Better known to all as “Pastor Tim,” he has been serving Morning Star since 1989. He finds serving in Charlotte, his hometown, both a joy and a challenge. A challenge in that Charlotte is one of the fastest growing cities in the nation that brings together people from all walks of life, and a joy to experience such growth and the diversity of gifts that people bring into the partnership of ministry within the congregation.

Pastor Tim and his wife, Nancy, have two grown children. Prior to his accepting a call to serve Morning Star, he served five years as pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Goldsboro, NC and nine years as a team pastor of Augsburg Lutheran Church in Winston-Salem.

A Word from Pastor Tim: I am most honored to serve in partnership with Morning Star in making Christ known through the love and support of so many caring members. I feel that all who view this web site or who visit the congregation have been inspired by God to do so. As people blessed by God, we are to be a blessing to others. >> EMAIL Pastor Tim <<

Pastor John was raised in Northeastern Ohio. He attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio where he majored in Russian Area Studies was graduated in 1992. John married his college sweetheart Kristen (Nagle) and began studies at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Upon receiving his Master of Divinity degree in 1996, John took a call to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Hudson, North Carolina. Shortly after arriving in Hudson, son Kieran was born. A few years later, Pastor John accepted a call to become the second pastor at Morning Star Lutheran Church. He and Kristen, along with Kieran and new sister Sofia, were welcomed into the Morning Star family in the closing weeks of 1999.

Pastor John is a confirmed homebody who enjoys drinking tea and reading whatever hasn’t been read in a while. When the weather is nice he looks forward to softball. Pastor John likes to build things in the backyard and then spend months tinkering until the job is done. His best friend is his wife and he can’t imagine doing much of anything without her. Pastor John has good things to say about his children, too - just ask him. >> EMAIL Pastor John <<

Music is of great importance in the Lutheran Church, so Morning Star is thankful to have Ed Tompkins serve as minister of music. Ed served as Director of Music/Organist at River Road Presbyterian Church in Richmond Virginia from August 1987 - December 2003. He came to Morning Star in 2004 and has led us to a new level of music ministry!

Ed earned his undergraduate degree in music and religion from Duke University and a Master of Church Music degree from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville Tennessee. Ed is highly qualified to lead and direct our vocal and instrumental choirs and enjoys working with all ages. He challenges our musicians to offer their best to the glory of God with a strong sense of joy, dedication and fun.

He is active in the leadership of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and the American Choral Directors Association. Ed is a certified Colleague in the American Guild of Organists(CAGO). >> EMAIL ED <<

Wendy was called as our Youth Staffer in February 2011 and has been a wonderful addition to our Youth ministry. Wendy is a Diaconal Minister consecrated to the ministry of Word and Service. She is active with our youth and the Lutheran Youth Organization. Morning Star is blessed to have such a faithful, committed servant who views her employment not as a job but as a ministry. >> EMAIL WENDY <<