IN THIS ISSUE

*Notes from the Staff

*Upcoming Events

* A Word from Our Partners

From Claudia, Director of Engagement

Three years ago, the board of More Light Presbyterians met in Zephyr Point to craft a new mission and vision. For more than twenty years, our former mission led and inspired the work of hundreds of churches and it was time to reimagine our work together. The larger question we wanted to answer was: in what kind of world would our work not be needed anymore? And that is the world we are aiming for, one where “God’s promised liberation and flourishing for all creation” is a reality. Whatever we do, is with that world in mind. That’s why our work is intersectional.

But getting there means hard work. We, as an organization, are trying to become that which we are trying to achieve for the rest of the world. And that is hard work. It means reimagining and reshaping work and board cultures, engaging in truth telling, and investing in deep relationships before trying to change the ethos and policies of our denomination. And we fail. All the time. We have so many stories of how many times we have failed at building this world for our tiny organization.

But I am perpetually amazed by our board and staff’s willingness to be vulnerable, change our very set ways, and be transformed by the Spirit that continues to inspire our work. Day in and day out, I get to witness how MLP and our ministry partners and friends affirm this idea (that I borrowed from our Zapatista siblings) that otro mundo es posible (another world is possible). I am in awe because we are getting there. We will get there.

-Claudia

From Jesy, Director of Operations

This past week, I made a point of watching Steel Magnolias and 9 to 5, in honor of the dearly departed Saint Dolly Parton. I doubt I was the only one.

While I was reasonably familiar with Dolly's philanthropic ways, her devout faith, and her dedication to reparative work, I am thankful that stories about her life and her dedication to goodness continue to emerge as we mourn her passing. I feel like her life, and all the ways she was a beacon of God's light and love in the world, continues to shine as we continue to uncover little tidbits about who she was.

I have had "The Summons" in my head for a few weeks now. This line, "will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around," has been stuck in my head. That and the bit about doing it all unseen keep playing on repeat. So much of what Dolly did went unseen. She didn't want the credit. She just wanted to love the people around her and reshape the world so that all could flourish.

So much of who Dolly was is what MLP tries to emulate. We are trying so hard to reshape the world so that it truly reflects the way God intended for it to be: So that all may experience liberation and flourishing. And so much of what we do goes unseen. That's okay. We aren't in the work of taking credit; we are here to share God's love and light in the world.

May we continue being granted opportunities to let it be so.

-Jesy

Upcoming Events!

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

September 14: More Light Monday — Palestine and the Intersectionality of our Work

September 19: Join Director of Operations Jesy Littlejohn and Director of Engagement Claudia Aguilar at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago from 3:30-5:30 for some time with some of the coolest people out there. We will be meeting in the community room. Free food! Email hello@mlp.org for questions.

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.

September 25: Maryland-area churches and friends, join Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn, at a fundraiser for Rainbow Place.

October 11-14: More Light Board Retreat! Charlotte folks, be on the lookout for a social gathering event!

More Light Monday: Palestine and the Intersectionality of our Work at MLP.

Join board members, Rev. addie domske (she/her) and Avery Arden (they/them) as they discuss the ongoing genocide in Palestine. As named previously, by MLP: “This conflict is a mass-disabling event and disproportionately impacts women, children, and the elderly; MLP states that “oppression is always intersectional.” Join us as we discuss our role in the fight for liberation for our siblings in Palestine.

Click here to register

Some of the More Light Presbyterians Board and Staff will be in the Chicago area on September 19th, and we thought this would be the perfect time to gather together with folx in the MLP network!

We’d love to see you on Saturday, September 19, from 3:30–5:30 p.m. at Burning Bush Brewery! This will be a casual opportunity to hang out, catch up, and learn about what is going on in your congregations and how we might walk alongside you and your congregational needs! Mostly, though, it’s just to see you and catch up!

Food will be provided, and drinks are available for purchase, so come as you are and stay for as long as you can.

Saturday, September 19 | 3:30–5:30 p.m.

Burning Bush Brewery

4014 N Rockwell St | Chicago, IL | 60618

Hope to see you there! If you have any questions or would like to confirm that you will be there please email hello@mlp.org.

A Word From Our Partners

Maryland-area churches and friends, join the fun and games with our Director of Operations, Jesy Littlejohn, at a fundraiser for Rainbow Place—a nonprofit that offers shelter for unhoused women and youth in the DMV area.

We hope to see you there!

Learn more about Rainbow Place and how to get tickets for the event 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