3 Sisters' Conference, 2004

Inspired by the biblical texts of Jonah 3: 1- 10 and Revelation 3: 14 - 18, 22, Martha called us to keep doing the work of justice and said: "We flee from that place called justice because the only road that gets you there is called outrage and it's just too hard to get there. It's a rocky dirt road, straight up these hills one after another, with potholes and ruts, it's hot and humid there and sometimes it just rains buckets and then you get stuck in the mud and everyone has to get out and push you out of the muck and move some trees out of the way and you get dirty and hungry but there's no truck stops out there so everyone gets tired and cranky.

The difference with this road, though, is that instead of hitting a dead end, you get to the top of a hill and the sky clears for a minute and you catch a glimpse of that place called justice. And you pull over for a minute there so everyone can take a look, and you drink in that view, and someone says, "Man, what a thing to see," and it takes your breath away..."

With the stole of her beloved partner and our beloved sister and friend, Tammy Lindahl, on the pulpit in front of her, Martha courageously returned to the very same place that had held the presbytery meeting 9 years ago that marked the end of their serving as Presbyterian pastors. This was the church where Martha set aside her ordination, their stoles and the first collection of other stoles became a witness to our Church of its unwelcoming, unChristian, unjust and anti-LGBT attitudes, beliefs, policies, actions and their consequences.

Since that time, much has changed in our Church and world in terms of justice, equality, and the full welcome and embrace of LGBT persons and our families, and there is much more yet to do. Now is the time for that change.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of More Light Presbyterians, 150 participants from all over the country, local volunteers, and members of the host church, gathered for "From the Heartland to the Horizon." This was the first-ever conference sponsored by More Light Presbyterians, That All May Freely Serve and the Shower of Stoles Project.

Shelly Holle and Patrick Evans created worship, liturgy and music that was joyful, inspiring, life-affirming, reflective and a celebration of our being God's people, the Church. The keynote preachers were Heidi Peterson, pastor, Central Presbyterian; Martha Juillerat, National Program Director, Shower of Stoles Project; Tony Hoshaw, M.Div. student, McCormick Seminary; and Bill Tammeus, Columnist, Kansas City Star. Michael Kirby wrote the Bible Study materials for the small group gatherings.  [Click on a name for that person's sermon.]

An official proclamation from the City of Kansas City and personal greetings by Mayor Kay Barnes, and by the Moderator of the Heartland Presbytery, Heidi Peterson, also host pastor, offered a warm and genuine welcome to us. There were members and pastors from 23 of our More Light Presbyterian Churches, as well as seminary students and leaders from several of our Seminary and Regional MLP Chapters.

MLP held its annual meeting which was convened by Donna Riley and Bill Moss. Our annual report, budget, strategy for GA 2004, new projects, a Celebration of our 30th Year, the nominating committee and a field outreach report were shared. Outgoing National MLP Board Members, Bill Moss, Dick Lundy and Katie Ricks were recognized, and new or returning Board Members, Erin Swenson, Deb Mullen, Susan DeGeorge, Rob Cummings and Jack Cover were nominated and confirmed.

Over 2 dozen workshops provided the educational component on a wide range of topics including: LGBT 101, Liturgical Arts, the Bible, Becoming a Welcoming/More Light Congregation, Same-Sex Marriage, Support for Parents and Families of LGBT Children, LGBTQ Youth Identity & Inclusion, Working for Change at General Assembly, Transgender & Intersex, Racism, Dismantling Heterosexism, Economic Justice, Bisexualty, and Building A Church for All.

African drumming, the Heartland Men's Chorus, the Kansas City Women's Chorus, and the Conference Choir led by Patrick Evans brought beautiful and inspiring music along with all of us singing hymns and choral music together in worship. A Jazz BBQ Celebration on Saturday evening gave us a chance for extended conversations, making new friends, a time for joyful reunions, and recognition of the local conference team, national committee and host church.

Among us were the highest percentage of first-time Conference participants, plus a strong number of transgender, intersex and bisexual persons, as well as youth, young adults, college and seminary students. We were a wonderful, rainbow family.

Katie Ricks and David Murad, Conference Co-Chairs, brought insight, depth and a fresh spirit. The National Conference Committee, COLA Team, and the host church deserve our deepest gratitude for putting together and offering this remarkable, life-changing, national conference. A very good time was had by all in Kansas City last weekend.

Not unlike the Olympics, three groups last Saturday night were already bidding for hosting the next National Conference - Louisville, Tuscaloosa, and Nashville! I am so grateful for those of you who made the trip to be with us for your national conference. If you were not able to with us this time you were missed, so join us next time! Keep posted for news of our next regional and national conferences.

with hope and grace,
Michael

Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer
More Light Presbyterians, 369 Montezuma Avenue # 447, Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 820-7082, MichaelAdee@aol.com, www.mlp.org