Lay Leadership

Our congregation is self-governing — anyone can serve; anyone can lead. We have the freedom to create programs and activities, serve the wider community and spend money in ways that make a difference. Our leadership board, called the Session, guides the congregation in collaboration with the staff. The Deacons provide compassion and support to members of the congregation in need. The Nominating and Engagement Team helps individuals discern how to engage in the life and leadership of the church, nominating people to assume leadership roles. Together, we discern God’s call and live out our faith.

The Board of Deacons

Session

The Board of Deacons

The Deacons are responsible for leading the congregation’s care of its members.  Often this effort focuses on our elder members, many of whom are homebound or face other challenges.  However, Deacons facilitate the care of the whole congregation and have systems to respond to the needs of all ages. 

Memorial/Funeral Services and Luncheons – The Deacons host luncheons for memorial services and receptions for other special events celebrating the lives and milestone events of church members (anniversary, wedding, ordination, etc.). The Deacons partner with Congregational Fellowship for certain events and rely on volunteer bakers who provide delicious treats.

Care Visits and Contacts – Deacons keep elderly and homebound members of the church connected to the congregation through in-person visits, phone calls, cards, and flower deliveries.

Rides to Church – Deacons coordinate rides to church on Sunday mornings for those who are unable to drive.

Act Now – Deacons coordinate the preparation and delivery of meals and help address other needs for members when some additional assistance may be needed due to surgery, illness, welcoming a new baby, etc. 

Care Packages for Students – Deacons send care packages to first-year college students away from home to remind them of the love and care of the MPUC community.

Cards and Bereavement Books – Deacons send get well cards and sympathy cards/bereavement books to church members in need, and birthday cards to those celebrating milestone birthdays.

Prayer Chain – Deacons and congregation members pray for specific needs of individual church members. If you have a need that you would like the Deacons to pray for, email mpucprays@gmail.com.

Prayer Shawls – Deacons deliver prayer shawls, knit by church members, to remind those undergoing difficult times of the care and support of the MPUC community.

The Session

The  Session is the governing board of the church, representing its members.  In collaboration with the ministers, it discerns God’s call for the congregation, makes policy decisions, and oversees and supports all the activities of the church through various committees and teams as needed.  If you would like to learn more about the Session or any of the ministries of the church, please email the office.

Current Session Members

Officers
Sue Hall, Vice-Moderator

Sheila Hatchell, Clerk

Chris Kemp, Treasurer and Administration

Session Members

Cathy Latham — Administration                                                                                                                                

Dana Bedingfield — Congregational Care and Connection

Becky Rice — Congregational Care and Connection

Margo Dickinson — Wider Community Impact  

Rick Hedrick — Worship and Faith Formation

Tim Ward — Worship and Faith Formation                                                                         

Rich Passmore — At-large