Sunday worship services in Oakland
every Sunday at 10 a.m.
HomeAbout UsGovernance

Governance

Presbyterians are known for doing things “decently and in order!” Here at MPC we are not as orderly as some others in our denomination. We do, however, have a system of governance that we follow. In fact, the Presbyterian system is based on a democracy. (Fun fact: Some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were Presbyterian men. It’s interesting how the church has impacted the state.) One of the deeply held beliefs of Presbyterians and one of the cornerstones of ministry here at MPC is the “The Priesthood of All Believers.” That is, it is the job of everyone – ministers and lay people alike – to share the Good News with and transform the whole world. We do not believe in the “authority” of the Pastor; instead, we believe we all have gifts to be shared in a collegial way.

Our “ruling” body is called the “Session.” Currently our Session is currently comprised of 12 ordained elders who have been nominated and elected by the members of the congregation as representative of them. Elders serve a 3 year term. They are different than elected political officials in that they are charged with making decisions based on how God is leading them – in other words, voting by their consciences as led by the Holy Spirit, rather than by how they think the membership would want them to vote.

Current Session Agendas

Current Session Approved Minutes

Current Session Approved Minutes for Congregational Meetings

Members of Session

Session Class of 2027

  • Rob Elia
  • Karen Ray Gibson
  • Rick Heller
  • Jerry White

Session Class of 2028

  • Tara Flanagan
  • Eloise Gilland
  • Allen Spore
  • Pat Schwinn

Session Class of 2029

  • Deborah Brooks
  • Cynthia Cudaback
  • Shelley Kelly
  • Martha Smith

Clerk of Session

  • Susanne Lea