Happy Thursday Reader!

Here’s what happened this week…

Texas Nat’l Guard Invades Illinois… didn’t have that in my cards.

When I heard “Plenary Authority” at lunch, I almost choked.

Then Stephen Miller froze and CNN covered for him, calling it a “technical issue.”Plenary authority means absolute power.

No limits. No checks. No accountability.

In the United States, no one has plenary authority. That’s the whole point of the Constitution.

And yet, history tells us who claimed it before:

Adolf.

Benito.

Vladimir.

Jong-un.

Whenever someone whispers “complete power,” freedom loses its breath.

What Will You Do: Freeze, Fight, Flight, or Fold

When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” he wasn’t just talking about the 1960s; he was talking to us.

Today, we stand in the same tension. The world is loud, injustice is real, and fear is a familiar presence.

So the question isn’t just “Where do we go from here?” It’s “What will you do from here?”

In this message, I begin breaking down four spiritual responses: Freeze, Fight, Flight, or Fold, and reveal how each one shapes the kind of believer I become when the pressure is on.

You’ll see that God doesn’t just call us to survive moments of crisis; He calls us to respond in faith, courage, and clarity.

▶️ Watch the full message now on YouTube

​

Also Worth Noting: ✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: This one hit a nerve. If you’re always holding it together for everyone else, this is for you. The Four Faces of Fear (And Why You Keep Falling For Them) 🎥 Short on Time? I Got You ​Check out my new YouTube Shorts. These are quick, honest, and built for real life. Leaders Are Readers: My Fall Reading List America is a Company, Not a Country Who Really Speaks For You? 📲 Have You Heard About Our App? Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket. Download The App

​

Church was never meant to be a buffet.

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.

A 4-step rhythm to help you move from listening to growing.

Everything is right here!

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

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.

🔥 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! ⏰

Happy Tuesday, Mars Hill Family,

Isn’t it incredible how God is working in our Mars Hill Anywhere family? I’d love to share some exciting visions, answer your questions, and invite you to something special.

🙌🏾 Welcome to “Super Sunday”

This weekend, Super Sunday returns, and you’re a crucial part, whether you join in person or online!

What Is Super Sunday?​
Super Sunday is our monthly in-person gathering where the whole Mars Hill Anywhere family comes together with one purpose: to worship, connect, and move forward together.

Why Only Once a Month?​
We’re not shrinking; we’re sharpening.
Meeting monthly lets us:

• Maximize our time and resources
• Deliver a powerful worship experience
• Reach hundreds weekly through digital discipleship
• Prevent burnout for our leaders and volunteers

What to Expect on Super Sunday

• A relevant, scripture-based message for real life
• Powerful worship for all, both in-person and online
• Real connection with people on the same journey
• Practical next steps for faith and growth

A Hybrid Experience by Design​
Whether you join in the room or online, you’re part of Mars Hill Anywhere. Every Super Sunday is live-streamed, so you never miss out.

Here’s How You Can Join

• 📍 Location: 7941 47th St, McCook, IL
• 🕥 Time: 10:30 AM CST
• 📆 Next Super Sunday: October 5, 2025

Can’t attend in-person? Join us from anywhere:

• ​Watch on MarsHillChicago.org​
• ​Watch on Facebook​
• ​Watch on YouTube​

In-Person Perks:

• Meet new friends
• Safe, welcoming space
• Find a life group, serve, and grow!

Online Community Features:

• Live chat during the service
• Share your prayer needs
• Real-time team support and encouragement

What if your questions didn’t push God away but pulled Him closer?

Family, Sunday’s word Faith in the Middle of Doubt reminded us that God responds to honesty, not perfection. If you missed it or would like to revisit it, the replay is now live.

✅ Watch the sermon replay

✅ Walk through the 5-Day Devotional

✅ Apply it with your personal M.A.P.

👇🏾 Here’s everything in one place ⤵️

What to Do When Believing Gets Hard – Mars Hill Baptist Church

Who’s committing to 5 days of honest faith?

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: America Is a Panic Attack in Slow Motion​

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

America is a Panic Attack in Slow Motion

🎥 Short on Time? I Got You

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

When The System Isn’t Working

America Is Not a Country, It’s a Business

5 Reasons The Wrong “YES” Might Destroy You

📲 Have You Heard About Our App?

Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

Download The Mars Hill App

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

Happy Friday Reader!

Let’s be honest.

This week was heavy.

Social feeds turned into shouting matches.

News cycles stirred more anxiety than clarity.

And maybe you’re just tired of pretending everything’s fine.

If that sounds familiar, take this in:

You don’t need to fake strength to stay faithful.

You just need a reset.

🧠 Scripture Rese

That peace is not passive.

It’s the result of trusting what you can’t control to the One who never loses control.

You don’t have to silence the noise.

You just need to fix your focus.

Feeling ALONE in a Crowded World

In this message, I unpack Luke 5:17–20 and the story of a paralyzed man whose friends carried him to Jesus. It is one of the clearest pictures of what real support looks like.

Because let’s be honest. Surface connections will not hold you when life breaks down.

You do not just need people around you. You need real friends with real faith who will carry you when you cannot carry yourself.

If you have ever been let down by fake friends, if you have settled for shallow support or filtered faith, this message is for you.

📖 Scripture: Luke 5:17–20 (NLT)

🎯 Big Idea: Real healing starts with real community. But only Jesus has the power to forgive and make us whole.

▶️ Watch the full message now on YouTube​

​

Church was never meant to be a buffet.

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.​

A 4-step rhythm to help you move from listening to growing.

Everything is right here!

🧭 What’s Next For Mars Hill?

We are moving decisively toward a permanent facility. When we sold our building four years ago, we trusted God’s leading.

Now, with energy costs straining many congregations, we can see how He protected us.

Instead of pouring funds into rising utilities, we’ve been able to direct resources into people, discipleship, and mission.

That choice didn’t set us back. It set us up so we can take the next step with strength, faith, and financial clarity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, we will be hosting our next Super Sunday Service at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest article on Substack: Unspoken Contracts: The Rules You Didn’t Know You Agreed To​

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.

👉Stop Reopening a Door Life Already Closed.​

Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

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.

🔥 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! ⏰

Happy Hump Day Reader

I know life gets loud.

Between texts, schedules, and endless noise, it can feel impossible to slow down long enough to hear God clearly. That is why I’m excited to share what’s coming next for us.

Coming Soon!!! New Life Group Study: Purpose in the Noise

Beginning the week of September 21 through October 26, we’ll walk through a 6-week Life Group study called Purpose in the Noise.

This study is designed to help you quiet distractions and tune in to God’s whisper again.

Whether you connect online or in person, you’ll find encouragement and practical steps to live with focus.

✅ Weekly teaching videos

✅ Guided conversations

✅ Real talk for real life

✅ Get your 👉🏾 Free downloadable workbook​

✅ YouTube Playlist (All 10 Videos)​

​

Please review the materials and let me know if you have any questions as we move forward.

And this isn’t just a study. It’s the fuel behind our brand-new sermon series…

SERMON SERIES: Purpose in the Noise

📣 ife is louder than ever. Notifications, arguments, and demands pull at your attention. But God still speaks—and often He whispers.

This Week’s Message: Beware the Overwhelming Noise That’s Killing Your Focus

I taught from 1 Kings 19:11–13, where Elijah discovered God’s whisper in the chaos.

Big Idea: God reveals Himself in ways we don’t expect—sometimes in the silence after the storm.

Key Line: Silence isn’t absence. It’s God making space to speak.

In this message, you’ll discover:

• Why distraction is just as dangerous as disobedience
• How Elijah recognized God in the whisper, not the chaos
• Practical steps to cut through the noise and hear Him clearly
• Why silence is not wasted it’s where trust grows

▶️ Watch the Replay on YouTube​

Church was never meant to be a buffet.

Too many people stall out spiritually, not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been handed a menu instead of a map.

This week, I taught on why your faith might feel stuck and how to get traction again.

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.​

A 4-step rhythm to help you move from listening to growing.

Everything is right here!

🧭 What’s Next For Mars Hill?

We are moving decisively toward a permanent facility. When we sold our building four years ago, we trusted God’s leading.

Now, with energy costs straining many congregations, we can see how He protected us.

Instead of pouring funds into rising utilities, we’ve been able to direct resources into people, discipleship, and mission.

That choice didn’t set us back. It set us up so we can take the next step with strength, faith, and financial clarity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

On Sunday, October 5, 2025, we will be hosting our next Super Sunday Service at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

Read My Latest Article on Substack: They Only Love You When You’re Useful​

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.

👉 5 Signs Something’s Ending Soon​

Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

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.

🔥 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! ⏰

Happy Thursday Reader!

If you were in the room on Sunday, you already know—God met us in a powerful way.

The worship? 🔥

The Word? 🔥

The response? Even louder than the noise life throws at us.

And if you missed it, don’t feel left out feel invited. Because this moment is bigger than a service. It’s a shift.

Coming Soon!!! New Life Group Study: Purpose in the Noise

Life gets loud. And when it does, it’s easy to lose clarity, confidence, and direction.

That’s why we created a new 6-week Life Group experience called Purpose in the Noise to help you get anchored in what matters most.

✅ Weekly teaching videos

✅ Guided conversations

✅ Real talk for real life

✅ Free downloadable workbook

And this isn’t just a study. It’s the fuel behind our brand-new sermon series…

🧠 SERMON SERIES: Purpose in the Noise

📣 God never asked you to carry what’s crushing you.

We’re going deeper on Sundays, too. Starting this week, we kick off a raw and real sermon series tied directly to our study. If you’re tired of surface-level faith and want something that actually speaks to your life this is for you.

Here’s a preview of what’s coming:

🗓️ Week 1: “When You Don’t Have Enough”

🗓️ Week 2: “Your Circle Is Costing You”

🗓️ Week 3: “Faith Is Hard When You’re Honest”

🗓️ Week 4: “God in the Grind”

🗓️ Week 5: “Burnout Ain’t Holy”

🗓️ Week 6: “Don’t Go Back to Numb”

This isn’t just a series. It’s a shift.

Don’t miss it.

🎙️ Sermon Overview: When You Don’t Have Enough

Ever felt like you’re giving everything you’ve got—and still coming up short?

This week, Pastor Clarence shares a double dose of encouragement drawn from two powerful passages: 1 Samuel 16:6–13 and 2 Kings 4:1–7.

God sees what others miss. And He multiplies what you surrender—not what you withhold.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

From 1 Samuel 16:6–13

• Just because people don’t see you doesn’t mean God skipped you

• Man looks at the surface. God sees your substance

• You don’t need applause to be anointed

• Your faithfulness matters—even when it feels ignored

From 2 Kings 4:1–7

• Scarcity is more than financial—it’s a mindset

• God multiplies empty vessels, not full excuses

• When you feel like you’ve run out, that’s where God starts pouring

👥 Who This Is For:

• Spiritually tired but still believing
• High achievers carrying quiet pressure
• Anyone burned out, financially stressed, or feeling overlooked

This message hits your weekly life, not just your Sunday mood.

▶️ Watch the full sermon now: YouTube Link​

Church was never meant to be a buffet.

Too many people stall out spiritually, not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been handed a menu instead of a map.

This week, I taught on why your faith might feel stuck and how to get traction again.

🧭 Download your personal M.A.P.​

A 4-step rhythm to help you move from listening to growing.

Everything is right here!

🧭 What’s Next For Mars Hill?

We are moving decisively toward a permanent facility. When we sold our building four years ago, we trusted God’s leading.

Now, with energy costs straining many congregations, we can see how He protected us.

Instead of pouring funds into rising utilities, we’ve been able to direct resources into people, discipleship, and mission.

That choice didn’t set us back. It set us up so we can take the next step with strength, faith, and financial clarity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, we will be hosting our next Super Sunday Service at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (Online Only)

When: Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: Why Keeping Your Wins Quiet Protects Your Peace​

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.

👉 The ONE Mistake Smart People Keep Making​

Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

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.

🔥 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! ⏰

Happy Tuesday Reader!

Sunday’s message hit home for a lot of us.

We ran a quick poll during the livestream, and 88% of people said this one line felt most real:

Maybe that’s you, too.

You’re not doubting God. You’re just running on empty.

But here’s the good news: God sees that kind of faith. The quiet kind. The kind that shows up anyway.

I want to encourage you this week.

We’ve put together a few things to help:

✅ Sermon Replay

Missed it or need to hear it again? Watch here:

▶️ Watch the full message now on 👉 Watch on YouTube​

📖 5-Day Devotional

Start your mornings with short, powerful reminders that God is with you even when life is heavy.

👉 [Download the Devotional]

📍 Your Personal M.A.P.

Take a step this week toward healing and hope. Use the M.A.P. tool to reflect, apply, and act.

👉 [Access the M.A.P. Tool]

🛐 Need Prayer?

You don’t have to carry it alone. Let us pray for you this week.

👉 [Submit a Prayer Request]

Even when you’re tired…

Even when you feel dry…

Even when nothing changes, God is still working.

Let’s keep trusting. One step at a time.

🧭 What’s Next For Mars Hill?

We are moving decisively toward a permanent facility. When we sold our building four years ago, we trusted God’s leading.

Now, with energy costs straining many congregations, we can see how He protected us.

Instead of pouring funds into rising utilities, we’ve been able to direct resources into people, discipleship, and mission.

That choice didn’t set us back. It set us up so we can take the next step with strength, faith, and financial clarity.

Our Strategic Transition: Monthly Celebrations

On Sunday, September 7, 2025, we will be hosting our next Super Sunday Service at 10:30 AM CST.

Here’s What You Need to Know This Week:

What: Sunday Worship (In-Person & Online)

When: Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST

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

Also Worth Noting:

✍🏽 Latest on Substack: Why Keeping Your Wins Quiet Protects Your Peace​

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.

👉 The ONE Mistake Smart People Keep Making​

Everything you need to grow spiritually is right on your phone. We call it #ChurchInYourPocket.

⬇️ Download the Mars Hill App​

Moving Forward Together: Invest in Hope, Impact, and Community

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.

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