MLP August Newsletter!

IN THIS ISSUE *Notes from the Staff *Upcoming Events — Register for our next More Light Monday

From Your MLP Staff

This summer has been busy for us at MLP! The highlight for us was General Assembly. This year there was a modified town hall/town square. For Claudia: That’s where she works, and that’s where she thrives. She can extrovert until they kick her out. For Jesy: The introvert that they are screams a little with anxiety, but they can push themselves out of their comfort zone and do their thing. Together, we're a pretty kick-ass team! This year, that space felt a little different. There were specific groups and voices trying to intimidate us and diminish our work. But that is not what made this General Assembly so memorable - these groups and voices have always existed; they just change names and faces. What made it so memorable was the massive outpouring of love for MLP. Y’all… we ran out of swag even when our location in the town square was a little hidden. Groups of people created circles of care surrounding our table. Hundreds came to hug us, catch up with us, and ask us how to support our work. Many more came to thank us for our work.  The hymn, Canticle of the Turn, uses the phrase “the world is about to turn.” As the words settle in us, speaking of overcoming power and the fall of kings and tyrants, it can be hard to believe in the might of Mary's Prayer. It's not hard to fear that the world is about to turn for the worse. But after the last few weeks, we can assure you that the world is already turning — in all the ways Mary meant. The fires of justice are burning, and we're here for it.  Challenges will continue emerging. But we are confident that love will win. Love will always win.  -Claudia and Jesy

Upcoming Events!

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

August 10: More Light Monday — Faithful Polyamory 102: Belonging from the Beginning September 20: Join Director of Engagement Claudia Aguilar at Grace Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa,AL for a virtual event where we will look at the past, present, and future of More Light Presbyterians.  October 11-14: More Light Board Retreat! Charlotte folks be on the lookout for a social gathering event!          More Light Monday: Faithful Polyamory 102: Belonging from the Beginning

Some see embracing the polyamorous persons already in our midst as a "slippery slope," but God's holy mountain is home to all kinds of people (Isaiah 56:7-8). Let's explore scripture and church history — from Genesis 2:24 to Ephesians 5, and from Augustine to modern theologians — to discover how affirming ethically non-monogamous structures fits into God's call to draw our circles ever wider.

Click here to register

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