This Sunday Is Online Only 🎥 Full House, New Series, & Your Next Step Forward

Family,

What a Sunday. I'm still thanking God for how we showed up together.

The worship was connected, the house was full (always love when we're setting out more chairs), and the word landed right where it needed to.

That's what happens when God's people come ready, not just present.

We're Starting the Year with THINK DIFFERENT

This is the series I've been building toward. THINK DIFFERENT: How to see every part of your life the way God sees it.

We're going after the stories in your head that are lying to you. The narratives about money, work, relationships, rest, and your future that sound true but are costing you peace and progress.

If you've been spiritually tired, trapped by your own success, or anxious about what's next, this series is for you. Six weeks. Real tension. Biblical clarity. Practical next steps.

Overview of Sunday's Message: The Story In Your Head Is Lying To You

Big Idea: Your life follows the story you believe.

When you let God rewrite your story, your decisions, relationships, and expectations begin to change.⁠⁠​Scripture: Romans 12:2 (NLT)⁠⁠​

The Problem: You know the verses about being new in Christ, but your inner story still sounds like failure, shame, and not-enough.

The Practice This Week: Write one clear God-truth sentence about who you are in Christ and read it out loud daily.

This is where transformation starts. Not with trying harder, but with letting God tell you the truth about who you already are.

📲 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​

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New Podcast Series Launched for 2026

I'm dropping a new episode every week on The Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, and we're starting strong with a focus on self-leadership in the attention economy.

Already Live:

• ​Your Phone Is Not the Problem. Your Standards Are. (Jan 7) — The real issue isn't your device. It's the internal standards you've accepted for your attention.⁠⁠​
• ​Decision Fatigue Is Stealing Your Best Hours (Jan 13) — You're not tired because you worked hard. You're tired because you decided too much.⁠⁠​

Coming Soon:

• Your Attention Is Your Real Bank Account (Jan 20) — How you spend your minutes determines the quality of your life.⁠⁠​
• Focus Is Not a Mood. It's a System. (Jan 27) — Stop waiting to feel focused. Build the system that makes it automatic.⁠⁠​

These are 15-minute episodes built for high-capacity people who need clarity without the fluff.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen.

New Substack Articles You Need to Read

I'm now writing weekly on Substack, diving deeper into the invisible decisions that shape how you work, lead, and live.

This week's articles expand on the podcast episodes:

• Decision Fatigue Is Stealing Your Best Hours (coming Jan. 19th) — Your brain has a daily decision budget, and recurring negotiations drain it before you get to work that matters.
• ​Your Phone Is Not the Problem. Your Standards Are. — Two people can have the same phone. One uses it as a tool. The other feels owned by it. The difference? Their standards.

Both articles include key takeaways and one clear practice you can implement this week. Read them on Substack.

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 Waiting to Feel Ready 🎥 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 Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: 5-Day Devotional

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🗓️ 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, January 18, 2026, 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, February 15, 2026​
​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 Week

⓵ Pick one podcast episode and listen during your commute or workout.

⓶ Read one Substack article and try the practice.

⓷ Write your one God-truth sentence and say it out loud every morning.

You cannot live a new life with the same old story running in your head. This week, we're rewriting it.

See you Sunday (online)!

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! ⏰