MLP June Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE Staff Update — 1) Celebration of Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava as the MLP Director of Engagement 2) A note from Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn. Upcoming Events — See where MLP will be over the next couple of weeks and how we can connect Palestine Statement — The MLP Board has released and official statement regarding the ongoing genocide in Palestine.  Getting Involved More Light Merchandise Donate today!

STAFF UPDATE   Happy 1 Year Anniversary to our Director of Engagement, Rev. Claudia Aguilar Rubalcava!

More Light Presbyterians has been blessed by the leadership and dedication of our Director of Engagement, Claudia! She brings compassion and care to her work that is only matched by her call to fight for the full inclusion, celebration, and leadership of her LGBTQIA+ siblings. She is a gift to MLP and to the church.    Be sure to drop her a note of appreciation at claudia@mlp.org!

STAFF UPDATE   A Note from Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn

Hello MLP Community, It has been a gift and privilege to serve as the Director of Operations over the last 6 months and I am looking forward to where God is calling me in this role as MLP continues to live into our Mission and Vision. My life has changed significantly over the last 11+ years, and much of it can be traced back to finding a More Light Presbyterian church to join for worship. Being apart of this team and working alongside this phenomenal staff and board, as well as the entire constituency of ministry partners, is a dream come true.    I am excited by the momentum we are building as an organization. There is a palpable energy among the staff and board as we ramp up for all of our summer activities. We have had difficult and rich conversations about the events impacting our world and local communities; and we have named the hope we want to lean into as we work toward the world we want for our children, our ancestors.    We hope you will continue to reach out, volunteer your time, and be part of what it means to journey together towards God's promised liberation and flourishing for all creation.   In grace and peace, Jesy Littlejohn (they/them) Director of Operations

UPCOMING EVENTS!

On June 9th, join MLP for Pride Worship with special musical guest, Flamy Grant!    Register HERE to receive the zoom link! Stop by the MLP table June 16-21  at the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM) Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, NC. Are you going to General Assumbly? MLP is hosting a cocktail reception on June 29th in the Diamond Lounge at the Hilton SLC Center at the 226 General Assembly this year. We are celebrating our anniversary as an organization! Be sure to submit your go-to party songs HERE!

Join us July 11-14 at the Wild Goose Festival.   It's our first time visiting the Wild Goose Festival! We are so excited. Please be sure to stop over and say hi. Let's grab a coffee or a meal!     July 15-21, MLP will be at the Montreat Middle School Conference. Rev. Claudia Aguilar, our Director of Engagement, will be keynoting at the conference.

On May 29, 2024 the More Light Presbyterians Board of Directors and Staff released an official statement regarding on the ongoing genocide in Palestine and call for a permanent ceasefire.    We invite and encourage you to read the statement HERE

Do you have THE picture? Our story started with David Sindt holding a sign that said: “Is anybody else out there gay?” Everybody remembers the moment, but we don’t have a picture of it. Do you have a copy of this picture? Email it to hello@mlp.org

If you were holding up a sign at General Assembly or your Presbytery meeting, what would you say? Where is justice still needed? What work is still to be done? Send an email to hello@mlp.org with a 5 second video or an image of you (or anyone in your community!) holding a sign that would start a movement in our denomination and honor David Sindt’s courage!

Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here. Your dues help us do this work.

Pride month is here — Are you stocked up on your MLP swag? Make sure you grab a couple (or a lot) of our MLP Pronoun pins like the one seen here!    Visit the MLP shop at mlp.org today!

Your gift helps to advance More Light Presbyterians mission to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  Donate Today!

Our Contact Information More Light Presbyterians P.O. Box 735764 Chicago, IL 60673 (720) 288-0838 http://www.mlp.org