STAFF

"where mercy triumphs over judgment" . . LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

PASTOR TRAVIS A. BENNETT

Pastor Travis A Bennett

EDUCATION: M.DIV. from Asbury Theological Seminary; B.A. from Wayland Baptist University; H.D. from Hart High School.
HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN IN MINISTRY?: I felt the call to ordained ministry right out of high-school. So the journey has been rolling for about 14 years.
HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN AT FUMC PLAINVIEW,TX PRIOR TO MORNING STAR ?: I’ve been here 5 years.
FAMILY: My sensational wife Tracy, and my two fantastic kids: Jax and Savannah, and our family Great Dane Buttercup. They all are a gift from God to me. I hope and pray that I am a good husband and father to them.
HOME TOWN: Hart, Texas. (Hook’em Horns!)
FAVORITE SCRIPTURE: All of God’s Word, but right now MARK 8:31-38; I JOHN 1:5-10 and PROVERBS 23:14 is really preaching to my own heart.
WHAT AM I READING LATELY: Holy Bible; John Wesley’s Standard Sermons in Modern English by Ken Kinghorn; A Guide to Prayer for All Who Seek God by Bishop Reuben Job; A New Kind of Christian by Brian McClaren; and Leading Beyond the Walls by Adam Hamilton
FAVORITE MOVIE: I love movies, but Lonesome Dove; the Shawshank Redemption; and Anything by Mel Brooks is up there.
FAVORITE TV SHOW: The Office, football games, and golf.
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Travis, I brought you into this world, and I can take you out of this world too.” –my mom
FAVORITE MEAL: My next one! I am blessed with many, many cooks on both sides of the family. My wife, father-in-law, and my mom are the best cooks though.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I AM NOT WITH THE CHURCH? Clean house, quiet time with God, oil paint, golf, karate, take my wife to dinner & movie, visit the family, chase my kids, gather with good friends.

Email: pastortravis@morningstarumc.org

JC Ortega, Youth Director

Hello! my name is JC Ortega and I have had the privilege of serving as the Youth Director of Morning Star since July of 2008. I first began attending Morning Star in 2006 and was immediately drawn into the warm and loving atmosphere of Morning Star. I graduated from New Mexico State University in December of 2008 with a degree in History. Eventually, I plan on attending seminary to become a full-time pastor but right now I feel called to work with the youth. I am also very passionate about serving my community and work for a few local non-profit organizations, including the NMSU Wesley Foundation.

If you would like to talk to me, please feel free to email me, call me (575-640-2709), or visit me during my

Office hours (Thursdays, 3:30-5:30).

Email to: jcortega@morningstarumc.org

Sue Carter Small Group Ministries Director

Director of Small Groups & Community Formation job description:

Communication
   * The most important aspect of this staff position is communication with the adult congregants of Morning Star. The key to developing new small groups and communities, and strengthening existing ones is dependent on the performance of this duty and the personal communication skills of the Small Group Ministries Director.
   * Oversee the present small group ministries of Morning Star. Recruit, resource, and equip the Adult Sunday School teachers; work with the teachers and pastor in curriculum selection; and implement new classes.
* Communicate to the church and community the existing small groups, and recruit participants as well as teachers.
   * Lead the development of new small groups and other vehicles for community formation.

* Determine what small groups have potential to achieve excellent ministry at Morning Star through communication with the congregants and community, and spiritual discernment guided by what the Holy Spirit is leading Morning Star to do.
* Recruit and resource leadership and participants for new small groups.
* Develop small group emphases with a balanced approach based on the 9 components of a developing dynamic disciple: worship, spiritual growth, mission, witness, financial stewardship, congregational care, fellowship / community, Christian life style, leading / serving.
* Provide ongoing evaluation and oversight of small groups.

Sue's Office Hours 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Mondays

Email to: scarterl@gmail.com

Email Sue

Director of Music Ministries

Barbra Toth Music Bio coming soon

Praise Band Leader

Praise Band Leader Bio Coming Soon

Photo Soon

Lynda Smith, Children's Ministry Director

My husband and I moved to Las Cruces two and half years ago. One of my first stops was Morningstar church and we were treated with great warmth and love- we new almost immediately that this was going to become our home church.
Having been a teacher in the past, years spent in Sunday School programs, Music Ministry and recently retiring from corporate life, I am thrilled to become Children’s Ministry Director at Morningstar.

The Sunday School is growing rapidly and I am looking forward to continuing the wonderful programs that are already in place as well as introducing new materials that will enrich the children’s experience and integrate them into the worship life of the church.

Email: LyndaS@morningstarumc.com

Office Hours
Monday 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Stephanie Moser, Office Manager

Stephanie is the longest tenured staff person at Morning Star! A capable resource for so many of the ministries at Morning Star, we are very grateful for Stephanie's organization and expertise.

Her friendly voice greets those who call the office, and the many who pop in during the week find themselves welcomed by the hospitality of grace she extends to all.

Email to: office@morningstarumc.org

Email Stephanie / Church Office.

Mary Jane Ropp, Church Secretary

Mary Jane works in the church office from Wednesday afternoon through Friday each week. She is a retired United Methodist minister from the New England Conference who moved to Las Cruces with her husband in August 2007. She loves Morning Star Church and enjoys being able to work part-time in a reasonably unstressful environment.

Email to : office@morningstarumc.org

Email Mary Jane / Church Office.