Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Are We Doing Church Wrong or Finally Getting It Right?

Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], Are We Doing Church Wrong or Finally Getting It Right?

Happy Hump Day!

It’s a gift to stay connected with you each week.

Whether life feels full or fragile right now, this space reminds you that you don’t have to navigate it alone.

We’re a church that believes in real faith, real people, and real hope; there’s always room for you at the table.

God Is Growing This and Here’s the Proof

We’ve been analyzing the data lately, starting with our YouTube channel, and what we found is both humbling and exciting.

In just five years, our content has been viewed over 115,897 times , with more than 16,700 hours of watch time.

That’s not just casual clicking. People are staying, listening, and growing.

Even more encouraging?

Our returning viewers watch 12 times longer than new ones, and many stay for full messages on their TVs, like it’s church at home.

While mobile viewers are the largest group, we’re learning how to better reach them with shorter, more powerful content.

This growth confirms our belief that Mars Hill Anywhere isn’t just a service; it’s a spiritual lifeline.

Whether in Chicago, Oak Park, Atlanta, or as far as Colombia and the Caribbean, people are tuning in and being changed.

We’re just getting started.

Your prayers, shares, and giving help make all of this possible.

👉 Click here to read the full YouTube Impact Report

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.

🎥 Watch it here: Worship Isn’t for You – Full Message on YouTube

📱 Devotional + Overview Available Now:

You can read the devotional, reflect on key takeaways, and share it easily on our mobile app or website.

🔗 View the full sermon notes + devotional

Take two minutes today to let God speak to you through the Word. Then, pass it on to someone who needs it, too.

It’s short enough to fit into your day and strong enough to anchor your soul.

video preview

Upcoming Highlights and Helpful Reminders

Join us on Sunday, June 1, at 10:30 AM at

7941 47th Street
McCook, IL.

Come early, bring a friend, and let’s make it a moment.

📲 Get the App: #ChurchInYourPocket

Download the Mars Hill Anywhere app for sermons, devotionals, event details, and giving options.

Search Mars Hill Baptist Church in your app store today.

📧 Not getting our texts or emails?

Text MARSHILL (one word) to 33777 to stay connected.

💬 Want to connect or have questions? Click the Connection Card link

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.

Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

But that’s not all—this week, we’re also kicking off a special Zoom Bible study designed to deepen our understanding and strengthen our 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 set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  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 carry each other. We celebrate the good, sit with each other in the hard, and remind one another that we don’t walk alone.

You matter. Your story matters. And you belong here.

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 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! ⏰

[FIRST NAME GOES HERE], This Sunday We’re Pulling Back the Curtain on Church

[FIRST NAME GOES HERE], This Sunday We’re Pulling Back the Curtain on Church

Happy Thursday,

No matter where you’re reading this from, your couch, office, or favorite lunch spot, I want you to know this: you are seen, loved, and part of something real.

Mars Hill Anywhere is more than a service you stream. It is a spiritual home.

A place where faith is deep, community is strong, and God’s presence shows up in unexpected places. Your presence reminds us weekly that church isn’t about a building. It is about the people who show up with open hearts.

You Had to Be There…

This past Sunday, Mother’s Day hit different at Mars Hill Anywhere.

Whether you were in the room or online, something sacred happened. Worship reached places that words can’t describe. The prayers were honest, the atmosphere was whole, and the Word came with clarity and comfort.

One moment that left us speechless was this truth:

“She may be gone from your life, but she’s not gone from your story.”

Pastor Clarence didn’t preach around the pain. He met it head-on. He spoke to the grieving, the celebrating, and those with complicated relationships, reminding us that God sees all of it and stays close.

📺 Missed the message? Want to hear it again?

Watch the full service here: Mother’s Day at Mars Hill Anywhere

video preview

🕊 And if you’re overwhelmed or short on time, we created something just for you.

Take two minutes today and breathe with this short devotional:

👉 When Mother’s Day Hits Different – 2-Minute Devotional

It’s short enough to fit into your day and strong enough to anchor your soul.

What If We’ve Been Doing Church Without Knowing Why?

This Sunday, we launch a brand-new series: Church Explained.

We sing, give, pray, and hear the Word every week. But have you ever paused to ask why? Why do we gather? Why do these moments matter?

In this four-week series, we’ll discuss the what, why, and how of church. You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Mars Hill Anywhere’s vision as a church and a movement built for this moment.

Mars Hill Anywhere is flexible, focused, and built for people who live whole lives but still want full faith. Whether in the room or on your phone, this is your church. This is your moment.

🗓 “Log on” this Sunday, at 10:30 PM Central. Invite someone who has questions.

Let’s rethink church—together.

Upcoming Highlights and Helpful Reminders

Join us on Saturday, June 1, at 10:30 AM at

7941 47th Street
McCook, IL.

Come early, bring a friend, and let’s make it a moment.

📲 Get the App: #ChurchInYourPocket

Download the Mars Hill Anywhere app for sermons, devotionals, event details, and giving options.

Search Mars Hill Baptist Church in your app store today.

📧 Not getting our texts or emails?

Text MARSHILL (one word) to 33777 to stay connected.

💬 Want to connect or have questions? Click the Connection Card link

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.

Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

But that’s not all—this week, we’re also kicking off a special Zoom Bible study designed to deepen our understanding and strengthen our 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 set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  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 carry each other. We celebrate the good, sit with each other in the hard, and remind one another that we don’t walk alone.

You matter. Your story matters. And you belong here.

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 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! ⏰

Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], This Mother’s Day, We’re Holding Space for Every Story.

Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], This Mother’s Day, We’re Holding Space for Every Story.

Happy Thursday,

I hope this message finds you well and uplifted.

We’re so thankful for each of you in this wonderful community. Your presence—both in spirit and online—makes Mars Hill Anywhere feel like a true family.

As we journey through this week, I want to share something that’s close to our hearts: Mother’s Day.

For some, it’s joy and celebration.

For others, it’s pain, memories, or distance.

That’s why this Sunday, we’re hosting a special Mother’s Day service that speaks to:

  • 🌷 Those who are grateful to still have their mothers
  • 💔 Those who are grieving the ones they’ve lost
  • 🤝 Those navigating complicated or broken relationships

There’s a seat for every story.

A word for every wound.

And a moment of strength for every soul.

🎤 This Sunday’s Sermon: “When Mother’s Day Hits Different”

Whether you’re:

  • Grateful to still have your mother
  • Grieving the one you’ve lost
  • Healing from a strained or painful relationship

This message will speak to your soul. We’re holding space for every story, every tear, every celebration—and we believe God has a word that meets you right where you are.

You may not have had the mother you needed, but God is still shaping you into the person you’re called to be.”

This is more than a message—it’s a moment of healing, truth, and restoration.

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.

Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

But that’s not all—this week, we’re also kicking off a special Zoom Bible study designed to deepen our understanding and strengthen our 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 set up one-time or recurring donations securely.
  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“Pull up” or “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰

Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], God Can Find You—Even If You Don’t Know Where You Are.

Hey [FIRST NAME GOES HERE], God Can Find You—Even If You Don’t Know Where You Are.

Happy Friday!

What if I told you the most challenging part of your faith walk isn’t knowing where you’re going—it’s realizing you don’t even know where you are?

This Sunday, I’m preaching a message that might challenge some of the church clichés we’ve all heard:

Just move forward.
God’s got a plan.
Take the next step.

But what do you do when you don’t know which direction is forward?

What if clarity doesn’t come from movement… but from stillness?

🎯 If you’ve ever felt stuck in the middle…
🎯 If you’ve ever smiled in public but felt lost in private…
🎯 If you’ve ever wondered why God seems quiet when you need answers the most…

This word is for you.

Because the God who meets us at the finish line… also meets us in the fog.

Even here, He’s speaking. Are you listening?

Let’s lock in—

Join Us for Worship This Sunday: “Pull up” or “Log On!”

We will gather in person and online on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

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.

We’d love for you to “Pull up” or Log on” to join our online worship community this Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST.

7941 47th St
McCook, IL 60525

🖥️ Online Service

  • Time: 10:30 AM CST
  • Platform: Mars Hill Anywhere (YouTube & Facebook Live)
  • Perfect for our digital family joining from home

Invite your family, friends, or neighbors—we welcome everyone at Mars Hill Anywhere! No matter where you are, Mars Hill has a place for you.

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.

If you have any prayer requests, 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 “Pull up” or “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central Set your reminder now! ⏰

⛪ Together We GROW + Your PDF Guide Inside – Join Us on Zoom @ 7PM CT

⛪ Together We GROW + Your PDF Guide Inside – Join Us on Zoom @ 7PM CT

Hey family,

I hope this week inspires you!

We’re grateful for your presence, in person or online. Your support makes Mars Hill Anywhere feel like a warm home.

We’re thrilled to announce our continuation of the Zoom Bible Study series, “Moving Forward: Together We Grow.” This study is about reconnecting, refocusing, and strengthening our bond as we fulfill God’s purpose together.

We eagerly await your presence and look forward to a meaningful experience.

Zoom Bible Study: Moving Forward: Together We Grow

We’re stepping into Week 3 of our series Together We Grow, and this week’s focus hits home:

You weren’t built to bounce back by yourself.

In this week’s Bible study, we’re learning that real growth happens in community — when we stop isolating, start connecting, and let God use the people around us to strengthen our comeback.

Here’s what you can expect:

✅ A deeper dive into Philippians 3:14, Ecclesiastes 4:9, and Psalm 37:23
✅ Honest conversation about how setbacks shape us
✅ A powerful reminder that God’s plan for your bounce back includes people.

Whether you’ve joined every week or this is your first time, you belong in this conversation.

“Moving Forward: Together We Grow”

Quick details:

📖 Week 3 – Let’s Keep Building
🗓 Wednesday, April 30, 2025
🕖 7:00 PM Central Time
📍 Zoom Link
📄 Download Your Weekly PDF Study Guide

Last week, we laid the foundation. Tonight, we keep building on faith, vision, unity, and legacy.

Whether you were with us last week or this is your first time joining in, you’re right on time.

Bring your Bible, your heart, and your expectation.

☎️ Zoom Phone Numbers
+13092053325,,83210503506#,,,,*166182# US
+13126266799,,83210503506#,,,,*166182# US (Chicago)

We’re building again—from the inside out—and you’re part of that story.

Let’s build something that lasts—together.

Can’t wait to see your face tonight! 😊

Need a quick refresher?

Here’s the link to rewatch the “Together We Believe” sermon on our website.

“Together We Believe: Faith That Moves Us Forward”

🎥 Watch Here

We’re in This Together!

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

Let’s keep showing up for each other and walking confidently, knowing God is working in our lives. I’d love to hear your prayer requests or what God is doing in your life!

📩 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“pull up” or “Log on” with us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰

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