Departments and Ministries
Christian Education Dept. Missions Dept. Evangelism Children Dept. Youth Dept. Ushers Dept. Music Dept. Drama Dept. Ministries
Ammie Washington Director
Officers
Inez Marshall Mission Ministries
Sheila Wimberly Women's Auxiliary
Cedric
Phelps Laymen's League
Chaundra Elias Young People Dept.
Patricia Whitehurst Min. of Evangelism
Robin James Director
Jackie
Phelps Director
Jeanette Clark Director
Johnny Shepherd Minister of Music
Carrie Ashmore-Bell Director
Deacon Board
Andre' Elias Chairman
Bruce Washington Vice Chairman
Trustee Board
Ronn Washington Chairman
John Clayton Vice Chairman
Department of Christian Education
Sunday School Structured in three divisions: Adult, Youth and Children. There are superintendents in both the adult and youth division. Sunday School serves to educate students to Biblical truths with present day applications. All material is especially written to address the level of understanding of students in every division: Nursery {ages 3-5}, Primary {ages 6-8}, Juniors {ages 9-11}, Intermediates {ages 12-14}, Senior High {ages 15-17}, Young Adults {ages 18-34}, Young Adult Couples {ages 18-34}, Adult Women {ages 35-59}, Senior Men { ages 35 & above}, Senior Women {ages 60 & above}. Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m.
Bible Study Structured in three divisions: Adult, Youth Movement ll and Children. Both Children and Youth Movement ll Bible study runs parallel with Adult study but is designed to appeal to children and youth. Mid-Week Bible Study directly proceeds Mid-Week Prayer Service. The time is Wednesday 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School is a summer program designed to teach the Bible through various fun activities. We try to reach unsaved children and adults in our local community and city. We have classes for children, youth and adults. Vacation Bible School is held during the month of June.
New Member Orientation The objective is to provide information regarding salvation, faith, stewardship, Christian discipleship and our church environment. The program consists of four 45-minute classroom sessions. [1st Sunday, Session One: The Basic Steps to Salvation and the Articles of Faith, 2nd Sunday, Session Two: Stewardship and the Church Covenant, 3rd Sunday, Session Three: Introduction to Morning Star and Its Ministries, and 4th Sunday, Session Four: Sunday School Orientation and Ministry Selection]. The new members are given a New Member Certificate in a brief ceremony during the 11 a.m. worship service on the fourth Sunday after completion of the four session program.
The objectives of the Department of Missions are:1. To cultivate and stimulate a missionary spirit [a desire to bring others to Christ] in all members of the church through prayer, increased knowledge of the Bible, study of missions, organized personal service for the needs of the community, and promotion of regular systematic contributions to local and general benevolence and missionary interests that are undertaken by the church and the department. 2. To foster the religious training of the children and young people of the church by means of the Church Missionary Auxiliaries and affiliated organizations. Each auxiliary has its own set of officers selected to meet the needs of its members. It is the needs of our communities that help us shape our program. The third Sunday of each month is Mission Sunday.
Departmental Structure
| Women's Auxiliary
Deaconess Ministers' Wives Business and Professional Circle Willing Workers Ruth Circle Ida Circle Senior Mission ages 37 and above Young Women {YWA} ages 18-36 unmarried Young Matrons {YMA} ages 18-36 married Young Adults Ministry {YAM} Men & Women Senior Red Circle ages 15-17 Intermediate Red Circle ages 12-14 Junior Red Circle ages 9-11 Sunshine Band ages 4-8 {girls and boys} Sunbeams ages 1-3 {girls and boys}
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Men's Auxiliary
Laymen's League Junior Laymen's League Young Men ages 18-36 unmarried Young Men ages 18-36 married Senior Boys 15-17 Intermediate Boys ages 12-14 Junior Boys ages 9-11
Officers |
Evangelism is the presentation of the Good News of God in Jesus Christ so that men are brought through the power of the Holy Spirit to put their trust in God, to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior from the guilt and power of sin and to follow and serve Him as their Lord in the fellowship of the church and in the vocations of life. Morning Star Evangelism Ministry is spreading the message of the gospel to the lost. They are looking for persons with a desire to learn how to become "fishers of men". The ministry needs prayer warriors, counsels, telephone committee and persons who are willing to work assigned neighborhoods.
The Children's Ministry of our church consists of children ages 11 and under. We strive to provide them with programs and activities that will help them develop into mature Christians in accordance with the Word and Will of God. The Children's Ministry annual programs are: Children's Choir Musical, Children's Camp and Retreat, Children's Anniversary, Honors Banquet, Easter Program and Christmas Program.
Children's Worship These services are designed to meet the worship needs of all children ages one to eleven. The goal of this ministry is to help children develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through exciting lessons, songs, Bible stories, puppet shows, fun games and crafts. They are taught at an age appropriate level. The group is divided by ages: {1-3 years}, {4-6 years}, {7-9 years} and {10 & 11 years}. They meet three Sundays in each month; first, third and fourth. The 4th. Sunday is designated as fun Sunday. The children dress casual and have fun playing Bible related activities. Snacks are provided for the children. The children worship with the adult body on second and fifth Sundays which are designed as youth and children worship services.
Junior Sunday School Junior Sunday School is designed to meet the educational needs of our children in the Word of God. The classes consist of: Nursery {ages 3-5}, Primary {ages 6-8}, and Juniors {ages 9-11}.
Children's Bible Study The children are taught at an age appropriate level and are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Fun activities are used to help children learn the Word of God. Children's Bible study runs parallel with Adult study.
Children's Choir The children's choir, called the Morning Stars, is a music ministry for children ages three to eleven. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday before the second Sunday. The children's choir minister to the congregation every second Sunday.
Junior Ushers The junior ushers are trained in the duties of the usher for participation in 2nd and fifth Sunday Morning Worship Services. Children and youth may serve as junior ushers. They meet on the Saturday before the second Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Junior Deacons The junior deacons are trained to be devotional leaders. They serve in this capacity on 2nd. Sunday which is designated as Youth Sunday. They also serve as devotional leaders on fifth Sunday. Young boys between the ages of 6 to 11 may train to be junior deacons. They meet at 12:00 noon Saturday before the second Sunday.
Children's Recreation Program This program is designed to allow the children of our church from various teams to participate in each sport season.
Children's Mission Groups Children's mission groups consists of: Sunbeams {ages 1-3}, Sunshine Band {ages 4-8}, Junior Red Circle {ages 9-11} and the Laymen League Junior Boys {ages 9-11}. Both girls and boys may participate in the Sunbeams and Sunshine Band.
Community Base Tutorial Ministry We offer after school tutorial classes for elementary students. Academic assistance is given in Reading, Language Arts, Spelling, Math, and the LEAP and IWOA test skills. The classes are held September - March from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Life Center. Church members as well as non-members may attend. Snacks are provided for the students.
Summer Enrichment/Summer Camp The summer enrichment program is held during the months of June and July. We offer academic skills in preparation for the coming school year. The time is 8 to 12 noon. Students eat lunch at a nearby school. Summer camp starts at 1 p.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Children have fun skating, blowing, Sci port, movies and other activities.
Visions Liturgical Dance Ministry Visions perform dance routines for the glory of the Lord. The dancers perform during special occasions at Morning Star and other churches.
Precious Lambs Mime Ministry
Youth and Young People Department
The Youth Ministry of our church consists of youth between the ages of 12-25. The department seeks to provide our youth with training, Biblical knowledge and Christian activities in accordance with their age group through workshops, trips, lock-ins, and other activities. The department has a parental involvement group called the Parent Awareness Network {P.A.N.} which is informed of all group activities, goals and plans. The Youth Department has a large scope of Annual Programs to educate, motivate, encourage and energize our youth for further Christian service. The programs are: Youth Anniversary, Youth Usher's Day, Annual Musical Extravaganza, Annual Youth Revival, Annual Graduates Banquet, Annual City Wide Bible Bowl, Annual Fashion Show, Christmas Cantata and Pageant, Beaux and Deb Pageant, Annual Prayer Breakfast and Christian Camp in Baton Rouge or Grambling. Workshops and seminars for young people include: Understanding Mission, Careers, Christian Dating, Stabilizing the Family, and Time Management. They also have special outings.
Youth Worship This ministry is designed to meet the needs of youth between the ages of 12-17. They meet on 3rd and 4th Sundays. The lessons are designed to teach youth the Biblical and practical responses to the issues they are faced with in today's society.
Youth Sunday School Youth Sunday School is designed to meet the educational needs of our youth. The classes consist of: Intermediates {ages 12-14} and Senior High {ages 15-17}.
Youth Bible Study Youth Movement Bible study is designed to appeal to youth. They are encouraged to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Youth Bible study runs parallel with Adult study.
Youth Mission Groups Youth mission groups consists of: Intermediate Red Circle {ages 12-14}, Senior Red Circle {ages 15-17}.
Youth Choir The youth choir is a music ministry composed of two choirs according to age groups. The Youth for Christ Chorus {ages 12-17} and the Inspirational Chorus {ages 18-25}. They minister to the congregation on 2nd. Sundays.
Junior Ushers The junior ushers are trained in the duties of the usher for participation in 2nd and fifth Sunday Morning Worship Services. Children and youth may serve as junior ushers. They meet on the Saturday before the second Sunday at 12:30 p.m.
Youth Deacons The youth deacons serves as devotional leaders on 2nd and fifth Sundays. They are trained in basic guidelines on the duties of the Deacon. Young men between the ages of 12 to 18 may train to be youth deacons. They meet at 12:00 noon Saturday before the second Sunday. Greeters Ministry Door Greeters greet all visitors as well as members in the foyer of the church. Their duties are to provide directions to church facilities and information. They are the first to welcome our visitors. They serve on second Sunday of each month.
Liturgical Dance Ministry The liturgical dancers are a group of Christian youth both male and female who perform dance routines for the glory of the Lord. The dancers perform during special occasions at Morning Star and other churches and events. Practice sessions are held on Monday.
Mime Ministry This ministry is just for committed, hard working young men. It is a form of drama with visual expressions of a song or story through the movement of actors to glorify the Lord. The movements are carefully times to lyrics and/or rhythm. The group's name is "Strong Tower", taken from Proverbs 18:10.
Girl Scouts The Girl Scout troop provides training, exercises and activities for girls age 11-17. The scouting program is designed to help girls learn the importance of personal responsibility, setting goals, teamwork and accomplishment. The Girl Scouts experience is also designed to help girls realize their full potential, relate more effectively to others, develop a Christ-based value system and contribute to the improvement of society.
Boy Scouts The Boy Scout troop is open to boys age 11-17. Scouting provides educational and practical opportunities for boys to learn valuable skills regarding personal responsibility, teamwork and accomplishments. Boys are encouraged to strive to reach their full potential, relate effectively to others, develop a Christ-based value system and contribute to the improvement of society.
The ushers department is divided into four groups: Senior Usher Board, Senior Usher Board # 2, Junior Ushers and Nurses Guild. The Senior Board serves on third Sunday as a group.. Senior Board # 2 serves on fourth Sunday as a group. Both boards serve on first Sunday, which is Communion Sunday. Junior ushers serve on second and fifth Sundays. The duties of the ushers include: greeting guest and members with a warm smile, handing out worship programs and envelopes, assist with seating, direct worshippers for the offering, give directions to guest of church facilities, and keep the sanctuary supplied with tissue on each window sill.
The Nurses Guild assist members and visitors with non-medical assistance.
There is a wide range of diversity within the music department. Adults, youth and children minister to the congregation through songs. The music department consist of the Mass Choir, Brotherhood Chorus, Youth for Christ/Inspiration Chorus and the Morning Stars Children's Choir. The Mass Choir ministers to the congregation on first, third and fourth Sundays at 11 a.m. morning service with an array of songs. The Brotherhood Chorus ministers at the 8 a.m. morning service and on the fifth Sunday. The second Sunday is youth Sunday. The children and youth choirs ministers to the congregation. Special musical programs are scheduled throughout the year.
The Morning Star Drama Ministry provides a means to communicate "gospel truth". It also provides an environment for spiritual growth for the performers. Drama is another avenue through which the church projects its message. It is an effective tool for use in all areas of the church and its ministries. The drama ministry performs during Black History Month, Easter and Christmas. They also participate in presentations for Mother's Day, Father's Day and youth worship services. Any member of the church may join the Drama Ministry. Help is needed with props, scenery, costumes, rehearsals and music etc.
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Homebound Ministry
This ministry is designed to minister to people who are unable to attend church on a regular basis or unable to return to church because of illness. Members of the ministry conduct worship services in the homes of our shut-in members. These worship services include: Devotion {quiet song, scripture, prayer} Lesson Plan {Sunday School, Bible Study and Mission lessons and Christian discussion. A member is assigned to teach the children in the home. A member also minister to the caregiver. The Lord's Supper is administered upon request. Homebound members are provided with access to video or audio tapes of special church events or services upon request. The ministry provides other services such as errands and small household chores. |
Andre Elias Coordinator
This ministry provides spiritual counseling to incarcerated or imprisoned persons and their families in an effort to aid them in establishing or reestablishing their relationship with God. Activities of the Prison Ministry include; conducting worship services at a nearby prison facility on the second, third and fourth Sundays of each month in a congregational setting. These services include a formal welcome, prayer, Scripture reading, meditation, songs, responsive reading, a message from God and an invitation to discipleship. Members of the Prison Ministry receive training regarding procedures for providing service in the prison. This ministry mailed Christmas gifts to children of incarcerated prisoners as an outreach community project. |
{Adult} Coordinator
Earnestine Smallwood
{Children} Coordinator Ethel Archangel 
Youth} Supervisor Dede Johnson The Door Greeter ministry is responsible for ministering to visitors to the church by providing hospitality, information and assistance in a warm, friendly and cordial manner. A team of Door Greeters are assigned to work each Sunday. Members of the Door Greeters ministry include adults, youth and children. They are the first to greet our guest with a friendly smile.
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Ollie Wimberly Coordinator The main objective of the Benevolent Ministry is to assist members of our congregation during times of financial crisis or other related difficulties. The ministry's activities include helping our members with funeral arrangements, purchasing floras, medication cost, food, short time shelter and utility expenses This is a continuous service ministry. Meetings are held on an as needed basis. |
Lucy Wright Coordinator The Bereaved Ministry's main purpose is to provide physical, emotional and spiritual comfort and support as needed to bereaved families or members of our congregation. Specific activities include accompanying the pastor to visit the bereaved family or member and working with the family or member in making funeral arrangements when requested. Assistance or service is provided before and after the funeral. |
Mary Walker Coordinator The Widow's Ministry was organized to provide mutual support for widowed members of our congregation. Its primary activity consist of monthly sessions which include spiritual and emotional support for one another. All widowed members of the Morning Star congregation are invited and encouraged to attend the meetings and join the ministry.
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Mary Walker Coordinator The Nursing Home Ministry functions to provide spiritual comfort and worship opportunity to members and others who reside in nursing or convalescence facilities and who are unable to attend Sunday School, Bible Study or church services. Specific activities include scheduling a visit to a selected facility and offering worship services in the form of prayer, Scripture reading, meditation and words of inspiration. |
Patricia Thomas Coordinator The Elderly Ministry's primary focus is to minister to the spiritual, social, physical, educational and emotional needs of the elder {ages 60 and above} members of our congregation. The ministry's annual activities include a health fair, two or three field trips for elder members, continuous counseling and a banquet. The Elderly Ministry also recognizes senior members on Mother's Day, Father's Day and on their birthdays. |
Colleen Elias Coordinator The Rescue Mission Ministry provides services to individuals who have fallen on hard times. This ministry provides spiritual and emotional support, counseling and material needs to homeless or needy individuals. We minister at the Rescue Mission on the fourth Sunday of each month. We provide worship services within a thirty {30} minute time frame to those who may visit the homeless shelter. Special attention is given to special occasion days for the shelter such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. |
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Percy Fredrick Coordinator
The main objective of the Hospitality Committee is to provide food, fellowship and support during certain church events. Specific activities include acquiring, preparing and serving food during these events. The ministry also provides food and fellowship to bereaved members of the church family. This ministry is responsible for providing supplies for church auxiliaries and ministries for their functions. |
James White Coordinator This ministry is responsible for providing specialized service to the congregation, including ensuring that microphones and speakers operate properly during worship and other services in the sanctuary. This ministry is also responsible for maintaining and installing equipment as needed. This ministry produce videos, audio cassettes and compact discs of services and other events. They are responsible for duplicating videos, audio cassettes and compact discs for purchase. Pre payment of $10.00 is required for all compact discs and videos. Cassette tapes may be purchased for $5.00. |
Henry Willis Coordinator
Ollie Wimberly Coordinator The focus of the Social Services Ministry is to provide assistance to families and individuals who have encountered certain hardships. This assistance may include food, clothing or monetary aid. Activities of the Social Services Ministry are coordinated with the Benevolent Committee and Homebound Ministry. All families and individuals who apply for assistance are evaluated for special needs. Certain information may need to be provided before assistance is given.
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Earnestine Smallwood Coordinator 
