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This discussion will explore the issues and concerns in Boulder regarding gun violence. We’ll hear from Sheriff Joe Pelle what his office’s greatest challenges are and what successes they’ve had. Bonai Shalom‘s First Friday event on the Friday March 7th is in advance of the national Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath. Places of worship across the nation are joining the Washington National Cathedral and Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, a coalition of 50 national denominations and faith-based organizations, to remember those who have lost their lives to gunfire, pray for those whose lives have been forever changed because of the loss of a loved one, and to continue the discussion on how communities of faith can work together to help reduce gun violence. It is also the weekend prior to Purim, the holiday that also asks us to confront violence in our tradition.
Priest Sheila Durkin Dierks will share from a Christian perspective what teachings their faith holds, and what efforts their community’s engaged in to prevent gun violence and cope with its effects along with personal stories. And Rabbi Marc Soloway will facilitate an honest discussion, with teachings from Jewish sources, about personal and communal responsibilities needed with the right to bear arms. There will also be an update on the community-wide “Guns to Art” project in which they have all been involved.
Sheriff Joe Pelle took office in January 2003. Joe is a Colorado native who grew up in Boulder, graduating in 1977 from Fairview High School. Sheriff Pelle has a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Colorado, and a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration from Metropolitan State College. He has been a peace officer in Boulder County since 1980, and has worked at both the Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder Police Department prior to being elected. In 1999 Joe studied at the Senior Management Institute for Police in Boston (sponsored by the Police Executive Research Foundation).
Sheila Durkin Dierks is an Ecumenical Catholic priest. Ordained at age 65, she serves two communities, Light of Christ ECC in Longmont, and A Community in Discernment in Boulder. She is active in the community which is working on gun awareness and healing. She is married, with four adult children and a lot of lovely grandchildren.
Please RSVP early so you can secure a seat at office@bonaishalom.org or 303-442-6605. $18 per adult, $15 per child, price will not exceed $54 per family. All First Fridays begin with services at 6 p.m. and followed with dinner at 7 p.m. Wine is BYOB (Kosher only). Please label your wine if you do not wish to share. Held at the UU, 5001 Pennsylvania Ave., Boulder.
