MLP August 2025 Newsletter!

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

From Director of Engagement: Claudia Aguilar Rubaclava

Justice always comes… sometimes, later than we would want. But it comes. Even a decade ago, it would have been ludicrous to think that our denomination would host a gathering specifically designed for LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians. But today, this is a reality. In November this year, in collaboration with the Covenant Network and More Light Presbyterians, the PC(USA) is hosting the first national queer Presbyterian gathering. This conference is planned by and for queer Presbyterians. I pray this gathering will fuel our denomination’s commitment to God’s ever-growing embrace of all their children. Details to register below.  -Claudia

From Director of Operations: Jesy Littlejohn

Happy August! How is it August already!? Last week I was in a meeting for my church, and we did a circle prayer (you know, where you pray to the person on your right). The person who was tasked with praying for me said some very lovely things, but at some point, I stopped hearing them. In the process of praying for me, they misgendered me about 6 times, using she/her pronouns. Again, I have been out as Non-Binary and using they/them pronouns since 2017. I couldn't hear the prayer or the care because my body and mind were buzzing. It took everything in me to pull my focus back to the moment and invite the Holy Spirit in so I could pray for the person on my right.  It is exhausting to constantly have to correct people, educate people, and remind people of who you are. I want to be, without having to be on guard. Does that make sense? This November, in collaboration with the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, MLP is working with the PC(USA) to host the first-ever denominational LGBTQIA+ national gathering. My prayer, like Claudia, is that this will be a place of ongoing healing and restoration for this denomination and this community. May it be a place where we can be seen, be known, and ...just be.  -Jesy

UPCOMING EVENTS

Make sure to stop by and see us!   August 28-31: Wild Goose Festival. Join board member Bethany Peerbolte and our director of engagement for conversation and swag.  Nov. 18-20: National Queer Gathering!

2025 NATIONAL QUEER PRESBYTERIAN GATHERING Join folks from across the PC(USA) Nov. 18-20, 2025, for three days of interactive workshops and community building as we gather queer Presbyterians in love, restoration and power. Together, we will: Explore the needs of our community Determine the actions we need from our churches, leaders, and General Assembly and; Strategize on a collective plan to move the Presbyterian denomination forward. Where: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Center 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY Registration: Visit pcusa.org/nqpg Fees (event only): $75 (Waived for BIPOC and trans/GNC folk) Contact: Mikyle Johnson, mikyle.johnson@pcusa.org

Welcome our Newest MLP Ministries

Rejoice with us as we welcome new ministries to the MLP network! At the end of each quarter, we will list our newest members so you can shower them with love.  Cary Presbyterian Church, Cary NC.  Kenmore Presbyterian Church, Buffalo, NY First Presbyterian Church, Jeffersonville, IN Marshall Presbyterian Church, Marshall, NC Christ Presbyterian Church, Madison, WI Balmoral Presbyterian Church, Memphis, TN Dunn's Corners Community Church, Presbyterian, Westerly, RI

A Word from Our Partners!

Second Presbyterian Church of Nashville, TN has voted to call the Rev. Courtnay Veazey to serve as pastor and head of staff starting in early September. She will succeed the Rev. Evelyn Graham, interim pastor. Let’s rejoice with our siblings from Second Presbyterian!

The Advocacy Committee for LGBTQIA+ Equity is gathering stories and ideas from LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so we can bring bold, people-powered recommendations to the 2026 General Assembly. This survey is designed to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians, staff, and mid-council leaders.  You can access the survey here: https://forms.office.com/r/7XzZQeUS5Z  Please share with other LGBTQIA+ Presbyterians so they can make their voices heard!    Complete by AUGUST 4TH

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: *Has your congregation paid dues this year? If not, you may submit them here.Your dues help us do this work. *Donate! We educate individuals and congregations, offer pastoral care to queer people and the ones who love them, we guide congregations as they seek to discern best steps, we advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in our denomination and in the public arena. We can’t do it without your help. *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 pictures of various LGBTQIA+ related events that you or your congregation have participated in? Let us highlight them! 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.

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