This Sunday Is Online Only 🎥 Family, Faith, and a Word You Needed 🎯


Happy Hump Day Reader!

Some weeks feel heavier than others. And yet, here you are. Still showing up. Still open. Still growing.

That says a lot about your faith, your grit, and your heart.

This past weekend, our family gathered in Elkhart, Indiana, for a reunion that brought together more than 200 people from every generation.

It was more than a celebration. It reminded me that legacy matters. Connection matters. And the love we pass down is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

That made this Sunday’s message from Min. Marcie Stowers-Wilson feels especially timely.

Teaching Highlight: Sermon Replay – “God is Our Father”

f you’ve ever felt like you are carrying more than your share of life’s weight, Min. Marcie has a word for you.

In her powerful message, “God Is Our Father,” she reminds us what it means to rest in God’s identity, especially when your own feels fragile.

Whether you are facing disappointment, pressure, or just trying to hold it all together, this message will meet you right where you are.

📺 Watch the full replay on YouTube:

đź§­ What's Next For Mars Hill?

I'm writing to share an exciting announcement that represents both prophetic wisdom and strategic vision for our church's future.

Today, we're taking a bold step that will accelerate our journey toward owning our own permanent facility.

Prophetic Wisdom in Action

Four years ago, when we sold our building, some questioned the timing.

Today, as energy costs devastate church budgets nationwide, we see God's profound wisdom in that decision.

While churches across America struggle with electricity bills that have doubled and gas costs that have tripled, Mars Hill Anywhere stands completely free from these financial burdens.

Thank God we were prophetic enough to avoid these crushing costs!

We didn't just dodge a crisis, we positioned ourselves for unprecedented opportunity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

Beginning Sunday, August 10, 2025, we're transitioning from twice-monthly to monthly in-person celebration services.

We're calling it "Super Sunday."

This strategic move saves us $10,200 annually, money that goes directly into our Moving Forward Together Fund.

This isn't about doing less; it's about building more strategically.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: “You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Distracted by Someone Else’s Life”

This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you.

👉 Read the article​

📱 Short on Time? I Got You

Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life.

👉 youtube.com/@ClarenceStowersTV/shorts​

Everything you need to grow spiritually right from your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

In conclusion, I would like to discuss something close to all our hearts: our Moving Forward Together Campaign.

We're at a pivotal moment in our church's journey.

As someone who's chosen to be part of our community, you know we're more than just Sunday gatherings; we're about creating lasting impact in people's lives.

Your support does something remarkable. It helps us:

  • Extend a helping hand to those who need it most
  • Create meaningful worship experiences (both online and in-person)
  • Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
  • Build spaces where real connection happens

We're not just building a church; we're creating a home where people find hope, healing, and a sense of purpose.

And here's the exciting part: while our regular tithes and offerings will go toward securing our own physical space, this special campaign will ensure that we can continue to grow our ministries both online and in-person.

How You Can Be Part of This Journey

We're aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we're hoping for:

  • 30 people to contribute $500
  • 50 people to contribute $300

These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children's programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.

​Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

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.

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! ⏰

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