Morning Star Lutheran Staff
JOHN MOURITSEN
head of staff pastor
Pastor John Mouritsen has been a part of the Morning Star family since 1999, when he arrived with his wife Kristen and two children, Kieran and Sofia. In that time, the toddler and 8-week-old have grown into wonderful young adults and made empty-nesters out of him and Kristen.
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PJ enjoys reading, cars (ones old enough to work on), the Panthers, and traveling.
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He was raised in Connecticut and Ohio but has now lived in North Carolina longer than anywhere else, and for that, he’s grateful.
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Pastor John has said on more than one occasion that even if he weren’t a pastor at MSLC, he and his family would attend this church. Pastor John loves the fact that this congregation is open and honest about the ups and downs of life and looks for ways to live out faith in every day that we are given – no matter where we are, or what we face.
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He is impressed by little acts of service and devotion that are not normally celebrated but are often the most important parts of passing on faith to the next generation.
NEAL HAYES
INTERIM
Minister of music
Neal Hayes joined the staff in January 2025 and will use his gifts to guide Morning Star through the transition between our previous Minister of Music (21 years of service) and the next person that God is preparing to join our ministry team.
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Neal and his family have been members at Morning Star since 2023. He has served as an organist and choir director at congregations in Michigan, Kentucky and North Carolina. He holds a bachelor's in music degree from Wittenburg University in Ohio and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia.
Katie Ann
McCarty
Assistant Music Director
Katie Ann grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and moved to the Charlotte area in 2008. In between, she served churches in Ohio, Illinois, and Arizona. She holds degrees in organ performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and Arizona State University, and she studied organ for a year as a Fulbright Scholar at the conservatory in Bordeaux, France.
Katie Ann loves spending time with her family, raising two cats, making music, gardening, and cooking. She is glad to be a part of the music ministry at Morning Star, and she’s proud to serve alongside the inclusive and caring congregation at the church.
Janet kobe
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR​
Janet and her husband David moved to North Carolina in 2020 from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and became a part of the Morning Star community in 2021. She has two adult children who both have recently graduated from college.
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In her spare time, Janet likes to travel (favorite destinations: Chicago, (to visit family) and to Tennessee to visit her daughter, and internationally with David. She enjoys cooking and entertaining, as well as a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and gardening. Janet loves to explore the mountains as she has not spent much time there until recently.
Janet has been inspired by members of the Morning Star family to serve this church in God-centered way. She sees her role as Secretary as a ministry that she hopes will bring love and light to everyone she encounters.
Chrissy Stublaski
LEAD NURSERY ATTENDANT
Chrissy Stublakski has a degree in early childhood education. She has been a preschool teacher, a technology teacher, a camp leader, and Morning Star has been blessed to have her as part of our staff family for over 20 years.
Chrissy is married to the love of her life, Billy. They have a daughter, Angelica, who attends MSLC and is active in youth activities. Chrissy and Billy have been active members of St. Luke's Catholic Church for 17 years.
"The smiling faces, the hugs and the families. I have been blessed to be a part of Morning Star for over 20 years now! I love this place - the spirit, the fellowship and the children."
JERRY SUTTON
BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
Jerry Sutton has a Master’s of Science in Physical Education with additional course work in Educational Leadership and Administration from Eastern Michigan University, where he also earned his Bachelor degree.
Jerry served as a Community School Coordinator for 16 years, where he developed education programs. He has worked in financial planning and tax consulting, was a Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, owned and operated his own business for 38 years, and served as Business and Stewardship Manager for a mega church in Detroit Michigan prior to joining Morning Star staff.
Jerry has been the Business Administrator for Morning Star for 11 years. He manages human resources, building maintenance, technology and the financial budget operations of the church, accounts payable, payroll, negotiates service contracts, prepares budget reports for the Finance team, and oversees the electronic tithing program.
Jerry has been married to Penny for 48 years. They have two sons and two granddaughters. Jerry and his wife Penny attend Forrest Hills Church in Ballantyne in NC and have been active members for 11 years.
