MLP March Newsletter!

IN THIS ISSUE * Notes from the Staff * Register for the MLP Retreat * Upcoming Events

From our Director of Engagement

Have you noticed that, in movies, when the villain is about to be defeated, they get more violent? It's like they know the end is coming. So, they throw their most awful attacks, speak the most vile words, and throw the most ridiculous statements with cheesy punchlines.    The end is coming. It's in the air and they know it (I'm using "they" this time because it's not just one person, it's so many of them). We're going through an awakening as a society. People are not just accepting the answers given by those in power. And "they" are scared, so they're turning violent, throwing punches at the most vulnerable (and most resilient) parts of society.  This legislative session will be full of calls to end the rights of our trans siblings, women, immigrants, and people of color. We must rise to the occasion, visiting our local legislators and demanding right action. We must rise to the occasion, knowing that the end is coming. And we know how it ends.  -Claudia

From our Director of Operations

The world is on fire. Missiles are being launched, bombs are being dropped, and children who just woke up are being killed to assuage fragile egos and distract from necessary accountability. Trans folks are having their rights stripped away one certified letter at a time. People are starving, infrastructure is crumbling, healthcare costs are climbing, but it's trans people driving with licenses that affirm their gender that draws the attention of lawmakers. Racial slurs are still being shouted out into the middle of crowded auditoriums, broadcast to the world, and accountability for harm is nowhere to be found. Our Black siblings must bear the brunt of harm while once again being forced to extend grace in "complicated" circumstances.  Gaza is still being attacked. Known rapists, pedophiles, and traffickers still walk free. Food is unaffordable. People are dying. I don't know how to wash my face properly. My friends are going to teach me a proper skin care routine. Because as the world crumbles around me, I need one thing I can control. One thing I can do well. Because water is renewal. Water is life. Water washes away the gloom and stress of the day, hour, or moment before and brings us into the present with a chilling, stinging reminder that we must keep going.  -Jesy

Register for the MLP Retreat!

Join us this Spring at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center for a weekend of rest, renewal, and connection! In a world that feels relentless, loud, and heavy, we are choosing something radical: Rest. More Light Presbyterians is gathering at Ferncliff Conference Center for a retreat centered on rest, renewal, and connection — because the work of justice is holy work, and holy work requires sustained souls. Rest is not indulgence. It is preparation. It is preservation. It is how we stay in the fight for the flourishing of God’s creation. Come sit in the rocking chairs by the lake Come warm your hands by the fire. Come walk the trails. Come rest. Click HERE for lodging and cost information and click HERE to register.

Upcoming Events!

Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming MLP events!

March 9th — More Light Monday, Supporting our Trans Youth April 17-19th — MLP Retreat. Register using the link above!

Join us this month for a conversation about how we can support our Trans siblings, specifically our trans youth.  To protect the privacy of those presenting and their families, this episode will not be recorded, so please be sure to register! Questions: Contact hello@mlp.org

Register Here

Get Involved!

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.  *Is your congregation supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in your context? If you have pictures, be sure to share so we can highlight your awesome and holy work!  Please email them to hello@mlp.org

Mail a Check: More Light Presbyterians, Inc. P.O. Box 735764 Chicago, IL 60673-5764   Contact Us: More Light Presbyterians 14301 Laurel Bowie Road Laurel, MD 20708 hello@mlp.org Website: www.mlp.org