History

After years of planning by the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church, and the Sylacauga District (now known as the South Central District) in which the church is located, Morningstar UMC was launched in 1995. The Reverend Steve West, founding pastor, was sent as a “missionary” to Chelsea Alabama to begin a new church. Pursuing the dream of a vibrant, regional United Methodist Church for the growing Chelsea area he began gathering leadership, a team of twelve leaders called the “Pioneer Team” to begin the journey.
 
 With ministries and opportunities for service geared specifically for children, youth, and adults, Morningstar – in the almost 25 years of its existence - has grown to a wonderfully thriving congregation with over 270 members. With God’s help we plan to start in the next few years on the second phase of our building, additional classroom and meeting space.

All thanks to our God who has and will continue to make all things possible.

June 1995 – Steve West appointed as pastor to the Chelsea area to “plant” a new church   
November 12, 1995 – First service held in Chelsea High School auditorium
May 26, 1996 (Pentecost Sunday) – Morningstar UMC was organized with 98 charter members  
September 1998 – 15 ½ acres purchased for $310,000 at our current location 
May 5, 2002 – The church held its ground-breaking ceremonies for the first phase of the building 
December 24, 2002 – First service held in the new building on Christmas Eve. The first offering received in this building was to go towards the building of a church for a new United Methodist congregation Mozambique. Over the next three years over $28,000 was raised.
January 5, 2003 – Church moved into new building
June 2004 – The Reverend Bryan Sisson appointed as Morningstar’s second pastor
June 2008- The Reverend John Mullaney appointed as Morningstar's third pastor
October 2008- Morningstar adopted its new Mission Statement: "Gather, Grow, and Go in Christ's Name!"
June 2012 - The Reverend Mark Puckett became Morningstar's current pastor