This Sunday Is Online Only 🎥 You’re not called to carry it all 🙏


Happy Hump Day Reader!

I pray this message finds you surrounded by love, peace, and the warmth of community.

As we continue to walk this journey together, may our hearts remain united in faith, hope, and encouragement, no matter where we are.

Sunday's service was special. God met us, faith rose, and you showed up in love and service.

Thank you for leaning in and inviting others to experience it.

Teaching Highlight: Sermon Replay – “Burnout Ain’t Holy: Serving God Without Losing Your Soul”

Teaching Highlight: You’re Not Doing It For God If It’s Destroying Your Soul

If the enemy can’t get you to sin, he will settle for keeping you busy.

This week, I shared a timely word on how to serve God without running your soul into the ground.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why you are not called to carry it all (Exodus 18:13–23)
  • How rest is an act of trust (Isaiah 30:15)
  • Why the right yoke will fit (Matthew 11:28–30)
  • How only the Shepherd restores (Psalm 23:2–3)

📺 Watch the whole message and breathe again on YouTube:

Church was never meant to be a buffet.

Too many people stall out spiritually, not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been handed a menu instead of a map.

This week, I taught on why your faith might feel stuck and how to get traction again.

📺 Watch the replay​

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.​

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

Everything is right here!

đź§­ 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, September 7, 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, August 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: The Month Everything Went Wrong (And Why I’m Glad It Did).

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 is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

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

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

As part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings; we’re about creating lasting impact.

Your support helps us extend a helping hand, create meaningful worship experiences, invest in our kids and teens, and build spaces for real connection.

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

This special campaign ensures we can continue to grow our ministries both online and in-person, while our regular tithes and offerings secure our physical space.

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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