Please join us in appreciating and celebrating Rev. Jess Cook’s ministry with More Light Presbyterians! After four years as Program and Communications Manager, Jess has concluded their role at MLP. We are deeply grateful for Jess’ ministry with More Light Presbyterians which has supported thousands of individuals and hundreds of congregations with life-saving and love-affirming resources, liturgies, and pastoral presence.

Over the past four years Jess has been instrumental in growing and expanding More Light’s digital presence, resources, Teach-Ins and workshops.  They transformed our More Light Teach-Ins and our Virtual Pulpit Supply into sought-after digital resources for hundreds of communities. Jess developed and expanded More Light’s online presence into a much shared ministry of support and affirmation. Through their social media work, we learned that ministry is more than what happens in the pulpit and pews; it can happen anywhere we have a connection.  Offline, Jess served as a patient and pastoral presence for many who needed care and a listening ear, as well as a dynamic workshop leader at our many in-person events. Their  partnership and collaboration enabled More Light to quadruple the number of congregations and individuals we serve.

Jess has never shied away from proclaiming who we are called to be. They consistently reminded us of our commitment to stand at the intersection of multiple identities, creating space for a diversity of voices and perspectives, so that we could live as a whole, embodied community of faith. Jess generously shared their gifts and talents with the MLP community in ways that transformed how many experienced the Spirit.

To honor Jess’ ministry with More Light and their ongoing ministry to the world, we invite you  to make a financial gift to Side by Side, an organization serving LGBTQIA+ youth in Richmond, VA where Jess serves on the Board of Directors. We at More Light have given an initial gift of $500 to honor Jess’ ministry. Click here to share your gift: https://www.sidebysideva.org/donate, when donating online be sure to mark the option to honor Jess with your donation.

We, the Board and staff of More Light Presbyterians, express our deep gratitude for Jess’ ministry at MLP with the sure knowledge that they will continue to create inroads to abundant inclusion and justice everywhere they go.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Alex Patchin McNeill
MLP Executive Director

Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia and Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt
MLP Board Co-Moderators