MLP March 2025 Newsletter!

In This Issue *Staff Update: A note from Claudia and Jesy *Upcoming Events *A word from our partners *MLP Merch! *Donate Today

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

“How are we going to survive this?” This is the question revolting in my head, day and night. A friend of mine, probably with the same question in mind, posted on his social media: “the only way to survive this is in community.” I agree. We need each other. We need each other to stand up and speak up when the lives of our friends are endangered. We need each other to create spaces where we can be our full selves without having to accommodate to make others comfortable. But we also need each other to comfort one another, to cry with each other, to laugh and dance together. If we are to create change, we must, like bell hooks wisely said “practice being willing to leave the space of my study to be in community, to work in community, and to be changed by community.” Resistance and liberation, when true, are communal.  At MLP we are trying to find ways to foster and nurture this type of community. We are dreaming of possibilities and we want to hear from you: how can we be the community you need today? Email us at hello@mlp.org with your ideas.

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

For as long as I can remember I've been someone who has loved having pictures of my friends and family around me. From my locker to my dorm room to the walls in my house to the bulletin boards in my office — there is comfort in having 'my people' with me. I can look up and see my wife and my children and be met with instant joy and ease. I can see pictures of my friends, some people I have known for years and some whose relationships are just beginning to fully blossom, and know that with these folx I am fully seen and known. We continued to be inundated by news cycles filled with despicable and hateful legislation being introduced at every level of government — much of which negatively impacts the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer, and especially Trans, erasure seems to be, if not definitively is, one of many goals of the current administration. It is disheartening to be so hated by so many when so many have never laid eyes on me, shared space with me, or even heard my name.  And then I remember my community, and my pictures. I may be hated by some, but I am also so deeply loved and needed by others. I believe that God has nudged me to these people, folx from all across the country, for such a time as this. We are not alone — we do not do this work alone — we are not meant to do this work alone. We go with the love of the Creator, the grace of our Lord, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and the friendship of our community of believers. Surround yourself, friends, and know that you are loved and needed in this world.

March 9: Join our director of engagement in worship at Avenue Church in New York City.  April 6-9: MLP board retreat in Denver, CO. Join the MLP board on April 8 at 5:30 pm at Lady Justice Brewing (3242 S Acoma St. Englewood, CO 80110) for drinks and hors d'oeuvres. RSVP at hello@mlp.org and if you are one of the first 5 people, your first drink is on us.  Ongoing: Presbyteries are voting on Polity Amendments 24A and 24 C. We hosted a webinar in collaboration with Covenant Network to answer frequently asked questions. You can watch HERE

Support our partners at the office of the General Assembly, the office of Christian Formation and Presbyterian Publishing to complete the survey to help  to study and formulate a plan for the future development of Reformed, Christian educational resources for faith formation and nurture, especially for congregational use.

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.

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