Happy Thursday Reader,

As we enter 2025, I want to extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you. This year holds incredible promise, and I’m excited about the journey ahead as we grow together in faith and community.

Whether you’re joining us from near or far, know that you are an integral part of our family, and your presence enriches our shared mission.

Let’s embrace this new chapter with open hearts, leaning into God’s guidance and celebrating the joy of being connected as one body in Christ.

This Week at Mars Hill Anywhere

Here’s what you can look forward to in this week’s issue:

  1. Mars Hill’s 2025 Vision: In 2025, Mars Hill Anywhere will deepen connections, leverage technology, and expand its reach to share God’s love and create lasting impact locally and globally.
  2. In-person Service Highlights: Our first in-person service of 2025 was an incredible blessing, filled with worship and community. We reflected on Christ’s sacrifice and celebrated Communion together.
  3. New Sermon Series – “Missed Calls”: Dive into this thought-provoking series that explores how we can reconnect with God’s calling.
  4. Updated Mobile App: Stay connected on the go with our newly updated Mars Hill Anywhere app, designed to enhance your experience and keep you informed.
  5. What to Expect in 2025: Tune in to the Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast for insights and inspiration as we journey through the year ahead.

2025 Vision: From Here to There, Rooted in Faith, Growing Anywhere

Our vision for 2025 is inspired by Psalm 1:3 (NLT):

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.

This year, we’re focusing on three strategic pillars to guide our ministry:

  1. Spiritual Growth & Discipleship

    • Launching the “Bold Prayers” Discipleship Pathway.
    • Hosting workshops on prayer and Bible study.
    • Encouraging consistent growth with a 30-Day Spiritual Growth Challenge.
  2. Community Impact & Connection

    • Expanding the Taste of Mars Hill event to foster relationships.
    • Launching the Mars Hill Men’s Lounge for fellowship and wealth-building.
    • Partnering with local organizations for mentorship and service opportunities.
  3. Hybrid Excellence & Engagement

    • Upgrading live streams with enhanced audio and visuals.
    • Hosting live Q&A sessions after sermons for real-time interaction.
    • Providing resources for both in-person and online worshipers.

Throughout the first quarter, I’ll unpack this vision in greater detail, sharing how you can grow and serve with us.

In-person Service Highlights

Our first in-person service of 2025 was truly unforgettable!

The sanctuary was filled with vibrant worship, heartfelt prayers, and a strong sense of community.

Celebrating Communion together during this service was a blessing. We reflected on Christ’s sacrifice and renewed our faith as we began the year united in His love.

Moments like these remind us of the beauty and power of gathering as a faith family.

Let’s carry this energy forward into the weeks and months ahead, strengthening our connections and growing in our shared mission.

Join Us for Sunday’s Online Church Service!

Start your week with worship and connection at Mars Hill Anywhere!

Join us this Sunday for an uplifting online service led by Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

📅 Time: 10:30 AM CST
📍 Where: Streaming live on Facebook Live and YouTube.

Gather your family, invite your friends, and be part of this powerful experience as we come together in faith, no matter where you are!

New Sermon Series: “Missed Calls”

This four-week series delves into the challenging reality of missed calls and opportunities in life.

As Christians, we often encounter moments when we might overlook God’s calling for various reasons: ignoring opportunities to serve others, prioritizing personal desires over His plan, clinging to unmet expectations, or failing to act on the moments God places before us.

The good news is that even missed calls can be redeemed by God. Join us as we learn to recognize and respond to His call in every season of life.

Updated Mars Hill Anywhere Mobile App

We’re excited to announce the launch of our updated Mars Hill Anywhere mobile app! Designed to keep you connected and inspired, the app offers enhanced features, including:

  • Access to sermon archives and weekly devotionals anytime, anywhere.
  • Staying up-to-date with church events and announcements.
  • Joining live streams seamlessly from your mobile device.
  • Submitting prayer requests and connecting with your Mars Hill family.

Download or update the app today at Mars Hill Mobile App and stay rooted in faith wherever you are. Let’s grow together in 2025!

Download or update the app today!

Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast: Latest Episode

Kick-off 2025 with inspiration by tuning in to the latest episode of the Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast, “Forget Perfection: Why Progress is the Real Goal in 2025.”

This episode, packed with practical insights and faith-driven leadership principles, sets the tone for a year of growth and transformation.

Listen now: Clarence Stowers Leadership Podcast.

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!

Let’s step into 2025 confidently, knowing that God will guide us every step. I can’t wait to see you on January 5th as we begin this exciting journey together!

Here to help you win,

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! ⏰

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