Happy New Year! 🎉

As we enter 2025, I’m excited about what God has in store for us. This year, our focus is on being “Rooted in Faith, Growing Anywhere,” inspired by Psalm 1:3 (NLT):

When we’re firmly planted in God’s Word, growth becomes inevitable. This year, we aim to grow in faith, impact, and connection wherever God places us. In this week’s newsletter, you’ll find:

​1️⃣ A preview of our 2025 Vision: From Here to There, Rooted in Faith, Growing Anywhere, including the three pillars guiding us this year.

2️⃣ An invitation to our first service of 2025 on Sunday, January 5th, at 10:30 AM CST—whether in person or online.

3️⃣ A preview of our first series of the year, “Missed Calls”—a powerful four-week journey exploring how God can redeem missed opportunities.

Let’s make 2025 a year of faith, growth, and community. Keep reading to learn how to get involved and inspired from the start!

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

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

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

1. Spiritual Growth & Discipleship

Goal: Equip individuals to grow deeper in their faith and develop spiritual resilience.

2. Community Impact & Connection

Goal: Strengthen our local and global communities through service and relationships.

3. Hybrid Excellence & Engagement

Goal: Optimize our digital and in-person ministries to meet people wherever they are.

Throughout the first quarter, I’ll explain this vision in greater detail and share ways you can grow and serve with us.

Let’s kick off the year together with worship and community!

Join Us for Worship This Sunday: Pull Up or Log On!

We’d love for you to “Pull up” and be with us in person or “Log on” to join our online worship community this Sunday, January 5, 2024, at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s what you need to know:

✨ Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025

✨ Time: 10:30 AM CST

✨ Location:

Mars Hill Anywhere
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

Bring your family, friends, or neighbors—there’s room for everyone at Mars Hill Anywhere!

No matter where you are, there’s always a place for you at Mars Hill.

Feel free to scan the QR code in the image above for more details and to connect with us quickly. We can’t wait to see you—whether in person or online!

Whether you pull up or log on, this service is a powerful way to begin 2025 rooted in faith and fellowship.

New Series: Missed Calls

We’re starting the year with a thought-provoking four-week series, “Missed Calls.”

In life, we sometimes miss God’s call because:

• We overlook chances to serve others.

• We focus on our desires instead of God’s plan.

• We cling to expectations that don’t align with His will.

• We fail to seize the moments God places in front of us.

But here’s the good news: God can redeem even missed calls. Join us each week to discover how to recognize and respond to His call in every season of life.

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!

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!

With faith and gratitude,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to”pull up” or “Log on” us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰

Happy New Year Reader,

Ever feel like New Year’s resolutions are set up to fail?

Here’s the thing: big, sweeping resolutions often feel overwhelming and unattainable. That’s why I want to share a different approach—a way to build small, consistent wins that could completely redefine your 2025.

Take David, for example. At the start of last year, he decided to ditch the grand, intimidating goals and focus on small, meaningful changes instead.

He committed to reading just one page of a book daily, saving $5 weekly, and taking a five-minute walk every morning.

By the end of the year, those simple habits added to big wins: he finished three books, built a savings cushion, and felt noticeably healthier.

2025 is here, with it, the promise of new opportunities and growth. What if you focused on progress this year instead of chasing perfection?

In my latest blog post, you’ll discover:

• Why the 1% better every day mindset could redefine your year

• Simple, actionable steps to build habits that stick

• A fresh perspective on why small changes create a lasting impact

Plus, I’m sharing more stories like David’s and how small, consistent actions can also lead to big results in your life.

👉 Ready to kick off 2025 with clarity and confidence? Click below to read the full blog post:

​Forget Perfection: Why Progress is the Real Goal for 2025​

Here’s to making this year one of growth and progress!

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
​See All of my Links @ Linktree​

Happy Monday Reader,

I’m thrilled to inform you that this week’s devotional, “Between the Already and Not Yet: Preparing for 2025,” is now available.

As we approach the new year, it’s the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on where we are and where we’re heading.

In this devotional, we’ll explore what it means to live in the tension between God’s already accomplished work and the promises we’re still waiting to fulfill.

You’ll find encouragement to trust God’s timing, practical insights for spiritual growth, and inspiration to step confidently into 2025.

​1️⃣ Click the link in this email to access your unique Rewind page.

2️⃣ Save the link from your browser so it’s easy to find later. (You can copy the URL from the address bar, bookmark it, or save it in your notes.)

3️⃣ Share it with your circle—your congregation, family, friends, or anyone you feel would benefit.

That’s it! Rewind makes it simple to turn Sunday’s message into something shareable, bite-sized, and impactful.

Don’t miss this chance to prepare your heart and mind for the new year ahead.

Click here to start: Between the Already and Not Yet: Preparing for 2025.

Feel free to share this with anyone who might need encouragement as we close out 2024 and prepare for what’s next. I’d love to hear your thoughts after you’ve had a chance to reflect on it.

Let’s walk into 2025 together with faith, purpose, and hope!

FAQs

Does this cost anything?

No, Rewind is included with your silver plan at no additional cost.

How do I save the link from my browser?

Once you click the link in this email and open your Rewind page, copy the URL from your browser’s address bar. You can bookmark it for quick access or paste it into a note or document to save it for later.

Can I share this link on social media?

Absolutely! Your unique URL is perfect for sharing via text, email, or social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Will my link work on mobile devices?

Yes, the Rewind page is fully optimized for mobile, so people can easily access it from their phones or tablets.

What if I lose my link?

No worries! You can reaccess it by clicking the original email or contacting support.

What if I have other questions?

Just reply to this email, and I’ll be happy to help.

Thanks again for helping me make sermons more shareable. Let’s do this together!

Here to help you win,

Pastor Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.

P.S. Don’t forget to”pull up” or “Log on” us online this Sunday at 10:30 AM Central for our online service. Set your reminder now! ⏰

Happy Monday Reader,

I’m excited to share something new with you—Rewind!

I want to personally thank you for agreeing to be a beta tester. You’re one of the first to try this platform, which is about helping people connect with sermons in ways that work for their busy lives.

​1️⃣ Click the link in this email to access your unique Rewind page: He Did What He Said He Would Do.

2️⃣ Save the link from your browser so it’s easy to find later. (You can copy the URL from the address bar, bookmark it, or save it in your notes.)

3️⃣ Share it with your circle—your congregation, family, friends, or anyone you feel would benefit.

That’s it! Rewind makes it simple to turn Sunday’s message into something shareable, bite-sized, and impactful.

Why I’m So Excited About This

Let’s be honest—most people don’t sit down to rewatch full sermons.

But imagine this: someone says, “This message made me think of you. Would you like to check out this 5-day devotional? It’s only 2 minutes a day.”

That’s the power of Rewind—making Sunday messages relevant and accessible in just the right way.

Your Feedback Matters

Your feedback is key to making this better for all of us. I’d love to hear what you think—what’s working, what’s not, and how it can help you even more.

Here’s how it works:

• Daily Devotionals: 2-minute reflections inspired by my latest sermons.
• Shareable Content: Perfect to share with a friend who needs encouragement.
• Flexible Connection: Engage with sermons in ways that work best for you.

👉 Check out This Week’s Rewind​

Want to invite someone to join? Forward this email or tell them about the five-day devotional that complements my latest sermon, “Finding Hope in Hidden Places.”

If Rewind isn’t right for you, no problem! You’ll still receive my weekly newsletter, full of inspiration and updates.

Your feedback matters! As a beta tester, your insights will help make Rewind an even better resource for our ministry.

FAQs

Does this cost anything?

No, Rewind is included with your silver plan at no additional cost.

How do I save the link from my browser?

Copy the URL from your browser’s address bar once you click the link in this email and open your Rewind page. You can bookmark it for quick access or paste it into a note or document to save it for later.

Can I share this link on social media?

Absolutely! Your unique URL is perfect for sharing via text, email, or social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Will my link work on mobile devices?

Yes, the Rewind page is fully optimized for mobile, so people can easily access it from their phones or tablets.

What if I lose my link?

No worries! You can always access it again by clicking the original email or reaching out for support if needed.

What if I have other questions?

Just reply to this email, and I’ll be happy to help.

Thanks again for helping me make sermons more shareable. Let’s do this 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! ⏰

Happy Hump Day Reader,

We hope this message finds you well and uplifted.

At Mars Hill Anywhere, we always strive to nurture a stronger connection within our community, whether you’re joining us in person or online. This week, we’ve packed the newsletter with exciting updates, recaps, and ways to stay involved.

Here’s what you can expect in this week’s email:

1️⃣ The new and improved “Rewind” Offers a fresh way to experience Sunday messages in bite-sized, shareable pieces.

2️⃣ Recap of Sunday’s Worship: Highlights from our in-person and online services.

3️⃣ Sermon Recap: “Finding Hope in Hidden Places”

4️⃣ How to Support Mars Hill: Learn how your support helps us make a difference.

Let’s dive in!

Introducing Rewind

I’m excited to introduce Rewind, a new way to experience my Sunday messages in bite-sized, shareable pieces.

Let’s face it—most people don’t have time to rewatch full sermons. That’s why I created this tool to help you connect with God’s Word in a way that fits your busy life.

Here’s how it works:

• Daily Devotionals: 2-minute reflections inspired by my latest sermons.
• Shareable Content: Perfect to share with a friend who needs encouragement.
• Flexible Connection: Engage with sermons in ways that work best for you.

👉 Try Rewind Today​

Want to invite someone to join? Forward this email or tell them about the five-day devotional that complements my latest sermon, “Finding Hope in Hidden Places.”

If Rewind isn’t right for you, no problem! You’ll still receive my weekly newsletter, full of inspiration and updates.

Your feedback matters! As a beta tester, your insights will help make Rewind an even better resource for our ministry.

Recap of Sunday’s Worship

This past Sunday’s worship was a true celebration of faith and community!

Our worship leader was deeply in tune with God and set an atmosphere of praise that resonated with everyone. The stage was beautifully adorned with Christmas colors, creating a warm and festive ambiance.

The room was filled with the joyous spirit of the season, and whether you joined us in person or online, we hope you felt the love and connection that defines Mars Hill.

Sermon Recap: “Finding Hope in Hidden Places”

This week’s sermon revealed how God’s most significant works often begin in unexpected places. Drawing inspiration from Jesus’ humble birth in a Bethlehem manger, we explored the profound truth that value isn’t about appearances but God’s purpose.

🔥 Key Highlights:

• Chris Gardner’s journey from homelessness to success reminded us to trust God’s timing and see beyond our struggles.
• Biblical lessons from Micah 5:2 and Luke 2:6-7 underscored how small beginnings lead to significant outcomes.
• A call to surrender expectations and embrace hope in overlooked areas of our lives.

🔥 Key Takeaway

Looking for hope this holiday season?

Join us on Sunday as we uncover God’s plans in unexpected places.

​

Join Us for Online Worship

We’d love for you to join us on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at 10:30 AM CST for a memorable online worship experience. T

his is the perfect time to gather with your loved ones and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Together, we’ll celebrate the joy and hope of the season while embracing the value of family and faith.

Please plan to tune in from wherever you are, and let’s worship as one big Mars Hill family. Whether you’re cozy at home or gathering with friends, we promise a meaningful and uplifting time that focuses on the heart of Christmas.

We’re excited to worship with you and can’t wait to share this special moment!

🤝 Ways to Give at Mars Hill Anywhere

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.

💬 Stay Connected and Keep Growing Together

Thank you for being part of the Mars Hill family! We are so grateful for each of you and the unique ways you contribute to our community. Whether through worship, serving, giving, or simply staying connected, your presence makes a difference.

As we approach this holiday season, let’s remember the true meaning of Christmas and the hope it brings. Take a moment to reflect on how God is working in your life and how you can share that hope with others.

👉 We’d love to hear from you!

Reply to this email or visit our website to share your thoughts, prayer requests, or ideas. We’ll continue building a community rooted in faith, love, and service.

See you Sunday!

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! ⏰

Happy Monday Reader,

I’m excited to introduce a new & improved “Rewind,” a new way to experience my Sunday messages in bite-sized, shareable pieces.

Let’s face it—most people don’t have time to rewatch full sermons. That’s why I created this tool to help you connect with God’s Word in a way that fits your busy life.

Here’s how it works:

• Daily Devotionals: 2-minute reflections inspired by my latest sermons.
• Shareable Content: Perfect to share with a friend who needs encouragement.
• Flexible Connection: Engage with sermons in ways that work best for you.

CLICK HERE 👉 Try Sermon Send Today​

Want to invite someone to join?

I was hoping you could forward this email or tell them about the 5-day devotional that goes hand-in-hand with my latest sermon, Finding Hope in Hidden Places.

If Rewind isn’t right for you, no problem! You’ll still receive my weekly newsletter, full of inspiration and updates.

Your feedback matters! As a beta tester, your insights will make Rewind an even better resource for our ministry.

Let’s keep growing together!

Here’s to your success,

Clarence E. Stowers, Jr.
​See All of my Links @ Linktree​