Greetings from Gretchen! As many of you know, I’m Artist in Residence at Boise First Congregational, United Church of Christ.
Recently, I taught a Woodblock Printmaking Class specifically for my church congregation. I planned it to precede the Artistic Interpretation of Scripture Sunday if the participants wanted to share what they made in the Artistic Interpretation of Scripture Sunday (AISS) show on September 28, 2025.
Here’s what Reverend Josh wrote about his hopes for the AISS Show:
“For Interpretation Sunday, I’d like to focus on Matthew 5:14–16. Here’s how the passage reads in a couple of translations:
The English Standard Version:
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your *Parent who is in heaven.”
The Message Translation:
“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous *Parent in heaven.”
Rev. Josh chose this passage because we currently live in a world where white Christian nationalism has co-opted our faith, and many people strongly associate Christianity with versions of our tradition that are not rooted in light and love. It’s time for us as progressive Christians to shine—to live and love louder than those who have distorted the Gospel. This is a moment to claim our place as light-bearers and to do so boldly and creatively.
Josh continues, “I’d love for each person who creates something to have the opportunity during worship to briefly (1–2 minutes) share their art and offer a short statement explaining it. This would essentially take the place of the sermon, and we could weave songs and artwork throughout the service to create something really powerful and reflective.”
So, here’s a peek at what my participants made in the class that they are considering putting in the show:
Ralph Blount
Ralph Blount made an unusual and very creative print based on hot and cold: hot chili peppers and ice cubes. His unique expression shines a unique light!
Donna Kreiensieck
Donna Kreiensieck made a gorgeous print. She’s considering shining her light by using it in the show, but also in a Prayer Time she’s leading at St Gertrude’s Monastery.
Laura Stavoe
Laura Stavoe shone her light with a bold dragonfly!
Andie Frosch
Andie Frosch creatively portrayed a firefly as shining her light!
Wrap-up
The class was absolutely delightful and we had some marvelous fellowship time!
We all found it very challenging to create work that was anti-Christian nationalism, but by creating work rooted in us as creative and loving people, we shine our lights as inclusive and expressive people of love.
Join us at Boise First Congregational, United Church of Christ (located at 2201 Woodlawn Ave, Boise, ID 83702) on Sunday, September 28th, for a wonderful sharing time of creativity and expression!
The entire congregation will participate in 2D, 3D, musical art, culinary art, performative art, and more from artists of all ages!
Thank you for supporting the arts!
– Gretchen Weitemier