Happy Hump Day Reader!

Some weeks feel heavier than others. And yet, here you are. Still showing up. Still open. Still growing.

That says a lot about your faith, your grit, and your heart.

This past weekend, our family gathered in Elkhart, Indiana, for a reunion that brought together more than 200 people from every generation.

It was more than a celebration. It reminded me that legacy matters. Connection matters. And the love we pass down is one of the greatest gifts we can give.

That made this Sunday’s message from Min. Marcie Stowers-Wilson feels especially timely.

Teaching Highlight: Sermon Replay – “God is Our Father”

f you’ve ever felt like you are carrying more than your share of life’s weight, Min. Marcie has a word for you.

In her powerful message, “God Is Our Father,” she reminds us what it means to rest in God’s identity, especially when your own feels fragile.

Whether you are facing disappointment, pressure, or just trying to hold it all together, this message will meet you right where you are.

📺 Watch the full replay on YouTube:

🧭 What’s Next For Mars Hill?

I’m writing to share an exciting announcement that represents both prophetic wisdom and strategic vision for our church’s future.

Today, we’re taking a bold step that will accelerate our journey toward owning our own permanent facility.

Prophetic Wisdom in Action

Four years ago, when we sold our building, some questioned the timing.

Today, as energy costs devastate church budgets nationwide, we see God’s profound wisdom in that decision.

While churches across America struggle with electricity bills that have doubled and gas costs that have tripled, Mars Hill Anywhere stands completely free from these financial burdens.

Thank God we were prophetic enough to avoid these crushing costs!

We didn’t just dodge a crisis, we positioned ourselves for unprecedented opportunity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

Beginning Sunday, August 10, 2025, we’re transitioning from twice-monthly to monthly in-person celebration services.

We’re calling it “Super Sunday.”

This strategic move saves us $10,200 annually, money that goes directly into our Moving Forward Together Fund.

This isn’t about doing less; it’s about building more strategically.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central

Where: Online at MarsHillChicago.org
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: “You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Distracted by Someone Else’s Life”

This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you.

👉 Read the article​

📱 Short on Time? I Got You

Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life.

👉 youtube.com/@ClarenceStowersTV/shorts​

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

In conclusion, I would like to discuss 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 a sense of 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 that we can continue to grow 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!

How to Support Mars Hill

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.

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! ⏰

Happy Hump Day Reader!

Every time I go to The Cheesecake Factory, I feel overwhelmed.

Not because of the crowd or the prices, but that massive menu. It’s packed with options, but I always end up picking the same thing.

That’s how church feels for a lot of people: too many choices, but no clear direction.

Teaching Highlight: Sermon Replay – “This Is Why You’re Not Growing Spiritually (No One Told You This)”

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right things” but still not growing spiritually, this message is for you.

In Sunday’s teaching, I shared why too many churches hand out spiritual menus instead of maps and why that leaves people stuck.

A menu offers options. A map shows you the way.

If you’re tired of picking and choosing but not seeing progress, this word will help you get clarity and traction.

🎥 Watch the replay here

​This Is Why You’re Not Growing Spiritually (No One Told You This)​

🧭 Tired of Spiritual Menus? Try the M.A.P.S. Route

If you’ve ever walked away from a sermon thinking, “That was good,” but had no idea what to do next, this is for you.

The M.A.P.S. Route is a 4-step rhythm designed for people who are tired of feeling stuck. It helps you move from just listening to actually growing. No more spiritual overload. Just one clear next step, one truth to apply, one person to walk with, and one way to serve.

It’s simple. It’s repeatable. And it starts now.

🗺️ Click below to download the M.A.P.S. Route

$0.00 M.A.P.S. Route The M.A.P.S. Route is a simple 4-step spiritual growth framework designed to move you from just attending church to… Read more Get it now!

​

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central

Where: Online at MarsHillChicago.org
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

Also Worth Noting:

📺 Catch the Replay

“This Is Why You’re Not Growing Spiritually (No One Told You This)”

If you missed Sunday’s message, watch it now. It’s not another hype sermon. It’s a wake-up call.

👉 Watch it here​

📖 New Devotional Now Available

Go deeper with this week’s message through a short, guided devotional.

👉 Start the devotional​
​

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: “Why Being the Strong One Is Killing You”

This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you.

👉 Read the article​

📱 Short on Time? I Got You

Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life.

👉 youtube.com/@ClarenceStowersTV/shorts​

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

In conclusion, I would like to discuss 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 a sense of 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 that we can continue to grow 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!

How to Support Mars Hill

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.

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! ⏰

Happy Tuesday Reader!

I don’t say this often, but this past Sunday felt like a wake-up call for all of us.

I preached a message that’s been pressing on me for months: “The Most Ignored (but Needed) Verse in Church Today.” It’s rooted in 1 Chronicles 12:32 and the reminder that real leaders don’t just follow trends, they read the times and know what to do.

A church stuck in 1995 won’t survive in a 2025 world.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central

Where: Online at MarsHillChicago.org
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

💡 Teaching Highlight

Message Title: The Most Ignored (but Needed) Verse in Church Today.​

Scripture Focus: 1 Chronicles 12:32 (NLT)

This past Sunday, I preached a message I believe every modern believer and ministry leader needs to hear.

We looked at the Sons of Issachar, leaders who understood the signs of the times and knew what to do.

I shared why the Church cannot afford to be stuck in 1995, thinking that if we want to make an impact in a 2025 world.

In this message, I broke down:

• Why digital culture is not a distraction but a discipleship opportunity
• How spiritual blindness can cost us real influence
• What it means to lead with both awareness and wisdom
• Why the Great Commission still applies to Instagram, YouTube, and group chats

🎥 Watch the full sermon on YouTube: Click here to watch​

If you care about the future of faith, this one is for you.

This message is more than encouragement. It is a challenge to wake up, pay attention, and step forward with clarity and conviction.

Also Worth Noting:

📝 Have you seen my Substack?

I write a weekly newsletter that blends leadership, faith, and personal growth in a way that’s honest and practical.

Substack is where I share deeper thoughts, ideas, and strategies for living with clarity in a noisy world.

My latest article, titled Everything You Know About Time Management Is a Lie, is already sparking real conversation.

➡️ Read it here​

🎬 Have you checked out YouTube Shorts?

Think quick, punchy videos that hit hard and teach fast. I’ve been posting short clips that cover everything from leadership truths to spiritual wake-up calls, all under 60 seconds.

➡️ Watch here​

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

In conclusion, I would like to discuss 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 a sense of 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 that we can continue to grow 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!

How to Support Mars Hill

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.

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! ⏰

Happy Hump Day Reader

Have you ever felt like your faith had a mute button?

You believe in God. You want to do what’s right. But in moments that matter most, it’s easy to stay silent to shrink back, keep the peace, or convince yourself that someone else will speak up.

This week’s message wasn’t about noise. It was about clarity about finding your voice in a world full of chaos, compromise, and confusion. Because the truth is:

God didn’t save you to keep you safe. He called you to speak.

If you missed Sunday or just need to sit with the word again, we’ve got the replay, devotional, and highlights all inside this email.

Let’s get into it.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship Experience (“Pull up” or “Log on” This Sunday)
When: Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 10:30 AM Central
​Where: In-Person at 7941 47th St, McCook, IL 60525​
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

📖 Teaching Highlight

Sermon Title: This Is Why Your Voice Feels Powerless… Until You Speak

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 1:17, Proverbs 31:8, Luke 4:18-19

This week’s message reminded us that silence is not spiritual, it’s surrender.

When injustice rises and the church stays quiet, we don’t reflect Jesus; we resist Him.

Jesus didn’t save you to sit. He anointed you to speak for the crushed, the forgotten, the overlooked.

If you’ve ever felt like your voice didn’t matter, this message flips that lie on its head.

🎥 Watch the replay + begin the 5-Day Devotional:

🎥 Watch the Replay on YouTube or our Website​

Midweek Encouragement

You do not have to earn God’s presence.

You just need to stop long enough to recognize it.

The world might be spinning.

The pressure might be heavy.

But strength isn’t found in doing more. It’s found in trusting deeper.

Take a moment this week. Be still. Listen.

You are not surviving on your own strength.

God is sustaining you with His.

Also Worth Noting:

We just wrapped our latest teaching series: Church Explained.

Ever wonder why we “do church” the way we do?

Why do we sing, why do we listen to sermons, why do we pray, and give?

It’s not random, and it’s not routine.

This series breaks down the biblical why behind worship, preaching, prayer, prophetic witness & boldness, and generosity.

Our Teaching Team walks us through each element, showing how every part of the church is designed to shape your soul, not just fill a seat.

🎥 Watch the full Church Explained series here.

Lastly, check out my latest Substack article: “This Is Why Your Voice Feels Powerless… Until You Speak.”

In this sermon, I explore why silence isn’t always spiritual, and how staying quiet in the face of injustice can slowly erode your influence and clarity.

One More Thing…

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

In conclusion, let’s discuss our Moving Forward Together Campaign. 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.

​Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

How to Support Mars Hill

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! ⏰

Happy Tuesday Reader,

Ever feel like life is moving faster than your soul can process?

Like the headlines scream louder than your prayers?

You’re not alone.

This week, we’re returning to the One who offers steady peace in a shaky world.

No hype. No pressure. Just hope.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship Experience (“Pull up” or “Log on” This Sunday)
When: Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 10:30 AM Central
​Where: In-Person at 7941 47th St McCook, IL 60525​
​Watch on Facebook: @MarsHillChicago​
Watch on YouTube: ClarenceStowersTV​

📖 Teaching Highlight

Sermon Title: When the World Feels Like It’s Falling Apart

Scripture Focus: John 14:27

This week’s message reminded us that panic may be loud, but peace speaks to those who slow down and listen. Jesus never promised a life without trouble.

He promised a peace the world can’t give and chaos can’t cancel. If your mind has been racing or your heart has been heavy, this message is for you.

Watch it again and share it with someone who needs a steady word in a shaky world.

🎥 Watch the Replay on YouTube or our Website​

Midweek Encouragement

You do not have to chase peace.

You just need to stop long enough to receive it.

The news might be loud.

The pace might be fast.

But peace is not found in the absence of noise. It is found in the presence of God.

Take a moment this week. Breathe. Pray.

You are not holding yourself together by willpower.

God is holding you by grace.

Also Worth Noting:

We also launched a new YouTube playlist: Real Faith for Real Life.

Faith isn’t just for Sundays. It’s for broken relationships, anxiety, decision-making, and more. This playlist offers real talk, biblical wisdom, and practical steps to grow your faith.

Lastly, check out my latest Substack article: “Not Every Voice Deserves Volume: How I Handle Unsolicited Advice.”

This article explores how you can protect your peace and purpose by discerning which voices deserve influence and why not all advice, no matter how well-meaning or loud, is worth following.

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

In conclusion, let’s discuss our Moving Forward Together Campaign. 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.

​Be Part of the Future – Give Today!

How to Support Mars Hill

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! ⏰