Morning Star takes its name from two sources in the Bible. Jesus describes himself as the "bright Morning Star" (Revelation 22:16). The author of a letter of encouragement to first century followers of Jesus urges us to pay careful attention to God's promises "until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).

We emphasize both the personal and community growth stimulated by Christ's love in us now and the encouragement we have in Christ's promise to return.

Morning Star is a new church development of the Presbyterian Church (USA). People from neighboring churches have been visioning and planning this project for ten years. Our regional and national connections provide generous and continuing encouragement, guidance and financial support. Already purchased by The Presbytery of Grand Canyon, our building site is at the intersection of Reems Road and Mountain View.

The Rev. John C. PolingOrganizing Pastor
The Rev. John C. Poling has served four vigorous congregations in Pennsylvania, Texas and New Mexico, including a thriving New Church Development and a dramatic church redevelopment. A graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, John has also worked in the health care and manufacturing fields and served in Ecuador as a Peace Corps Volunteer where he became fluent in Spanish. He is a gifted preacher that communicates God's word and makes it applicable for living in today's world. John has a gift for being a pastor for his congregation and an expertise and enjoyment in developing lay leadership in a church.

Jackie PolingDirector of Congregational Life
Jackie Poling, John's wife, earned a degree in Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and works part time for Morning Star facilitating people in the development of a fellowship community, educational programs, and worship services. In Texas, the Polings were foster parents of children of various races and Jackie was a caseworker placing children – many with serious health problems – in adoptive homes. John and Jackie are the parents of three adult children.

The Polings & The MaguiresMinistering Together
John and Jackie share a passion and a sense of call to this new church development ministry in Surprise. They each have specific gifts to share in areas of spiritual growth, community building, and encouraging faith development in children, youth and adults.
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