🔌 Struggling to Stay Connected to Church? We’ve Got You Covered

Happy Hump Day Reader,

I hope this message finds you well!

I want to take a moment to thank you for being such a vital part of our Mars Hill Anywhere community. Whether you join us in person or online, your presence, prayers, and support mean the world. You are not just attendees—you are family.

Through every challenge and every victory, we stand together, growing in faith and lifting one another up. As we enter a new week, I pray you find encouragement, peace, and strength in God’s promises.

This email newsletter is our way of staying connected, keeping you informed, and sharing inspiration to carry you through the week. I’m excited to update you on what’s happening in our community and how we can continue making an impact—together!

Let’s dive into what’s happening at Mars Hill this week!

✅ What’s New at Mars Hill Anywhere

1. Worship Recap: Last week’s in-person and online services were filled with powerful worship and connection, reminding us of God’s faithfulness.
2. Save the Date—Easter Sunday! Mark your calendars for April 20, 2025. Our Easter service will be held both in person and online. More details to come!
3. Why Hybrid Church? Our mission is to reach people wherever they are, blending in-person and digital experiences to create a thriving faith community.
4. New Substack Launched! I just launched my new Substack, where I’ll share insights on faith, leadership, and digital ministry. Check it out and subscribe here.​
5. Lunch & Learn Interest Survey: I’m considering hosting a monthly in-person Bible study over lunch. If you’re interested, please take the quick survey.
6. Thank You: Thank you for your continued support and generosity, which empower our community’s mission.

✅ Worship Recap

Life can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel disconnected from God and each other.

That’s why gathering for in-person and online worship is so important. Last week, we came together as a church family in the room or through the screen to reset our hearts, refocus our faith, and find encouragement in God’s presence.

Worship reminded us that we are never alone no matter where we are. The Mars Hill community is alive, growing, and walking this faith journey together!

✅ Save the Date – Easter Sunday Worship!

Easter is a time of renewal, hope, and celebration!

On Sunday, April 20, 2025, we will gather both in person and online to rejoice in Jesus’s resurrection. Whether you worship with us in the room or from home, this is a moment to come together as a faith family and reflect on the victory we have in Christ.

Mark your calendar, invite a friend, and stay tuned for more details—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

✅ Why We Are a Hybrid Church

The world has changed, and so has the way people connect with their faith.

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we embrace a hybrid church model because we recognize that not everyone can—or will—engage with church similarly. Some prefer the in-person experience, while others find spiritual growth and community through digital spaces. Instead of forcing a choice, we bring the two together, making church accessible, flexible, and deeply connected no matter where you are.

By offering both physical and digital worship, we ensure that our mission remains the same—reaching people wherever they are, removing barriers, and fostering real community. Whether you join us in the room or online, you are part of this family.

We believe church isn’t just a place you go; it’s a community you belong to. That’s why we’re committed to making every worship experience seamless, meaningful, and available to all.

✅ Lunch & Learn Interest Survey – Let Me Know What You Think!

I’m considering hosting a monthly in-person Bible study over lunch, and I’d love to know if you’d be interested!

This would be a great opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture, connect with others, and grow together in faith—all while sharing a meal.

If this sounds like something you’d like to participate in, please take a moment to fill out this quick survey and let me know your thoughts.

Your feedback will help shape this gathering, and I appreciate your input!

✅ New Substack – Dive Deeper with Me!

I’m excited to share that I’ve officially moved all my in-depth writing to Substack! If you’ve ever wanted a place where we can go beyond Sunday sermons and dig into leadership, faith, and digital ministry in a real, practical, and engaging way, this is it.

On my Substack, you’ll find weekly insights, thought-provoking discussions, and behind-the-scenes reflections on what it means to lead, serve, and grow in today’s world. Plus, it’s an easy way to stay connected throughout the week.

📩 Subscribe today and be part of the conversation! → Check it out here​

✅ Sunday’s Sermon – “Don’t Take the Bait! How to Overcome Offense Before It Destroys You”

Offense is one of the enemy’s greatest traps—it sneaks in, takes root, and before we know it, it’s robbing us of peace, joy, and relationships. In Sunday’s message, we tackled recognizing offense, avoiding falling into its trap, and embracing the freedom that comes with forgiveness.

If you missed it or want to dive deeper, watch the full message here:

▶️ Don’t Take the Bait!​

Let this be the week we refuse to take the bait and choose grace over grudges!

✅ This Week’s Two-Minute Devotional is Ready!

Looking for a quick yet powerful way to refocus your faith this week? Our latest Two-Minute Devotional is now available! This short but impactful reading will help you guard your heart, let go of offense, and walk in the freedom of grace.

📖 Read it here: Two-Minute Devotional​

Take a moment to reflect—and let’s choose peace over offense this week!

💻 Join Us Sunday for Church Online

Worship with us from wherever you are:

📺 YouTube Live: Clarence Stowers TV​

📘 Facebook Live: Mars Hill Chicago​

However you join us, ensure you show up—your presence matters!

Why attend online? Life is busy, and sometimes getting to church isn’t possible—but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out. Online worship allows you to stay spiritually connected no matter where you are. You can participate in the service, engage in the comments, and still be part of what God is doing at Mars Hill Anywhere!

As we look forward to gathering together this Sunday, whether in person or online, let’s carry the spirit of unity and participation into every aspect of our lives. Here’s how we can continue to support and uplift one another in our journey of faith and community.

How to Support Mars Hill

Your support helps us spread hope and share God’s love with our community and beyond. Here are some ways you can get involved:

1. Give: Your financial gifts make a difference. You can give online through our secure website or use our mobile app.
2. Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
3. Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
4. Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
5. Share: Help spread the word by sharing our social media posts or forwarding this email to a friend.

Your generosity keeps Mars Hill thriving and helps us reach more people with God’s love. If you feel led to contribute, here are some ways you can support our ministry:

1. ​Online Giving: Visit our website to securely set up one-time or recurring donations.
2. Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
3. Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
4. Mail: Send checks to:

Mars Hill Baptist Church
PO Box 6159
River Forest, IL 60305

Remember, every gift, big or small, makes a difference. Your support allows us to:

• Maintain our temporary church home
• Fund community outreach programs
• Provide resources for Life Groups
• Expand our online ministry
• Invest in equipment, tools, cameras, and software to grow our online campus.

We’re grateful for your partnership in spreading the Gospel and serving our community in person and online.

Please consider giving today and help us grow in faith and impact.

​Give Now!

We’re in This Together!

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we believe that faith grows stronger in community. Whether you’re tuning in online, joining a Life Group, or worshiping with us, you are part of a family that loves and supports you.

Let’s keep showing up, praying for one another, and walking confidently, knowing God is working in our lives.

If you have any prayer requests or questions or want to share what God is doing in your life, I’d love to hear from you!

📩 Reply to this email and tell me how to pray for you this week.

Until next time—stay encouraged, stay connected, and keep pressing forward in faith!

With faith and gratitude,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to “Log on” us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰