements over the summer and make the curriculum better! It is called "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks: a six week study of trauma-informed ministry and compassionate care for children from hard places and situations." The study is...
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How do you cope? Self-regulation "favorites" from our children! (video)
In a recent chapel time, our children were given the opportunity to "pay if forward" by helping create the video below. You see, part of the lesson was about thanksgiving and generosity, and that generosity is NOT just about sharing money. It's about being the type of people who share compassion and the wisdom that has been gained through difficulty. The children were encouraged to know that they could help other children handle their big feelings in healthy ways by sharing what they had...
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"I stay near the pit," my reason for engaging in trauma-informed ministry
I stay near the pit (inspired by Rev. Samuel Shoemaker’s poem, “I Stand by the Door,” and Psalm 40) © Chris Haughee, 2018. All rights reserved. I stay near the pit. My cry was heard and I was lifted from it. And while my feet are steady on the Rock and the path is laid straight before me I was not alone in that pit. There were many others with me, stuck in that mire. So, I stay near the pit. I had tried for a long time—such a long, long time— to make my way out, to find myself planted firm...
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Intermountain hosts trauma-informed ministry training and workshop
Chaplain Chris Haughee of Intermountain's Residential Services in Helena, Montana, hosted an all-day training and workshop on trauma-informed ministry on September 15th, 2016. The day started off with introductions and then it was time for Brie Oliver, ACE Master Trainer, to give the group the basics in adverse childhood experiences, the science behind life-long health effects from childhood trauma, and share the possible ways faith communities could help build resiliency in children and...
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Knowing and Growing - a look in to a recent chapel lesson from my Resilience series
Dear friends at ACEsConnection, I thought it might be of interest to you to see an example of how I am integrating the themes of resilience building, and in particular the measures from the Children and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-12+4), into our chapel times on campus at Intermountain Residential Services in Helena, Montana. What appears below is part of the lesson built around the tried and true measure of resilience: can the child identify skills and abilities that are making them more...
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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 years of balancing her calling to be an adoptive parent with the roadblocks she encountered in her neighborhood, friendships, school district, marriage, and church...
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New and improved 2nd edition of the "Bruised Reeds & Smoldering Wicks" trauma-informed curriculum for churches now available!
I am pleased to announce that a NEW, 8-week version of the study, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," is now available. This 2nd edition includes input I received from the ACEsConnection community and others which resulted in two additional weeks of material. You still get the movie, "Paper Tigers," and the licensing to show it to up to 250 in an educational or religious setting, but there is much more... And, while a number of edits have gone into this second edition of the curriculum, my...
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New Trauma-informed curriculum for training ministries available as an instant digital download!!
I have been blessed by the response to the curriculum "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," now having sent it out to ministries in 26 States and the District of Columbia. I have already received a little feedback and made some minor changes to content, but what I am most excited about is that t he curriculum is now available in a downloadable digital format! For those that have not seen previous posts on the curriculum, the study is for adult small groups or classes and is laid out into the...
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Observing Mother's Day and Father's Day in a trauma-informed church
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 a church in my community that has done a great deal to advance the faith communities awareness to the effects of ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and mental health needs within...
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Six-week adult Sunday school curriculum on trauma-informed ministry coming soon!
Within the next month, I will be making available a draft version of an adult Sunday School curriculum that will introduce the concept of trauma-informed ministry to churches. If there are members of ACEsConnection that would like to "test run" the curriculum, I'd be honored if you'd reach out to me in the comments section or via a direct message. Email works, too! Just send to chrish@intermountain.org. The curriculum just takes a look at the "slice" of trauma-informed ministry that I am...
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Trauma-Informed Ministry curriculum, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," now available on Amazon as an e-book!
Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks is a study on the intersections between the science of adversity in childhood (ACEs), trauma, and ministry. Suitable for individuals exploring how their faith and the science of brain development, toxic stress, and spiritual formation are connected, this study is best explored by small groups that want to being trauma-informed ministry interventions and outreach within their faith communities. This e-book version doesn't have the videos that are part of the...
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Trauma-Informed Ministry study, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks" now an Amazon ebook!
Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks is a study on the intersections between the science of adversity in childhood (ACEs), trauma, and ministry. Suitable for individuals exploring how their faith and the science of brain development, toxic stress, and spiritual formation are connected, this study is best explored by small groups that want to being trauma-informed ministry interventions and outreach within their faith communities. This e-book version doesn't have the videos that are part of the...
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Was Jesus’ ministry “trauma-informed?” [part 4]: Responding to trauma within the compassionate Kingdom of God
There is a movement taking shape across the country when it comes to ministry settings: becoming trauma-informed . I am personally invested in this movement and I am intrigued by the ways I see connections between Jesus’ teachings and trauma-informed ministry principles. In the first post in the series, I focused only the first identifier of a trauma-informed ministry: the realization of the widespread impact of trauma and potential paths for recovery. In the second and third posts, I...
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Why be "trauma-informed?" - a training for churches by Chaplain Chris Haughee, DMin
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. A large part of the credit for furthering that conversation goes to you--my friends and colleagues here on ACEsConnection! It's been humbling to see how our relatively small ministry in Montana has something to add to the conversation. In fact, far from being behind the curve here in Montana, we are on the cutting edge in terms of...
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Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
As I begin to share with faith communities throughout Montana why adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) matter and how they can help build more resilient children and healthier communities, I sometimes hear something like this: "But why does it matter? What difference should it make in ministry?” The ACE survey measured the prevalence of ten stress-inducing factors in childhood including abuse, neglect, and substance abuse in the home, and these factors definitely influence ministries...
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Re: Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
Chris, where did you get the stats for Montana? Is there a link that tells such stats for various states? I'd love to use some of this in presentations to children's pastors when I speak at national conferences. Thanks for your compassion to inform congregations about ACEs.
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Re: Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
Linda... Here is the source for the stats: http://www.childtrends.org/wp-...xperiences_FINAL.pdf It is not an exhaustive discussion, but does discuss what is most prevalent as far as ACEs for each state. Hope you find it helpful! Chris
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Re: Why you faith community should know about ACEs - from Helenair.com
Thanks bunches. I get Child Trend's news but must have missed this one. Too much to read and keep up with at times.
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Re: Building community by facing collective trauma with hope
One of the concepts I try to invoke to the community is the transforming power of being there — connecting rather than separating. Abraham Lincoln is quoted, “I don’t like that man. I need to get to know him better.” And “Do I not lose my enemies when I make them my friends?” Jesus befriended Zaccheus. Zaccheus was transformed in that he worked for the better of his community (Luke 19). Instead of asking, “Why did you do that?” ask, “Why are you hurting?” I’ve worked with those with...
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Re: A "Trauma-informed Lord's Prayer" by & for children, written in chapel at Intermountain
Your wonderful children who spoke from their hearts in creating their poignant "Lord's Prayer" is profoundly inspirational. Thank you so, so much for posting Chris. Absolutely beautiful... You are truly a Human Angel Chaplain Haughee.
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Re: For those that ordered... the trauma-informed curriculum for churches is headed out the door this week!
Thanks for putting this together Chris! Well done!
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Re: Elevate Montana - Helena Affiliate and "trial run" of new trauma-informed curriculum for churches
Chaplain Chris - Thank you for your work in this area. I am connected with the faith based community in the Walla Walla area. We have been living the Paper Tigers story for several years. I applaud your connection between the science and Christian principles. Keep up the good work and keep the faith. Blessing
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Re: Intermountain hosts trauma-informed ministry training and workshop
Hi Chris, I have used your description of what it is a trauma informed church. Could let me know how you would like to be sited on that piece?
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Re: Why be "trauma-informed?" - a training for churches by Chaplain Chris Haughee, DMin
This is great! Thank you Chris!
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Re: Why be "trauma-informed?" - a training for churches by Chaplain Chris Haughee, DMin
Thank you, Andy! God bless you, Chris
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Re: New Trauma-informed curriculum for training ministries available as an instant digital download!!
Not sure where this link is Week Two: Advocacy... what is this "trauma-informed" talk all about?; key idea: In order to advocate for children and families impacted by trauma, your church should consider trauma-informed ministry [ a copy of the print portion of this lesson is linked below for those that want to 'get a feel' for the curriculum!] ?
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Re: New Trauma-informed curriculum for training ministries available as an instant digital download!!
Good catch, Daun... I forgot to attach it. I'll fix that now, thanks! Chris
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Re: "I stay near the pit," my reason for engaging in trauma-informed ministry
Wow. Thank you.
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Re: Six-week adult Sunday school curriculum on trauma-informed ministry coming soon!
Hi Chris, Yes, I'd like to "test run" with you. James.Christy@aocLife.org How will you deliver the courses? Video? LMS? PDF?
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Re: Six-week adult Sunday school curriculum on trauma-informed ministry coming soon!
Hi, Chris, I'm interested in seeing what you have created. I've led/ invited a variety of presentations in my congregation, but we haven't had a coherent program of any sort specific to trauma. Please share. Peace, Jaime
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Re: Six-week adult Sunday school curriculum on trauma-informed ministry coming soon!
This is great! I would love to share this with my clergy network.
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Re: Six-week adult Sunday school curriculum on trauma-informed ministry coming soon!
Christina, Jaime, and James-- Thank you for your interest! I am building a list of those that are interested in testing out the curriculum, and the best way for me to get your information would be via email. Could you send me your contact information to chrish@intermountain.org if you haven't already? Thank you! Chris
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Re: Trauma-Informed Ministry curriculum, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," now available on Amazon as an e-book!
I like this material is there some kinda way I can contact you regarding this curriculum?
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Re: Trauma-Informed Ministry curriculum, "Bruised Reeds and Smoldering Wicks," now available on Amazon as an e-book!
Alfred, my email is haughee@gmail.com
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Chaplain Chris preaches on ACEs, Trauma, Jesus & the Children
Chaplain Chris Haughee of Intermountain Residential preaches on the connections between Jesus’ original disciples and the Church today, and the challenge of expressing love and acceptance to ALL children. He provides insight into the vital partnership between Intermountain and the local church to bring healing and hope to hurting children. Rev. Dr. Chris Haughee is author of a trauma-informed ministry resource used in over 35 states and five countries, called Bruised Reeds and Smoldering...
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Intermountain's chaplain and church liaison provide trauma-informed materials for Advent!
Does thinking about Advent planning already just stress you out? Concerned that as a trauma-informed congregation that whatever "pre-packaged materials" you might get haven't been appropriately vetted and will require you to add yet another "to-do" to an already full to-do list? If thinking about preparing for Advent already has you stressed out, don’t fear… Chaplain Sami Pack-Toner and Rev. Chris Haughee are here to help! Materials created in a trauma-sensitive setting and for...