The Montana Synod Sexual Misconduct Policy adopted in 2005 mandates
that the synod provide ongoing education on issues related to sexual misconduct,
boundaries and prevention strategies. Every rostered leader and lay staff should be
trained in this. Ethics, common sense and church insurance policies suggest that
documentation of boundaries training should be in every minister’s file. While we have not yet taken the step that other synods have taken of making this mandatory,
we are strongly encouraging rostered leaders and LPAs to take the opportunity to
attend this workshop to refresh your skills and awareness. If you have not taken a
Boundaries class in the last 10 years, please consider taking this workshop to
refresh your skills and awareness.

This 6- hour workshop is offered by the Montana Synod, with continuing education hours given to participants through the Montana Synod. Pastor Greg Holler-Dinsmore and Pastor Carol Karres are the Sexual Misconduct and Boundaries workshop facilitators.

The cost will be $30, and the location will be at the Radisson Hotel Billings, just prior to the Synod Assembly and Theological Conference. The Boundaries training will be from 1:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, 2016.

Overnight accommodations are available at the Radisson Hotel Billings for Thursday night. Room costs are $89 plus tax. Please contact The Radisson Hotel Billings (formerly The Holiday Inn Grand, 5500 Midland Rd, Billings MT 59101). The Radisson has an online reservation link for our group here:

http://www.radisson.com/montana/synod , or call (406)248-7701 or 1-800-333-3333, toll free. Ask for the Montana Synod block. Rooms will be released after May 13th.

We look forward to having a good turnout at this workshop.
Please call or e-mail Colter McCarty to register. (406) 453-1461 or cmccarty@montanasynod.org You may bring your payment with you.

"Last September, John Andrews suffered a brain aneurysm and was airlifted via helicopter by Life Flight Network from Anaconda to Missoula. He was charged $34,200, his health insurer paid almost half, and Life Flight Network billed him the balance – $18,678. Upon arrival in Missoula, St. Patrick Hospital decided John needed to be airlifted via airplane to Seattle, this time by its own affiliate, NW MedStar. He was charged $57,867, his health insurer paid about one-third, and NW MedStar billed him the balance – $37,931. Two flights. Two companies. Two large bills. And one call to action."

To see the full letter from Jesse Laslovich, chief legal counsel to Montana State Auditor Monica J. Linden, please click here.