In Sunday’s message, “Everything’s Breaking… But You’re Still Standing,” we talked about real pressure, financial strain, emotional fatigue, and spiritual weight, and how God doesn’t just help us survive the shaking; He gives us wisdom to stand strong in it.
That’s why I’m excited to share something practical, powerful, and available right now:
If you or someone you know is feeling the strain from the government shutdown, please know you are not alone. Help is available right here in Chicago.
We are grateful to partner with Nourishing Hope, a Chicago-based organization providing free monthly groceries to anyone in need who lives in the Chicago area.
What makes this program special is that you can choose your own food online, selecting from each food group so your family gets exactly what they will use and enjoy.
This program is only available to Chicago residents.
There is no cost to sign up.
All you need are two forms of ID, and it takes only a few minutes to complete the process.
Whether you need a little extra help this month or want to share this resource with a neighbor or friend, this opportunity is open to you.
We are praying for everyone affected by this shutdown, especially those whose work and income are on hold.
Please reach out if you need prayer, guidance, or someone to talk to. You are not forgotten, and your Mars Hill Anywhere family cares deeply about you.
My heart is heavy for those affected by the government shutdown, especially our brothers and sisters facing missed paychecks, uncertain futures, and growing anxiety about how to make ends meet.
If that’s you, please hear this: you are not alone. You are part of a family that cares, prays, and stands ready to help however we can.
Below are trusted resources offering immediate assistance to furloughed federal employees. Please review and share with anyone who might need them.
💳 Financial and Banking Support
Bank of America: 844-219-0690 – Assistance for furloughed workers.
Chase Bank: 1-888-356-0023 – Customer relief for federal employees.
Navy Federal Credit Union: 1-888-842-6328 – Special loan program available.
Congressional Federal Credit Union: 800-491-2328 – Relief Line of Credit.
PayPal: 1-877-689-1975 – $250 to $500 interest-free cash advance for approved accounts.
U.S. Bank: Waiving late fees and deferring payments for affected customers.
Fed Choice Credit Union: Assistance for new and existing members.
Interior Federal Credit Union: 800-914-8619 – Interest-free paycheck loans.
🏡 Housing, Utilities, and Food
Feeding America: 200+ food banks nationwide serving federal employees.
National Rental Home Council: Deferred rent payments, no late fees.
OPM Letters: Sample letters for contacting landlords and creditors.
Local School Districts: Ask about free meal programs for your children.
🚗 Auto and Insurance Assistance
Toyota and Lexus Financial: 800-874-8822 or 800-874-7050 – Up to two months of payment extensions.
Hyundai and Kia Finance: 1-800-523-4030 or 1-866-331-5632 – 30-day deferred payments.
MetLife Auto and Home: 1-800-GET-MET8 – 30-day grace period on premiums.
USAA: Payment deferments for all loans and credit cards.
📱 Phone Carriers
AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon: Call customer service to request fee adjustments, extensions, or payment deferrals.
🎓 Grants and Relief
FEEA-NARFE: $100 furlough grants for qualifying federal employees. Visit FEEA.org.
Union Plus: 800-472-2005 – Grants and payment relief for union members.
💬 A Word of Hope
Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
Even in times of uncertainty, God’s faithfulness continues to show up through people, prayers, and provision.
If you need prayer or personal support, reply to this email or message us at
I know life can feel heavy sometimes. Some weeks it is a miracle just to show up, to keep going, and to hold on to faith. If that is where you are, you are not alone. I have been there too.
Last Sunday’s message came from that place between what you have been through and what God is still doing.
Still Standing. Still Called. Still Here.
You have been through storms that should have buried you.
You have faced seasons that stripped your confidence.
But the fact that you are still standing is proof that God is not finished with you.
If you have ever felt stuck, tired, or unsure of what comes next, hear this truth.
When life slows down, God does not stop working.
Even when you feel sidelined or unseen, His calling on your life still stands.
If you are still breathing, God is still building.
If you are still standing, you are still called.
This week is your opportunity to keep standing strong in faith and trust that God is still writing your story.
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 serving 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.
🔥 Your Move This Weekend
✔️ Watch the sermon
✔️ Download the devotional
✔️ Give to what God is doing at Mars Hill
✔️ Forward this to someone who feels like they don’t have enough
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! ⏰
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 serving 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.
🔥 Your Move This Weekend
✔️ Watch the sermon
✔️ Download the devotional
✔️ Give to what God is doing at Mars Hill
✔️ Forward this to someone who feels like they don’t have enough
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! ⏰
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Best regards,
Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
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