Rev. James E. Atwood will speak Nov. 16 and 17 in Springfield.
As part of its initiative, “Creating a Peace-full City: Our Community Responds to Violence,” the Interfaith Council of Western Mass will host a series of events on Nov. 16 and 17 in Springfield, featuring the Rev. James E. Atwood, author of "America and Its Guns: A Theological Exposé," published in 2012.
Before his retirement Atwood served several Presbyterian churches in North Carolina and Virginia, in addition to serving as a missionary with the United Church of Christ in Japan.
After a member of his church was shot and killed by a teenager looking for money, Atwood volunteered his services to the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. He has served on their board for 38 years and served two terms as chair. He was interfaith chair of The Million Mom March in 2000. In 2010 he was a member of the writing team of a comprehensive study on "Gun Violence, Gospel Values: Mobilizing in Response to God‘s Call."
Although he is an avid deer hunter he is an advocate for sensible gun control.
Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m.
A program will be held for clergy at St. John’s Congregational Church, 643 Union St. Atwood will give a keynote address, “America’s Trust in Violence," addressing the some 132 separate school shootings since Columbine.
Nov. 16 at 1 p.m.
The Springfield Library will sponsor a panel discussion, on the potential for having a peace-full city, with less gun violence and greater public safety. It will be held at the Mason Square Branch Library’s Community Room, 765 State St.
Panel members include Atwood, Springfield Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, Stand for Children’s Luz Lopez, and representatives from the health, youth, and academic world. The panel will be moderated by Jim Madigan, of WGBY, Public Television for Western Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org/peaceful
Nov. 17
Atwood will preach at the Churches on Island Pond Road, 455 Island Pond Road. East Church Congregational (UCC) service is at 9 a.m., and Bethesda Lutheran Church (ELCA) is at 11 a.m.. The services are open to all. http://www.bethesdaspringfield.org/
Nov. 17 at 3 p.m.
South Congregational Church, 45 Maple St., will hold an art exhibit, showcasing peace flags with messages by city children. The flag exhibit opens at 3 p.m., in the parish hall. Refreshments will be served. http://www.sococh.org/
Nov. 17 at 4 p.m.
There will be an Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, “Creating a Peace-full City: A Thanksgiving Celebration" at South Congregational Church. Atwood will speak on "How do I/We Create a Peaceful City: What are the barriers, what are the facilitators?" The St. John’s Congregational Church Choir will sing.
The events are sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Western Massachusetts; the Massachusetts Council of Churches and the Council of Churches of Western Massachusetts are co-sponsors.
For additional information contact Rabbi Mark Dov Shapiro, Sinai Temple, (413) 736-3619, markdov@sinai-temple.org.