Come, Let Us Join Our Lights Together

This Pride Month, LiFT United Church of Christ initiated and coordinated Come, Let Us Join Our Lights Together, a statewide public art initiative that invited Open and Affirming congregations across the Keystone Conference to partner with local businesses, libraries, schools, theaters, and community organizations to create temporary window murals celebrating the dignity and sacred worth of LGBTQIA+ people.

The impact reached far beyond the artwork itself. New relationships were formed between congregations and local organizations. Church youth, pastors, older members, community volunteers, and local LGBTQIA+ student organizations painted side by side. In several communities, the project reconnected people who had somewhat given up on church. In others, it created new intergenerational ministry opportunities or strengthened relationships with local businesses and organizations. The murals also helped increase awareness of UCC congregations within their communities and Open and Affirming congregations across the Keystone Conference.

This initiative was coordinated by Rev. Donté A. Jones and LiFT United Church of Christ in partnership with Open and Affirming congregations across the Keystone Conference. Special thanks to artist Shauna Yorty for developing the original mural design; Theron Mitchell and Pam Kilgore for managing the project’s administrative coordination and supporting participating congregations throughout the initiative; Steven Roush for his encouragement, relationships, and guidance among Open and Affirming churches in Central Pennsylvania; our many community partners; and the Keystone Conference for its financial support. A big thanks for the support of Rev. Dr. Carrie Call and the Keystone conference.