This Sunday Is Online Only 🎥 Before December Drains You, Read This!!

Happy Hump Day Reader,

As I look back over the last few weeks, my heart is full.

Thanksgiving reminded me how blessed I am to pastor a church family like Mars Hill Anywhere.

Then many of you went out of your way to show love for my birthday, and I felt every text, post, and hug. Thank you. I do not take any of it for granted.

On top of that, we kicked off a new teaching series called “Non-Negotiable,” where I am walking us through the things we cannot afford to lose in a shaky world.

My prayer is that this series helps you draw a line around what really matters in your faith, your family, and your peace.

And yes, I have to mention the friendly wager around the Packers and Bears game.

The Bears did not come through for me, but at least we had some good laughs and a little friendly trash talk along the way.

All of this reminds me how grateful I am for you. As we move deeper into the Christmas season, I cannot wait to see your face at our next in-person service. I would love for you to make it a priority to be in the room, to worship together, and to refocus your heart on the One this season is really about.

Missed Sunday's Message?

Does January feel like a financial hangover because December was a party you couldn’t afford?

If the holidays bring more pressure than joy, this message will speak to your heart.

We are stepping into the loudest and most expensive month of the year. The ads are loud. The family requests keep coming. The “Family ATM” pressure is real.

But guilt is not a financial plan.

This week, I taught on what I call the Savior Trap. It is the lie that tells you you must set yourself on fire to keep everyone else warm.

We named the weight of the Black Tax, the fear of disappointing loved ones, and the spiritual cost of giving from obligation instead of overflow.

You have permission to protect your peace. You have permission to protect your paper.

In this message, you will learn:

• The Savior Trap: why a Messiah Complex on a Manager’s salary will drain your future.
• The Black Tax Reality: how to respond to family expectations without losing your peace or your paycheck.
• The Power of No: how “No” becomes a spiritual boundary that keeps your life in order.
• The Holiday Playbook: five practical strategies to stay out of debt this season, including the “Offer Less” Pivot.
• The January Sinking Fund: how to secure your survival before you fund the celebration.

Stop trading long-term stability for short-term approval. Draw the line now.

Scripture References

• Proverbs 21:5
• Luke 14:28
• 2 Corinthians 9:7
• Philippians 4:19

📲 Catch the Replay & Devotional

I strongly encourage you to spend time with this timely message this week! You can catch the full replay and continue studying this theme:

• Study Deeper: We made a special 5-Day Devotional based on this message. It is available now on our church app, our website, and our YouTube channel.

▶️ Missed it? You can watch it here​

​

Also Worth Noting: ✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you. Stop Trying to Manage The Universe 🎥 Short on Time? I Got You ​Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life. Leaders Are Readers: My Fall Reading List 5 Reasons Helping The Wrong People Is Bad For You Stop Reopening a Door Life Already Closed 📲 Have You Heard About Our App? Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket. Download The App Where Was God When It Happened? - 5-Day Devotional

​

🗓️ Announcements

Year-End Giving

As we close out the year, please remember that your consistent generosity allows us to continue reaching families around the world. You can give securely through our app, website, or text platform at any time.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

Where: Online at MarsHillChicago.org
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

You’re Invited: In-Person Worship at Mars Hill Anywhere

Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
​Time: 10:30 AM Central
​Location: 7941 47th St., McCook, IL
​Online: Live on YouTube and Facebook

We’re gathering this Sunday, and you’ve got two ways to be part of it:

✅ Pull up and join us in person at our McCook campus

✅ Log on and worship with us live online from wherever you are

However you show up, don’t miss this moment. God is speaking and faith is being rebuilt.

Bring your family. Invite a friend. Get in the room or tap in online.

Let’s go after God together.

How to Support Mars Hill

Your generosity fuels everything we do, from in-person gatherings to digital discipleship. If you’ve been encouraged by this ministry, here are a few simple ways to give and get involved:

Give:

Support the mission securely at marshillchicago.org/giving, in our mobile app, or by texting MHGIVE to 33777. You can also mail checks to:

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

Serve:

Use your gifts to make a difference online or in person. Visit our site to see current serving opportunities.

Pray:

Lift up our leaders, our church family, and the people we’re reaching. Prayer is a powerful form of participation.

Invite & Share:

Send this email to a friend, invite someone to service, or repost something that encouraged you. Every share matters.

You’re helping us reach people with hope, truth, and love, whether they’re across town or across the country.

🔥 Your Move This Weekend

✔️ Watch the sermon

✔️ Download the devotional

✔️ Give to what God is doing at Mars Hill

✔️ Forward this to someone who feels like they don’t have enough

With love and expectation,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

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