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Happy Tuesday Reader, Hello, Mars Hill family! We’re excited to bring you a newsletter with profound insights and updates as we come together this week. From a special Mother’s Day service recap to encouraging health updates and spiritual nourishment through our online worship services, this edition is designed to uplift and inspire. Let’s explore the powerful reflections and opportunities for growth that await us. Gratitude and Highlights from Our Mother’s Day ServiceAs I continue my recovery, I am profoundly grateful to Pastor Emeritus James T. Meeks for stepping in and leading our recent Mother’s Day service. His sermon, “Hats Mothers Wear,” beautifully acknowledged mothers’ diverse roles, from providing joy and discipline to tirelessly caring for our homes and families.
Pastor Meeks, your words were inspiring and a profound tribute to the resilience and multifaceted strength of mothers everywhere. I am personally touched by your contribution. Thank you to Pastor Meeks and our leadership team for excellently guiding our community in my absence. Your dedication ensures that our church remains a beacon of hope and support, reflecting the spirit of unity and strength we cherish. Your active participation and support are what make our community strong and united. Watch the replay of Pastor Meek’s message below.
Health Update and Prayer RequestI am pleased to share some encouraging news regarding my recovery. As I enter the third week after surgery, I feel much better. On Monday, May 13, I had a follow-up visit with my surgeon, who provided an excellent report. I’ve been cleared to drive, walk outside, stretch, and resume light duties, although I have not yet been released to return to preaching.
I am deeply grateful for the progress and your continued prayers and support. Your unwavering support has been a source of strength and encouragement for me, and I am truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for your ongoing encouragement and understanding during this recovery period. Weekly Devotional: Embracing What Is Meant for UsAs I recuperate, my days begin with worship, prayer, and reflection, listening more to God than speaking. This practice has not only been therapeutic but also enlightening. This week, I’d like to share a personal reflection that has greatly aided my recovery and brought me peace. It focuses on the understanding that what is meant for us will stay in our lives, while what departs was never meant to be. Embracing this can free us from dwelling on the “might-have-beens,” allowing us to appreciate the constants that truly shape our lives. May this reflection bring you the same comfort and clarity it has brought me. What is meant for you will arrive in your life and remain in your life. What did not transpire was not meant to; the end of that journey would not have led you where you wanted or needed to be. If you are honest with yourself, you know this on the inside. There were so many signs that you willingly brushed over in the heat of blind hope. If you spend your life fixated on the might-have-beens, you miss the steady currents that have carried you all this way. Notice what stays, what is constant, and what perseveres. These are the things that the song of your life will be composed of.
Thank you for your prayers, meals, love gifts, and support. My family and are know what it means to have people who love and support you. 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 welcome and can be sent to our church address: Mars Hill Church 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. Join Us for Online Worship This SundayAs we continue to embrace our hybrid model of worship, I’m excited to invite you to join us online this Sunday. We will stream our service live on YouTube and Facebook at 10:30 AM CST. This is a beautiful opportunity to gather together in spirit, wherever possible. Please invite someone to join us as well—sharing our service could be a blessing to someone who needs uplifting.
Your participation and support mean the world to us, especially when we cannot all gather in person. Let’s continue to grow and worship together as a community, no matter the distance. Join us this Sunday online to continue our journey of faith and reflection together. 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. |
🌟 From Reflection to Connection:: Join Mars Hill for a Week of Reflection and Connection!
