📰 Big News: My Return to Preaching, Legacy Tips 🙌🏾 PLUS Exciting Updates & Highlights

Happy Hump Day Reader,

I’m excited to share our latest newsletter, which is packed with inspiring content and updates. In this edition, I’ll challenge you to consider the legacy you’re building, celebrate the significant holiday of Juneteenth, and discuss the importance of your relationship with God.

I’ve also included some insights into the different phases of parenting and how understanding these stages can help you shape a lasting legacy for your children. As always, we have a prayer for you and an update on how to support Mars Hill during the summer months.

Your role in our community is invaluable, and we deeply appreciate your ongoing support. This newsletter is a testament to our shared commitment and the impact we can make together. Enjoy this newsletter, knowing that your involvement makes our community thrive!

Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and a recognition of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice in the United States.

Celebrated on June 19, this holiday marks the day in 1865 when Union troops announced the freedom of the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Photo Credit: Patsy Williams

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of those who fought for freedom. It’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and renew our commitment to equality, community, and spiritual growth.

Juneteenth, a time for reflection, celebration, and a renewed commitment to equality, community, and spiritual growth, is significant in our spiritual journey at Mars Hill. It reminds us of the strength and resilience of those who fought for freedom, inspiring us to reflect on our spiritual battles and commit to our growth.

Building a Legacy: It’s Later Than You Think

Have you taken a moment recently to consider the legacy you’re shaping? Often, we only contemplate this when a significant life event compels us to do so. But what if I were to impress upon you that the time to build your legacy is now? Indeed, it’s later than you might think.

Why Your Legacy Matters

Your legacy is your lasting impact on your family, friends, and community. It’s the sum of your actions, values, and faith. Let’s explore how to start building a meaningful legacy that honors God and benefits those you love.

Where Do You Stand with God?

The first step in building a legacy is evaluating your relationship with God. Is it thriving, starving, or dying? A thriving relationship with God involves regular prayer, wholehearted worship, and active participation in a faith community. If your relationship with God is starving or dying, it’s time to change.

• A Thriving Relationship with God: A thriving relationship with God is characterized by vitality and growth, involving consistent spiritual practices such as regular, heartfelt prayer, enthusiastic worship, and active participation in a faith community. It brings a deep sense of peace and purpose, joy in reading Scripture, and sets a powerful example for others.
• Starving Relationship with God: A starving (neglected) relationship with God lacks spiritual nourishment, as our bodies need food. If your prayer life is inconsistent and worship lacks passion, your connection with God may be neglected. This often happens due to distractions, busyness, or complacency. Recognize this and try to reintroduce regular, meaningful spiritual activities into your life.
• Dying Relationship with God: Having a dying relationship with God is serious. It may stem from neglect, doubts, or spiritual apathy. Seek help through a spiritual mentor, faith community, or heartfelt prayer to revive the relationship with God. Reviving it requires intentional effort.

Understanding your relationship with God is crucial, as it influences your decisions, actions, and interactions with others. Proverbs 13:22 says, “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,” encompassing not just financial but also spiritual and moral aspects.

What Parenting Phase Are You In?

Parenting is a journey that evolves through different phases, each with its challenges and rewards. Understanding which phase you’re in can help you better guide your children and build a lasting legacy.

1. Catering Phase: This is where you do everything for your children. It’s about providing stability, building confidence, and laying a spiritual foundation. If your child is over 20, it’s time to move out of this phase.
2. Coaching Phase: You move your children from your direction to self-direction. You sow seeds of wisdom and allow them to make their own decisions. Coaches need to see their players in action to offer necessary adjustments.
3. Counseling Phase: In this phase, you step back and let your children make their own decisions, even if they make mistakes. It’s about moving from independence to dependence and being there to counsel them through their experiences.
4. Consulting Phase: Finally, you become a consultant. You’re available for advice, but you let them live their lives. Your role is to prepare them for life independently, making good, godly decisions.

Discover how to build a meaningful legacy with the replay of the sermon, “It’s Later Than You Think.” Dive into the importance of your legacy, evaluate your relationship with God, navigate through different parenting phases, and learn actionable steps for busy professionals. Take advantage of this opportunity to enrich your life and those around you.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of time and the opportunity to build a meaningful legacy. Please help us strengthen our relationship with you and to leave a legacy that honors you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Together, we will delve into the importance of making the most of the time we have been given and prioritizing what truly matters in our lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and reflect on your spiritual journey.

I want to remind you that our Mars Hill community is here to support and uplift one another. We are a family united in Christ’s love, and together, we can overcome any obstacle.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any prayer requests or feedback or need someone to talk to. We value your presence and contributions to our community.

Next In-Person Service

Join Us for In-Person Worship

Join us in person or online on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 10:30 AM Central. We look forward to celebrating with you and honoring the fathers in our community.

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7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525
773-287-3535
marshillchicago.org

Thank you for being an integral part of the Mars Hill Anywhere community. Your involvement and feedback are vital to our successful ability to serve. Let’s continue to unfold God’s plan for our community together.

Support Mars Hill During the Summer Months

As we enter the summer months, it’s crucial to remember the vital role of financial support in sustaining Mars Hill’s operations. Even though we’re operating in a hybrid manner, our expenses are still very real.

Our goal is to continue our ministry with excellence and help those far from God find their way back to Him.

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. Visit our safe online giving site 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.

Let’s build a community that thrives on faith, hope, and love. Join us in making a difference today!

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 the week beyond.

Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant community that lives out the Gospel in every action.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday and interacting with you through our #ChurchInYourPocket.

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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 week an enriching experience for all.