🎥 Mars Hill Anywhere...Church, Netflix-Style (Yes, Really) & Much more...

Happy Tuesday Reader,

I want to take a moment to say thank you.

Your love, prayers, and presence—whether online or in person—keep this community strong. We see you showing up, giving generously, and checking in on one another, and it means the world. You’re not just part of the church… you are the church. And we’re better because of you.

Let’s dive into what’s happening at Mars Hill this week!

✅ What’s New at Mars Hill Anywhere

1. Worship Recap: Last week’s in-person and online services were filled with powerful worship and connection, reminding us of God’s faithfulness.
2. Sermon Recap: This week’s message, The Trap of Ignoring, showed us that avoiding offense doesn’t bring peace—it builds walls, and Jesus gave us a better way to tear them down.
3. Mobile App (#ChurchInYourPocket) Updates: Netflix-style Sermons streaming from our app, 2-Minute Sermon-based Weekly Devotionals, & much more.
4. Save the Date—Easter Sunday! Mark your calendars for April 20, 2025. Our Easter service will be held both in person and online. More details to come!
5. My Latest Substack Post! I just launched my new Substack, where I’ll share insights on faith, leadership, and digital ministry. Check it out and subscribe here.​
6. Lunch & Learn Survey: Thanks to everyone who responded to the Lunch & Learn survey! Based on the results, we’ve decided not to proceed with it now.
7. Thank You: Thank you for your continued support and generosity, which empower our community’s mission.

✅ Online Worship Recap: Church That Meets You Where You Are

We know life gets full—meetings, errands, family stuff, and the never-ending to-do list.

That’s why Mars Hill Anywhere is committed to meeting you where you are, not just where we gather.

Whether you’re tuning in from your kitchen, car, or couch, our online worship experience on YouTube isn’t a backup plan—it’s part of the mission.

When Jesus said in Mark 16:15,

He didn’t put limits on how.

In our day, “all the world” includes YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, podcasts—even the apps you scroll between meetings. These are today’s marketplaces. That’s where we show up with God’s love.

Paul used the best technology of his time—a pen and parchment. (Yes, young folks, writing was a thing!)

He used what was available to connect people with God and each other. That’s our heart, too. Whether it’s a powerful word shared through a live stream, a reel that hits home, or a message in the comments, we’re not just broadcasting but building genuine connections.

So if you haven’t caught this week’s message yet, it’s right here waiting for you on YouTube. And if you have… maybe share it. You never know who needs it.

🗣️ Sermon Recap: Hope, Clarity, and a Word Just for You

Missed Sunday?

Or maybe you need to revisit the part that hit home. We’ve got you.

This week’s message, “Avoiding It Won’t Heal You: The Trap We All Fall Into,” reminded us that ignoring offense doesn’t lead to peace—it builds walls.

But Jesus invites us into something better: real healing, honest connection, and freedom on the other side of hard conversations.

I’ve already queued up the video so you can jump straight to the sermon—no scrolling needed.

🎥 Watch now: Click here to go straight to the message​

If you’ve been stuck in avoidance mode or just need some clarity, this one’s worth your time.

📲Church In Your Pocket: Everything You Need, Right When You Need It

We get it—your days are full.

That’s why we created the Mars Hill Anywhere Mobile App, a simple way to stay spiritually fed no matter how packed your schedule gets. Think of it as #ChurchInYourPocket.

🎬 Catch sermons Netflix-style—binge a whole series or replay Sunday’s message

🕊️ 2-Minute Weekly Devotionals—quick, meaningful encouragement tied to the sermon

📅 Stay in the loop—events, giving, updates, and more, all in one spot

Whether it’s your lunch break or late at night, the app helps you grow in your faith on your time. It’s made for the real pace of life.

➡️ Download here and keep Mars Hill with you, wherever you go.

✅ Save the Date – Easter at Mars Hill - Hope Wherever You Are

Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and celebration!

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, we will gather both in person and online to rejoice in Jesus's resurrection.

Whether you worship with us in the room or from home, this is a moment to come together as a faith family and reflect on the victory we have in Christ.

Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

✅ I’m on Substack—Come Join Me There!

I’ve just launched my new Substack, and I’d love for you to be part of it! If you’re not familiar, Substack is a simple email-based platform where I’ll share weekly insights on faith, leadership, and digital ministry, along with practical tips for personal growth and productivity.

Why Substack? It’s built for meaningful content and real connection. No distractions, no algorithms—just honest, helpful thoughts delivered straight to your inbox.

📝 My Latest Post: Check it out and subscribe here​

And for those who support the work financially, I’ll be rolling out exclusive implementation guides to help you put faith and strategy into action in your life and ministry.

If you’ve ever been encouraged by something I’ve shared, this is the best way to stay connected and go even deeper.

✅ Sunday’s Sermon – “Don’t Take the Bait! How to Overcome Offense Before It Destroys You”

Offense is one of the enemy’s greatest traps—it sneaks in, takes root, and before we know it, it’s robbing us of peace, joy, and relationships. In Sunday’s message, we tackled recognizing offense, avoiding falling into its trap, and embracing the freedom that comes with forgiveness.

✅ This Week’s Two-Minute Devotional: Avoiding It Won't Heal You

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t like confrontation.

Smiling, staying silent, and hoping things fix themselves is easier. But ignoring offense doesn’t bring peace; it only buries pain.

This quick devotion will help you understand why facing it, with wisdom and grace, is often the key to real healing.

📖 Read it here: Avoiding It Won’t Heal You: The Trap We All Fall Into​

Take a moment to reflect—and let’s choose peace over offense this week!

💻 Join Us Sunday for Church Online

Worship with us from wherever you are:

📺 YouTube Live: Clarence Stowers TV​

📘 Facebook Live: Mars Hill Chicago​

However you join us, ensure you show up—your presence matters!

Why attend online? Life is busy, and sometimes getting to church isn’t possible—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Online worship allows you to stay spiritually connected no matter where you are. You can participate in the service, engage in the comments, and still be part of what God is doing at Mars Hill Anywhere!

As we look forward to gathering together this Sunday, whether in person or online, let’s carry the spirit of unity and participation into every aspect of our lives. Here’s how we can continue to support and uplift one another in our journey of faith and community.

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God's love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God's love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

• Maintain our temporary church home
• Fund community outreach programs
• Provide resources for Life Groups
• Expand our online ministry
• Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We're grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

​Give Now!

We’re in This Together!

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we believe that faith grows stronger in community. Whether you’re tuning in online, joining a Life Group, or worshiping with us, you are part of a family that loves and supports you.

Let’s keep showing up, praying for one another, and walking confidently, knowing God is working in our lives.

If you have any prayer requests or questions or want to share what God is doing in your life, I’d love to hear from you!

📩 Reply to this email and tell me how to pray for you this week.

Until next time—stay encouraged, stay connected, and keep pressing forward in faith!

With faith and gratitude,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don't forget to "Log on” us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰