This message is for the men who held it together when everything was falling apart. For the fathers who stayed even when it hurt. For the ones who did not have an example but decided to become one.
This Sunday, we are calling strength what it really is: steady. Show up, stand firm, and discover the kind of faith that does not flinch.
Pressed for time? Try our 2-minute devotional. It’s designed for busy professionals on the go. It’s part of our digital discipleship strategy: 👉 Start the Devotional
Everything you need to grow spiritually right from your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket. ⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App
Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community
We’re at a pivotal moment in our church’s journey. As part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings; we create lasting impact.
Your support helps us:
Extend help to those in need
Create meaningful worship experiences
Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
Build spaces for real connection
We’re building a church, not just a physical space.
This special campaign ensures we can continue growing our ministries online and in-person.
How You Can Be Part of This Journey
We’re aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we’re hoping for:
30 people to contribute $500
50 people to contribute $300
These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children’s programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.
Your generosity fuels everything we do from in-person gatherings to digital discipleship. If you’ve been encouraged by this ministry, here are a few simple ways to give and get involved:
Give:
Support the mission securely at marshillchicago.org/giving, in our mobile app, or by texting MHGIVE to 33777. You can also mail checks to:
Mars Hill Baptist Church PO Box 6159 River Forest, IL 60305
Serve:
Use your gifts to make a difference online or in person. Visit our site to see current opportunities.
Pray:
Lift up our leaders, our church family, and the people we’re reaching. Prayer is a powerful form of participation.
Invite & Share:
Send this email to a friend, invite someone to service, or repost something that encouraged you. Every share matters.
You’re helping us reach people with hope, truth, and love whether they’re across town or across the country.
With love and expectation,
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
P.S. Don’t forget to “Pull up” or“Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰
What if you could get instant clarity for your week, your message, or your next ministry move without waiting for a coach, team meeting, or a quiet moment that never comes?
This week I was thinking about how some of the strongest men I know are also the quietest.
Not because they lack something to say but because they carry so much with grace. Father’s Day reminds me that strength often looks like showing up, again and again, with love, patience, and sacrifice.
This Sunday Is Online Only
We’re fully online this Sunday no in-person gathering.
🎥 Tune in on Facebook Live or YouTube at 10:30 AM Central.
Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community
In conclusion, I want to talk about something close to all our hearts: our Moving Forward Together Campaign.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our church’s journey.
As someone who’s chosen to be part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings; we’re about creating lasting impact in people’s lives.
Your support does something remarkable. It helps us:
Extend a helping hand to those who need it most
Create meaningful worship experiences (both online and in-person)
Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
Build spaces where real connection happens
We’re not just building a church; we’re creating a home where people find hope, healing, and purpose.
And here’s the exciting part: while our regular tithes and offerings will go toward securing our own physical space, this special campaign will ensure we can continue growing our ministries both online and in-person.
How You Can Be Part of This Journey
We’re aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we’re hoping for:
30 people to contribute $500
50 people to contribute $300
These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children’s programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.
Your generosity fuels everything we do from in-person gatherings to digital discipleship. If you’ve been encouraged by this ministry, here are a few simple ways to give and get involved:
Give:
Support the mission securely at marshillchicago.org/giving, in our mobile app, or by texting MHGIVE to 33777. You can also mail checks to:
Mars Hill Baptist Church PO Box 6159 River Forest, IL 60305
Serve:
Use your gifts to make a difference online or in person. Visit our site to see current opportunities.
Pray:
Lift up our leaders, our church family, and the people we’re reaching. Prayer is a powerful form of participation.
Invite & Share:
Send this email to a friend, invite someone to service, or repost something that encouraged you. Every share matters.
You’re helping us reach people with hope, truth, and love whether they’re across town or across the country.
With love and expectation,
Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
P.S. Don’t forget to “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰
Some weeks go by quickly. Others feel like they carry the weight of a whole season.
Whichever kind of week you are having, just know this. You are not the only one walking through it. And you do not have to walk it alone.
At Mars Hill Anywhere, we keep showing up because God keeps meeting us in the middle of real life. Not the polished kind, but the honest, in-progress kind.
This Sunday, June 1, is another chance to breathe, to hear from God, and to remember that grace is still holding you. Whether you join us in person or online, you are welcome to bring your whole self. Questions, hopes, and all.
What’s Inside This Week’s Email
Here’s a quick look at what you will find in this week’s update:
Details for our next in-person and online worship gathering on Sunday, June 1
A powerful sermon recap from “You Heard It… But Did You Receive It?”
A five-day devotional to help you reflect and refocus
A new resource to guide your personal Bible study
A word of thanks for your continued support
Let’s jump in.
Worship This Sunday – June 1, 2025
This Sunday is not just another date on the calendar. It is a fresh opportunity to meet with God and hear what He has to say to you.
Join us in person or online for worship at Mars Hill Anywhere.
🗓 Sunday, June 1, 2025
🕥 10:30 AM Central
📍 7941 47th Street, McCook, IL
We are continuing our new series, Church Explained: Why We Do What We Do. This is not just about tradition. It is about purpose. If you have ever wondered why church looks the way it does or why certain parts matter, this series will speak to you.
Sermon Recap – You Heard It… But Did You Receive It?]
The Word cannot change you if it never reaches you.
This past Sunday, I shared a message that speaks to something many of us miss. Hearing God’s Word is not just about listening. It is about receiving it deep in your heart.
If we treat the sermon like background noise, we miss what God is trying to say. But when we come with an open spirit, ready to respond, something shifts.
If the message spoke to you, do not let it stop there.
I created a 5-day devotional to help you listen more carefully and respond more fully to what God is saying. Each day gives you space to reflect, pray, and take a step forward.
I wanted to personally introduce you to something special I created to help you grow in your faith all week long. It is called the Moving Forward Together Bible Companion, and it is designed to be your personal Bible study partner.
You can use it on your phone or computer at any time. Here is how it works:
Pick the week you are in: Build, Believe, Grow, or Serve
Answer a few reflection questions based on Scripture
Receive personalized encouragement and a spiritual next step
Return whenever you need guidance, focus, or motivation
It is powered by AI, but it speaks in the same voice you hear from me, motivational, faith-filled, and practical.
Whether you are reading your Bible alone, reflecting after a message, or just trying to stay grounded during the week, this companion helps you do it with purpose.
I know how easy it is to feel spiritually stuck or isolated between Sundays. That is why I built this to walk with you as you walk with God.
Why use it If you have ever wanted to go deeper in your Bible study but felt stuck, needed a midweek faith boost, or were unsure how to apply the sermon in your daily life, this companion was created for you.
You will be guided in the same faith-filled and motivational voice you know. It is practical, Spirit-led, and focused on helping you reflect and respond with intention.
Let us move forward together
Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community
In conclusion, I want to talk about something close to all our hearts – our Moving Forward Together Campaign.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our church’s journey. As someone who’s chosen to be part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings – we’re about creating lasting impact in people’s lives.
Your support does something remarkable. It helps us:
Extend a helping hand to those who need it most
Create meaningful worship experiences (both online and in-person)
Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
Build spaces where real connection happens
We’re not just building a church – we’re creating a home where people find hope, healing, and purpose.
And here’s the exciting part: while our regular tithes and offerings will go toward securing our own physical space, this special campaign will ensure we can continue growing our ministries both online and in-person.
How You Can Be Part of This Journey
We’re aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we’re hoping for:
30 people to contribute $500
50 people to contribute $300
These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children’s programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.
Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
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:
Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
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.
Watch for more updates as we expand this digital front door into deeper discipleship.
This Week’s Message: Worship Isn’t for You & Here’s Why
If you missed Sunday’s message or want to hear it again, you must catch it.
Too often, we treat worship like it’s about our preferences. But what if worship was never about us at all?
What if it’s not about the songs we like, our mood, or what we get out of it?
This week’s sermon, “Worship Isn’t for You & Here’s Why,” unpacks the true purpose of worship and why it shifts everything when we make it about God, not ourselves.
Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community
In conclusion, I want to talk about something close to all our hearts – our Moving Forward Together Campaign.
We’re at a pivotal moment in our church’s journey. As someone who’s chosen to be part of our community, you know we’re more than just Sunday gatherings – we’re about creating lasting impact in people’s lives.
Your support does something remarkable. It helps us:
Extend a helping hand to those who need it most
Create meaningful worship experiences (both online and in-person)
Invest in our kids and teens through vibrant ministry programs
Build spaces where real connection happens
We’re not just building a church – we’re creating a home where people find hope, healing, and purpose.
And here’s the exciting part: while our regular tithes and offerings will go toward securing our own physical space, this special campaign will ensure we can continue growing our ministries both online and in-person.
How You Can Be Part of This Journey
We’re aiming to raise $20,000 by summer through our Moving Forward Together initiative. Specifically, we’re hoping for:
30 people to contribute $500
50 people to contribute $300
These funds will directly enhance our Sunday worship space, cover our weekly expenses, launch new youth and children’s programs, and create consistent mid-week gatherings that strengthen our community.
Serve: We have many opportunities to serve, both in-person and virtually. Check out our website for current needs.
Pray: Please keep our church, leaders, and community in your prayers. Your prayers are powerful!
Invite: Do you know someone who might benefit from our message? Invite them to join us online or in person this Sunday.
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:
Online Giving: Visit our website to set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
Text-to-Give: Text MHGIVE to 33777 and follow the prompts.
Sunday Offering: Drop your gift in the offering basket during our in-person services.
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.
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So sit back, relax, and get ready for a world of endless possibilities. Thank you for subscribing, and we can't wait to connect with you soon.
Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
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![[FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Join Us Online This Sunday! 📱 Father’s Day Is Coming Soon](https://clarencestowers.com/wp-content/plugins/phastpress/phast.php/c2VydmljZT1pbWFnZXMmc3JjPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGY2xhcmVuY2VzdG93ZXJzLmNvbSUyRndwLWNvbnRlbnQlMkZ1cGxvYWRzJTJGMjAyNSUyRjA2JTJGNkRoNjFVOGdhTkR2eDlmR0RaSnVZRy5wbmcmY2FjaGVNYXJrZXI9MTc0OTA0OTA1Mi00OTc2OCZ0b2tlbj0xMjAzMTc2OGJhNmVhOGRj.q.png)
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