🎧Your Weekly Mars Hill Update: New Devotional & Staying “Whisper Close” to God—Learn More Inside!

Happy Hump Day Reader,

As we gather this week, whether through the glow of our screens or in the comforting presence of our church walls, we’re reminded of the incredible tapestry of faces, stories, and spirits that make up our cherished community.

Whether near or far, each of you is a vital part of our family. We are continually grateful for the love, support, and faith that bind us together, transcending any physical distance.

In this week’s update, we bring you news that warms the heart, opportunities to serve and connect, and words of inspiration to lift your spirits as we walk this journey of faith together. Thank you for bringing your unique light to our collective glow, making Mars Hill Anywhere a place to worship and call home.

In this edition, we’re excited to share uplifting updates and meaningful opportunities to engage with our community. Let’s dive into what’s happening at Mars Hill this week!

✅ What’s New at Mars Hill Anywhere

1. Services Recap: Last week’s in-person and online services brought our community together in worship and reflection.
2. Communion: We shared a meaningful Communion, renewing our commitment to faith and fellowship.
3. Sunday’s Message: Explore the key takeaways from our latest sermon on staying “Whisper Close” to God on our website.
4. New Devotional: Our mobile app now offers a new devotional series to inspire your daily faith journey.
5. Join Us Online: Tune in for our online service this Sunday and continue your worship with the Mars Hill family.
6. Thank You: Thank you for your continued support and generosity, which empower our community’s mission.

Worship Services Recap: A Place of Peace and Connection

Last week’s worship services, both in-person and online, provided a much-needed sanctuary for all of us. In these gatherings, we found solace and a strong sense of community.

Attending these services, whether physically in the church or virtually from the comfort of your home, offers a powerful remedy to the isolation many feel in these challenging times.

Each service is designed to rejuvenate your spirit, enrich your faith, and connect you with fellow believers who support and understand your journey.

Communion: Renewing Our Commitment to Faith and Fellowship

Last week, our communion service, guided by the theme “One Table, One Spirit,” beautifully illustrated the unity of our church family, transcending physical and digital boundaries.

As we gathered in the sanctuary and online, we were reminded that our connection through Christ knows no barriers. This sacred ritual, anchored in scripture and our collective confession, allowed us to pause, reflect, and renew our commitment to live out our faith with sincerity and love.

The act of sharing the bread and cup, whether held in our hands at church or in our homes, powerfully reaffirmed our shared faith and the grace that flows freely from our Lord. This communion nourished our spirits and strengthened our resolve to embody Christ’s love in all our interactions.

As we move forward this week, let’s carry this communion's profound unity and peace into our everyday lives, striving to live as one body, inspired by the Spirit, in all we do.

You can watch the replay of Communion here.

Sermon Overview: Staying “Whisper Close” to God in Uncertain Times

Is God speaking, but you’re struggling to hear Him?

Amid our world's noise, distractions, and uncertainties, it can often feel as though we’re distant from God. Yet, the issue may not be His silence but our proximity to Him.

This past Sunday, we explored the vital theme of staying “whisper close” to God, drawing on lessons from the Bible and Elijah's life.

We discussed how, despite the chaos around us, we can draw nearer to God, as James 4:8 urges us to do, and experience the peace promised in Isaiah 26:3.

Here are some key takeaways from the sermon:

• Elijah’s Quiet Encounter: Just as Elijah found God not in the earthquake or fire but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12), we can, too, encounter God in quiet moments of reflection and prayer.
• Practical Steps for Closeness: We provided actionable steps to minimize distractions, deepen your faith, and maintain peace and confidence during turbulent times.

This message is essential for anyone seeking to strengthen their relationship with God and find calm in the storm. If you missed the sermon or wish to revisit its powerful insights, watch the entire message with detailed timestamps for each section here.

Remember, the closer we draw to God, the clearer His voice becomes in our lives.

​

New Devotional: Transform Your Life in Just Two Minutes a Day

In our fast-paced world, finding time to connect with God daily can often feel challenging, especially for those of us with busy schedules.

Recognizing this, we are thrilled to introduce a new devotional series on our Mars Hill mobile app, designed specifically for those on the go.

Inspired by our recent teachings on staying “whisper close” to God, this series provides quick, powerful, two-minute devotionals that fit easily into your day.

Each entry offers a moment of reflection, prayer, and practical advice to help you draw nearer to God, even in the midst of a hectic life.

Transform your daily routine into a spiritual journey and see how just two minutes a day can significantly change your faith and overall well-being.

Begin your journey today by accessing the new devotional series here.

Embrace this opportunity to strengthen your connection with God, one day at a time.

💻 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 securely set up one-time or recurring donations.
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! ⏰