“The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is governed by councils, which “exist to help congregations and the church as a whole be more faithful participants in the mission of Christ.” The councils of the church are the session, the presbytery, the synod and the General Assembly. The session is the council for the congregation and is composed of ruling elders, elected by the congregation to active service, as well as all installed pastors and associate pastors.
The session is responsible for governing the congregation and guiding its witness to the sovereign activity of God in the world so that the congregation is and becomes a community of faith, hope, love and witness. In seeking to help the congregation be and become this community, the session has an important role as it engages in prayerful discernment and attends to how God’s Spirit may be at work in the congregation and in the broader community. Along these lines, we recognize that ruling elders are provided “with particular gifts to share in discernment of God’s Spirit and governance of God’s
people” and that “together with teaching elders, exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment and discipline and have responsibilities for the life a congregation as well as the whole church.” from PC(USA) New Form of Government
Elders Serving on the MCPC Session
Class of 2026: Mark Bergeron, Shirley Reese
Class of 2027: George Huggins, 505-463-2581
Class of 2028: Flo MacMullen, Balinda Washington
Clerk of Session: Shirley Reese
Moderator of Session: Rev. Diane Hoppe Hugo
The Session usually meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Topics discussed and actions taken at a meeting are recorded in the minutes. Motions approved by Session will be posted here when they are ready. Approval of minutes are not included in this list.
March 18, 2026
MOTION: That the following revised Winter Weather Policy be adopted and be included in the Manual of Administrative Operations:
3.1 Winter Weather Procedure
3.1.1 Advisory Announced by NWS
If a winter storm warning is announced by the National Weather Service (NWS), in-person worship will be cancelled and worship will be by Zoom and Facebook only. If a winter storm watch is announced by the NWS prior to Sunday worship, at least two Elders will confer with the Pastor (if available) to estimate the intensity and time of arrival into the MCPC area. If warranted, in-person worship will be cancelled and worship will be conducted over Zoom and Facebook live. This policy will be announced in the late fall via the weekly UPDATE and from the pulpit.
3.1.2 Individual Notification by Shepherds
In both the Winter Storm Warning and Winter Storm Watch, Shepherds will determine which church attendees will need a phone call to notify them of the cancellation of in-person worship because they do not have access to internet or for other reasons. APPROVED
MOTION: That we order one wireless earpiece and have it installed with the idea that if it is very successful, a second might be ordered for second speakers. The expense to be taken from the Memorial Funds. Cost to be $1080. APPROVED
MOTION: The Session approves the replacement of 9 emergency battery units and the 1 emergency exit sign, and that the Property Committee and Bright Start share in the expenditures, where MCPC would be responsible for 60% of the costs and Bright Start would pay for the remaining 40%. The total cost is estimated to be around $2055, but the cost may vary slightly if comparable suitable bid(s) are obtained. Final costs will be provided to Session once determined. APPROVED
MOTION: That we disapprove this request and future for-profit requests, based on the information that our non-profit status would be removed if we were to rent to a for-profit organization. APPROVED
MOTION: If the way be clear that we approve the use of the West Room for an Active Hope Workshop on a given Thursday in April. APPROVED
MOTION: That the Session of Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church repudiates the Doctrine of Discovery. We confess our complicity in the injustice of the Doctrine and promise to: (1) educate our congregation on the history and implications of the Doctrine; (2) work with higher councils to reinforce proliferation of repudiation to other Sessions and higher councils; and (3) cultivate relationships with Native American individuals and tribes, and especially Native American congregations. APPROVED
MOTION: That we move the Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church’s accounts from MT Bank to the Atlantic Federal Credit Union. APPROVED
February 25, 2026
MOTION: That we approve the expenditure of $3,153.00 initial testing and a temporary repair for an air leak in our sprinkler system. There may be additional charges for the total repair. This repair is required to keep the sprinkler system in full compliance for Bright Start to remain open. APPROVED
MOTION: That we use Breeze to create a Pictorial Directory for the congregation. APPROVED
December 17, 2025
MOTION: That we move Diana Forsyth from the active roll. APPROVED
MOTION: That, with regret and best wishes we honor Darryl and Karen’s request to transfer their membership in Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church to that of the Wales Presbyterian Church. *The Clerk will send a Letter of Transfer. APPROVED
MOTION: That we approved the 2026 Faith Budget as presented. APPROVED
November 12, 2025
MOTION: That we approve the collection of requested restocked items for the Tedford Housing Warming Center in March 2025 for the needs in April. APPROVED
MOTION: That we donate $800 from the proceeds of the 2025 Pumpkin Patch and add the $100 donation from Louise Owens MacBride to make our total donation to Wabanaki REACH $900. APPROVED
October 5, 2025
MOTION: That worship be held in the Fellowship Hall during January, February and March. APPROVED
September 17, 2025
MOTION: That we designate the entire $1,000 [from the PNNE Matthew 25 grant] to the Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services (MEIRS) in Lewiston. APPROVED
MOTION: That the 25% of MCPC’s local portion of the 2025 Peace & Global Witness Offering be designated for the Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition (MIRC). APPROVED
MOTION: To adapt the Bylaws Changes document (attached) as a working document of Session, with changes as necessary, and to have the final document by January 4 for printing and distribution before and during the Congregation meeting scheduled for January 25, 2026. APPROVED
MOTION: To approve the MCPC Administrative Manual, version DRAFT3. APPROVED
MOTION: That we approve this procedure for communion [kept in a folder in the MCPC office] and that all previous versions be deleted. APPROVED
MOTION: To approve and elect George Huggins as Treasurer, MCPC, with a term no longer than five years, and to assume duties on February 8, 2026. APPROVED
MOTION: That we approve Bright Start’s request to install a vented washer/dryer in the Women’s Restroom. APPROVED
July 9, 2025
WINTER WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY:
(1) If a winter weather advisory is announced by NOAA on the Saturday morning prior to Sunday worship, in-person worship will be cancelled and worship will be conducted over zoom and FB live. This policy will be announced in late fall via the weekly update and from the pulpit.
(2) If a winter weather advisory is issued later on Saturday or very early on Sunday, any church officer who is aware of this should immediately contact the Pastor. In this case members will be notified by email or telephone chain as quickly as possible.
(3) Shepherds/Deacons will determine any church members who will need a phone call to notify them of the cancellation of in-person worship because they do not have access to the internet or for other reasons.
APPROVED at UnRetreat, April 26, 2025
June 11, 2025
MOTION: That we hire Mandy Madsen for 2 to 3 hours maintenance cleaning every other week going forward at the rate of $35/hour. May be amended as necessary. APPROVED
May 14, 2025
MOTION: That we receive Joanne Hardy into the membership of Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church by transfer of letter. APPROVED
MOTION: That we approve at the recommendation of the Property Committee, the work to be done to repair the parking lot (raise the catch basin cover and frame and remove and replace the broken asphalt pavement) as presented in the April 15, 2025 Labbe proposal for the sum of $4,225. APPROVED
VALIDATION OF EMAIL VOTE April 23, 2025
OMNIBUS MOTION: The following is authorized by Session for the year 2025:
Shirley Reese to be elected Clerk of Session.
Balinda Washington be elected as Treasurer for MCPC; the treasurer will have privilege of the floor at Session meetings.
Session authorizes but does not require celebration of the Lord’s Supper by selected clergy, on the first Sunday of each month in which worship is held, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, and health care facilities (as requested). The Lord’s Supper must be celebrated at least quarterly.
Session authorizes the pastor to invite to the pulpit preachers who have previously been approved by Session.
The Session reports its composition as three females and two males, which is representative of the congregation.
All hiring must be done in accordance with equal opportunity and fair labor practices.
The Clerk of Session is authorized to complete and submit the annual statistical report to the denomination on behalf of the session.
Excused absences are approved as determined by the Clerk of Session.
Session authorizes the Pastor to perform funerals as needed.
Session authorizes the Building Use Coordinator to schedule previously approved outside group use of the building in accordance with church policies and in consultation with the pastor. New requests for building use must come to Session for approval.
The Session authorizes a review of all church insurance policies to be done annually.
The Session selects and authorizes two church members to perform a financial review of church financial records during the first quarter of the year for the previous year.
The Session approves the adoption of the Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Presbytery of Northern New England.
The Session extends an invitation to the current PNNE moderator to preach.
MOTION: The Brunswick Pride Festival will be June 14 from 12 to 5. Pastor Diane proposed that MCPC be a member of Queer Spirit, a group of local churches that are welcoming and inclusive, and which will be at the Festival providing information about the congregations as safe spaces. APPROVED
MOTION: That MCPC contribute $100 to Brunswick Pride to sponsor the festival, which will come from the Deacons Fund. APPROVED
MOTION: The $80 membership fee for the Brunswick Interfaith Council Network, also to come from the Deacons Fund. APPROVED
MOTION: Request from Maine/Sagadahoc Democrats for use of building for Town Hall. … the following from the Administrative Manual as to occupancy of both Fellowship Hall and the Sanctuary for consideration of this request.
The Fellowship Hall is limited to 108 occupants.
The Sanctuary is limited to 333 occupants.
Session agreed by consensus that the use of Fellowship Hall up to the stated limit is APPROVED, but not the Sanctuary.
MOTION: The Bright Start graduation will be June 5. Session APPROVED by consensus to allow Bright Start to leave children’s rain gear to dry in Fellowship Hall behind some room dividers.
MOTION: The Deacons requested to divide the 40% portion of the Pentecost Offering for local use between the Mid Coast Youth Center and the Pine Tree Society. APPROVED by Session by consensus.
MOTION: A proposal from George Huggins to apply for a Synod Seed Grant of $500, as set forth in the annexed document titled: Community Together – A Proposal to the Synod Grant Taskforce, Presbytery of Northern New England Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church, Topsham, ME, May 2025, was unanimously APPROVED
April 9, 2025
MOTION: Letter from PNNE Mission Outreach Committee reminding us of the Matthew 25 Grant Report due date. The Clerk has completed a report detailing Tedford Housing ministry’s impact on the community in empowering people in the community to move from homelessness to home – solving housing crises one household at a time. The report includes the cover letter to Tedford Housing, the notice included in the weekly MCPC UPDATE informing the congregation of the grant, and the letter of gratitude from Andrew Lardie, Executive Director of Tedford Housing. This letter is included in the Thank You Binder in the Narthex. Copies of all were sent via email for Session review. *The Clerk will forward all to the Mission Outreach Committee of PNNE upon approval. APPROVED
MOTION: That, if the way be clear, we baptize both baby girls [Elowyn Margaret, Maple Anne] during the service of worship on Sunday, April 27, 2025. APPROVED
MOTION: That we raise the price of an 8×4 [Columbarium] plate cost from $225 to $300, and the cost of an 8×8 plate for two from $365 to $400 plus shipping. The niche fee itself will be raised to $500. APPROVED
MOTION: Request from Domestic Abuse Prevention Program … to post posters. Approved
February 12, 2025
MOTION: That we hold both Sunday Worship and the Annual Meeting on February 16, 2025 via Zoom and Facebook live only, due to another predicted storm. APPROVED
MOTION: Time of examination and discussion with still to be elected Elders and Deacons will be set for Wednesday, February 26, at 6:30 via zoom. The Clerk will notify all involved. APPROVED
MOTION: That we approve Pastor Diane’ Missional Leadership Cohort study leave plan, a mostly online 9-month series of coursework, coaching calls and online retreats lead by The Rev. Dr. Dawn Alitx, the Director of Coaching at Luther Seminary. APPROVED
MOTION: That Session approve the installation of a gas dryer in the alcove off Fellowship Hall as this is an outside wall allowing the dryer to be vented. A gas line will need to be extended APPROVED
By consensus, Session also APPROVED the addition of a covered gazebo for outdoor classrooms and shade/rain cover for the playground.
Mid-Coast Presbyterian Church 