MLP April Newsletter!

IN THIS ISSUE * Notes from the Staff * Statement from MLP on the SCOTUS ruling on conversion therapy * Register for the MLP Retreat * Upcoming Events

From our Director of Engagement

We are right in the middle of Holy Week, knowing the horrors that come for speaking truth, for living in truth; but also knowing that death is not the end, that there is life on the other side.  For us at MLP, the other side at the end of Holy Week is rest, connection, and renewal. We are two weeks away from the MLP retreat! I am so pumped! There is still time to register, and we still have scholarships for trans and BIPOC people.  The retreat will officially begin at dinnertime on Friday, April 17th and will end on Sunday, April 19th around 11 am. What kind of programming can you expect? Worship, s’mores by the fire, hikes, sitting with old and new friends. This is really a retreat. No agendas, no workshops, no need to come out to every person and share your whole life story to everyone in the room.  What to pack: casual clothes, sunscreen, bug spray, comfortable walking/hiking shoes, leisurely clothes, a book, a journal.  We will have transportation from the airport at 1:30, 3:00, 4:00, and 5:15 pm. If you signed up for transportation, we will email you the week before the retreat asking for your time preference. -Claudia

From our Director of Operations

April Fools' Day doesn't even seem real this year, as every day feels like another ridiculous prank that we are all living through.  I know I am not alone in my deep desire to let my body rest — to truly rest. I am thankful that MLP is offering an opportunity for this community to gather at Ferncliff and let the wounds we carry have time to heal, and for our bodies to take the time they need for renewal, as we prepare to continue the fight ahead.  I hope you will use the link below to register for the MLP Spring retreat, and we look forward to gathering with you.  Happy Holy Week -Jesy

Statement from MLP on the SCOTUS ruling on conversion therapy

More Light Presbyterians unequivocally oppose the decision by the Supreme Court to overturn the ban on conversion therapy. Please read the full statement by clicking the link below.

Read the Full Statement Here

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!

April 17-19th — MLP Retreat. Register using the link above!

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