Nearest Star to Earth?

Not being into astronomy or knowing anything about it except for Earth,
Moon, Sun and lots of 'twinkling lights', a work colleague came up with an
interesting question.

Whenever a Space Rocket is launched, do they have to avoid any stars and if
so how? Or is there nothing between Earth and the Moon therefore making it a
clear run for any Space Rocket. What distance is the Moon from the Earth,
and what distance is the nearest star to Earth?

Thanx
Jo