Diane Hoppe Hugo has been the pastor of Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church in Topsham, Maine since July of 2009 . Diane brings a unique perspective to the pulpit: with 10 years in the hospitality industry, and 8 years as a stay-at-home mom in between pulpits, she took a less typical route to the ministry. Initially intending seminary to become a Professor of Religion, she left her home in California and headed to Yale Divinity School where she was surprised by a call from God to a vocation for which she’d apparently been preparing all her life. While serving an internship in a church in New York City, she met her husband of 28 years, Buckley Hugo, and has lived on the East Coast ever since. In addition to MCPC, she has served churches in New York and New Jersey. And Buckley, in true clergy-spouse form, has been a volunteer accompanist at MCPC for many years.

In addition to serving as pastor, Diane is president of the Brunswick Area Interfaith Council (BAIC) and serves on the Leadership Commission of the Presbytery of Northern New England. She is also on the Maine Council of Churches and Clergy Liaison for the Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery along with being a guest speaker and worship leader for their retreats. Having completed the Sacred Ground program of the Episcopal Church, she has been trained as a facilitator and looks forward to joining others in exploring racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society.

Throughout her life and ministry she has been committed to all aspects of inclusiveness; this commitment has been strengthened through the journey of raising an autistic young adult and an artistic non-binary young adult. Diane’s favorite part of ministry is conversation and lively discussion around Bible study, social or theological issues, or whether or not her favorite team, the 49ers, are headed for the Super Bowl. She continues to explore a variety of spiritual disciplines through artistic expression, writing, guided meditation, photography, and travel. Come and meet Diane, she is eager to greet you.

You may contact Pastor Diane at pastor@mcpcmaine.net.  She is also on Facebook.

Some of Diane’s Favorite Websites
Camp POSTCARD (Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams) – a free week-long program to mentor and encourage kids while improving their perceptions of law enforcement.
Lent Madness – a Lenten journey learning about and from the Saints of the church and of the world.