Happy Friday Reader!

Let’s be honest.

This week was heavy.

Social feeds turned into shouting matches.

News cycles stirred more anxiety than clarity.

And maybe you’re just tired of pretending everything’s fine.

If that sounds familiar, take this in:

You don’t need to fake strength to stay faithful.

You just need a reset.

🧠 Scripture Rese

That peace is not passive.

It’s the result of trusting what you can’t control to the One who never loses control.

You don’t have to silence the noise.

You just need to fix your focus.

Feeling ALONE in a Crowded World

In this message, I unpack Luke 5:17–20 and the story of a paralyzed man whose friends carried him to Jesus. It is one of the clearest pictures of what real support looks like.

Because let’s be honest. Surface connections will not hold you when life breaks down.

You do not just need people around you. You need real friends with real faith who will carry you when you cannot carry yourself.

If you have ever been let down by fake friends, if you have settled for shallow support or filtered faith, this message is for you.

📖 Scripture: Luke 5:17–20 (NLT)

🎯 Big Idea: Real healing starts with real community. But only Jesus has the power to forgive and make us whole.

▶️ Watch the full message now on YouTube​

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Church was never meant to be a buffet.

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.​

A 4-step rhythm to help you move from listening to growing.

Everything is right here!

🧭 What's Next For Mars Hill?

We are moving decisively toward a permanent facility. When we sold our building four years ago, we trusted God’s leading.

Now, with energy costs straining many congregations, we can see how He protected us.

Instead of pouring funds into rising utilities, we’ve been able to direct resources into people, discipleship, and mission.

That choice didn’t set us back. It set us up so we can take the next step with strength, faith, and financial clarity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, we will be hosting our next Super Sunday Service at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: Unspoken Contracts: The Rules You Didn’t Know You Agreed To​

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.

👉Stop Reopening a Door Life Already Closed.​

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

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

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

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! ⏰