MLP December Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Support our 25 for $25 Campaign! *25 Days of More Light! *A message from our ministry partners! *WE HAVE NEW MLP Merch! *Donate Today

Staff Update!

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

Are there any words of comfort for us all out there? Is there a prayer that can calm our hearts or a breathing exercise that can stop the incessant thinking? I doubt it. But this is not the time to give up. Not for us who have any bit of privilege. This is when we use everything we have to do the work. People’s lives are at stake. This is the time for boldness, for our love to be louder than fear, louder than hatred, louder than policies. This means we may have to incur in acts of civil disobedience as we work around unjust laws for the sake of our siblings. But this is not new. It is in our DNA. The Early Church was persecuted because it threatened everything the Empire stood for. It is time we reclaim that history. That we reclaim the Child of the one who said: “[God] has pulled the powerful down from their thrones and lifted up the lowly. God has filled the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty-handed.” I pray that those who support MLP - individuals and congregations - continue to do so: with boldness, with hope, with confidence in the fact that the last word is God’s. Below you can find ways to support our work.

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Claudia is right, it's hard to find words of comfort or healing in these moments. At present my wife and I are looking for legal council that won't break the bank so that we can complete our second-parent adoption needs. The more we get into the process, the more we resent that it is needed. My name is on the birth certificates, my kids have my last name, they have all of my best (and worst) traits, and they have a tendency to make many of my same expressions and sounds. They are my kids, and that anyone would question the validity of that is outrageous. And this is where we are, and this is what may come, and we are going to meet the moment and keep fighting. We're going to operate from a Spirit of justice and hope, and allow Christ's love to shine through. The work and mission of More Light Presbyterians is as relevant today as it was 25 50 years ago. We hope you'll join us.

We are still celebrating our 25th anniversary and you can help us celebrate by inviting 25 of your friends (or 25 people in your congregation) to donate $25.   You can share this QR code or direct them to: https://sites.google.com/mlp.org/tempsite/giving

Celebrate Advent with us and download your MLP 25 Days of More Light Calendar

Use this calendar as a way to support your LGBTQIA+ siblings as we patiently await the coming of Christ's birth. Read, listen, watch, write, and enjoy! Follow along with us on social media and share each call to action or activity!   Download the Full Advent Calendar!

kin·dom camp is an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth ages 12-17 to feel safe and free to show up as their full selves. Campers have the chance to experience all the fun that camp has to offer in a week filled with affirmation, community, and celebration. This camp is affirming – full stop. It affirms all genders, sexualities, identities, abilities, and varieties of belief. The only thing we expect is a commitment to welcoming and celebrating everyone where they are, as they are. Our 2025 camp dates are June 15-20 in Illinois and July 20-25 in Nevada and Texas. Keep up with us @kindomcommunity on Facebook and Instagram for camp registration information and other news!

Our collective wisdom and knowledge can take us farther than what we can do on our own. You can help us this month in a few ways: *In light of recent political developments, the number of LGBTQIA+ couples seeking to get married has increased. More Light Presbyterians is compiling a list of queer and queer-affirming clergy willing to officiate wedding ceremonies and preach at MLP congregations on short notice. Please spread the word widely within your networks. If you are in need of an officiant, please contact us at hello@mlp.org indicating your location and the date of the ceremony.  *Do you have Pride pictures? Keep them coming! Please email them to hello@mlp.org  *We are trying to collect a list of all of our former board members to create an MLP alumni group. Have you served on our board or do you know someone who has served on our board? Send us an email or fill out this form and someone will be in touch soon. *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work.

GET YOUR MLP MERCH!

Give the gift of More Light merch this Christmas! Visit the MLP shop today!

Your gift helps to advance More Light Presbyterians center and celebrate the lives, gifts and leadership of LGBTQIA+ people in the PC(USA) and beyond! Click the link to donate today! Donate Today!

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