|
Happy Hump Day Reader, I hope this message finds you blessed and thriving. As we journey through this season of change and renewal, I want to take a moment to share some important updates with you regarding my health, our church leadership, and exciting developments with our Mars Hill resources. Your support and engagement during this time are invaluable to me and our church community. Health Update and Prayer RequestI wanted to share a personal update and ask for your prayers. Recently, I underwent a medical procedure that, while necessary, was blessedly straightforward thanks to the expertise and care of an excellent medical team. The surgery went as planned last Friday, and I am now in the recovery phase.
Although the road to full recovery will take some weeks—precisely, 4 weeks—I am grateful for the excellent care I received and the positive outcome anticipated by my doctors. I am hopeful about returning to my routine and responsibilities soon. Your prayers during this time would mean the world to me. They uplift and strengthen me more than words can express. Please feel free to reach out if you wish to talk or if there’s any way I can support you—we must continue to uplift each other. If you feel led to be a blessing to me and First Lady Shauntai, you can do so through the following methods:
Additionally, cards and gifts are welcomed and can be sent to our church address: Mars Hill Church P.O. Box 6159 River Forest, IL 60305 I look forward to updating you on my progress. In the meantime, let us keep each other in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your continuous support and understanding. Temporary Pastoral LeadershipAs I focus on my recovery, I am blessed to have capable and compassionate leaders stepping in to ensure that our church’s pastoral needs continue to be met with the same level of care and dedication you are accustomed to. During my recuperation, Rev. Tim Morris and Rev. Marcie Wilson will handle preaching, counseling, and other pastoral duties. Both Rev. Tim and Marcie are deeply committed to our community and bring a wealth of experience and empathy to their roles. I am confident in their ability to guide our church through this transitional period.
Per my doctor’s orders, I will be limited to light desk duties and administrative tasks until I fully recover. This allows me to stay engaged while ensuring my health remains a priority. During this period of transition, it is crucial that we maintain our commitments, including our financial support for the church. Historically, many churches experience a dip in giving when the Lead Pastor is unavailable. Your continued contributions are essential to sustain our ministries and operations, especially now as we strive to continue our impactful work in the community without interruption. Please extend the same warmth and support you have always shown me to them. Your cooperation and understanding will significantly assist in maintaining the continuity and spiritual nurturing of our congregation. Thank you for your prayers and support as I heal. I look forward to rejoining you all soon, in total capacity. Sermon Recap: “Alone But Not Lonely: Finding Strength in Solitude – A Sermon on the Life of Elijah”This past Sunday, Reverend Marcie Wilson delivered an inspiring sermon centered on Elijah’s life, “Alone But Not Lonely: Finding Strength in Solitude.” We explored how Elijah’s significant periods of solitude not only deepened his relationship with God but also fortified his faith and mission. Highlighting the distinction between solitude and loneliness, Rev. Wilson illustrated practical ways to embrace quiet time, encouraging us to seek intentional moments of solitude to connect with God. This sermon is a call to all seeking spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of divine presence in times of solitude.
Join Us This SundayAs we continue to navigate this period of recovery and renewal, your presence, whether in person or online, is more valuable than ever. I invite you to join us for our worship service this Sunday, May 5, 2024, at 10:30 AM CST. Being a part of our congregation’s gathering, whether physically in the church or virtually from the comfort of your home, truly means the world to me. Your attendance strengthens our community and reinforces the bond we share as a family in faith. I look forward to hearing your support and energy from those who can attend in person. And for our members who join us online, know that your presence is felt and cherished just as deeply. Let’s unite to uplift each other and continue our journey in faith this Sunday.
📍In-Person Location @ 10:30 AM Central: Experience Mars Hill Anywhere with Our App – #ChurchInYourPocketHave you explored the Mars Hill App yet? In our continuous effort to make your spiritual journey accessible wherever you are, we’ve recently updated our website and mobile app, enhancing features that bring Mars Hill right into your pocket—hence, #ChurchInYourPocket. Our app is designed to be a spiritual hub for you, featuring:
This tool is perfect for staying connected with our community and continuing your spiritual growth, no matter where life takes you. Download the Mars Hill App today and bring your church experience into every moment of your life. Ready to explore? Updating your app or downloading it for the first time? Click here and get started!
Your Support is a Blessing 🙏Look, as you all know, making ministry happen ain’t cheap! Your prayers and financial Support have been pivotal in enabling our ministry to thrive. Thanks to your generosity, we can continue creating impactful messages and advancing our mission. We encourage you to donate financially to help Mars Hill Anywhere keep doing its good work and grow. Your donations don’t just help us; they also spread our message of love and forgiveness to people in need, both in our local area and worldwide. It’s easy to donate. Go to our safe online giving portal or call our hardworking team at 773-287-3535. Every gift, big or small, helps us move forward with our goal and support people looking for spiritual food. We appreciate you being a part of the Mars Hill Anywhere group. We are truly blessed to be on this journey, combining the best in-person and online worship to create a transformative and inclusive spiritual experience. Thank you for being a part of the Mars Hill Anywhere family.
Thank you for reading this week’s Mars Hill Anywhere newsletter. Please remember that your presence, both in person and online, your prayers, and your ongoing support are critical during this time of recovery and beyond. Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant community that lives out the Gospel in every action. Thank you for being such an integral part of Mars Hill. May God bless you abundantly. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and interacting with you through our #ChurchInYourPocket.
Here to help you win, Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr. P.S. We encourage you to engage with us throughout the week—share your thoughts, reflections, and joy on our social media platforms. Let’s make this Holy Week an enriching experience for all. |
🌟 Big Updates from Pastor Stowers: Discover What’s New at Mars Hill!
